How to resolve AdBlock issue? Clearlake City Council to hold second reading of marijuana cultivation ordinance, hear wind park presentation
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – This week the Clearlake City Council will hold the second reading on a proposed ordinance that will govern marijuana cultivation within the city limits, and hear presentations on a proposed wind power project and a community emergency response assessment.
The council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive, for a closed session to discuss property negotiations for the Wisedas Resort site at 14395 Lakeshore Drive and a performance evaluation of City Manager Joan Phillipe before convening in open session at 6 p.m.
During Thursday's meeting the council will present a proclamation declaring June 2013 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.
Items on the consent agenda – considered to be noncontroversial and accepted as a slate with one vote – include a resolution authorizing participation by the Clearlake Police Department in the GAP grant administered by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control; acceptance of property located at 3960 and 3970 Mullen; consideration of denial of a claim for damages from Israel Sanchez; minutes from the May 18 Lake County Vector Control District meeting; and consideration of a resolution approving a temporary street closure for the July 6 barbecue and parade.
At the Thursday meeting, the council will consider the second reading of a proposed marijuana cultivation ordinance to which it gave initial approval – with some minor changes – at its May 23 meeting.
The ordinance closely mirrors that adopted by the county, prohibiting grows of any size on vacant parcels as well as commercial cultivation, setting plant limits according to parcel size, and prohibiting outdoor cultivation in mobile home parks – unless a designated garden area is set aside – and multifamily dwelling properties.
If the council approves the ordinance on Thursday, it will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2014, according to the draft document.
In other business, the council will hear a presentation from Lake County Health Officer Dr. Karen Tait on the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response report, as well as a report on the investigation of geothermal gases in the Burns Valley neighborhood, which was prepared by the California Department of Public Health.
Ross and Associates, a Sacramento-based public relations firm, will give the council a presentation on the Walker Ridge wind power project and ask the council for a letter of support.
AltaGas, a Canadian company, is proposing to place between 29 and 42 wind turbines on more than 8,100 acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in the Walker Ridge area, which straddles Lake and Colusa counties, as Lake County News has reported.
The council also will hold a discussion of Mayor Jeri Spittler's review of the city's 1980 incorporation documents.
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061313 Clearlake City Council - Marijuana Cultivation Ordinance Second Reading
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Clearlake's Safe Routes to School projects set to begin
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Work on two projects in the city of Clearlake meant to make children's pathways to school safer will begin this month.
Clearlake City Engineer Bob Galusha said the city's Safe Routes to School projects, located on Old Highway 53 and Dam Road, will begin on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 20, respectively.
The Clearlake City Council awarded the projects to Granite Construction of Ukiah at its meeting on Thursday, May 23, Galusha said.
The contract bid for both of the city's Safe Routes to School projects totals $552,256. Galusha said a federally funded grant administered through Caltrans is paying for the projects.
The project on Old Highway 53 extends from Lakeshore Drive to Olympic Drive, and on Dam Road the project runs from Lake Street to the entrance of Walmart, Galusha said.
Galusha said the Old Highway 53 project consists of widening, restriping and signing the existing road, and adding bike and pedestrian lanes on each side of the road. In addition five existing Lake Transit bus turnouts will be paved with asphalt concrete.
This Wednesday through Friday incidental storm drain and rock excavation work will take place and traffic will be reduced to one lane and controlled by flagman. Galusha said delays to motorists should be minimal.
Between Monday, June 17, and Thursday, June 20, major roadway excavation and paving widening will occur on that section of Old Highway 53 and traffic will be reduced to one lane and controlled by flagman, Galusha said.
He advised motorists to use alternate routes during this excavation and paving operation as extended delays can be expected. Advanced electronic message boards will be placed in advance of the project start date to advise motorists of the upcoming street work and that delays can be expected.
The second Safe Routes to School project consists of rehabilitating and widening the narrow section of Dam Road from Lake Street approximately 800 feet to the northwest, Galusha said.
In addition to widening the narrow section of Dam Road, the city's contractor will be restriping and signing the entire length of Dam Road for bike/pedestrian lanes from Lake Street to the Walmart entrance driveway, he said.
Work is scheduled to start on Thursday, June 20, and will extend through Friday, June 28, according to Galusha.
