CLEARLAKE — While appointments were made to the Clearlake Planning Commission Thursday, appointment to the position of City Treasurer was postponed by consensus of the Clearlake City Council.
The council selected among four applicants in filling the two open planning commission seats. Incumbent Albert Bernal, who has served the commissioner position for the past four years, gained re-appointment with unanimous support of the council. Alvaro Valencia, a local businessman, was appointed to fill the second seat by majority vote including those cast by Mayor Joyce Overton, Vice Mayor Joey Luiz and Councilwoman Jeri Spittler.
Councilmembers Judy Thein and Curt Giambruno”s second votes went to Bob Gordon, who had served the position formerly on several occassions. The fourth applicant was Estella Creel.
The council recieved six applications for consideration of appointment to the City Treasurer position. However, appointment was carried over to an undetermined date in order that a recommendation for re-defining the position be brought before the council prior to any action. Inadequacies in the description of duties defined by city municipal code were brought to attention by Thein. Thein said the ordinance was created 30 years ago and hasn”t changed despite the many duty changes that have occurred throughout the years. According to Thein, the creation of new city staff positions, such as a finance director and accounting support staff were identified and created as the city progressed. She said as a result, reassignment of various duties, including some pertaining to that of the city treasurer, were implemented.
Thein”s recommendation to postpone action and re-define the job description was supported by consensus of the council. As recommended by Interim City Administrator Stephen Albright, the council is expected to contact the applicants and inform them of the postponement in appointment.
Applicants to the city treasurer position include Mark Bredt, writer; Glen Gillham, former machinist and machine programmer; Lacey Green-Deas, legal staff supervisor; Jana Saccato, volunteer bookkeeper; Jamee Schadlick, bookkeeper, CRTP; and Evelyn Zientek, child care provider.
Duties of the city treasurer will remain the responsibility of City Clerk Melissa Swanson until such time an appointment is made. Duties were delegated to Swanson by action of the council in November in accordance with city code.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
