CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council on Thursday confirmed assessments for administrative penalties for failure to abate public nuisances on 14 properties in the city, with fines totaling $87,500.

A public hearing was held during the Thursday meeting, during which property owners were provided the opportunity to protest or address the council concerning the orders.

Three property owners spoke, however the council did not grant any extensions or waive any penalties.

“The issue isn't to raise money through these fees. The issue is we have neighbors to these properties who have lived next to them for years. If you simply go by the date of the notices, it was at least a year, or at least fast approaching us beyond a year that neighbors have had to live next to these properties,” Councilman Russ Perdock said.

Perdock added, “We are constantly getting complaints from citizens in Clearlake having to live next to dirty homes, homes in disrepair, lots covered with garbage and these are the things I am very encouraged to see the active roles that our new code enforcement officers playing in cleaning up our city.”

Vice Mayor Gina Fortino Dickson said she appreciated those who came in and have been working to bring their properties up to standard and to code.

“In these instances, though, I haven't seen any evidence to waive the fees. I haven't seen any evidence that these are illegally or improperly levied,” she said. “None of the pictures show complete compliance with the standards. So, at this point I don't feel we have cause to waive any of these fines.”

The following assessments, presented by Code Enforcement Officer Lee Lambert, were confirmed:

– Property located at 3114 Eighth St., owned by Thomas and Thelma Davalos. Penalty: $10,000.
– Property located at 3342 Ninth St., owned by Stacey Mackey. Penalty: $5,000.
– Property located at 3344 Ninth St., owned by Todd Paul. Penalty: $5,000.
– Property located at 3617 Vista St., owned by Edytha Quinn. Penalty: $7,500.
– Property located at 3800 Laddell Ave., owned by Brenda Elliott. Penalty: $7,500.
– Property located at 3855 Mullen Ave. owned by Virginia Everett. Penalty: $5,000.
– Property located at 16219 21st Ave., owned by T. Kosmecki (trustee). Penalty: $7,500.
– Property located at 16152 32nd Ave., owned by Dana Lea and Richard Roath. Penalty: $5,000.
– Property located at 16316 34th Ave., owned by Jason Benavidez. Penalty: $7,500.
– Property located at 3302 Ninth St., owned by Claudia Schilling. Penalty: $5,000.
– Property located at 3292 Ninth St., owned by Claudia Schilling. Penalty: $5,000.
– Property located at 15564 36th Ave., owned by Sylvia Hilton. Penalty: $7,500.
– Property located at 15871 29th Ave., owned by Kimble Pope. Penalty: $7,500.
– Property located at 14230 Hale St., owned by Tony and Alice Nuanes (trustees). Penalty: $2,500.

Administrative penalties that remain unpaid will become a lien against the property and may become a special assessment on the tax roll.

Email reporter Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .