CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Clearlake City Hall Council Chambers
14050 Olympic Dr, Clearlake, CA
Thursday, May 07, 2026
Regular Meeting 6:00 PM
MINUTES
A. ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Dirk Slooten
Vice Mayor Tara Downey
Councilmember Russ Cremer
Councilmember Jessica Hooten
Councilmember Mary Wilson
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. INVOCATION/MOMENT OF SILENCE
D. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Councilmember Cremer.
Voting Yea: Mayor Slooten, Vice Mayor Downey, Councilmember Cremer, Councilmember Hooten, Councilmember Wilson
E. PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring May 3-9, 2026 as Small Business Week
2. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring May 11 - 17, 2026 as Police Week
3. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring May 3 - 9, 2026 as Public Service Recognition Week
4. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring May 2026 as Military Appreciation Month
5. Presentation from Lower Lake High School Statistics and Probability Class Blue Zones Project F. PUBLIC COMMENT
Willie Long spoke regarding a homeless camp behind the American Legion building on Austin Road.
Crystal Pack spoke regarding her public records request for records surrounding a code enforcement issue at her property.
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Margaret Garcia spoke regarding people who loiter late at night at the Safeway grocery store parking lot.
G. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion made by Vice Mayor Downey, Seconded by Councilmember Cremer.
Voting Yea: Mayor Slooten, Vice Mayor Downey, Councilmember Cremer, Councilmember Hooten, Councilmember Wilson
6. Award of Contract for the Senior Center Exterior Repair Project Recommended Action: Authorize City Manager to enter into a contract with Bridges Construction for the Senior Center Exterior Repair Project and authorize the City Manager to approve up to 10% for additional unforeseen contract amendments.
7. Warrants
Recommended Action: Receive and file
8. Minutes
Recommended Action: Receive and file
H. PUBLIC HEARING
9. Discussion and Consideration of Resolution 2026-14 Authorizing the Extension of the Temporary Road Closure of Certain Roads, to Reduce Illegal Dumping and to Protect the Environment, and Public Health and Welfare
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution 2026-14
Director Leyba and Lieutenant Peterson gave the staff report.
Mayor Slooten opened the public hearing at 6:42 p.m.
Christina Tapia spoke against the closure.
Mayor Slooten closed the public hearing at 6:47 p.m.
Motion made by Councilmember Cremer, Seconded by Vice Mayor Downey.
Voting Yea: Mayor Slooten, Vice Mayor Downey, Councilmember Cremer, Councilmember Hooten, Councilmember Wilson
I. BUSINESS
10. Presentation of the Public Education and Government Television Annual Board Report Supervisor Sabatier gave the Annual Report. There was no action taken by Council on this item.
11. Discussion and Consideration of Actions Regarding Concerns with the Lake County Sanitation District
Recommended Action: Direction to Staff
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City Manager Flora gave the staff report.
Motion to direct staff to take the actions recommended in the staff report.
Motion made by Councilmember Cremer, Seconded by Vice Mayor Downey.
Voting Yea: Mayor Slooten, Vice Mayor Downey, Councilmember Cremer, Councilmember Hooten, Councilmember Wilson
J. CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
K. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
L. CLOSED SESSION
(12) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION- Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): 9 potential cases Claimants: Joseph Ross; Mayra Ornate Solis, et al; Melissa Smith; Antonio Martinez Gomez; Jose Lupe; James Anderson; Robert Courtois, et al; Felipe Godinez, et al; Karen Fossler, et al; - Claims related to the Robin Lane sewage spill, Clearlake Motion to deny claims.
Motion made by Mayor Slooten, Seconded by Vice Mayor Downey.
Voting Yea: Mayor Slooten, Vice Mayor Downey, Councilmember Cremer, Councilmember Hooten, Councilmember Wilson
(13) Conference with Labor Negotiators: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6: Agency designated representatives: City Manager Flora, Administrative Services Director Swanson; Employee Organization: Clearlake Police Officers Association; Clearlake Municipal Employees Association; Clearlake Middle Management Association
(14) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4): (1 case)
M. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION
There were no further actions taken in closed session.
N. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Melissa Swanson, Administrative Services Director/City Clerk