Clear Lake council approves MOU with Highlands Water Company to formalize cooperation

Clear Lake’s City Council unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with Highlands Water Company after staff described months of monthly coordination and recent practical support during a local sewer incident.

City Manager Flora told the council the MOU is deliberately simple and nonbinding: "it is a foundation to build on," he said, describing regular monthly meetings between city and Highlands staff and the benefit of Highlands’ testing teams during the recent Robin Lane incident. Flora recommended approval to maintain the cooperative momentum.

Public commenters supported the move. Stephanie Hemmel praised town hall meetings and cooperation, and Frank Costner—identified as general manager of a nearby water district but speaking as a private citizen—commended the collaborative approach and testing coordination.

A council member who participated in the committee that met with Highlands board members said the meetings had opened doors and increased trust. The council member moved to approve the MOU; the motion was seconded and passed by unanimous vote, with Adam Clark announcing the result.