Clearlake council extends consulting agreement for Pierce Field development

Clearlake City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 17 to extend a consulting agreement with Margetich Sutter Equities for 60 days, keeping discussions about a potential master-developer role for the former Pierce Field property open through April 30, 2022.

City staff introduced the item as an extension of a 60-day contract that began in January. "This item, we're asking the council to amend an existing consulting agreement with Margetich Sutter Equities," City staff said, explaining the extension would allow the firm to continue integrating existing city studies and begin attracting potential tenants to the site.

Representatives of Margetich Sutter Equities, who identified partners including Amar Chima, Bill Bernetti and Steve Edwards, told the council they view the project as "user-driven" and dependent on attracting merchants and tenants. The developer said they had reviewed updated scaled drawings and other materials and would continue meetings with the city's architecture and engineering teams.

Council members asked whether the consultant-produced materials would remain available to the city and whether the agreement leads to a purchase or option agreement. Staff responded the city is sharing existing information with the consultant and that, if the relationship bears fruit, staff would return to council before April with a proposed purchase or option agreement for council consideration.

Councilmember Kramer moved to amend the consulting agreement for an additional 60 days through April 30, 2022; the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Perdock and passed by a unanimous council vote. No additional financial terms were disclosed during the meeting.

The extension keeps negotiations and technical review active; staff said a return to council with a draft purchase or option agreement is expected before the new deadline.