Busy week ahead for local government

Here is a rundown of some of the week's local government highlights.

Board of Supervisors

At 9 a.m. Tuesday morning, the Board of Supervisors will hold its first meeting of the year.

The county's newly elected or reelected public officials will take their oaths of office at that meeting, including new District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing; Pam Cochrane, the county’s clerk/auditor-controller; District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith; Assessor/Recorder Doug Wacker; and Tax Collector/Treasurer Sandra Kacharos. Sheriff Rod Mitchell is traveling this week and will take his oath when he returns next week. Jon Hopkins, the county’s new district attorney, was sworn in Dec. 29.

Once the newly elected members are seated, the supervisors will discuss chair and vice chair appointments for the year.

One of the issues on that meeting's agenda is the second reading of an ordinance regarding fee increases for County Service Area No. 2, Spring Valley Lakes' water system. If passed, the capital improvement fees for the area would more than quadruple, rising from $4,136 to $18,010 per single family dwelling unit.

Other issues on the agenda:

A public hearing on the Planning Commission recommendation for approval of a General Plan amendment proposal. Applicant Stephen Carter proposes to rezone three parcels 21325, 21331 and 21333 Stewart St. in Middletown, from local commercial to medium density residential.

A second public hearing on a Planning Commission recommendation for approval of a General Plan amendment proposal. Applicant Donald R. Cowden proposes to change the zoning of three adjacent parcels, 13068, 13088 and 13098 First St. in Clearlake Oaks, from community commercial to suburban residential.

At 6 p.m., the board will reconvene for a public hearing continued from Dec. 19 on the draft Rivieras Area Plan. The supervisors will at that time consider adopting the plan as well as the ordinance rezoning lands within the area plan.

Clearlake City Council

At 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, the Clearlake City Council will meet at a special time because council members are attending ethics training later that day.

Among the items they'll consider is the possible announcement of an a new interim city administrator, as well as reorganization of the Community Development Department.

The council also will consider entering into an exclusive negotiation agreement for developing the Clearlake Business Park with the Roseville firm Katz Kirkpatrick Properties (See related story, “City explores business park development”).

Other issues on that day's agenda include a public hearing on Mendo Mill's proposed rezone, the mayor's 2007 committee appointments and a closed session to discuss appointments for interim city administrator, interim police captain and a city attorney performance evaluation.

Lakeport City Council

While the county meets to discuss the draft Rivieras Plan at 6 p.m. Tuesday, the Lakeport City Council will meet across town at city hall.

Sitting as the Lakeport Redevelopment Agency, the council is slated to discuss adding a provision to its redevelopment plan to allow for the use of eminent domain. The topic was first discussed at the council's Dec. 19 meeting.

The council also will discuss the next steps in the recruiting process for a new city manager, according to City Attorney Steve Brookes. This includes whether they will appoint separate committees to interview the numerous candidates who have reportedly applied for the position.

Concerns about the cultivation of medical marijuana within the city limits will be addressed at the meeting (See related story, “Marijuana ordinance goes before council”). City staff will present the council with a proposed marijuana ordinance based on one adopted by the City of Ukiah.