Clearlake staff update commissioners on development projects, grants and infrastructure

City staff briefed the Planning Commission on a series of ongoing and upcoming projects and administrative items during the Jan. 25 meeting.

Staff reported that a recent campus project approved by the commission had been appealed to the City Council and that the council unanimously upheld the commission’s decision. Staff said about three other projects in the same area are proceeding through the process and staff is monitoring neighborhood water concerns in the Burntown area and seeking resources for affected residents.

The report noted the city is pursuing several infrastructure and development initiatives: bids for Phase 1 of the "bird's valet" infrastructure project (including road and pedestrian work) were expected this week; the city is in escrow on storage-shed parcels to realign a road at Eighteenth Avenue and Nissan; design work for Eighteenth Avenue was underway with construction planned next spring; a Starbucks-related application (gas station and car wash) had been submitted; and airport improvements and demolition of a former water-park site are underway.

Staff also said the city has three affordable or mixed-income housing projects that are expected to break ground this year or next year, totaling roughly 264 units, and a 22-lot subdivision in the Burnt Valley area is anticipated soon. For Austin Park Beach, staff said an aeration system and bubblers are planned, supported by approximately $180,000 in State Parks grant funding, and that a splash pad project may be going out to bid in early February.

Staff requested commissioner interest in training opportunities (Commissioner's Academy) and closed the meeting at 7:04 p.m.