CLEARLAKE — The fate of the Clearlake Redevelopment Agency (RDA) has yet to be decided. No action was taken Monday following a nearly three hour discussion held in consideration of extending the city”s RDA implementation plan for an additional 10 years.
After closing the public hearing, the item was carried over to the June 24 meeting. Mayor Judy Thein said the item must be continued in order to comply with state law in that action cannot be taken prior to seven days following response to written comments received.
Council chambers filled to near capacity with several members of the fire department, police department, homeowners, business owners, realtors and those representing senior and Clearlake chamber interests in attendance. Speakers directed their comments toward Councilman Simons, in particular, asking him to support the extension of the RDA implementation plan.
At one point, realtor Dave Hughes asked for a show of hands indicating the audience”s desired action. All but three people raised their hands in support of extending the plan. While about 20 people spoke up in favor of the extension, Alice Reece was the sole-attendee who spoke against it.
Simons has voiced his disappointment in the way the RDA has been operated since its inception. He has often disagreed with City Administrator Dale Neiman”s interpretation of RDA laws and use of RDA funds. Simons said that there has not been a single project completed through the RDA program and that funds have been misused.
Richard Birk, of Habitat for Humanity, said while he agrees that mistakes have been made, he doesn”t think the entire effort should be dismissed. He said while they are hard to identify, projects have been completed and the need for extending the plan is apparent.
Most agreed that mistakes were made and the RDA was improperly operated in the past, but urged Simons to let go of the past and move forward.
“Give us a chance to make redevelopment work,” Joey Luiz said. “Give me and future leaders a chance to turn this city around.”
Clearlake Police Sgt. Tim Celli said, “Think about the future of our city. Don”t punish us for the mistakes of people who aren”t even here anymore.”
According to Neiman, extension of the plan represents an approximate $40 million in future revenues between the city and the agency. Many said this is money vital to the progress of the city. “If we are going to do anything with this city, there are no other funds large enough to make it happen,” Carl Webb said.
Officer Ryan Peterson, speaking on behalf of the Clearlake Police Officers Association, conveyed support for extending the plan stating that in this current economy, it is essential to look for ways to fund the services the community needs.
The council/redevelopment agency sat as a panel of three on Monday including Mayor Thein and councilmen Simons and Chuck Leonard. Vice Mayor Joyce Overton and Councilman Curt Giambruno recused themselves because they both own property located within the RDA Project Area, which creates a conflict of interest.
The council”s regular meeting scheduled for Thursday was canceled. The next regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. June 24.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
