CLEARLAKE — Following a lengthy discussion that saw the gavel crash at least twice, the Clearlake City Council directed staff Thursday to work toward the permanent appointment of Craig Clausen as the city”s next chief of police. The discussion, which was out-weighed with comments of support for Clausen, concluded with Mayor Joey Luiz saying he would support no other contract than that with Clausen.
Luiz” sentiments were shared by councilmembers Judy Thein and Curt Giambruno. Vice Mayor Jeri Spittler and Councilwoman Joyce Overton, however, were adamant, the first more so than the latter, that a recruitment process be conducted.
Among the 14 or so people who commented from the public, three voiced support for conducting a recruitment process. The rest offered similar comments commending Clausen for the “exemplary” job he”s done throughout the past 14 months as interim police chief.
Clausen supporters spoke of increased morale within the department since he was put in charge. They also spoke positively of the programs implemented by Clausen since his interim appointment as well his loyalty and “homegrown” investment in the job. “(Clausen) was born in Lake County. He attended Lake County schools. He worked for the Lake County Sheriff. He”s homegrown. This is not a stepping stone for him,” Thein said after dispelling rumors regarding her alleged personal friendship with Clausen. “When Lakeport Police Department hired local: success. When Konocti Unified School District hired local: success. Craig has proven his performance.” Thein received a standing ovation following her words in support of the permanent appointment of Clausen.
Retired law enforcement officer Carl Webb said such an occupation is a “career” rather than just a “job.” He commended Clausen”s long-time service with the department, with which Clausen has been employed since 1997. “You go outside of the department for a chief and you”re telling (the officers) that they aren”t good enough,” Webb said. “We know what we”ve got and (Clausen) should have the job of permanent police chief.” Bob Kiel, who is a 35-year Clearlake resident, said he agreed with Webb”s conclusion. “I would like to see the man put in the job. I want to keep him and I hope everybody else does, too,” he said. Jim Scholz brought up the point that recently “people were screaming ?hire local.””
Luiz also commented on the issue saying the same people now calling for recruitment were those demanding the previous council hire local.
Overton said that it”s her personal opinion that the police department is now the best it”s ever been. However, she said that Clausen was aware that his was appointment was to be on an interim-basis and that recruitment would be “due process.” She indicated that recruitment would contribute to transparency. She later agreed with Luiz” assessment that the evening”s proceedings were providing transparency.
Spittler adamantly opposed foregoing the recruitment process, which Luiz, Thein and Giambruno suggested could be quite costly. At one point, Spittler seemed to begin to divulge information discussed in closed session pertaining to Clausen”s recent performance evaluation.
Clausen cautioned her citing a government code regarding confidentiality. Spittler took the warning as a threat and continued to question the alleged threat throughout the remainder of the discussion to the point that Luiz had to throw the gavel down. He struck it again when Spittler offered an accusatory comment to a member of the public.
City Administrator Joan Phillipe said while it may take a significant amount of time, staff will work toward preparing an employment agreement with Clausen, which will then be brought back to the council in a closed session meeting. Any employment agreement will ultimately require discussion in an open forum before any action for permanent appointment is taken.
