Lake County Recreation Task Force advances joint powers authority for new facilities

The Clearlake City Council convened on January 19, 2023, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on the ongoing efforts to establish a countywide recreation district through a Joint Powers Authority (JPA). City Manager Alan Flora provided an update on the progress made thus far, highlighting the collaboration among three entities that have engaged Jones Hall as bond counsel and NHA as a municipal advisor. These firms previously assisted with the Measure V debt financing proposal.

Flora reported that a term sheet for the JPA is being finalized, with legal departments currently reviewing the agreement. The council anticipates bringing the JPA proposal to each jurisdiction for approval in February, which would allow for the appointment of representatives to the JPA board. The initial plan includes constructing two recreation facilities—one at Burns Valley Sports Complex and another at Westside Park in Lakeport—while also pursuing grant funding to support these projects.

The council is preparing to engage a polling firm to gauge community support for the proposed funding mechanisms, which may include bonds or special taxes. Council Member Overton expressed concerns regarding the feasibility of passing bonds, suggesting that homeowners may prefer a special tax instead. Flora confirmed that the polling will assess the acceptability of various funding options before any decisions are made.

Discussion also touched on the feasibility studies attached to the agenda, with Council Member Kramer questioning the differences between the two studies. Flora clarified that while the second study provided more specific details about the proposed sites, the overall conclusions remained similar.

Council Member Slooten raised concerns about potential flood zones affecting some proposed locations and questioned the financial implications of the polling process. Flora reassured the council that the phased approach to polling aims to determine community support before committing significant resources.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of community engagement and the need for careful consideration of funding strategies as the council moves forward with the recreation district initiative. The next steps will involve finalizing the JPA agreement and preparing for the upcoming polling to assess community sentiment ahead of the May 2024 ballot deadlines.