- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Clearlake City Council to discuss investigative report concerning animal shelter operations
The council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 1, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
The meeting will be broadcast live on the city's YouTube channel or the Lake County PEGTV YouTube Channel. Community members also can participate via Zoom or can attend in person. The webinar ID is 862 5219 3364.
One tap mobile is available at 16694449171,,86252193364# or join by phone at 669 444 9171 or 720 707 2699.
The agenda can be found here.
Comments and questions can be submitted in writing for City Council consideration by sending them to City Clerk Melissa Swanson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To give the council adequate time to review your questions and comments, please submit your written comments before 4 p.m. Thursday, June 1.
Thursday’s agenda includes a presentation and discussion of an investigative report by Clearlake Police Lt. Ryan Peterson into allegations regarding the conditions at the Clearlake animal shelter.
Police Chief Tim Hobbs’ memo to the council for the Thursday meeting said that, in response to the complaints the city received, on April 3 Flora directed North Bay Animal Services “to immediately address the number of animals in the shelter, the use of crates, access to the facility by the public, laundry, and cleaning protocols. The City Manager also directed the police department to initiate an investigation to look into the validity of the allegations.”
City Manager Alan Flora specifically directed Peterson, a seasoned detective, to investigate the shelter, which is operated by North Bay Animal Services under a 10-year contract with the city.
Flora’s directive was the result of numerous complaints about North Bay Animal Services’ operations, including overcrowding, health of the animals, veterinary care and distribution of donations.
Peterson was given a month to complete the report, and Flora told Lake County News that the document Peterson presented to city administration was about 75 pages.
Hobbs said Peterson interviewed 22 people during his investigation. “They consisted of complainants, volunteers, past employees, current employees, and animal care and control professionals. Information reviewed and used during the investigation included photographs, emails, policy & procedures, community information, research, and visits to the Clearlake animal shelter and the Mendocino County animal shelter.”
Hobbs’ memo continued, “As a result of the investigation, findings were developed regarding the allegations. Some allegations were found to be valid and are being corrected; others were found not to be accurate. Some require more discussion with North Bay Animal Services.”
He said Peterson’s report containing the specific findings will be provided to the City Council and the public early next week, as the report is under a final legal review to ensure all the information included is publicly disclosable.
“This report has been completed to provide the City Administration and the City Council with the information to make further decisions regarding animal services,” Hobbs said.
Also on Thursday, there will be a presentation of a proclamation declaring June 2023 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and a public hearing to consider a resolution authorizing the extension of the temporary road closure of certain roads, to reduce illegal dumping and to protect the environment, and the public health and welfare.
A planned public hearing for the appeal of the Koi Nation of Northern California of the Planning Commission's April 25 decision for approval of the Burns Valley Development Project is being continued to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 8.
On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are considered routine in nature and usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants; consideration of Resolution 2023-24 to adopt a list of approved projects for submission to the California Transportation Committee for funding pursuant to SB1; approval of Resolution No. 2023-24, approving a temporary road closure for the Battle of the Bands Concert and Car Show; authorization of an amendment of the on-call contract with California Engineering for the Arrowhead/Burns Valley Road Improvement Project in the amount of $202,336.77; and adoption of the sixth amendment to the FY 2022-23 Budget (Resolution 2022-44) Adjusting Appropriations and Revenues, Resolution No. 2023-26.
The council also will hold a closed session to discuss labor negotiations regarding the Clearlake Middle Management Association.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.