Board Of Supervisors — Tuesday, January 13, 2026
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1. Call to Order
2. Moment of Silence
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Consideration of Extra Items Not Appearing on the Posted Agenda
4.1EXTRA ITEM: A) Consideration of Extra Agenda Item; and B) Approve the Award of Bid No. 24-04 to NG Builder Company, for the EOC Remodel Project in the amount of $1,095,000.00
Action Item
Motion carried · 2 motions
Carried 4-1 — moved by Pyska
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: nay
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: nay
Carried 5-0 — moved by Pyska
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Staff memo
Executive Summary
This item is being submitted as an "extra" agenda item. In accordance with Government Code section 54954.2(b)(2), staff requests that the Board find that the need to take immediate action on this item came to the attention of the department after the posting of the current agenda, and there is a need to take immediate action before the next available agenda.
The County received the contractor's signed construction contract after the agenda deadline, making it impracticable to include the item on the posted agenda. If the Board does not consider this item at the regularly scheduled meeting this Tuesday, award of the contract would be delayed until the next available Board meeting, which is not scheduled to occur until February 3, which would unnecessarily delay the project schedule three weeks. Adding this item to the agenda allows timely contract award and avoids construction scheduling impacts that may place the grant funding at risk.
On October 30, 2025, bids were received and publicly opened for the EOC Remodel Project. Eight (8) bids were received and the apparent lowest responsible bidder was NG Builder Company. Please see the attached bid tabulation. A local workforce participation discount was included in the project specifications; however, the discount did not impact the calculation of the low bidder.
Project funding comes from a $988,600 EOC Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, awarded through the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, covering 75% of project costs. The required 25% local match of $329,533 will be funded through local cannabis revenues. Appropriations are included in Budget Unit 1785, Public Safety Facilities.
Recommended Action
A) Approve Extra Item as it came up after the posting of the current agenda, and there is a need to take immediate action before the next available agenda;
B) Approve the award of Bid No. 24-04 to NG Builder Company for the EOC Renovation Project in the amount of $1,095,000.00; and authorize the Chair to sign the Agreement
a) On motion of Supervisor Pyska, and by vote of the Board, approved the extra item as it came up after the posting of the current agenda, and there is a need to take immediate action before the next available agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 4 - Owen, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Nays- Supervisors: 1 - Sabatier
b) On motion of Supervisor Pyska, and by vote of the Board, approved the Award of Bid No. 24-04 to NG Builder Company, for the EOC Remodel Project in the amount of $1,095,000.00 and authorized the chair to sign the agreement. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Clerk’s notes: a) Public Services Director Lars Ewing presented the item to the Board. County Counsel Lloyd Guintivano spoke.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
b) Public Services Director Lars Ewing presented the item to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
4.2EXTRA ITEM: (a) Consideration of “extra” agenda item, and (b) Consideration of Resolution Proclaiming the Existence of a Local Emergency due to the 2026 Robin Lane Sewer Spill (City of Clearlake)
Resolution
Motion carried
Carried 5-0 — moved by Sabatier
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Staff memo
Executive Summary
(a) This item is being submitted as an "extra" agenda item. The justification for this request to consider an item not on the posted agenda is as follows:
This item came to my attention subsequent to the posting of the current agenda and there is a need to take action before the next agenda.
(b) Lake County Code Chapter 6 and California Government Code section 8630(a) authorize the Board of Supervisors to proclaim the existence of a local emergency when conditions of extreme peril threaten life, property, or public health and when the Board is in session.
On January 11, 2026, a failure of a 16-inch wastewater force main serving the City of Clearlake resulted in the uncontrolled release of untreated sewage into residential areas, drainage systems, Burns Valley Creek, and Clear Lake. The damaged infrastructure is owned and operated by the Lake County Sanitation District and serves a large portion of the City of Clearlake and surrounding areas.
The spill has impacted at least 58 properties, many of which rely on private domestic wells for drinking water, and has affected stormwater infrastructure, roadways, surface waters, and the Clear Lake watershed. Due to continuing system failures and the inability to fully isolate the damaged pipeline, the duration and extent of contamination and public health risk remain uncertain.
The City of Clearlake has proclaimed a local emergency, and the scope of impacts and required response exceed the capacity of the City alone. Coordinated Operational Area support is necessary to protect public health, support environmental response, coordinate interagency operations, facilitate emergency contracting and procurement, and enable access to state and federal disaster assistance.
This item requests that the Board of Supervisors proclaim the existence of a local emergency for the 2026 Robin Lane Sewer Spill in order to support the City of Clearlake and enable full Operational Area response and recovery actions.
Recommended Action
(a) Approve by motion to accept this item for consideration as an "extra" agenda item.
(b) Adopt Resolution Proclaiming the Existence of a Local Emergency due to the 2026 Robin Lane Sewer Spill (City of Clearlake).
a) On motion of Supervisor Sabatier, and by vote of the Board, approved 4.2 as an extra item due to it coming up after the posting of the agenda and needing action before the next available agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
b) Supervisor Sabatier offered the resolution and it passed by roll call vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Clerk’s notes: a) Chair Rasmussen introduced the item to the Board.
b) Sheriff Luke Bingham presented the item to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
4.3EXTRA ITEM: A) Consideration of Extra Agenda Item; and B) Consideration of a Resolution for Proclamation of a Local Health Emergency by the Lake County Health· Officer for the Clearlake Sewage Spill
Proclamation
Motion carried
Carried 5-0 — moved by Sabatier
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Staff memo
Executive Summary
This item is being submitted as an "extra" agenda item. In accordance with Government Code section 54954.2(b)(2), staff requests that the Board find that the need to take immediate action on this item came to the attention of the department after the posting of the current agenda, and there is a need to take immediate action before the next available agenda.
