LAKEPORT – Lakeport will have a new farmers' market to look forward to this summer, thanks to the Lakeport City Council granting approval for the idea at its meeting this past Tuesday.

Lake County Farmers' Finest representatives, led by Janine Grothe, took the idea for a Lakeport installment of the local markets to the city.

The group – which runs the Saturday morning farmers' markets at Steele Wines in Kelseyville – proposes to hold the Lakeport markets in Library Park on Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. from June 1 through Oct. 31, according to the staff report on the application by city Public Works Director Doug Grider.

“I think it's a fantastic concept,” Grider said at the Tuesday meeting.

He said the market idea was “very doable.”

The application originally asked to locate booths along the sidewalks in the area along Park Street between Second and Third streets, and on Third Street also. However, they needed water to keep vegetables from wilting, Grider said.

Instead, Grider said city staff suggested the market could locate its booths on the grass around the park's perimeters. He said that grass is “naturally cooling” and that would prevent the group from having to use water.

Council member Suzanne Lyons said she was concerned that the event wouldn't be visible enough. She said a previous market held downtown – which the group said was held in 1997 – wasn't very visible and so it didn't do well.

“I want to see it really work because I think it's a great idea,” Lyons said.

Grothe said they will publicize the markets, with plans including a banner across Main Street.

Mayor Jim Irwin asked if the market will be just fresh produce or if people will be able to buy dinner and other items. The group indicated they eventually hope to have arts and music in addition to produce.

Irwin, who went to school in San Luis Obispo, pointed out that the farmers' market event there is quite an event, with a lot of offerings.

City Manager Margaret Silveira said the city can work with the group for pro-rated business licenses.

Councilman Ron Bertsch moved to approve the market proposal, which Councilman Bob Rumfelt seconded. The council voted for it 5-0.

The council also approved an Eagle Scout proposed by local teen Derek Funderburg.

Grider presented the report to the council and brought Funderburg forward to share his idea, which was to put up additional flagpole holders – approximately 44 of them – along Main Street from Lakeport Boulevard to Clearlake Avenue.

“I think it's a great project,” said Grider, noting it will be of minimal cost to the city, only requiring Grider's time and some time from City Engineer Scott Harter.

Grider said he would volunteer to make sure the project meets the city's requirements. Funderburg now must take his project to his Eagle Scout coordinator for final approval.

Councilman Roy Parmentier moved to approve the project, Bertsch seconded and the council approved it 5-0.

In redevelopment business, Redevelopment Director Richard Knoll presented a proposal to the council – sitting jointly as the redevelopment agency – to pursue further analysis of two proposed low-income housing projects.

Irwin recused himself from the discussion as his father, Bill Irwin, was one of the developers proposing a project. On his way out, Irwin passed the gavel to Rumfelt.

Knoll explained that the city had received three housing proposals and met with the three separate developers.

Proposals from Bill Irwin and AMG & Associates “seem to have the highest potential for moving forward,” said Knoll.

Irwin proposes to build 12 new low- and moderate-income single family dwellings in the Victorian Village project adjacent to S. Main Street, while AMG is planning to construct 40 to 50 low- and moderate-income apartment units for seniors on a five-acre parcel at 1075 Martin St.

The council voted to authorize city staff to work with Irwin and AMG to further analyze the projects.

In other news, Harter asked the council to approve a change order request for work on an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramp at Second Street.

He said a concept idea has been worked out for the ramp, and he'll bring back the precise project for approval. The total cost will be covered by federal stimulus funds. The council approved that request 5-0.

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