LAKEPORT, Calif. – In addition to meeting new police officers and discussing pedestrian safety, the Lakeport City Council enjoyed a little Rodgers and Hammerstein during its Tuesday night meeting, as it honored Clear Lake High School students and school staff who recently presented a much-lauded production of “The Sound of Music.”
Mayor Tom Engstrom presented a certificate of appreciation honoring the group, which presented the musical in March.
“My wife and I love musicals,” he said.
“I was really impressed when I went to see 'The Sound of Music,'” he said, noting the great acting, singing and dancing. “You guys were just fantastic.”
Engstrom read out the certificate, honoring students and the many adults who assisted with the production.
The little group also sang a few lines from the famed musical's song, “Do Re Me.”
Engstrom followed up by presenting another proclamation in honor of Municipal Clerks Week to City Clerk Janel Chapman and Deputy City Clerk Kelly Buendia.
Also on Tuesday night, Police Chief Brad Rasmussen and Lt. Jason Ferguson introduced new police volunteers and officers.
Ferguson introduced Arland Souza and Antonio Cortez, who he said join a large and talented corp of police volunteers.
Rasmussen introduced Officer Michael Nass, a new young officer who recently moved from San Rafael to join the agency. Nass also is a certified locksmith.
The agency's other new officer is Michael Sobieraj, a 15-year Lake County resident who has nine years of law enforcement experience, having previously served as a correctional officer and patrol deputy with the Lake County Sheriff's office, Rasmussen said.
Sobieraj, who started work on March 27, finished his field training in less than four weeks, quickly learned Lakeport Police's policies and processes, and has been doing good work for the department, Rasmussen added.
In other business, the council approved new safety measures at the intersection of 20th and High streets, directing City Engineer Scott Harter to purchase a push button-activated, solar-powered blinking pedestrian warning sign.
“It's a bad intersection, with school kids walking,” said Engstrom.
Council members noted that children must now live at least two miles away to qualify for bus service. As a result, a lot more children are walking, Council member Stacey Mattina pointed out.
The new warning sign, which will be hard-wired – which Harter considered a more reliable option than a more expensive wireless sign – will cost $2,216. The council voted unanimously for the purchase.
Also on Tuesday, the council approved a request from Public Works Director Mark Brannigan to authorize $9,500 for repairs to the hoist on a city dump truck that's been out of commission for about two months and is needed for the upcoming construction season.
Brannigan said he received a quote for $8,471.25 for the repairs, but asked for the higher amount in case additional repairs were needed. At council's request he agreed to seek additional bids from local businesses.
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