The Public Health Officer has determined a need to declare a public health emergency due to the extent of a sewage spill in the City of Clearlake and surrounding area that began on January 11, 2026.
Recommended Action
A) Approve Extra Item as it came up after the posting of the current agenda, and there is a need to take immediate action before the next available agenda.
B) Adopt Resolution for Proclamation of a Local Health Emergency by the Lake County Health Officer for the Clearlake Sewage Spill.
a) On motion of Supervisor Sabatier, and by vote of the Board, approved taking this item up as an extra item as it came up after the posting of the agenda and action is required before the next agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
b) Supervisor Sabatier offered the resolution and it passed by roll call vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Clerk’s notes: a) Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Bernstein presented the item to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
b) Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Bernstein presented the item to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak and the following person spoke via Zoom: Sterling Wellman. No one else wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
5. Approval of the Consent Agenda
5.1Approve Continuation of Emergency Proclamation Declaring a Shelter Crisis in the County of Lake
Proclamation
passed on consent
Staff memo
Executive Summary
The Board of Supervisors originally approved an emergency declaration for shelter crisis on January 24, 2023. The proclamation cited the lack of beds available for those experiencing homelessness and would assist in allowing shelters to continue as well as new shelters to be initiated.
Due to the fact that the original proclamation discussed rain and snow as being part of the reason for declaring an emergency, a revised version of the emergency declaration is being brought back to the board to approve with revised recitals.
We are still short of beds needed to provide shelter for all of those who are experiencing homelessness. However, great strides are being made at both Behavioral Health and the Continuum of Care with the support of the Board of Supervisors to make progress in what is available.
Recommended Action
Approve Continuation of Emergency Proclamation Declaring a Shelter Crisis in the County of Lake
5.2Approve Continuation of Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Pervasive Tree Mortality
Action Item
passed on consent
Staff memo
Executive Summary
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection found that its aerial and group surveys in Napa and Lake County revealed widespread conifer mortality leaving trees vulnerable to insect attacks and fire damage. On March 28, 2022, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order No. 7-77, that states the ongoing drought will have significant immediate impacts on communities. In response, the Lake County Risk Reduction Authority created the Lake County Tree Mortality Task Force established to investigate and address the extensive tree mortality in the County caused primarily by wildfire, drought and insect damage.
The Lake County Tree Mortality Task Force members have attended several presentations from individuals with considerable expertise in both entomology and tree mortality, including Forest
Advisor Dr. Michael Jones, an entomologist from University of California Cooperative. The overriding message was that failure to actively address tree mortality could result in the potential loss or degradation of forest habitats and associated ecological impacts, including the impact of wildlife, water and soil. And as such, create dangerous wildfire conditions that also threaten the safety of persons and property and will likely extend beyond the capacity of public safety services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of this County.
This Resolution requests the following actions from Governor Newsom; 1) Proclaim a State of Emergency in Lake County and other afflicted areas of the State, 2) Seek designation of tree mortality areas within Lake County and other afflicted areas of the State under Section 8204 of the Agriculture Act of 2014 and seek additional Federal program support; and 3) Request a Presidential Declaration of Emergency or Major Disaster for this emergency.
Recommended Action
Approve Continuation of Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Pervasive Tree Mortality
5.3Approve Continuation of Proclamation declaring a Clear Lake Hitch Emergency
Proclamation
passed on consent
Staff memo
Executive Summary
This Proclamation was adopted February 7, 2023.
Recommended Action
Approve Continuation of Proclamation declaring a Clear Lake Hitch Emergency
| Additional Requested | $100,000 |
|---|
5.4(a) Approve Proclamation of the Lake County Board of Supervisors Commending Public Officials for Exemplary Service in Public Safety; and (b) Authorize staff to add the names of honorees and the Chair to sign and issue each completed proclamation for the corresponding honoree at the awards ceremony
Proclamation
passed on consent
Staff memo
Executive Summary
On January 25, 2026, several local community service clubs are working with me to conduct an awards ceremony for law enforcement and fire agencies within Lake County. A total of 16 law enforcement officers, firefighters and dispatchers will be honored.
The Agencies are as follows:
Lake County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, Lake County Probation, Lake County District Attorney, Lakeport Police Department, Clearlake Police Department and the fire departments from Lakeport, Kelseyville, Northshore, Lake County, South Lake and CalFire.
Each of the agencies select their officer, dispatcher and firefighter honorees. Neither the service clubs nor the County of Lake are involved in the selection of award recipients. The honorees themselves also may not yet know they are receiving the award.
To further recognize the award recipients, I am asking the Board of Supervisors to approve the draft proclamation and authorize the board Chair and staff to add the names after approval and then issue these proclamations to the 16 honorees at the January 25, 2026 ceremony on behalf of the full board.
Since these public safety professionals are being honored for their work in the calendar year 2025, our 2025 Chair Supervisor EJ Crandell will present the proclamations at the awards event.
Recommended Action
(a) Approve Proclamation of the Lake County Board of Supervisors Commending Public Officials for Exemplary Service in Public Safety; and (b) Authorize staff to add the names of honorees and the Chair to sign and issue each completed proclamation for the corresponding honoree at the awards ceremony.
5.5Approve Out of State Travel for District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska and District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier, to attend National Association of Counties (NACo) annual Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. from February 20 to February 25, 2026
Action Item
passed on consent
Staff memo
Executive Summary
The NACo Legislative Conference brings together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that matter most to county governments. Attendees will experience timely, high impact policy sessions and will interact with executive branch officials, members of Congress and their staff.
As Lake County's NACo delegates, Supervisors Pyska and Sabatier are actively involved with NACo on behalf of Lake County. In addition to policy sessions, both Supervisors will meet with their respective task force and advisory committees and advocate for the needs of Lake County.
