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.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
102512 Clearlake City Council Agenda102512 Clearlake City Council - Prop 37 Presentation102512 Clearlake City Council - Taxi Ordinance
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