City manager warns applicants about fraudulent letters; sports complex litigation deemed final

Clearlakes City Manager told the Planning Commission on May 12 that applicants should be "on the alert for possible fraud" after at least one applicant received a letter that appeared to come from city staff requesting fees. The manager said the city has seen similar incidents in other nearby jurisdictions and asked commissioners to refer any suspicious communications or questions from applicants to city staff for follow-up.

The City Manager also reported that the sports complex lawsuit is effectively concluded: the deadline to seek a review at the state Supreme Court ended at midnight and, as of the meeting, no request for review had been filed. The manager said the appellate decision will therefore become final and the city can move forward with the project pending any further steps required by staff.

Commissioners were asked to direct applicants who receive unusual correspondence to city staff so staff can investigate and protect applicants from potential scams. The City Manager said staff would track and pursue the matter as needed.