Tentative conference schedule is as follows:
Friday, Feb. 20
Pre-Conference: CIO Speed Sharing Session & NACo Technology Innovation Forum
Separate registration required
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
First-Time Attendee Policy Steering Committee Explainer
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
NACo Technology Innovation Forum Reception
Separate registration required
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 21
First-Time Attendee Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Policy Coordinating Committee Meeting #1
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Policy Steering Committee Meetings
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Policy Coordinating Committee Meeting #2
4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Affiliate, Affinity & State Association Meetings and Receptions
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 22
Non-Denominational Worship Service
7:00 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.
Committee, Subcommittee, Advisory and Task Force Meetings
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Rural Action Caucus (RAC) Meeting
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Midsize County Caucus Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
WIR Board of Directors Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Business Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
NACo Board of Directors Forum
1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Educational Workshops on Federal Policy Landscape
1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Committee, Subcommittee, Advisory and Task Force Meetings
1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
National Center for Public Lands Counties Forum
1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
NACo Board of Directors Reception
7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 23
Region Caucus Meetings
8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
General Session
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Federal Agency Expo
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
NACo Board of Directors Meeting
12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Federal Policy Summits on Energy, Disasters and Transportation
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Committee, Subcommittee, Advisory and Task Force Meetings
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Joint LUCC/RAC/Midsize Advocacy Reception
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 24
General Session
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Advocacy Day of Action
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
County Storytellers Workshop: Building Your County's Storytelling Mindset
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
NACo President's Closing Reception
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Anticipated cost are estimated at no more than $3,500 each.
Recommended Action
Approve Out of State Travel for District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska and District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier, to attend National Association of Counties (NACo) annual Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. from February 20 to February 25, 2026
5.6Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement Between the County of Lake and Lake County Resource Conservation District for Services Under the Adaptation Planning Grant Program Agreement with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and authorize the Chair to sign
Action Item
passed on consent
Staff memo
Executive Summary
In March of 2023, your Board approved submission of an Adaptation Planning Grant Program (APGP) application to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) with the County of Lake as Lead Applicant. The grant was successful and our partnership was awarded $649,350.
Work under the grant will be performed as a partnership between the County of Lake, the Lake County Risk Reduction Authority JPA (RRA) and the Lake County Resource Conservation District (RCD), including the Lake County Fire Safe Council and subcontractors of the RCD.
Originally, there were two separate contracts: one between the County of Lake and the RRA; and one between the County of Lake and the RCD. This Amendment to the RCD contract will combine those two contractual obligations, as the RCD is now providing staff support for the RRA. The "Scope of Work" has not changed.
Work is ongoing to terminate the Agreement between the County and RCD. Ratification of that termination is expected to take place at the next RRA meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026. Staff are asking that your Board act to effectuate this Amendment today, as all documents must be executed prior to the end of January (2026), and today (January 13) is the last Regular Meeting of your Board prior to that deadline. As previously mentioned, the Scope of Work has not changed.
Recommended Action
Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement Between the County of Lake and Lake County Resource Conservation District for Services Under the Adaptation Planning Grant Program Agreement with the Governor's Office of Planning and Research and authorize the Chair to sign
5.7Approve Side Letter to Lake County Deputy Sheriff Association Unit 16 July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028, MOU.
Action Item
passed on consent
Staff memo
Executive Summary
The County and LCDSA agree to revisions to the Lake County Deputy Sheriff Association Unit 16 July 1, 2025 - June 30,2028 MOU.
The revisions apply to the following sections:
* General Provisions - language clarification for civilian employees
* Hours of Work - addition of Mandatory Overtime
Recommended Action
Approve Side Letter to Lake County Deputy Sheriff Association Unit 16 July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028, MOU
5.8Approve Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes December 9, 2025
Action Item
passed on consent
5.9SECOND READING - Adopt Ordinance Amending Chapter 5 of the Lake County Code and Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Building standards Code, Known as the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1 Through 6, 8 Through 12, Incorporating the 2025 Edition of the California Administrative Code, Title 24 Part 1; the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code, Title 24 Part 2; the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, Title 24 Part 2.5; The 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code, Title 24 Part 3; The 2025 Edition of the California Mechanical Code, Title 24 Part 4; The 2025 Edition of the California Plumbing Code, Title 24 Part 5; The 2025 Edition of the California Historical building Code, Title 24 Part 8; The 2025 Edition of the California fire Code, Title 24 Part 9: the 2025 Edition of the California Existing Building Code, Title 24 Part 10; The 2025 Edition of the California Green Building Code, Title 24 Part 11: The 2025 Edition of the California Referenced Standards Code, Title 24, Part 12; the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface, Title 24, Part 7; the 2024 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code.
Action Item
pulled on consent
Staff memo
Executive Summary
In February of 2023, the Lake County Board of Supervisors conducted the first reading of a draft ordinance amending Chapter 5 of the Lake County Code and incorporating by reference the 2022 California Building Standards Code, also known as the California Code of Regulations, et seq. In March of 2023, the Board held the second reading of the ordinance and officially adopted the amendments, incorporating the 2022 California Building Standards Code by reference.
The Building Safety Division and Community Development Director are presenting a draft ordinance to the Lake County Board of Supervisors for the first reading. This ordinance proposes amendments to Chapter 5 of the Lake County Code and adopts, by reference, the 2025 California Building Standards Code, also known as the California Code of Regulations, et seq. This includes adoption of Appendix B: Board of Appeals, Appendix G: Flood Resistant Construction, Appendix H: Signs, Appendix J: Grading of the 2025 California Building Code, Part 2 of the California Code of Regulations Title 24 which is based on the 2024 International Building Code, which is printed by the International Code Council (ICC). Adoption of Appendices AA: Board of Appeals, BI: Light Straw-Clay Construction, BK: Cob Construction (Monolithic Adobe), and BM: 3D-Printed Building Construction of the 2025 California Residential Code Part 2.5, based on the 2024 International Residential Code, published by the International Code Council (ICC).
