Clearlake manager reports wildfire response, intercity policing help and infrastructure updates

City Manager Flora told the Clearlake City Council that the Oglund fire prompted evacuations and that law enforcement and fire personnel acted quickly to move residents to safety; an arrest related to the blaze was also reported. "Thankful for the quick work of our fire personnel and, of course, law enforcement in, safely evacuating a number of folks," Flora said.

Flora said Lakeport's council unanimously approved a law-enforcement services agreement and that Clearlake officers have already signed up for shifts to support Lakeport. She described progress on several street projects, saying Eighteenth Avenue design through airport property is "coming along well" pending final PG&E comments and that paving on the Modoc project is expected to start in about two weeks. "Chip seal will start next Wednesday," Flora added.

On funding, Flora said the city holds roughly $3,400,000 in PG&E Rule 20A funds but cautioned that recent changes at the California Public Utilities Commission have made use of that money more difficult. "They're telling us that any project that you wanna try to underground is gonna be at least three years out," she said, noting the timeline complicates planning for undergrounding work.

Flora also reported development activity: she said the lease for an Arco project was signed late last week and the developer is finishing construction documents and will submit building permits soon; a separate J and L Market project has planning-commission approval and drawings nearing completion. She noted the city is close to acquiring a parcel from AmeriGas needed for a road construction project and reminded council members to coordinate with the city clerk on Cal Cities conference arrangements.

Flora reminded the council that the city council candidate filing deadline is 5 p.m. next Friday and that, so far, two candidates have pulled papers with one submission verified for the mayoral seat.

The council approved the consent agenda earlier in the meeting by unanimous vote; the consent motion was made by Councilman Kramer and seconded by Councilman Claffey.