How to resolve AdBlock issue? Supervisors unanimously approve Lucerne Hotel lease; college project called 'transformational'
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Months of work to negotiate a final lease for the use of the Lucerne Hotel as a college campus came to an official, and happy, conclusion on Tuesday morning.
In a unanimous and enthusiastic vote, the Board of Supervisors approved the final lease for the building with Southern California-based Marymount College.
The 75,000 square foot building, erected in the late 1920s, and its seven-acre property will serve as Marymount College's third campus.
The college's board of directors approved the lease at its Oct. 13 meeting.
Earlier this year, both the board and college approved a memorandum of understanding as a prelude to completing the 15-year lease, with the college receiving a $1-a-year least rate for the first five years.
For the remainder of the lease, the college must pay annual rent equal to 50 percent of Marymount’s net annual revenue generated at the premises, which shall not be less than $85,000 nor more than $250,000 per year.
The county is offering to let the college purchase the building any any point during the lease term; if Marymount purchases the hotel before June 30, 2018, the cost is $2.5 million plus an amount equal to the renovation costs incurred by the county from this past Jan. 1 forward. The purchase price goes up 5 percent annually beginning July 1, 2018.
Interim County Administrative Officer Matt Perry told the board on Tuesday morning that the work of negotiating the final lease over the past few months has been a team effort.
“This is a significant event,” Perry said.
He called the work with Marymount College a “transformational” project in terms of the potential benefits to the local economy and the new educational offerings for the community.
Significant renovations have been made to the building and are continuing, with Perry explaining that there is still a lot to do.
He thanked members of the Lucerne Hotel Education Task Force, which helped guide the vision for the building, and also thanked college President Dr. Michael Brophy for his vision in partnering with the county.
Perry also recognized the vision of retired County Administrative Officer Kelly Cox, whose passion for the building and financial acumen helped make the project with the college possible.
“This is such a huge milestone for us it's unbelievable,” said Supervisor Jeff Smith.
Smith said he was glad to be on the board at this time, and wanted to acknowledge people who had ideas for the building at the beginning.
“My thanks to everyone involved,” Smith said.
Supervisor Denise Rushing, whose district includes Lucerne, thanked the Board of Supervisors for its vision and the approval of the original memorandum of understanding.
She also thanked the Lucerne Hotel Education Task Force, whose members included Wilda Shock, Barbara Johnson, Melissa Fulton and Lake County Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook, who had as part of their original vision using the building for educational purposes.
Rushing said the campus will be transformational for Lucerne and all of Lake County, and urged people to consider Marymount College as a place to finish their degrees.
Supervisor Jim Comstock commended the work by staff and the college. “Well done.”
Board Chair Rob Brown said it was a proud moment for the board, and one that he recognized took a lot of work.
“It's going to have a long lasting ripple effect that’s very positive for the county,” Brown said.
Supervisor Anthony Farrington said there have been people who have questioned the county's property acquisitions, but the board had a vision. “We stuck to that vision, despite the criticisms we received.”
Farrington called the college lease “a game changer” for Lake County, and one that was very personal for him. He grew up in Lake County and had to leave in order to get a four-year degree.
Marymount's presence will offer educational options for future generations of local residents and others coming to the county, Farrington said.
He also thanked Dr. Brophy. “I look forward to the partnership.”
Rushing thanked county administrative staffers including Perry, Eric Seely, Debra Sommerfield, Alan Flora and County Counsel Anita Grant for their work on finalizing the lease.
Rushing then moved to approve the lease, which Comstock seconded.
The board voted 5-0, receiving a round of applause from the audience.
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Proposition 37, taxi ordinance up for discussion at Clearlake City Council this week
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – This week the Clearlake City Council will discuss whether to take a position on a statewide food labeling proposition and consider an ordinance governing taxis.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
Members of the Yes on 37 Lake County Committee – one of five committees formed statewide to support Proposition 37 on the November ballot – are scheduled to make a presentation to the council.
Proposition 37 is “The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act.”
Committee member David Goolsbee has asked the council for a resolution to support the proposition, but in her report to the council City Manager Joan Phillipe urged the council, due to time constraints, to instead host the discussion and make a decision on whether or not to support the act.
She pointed out that as with any proposition, “there are passionate opinions on both sides of the matter,” adding, “Given this timing, council does not have opportunity to hear an opposing position.”
Phillipe said resolutions tend to be reserved for matters “that have city specific interest or impact, while a statement can be broader base.”
