Keith Ahardt urges city council to improve utility coordination for development planning

Public comment took center stage at the Clearlake City Council meeting on April 4, 2024, as Keith Hayart from Golden State Water Company addressed concerns regarding coordination among local water districts. Hayart emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that while his company meets regularly with Lower Lake Water and the Fire District, the city has not been consistently involved in these discussions.

He pointed out that previous invitations to city council staff for these meetings were dropped due to low attendance. Hayart urged the council to include water companies in planning discussions for new developments, highlighting that effective coordination is crucial for addressing water and fire-related needs early in the planning process.

The council also moved forward with the consent agenda, which passed unanimously, and discussed the second reading of an ordinance related to fire mitigation fees. The meeting underscored the ongoing need for improved communication between the city and utility providers to enhance community services and safety.