During the construction work on the 800 foot narrow section of Dam Road just north of Lake Street, Dam Road will be closed to through traffic between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Galusha said.
Local residents who live along that section of Dam Road will have access to their properties but it will be limited during the construction hours, he said.
Through traffic will be detoured around the project via Highway 53 through Lower Lake and/or Jesse Street. Galusha said advanced electronic message boards will be placed before the project start date to advise motorists of the upcoming street work.
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Supervisors to discuss marijuana eradication agreement, state bill
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week will discuss several marijuana-related items, including an eradication agreement with the federal government and a state bill that would prevent local governments from taking nuisance abatement actions against dispensaries and collectives.
The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport. It will be broadcast live on TV8.
At 9:30 a.m., in an item continued from the board's June 4 meeting, supervisors will consider the latest in a series of annual agreements with the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States Department of Justice, which will Lake County $170,000 to defray the cost relating to the eradication and suppression of illicit marijuana.
At 9:40 a.m., in another item held over from last week's meeting, the board will consider a resolution adjusting revenues and appropriations in the sheriff's budget in order to cover an increase of $20,000 in the first amendment to the agreement between the county of Lake and A&P Helicopters for FY 2012-13 marijuana reconnaissance and eradication on public and private lands.
At the same time, the board will consider a proposed agreement with A&P Helicopters for FY 2013-14, in an amount not to exceed $60,000, also for marijuana reconnaissance and eradication.
At 9:50 a.m., the board will consider staff's suggestion to take a position against SB 439 (Steinberg, Leno), which would amend state law to abolish the ability of local governments to take nuisance abatement enforcement actions against medical marijuana dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives.
The bill has been approved by the state Senate and has been advanced to the Assembly's public health and safety committees.
If the board takes a position against the bill, county staff would send a letter to state representatives and organizations “expressing strong opposition,” according to a staff report from Community Development Director Rick Coel.
In untimed items, the board will hear an item carried over from last November regarding the sheriff's request for a large weapons and ammunition purchase.
The full agenda follows. Some items are out of order due to the issuance of an addendum.
TIMED ITEMS
9 a.m., A-1 to A-4: Approval of consent agenda, which includes items that are expected to be routine and noncontroversial, and will be acted upon by the board at one time without discussion; presentation of animals available for adoption at Lake County Animal Care and Control; consideration of items not appearing on the posted agenda, and contract change orders for current construction projects.
9:05 a.m.: Citizen's input. Any person may speak for three minutes about any subject of concern, provided that it is within the jurisdiction of the Board of Supervisors and is not already on the agenda. Prior to this time, speakers must fill out a slip giving name, address and subject (available in the clerk of the board’s office, first floor, courthouse).
9:15 a.m., A-5: Public hearing, consideration of request for rezone (RZ 12-07) from “R1-SC-WW” Single Family Residential-Scenic-Waterway TO “C1-DR” Local Commercial-Design Review; project applicant is Neal Bennett; located at 3946 E. State Highway 20, Nice, CA (APN 032-321-20) and proposed negative declaration based on Initial Study IS 12-37.
9:30 a.m., A-6: Continued from June 4, consideration of proposed Drug Enforcement Administration
Marijuana Eradication (DEA) agreement between the county of Lake and Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States Department of Justice (DEA will pay Lake County $170,000 to defray the cost relating to the eradication and suppression of illicit marijuana), authorize the sheriff to sign the letter of agreement.
9:40 a.m., A-7: Continued from June 4, (a) consideration of proposed resolution amending Resolution No. 2012-106 to amend the Adopted Budget for FY 2012-13 by adjusting revenues and appropriations in Budget Unit 2203 - Sheriff – Marijuana ($20,000 for flight time); (b) consideration of proposed first amendment to agreement between the county of Lake and A&P Helicopters for FY 2012-13 marijuana reconnaissance and eradication on public and private lands, an increase of $20,000; and (c) consideration of proposed agreement between the county of Lake and A&P Helicopters for FY 2013-14 marijuana reconnaissance and eradication on public and private lands, in an amount not to exceed $60,000.
9:50 a.m., A-8: Consideration of county position on SB 439 (Steinberg, Leno) Medical Marijuana Collectives, Cooperatives and Business Entities.