In other business, the council is set to discuss a proposed ordinance to establish regulations for taxis and other for-hire vehicles, which originally had been scheduled for its Oct. 11 meeting.
In her report to the council, Phillipe said it had been brought to the attention of city staff that the municipal code for taxis and for-hire vehicles had not been followed, and she is bringing forward a new ordinance that had been worked on under a previous city administrator.
She said the proposed ordinance requires an annual permit for operators; registration of the vehicles with the city in order to facilitate safety inspections; raising the minimum liability requirements to $250,000 per person, $1 million per occurrence and $100,000 in primary property damage per occurrence; and specific standards for operating and driver conduct.
In addition, the ordinance would allow the city council to set maximum rates per mile and per minute of waiting time, Phillipe said.
City staff continues to work on the final permit costs and application design, which Phillipe said should be ready by the Nov. 8 meeting.
While the ordinance will increase staff costs, Phillipe said those costs will be offset by the new permit fees.
Phillipe has asked the council to continue to Nov. 8 an agendized discussion on a policy to provide health insurance benefits to council members.
Council member Judy Thein had asked for the discussion at the Oct. 11 meeting, however due to a scheduling conflict with a candidates’ forum she asked Phillipe to reschedule the matter.
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102512 Clearlake City Council Agenda102512 Clearlake City Council - Prop 37 Presentation102512 Clearlake City Council - Taxi Ordinance
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Supervisors to consider final Lucerne Hotel lease with Marymount College
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider giving approval to the final lease agreement with Marymount College for the Lucerne Hotel.
The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport. The meeting will be broadcast live on TV8.
In a discussion timed for 9:45 a.m., the board will take up the 15-year lease for the historic 1920s-era building, which is 75,000 square feet and sits on seven acres.
The Southern California-based Marymount College – a Catholic, four-year liberal arts college – proposes to use the Lucerne Hotel for its third campus.
In a meeting on Saturday, Oct. 13, Marymount’s board of trustees approved the lease, which has been in the works since earlier this year, according to a report to the board from interim County Administrative Officer Matt Perry.
Perry’s report said the lease “is consistent with the intent and framework” set forth in the memorandum of understanding the college and county approved in June.
Developing a four-year college campus in Lucerne as a public-private partnership “is one of the most transformational projects” the county government has undertaken, “both in terms of its potential to positively impact our local economy and to provide educational opportunities not previously available to our residents,” according to Perry.
The lease is to be for 15 years, with the rate at $1 a year for the first five years. Beginning in year six on July 1, 2018, and for the remainder of the lease, Perry said the rent shall be equal to 50 percent of Marymount’s net annual revenue generated at the premises, which shall not be less than $85,000 nor more than $250,000 per year.
In addition, both parties must consent to terminate the lease in the first five years, while either party may terminate it after giving 12-month advance written notice of termination after year five.
Perry reported that the lease offers Marymount the option to purchase the building at any time within the lease term.
If the college purchases the building before June 30, 2018, the price is $2.5 million plus an amount equal to the costs incurred by the county from Jan. 1, 2012, forward in renovating the building. The purchase price goes up 5 percent annually beginning July 1, 2018, Perry said.
“We are optimistic and excited for the long-term success of this project; however, we do recognize the risk,” Perry wrote. “Therefore, one of our guiding principles throughout the lease negotiations was to ensure that renovations to the building funded by the County are those which the County would have undertaken if the Hotel was to be operated as a conference center. Therefore, County investment in the property would not be lost should the facility no longer be operated as a college campus.”
He continued, “To reflect our confidence and commitment to this project, the County agrees to a less than market rental rate for the first five years in order to provide Marymount with the opportunity to build student enrollment and revenue needed to establish and sustain a viable campus at this location. Furthermore, Marymount shall make capital improvement investments in the facility during this period that will be of benefit to the County, as well as Marymount. The lease reflects the shared vision, shared risk, and shared benefit of this partnership as stated in the MOU.”
Over the last several months, as part of its work to form the partnership, Perry said the county has continued renovating the building and benefiting local businesses in the process.
“In the last fiscal year, 32 of the 35 contractors who worked on the Hotel were local contractors, and 82 percent of the dollars spent by the County on renovations was paid to local contractors and vendors,” He said.
Not counting the amount spent for asbestos removal – he said they could find no qualified local contractor – more than 98 percent of the renovation dollars were spent locally.
