CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Clearlake City Hall Council Chambers
14050 Olympic Dr, Clearlake, CA
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Regular Meeting 6:00 PM
MINUTES
A. ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Russ Cremer
Vice Mayor Dirk Slooten
Councilmember Tara Downey
Councilmember Jessica Hooten
Councilmember Mary Wilson
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. INVOCATION/MOMENT OF SILENCE
D. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Vice Mayor Slooten, Seconded by Councilmember Wilson.
Voting Yea: Mayor Cremer, Vice Mayor Slooten, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Hooten, Councilmember Wilson
E. PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of May's Adoptable Dogs
2. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring May 18 - 24, 2025 as Public Works Week
3. Presentation of an Update on Proposition 36 by Chief Hobbs F. PUBLIC COMMENT
Frank Costner spoke regarding upgrades to the Konocti Water Treatment Plant and invited the Council to tour the upgraded facility.
Steve Maddox spoke regarding enforcement of Redbud Park closing hours. He stated there are individuals causing disturbances there.
Barbara Christwitz spoke regarding grocery cart retrievals. She stated Citizens Caring for Clearlake is unable to continue cleaning up the abandoned carts being left around the town.
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Bruce Robinson spoke regarding a fundraiser coming on the weekend to raise funds tor animal care.
Joyce Overton stated that City Manager Flora has done a great job during his tenure with the City.
She also stated animal control is improving.
Kathy (last name unintelligible) stated that animal control is working hard to serve the community and that everyone should work together to succeed.
Stephanie Hummel spoke regarding wanting to know about items on the consent calendar.
G. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion made by Vice Mayor Slooten, Seconded by Councilmember Hooten.
Voting Yea: Mayor Cremer, Vice Mayor Slooten, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Hooten, Councilmember Wilson
4. Minutes
Recommended Action: Receive and file
5. Warrants
Recommended Action: Receive and file
6. Continuation of Director of Emergency Services/City Manager Proclamation Declaring a Local Emergency for Winter Storms
Recommended Action: Continue declaration of emergency
7. Continuation of Director of Emergency Services/City Manager Proclamation Declaring a Local Emergency for the Boyles Fire
Recommended Action: Continue declaration of emergency
8. Adoption of Update to Resolution 2024-15, HOME Application to Increase the Requested Notto-Exceed Amount to $10,200,000; Resolution 2025-18 Recommended Action: Adopt resolution
9. Update to City Council Meeting Calendar to Include June 19th as a Regular City Council Meeting Date
Recommended Action: Approve updated meeting calendar
H. PUBLIC HEARING
10. Discussion and Consideration of Ordinance 281-2025, An Ordinance to Designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the Local Responsibility Are as Required by State Law Recommended Action: Hold First Reading of the Ordinance, Read it by Title Only, Waive Further Reading and Set Second Reading and Adoption for the Next Council Meeting.
City Manager Flora gave the staff report.
Mayor Cremer opened the public hearing at 6:55 PM.
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Frank Costner asked what can be done about the fire hazards in the Avenues.
Joyce Overton asked the Council to adopt the single designation map as presented.
Stephanie Hummel spoke regarding cleanup of fire hazards in the city. She asked questions of staff.
Bruno Sabatier spoke regarding the need to take grassroots action to have the State reconsider the mapping results.
Margaret Garcia asked questions of staff and stated that the map is unrealistic.
Kathy Barnwell's emailed statement was read aloud.
The Council closed the public hearing at 6:50 unanimous by voice vote.
Motion to adopt the map as issued by the State of California.
Motion made by Vice Mayor Slooten, Seconded by Councilmember Downey.
Voting Yea: Mayor Cremer, Vice Mayor Slooten, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Hooten, Councilmember Wilson
11. Public Hearing to Consider Closeout of Community Development Block Grant Covid 2/3 Funds for the Senior Community Center Upgrades; Resolution No. 2025-19 Recommended Action: Adopt resolution and authorize the City Manager to finalize the closeout process
City Manager Flora gave the staff report. He stated there was no resolution needed, just Council action to authorize the closeout.
Mayor Cremer opened the public hearing at 7:15PM.
Joyce Overton clarified the number of people served.
The Council voted unanimously to close the public hearing at 7:17 PM.
Motion made by Councilmember Downey, Seconded by Councilmember Wilson.
Voting Yea: Mayor Cremer, Vice Mayor Slooten, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Hooten, Councilmember Wilson
12. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Fees Related to Ordinance No. 280-2025, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Clearlake Authorizing Bingo Games for Charitable Purposes Only; Resolution No. 2025-20
Recommended Action: Adopt resolution
Director Swanson gave the staff report.
Mayor Cremer opened the public hearing at 7:22 PM.
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Joyce Overton asked clarification on the details of the ordinance and was answered by staff.
Margaret Garcia asked for clarification on the game language and was answered by staff.
The Council voted to close the public hearing at 7:25 PM by unanimous vote.
Motion made by Vice Mayor Slooten, Seconded by Councilmember Hooten.
Voting Yea: Mayor Cremer, Vice Mayor Slooten, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Hooten, Councilmember Wilson
I. BUSINESS
13. Discussion and Consideration of Letters of Opposition of SB 226 (Cabaldon) Community College Territory Transfers
Recommended Action: Approve Letter(s) and Authorize the Mayor to Sign Director Swanson gave the staff report.
Council Member Wilson recused herself due to being employed by Yuba College District at 7:30PM. She returned at 7:55 PM after the item was complete.
Motion made by Vice Mayor Slooten, Seconded by Councilmember Hooten.
Voting Yea: Mayor Cremer, Vice Mayor Slooten, Councilmember Downey, Councilmember Hooten
Voting Abstaining: Councilmember Wilson
14. Presentation and Discussion Regarding Safe Routes to Schools Plans for Burns Valley and Pomo Elementary Schools
Recommended Action: Receive Presentation
There was no action taken by Council on this item.
J. CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
K. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Vice Mayor Slooten asked for and received consensus of the Council to have a presentation by Northern Rural Energy Council and a discussion on a letter to the State Fire Marshall regarding LRA Fire Map.
L. CLOSED SESSION
(15) Conference with Legal Counsel: Existing Litigation: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): Case No. CV-425596: City of Clearlake v. Highlands Mutual Water Company, et al., Lake County Superior Court
(16) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Title: City Manager
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M. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION
There was no action taken in closed session.
N. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.
Melissa Swanson, Administrative Services Director/City Clerk