CLEARLAKE — Clearlake Mayor Joyce Overton announced Thursday, following closed session that a settlement agreement between the Sierra Club and city Redevelopment Agency (RDA) and developers KK Raphel Properties, LLC has been reached.
Primary points related to the settlement, which as of Friday was not public record pending official filing by the Sierra Club, include the following six major points: rescinding of the approved mitigated negative declaration and disposition and development agreement; proceeding with purchase and sale agreement for the property, which is the former airport site, between the RDA and KK Raphel; and proceeding with the process to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
Additionally, the Sierra Club agrees to dismiss the lawsuit within five days after the rescinding of the mitigated negative declaration, which Interim City Administrator Steve Albright said the RDA is expected to consider on May 26. Albright said that both sides agree to follow all planning rules in considering a project for the site.
The final point of interests requires KK Raphel to pay the Sierra Club”s attorney fees in the amount of approximately $15,900.
“Assuming that the board acts on May 26, the final agreement should be signed, sealed and delivered by the first week in June,” Albright said.
Continuing with the evening”s regular agenda, the council heard a presentation by Bruno Sabatier, of the Lake County Pride Foundation, introducing “Power to the Youth” event scheduled for June 11 in
Clearlake. Sabatier was initially requesting an insurance waiver for the event; however, Overton announced prior to Sabatier beginning his presentation that the insurance issue has been taken care of.
According to Sabatier, Power to the Youth is intended to be an inclusive-type event, with a variety of multi-cultural bands scheduled to perform. He said that event activities will be aimed at guests 5 to 25-years of age; however, all will be welcomed. The event will take place at Austin Park.
“The event is aimed to entertain as well as inspire and educate the youth of our city,” Sabatier stated. “We will have booths from local non-profit groups offering food, college information, employment information, voting registration and more. For the kids, we will have inflatable bouncy houses, face painting and much more to keep them entertained.”
Sabatier said highlights of the event include a 2-on-2 basketball tournament and a skatepark competition. Vendors and sponsors are being sought. For more information call Sabatier at 994-4771.
The council also heard an update report on police department programs and calls for service. Report highlights described by Interim Chief of Police Craig Clausen included the following:
? Explorer Program: Currently there are six youth engaged in the
Explorer Program, which is led by Detective Ryan Peterson. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. every other Monday. Clausen said the Explorers assist in many ways especially in events that involve children and child safety. Youth 14 and older are invited to participate.
? Volunteers in Policing (VIP): Clausen said VIPs have logged 12,345 volunteer hours since 2007. In 2010/11 Fiscal Year, VIPs logged 3,431 hours. He said the VIPs are instrumental in providing services that free up officers for emergency response.
? Dispatchers: Clausen said dispatchers average about 138 calls per day. He said in 2010, dispatchers fielded 50,260 calls, which he said equates to an average of 4,500 apiece between the five dispatchers currently on staff.
? Investigation: Clausen said the investigation department is currently operating with two full time detectives, who handle lead investigations and two part time detectives, who handle elder abuse cases, background checks and internal affairs investigations.
? Graffiti Removal Incentive Program (GRIP): Clausen said Officer Lauren Vance is leading an effort to re-establish the GRIP. He said Four Corners Builder”s Supply and Mendo Mill and Lumber have donated paint and supplies to begin the effort to cover graffiti blighting the city. He said the biggest delay in the program at present is getting property owner to return the permission slips allowing graffiti removal on their properties. He said the program is expected to launch on May 28.
In other city news, a part of its consent agenda, the council continued a public hearing to consider approving a 1 percent MediaCom pass-through fee to be used to support the Public Education and Government (PEG) Channel to the council”s next regular meeting, 6 p.m. May 26.
The council will entertain a special meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday, for a public hearing for the consideration of adopting regulations on medical marijuana distribution facilities in the city.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at clearlakeobserver.com or call directly at 994-6444, ext. 14.
