LAKEPORT— The Lake County Board of Supervisors held their weekly meeting on Tuesday at the county courthouse and also online via zoom. They discussed the plans and bidding process for the Lucerne Harbor Dredging Project as well as an agreement with Black Dog DESIGNS for a Trails Website.
Lars Ewing, director of Public Services presented plans for the Lucerne Harbor Dredging Project seeking approval to begin the formal bidding process. District 3 Supervisor Eddie Crandell said, “I appreciate you working through this, giving updates to our town hall, I’m glad that we’re here.”
Ewing responded “There were obstacles along the way that weren’t anticipated but we’ve certainly learned from those.” He continued to explain that if approved the bidding process will begin soon after and construction will take place within an authorized time that will not disrupt the hitch’s seasonal cycles. District 4 Supervisor Michael Green noted “We are here to approve the plans and specs, they are not posted with the agenda item. I will be moving ahead today but it is awkward for any agenda item when we are asked to approve something we haven’t seen.” Ewing responded that it has always been their practice to with hold project plans from the public that have yet to be bid on. The plans were approved in a 4 to 1 vote with Supervisor Green dissenting.
In other actions, the supervisors considered an agreement with Black Dog DESIGNS for a trails website, for an amount not to exceed $31,559 and authorize the chair to sign. Deputy County Administrative Officer Ben Rickleman presented this item illustrating what the trails website would look like as well as its benefits and total cost for three years. Ideally the county would continue this contract after the three years after ensuring its economic efficiency. The board agreed there were not a lot of current options for finding recreational resources in Lake County. The board approved the item.
The board also took action in closed session hiring Pawan Upadhyay, PhD, as Water Resources Director, Effective July 1. According to a release from the county, “He will succeed Scott De Leon, who has concurrently served as Public Works and Water Resources Director and is retiring following nearly 23 total years of County service.” The release continues noting “Dr. Upadhyay most recently served as Water Resources Director for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes in Owyhee, Nevada, where he managed a $10 million annual budget, and supervised 24 staff.” Dr. Upadyhyay shared “Clear Lake is Lake County’s defining feature, and it must be thoughtfully managed. Further, few communities present similar opportunity to deepen our collective understanding of how water resources contribute and respond to broader ecological trends. This is a special opportunity, and I look forward to contributing as Water Resources Director.”
The board meetings are held every Tuesday at 9 a.m. and more information including agendas and video are available on the county website www.lakecountyca.gov.