The Board approved the first reading and advancement of this ordinance at the December 16, 2025 meeting.
Recommended Action
Adopt Ordinance Amending Chapter 5 of the Lake County Code and Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Building standards Code, Known as the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1 Through 6, 8 Through 12, Incorporating the 2025 Edition of the California Administrative Code, Title 24 Part 1; the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code, Title 24 Part 2; the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, Title 24 Part 2.5; The 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code, Title 24 Part 3; The 2025 Edition of the California Mechanical Code, Title 24 Part 4; The 2025 Edition of the California Plumbing Code, Title 24 Part 5; The 2025 Edition of the California Historical building Code, Title 24 Part 8; The 2025 Edition of the California fire Code, Title 24 Part 9: the 2025 Edition of the California Existing Building Code, Title 24 Part 10; The 2025 Edition of the California Green Building Code, Title 24 Part 11: The 2025 Edition of the California Referenced Standards Code, Title 24, Part 12; the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface, Title 24, Part 7; the 2024 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code.
Supervisor Sabatier offered the ordinance and it passed by roll call vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Clerk’s notes: Supervisor Owen introduced the item to the Board. Community Development Director Mireya Turner spoke.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
5.10a) Adopt Resolution Authorizing the 2026-2027 Grant Project-Lake County Child Advocacy Center Program and b) Authorize the Chair to Sign the Grant Subaward Certification of Assurance of Compliance
Resolution
passed on consent
Staff memo
Executive Summary
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) created this grant in 2018 for the purpose of funding affiliate, developing, and accredited Child Advocacy Centers in California which work with child abuse victims to reduce trauma to the children and their families by using a multidisciplinary-team approach. The Victim Witness Division of the District Attorney's Office has had its own Multi-Disciplinary Interview Center (MDIC) called "Hope House" for over 15 years. Hope House uses specialized audio/video equipment to conduct children's interviews in a less intimidating setting. Due to the nature of these situations, interviews must be conducted by a specially trained, trauma-informed professional who can build a rapport with the child, while conducting a meaningful and productive interview - this professional is also known as a Forensic Interviewer.
The project cost of $88,000 will fund a full-time Forensic Interviewer, the Interviewer's training, maintenance of the audio/visual equipment, as well as the upkeep and improvements to Hope House. Although a match is required for this grant, CalOES approved our request to waive the customary matching of funds.
Adoption of this resolution will allow the Lake County District Attorney as the Authorized Agent to submit an application, to enter into the grant and to affirm that County of Lake will comply with the applicable assurances per the attached Exhibits.
Recommended Action
Adopt Resolution Authorizing the 2026-2027 Grant Project-Lake County Child Advocacy Center Program and Authorize the Chair to Sign the Grant Subaward Certification of Assurance of Compliance.
a) Adopt Resolution Authorizing the 2026-2027 Grant Project-Lake County Child Advocacy Center Program and b) Authorize the Chair to Sign the Grant Subaward Certification of Assurance of Compliance
5.11Approve the 2025-2026 Community Corrections Partnership Plan
Action Item
passed on consent
Staff memo
Executive Summary
Each year, the Community Corrections Partnership creates a plan to expend the funds that come from the implementation of AB-109 in 2011. The attached plan is presented which addresses this year's plan as approved by the Community Corrections Partnership Executive Committee on October 16, 2025.
I respectfully request that your Board approve this year's plan.
Recommended Action
Approve the 2025-2026 Community Corrections Partnership Plan
5.12Approve Acceptance of $275,000 Additional Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) Funding for FY 26/27
Action Item
passed on consent
Staff memo
Executive Summary
The Housing Disability and Advocacy Program (HDAP) program provides temporary housing and social security disability advocacy to Lake County residents who are unhoused or at risk of losing housing, who appear to meet Social Security disability criteria, and are not currently receiving Social Security benefits. HDAP is not an entitlement program. The number of people we can help is limited to the funding available to us, first-come, first-serve. HDAP is not currently an annual state allocation. Each year the state determines if additional HDAP funds will be made available.
Currently, the HDAP program is funded for FY 25/26 in the amount of $222,919 (two hundred twenty-two thousand, nine hundred nineteen dollars). This includes current FY 25/26 funds and roll-over funding from past years. Social Services launched HDAP in FY 25/26 and is on track to spend all current funding. Social Security advocacy can be a two-to-three-year timeframe from application to approval of benefits. Current funding must be held in reserve to serve currently enrolled community members.
CDSS has offered additional funding to Counties for FY 26/27 and Lake County can receive an additional $275,000 (two hundred seventy-five thousand dollars) of state-only funds, provided your board approves our acceptance. This funding will allow us to more than double the number of Lake County's residents we can potentially move to permanent housing and income stability.
Recommended Action
Approve Acceptance of $275,000 Additional Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) Funding for FY 26/27
5.13Approve Task Order Proposal from On-Call Engineer, Brelje & Race Consulting Engineers, and allow Special Districts to move forward with the design and preparation of a bid package for sewer main lining and lift station lining.
Action Item
passed on consent
Staff memo
Executive Summary
In 2024 the Special Districts Administration solicited proposals through a Request for Proposal process with solicitation number 250731, to provide On-Call Engineering Services for a five (5) year period. Through this process we were able to get Brelje & Race Consulting Engineers (BRCE) under contract. Their contract was executed on December 3, 2024 with a termination date of December 31, 2029.
One of the task orders that was given to BRCE was to prepare a bid package to be advertised for construction bids for installing cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining to stabilize structural defects and construction inadequacies in sanitary sewer main lines and the lining of three lift stations. This work will eliminate Inflow and Infiltration in these sections of sewer and the lift stations, as well as extend their useful life.
The location of the proposed work is as follows:
Kelseyville
� Three sections that run thru Kelseyville Unified School property consisting of 364 ft of
8-inch sewer line and 242 ft of 6-inch sewer line.
