- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Clearlake City Council approves police chief contract with Hobbs
Hobbs, 41, has spent his entire career of nearly 20 years with the Clearlake Police Department, and most recently held the rank of lieutenant.
On Dec. 19, he was sworn in as interim chief by Chief Andrew White as White prepared to leave for his new job as Martinez’s police chief.
On Thursday, the council voted to give Hobbs the job on a permanent basis.
City Manager Alan Flora presented Hobbs’ contract to the council.
Flora’s written report which accompanies the contract, beginning on page 39 of the agenda packet below, explained Hobbs’ selection as chief going forward.
“Under Chief White’s leadership Acting Chief Hobbs has developed into a strong leader that is prepared to continue and improve upon the success of the department over the past several years,” Flora wrote.
The contract has an initial three-year term, with a base salary of $155,812.80, a 5% incentive for completion of a bachelor’s degree, a 5% incentive for completion of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training’s executive certificate, and other benefits consistent with the city’s management benefits plan.
“I’m hopeful that the council will approve this agreement with Mr. Hobbs as police chief,” Flora said.
Flora added, “We envision doing a more formal swearing-in of Hobbs as permanent chief later this month.”
There was no comment from the council and no public comment before Councilman Dirk Slooten moved to approve the contract, which both Councilmember Joyce Overton and Councilman Russ Cremer offered to second. In the vote, they were joined by Mayor Russ Perdock and Councilman David Claffey in giving final approval.
After the vote, the council and staff applauded Hobbs and offered him their congratulations.
Later in the meeting, Cremer reported that he had received a phone call that morning from Nick Bennett, a retired Clearlake Police sergeant and councilman who now lives in South Dakota. He said Bennett sent his best wishes to the city and to Hobbs in his new role.
Hobbs will oversee a department with 23 sworn officer positions, with just two of those unfilled as of White’s departure in December.
“We’re in a good place” with staffing, Sgt. Martin Snyder told Lake County News at White’s Dec. 19 farewell event.
In other business on Thursday, Mayor Perdock presented a proclamation in remembrance of retired Judge Richard Freeborn, who died Sept. 30, to his widow, Kathy.
The council also honored city employees and volunteers in recognition of their service, presented a proclamation declaring January 2023 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, heard from city staff about the new recreation and events division’s efforts, approved mayor appointments and appointments of its members as representatives to the CalCities Redwood Empire Division, to represent the city and vote at the Division Legislative Committee meetings.
There also were two public hearings, one to accept updated state building codes and another to authorize the extension of the temporary closure of certain roads in order to reduce illegal dumping and protect the environment.
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010523 Clearlake City Council Packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd