LAKEPORT — City hall announced a new volunteer program in October. Two months later, and not a single soul has signed up.
The hope for the program is to bring costs down for the city. Many cities have such programs, which enable citizens to share their expertise and work with city staff on a variety of projects and tasks.
The city of Lakeport has never had a volunteer program other than with the Lakeport Police Department (LPD) and the Fire Department.
The program, envisioned by former councilman Bill Knoll and aided by councilman Bob Rumfelt, would be simpler in design than the LPD”s program in an effort to accommodate participants” interests and schedules.
No background check will be required. Just fill out a one-page application, Knoll said, “then a badge will be issued, and the volunteer can get to work.”
Knoll said he is hopeful volunteers will sign up. There are no limits to the number of hours worked, so volunteers can do what they can, when they can. “Wanted?we need volunteers! Sign ?em up!” Knoll said, adding that this program has been a dream of his for several years. He presented his idea to the city council last year, and he says at this stage, once the first person signs up, “then away we go!”
Volunteers can help with gardening and landscaping, maintenance, mechanics, painting and cleaning, billing and filing or communications if they want to do office work.
Additionally, they can learn skills and add much-needed help in the city parks as park rangers who patrol the park and let people know what the rules are.
Students can receive community service in their schools by signing up as volunteers, and the city will help them with that process. The work will look good on resumes, Rumfelt said in a prior interview with the Record-Bee.
“There is a wide range of activities, depending on what they put on their application and what they”re interested in. It would really benefit the city. They have a similar program out at Sutter (Lakeside Hospital), it”s a big thing there and it helps a lot,” Knoll said.
If you have questions or are interested in the program, please contact Kelley Donaldson at 707-263-5615 extension 24.
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, please fill out and submit the Volunteer Application Form, available at City Hall, 225 Park Street, Lakeport, Calif. An application is also available on the Web at www.cityoflakeport.com
Contact Elizabeth Wilson at ewilson@record-bee.com.
