City council reviews PG&E agreement for community center emergency use

During the Clearlake City Council meeting on September 15, 2022, a significant discussion centered around an amendment to the agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) regarding the use of the community senior center as a resource center during emergencies. This amendment aims to expand the facility's use beyond Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events to include other emergency situations.

City Manager Greg Flora explained that the original agreement allowed PG&E to operate a community resource center solely during PSPS events, where residents could access essential services like charging devices and obtaining water. However, PG&E has requested to modify this agreement to accommodate additional emergency scenarios, which could include situations like severe weather events or other power outages.

Council members expressed concerns about ensuring that the primary function of the center as an emergency evacuation shelter remains intact. Councilman Kramer emphasized the need for language in the agreement that prioritizes the center's use for evacuation purposes over PG&E's resource center operations. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the facility's original intent, which was established with significant community contributions and volunteer efforts.

Vice Mayor Purdock and other council members echoed these sentiments, seeking clarity on what constitutes an emergency event beyond PSPS situations. They discussed the potential for conflicts between PG&E's needs and the community's emergency requirements, particularly during large-scale evacuations.

PG&E representatives assured the council that they would only activate the resource center under the direction of the Lake County Office of Emergency Services (OES) and would not require the use of the facility's shower or restroom facilities, as they would provide portable restrooms during their operations.

The council ultimately agreed on the necessity of including explicit language in the agreement to ensure that emergency evacuation needs take precedence over PG&E's resource center operations. This amendment reflects the council's commitment to prioritizing community safety while also accommodating the utility's role in emergency management.

As the council moves forward, the anticipated next steps include drafting the revised agreement with the requested priority language, ensuring that the community's needs remain at the forefront during emergencies. The discussions highlighted the delicate balance between utility operations and community safety, a critical consideration for Clearlake residents.