� 350 ft of 8-inch sewer line on Sylar Lane
� 430 ft of 6-inch sewer line on Lillian Drive
� 733 ft of 6-inch sewer line on Single Springs Road
Clearlake
� 597 ft of 6-inch sewer line on Harbor Lane
� 744 ft of 6-inch sewer line on Highland Harbor Drive
Lucerne
� 3 lift stations within the Paradise Valley subdivision
The project is fully funded by the Integrated Regional Water Management Grant program (IRWM). The scope of the project is to install pipelining to stabilize structural defects and to prevent inflow and infiltration from groundwater in the sewer mains and three lift stations, and to extend their useful life.
Staff recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve the Task Order Proposal from BRCE and allow Special Districts to move forward with the design and preparation of a bid package to be advertised for construction bids. The cost of the work is estimated at $173,400.00. See attached Task Order Proposal and Cost Estimate from BRCE.
RB:sh
Attachments
1) Task Order Proposal & Cost Estimate
Recommended Action
Consent Agenda Item for January 13, 2026
Approve Task Order Proposal from On-Call Engineer, Brelje & Race Consulting
Engineers, and allow Special Districts to move forward with the design and preparation
of a bid package for sewer main lining and lift station lining.
5.14(Sitting as the Board of Directors Lake County Watershed Protection District) Approve the award of Contract for Consulting Services – Sunny Day Flood Scenario and Inundation Map Compliance for Highland Creek and Adobe Creek Dams in the amount of $32,500; and Authorize the Chair to Sign and the Water Resources Director to execute the Contract between the Watershed Protection District and Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc.
Agreement
passed on consent
Staff memo
Executive Summary
The Lake County Watershed Protection District owns and operates Highland Creek Dam and Adobe Creek Dam, both located in the Kelseyville area. The California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), has notified the County that the existing flood inundation maps for these facilities-currently based on storm-related dam breach scenarios-must be updated to accurately reflect a sunny day (non-storm) dam breach event, in accordance with current DSOD guidance and regulatory requirements.
Compliance with DSOD requirements is necessary to maintain dam safety certifications and to ensure accurate emergency planning and public safety information.
In accordance with the County's procurement policies, District staff solicited qualifications and cost proposals from engineering consultants with demonstrated expertise in dam safety, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and flood inundation mapping. Based on staff's evaluation, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. was determined to be the most qualified and cost-effective firm to perform the requested services.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve the award of a contract for professional consulting services to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. in the amount of $32,500 for the development of a Sunny Day Flood Scenario compliance plan and updated inundation maps for Highland Creek Dam and Adobe Creek Dam, and authorize the Chair to sign and the Water Resources Director to execute the contract between the Watershed Protection District and Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc.
5.15(Sitting as the Board of Directors Lake County Watershed Protection District) Approve the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Donna Koker for Property within the Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project and authorize the Chair of the Board of Directors to sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement
Agreement
passed on consent
Motion carried
Carried 5-0 — moved by Sabatier
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Staff memo
Executive Summary
Our consultant Monument Inc. has reached an agreement for the purchase of a property known as Assessor's Parcel Number 004-013-110 owned by Donna Koker, Trustee of the Donna Koker Revocable Trust dated June 27, 2017. The purchase of this property will be a step closer toward the development of the Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project.
The purchase of parcel 004-013-110 totals $650,000.00 and is being completed using grant funds provided by the State of California, Department of Water Resources, and the Flood Corridor Program following the provisions required by the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Properties Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.
The appraisal was prepared by a third party hired by our consultant, Monument Inc., with review and approval by the State of California, Department of Water Resources Real Estate Division. The Purchase and Sale Agreement is attached for your review and approval.
Recommended Action
Sitting as the Board of Directors for the Lake County Watershed Protection District Approve the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Donna Koker, Trustee of the Donna Koker Revocable Trust dated June 27, 2017, for Property within the Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project and authorize the Chair of the Board of Directors to sign the Agreement.
On motion of Supervisor Sabatier, and by vote of the Board, approved consent agenda items 5.1 through 5.15 with the exception of item 5.9 which was pulled for further discussion. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
6. Timed Items
6.19:02 A.M. - Public Input
Clerk’s notes: Public Members Luisa Costa, Sterling Wellman, and Skiela Laiwa spoke.
6.29:03 A.M. - Pet of the Week
Presentation
Presentation Only.
Clerk’s notes: Animal Care and Control Officer Jonathan Early presented the pet of the week to the Board.
6.39:04 A.M. - New and Noteworthy at the Library
Action Item
Presentation Only.
Clerk’s notes: County Librarian Christopher Veach presented the item to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
6.49:15 A.M. - Consideration of Presentation Giving an Update on the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Derivatives Available to the Public
Presentation
Staff memo
Executive Summary
Funded by the California Natural Resources Agency, State Coastal Conservancy, NASA, USGS, Sonoma Water, University of California, San Diego, Sonoma Ag + Open Space, and Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, Lake County was included in the North Coast LiDAR acquisition with nine other counties. Dates of collection vary by county, but the best available (most recent and highest quality) point cloud data was used for any given area. The various point clouds were harmonized into a single, unified point cloud for the counties. From the unified point cloud, 36 raster LiDAR derivatives were created for each county. In addition, the technical team created 45 'Area Based,' 10-meter resolution forest metrics, which are stored in a file geodatabase feature class (18 of these 45 are also provided as 10-meter rasters). 10-meter rasters can be created from any of these metrics by using point to raster conversion tools in GIS software
These LiDAR-derived data products (derivatives), have now been incorporated into the County of Lake's Geographical Information System (GIS) portal (https://gis.lakecountyca.gov/portal/home/index.html) under "LiDAR Derivatives."
Today, staff will give an overview of how to access the portal, what is available, and community partners from CAL Fire will discuss how this data is relevant and useful.
