Board records abatement liens for three properties after CalRecycle-funded cleanups; owner counsel questions invoices

The Lake County Board of Supervisors approved recording abatement liens July 7 against three properties where the county completed cleanup work under a CalRecycle illegal-disposal grant.

Community Development Director Maria Turner and code-enforcement staff presented photographs and invoicing for the projects. Staff recommended lien amounts to be recorded as special assessments: Dry Creek Road (Middletown) for $567,864.41 and two adjacent Lakeshore Boulevard parcels in Lakeport split as $22,980.45 and $49,490.22.

Code enforcement staff explained the Dry Creek site is an old mine where the county abated the lower portion and documented remaining contamination and mine infrastructure on the upper portion for state agencies (BLM/Division of Mine Reclamation) to address. Staff said safety and contamination risk limited county abatement scope and that the state has been prompted to reexamine remediation of the remaining mine portions.

During the hearing counsel for one property owner (Dave Kindoff, representing Mr. Radislaw) objected that co-owner Victoria Radislaw may not have received proper notice and questioned the clarity and basis of contractor invoices (single lump-sum line items and instances of "estimated" amounts). Counsel also flagged a possible duplication of charges across subcontractors for removal of heavy metal equipment. County staff replied notices were mailed to addresses on file, posted at the property as required by code, and that CalRecycle grant rules place CalRecycle in first-liens position until reimbursement occurs.

After deliberation, the board approved staff's motion to record the liens and directed staff to deliver recorded liens to the county auditor for assessment entries. Board members asked staff to improve invoice detail going forward; staff committed to enhancing the quote/invoice process and migrating to a more detailed financial workflow in OpenGov within months.

Recorded lien amounts were carried by unanimous vote.