LAKEPORT — The Lakeport City Council Tuesday approved allowing commercial vendors in Library Park during the upcoming Clearlake Performing Arts wine tasting event.
The council, sitting without member Roy Parmentier, made the unanimous decision during a one-hour regular meeting at Lakeport City Hall.
The applicant requested the council allow vendors to set up in the park by approving an amendment to the previously approved application, which called for the vendors to set up on Park Street during the June 25 event.
Last year was the first time the annual event was held in Lakeport and some vendors complained to the group about having to set up on the street, according to City Clerk Janel Chapman.
Commercial vending in city parklands is not allowed unless specifically approved by the council.
The council approved the application amendment but indicated commercial vending in the park would only be allowed on a case-by-case basis. Council members said they would review the June 25 event after the fact to gauge the effects of sales in the park.
Mayor Suzanne Lyons later asked the council to consider allowing a commercial vendor near the city”s boat ramps under the condition that the person would inspect water vessels for proper stickers.
Lyons said there was no vendor in mind, but she envisioned the person possibly selling
sunscreen, visors, kayak rentals or similar outdoor products.
Having an independent citizen stationed at the ramps to monitor watercrafts would serve as a pilot program for the city as it looks for ways to enforce the new quagga mussel ordinance, the mayor said.
“Boats are getting on the lake that have not been screened,” Lyons said.
Councilman Bob Rumfelt called the proposal “a bad idea,” saying he did not want the city to rush into independent efforts while the countywide volunteer program is in place and trying to get going this summer.
City Manager Margaret Silveira suggested a committee be created to develop criteria under which a vendor could be considered.
The council decided to ease into creating a new program, voting 3-1 to direct staff to investigate the concept along with other available options rather than approving of the vendor idea on Tuesday. Lyons dissented, expressing her desire for an immediate plan.
“We”re with you. We just want to do it right,” councilman Tom Engstrom told Lyons.
Chief-of-Police Brad Rasmussen introduced two new Lakeport Police Department (LPD) personnel members to the council.
Gary Basor joined the LPD as a police officer several weeks ago and has 15 years of law enforcement experience, Rasmussen said. Gerald “Jerry” Wilson is a new department volunteer with seven years of emergency preparedness experience, the chief said.
Contact Jeremy Walsh at jwalsh@record-bee.com or call him at 263-5636, ext. 37.
