LAKE COUNTY — With $1 million earmarked in Lake County”s 2010-11 Fiscal Year Budget for addressing Clear Lake algae, aquatic weeds and other water quality issues, the Board of Supervisors conceded Tuesday to form an ad-hoc committee to lead the effort to fix the lake. The committee is to work hand-in-hand with Water Resource Director Scott De Leon.
“No matter what, we have to prepare for the worst next year and hope for the best,” District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith said. “We don”t want to blow the ($1 million) on something that fixes the problem for a week and then it”s there again.”
At the recommendation of Kathy Fowler and George Speake, who have been taking the lead in forming the committee, the board accepted three additional members to the group. Melissa Fulton, executive director of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce and chair of the Clear Lake Advisory Committee (CLAC); Peggy King, constituent of the Fifth District; and Jim Fetzer, constituent of the Third District were appointed.
In the coming weeks, the committee is to develop a format for communicating with the board and De Leon as well as suggestions for moving the committee forward.
The committee is to be focused on combating algae and aquatic weeds. Potential tasks include identifying the best use of the $1 million, possibilities of legislative changes that could assist and provide an ongoing source of funding and developing immediate and long-term solutions to improve the lake”s health and recreational opportunities.
The committee is expected to work with CLAC, which welcomes the public to its next meeting, 9 a.m. to noon Friday in Clearlake City Council Chambers. The ad-hoc committee is scheduled for its first update, 9:45 a.m. Oct. 12 before the Board of Supervisors.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
