LAKEPORT >> Issues regarding Lake County Vector Control District plans to expand its facilities were discussed by the Lakeport City Council during it’s most recent meeting, in advance of a public meeting on the matter set for April.
According to Lakeport Community Development Director Kevin Ingram, the project has three-parts. The first and second being general plan and zoning amendments, followed by an environmental review.
Lake County Vector Control District Manager and Research Director Jamesina Scott said the request was to consolidate four parcels owned by the districts, three of which have been used and owned by district for more than 60 years, and one that was purchased at auction in 2011. The fourth parcel is currently zoned as resort residential.
Originally discussed during two public hearings held by the Lakeport Planning Commission on Nov. 12 and Jan. 14, the amendments, as well as a proposed expansion, do not sit well with neighbors of the facility. The commission eventually approved the amendments with a 3-1 vote, with commissioner Ross Kauper dissenting. Commissioner Suzanne Russell was absent during the second public hearing.
Lakeport residents commenting on the plan were generally in opposition. For instance, Ron and Barbara Birch cited Lake County Vector Control’s use of a “temporary dirt gravel parking lot,” which they claim is unpermitted.
“It says in their plans that they are going to continue to use that until the year 2017,” Ron Birch added.
Additionally, the couple claimed that the use of the parking lot, which was previously rezoned as Public and Civic Use (PCU), is against the city’s zoning ordinance and increases the likelihood of vehicle collisions.
Barbara Birch told the council that “the entire west side of our property will be boxed in by their walls,” should the expansion be approved.
“Vector Control has grown to the state where they should no longer be allowed to expand in a residential downtown area,” Ron Birch said.
Phil Murphy, a former member of the district’s board of trustees, suggested Lake County Vector Control change locations, as “there is no benefit to the city to have that facility there.”
Scott said she would hold most of her comments until the public hearing.
“If the zoning and general plan amendments are not adopted … then nothing will change,” Scott said.
“As for the preliminary plans, they are just that – preliminary,” Scott continued.
The only action taken by the council was the scheduling of a public hearing regarding the issue, which will be held during its April 7 meeting.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
