Council approves a package of administrative actions, hears Cache Fire and project updates

The Clear Lake City Council on Dec. 2 reported several administrative actions and routine updates. In closed session the city announced three unanimous decisions: authorization to pursue national settlement negotiations in the opioid litigation involving Janssen and three state distributors; direction to initiate litigation against McKinsey & Company in the MDL opioid matter; and authorization for the city's risk authority (CIRA) to negotiate a settlement with Melinda Weimer. The closed‑session report indicated each action was approved by a 5–0 vote.

On the consent calendar the council approved routine items after Councilwoman Overton moved, with one item (item 11, the Local Equity Grant plan) pulled for separate discussion. Council later moved and approved a continuance of a public hearing on a development agreement to Jan. 6, 2022 to allow staff to process an appeal. The council also approved the Clear Lake Promise agreement with Woodland Community College and authorized the mayor to sign the contract.

City staff gave a Cache Fire update: debris cleanup was about 94% complete, Cal OES approved cleanup on additional parcels, SBA assistance was available to affected residents, and a potential FEMA federal declaration remained under review.

Finally, the council voted to appoint Council Member Slooten as mayor and Council Member Purdock as vice mayor for 2022 after a discussion on leadership continuity and rotation.