Clear Lake council unanimously approves revised federal funding request for recreation center

Clear Lake’s city council on Thursday unanimously approved a revised resolution asking Congressman Mike Thompson to support federal community project funding for a recreation and community center in Clear Lake.

City staff presented the revision after receiving guidance from congressional staff that aquatics projects — including pools and related facilities — were ineligible for the committee expected to review the request. According to staff, the original, joint request with Lakeport and Lake County listed a combined $31,800,000 figure covering 75% of construction costs for both the Clear Lake recreation/community center and an aquatic center in Lakeport. "There was a new rule this year that any type of pools, golf courses, or aquatics related things, were specifically not allowed for funding to this committee," said Mr. Flora, the staff presenter.

To align with that guidance, Mr. Flora said the city reduced the ask to seek 75% of the expected capital costs for the Clear Lake recreation and community center alone, a figure the staff identified as $12,100,000. He told the council the county board of supervisors added an emergency item to its agenda supporting the revised request, and that Lakeport had provided a letter of support and plans to consider a formal resolution next Tuesday.

Council member Kramer moved to approve Resolution No. 2023-17, which he read aloud by title as submitted. Council member Slooten seconded the motion; the council voted by voice and electronic system, and the mayor announced the ayes. The motion passed unanimously.

A brief, unnamed public comment was offered during the meeting but did not address the funding figures discussed by staff. Mayor Purdock closed the meeting at 9:36 a.m. and reminded members the regular council meeting is scheduled for next Thursday at 6 p.m.

What the vote does and next steps: The council’s action authorizes the city to submit the revised community project funding request to Congressman Thompson’s office and signals local governmental support; staff will forward the updated materials to the congressman’s office and Lakeport is expected to consider a supporting resolution at its next regular meeting. Final federal funding, if any, depends on the congressional appropriation process and committee decisions.