Recommended Action
Information presentation. Consider Direction to Staff, as appropriate.
Presentation Only.
Clerk’s notes: Chief Climate Resiliency Officer Terre Logsdon presented the item to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak and the following person present in the Board of Supervisors Chambers spoke: Tom Lajcik. The following people spoke via Zoom: Sterling Wellman and Donna Mackiewicz. No one else wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
6.59:30 A.M. - Consideration of Presentation on the UC Davis Clear Lake Restoration Project
Report
Staff memo
Executive Summary
Dr. Alexander Forrest, UC Davis Associate Professor and Project Lead for the Clear Lake restoration efforts will present on UC Davis's involvement in Clear Lake, findings on root causes of some of the lake's negative water quality issues, proposals to address them, and the status and timing of the prototype oxygenation system.
Recommended Action
Presentation Only.
Presentation Only.
Clerk’s notes: UC Davis Professor Dr. Alexander Forrest presented the item to the Board. UC Davis Representative Steve Camden spoke.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak and the following person spoke via Zoom: Sterling Wellman. No one else wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
6.69:45 A.M. - (Sitting as the Lake County Air Quality Management District Board of Directors) Consideration of Air Toxics Hot Spots Report for 2024 Presentation and Discussion
Action Item
Motion carried
Carried 5-0 — moved by Pyska
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Staff memo
Executive Summary
The attached Air Toxic Hot Spots Report for 2024 is presented pursuant to California Health and Safety Code 44363(b) for discussion of it contents and significance.
Recommended Action
Accept the Air Toxics Hot Spots Report for 2024.
On motion of Supervisor Pyska, and by vote of the Board, approved Air Toxics Hot Spots Report for 2024 Presentation. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Clerk’s notes: Air Pollution Control Director Doug Gearhart presented the item to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
6.710:05 A.M. - PUBLIC HEARING - Consideration of Draft Resolution Adopting the Lake County Climate Adaptation Plan
Public Hearing
Staff memo
Executive Summary
The Lake County Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP) provides a comprehensive, countywide framework to reduce climate related risk and builds long-term resilience for Lake County communities, infrastructure, ecosystems, and the local economy. The CAP addresses increasing wildfire risk, extreme heat, drought, flooding, degraded air quality and other climate driven hazards that affect residents and are projected to intensify in the coming decades.
This plan was developed in collaboration with the City of Clearlake and City of Lakeport through the Planning for an Equitable Climate Safe Lake Project, funded by the California Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation through the Adaptation Planning Grant Program. Adoption of the CAP will better position Lake County to coordinate resilience efforts, integrate climate adaptation into County planning and investment decisions, and remain competitive for State and Federal funding opportunities.
The CAP is organized around the Lake County's Pillars of Landscape Resilience, adopted by the County Office of Climate Resiliency in 2022, and provides strategies across ten interconnected focus areas, including fire-adapted communities, water security, social and cultural well-being and economic diversity. The Lake County Climate Adaptation Plan supports compliance with SB379 and compliments Lake County 2050 General Plan Update, the Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
The Climate Adaptation Plan key components include:
* Identifying climate hazards and projected impacts specific to Lake County, the City of Clearlake, and the City of Lakeport.
* Prioritizing vulnerable populations and critical community assets.
* Establishing resiliency strategies and action organized by the Pillars of Landscape Resilience.
* Emphasizing equity, Tribal collaboration, and integration of traditional ecological knowledge.
* Providing implementation framework that aligns with existing County and City plans.
The intention of the CAP is to serve as a framework, guiding future policy development, grant applications, capital improvement, and interagency coordination.
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ? Not applicable
? Fully Article X.- and/or Consultant Selection Policy-Compliant (describe process undertaken in "Executive Summary") ? Section 2-38 Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in "Executive Summary," attach documentation, as needed)
? Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
? Well-being of Residents ? Public Safety ? Disaster Preparedness, Prevention, Recovery
? Economic Development ? Infrastructure ? County Workforce
? Community Collaboration ? Business Process Efficiency ? Clear Lake
Recommended Action
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution Adopting the Lake County Climate Adaptation Plan.
Supervisor Pyska offered the resolution and it passed by roll call vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Clerk’s notes: Community Development Director Mireya Turner introduced the item to the Board. PlaceWorks Representative Jacqueline Protsman Rohr presented a PowerPoint Presentation to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak and the following person present in the Board of Supervisors Chambers spoke: Margaux Kambara. The following people spoke via Zoom: Betsy Cawn and Angela Ameral. No one else wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
6.810:45 A.M. - 2026 Governance Workshop Presentation for Probation
Action Item
Staff memo
Executive Summary
This year's Board of Supervisors Governance Workshop has been scheduled for a Special Meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. I am scheduled to speak at a Conference out of county on this date so will introduce the presentation for Probation at today's meeting.
Recommended Action
Presentation only.
Presentation Only.
Clerk’s notes: Chief Probation Officer Wendy Mondfrans presented the item to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
6.911:00 A.M. - PUBLIC HEARING - (Continued from November 18, 2025) Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Article VIII. Of Chapter 18 Of the Lake County Code to Implement a Low Value Property Tax Exemption
Public Hearing
Motion carried · 2 motions
Carried 3-2 — moved by Crandell
Crandell: aye Owen: nay Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: nay
Crandell: aye Owen: nay Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: nay
Carried 3-2 — moved by Crandell
Crandell: aye Owen: nay Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: nay
Crandell: aye Owen: nay Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: nay
Staff memo
Executive Summary
This hearing is to consider the approval of an ordinance that would exempt real property with an assessed value of less than $5,000.00 from property tax, as the cost of collections outweighs the benefit.
