The Lake County Board of Supervisors is committed to moving Lake County forward. Tuesday’s meeting included multiple decisions that meaningfully acted on the community’s Vision 2028 priorities, adopted by the Board in April 2018. Chairman Moke Simon took time to offer his thoughts on a high impact day for the Board.
“Cleaning up our neighborhoods through targeted Code Enforcement is one of the pillars of our Economic Development strategy,” noted Simon. “Better cared for homes mean safer communities, whether it is cleaning up trash and fighting blight or doing [hazardous vegetation] abatements, to limit fire risk. There’s more to be done, but that’s progress!”
“Fostering a business-friendly environment” and “Pursuing funding to strengthen communities” were on the agenda, as well. Says Simon:
“Cannabis is a new industry here, and people talk about the tax revenue, but our board has to look at all [aspects]. We voted to submit an application for Type 1 Cannabis Equity Grant funding. [The work that grant could enable] will give us a better understanding of how to use Cannabis funds to support our communities. It will also open the door for more infusions of State money into our local economy.”
The board additionally moved to deny an appeal that had sought to block development of a Grocery Outlet store at the intersection of Highway 29 and Hartmann Road in Middletown, near Hidden Valley Lake, one of Lake County’s most densely populated communities:
“We’re moving in a positive direction, creating jobs and opportunities in South County, and building our property tax base in the process. A lot of people are driving out of the area right now to shop, too, and Grocery Outlet will help us capture some of those dollars.”
“I’m also excited by the plans the folks behind this Grocery Outlet have to invest in workers. They have already shown they’re here to be positive contributors to our community, and they have made a point to connect with [Middletown Area Town Hall] and [the Middletown Area Merchants Association].”
Simon senses the board is ready to leap forward on economic development.
Tuesday also saw progress toward Vision 2028’s call to “Enhance Public Safety,” with the Board’s adoption of Resolution 2020-21, enabling expansion of the existing helipad at the Boggs Mountain Helitack Base. Shares Simon:
“It was front page news when the state bought a dozen large helicopters providing new capacity, including the ability to fight fires at night. Having one of those stationed in Lake County would be huge, and our vote is a major step toward making that a reality. The local Airport Land Use Commission supported it, and it’s [consistent with] our goals to create Firewise communities, and build our capacity, in collaboration with CAL FIRE.”
Video footage of Tuesday’s Board meeting can be viewed at: https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
More information on the County’s long-term priorities can be found at: http://www.lakecountyca.gov/vision/
—Submitted
