LAKEPORT — While the board of supervisors supports the construction of floating islands at Clark”s Island, members aren”t sure if decorative features are essential, or warrant county funding, they said Tuesday.
The five-member council approved supervisor Denise Rushing”s motion to support the existing plan for the floating islands, which will remove pollutants, address storm water runoff and reduce algae. The council also supported the ad hoc committee”s fundraising efforts, which have already garnered more than $5,297 for the project. However, council members were not ready to allocate money for decorative features for the project, which would consist of a bench, lantern and “art feature,” at the bridge to the island.
But the council did agree to finance part of the construction if the public can raise 25 percent of the cost with the stipulation that members get a more detailed illustration of the proposed construction.
“I can appreciate the aesthetics and the art, but I would like the money to go toward the islands (themselves),” supervisor Anthony Farrington said.
Rushing had asked the board to allow some of the unallocated funds available from the County Redevelopment Agency to go toward the construction of the decorative features. These would likely draw more visitors to Clark”s Island and possibly spur tourism, she said.
However, the board wasn”t so sure, and Rushing”s motion to fund the construction of the features with County Redevelopment Agency funds died because it lacked a second.
Contact Olga Munoz at onmunoz@gmail.com or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