The county is responsible for continuing to renovate the building and providing four classrooms, a student learning center area, an administration office, student common areas, and other areas of the structure Marymount is to use by July 1, 2013. A fifth classroom is to be completed by Jan. 1, 2014.
Marymount is responsible for renovations beyond those agreed-upon upgrades, as well as installing interior Internet broadband connections and exterior monument signage, with future improvements proposed to include a kitchen, student dormitory rooms, faculty residences, faculty offices and lounge, other office space, laundry facilities, computer labs, server room, recreational rooms and other common areas.
The county will maintain the building’s structural components and Marymount will provide janitorial services and maintain the building’s interior, Perry said.
Perry said the building’s primary use is for educational purposes. Marymount may sublease portions of the building to other educational entities or other organizations for educational programs and also may occasionally rent certain portions of the premises on a daily basis for private events – except for those
with a commercial or political purpose.
The lease also allows the county use of the building for two events per year, either government or county-sponsored community meetings.
Also on Tuesday, in an untimed item, the board will consider acquiring surplused SolarBee units for use in algae abatement efforts in Soda Bay.
The full agenda follows.
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).
9:10 a.m., A-5: Presentation of proclamation designating the week of Oct. 22-30, 2012, as Red Ribbon Week.
9:15 a.m., A-6: Presentation of proclamation commending Charles Villines on his years of service to the county.
9:30 a.m., A-7: Hearing, nuisance abatement of 10337 Pinewood Way, Whispering Pines, CA (APNs 050-261-16, 050-261-12 & 14 – Joan Fontaine and Dorothy Fontaine).
9:45 a.m., A-8: Consideration of proposed lease agreement between the county of Lake and Marymount College for the establishment of a college campus at the Lucerne Hotel.
NONTIMED ITEMS
A-9: Supervisors’ weekly calendar, travel and reports.
A-10: Consideration of proposed acquisition of surplused SolarBee units for use in algae abatement efforts in Soda Bay.
A-11: Consideration of proposed resolution of support of enforcement of AB2284 (Chesbro) allowing law enforcement to conduct vehicle stops on vehicles carrying irrigation equipment on public lands.
A-12: Consideration of proposed resolution accepting and confirming ballot tabulation for the establishment of Zone R (Chippewa South) of County Service Area No. 23, approving formation of Zone R and assessments for Zone R road maintenance.
A-13 Consideration of request to award Bid No. 12-14 for the construction of the Victoria Drainage and Channelization and Culvert Upgrade Project in Lucerne (Federal Project No. HMGP 1646-15-05R).
CLOSED SESSION
A-14: 1.Conference with labor negotiator: (a) County negotiators: A. Grant, L. Guintivano, M. Perry, J. Hammond and A. Flora; and (b) Lake County Correctional Officer's Association, Lake County Deputy District Attorney's Association and Lake County Employees Association.
A-14: 2. Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Government Code Sec. 54956.9(a): Estate of Hatfield v. County of Lake, et al.
A-14: 3. Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Government Code Sec. 54956.9 (a): Dinius v. County of Lake.
A-14: 4. Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Government Code Sec. 54956.9 (a):Hawley Ranches, et al. v. State of California, et al.
CONSENT AGENDA
C-1: Approve minutes of the Board of Supervisors meetings held on Aug. 29, Oct. 2 and Oct. 9.
C-2: Adopt proclamation commending Charles Villines on his years of service to the county.
C-3: Approve agreement between the county of Lake and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce for FY 2012-2013 marketing, economic development and visitor information services, in the amount of $50,000, and authorize the chair to sign.
C-4: Resolution approving Agreement No. 12-0130 with the state of California, Department of Food and Agriculture and authorizing execution of the contract and signature for insect trapping activities for Fiscal Year 2012-13.
C-5: Approve request to allow for solicitation of individual donations to support the community cat spay/neuter program.
C-6: Approve the Connector Model Service Agreement (county retiree health plans for age 65 and older Medicare recipients), and authorize the chair to sign.
C-7: Approve two-year agreement between the county of Lake and BC Labs Inc., for an amount not to exceed $47,000, for water sampling and analysis at the Eastlake Landfill and authorize the chair to sign.
C-8: Approve permit to conduct aeronautical activities at Lampson Field Airport (Steve’s Aircraft) and authorize the chair to sign.
C-9: Adopt resolution amending Resolution No. 2012-107, amending position allocation for Fiscal Year 2012-13 in BU 5011, Social Services (addition of one deputy social services director position).
