Council backs cost‑sharing for countywide community visioning forums

The Clearlake City Council voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to enter a cost‑sharing agreement with Lake County and the city of Lakeport to support facilitation of community visioning forums.

Staff said the initiative was directed by a county ad hoc committee formed in 2021; the program proposes facilitated dialogues that culminate in recommendations to reduce barriers, promote equity and inclusion, and recommend local actions. The requested contribution for Clearlake was $8,000, paid from existing midyear budget adjustments noted by staff.

Public commenters—including written comments read into the record by Carol Cole Lewis and live remarks from Joanne Cicada and Cheryl Allman—urged council support, describing the program as a ‘train‑the‑trainer’ model that builds local facilitation capacity. Councilmember Kramer moved the authorization; Councilmember Claffey seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Staff said future costs beyond the current request would come back to council for approval. No amendments were proposed.