The Clearlake City Council and the Lake County Board of Supervisors met for nearly three hours Thursday morning, March 6, discussing various issues related to both jurisdictions. With the exceptions of Councilmember Roy Simons and Supervisor Anthony Farrington, all members of each panel were present for the discussion.
Clearlake City Administrator Dale Neiman and County Administrator Kelly Cox were also present for the session, which was held at Clearlake City Hall on March 6.
No action was taken on any of the items of discussion, which included the following:
? Presentation by Lake County Community Action Agency (LCCAA) regarding possible use of property owned by the County of Lake near Redbud Community Hospital. The LCCAA Chairman Tom Jordan detailed for the panel the agency”s idea for developing the 15.77 acres located on 18th Avenue between Eureka and Irwin avenues. Jordan described a village/community-type project that would serve as like a hub for community resources. The project he described involved consolidating services in one central location. He spoke of facilities for transitional housing including a safe house for displaced teens, housing for foster youth who turn 18 and are often left on their own, housing in partnership with Mental Health and transitional housing for substance abuse recovery. The project could incorporate the participation/partnership of other non-profit, community service oriented agencies to provide residents with one central location to access community services and resources. It was suggested that other agencies, including the school and college districts, be involved in designing a concept for the property before any commitment to contribute the land is made on the county”s part.
? Public/Education/Government (PEG) agreement. A Joint Powers Agreement has been entered into between the City of Clearlake, the County of Lake and Mediacom. Currently, the PEG Channel operates out of Clearlake City Hall with minimal equipment and office space. Furthermore Station Manager Jack Barker has moved from the area and there currently is no replacement. The discussion entailed how to move forward with the service. Neiman suggested developing a five year capital project plan to address the need for a permanent facility and equipment needs.
? Allocation of county money for a visitor center at Highlands Park. The county has $100,000 set aside for a visitor center-type project. The county is considering designating the money to a project in Clearlake. City staff has been working on a conceptual design for Highlands Park, which is located on Lakeshore Drive in the center of the city. During the discussion, Cox said he felt a tourist/visitor-type center would be better located on the highway. He added that he felt a discovery or interpretive center may be a better project for the Highlands Park location because it will draw people into the city for a purpose. Other agencies in the area are currently working on establishing similar type facilities. As to not duplicate services, it was recommended that the city collaborates with the other agencies to determine what is going to be realized and what is not. It was also suggested that the city partners with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce to operate a facility at Highlands Park.
? Relocation of the city corporation yard to the county”s sewer treatment property. The city currently houses its Public Works Department and equipment in a yard on the airport property. The property is currently in an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement and could be sold in the near future. The city would like to relocate the yard and is considering the possibility of using property owned by the county off of Old Highway 53. Residents of the area voiced concern for the road to the property being too small for two-way traffic. Supervisor Rob Brown asked if the city had considered sharing space at the county”s corporation yard in Lower Lake. It was also suggested that the city may want to talk with the school district because it is in the process of relocating its bus yard to the former Bob”s Marine property on Highway 53 at Old Highway 53 and it may be possible for the city to share that space. Neiman and council members were open to the suggestions.
? Regional Marketing Program. Deputy Administrative Director of Economic Development Debra Sommerfield provided the group with a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the goals and achievements of the county”s marketing program. Along with her presentation, Sommerfield provided members of the panel with the press kit used to market all county amenities. The kit includes several colorful brochures highlighting activities and events that can be enjoyed by tourists and residents. The strategic goals of the marketing program include increasing awareness of Lake County as a tourist destination; integrating and expanding marketing efforts; and improving and enhancing tourism assets. The campaign theme is Lake County “where vacation memories are made.” The advertising campaign has reached several media outlets and county activities and promotion has been included in such publications as Journey Magazine, Sunset Magazine, Trailer Life Magazine and VIA Magazine. A full-page article also appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle”s travel section in June 2006.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com. To comment on this story or others, visit www.record-bee.com/observer.