The Assessor-Recorder, Treasurer - Tax Collector, and Auditor - Controller's office have all been in involved in discussions to develop a low value ordinance. There are approximately 8 counties remaining that have not passed a low value ordinance. Once the costs of delinquent enforcement is considered, the inventory of low value parcels in Lake County creates an untenable situation. Costs to take a property through the tax sale process can range from $500 - $700, in addition to staff time and resources that have to be redirected from other activities.
In a recent tax sale only 22% of properties offered received a bid. When looking at recent data, delinquent properties worth less than $5,000 constituted:
- Approximately 22.4% of parcels;
- Only 0.8% of total tax bill (taxes and direct charges);
- Only 0.25% of base tax billed;
- A current delinquency rate of 34%;
- 74% of tax defaulted inventory eligible for sale.
Even with the unsustainable pace of tax sales at 1,000 properties per year, the inventory of auction eligible properties under $5,000 continued to grow both numerically and proportionately. The workload associated with each tax sale spans 2 - 3 years, which has a compounding effect. In comparing 2022 to 2024, the number of 5+ year defaulted parcels increased from 74% to 78% of existing inventory, with an additional 401 parcels.
If the County does not pass a low value ordinance, ultimately this will result in massive volumes of deficit sales, as previously discussed. These sales lead to increased workloads for both the Auditor-Controller and Treasurer-Tax Collector's offices, while at the same time realizing little value for the County and other entities. A low value ordinance set at $5,000 for secured taxes would bring our inventory in line with best practices throughout the State.
Recommended Action
Approve an Ordinance Amending Article VIII. Of Chapter 18 Of the Lake County Code to Implement a Low Value Property Tax Exemption
On motion of Supervisor Crandell, and by vote of the Board, approved the first reading of the ordinance to be read in title only. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 3 - Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Nays- Supervisors: 2 - Owen and Sabatier
On motion of Supervisor Crandell, and by vote of the Board, advanced the second reading of the ordinance to the next available agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 3 - Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Nays- Supervisors: 2 - Owen and Sabatier
Clerk’s notes: Treasurer-Tax Collector Patrick Sullivan presented the item to the Board. Assessor-Recorder Richard Ford spoke.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak and the following people present in the Board of Supervisors Chambers spoke: Clearlake City Manager Alan Flora and Elizabeth Larson. No one else wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
6.1011:15 A.M. - PUBLIC HEARING - Consideration of Resolution Approving an Application for Funding and the Execution of a Grant Agreement and any Amendments Thereto from the 2025 Funding Year of the State CDBG Program
Public Hearing
Staff memo
Executive Summary
The Community Development and Economic Development Allocations of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program publish a combined Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) each program year. Eligible cities and counties may submit up to three sub-applications, with the total amount not-to-exceed $3,500,000. Economic Development or Housing programs or projects applications cannot exceed $1,500,000 each.
Eligible activities under the above allocations in the NOFA may consist of planning and technical assistance (studies and strategies), public assistance programs, employment training, and economic development programs or projects that create or retain jobs.
This funding application, in the amount of $1,500,000, seeks to fund a Small Business Assistance Loan Program and a Fa�ade Improvement Program (as an activity within the Small Business Assistance Loan Program).
Staff recommends your Board approve, by the attached Resolution, submittal of a funding application for CDBG activities.
Recommended Action
Offer the resolution.
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
Clerk’s notes: Deputy County Administrative Officer Ben Rickleman presented the item to the Board. CDS Consulting Representative Jeff Lucas and County Counsel Lloyd Guintivano spoke.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
6.1111:30 A.M. – PUBLIC HEARING – (Continued from December 9, 2025) Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Purchasing Ordinance: Article X of Chapter Two of the Lake County Code to clarify powers and duties, additional exemptions from competitive bidding and include increased purchasing limits for public projects
Public Hearing
Staff memo
Executive Summary
Staff is requesting that Article X of Chapter Two of the Lake County Code be amended to clarify powers and duties, additional exemptions from competitive bidding and include increased purchasing limits for public projects pursuant to Public Contract Code 22032.
The following sections have the proposed changes:
Section 2-36. Powers and Duties. Added section (p) Approve an exemption from competitive bidding in the procurement of supplies, materials, equipment, and contractual services up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) as outlined in section 2-38.
Section 2-37.1 Delegation of Authority and Unlawful Purchase, added (g)
Section 2-38. 38.2 Exemption from Competitive Bidding, removed the Board of Supervisors from needing to approve this exemption. 38.4(3) removed mention of the County's Consultant Selection Policy. Added 38.8 Atypical Procurement and 38.9 Specific Exemptions.
Section 2-39 Solicitation Methods and Awarding Authority. Remove 39.2.
Section 2-53 Bidding Procedures for Public Projects. 53.1-53.4 Increased amounts pursuant to the Public Contract Code, updated language, and added the Water Resources Director.
These changes will improve efficiency and clarify purchasing for further transparency. Staff recommends your board approve the first reading of the purchasing ordinance update.
Recommended Action
Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Purchasing Ordinance: Article X of Chapter Two of the Lake County Code to clarify powers and duties, additional exemptions from competitive bidding and include increased purchasing limits for public projects.
| Estimated Cost | 0 |
|---|---|
| Amount Budgeted | 0 |
| Additional Requested | 0 |
| Future Annual Cost | 0 |
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
6.121:00 P.M. - Consideration of the distribution of excess proceeds in the amount of $663,489.75 from Tax Defaulted Land Sale #162 held May 31, 2024 per R&T §4675.
Action Item
Motion carried · 4 motions
Carried 5-0 — moved by Owen
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Carried 5-0 — moved by Owen
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Carried 5-0 — moved by Sabatier
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Carried 5-0 — moved by Sabatier
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Staff memo
Executive Summary
The following claims for excess proceeds are pending from the sales of tax defaulted property #162 held on May 31, 2024. The claims have been reviewed, found sufficient and are presented herewith for your consideration and disposition.
