LAKEPORT >> Control of Middletown’s Gibson was transferred to the Lake County government as the board of supervisors approved the proposal at its regular meeting on Tuesday.
Together with the public services’ museum director, Tony Pierucci, department head Lars Ewing had no trouble convincing the board to unanimously pass the motion 5-0.
“The emphasis here is the professional services Tony and his staff can offer the museum,” Ewing said.
The main concern — a $16,000 annual operating cost — was discussed briefly as County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson confirmed $15,000 of that was already in the current budget this fiscal year. The $1,000 remainder, she said, will be considered at the mid-year budget review in January.
In the meantime, the county will execute a memorandum of understanding with the Lake County Historical Society and the Friends of Gibson, outlining their new agreement. The latter will still help raise money for what Pierucci called “above and beyond” projects and events.
“We as a group of citizens in South Lake County will be there to help [with underwriting],” historical society president Voris Brumfield said. “History is important to offer to the community.”
The county will also hire a part time employee at a rate of $10,000 annually to open and close the museum three days a week.
Clayton Fire debris removal
An update on the Clayton Fire was also given at the BOS meeting.
According to Environmental Health Director Ray Ruminski, a total of 80 people have registered for debris removal out of the approximately 200 structures destroyed in the August blaze. Sixty have signed up for the state’s program, which is expected to start Oct. 10.
It was supposed to start sooner, Ruminski said, but there were some negotiation delays with contractors.
The work should take 60 days, he added. The county also wants to start the abatement process soon but it is working out the details.
