CLEARLAKE — It was standing room only Thursday when the City of Clearlake saw a changing of the guard. Council chambers filled beyond capacity as many witnessed the departure of Councilmembers Chuck Leonard and Roy Simons and the welcoming of new-elects Joey Luiz and Jeri Spittler. Thursday”s session also included several recognitions for jobs well done as well as the appointments of the 2011 mayor and vice mayor.
Joyce Overton will serve as mayor in the coming year while Luiz was selected to serve as vice mayor. Both appointments were made on 3-2 vote counts with councilmembers Judy Thein and Curt Giambruno voting in opposition in both actions.
The evening”s program began with staff recognitions honoring city hall staff, public works and police department employees. “All of our employees of the City of Clearlake, which include the police department, public works and city hall have worked very hard this year. It has been a difficult year as they have been asked to do more with fewer resources,” Mayor Thein said. “They never complained. They stepped up to the plate and proudly met the many challenges with integrity and fortitude. Our family of employees within the City of Clearlake are the best of the best. We would like to honor them tonight with proclamations expressing our appreciation.” Public Works Supervisor Doug Herren and crew member Chuck Davis accepted the proclamation on behalf of the department. In presenting it, Thein said it is difficult to list all the tasks performed by the Public Works Department identifying the staff as “jacks of all trades.”
City Clerk Melissa Swanson, who was sworn into an another term Thursday, spoke with high regard of the women who joined her at the podium to accept the proclamation recognizing Clearlake City Hall staff as did Thein. “These are the smiling faces you see when you come into city hall,” Thein said. “They handle all of the administration. They are the foundation of city hall, keeping us going.”
Members of the Clearlake Police Department including officers, dispatchers, support staff and an Explorer cadet and the chief gathered around Thein as she recognized them for their service to the city and its residents. “These are the men and women who are on the front lines, surrounding our city with safety and protection so that we can be safe,” she said. “Everyday they put their lives on the line for ours.”
Outgoing councilmen Simons and Leonard were recognized for their service to the city and presented with plaques commemorating their representation on the Clearlake City Council. Simons, who often voiced his disagreement with the assessments of other councilmembers and city staff said in accepting the award that he would apologize by saying, “I won”t do it again.” It appeared all in the room agreed the comment was humorous as laughter filled the chamber.
Leonard extended his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the community concluding his expression of gratitude with acknowledgement of his wife Vicki, whom he thanked for standing by him throughout his tenure.
Mayor Thein and Vice Mayor Overton exchanged plaques commemorating their respective services to the city as well.
Special recognitions concluded with that of Police Chief Allan McClain, who will leave the service of the city on Dec. 30. “Chief McClain and the members of his police department set on their journey together to transform a once turbulent department into a strong police department that would gain the respect of the community,” Thein said. “Chief McClain, you have succeeded in building a department that now meets the needs of the employees, our community and city government.” Thein continued, “Your 29 years of law enforcement experience helped to instill professionalism, integrity, loyalty and accountability within the police department as these attributes are now continuously generating within our community. Under your tenure, a strong police/community partnership developed.”
McClain and his wife Tammy, who was thanked with a bouquet of flowers for sharing her husband with the city, plan to retire to the State of Hawaii. The Clearlake City Council will meet again in January.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
