LAKEPORT — Pear trees, palm trees or maple. Trees in the parking space, the sidewalk or not on Main Street. Those were some of the issues Lakeport City Council members considered during a workshop Tuesday on phase two of the Downtown Improvement Project.
The council met an hour early for the workshop during which RAU and Associates and Harris Design gave a presentation on options the council has to consider before public workshops, bidding and construction move forward. A workshop to get citizens” input will be held June 23. Redevelopment Agency Director Richard Knoll said he would bring the issues back before the council in a few weeks, as council members didn”t have much time to give staff and consultants direction.
The project will include repaving the streets and sidewalks on South Main Street from Martin to Third streets and First and Second streets from Main Street to the lake. Design plans include bulb-outs, bicycle racks, benches and more.
Councilman Bob Rumfelt questioned why the city would put trees in front of the facades it spent money to fix.
Bill Harris of Harris Design said the trees branch out about 15 feet above ground so they wouldn”t block storefronts on the first floor.
Council members agreed they want to make the First Street dock for kayaks or car-top boats only, which may preclude the need to construct a turnaround for trucks with trailers. Council members also said they want to keep as much parking as possible.
The council addressed a few other issues during its regular meeting that started about 6:15 p.m. Tuesday in the Lakeport City Hall.
Council members authorized contracts with RGH Consultants and Pavement Engineering for testing required through the federal grant on the Forbes Street Overlay Project.
The council unanimously approved an application by the Lakeport Main Street Association for events including Downtown Clean-up Day from 6 to 10 a.m. Saturday and Dinner and a Movie night from 6 to 10 p.m. May 30.
Council members agreed to allow the Nor Cal Boat and Ski Club to use the city parking lot this weekend for a ski race.
The council voted 5-0 to approve the Sewer System Management Plan and authorized staff to implement required provisions.
Council members agreed to buy a new industrial pool-cleaning machine out of the pool budget, which may cost about $5,800.
Contact Katy Sweeny at kdsweeny@gmail.com or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
