Clearlake council approves demolition contract for seven blighted properties

The Clearlake City Council on a unanimous vote authorized the city manager to execute a contract with HT Excavating for $69,150 to demolish and abate seven properties the city has designated as health and safety hazards.

Staff described lengthy compliance histories for each address, saying inspections and administrative citations failed to produce voluntary abatement. City code enforcement staff told the council that some property owners are deceased and others failed to engage in remediation after multiple notices. City staff said the city will invoice property owners after abatement; if unpaid after 30 days the cost will be placed as a lien and special assessment against the property.

Councilmember Osman Kramer moved the measure and Vice Mayor Purdock seconded. After a short public comment period in which local residents urged action to remove burned and derelict structures, the clerk announced the motion passed unanimously.

Resident Terry Stewart, identifying himself as a Clearlake resident, urged immediate action and described widespread blight near the council chambers, telling the council, “Look, this goddamn place looks like a war zone.” Tony Sarkis added that the property at 30 Third Avenue appears worse than the photos circulated to council.

City staff said two companies attended the mandatory pre‑bid meeting and two bids were received; staff recommended the lowest responsive bidder. Staff also confirmed the packet includes a breakout of lien calculations for each property and explained the lien and special assessment process for cost recovery.

The council’s action authorizes the city manager to sign the demolition and abatement contract; staff will return to the council if further legal documents or funding adjustments are required.

The council took the vote after hearing public comment and brief staff questions; no amendment to the motion was made.