Clearlake oversight committee backs staff materials, expands chip-seal work and adopts resolution OC2021-01

The Clearlake Measure B Oversight Committee met to review updated project lists and maps tied to Measure B revenues, heard details of an expanded chip-seal pilot and adopted Resolution OC2021-01 after an amendment and a 5–0 vote.

Committee members spent the opening portion clarifying their role. One committee member said they understood the council wanted the committee to "verify that the audit was done" rather than direct engineering choices; staff reiterated the panel’s primary role is financial oversight to ensure "monies were spent appropriately," not to tell engineers what thickness of asphalt to use.

Staff presented a screen-shared spreadsheet and map showing completed and planned projects. Marissa, identified in the meeting as the deputy city engineer, said the list tracks projects from 2019 through 2023 and that staff plan about "10 to 15 miles planned for gravel road chip seal" next year while noting last year’s pilot covered roughly "5 miles." She told the committee the pavement management plan is updated every five to six years, so roads chip-sealed now would be reflected in the next PCI (pavement condition index) update.

Committee members pressed on pre-work for chip seals. Marissa confirmed public-works crews handled grading and drainage in advance of chip sealing and described the chip-seal work as "double chip seal" for several locations. A contractor name was discussed on the record—Pavement Coatings—who completed earlier chip-seal work.

Staff also explained that some large projects, including the San Joaquin/sulfur-fire work, are funded by other sources (CDBG disaster-recovery funds), which has allowed staff to shift certain projects off the Measure B list and advance others. One staff member said San Joaquin’s allocation came from a $13.7 million CDBG award and that bids for the work came in much lower than anticipated, freeing Measure funds for other uses.

Staff flagged a separate analysis into debt financing: they are running a bond/debt analysis that would group many projects into a single financing package, with debt service paid from Measure revenues if the numbers make sense. The committee asked to review that analysis when it is ready.

Near the end of the meeting, Speaker 6 offered Resolution OC2021-01. Committee Member 3 proposed a brief amendment to add a staff-qualified phrase; Speaker 6 incorporated the amendment and Speaker 5 seconded. The committee recorded five ayes and the motion and resolution carried. Staff were asked to insert the agreed language and notify the committee about assignments.

The committee agreed to continue oversight via presentations and to convene for any special meetings tied to the bond analysis or large-slate options. The meeting adjourned with routine minutes and attendance items finalized.