11 a.m., A-18: Consideration of request for extension of waiver of Environmental health fees for Lake County Youth Center.
NONTIMED ITEMS
A-9: Supervisors’ weekly calendar, travel and reports.
A-10: Continued from June 4, consideration of appointment of treasurer-tax collector.
A-11: Consideration of appointment of county librarian.
A-12: Continued from April 23, consideration of proposed resolution of support of SB 135 (Padilla),
Earthquake Early Warning System Act.
A-13: Carried over from April 23, May 7, May 14 and June 4, consideration of proposed resolution authorizing the chair to sign a notice of completion for the Middletown Library/Senior Center.
A-14: Carried over from Nov. 6 and 13, 2012, (a) consideration of request to approve purchase of fixed assets: 10 Glock 17 duty weapons, 12 Glock 34 SWAT weapons, 20 Glock 17 magazines, 1 Model 40-XS .308W tactical weapon; and (b) consideration of request to award bids to All State Police Equipment Co. in the amount of $6565.10, LC Action Police Supply in the amount of $8,481.24, ProForce Law Enforcement in the amount of $2,649.25, and McMillan Firearms Manufacturing LLC, in the amount of $9168.12.
A-15: Consideration of request for conceptual approval to send employees to change on limited paid county time for first time violation of new dress code policy.
A-16 Special Districts Consideration of proposed First Amendment to Safe Drinking Water
State Revolving Fund Agreement between the county of Lake and the state of California Department of Public Health (County Service Area No. 2 Spring Valley).
CLOSED SESSION
A-17: 1.Conference with labor negotiator: (a) county negotiators: A. Grant, L. Guintivano, S. Harry, M. Perry, A. Flora and C. Shaver; and (b) employee organizations: Deputy District Attorney's Association, Lake County Deputy Sheriff's Association, Lake County Correctional Officers Association, Lake County Employees Association and Lake County Safety Employees Association.
A-17: 2. Interview candidates for county librarian.
A-17: 3. Conference with legal counsel: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(2),(e)(1): seven potential claims.
A-17: 4. Conference with real property negotiator: (a) Property located at 3980 Gard St., Kelseyville (APN 024-81-01); (b) negotiating parties – for county: Supervisor Rob Brown, Child Support Services
Director Gail Woodworth, County Administrative Officer Matt Perry and Deputy County Administrative Officer Alan Flora; for seller – Kelseyville Unified School District representatives; (c) Under negotiation: Lease terms.
A-17: 5. Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(1): California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) (CalWater)
CONSENT AGENDA
C-1: Approve minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting held on June 4, 2013.
C-2: Approve plans and specifications for Eastlake Landfill Gas project and authorize the Public Services director/assistant purchasing agent to advertise for bids.
C-3: (a) Approve grant deed and direct clerk to certify for recordation (a portion of APN 008-029-17 - Richard Sherwin and Dorinda Sherwin), and approve purchase agreement between the county of Lake and Richard Sherwin and Dorinda Sherwin for the Soda Bay Road/Cole Creek Bridge Project, and authorize the chair to sign agreement.
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Historic district street signs installed in Lakeport
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The city of Lakeport is celebrating its 1880s beginnings through the installation of historic street signs along the downtown Main Street core.
Directional signs with white background and black type have just been replaced by larger signs with white type against a mocha brown background, the color most closely associated with sites of historic significance throughout the state.
The signs can be seen along Main Street, from Martin to Seventh streets.
The project was initiated by the Design Committee of the Lakeport Main Street Association (LMSA) to more clearly designate the city’s historic district.
Following approval of the idea by the Lakeport City Council, LMSA provided funding for the purchase of the signs and the city supplied the labor for installation.
“It is so gratifying to see an idea like this come to fruition,” said LMSA Executive Director Carol Hays. “It benefits businesses, property owners and residents alike, and gives us all a sense of place and a feeling of pride in our beautiful community.”
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Lakeport City Council holds workshop on draft 2013-14 budget
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The shape of the city of Lakeport's finances over the coming year was the topic of a special Tuesday afternoon Lakeport City Council budget workshop.
