City Council Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingClearlake, CA · May 15, 2025
Minutes
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.
May 15, 2025 Page. 2
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 Not-
to-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.
May 15, 2025 Page. 3
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.
May 15, 2025 Page. 4
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
May 15, 2025 Page. 5
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
Agenda
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Clearlake City Hall Council Chambers
14050 Olympic Dr, Clearlake, CA
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Regular Meeting 6:00 PM
The City Council meetings are viewable in person in the Council Chambers, via livestreaming on the
City’s YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTyifT_nKS-3woxEu1ilBXA) or “Lake
County PEG TV Live Stream” at https://www.youtube.com/user/LakeCountyPegTV/featured and the
public may participate through Zoom at the link listed below. The public will not be allowed to provide
verbal comment during the meeting if attending via Zoom. The public can submit comments in writing
for City Council consideration by commenting via the Q&A function in the Zoom platform or by sending
comments to the Administrative Services Director/City Clerk at mswanson@clearlake.ca.us. To give
the City Council adequate time to review your comments, you must submit your written emailed
comments prior to 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
AGENDA
MEETING PROCEDURES: All items on agenda will be open for public comments before final action is
taken. Citizens wishing to introduce written material into the record at the public meeting on any item
are requested to provide a copy of the written material to the Administrative Services Director/City Clerk
prior to the meeting date so that the material may be distributed to the City Council prior to the meeting.
Speakers must restrict comments to the item as it appears on the agenda and stay within a three minutes
time limit. The Mayor has the discretion of limiting the total discussion time for an item.
Pursuant to Senate Bill 1100 and the City Council Norms and Procedures, any member of the public
making personal, impertinent, and/or slanderous or profane remarks, or who becomes boisterous or
belligerent while addressing the City Council, staff or general public, or while attending the City Council
meeting and refuses to come to order at the direction of the Mayor/Presiding Officer, shall be removed
from the Council Chambers or the Zoom by the sergeant-at-arms or the City Clerk and may be barred
from further attendance before the Council during that meeting. Unauthorized remarks from the
audience, stamping of feet, whistles, yells, and similar demonstrations shall not be permitted by the
Mayor/Presiding Officer. The Mayor/Presiding Officer may direct the sergeant-at-arms to remove such
offenders from the room.
May 15, 2025 Page. 2
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA) REQUESTS
If you need disability related modification, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in this meeting, please
contact Melissa Swanson, Administrative Services Director/City Clerk at the Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic
Drive, Clearlake, California 95422, phone (707) 994-8201, ext 106, or via email at mswanson@clearlake.ca.us at
least 72 hours prior to the meeting, to allow time to provide for special accommodations.
AGENDA REPORTS
Staff reports for each agenda item are available for review at www.clearlake.ca.us. Any writings or documents
pertaining to an open session item provided to a majority of the City Council less than 72 hours prior to the
meeting, shall be made available for public inspection on the City’s website at www.clearlake.ca.us.
Zoom Link:
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://clearlakeca.zoom.us/s/89903393920?pwd=PN7ZBnJexBVIbkZ1xat2gmgGV2gXpu.1
Passcode:024684
Webinar ID: 899 0339 3920
A. ROLL CALL
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. INVOCATION/MOMENT OF SILENCE: The City Council invites members of the clergy, as well as
interested members of the public in the City of Clearlake, to voluntarily offer an invocation before
the beginning of its meetings for the benefit and blessing of the City Council. This opportunity is
voluntary and invocations are to be less than three minutes, offered in a solemn and respectful tone,
and directed at the City Council. Invocational speakers who do not abide by these simple rules of
respect and brevity shall be given a warning and/or not invited back to provide a subsequent
invocation for a reasonable period of time, as determined appropriate by the City. This policy is not
intended, and shall not be implemented or construed in any way, to affiliate the City Council with,
nor express the City Council's preference for, any faith or religious denomination. Rather, this policy
is intended to acknowledge and express the City Council's respect for the diversity of religious
denominations and faith represented and practiced among the citizens of Clearlake. If a scheduled
invocational speaker does not appear at the scheduled meeting, the Mayor will ask that the City
Council observe a moment of silence in lieu of the invocation. More information about the City's
invocation policy is available upon request by contacting the Administrative Services Director/City
Clerk at (707) 994-8201x106 or via email at mswanson@clearlake.ca.us.
D. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA (This is the time for agenda modifications.)
E. PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of May's Adoptable Dogs
May 15, 2025 Page. 3
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: This is the time for any member of the public to address the City Council on any
matter not on the agenda that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City. The Brown Act,
with limited exceptions, does not allow the Council or staff to discuss issues brought forth under
Public Comment. The Council cannot take action on non-agenda items. Concerns may be referred to
staff or placed on the next available agenda. Please note that comments from the public will also be
taken on each agenda item. Comments shall be limited to three (3) minutes per person.
G. CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in nature
and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a
member of the Council requests otherwise, or if staff has requested a change under Adoption of the
Agenda, in which case the item will be removed for separate consideration. Any item so removed will
be taken up following the motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
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 Not-
to-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.
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
May 15, 2025 Page. 4
Recommended Action: Adopt resolution and authorize the City Manager to finalize the
closeout process
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
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
14. Presentation and Discussion Regarding Safe Routes to Schools Plans for Burns Valley and
Pomo Elementary Schools
Recommended Action: Receive Presentation
J. CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
K. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
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
M. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION
N. ADJOURNMENT
POSTED: May 9, 2025
BY:
Melissa Swanson, Administrative Services Director/City Clerk
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