LAKE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
C-10: (a) Approve easement deed and direct clerk to certify for recordation (APNs 010-043-36, 010-043-38, 010-43–043-39 & 042-122-26 – City of Clearlake), and approve right of way agreement between the county of Lake and the city of Clearlake for the construction of the wastewater force main sanitary sewer line, and authorize the chair to sign agreement.
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Clearlake City Council candidates’ spotlight: Melinda Young
Personal information:
Name: Melinda Young
Age: 50
Family: Two children.
Career/current job: Art gallery owner, owner of childcare business.
Education: Nursing degree.
Length of residence in Lake County and your particular city: Lived in Clearlake 11-plus years.
Web site or email address where community members can contact you:
Questions:
1. Please outline your experience serving the local community. Include all community or volunteer service.
I have attended many city council meetings, educating myself on what are our local issues. I was on the Vision Task Force and part of Operation DMV, which gained us a third DMV employee and an upgraded computer system for our Clearlake DMV.
I hosted a regular TV8 program titled “Join In with Melinda Young,” which highlighted political issues in Clearlake and I also interviewed and promoted local businesses.
I was on committees to implement continuous curb, sidewalk and gutter on Lakeshore Drive; a board member for Calvary Chapel for six years as treasurer; and headed up Salt & Light Ministry, representing national and local political issues to local churches.
I opened The Art House Gallery as a small business owner to offer cultural events, art classes and music instruction for our community (this included free summer art classes for low income children in our community).
I’ve served as Boy Scout advancement coordinator, been a foster parent for eight years, am a chamber of commerce member and sat in on various committees over the years that have focused on community issues.
2. Why did you decide to run for public office?
I decided to run for city council because I am dissatisfied with the lack of progress in the city of Clearlake. I do not believe that we can afford to travel down the same road expecting different results, we must change our thinking and our plan of action for this city. I am interested in seeing our city realize some of the potential that we have and I would dedicate myself to bringing a safe, clean, viable and beautiful community for us all. (That is a promise.)
3. What are the important qualities you would bring to public service?
The important qualities that I would bring to public service are my ability to work as a team player for the overall good of the city, honesty, integrity, keeping my word, working hard, respect for the citizens, open door policy, inventiveness, thinking for myself, staying focused, able to look at the entire need, ability to learn, eager to serve and help this community be a respected part of Lake County.
4. What are the primary functions of a city council member? What are the important skill sets a council member should possess?
I believe the primary functions of a city council member are to make the final decision on any and all matters that concern the city, having initiative to solve problems that affect people’s lives, listening with an open mind, educating yourself about any issues concerning the city, able to work as a team with fellow council members, city staff, volunteers, outside agencies and very important, the public. I think the most important skills a council member should possess would be humility, common sense and a sincere desire to serve the people and act in their best interest.
5. What is your city’s single greatest challenge? How would you address it?
I know we have many issues facing our city, however, in my opinion the lake is the single greatest challenge as it is our drinking water and what attracts those from outside areas to our region.
The Clear Lake Advisory Committee is a group formed to analyze this problem from all angles. They come up with recommendations that need to be acted upon. Unfortunately, our only representative from Clearlake on this committee has only been able to attend a couple of meetings. I have contacted the council member who appointed this person and asked for a new appointee who will attend regularly and asked that this representative give updates at council meetings for the council and public.
Measure E’s tax allocations for the algae issue are only 9 percent and that is for harvesting the algae, which is expensive and not very effective. Most of the proposed tax money will go for public launch gate control to stop mussels from contaminating our lake. This does not even address private docks. Therefore it needs to be redrafted to put the tax money where it will actually benefit the problem. We need to deal with the nutrient load simultaneously with the water issue. The county is the lead responsible agency for the lake, however, we need to work with them and tackle our area as well.
6. If you are elected, what will your top issue be? What other issues are of particular interest to you?
If elected, as I said previously, the lake is a priority to me and I will be an advocate for us to partner with the other legislative bodies and agencies around the lake to work on this.
My top issue for Clearlake is concerning our local economy and supporting our businesses. I believe the best way to do this is to implement continuous curb, sidewalk and gutter down Lakeshore Drive. This will enable us to access our downtown safely, it will remove blight and bring our downtown a look of prosperity that we can then build on and move out from there into other areas of our city. This has been talked about for a long time. I believe this must be the first step in rehabilitating our reputation, our look and boost our local economy. This is also an important measure so we can access our downtown safely.
