CLEARLAKE — The Clearlake City Council recently adopted policies concerning contacting legislators and use the conference room and council chambers at city hall.
The policies passed on a 4-1 vote count with Councilmember Joyce Overton casting the dissenting vote following a request for more time to research the second item.
The policy concerning contacting legislators entertained little discussion while the policy concerning use of city hall facilities initiated debate among members of the public.
The policy presented for use of city hall facilities allows for use by government agencies and by local private nonprofit agencies. The policy requires that a use permit be applied for and submitted prior to use of the facilities. Following approval the requested date will be reserved on the appropriate calendar with city functions having precedence over use by outside agencies.
The policy allows use of the facilities after normal business hours if a staff person is available to monitor the facility and if the party using the facility pays the staff costs to monitor the facility.
Hiram Dukes and Allan Markowski, who were operating the live broadcast of the evening”s meeting for the PEG channel, questioned the policy in regard to who would be allowed use of the facility. Dukes challenged the policy as presented contending that the policy would not allow for such activities as public debates of candidates because no nonprofit agency will be involved. He also pointed out that candidates, who will be seeking election technically are not a part of a government agency.
“It sounds to me we”re shutting this down for the community,” Dukes said.
Markowski criticized Neiman as well, telling him that he was appalled. “You are trying to tear people apart,” he said, adding that Neiman was attempting to separate government from the people. “People are government. They are one and the same.”
Neiman attempted to explain to the men that activities such as public debates do fall under government agencies. He also said that a nonprofit could sponsor the event to qualify for use under the new policy. He also pointed out that if the PEG channel intends to be involved in the event, which Dukes and Markowski alluded to, then the event would qualify for nonprofit use as well.
Second District Supervisor Jeff Smith spoke in support of the policy presented by Neiman. “Dale is doing his job. He”s not the decision maker,” he said. “If it is something that”s going to cost money more that normal operation, there should be compensation.”
Overton also pointed out that there may be people in the community using the facility but not all the people in the community may benefit from its use; however, entire public pays for that use.
In regard to contacting legislators, Neiman explained to the council that the state considers new legislation each year that impacts the city. He said usually the city is informed of such legislation by the League of California Cities well in advance. However, there are occasions when the league uses e-mail to inform the city of impending legislative action, which may require immediate response.
The policy adopted by the council at its Aug. 14 meeting, states that when time permits, items that arise will be handled at the regular council meetings so the council may provide direction to the city administrator in making legislative contacts.
In cases where the league requests immediate response, the city administrator will contact the mayor or vice mayor before responding to proposed legislation. The city council will be notified of any contact not discussed at a regular meeting.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
