County Supervisors to Review $35,000 in Expenditures at Current Zoo, and Donation of Vehicle for Bear Valley Search and Rescue

There are two Big Bear-specific agenda items on the calendar for today’s San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meeting, which takes place at 10am in the County Government Center. The first of these items is to approve a vehicle donation to the Bear Valley Search and Rescue Team, as county policy requires Supervisors’ approval of all donations valued over $10,000. Our local Search and Rescue Team has, with funds provided by the Hartley Family Foundation, purchased a 2005 Jeep Wrangler valued at roughly $21,000, which is intended for their use in search and rescue operations; all associated costs, including insurance and maintenance, are covered by the Sheriff’s Department budget.
And, prompted by County Special Districts Director Jeff Rigney, Supervisors will review a recommendation for $35,000 in capital improvements and service and supplies for the Moonridge Animal Park, using funds initially earmarked for the zoo’s relocation. Rigney has proposed that $20,000 be used for capital improvements at the existing zoo for projects including replacement of the wood shake shingle roof (to comply with the Big Bear Lake fire ordinance), improved storage facilities and security of animal medications; and the installation of steel wallboards to the animal kitchen area. The Special Districts Department also recommends an expenditure of $15,000 for maintenance and improvements including cleanup, landscaping, supplies for cage rehabilitation, medical equipment items for the animal hospital, and exhibit improvements to enhance visitor safety.