LAKEPORT—The Lakeport City Council approved the processing of summer event applications, including the traditional 4th of July event at Library Park, and moved forward with upcoming grant funded projects as well as the purchase of a police vehicle during their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday.
City Manager Kevin Ingram said on April 2, 2021, updates were made to the COVID-19 Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which eased restrictions on gatherings beginning April 15.
The Lakeport City staff has been working with the Lake County Public Health Department to discuss which events could happen this summer. City staff said Public Health will continue to review each event’s COVID-19 Mitigation Plan and they will be a requirement for city approval of events.
Ingram said Public Health believes that outdoor community events can be conducted safely with proper masking, social distancing and the inclusion of hand-washing stations.
“Limitations remain in place for indoor events, while outdoor events appear to be permitted with the incorporation of masking and social distancing best practices,” Ingram said. “We feel confident we can review these applications appropriately to address the COVID-19 mitigations and practices.”
Enforcement of COVID safety protocols at the events will be the responsibility of the event organizers and the individuals attending the event will be expected to adhere to them, officials said.
Events that have already submitted or will submit applications for this summer are the Library Park Farmer’s Market, Old Time Machines Car Show, Home Amateur Wine Makers Winefest, Lakeport Main Street Association Shop and Dine and the traditional 4th of July event.
The council has already approved the application for the Library Park Farmer’s Market.
By a 4-1 vote, (Councilor Green dissenting) The City Council voted to move forward with the 4th of July event this year with some changes to accommodate COVID-19 best practices. One of these includes the moving of safe and sane fireworks lighting areas.
Officials noted at the meeting that the 4th of July event brings around several thousand people to Library Park in Lakeport.
Staff believes with the incorporation of safe practices, Lakeport can safely hold a 4th of July event in library park officials noted, adding that staff has been looking at various options to make this a safe event for the public to attend.
“Masks would be required and social distancing would be required. It is possible to have the event. Not the same as it has been in the past, but I think we can accommodate it well and get back to some sort of normal proceedings,” Ingram said.
Some adjustments to make the event possible are to broaden the area on which fireworks can be viewed, creating COVID-19 signage, having no alcohol at the event and collaborating with Public Health on a COVID Mitigation plan.
Ingram said he will begin working with Pyro Spectacular to work with them on the firework display. The estimated costs for the event will be just below $22,000 for this year.
Lake County has already moved into the Orange Tier for the COVID-19 Blueprint for a Safer Economy and the state is looking to be fully opened by June 15.
Ingram said Lakeport City staff believes that with proper measures in place, events can take place safely.
“With the proper signage I think we can pull this off,” Lakeport Mayor Kenny Parlet said. “I think this is really going to demand some serious public outreach and education so that everyone knows we are not changing it dramatically we are just spreading it out.”
The City Council also approved the purchase and installment of equipment for a 2021 Dodge Charger patrol vehicle for up to $40,000.
During the April 6, 2021 meeting, the City Council authorized an adjustment to the 2020-21 police budget for the purchase of a vehicle and associated costs.
City Council approved the use of Senate Bill 1 funds on the North Main Street Sidewalk Project and North Main Repaving Project. The city is projected to receive an amount of $93,932 from SB1 funding.
The North Main St Sidewalk Project includes the replacement of curb, gutter and sidewalk to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards. This project will tie in to the Lakefront Park Project.
Public Works Director Douglas Grider said the North Main Repaving Project will have limits from 5th Street to 11th Street. Any remaining monies will be dedicated to miscellaneous roadway maintenance and rehabilitation projects.
“This is something we do every year and is a requirement to receive the SB 1 funds,” Grider said.
Other city council approvals include the submission of an application in the amount of $93,932 for the State community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CDBG-CV).
These funds will be used to purchase and install HVAC equipment, and appurtenant equipment for the Silveira Community Center.
