LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council welcomed two new members and bid farewell to two others when it convened in its last meeting of 2016 on Tuesday evening.
In November, Councilman Kenny Parlet was reelected – winning his second term – and new members Tim Barnes and George Spurr won seats on the council.
On Tuesday, after unanimously accepting a resolution certifying the results of the Nov. 8 election, council members offered their thanks to Mayor Marc Spillman and Councilman Martin Scheel, who Barnes and Spurr will succeed.
“This has been an amazing four years,” said Councilwoman Stacey Mattina, explaining that while the council's members haven't always agreed, they've always worked together.
She pointed out the major projects they had completed, including new sewer and water infrastructure, the improvement of downtown Main Street and the new Lakeport Police station, which was dedicated just last week.
“You can always remember your time here as well spent,” she told Spillman, who she lauded for his willingness to do the dirty work – literally, in the case of showing up for city cleanup days – and pitching in wherever else he was needed.
Regarding Scheel, who was absent for his last council meeting, Mattina lauded him for being a great leader, quick learner and “a very thoughtful decision maker.”
Councilwoman Mireya Turner said she appreciated Spillman's even temper and sense of humor. “I've really appreciated the assets you've brought to the council.”
She recognized Scheel's intelligence, organizational skills and ability to think through issues logically while understanding their emotional context.
Parlet said the council has had a unique combination of team members, and that Spillman and Scheel would be missed.
City Manager Margaret Silveira also offered her thanks to the outgoing council members, and noted, “All the staff very much respects both of you,” adding that it was a pleasure and a blessing working with them.
Spillman thanked his fellow council members, city staff and the public for allowing him to serve for four years. “You made this a very easy term to fulfill.”
He also said he had confidence in the new council members, Barnes and Spurr.
Mattina also presented Spillman with a plaque recognizing his service.
City Clerk Kelly Buendia administered the oath of office to Barnes, Parlet and Spurr, before the council took a brief break for a reception for the council.
When the meeting reconvened, and Barnes and Spurr joined Mattina, Parlet and Turner on the dais, it was time to choose the council's leadership for 2017.
Parlet nominated Mattina for mayor, a motion approved by unanimous vote. He then nominated Turner for the mayor pro tem post, which again was approved by the entire council.
Other business for the new council on Tuesday was filling posts on several city commissions and committees.
The council reappointed Ken Wicks Jr. to the Lakeport Planning Commission, and appointed Michael Green and Michael Froio to the seats previously held by Spurr and Tom Gayner.
For the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee, the council reappointed Bill Eaton, Melissa Fulton and Wilda Shock, and added new members Denise Combs, George Feola and Terre Logsdon.
The council filled two seats on the Parks and Recreation Committee by reappointing Suzanne Lyons and tapping a new applicant, Kipp Knorr.
For the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, Frank Dollosso was reappointed and Nate Maxman was added to fill a vacant seat.
In other news, the council got an update on holiday lighting contests and approved preparing the annual Maddy Act appointment list covering all regular ongoing boards, commissions and committees which are appointed by the council.
Also on Tuesday, the council heard public comment from several community members concerned about a letter from city staff to the county in response to a major use permit being sought for a homeless warming shelter at the Lakeport Seventh-day Adventist Church, located in the county's jurisdiction. The letter had raised concerns about the use of a city bus stop as a staging area for people who were being transported to the shelter.
The council also held a closed session before the open portion of the meeting to discuss Verizon Wireless' appeal regarding a cellphone tower. No action was taken on that item.
In wrapping up the meeting, Mattina said she was looking forward to a busy 2017.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
