Clearlake council backs Chelsea Investments housing grant, certifies election and appoints 2023 mayor and vice mayor

Clearlake — At its special meeting, the Clearlake City Council approved several administrative actions: supporting a local grant application for affordable housing, certifying November election results and appointing next year’s mayor and vice mayor.

The council voted to approve Resolution No. 2022-73 supporting Chelsea Investments’ application for a local government matching grant to develop ADU affordable housing on state-owned land near the hospital. Staff characterized the action as a pass-through support resolution required by the grant application. The motion passed by voice vote with all council members recorded as "Aye."

The city clerk then presented the certified results of the Nov. 8 general municipal election: 6,981 registered Clearlake voters and 2,784 ballots cast (39.88% turnout). The canvas showed Councilmember Kramer received 1,604 votes and Mayor Sloaten received 1,515 votes. Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-75 to declare the results and seat Councilmember Kramer and Mayor Sloaten; the clerk administered the oath of office.

For the 2023 leadership appointments, Councilwoman Overton moved to appoint Vice Mayor Russ Purdock as mayor for 2023; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. The council then appointed David Claffey as vice mayor for 2023; that motion was also approved by roll call. Council members offered thanks to outgoing staff and praised recent departmental appointments in public works, finance and police. Chief White received members’ public thanks as he prepares to leave his post.

These actions were procedural and approved without recorded dissent. The council noted the next meeting date and closed with holiday greetings.