LAKEPORT—This week the Lake County Board of Supervisors appointed an interim director of Behavioral Health as well as hearing an update regarding parks and recreation. They also considered resolutions for the county's highest priority community projects for 2024.
During closed session the board unanimously appointed Assistant County Office Administrator Steven Carter as interim director of behavioral Health.
Matthew Rothstein, along with Carter discussed four priority community projects for the county to consider for funding including the Big Valley Fish Habitat Improvement and Groundwater Recharge Project, the AEM (Airborne Electromagnetic) Survey of Lake County's Groundwater Basins Project, as well as the pre-development support for both the Recreation Center and Aquatic/Community Swim Center and also the Regional Navigation Center. Rothstein noted, "This year's community project funding cycle is expected to be highly competitive and there is no guarantee that any of these projects will ultimately be funded even if they are among the 15 congressman Thompson puts forward for consideration."
According to officials, the highest priority project is the Recreation Center and Aquatic/Community Swim Center, with open discussion involving city managers Alan Flora of Clearlake and Kevin Ingram of Lakeport. As the initial studies have been done, the next step is to secure its location and funding. Flora shared "It's a large ask. These are bold and impactful projects that impact public safety, the health of our community, as well as just providing a lot of fun, recreational amenities for our youth." Ingram added, "We know this is the first step in a crazy process, if we make it onto Congressman Thompson's list that's the work just starting."
The Navigation Center would provide a centralized hub for connecting homeless people to the resources and services they need.
Scott Deleon, Public Works and Water Resources Director, alongside Marina Deligiannis, deputy director of Water Resources, discussed the Big Valley Fish Habitat Improvement and Groundwater Recharge Project including the AEM survey. Deleon noted, "Basically it's a two-part project, the major part of the project is a modification of the outlet structure in the Highland Springs reservoir… it will largely increase ground water recharge which will hopefully have a big impact on habitat in the creeks for the Hitch." Deligiannis explained the AEM Survey stating, "This will impact our drinking water supplies too, conducting these surveys will help us better understand all water resources throughout in the county as we know Clearlake provides water to 60 percent of Lake County residents."
The board approved the Big Valley Fish Habitat Improvement and Groundwater Recharge Project, the Pre-Development Support for both the Recreation Center and Aquatic/Community Swim Center and also the Regional Navigation Center. They also approved the AEM survey of Lake County's Groundwater Basins Project.
President of Blue Point Planning Mindy Craig gave an update on the parks, recreation, and trails master plan. Craig shared a summary of their research and findings so far, including a parks and trails inventory, community profile, recreation programs, current projects, comparable projects and trends.
"They say build it and they will come, I say not quite, program it and they will come," said Craig. "We're going to help the county understand how to program parks in a way to increase activation and engagement on a whole different level." A recent survey with over 500 responses illustrated that the public felt "OK" about the county parks with lower remarks for sports and aquatic access. There was no board action, but they did agree this is progress for the community.
Lars Ewing from Public Services also discussed a joint powers agreement to form the Lake County Recreation Agency and reviewed potential locations for both the recreation center and aquatic center. The feasibility study was a joint effort from both Lakeport and Clearlake and found that the aquatic center was recommended for Westside park in Lakeport and the future Burns Valley Sports Complex in Clearlake for a recreation center. Ewing said, "Initially the focus was a pool or aquatic center in lake county, which developed into a recreational center." Ewing explained that the JPA would be the Lake County Recreation agency and according to Ewing "The intent is to include facilities that are focused on recreation for the county as a whole." The board would be comprised of seven members, including two appointed members from the board of supervisors. The board approved the resolution.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors meets Tuesdays at the Board Chambers located at 255 N. Forbes Street in Lakeport and via zoom. Meeting agendas and minutes of past meetings can be found online at https://www.lakecountyca.gov/1116/Board-of-Supervisors
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