LAKEPORT – Proposed increases in city parking fines and an updated list of potential road projects for state funding will be among the items up for discussion and possible action at this week's Lakeport City Council meeting.

The Lakeport City Council will meet in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

A 5 p.m. staff and council workshop for the purposes of updating the city's business plan is scheduled, which will be followed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m.

During the council meeting, Kevin Burke, the city's police chief and interim city manager, will ask the council to review and evaluate the city's current parking fine structure in comparison to other cities.

Burke's report to the council explains that the current fine schedule was established in 1998, with most violations costing $15 or $17. Out of that amount, $2.50 was paid to the county's courthouse construction fund. Since that time, however, the courthouse construction fund amount has grown to $5 per violation.

“The level of parking enforcement by the police department varies,” Burke noted in his report. “Recently, after some citizen complaints and City Council member concerns, parking enforcement has increased.”

He said that parking fines “should be set so they are sufficiently high to deter parking violations.”

Lakeport Police conducted a survey of parking violation fines in cities similar to Lakeport, according to Burke. “The results showed that our parking fines are consistently lower than other cities.”

While Lakeport charges $15 for a two-hour parking violation, the range for most of the other cities is between $25 and $40. The city of Williams charges $17, he noted.

Burke's report shows that Lakeport's highest ticket amount, $275, is for parking in a handicapped parking zone without a placard. Parking in a red zone only brings a $17 ticket.

In comparison, the city of Clearlake charges $275 for handicapped parking violations, while Ukiah's fine is $351. For parking in a red zone, Clearlake Police will give a ticket with a $30 fine, while Ukiah's fine for that offense is $25.

Burke states in his report that the council will have to adopt a bail schedule resolution to raise its parking fines. He noted that higher fines should encourage parking regulation compliance and also will increase revenue “to some extent,” which he said will help pay for having parking enforcement.

In other news, City Engineer Scott Harter will take to the council proposed revisions to an approved plan for Proposition 1B funding, which California voters approved for transportation projects.

The city adopted a plan for the funds last May but now wants to change it, Harter's report explains.

The revised list includes S. Main Street drainage and pedestrian improvements (estimated cost, $362,250; Proposition 1B funding, $185,000); double chip sealing and micropaving on Armstrong, 16^th, Forest, Forbes, Second and Third streets (estimated cost, $298,564.70; Proposition 1B funding, $150,000); pavement marketing throughout the city (estimated cost, $40,000; Proposition 1B funding, $40,000); and the Forbes Creek trail (Proposition 1B match amount, $25,000).

The council also will meet jointly as the Lakeport Redevelopment Agency.

During that joint session, the council is expected to approve tax increment revenue pass through payments to affected local taxing agencies.

A report from Redevelopment Director Richard Knoll explains that the city is required by state law to disburse a pro rate share of tax increment revenue to agencies that exist within the city's redevelopment project area. Those agencies include the Lakeport Fire Protection District, Mendocino College and Lakeport Unified School District.

Pass through funds being approved at this time amount to just over $96,000, with a deduction of more than $22,000 due to previous city overpayments, Knoll's report explains.

The redevelopment agency also is proposed to cover invoices submitted by the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce for the 2008 fireworks display and the Dickens Christmas Market. The chamber has invoiced the city for more than $18,000 for the two events – more than $13,000 for the fireworks and $5,000 for the market. The city is propose to pay a total of $10,000 for both events.

The council and redevelopment agency also is expected to adopt a revised redevelopment five-year implementation plan, give a report on a new Superior Court construction project, receive approval to create a part-time clerical position in the Redevelopment and Housing Department and authorize hiring, and direct staff to initiate design of the Downtown Phase II Improvements.

Under council communications, the council will receive a status report regarding Westside park and discuss a water service line for a proposed community garden.

The council also is scheduled to have a closed session to discuss property negotiations, existing litigation and labor negotiations.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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