CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council will discuss the reactivated Wal-Mart application for a store expansion when it meets this week.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

City Manager Joan Phillipe's report to the council explains that Wal-Mart, located at Highway 53 and Dam Road, has reactivated its permit application to expand the store, a project originally proposed several years ago.

Phillipe is asking the council to authorize her to move forward on amending existing contracts with consultants ESA Community Development and Keyser Marston Associates, who are providing necessary planning studies on the project.

She's also asking the council to give her permission to execute future contract amendments in keeping with the existing agreements and project scope of work.

ESA and its subconsultant, OmniMeans, had prepared a California Environmental Quality Act analysis for the project, with that draft environmental impact report submitted to the city in September 2010, according to a letter ESA submitted to Phillipe. Subsequently, the project was placed on “indefinite hold” by mutual agreement of the city and Wal-Mart.

The amendment will cover ESA updating the draft EIR and preparing it for circulation, which will cost $44,878, costs to be born by Wal-Mart, Phillipe reported.

Under the updated agreement, Keyser Marston will be paid $17,500 – again covered by Wal-Mart – for an updated urban decay analysis on the project, according to Phillipe.

In other business, the council will consider an amendment to the agreement with the South Shore Little League for seasonal use of the Redbud Park ball fields. The proposed change will add a 10-year term to the agreement, which has been on a year to year basis.

Items on Thursday's consent agenda – usually accepted on one vote – include the council's Jan. 10 minutes; the Dec. 12 Lake County Vector Control Board meeting minutes; an update on the authorization for check signing, other financial transactions and appointment of Phillipe as city treasurer; and an update of the authorization for local agency investment fund transactions.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.