7. Is there a matter that you’ve seen the council handle that you believe should have been approached differently? If so, how would you have handled it?
I cannot even think of one matter on which I have agreed with the council’s actions. For example, the use of redevelopment, lack of enforcing code violations, animal control, lack of a residential street paving plan, not prioritizing our lake issues, lack of investment in our downtown, safety issues, not hiring locally, proper cultivation of young children’s activities, lack of educating themselves with the FACTS and not being “hand fed” by the city manager, lack of personal initiative to truthfully see what needs to be corrected in our city and seek to do it, using their elected position for their own agendas, lack of professionalism and how they treat some of the public during council meetings. Even with attempts made at bringing some “relief” to certain issues, it appears to be a “stab in the dark” focusing on a portion of the need and not addressing the entire need so it really never gets solved. I am running for city council so that I can be a part of necessary changes.
8. What ways, if any, would you encourage public and media interaction with you and the city council should you be elected? How would you approach public interaction, especially on controversial issues?
I would have available time each week to meet with citizens, advocate town hall meetings, be available by phone and email to listen and encourage open dialogue with the public. I have come to the conclusion that with proper public education of city issues this can help eliminate some of the confusion and animosity that the citizens often feel towards city officers and new policies. I am all in favor of transparency in our local government. Having media interaction is an important element to ensure this.
9. When you think of your city in 20 years, what do you hope it will look like? When considering that future vision of your city, what would you want your legacy to be in improving your community?
In looking to the future of how I hope our city would look like in 20 years it would be a beautiful, clean, safe and well-kept city. I would like my legacy to be that I was a person who cared about the citizens, the city as a whole and worked tirelessly to bring to fruition a beautiful, safe, clean, well-kept city we could all enjoy and be proud of.
Financial information: See Form 470 below.
Clearlake City Council Candidates - Melinda Young - Form 470- Details
- Written by: MELINDA YOUNG
Clearlake City Council candidates’ spotlight: Alvaro Valencia
Personal information:
Name: Alvaro Valencia
Age: 36
Family: One son.
Career/current job: Part owner, A&B Collision.
Education: Heald Business College, business administration.
Length of residence in Lake County and your particular city: Eight years in Clearlake.
Web site or email address where community members can contact you:
Questions:
1. Please outline your experience serving the local community. Include all community or volunteer service.
I am a recipient of the Stars of Lake County Small Business of the Year 2010 award and youth advocate of the year 2012. I sponsor Southshore Little League and Lower Lake football. I am president of the Lakeshore Lions, member of the Clear Lake Chamber for six years and have been a director for the last four years. I am one of the original members of the Clean Up Clearlake Day and am on the committee for clean up the day after the July 4 parade and fireworks. I am a volunteer at the Clearlake Youth Center, which I think is one of our greatest assets we have for the youth after school.
2. Why did you decide to run for public office?
To see what I can do to better my city from the inside. For our money not to be wasted.
3. What are the important qualities you would bring to public service?
I am a doer. You’ll see me in the community working on things, not just talk.
4. What are the primary functions of a city council member? What are the important skill sets a council member should possess?
To see what is in the best interest of the community, to make the city a better place. We need good communication skills and to be available to the public.
5. What is your city’s single greatest challenge? How would you address it?
The roads and the lighting. Try to increase revenue so we can start addressing these problems with lighting being first.
6. If you are elected, what will your top issue be? What other issues are of particular interest to you?
To better my city, to help the youth stay busy and to get more light in the downtown corridor.
7. Is there a matter that you’ve seen the council handle that you believe should have been approached differently? If so, how would you have handled it?
To make it more inviting to tourists as well as locals.
8. What ways, if any, would you encourage public and media interaction with you and the city council should you be elected? How would you approach public interaction, especially on controversial issues?
More town hall meetings. At town hall meetings no real decisions are made but anybody can speak freely and get the real information on any issue.
9. When you think of your city in 20 years, what do you hope it will look like? When considering that future vision of your city, what would you want your legacy to be in improving your community?
I would like to see Clearlake as a real destination for tourists and families, where you can raise a family and be safe for your children. I want my city to thrive and not be put down. I want people to come visit our city because they want to, not because they have to.
Financial information: See Form 470 below.
Clearlake City Council Candidates - Alvaro Valencia - Form 470
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- Written by: ALVARO VALENCIA