The 75-minute workshop, ahead of the council's brief regular Tuesday night meeting, was the second budget workshop the council has had so far this spring, following one that took place early in May, as Lake County News has reported.
Finance Director Dan Buffalo went over the basics of the budget document with the five council members, city management team and a small group of community members.
The proposed 2013-2014 city budget has $14.42 million in revenue and $16.72 million in total expenditures, said Buffalo.
Buffalo said the difference between the revenue and expenditures is largely due to projects such as water and sewer work that has federal grant funding to support it, as well as a road project and bond proceeds from the city's former redevelopment agency.
He said the hope is that the final budget document will be adopted later this month.
“You'll be pleased to know that it's doubled in size since last year,” said Buffalo, which resulted from city staff including a capital improvement project budget within the main budget for the first time.
The capital improvement project list includes 87 projects – from roads to vehicle replacement to new financial software – according to Buffalo.
Buffalo told the council that the document illustrates the “new normal,” adding, “the new normal is not 2006,” when housing was booming and money was pouring into the city.
“We are not going back to that time,” Buffalo said, adding the expenditures have gone up significantly for the city. “It's hard to find that balance now between matching revenues with expenditures.”
For the benefit of the newer council members, Buffalo explained that the city's budget serves many functions – it's not just a spending plan, but also a legal and a policy document.
“Were trying to present something that's more than just numbers,” said Buffalo.
The goals and outcomes included in the budget document, Buffalo said, provide a context about why the city spends the money that it does.
The budgeting process, Buffalo said, began with a strategic planning session in January, at which point the council established five citywide goals and strategies for how to achieve them.
This year's budget is a goal-based budget with a priority-based component. At the department levels, Buffalo said, the budgeting process starts with outcomes.
“We're hoping that it establishes the highest level of transparency and accountability,” Buffalo said of the new approach to the budgeting process.
The five goals around which Lakeport's 2013-14 budget has been built include maintaining strong council and staff relations, and encouraging leadership development; strengthening community and regional involvement; establishing and promoting effective public outreach efforts; enhancing activities and programs to support local and regional economic development; and focusing efforts on infrastructure improvements.
Among other budget highlights discussed at the Tuesday afternoon workshop were the condition of the city's enterprise funds, which cover sewer and water operations.
The city's water system had its first new rate increase in January with the sewer system to have a rate increase in July. Buffalo said the water and sewer systems are expected to be operating in the black by mid-2014.
City Manager Margaret Silveira is proposing to use a $200,000 surplus from the general fund to go toward dock repairs in Library Park.
Because of the cost to replace the docks, which Buffalo said could go as high as $800,000, city staffers are looking for grant opportunities in which the $200,000 could be used as a match.
The city's docks have generated numerous complaints, according to council members and staff. The condition of the docks resulted in the city losing the Wood & Glory boat show to Konocti Vista Casino.
Buffalo said that city revenues are relatively flat, but costs for things like personnel – particularly health and pension costs – and capital projects are continuing to rise.
As an example, he said CalPERS is trying to increase employer pension contributions by 50 percent over the next five years.
Buffalo briefly went over a general fund analysis with the council, with a chart showing revenues over the last several years. There was a large revenue spike in 2007-08, and he said that the city is not projected to be back to 2006 revenue levels until 2016.
Taxes, Buffalo said, form the largest source of revenue for the city's general fund. The city relies heavily on sales tax which, Buffalo said, is ticking upward, which he attributed to gas costs. In addition, he said auto sales in the city have been strong over the last few quarters.
The city's Measure I, a half-cent sales tax voters passed in November 2004, is anticipated to generate approximately $709,466 in the 2013-14 budget year, according to Buffalo.
The Measure I funds are proposed to cover several road and park projects, Westshore Pool and vehicle leases for Lakeport Police Department, according to the budget.
With the council having no major questions of Buffalo on Tuesday, it's expected the budget will come back for final consideration at the council's last regular meeting of the month, which takes place on Tuesday, June 18.
During the brief regular council meeting that followed the workshop, the Lakeport Main Street Association presented “Business of the Quarter” to the Soper-Reese Community Theatre and the council voted to reschedule a public hearing on the closeout of a Community Development Block Grant.
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City of Lakeport 2013-14 Budget - Recommended (Draft) by LakeCoNews
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