The Clearlake City Council selected a new mayor for 2009. The gavel will be passed to Councilmember Chuck Leonard during the first meeting of the New Year. Councilmember Judy Thein was selected to serve as vice mayor for the upcoming year.
In his final meeting as Mayor of the City of Clearlake, Curt Giambruno had gracious words in presenting Leonard with a plaque commemorating his service as vice mayor. Giambruno said that Leonard had assisted him tremendously both in his service as mayor and as a compassionate friend through the trying time in the loss of his wife.
Leonard also had gracious and humorous words for Giambruno in his departure as mayor. He commended Giambruno”s leadership throughout the past year and extended the city”s appreciation for his service.
Leonard gained nomination for mayor from Thein. No other nominations were presented and Leonard received the appointment on a 5-0 vote count.
Thein was nominated for vice mayor by Leonard. Councilmember Joyce Overton nominated Roy Simons. Thein received votes for appointment from Leonard, Giambruno and herself. Simons received Overton”s vote as well as his own.
Prior to making mayoral appointments, the council selected community members to serve on the Redevelopment Advisory Committee. Each member of the council selected one person apiece to service on the committee. Appointments by council members were as follows: Overton appointee Rick Mayo; Leonard appointee Jim Scholz; Thein appointee Doug Codling; Simons appointee Cheryl Hutchinson; and Giambruno appointee Bill Perkins.
Potential tasks for the advisory committee include providing recommendations in regard to amending the redevelopment plan; economic development strategies; recommendations regarding potential uses of the project fund”s bond proceeds; development of the first-time home buyer guidelines; and review of low-income apartment projects.
The advisory committee will not participate in potential litigation; negotiation and approval of loans; and the selling of property. The first order of business for the committee will be developing committee by-laws, which will be subject to approval by the council. Advisory committee meetings are to be subject to the Brown Act.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
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