CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Mayoral appointments were made Thursday during the Clearlake City Council's final meeting of the year.
The appointments concluded an agenda packed with informational and visual presentations that contributed to a nearly four-hour-long meeting.
Denise Loustalot was appointed to serve as mayor in 2014 while Gina Fortino Dickson will serve as vice mayor.
Additionally, Loustalot and Councilwoman Jeri Spittler were presented with plaques commemorating their service this year as vice mayor and mayor, respectively.
The council received five presentations including the introductions of the city's new Web site and a “Today in America” segment showcasing the city of Clearlake. The segment, narrated by Terry Bradshaw, is to be aired nationally in the coming year.
The city's Web site is up and running at www.clearlake.ca.us . It features various kinds of information about the city, from how to contact council members and staff to highlights on the city's parks and facilities.
It includes information and links to other local resources, a community calendar and forum for ideas and conversation.
Among the site's other features is that which allows users to personalize their experience, City Clerk Melissa Swanson said.
She said it also includes a “Let Us Know” tab, which currently hosts an area for lost and found pets and can be expanded as needs are identified.
Technical difficulties prevented the council from hearing the “Today in America” segment. However, the video was nonetheless presented without sound.
Highlights of the video include interviews with business owners, residents and city government representatives. It also showcases area amenities, facilities and beaches.
City Manager Joan Phillipe said the production cost about $20,000 with use of economic development funds. She said the city rightfully owns the piece and can use it at its discretion.
The council received a presentation from Jim Steele as a member of the Clear Lake Satellite Imaging Project Advisory Committee. The committee is focused on identifying sources of nutrient releases into the lake, making seasonal comparisons and finding solutions for bettering lake health.
The committee is working with Blue Water Satellite to compile images for analysis of sediment trends impacting Clear Lake.
The project includes monitoring in areas such as phosphorus intake, which Steele said drives the cyanobacteria blooms that have plagued the lake in recent years. Steele said satellite imaging provides several advantages, including illustration of the summer bloom sequence event.
Josh Meyer of the Local Government Commission provided the council with a presentation of the final Lakeshore Drive Corridor Plan.
The council ultimately directed additional changes be made to the document, which will be brought back for later consideration.
The plan identifies seven prominent points of interest; seeks to manage speed on Lakeshore Drive; provide safe places to walk, bike, catch the bus and cross the street; fix problem intersections, organize parking; improved corridor look; develop points of interest; and enhance waterfront views and access.
It also includes conceptual drawings for city parks, business fronts, curb, gutter and sidewalk options; and recommendations for mitigating parking concerns and manage speed.
The council expressed continued concern for mitigating issues with traffic speed, with particular concern for the intersection at Mullen Avenue.
The council received and filed an “unqualified opinion” regarding audits for fiscal years 2010-11 and 2011-12 by Pun and McGeady.
The opinion asserts auditor's finding that the city's financial statements were presented fairly and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.
The filing includes recommendations addressing the timeliness of the audits, attributing their lengthy delay to numerous staff changes within the city's finance department.
In other news, the council was informed by Swanson of a new law that requires specific recording of council members' votes as well as other governmental bodies that make decisions by way of vote. The law takes effect in January.
The council also extended a declaration of local emergency as damage from the November windstorm continues to be assessed.
Email Denise Rockenstein at
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