Claims #8 - #10 have had their documentation attached as some parties have indicated they intend to dispute the recommended distribution.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that payment in the amount indicated be made to the named claimants.
On motion of Supervisor Owen, and by vote of the Board, approved the distribution of excess proceeds in the amount of $663,489.75 from Tax Defaulted Land Sale #162 held May 31, 2024 per R&T §4675. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
On motion of Supervisor Owen, and by vote of the Board, moved to reconsider the action taken on item 6.12. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
On motion of Supervisor Sabatier, and by vote of the Board, moved to rescind the previous motion. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
On motion of Supervisor Sabatier, and by vote of the Board, approved distribution of excess proceeds in the amount of $663,489.75 from Tax Defaulted Land Sale #162 held May 31, 2024 per R&T §4675. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Clerk’s notes: Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector Elizabeth Martinez presented the item to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak and the following person present in the Board of Supervisors Chambers spoke: Elizabeth Larson. No one else wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
6.131:15 P.M. - Consideration of a Resolution to Authorize the California Statewide Communities Development Authority to Establish a Community Facilities District for the Guenoc Development
Resolution
Staff memo
Executive Summary
The California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA), which the County joined in 1988, is a Joint Powers Authority founded and sponsored by the California State Association of Counties and the League of California Cities. The CSCDA Community Facilities District (CFD) program operates under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982, which permits CSCDA to establish Mello-Roos CFDs for financing public improvements, fees and services.
This Resolution would authorize CSCDA to establish a CFD within the specific geographic boundaries of the Guenoc project for the purpose of infrastructure development. At the November 18, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting there was an introductory workshop covering CFDs and the CSCDA. Subsequently, the Guenoc CFD team met with the Public Services and Interim Public Works Director to discuss the acquisition and management of CFD associated public improvements.
If your Board approves this Resolution, the County assumes no financial liability for CFD bonds and CSCDA would perform the underwriting, issue the bonds and handle the ongoing administration of the CFD. CSCDA would work with consultants and the County to levy, collect, apply, and enforce the special taxes. The special taxes of this CFD would finance both the agreed upon public improvements and ongoing maintenance of such improvements. The specific nature of the CFD public improvements and maintenance will be stipulated in future acquisition and development agreements that will require Board of Supervisors and County departments approval.
Recommended Action
Adopt Resolution Authorizing the California Statewide Communities Development Authority to Establish a Community Facilities District for the Guenoc Development.
Supervisor Owen offered the resolution and it was passed by roll call vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Clerk’s notes: Deputy County Administrative Officer Ben Rickleman introduced the item to the Board. Lou Felton presented the PowerPoint Presentation to the Board. Brian Forbath and Public Services Director Lars Ewing spoke.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
6.141:30 P.M. - Consideration of Proposed Findings of Fact and Decision in the Appeal of Maria Kann and Associates
(PL-25-198)
Action Item
Motion carried · 2 motions
Carried 3-2 — moved by Crandell
Crandell: aye Owen: nay Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: nay
Crandell: aye Owen: nay Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: nay
Carried 3-2 — moved by Crandell
Crandell: aye Owen: nay Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: nay
Crandell: aye Owen: nay Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: nay
Staff memo
Executive Summary
Pursuant to your Board's Statement of Intended Decision in the above matter on December 9, 2025, I have prepared the attached Findings of Fact and Decision. On December 9, 2025, your Board determined, by a vote of three to two, to deny this appeal.
If the Findings of Fact are acceptable to you, I would recommend that you take the following two actions:
Move to approve the Findings of Fact and Decision and authorize the Chair to Sign; and
Move to deny the appeal.
Recommended Action
(a) Move to approve the Findings of Fact and Decision and authorize the Chair to Sign; and
(b) Move to deny the appeal.
On motion of Supervisor Crandell and by vote of the Board, approved the findings of fact and decision as amended and authorized the chair to sign. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 3 - Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Nays- Supervisors: 2 - Owen and Sabatier
On motion of Supervisor Crandell, and by vote of the Board, moved to deny the appeal. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 3 - Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Nays- Supervisors: 2 - Owen and Sabatier
Clerk’s notes: County Counsel Lloyd Guintivano presented the item to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak and the following person present in the Board of Supervisors Chambers spoke: Margaux Kambara. The following people spoke via Zoom: Maria Kann and Brad Johnson. No one else wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
6.152:00 P.M. - Presentation of Update on Community Development Department (CDD) Loan Repayment Plan
Presentation
Staff memo
Executive Summary
Your Board will recall, Community Development Department (CDD) staff provided findings regarding factors that led to declining Building Department revenues, and discussed General Fund loan repayment, on December 9, 2025. Members of your Board requested further follow-up, seeking to gain additional understanding about inter-department operations, options for loan repayment timelines and effects on departmental resources and service provision.
Additionally, your Board requested County Counsel present background on legal considerations surrounding use of incoming permit fees to repay a loan that covered past expenses.
Since that presentation, CDD and Administration Staff have been in ongoing dialogue, and are prepared to give the Board a joint update on the following:
* Review of data presented December 9, 2025 with additional context;
* Summary of non-revenue generating activities for each CDD Division;
* Analysis of budgeted and actual revenues for all CDD Divisions;
* Overview of Building Division loan repayment options;
* Initial analysis of repayment timeline scenarios, and their anticipated effects on departmental operations;
* Anticipated Mid-Year Budget changes; and
* High-level Fee analysis.
In-depth review of budgeted and actual revenues over the past decade show Reserves were "spent down," beginning in Fiscal Year 2022/2023, resulting in significant transfers among CDD Divisions.
Initially, this was a prudent action, and protected the General Fund. At the end of Fiscal Year 2021/2022, the Building Reserve reached $941,607; this high level of Reserves demonstrated not all Departmental expenses associated with actions taken in service of permits had been appropriately recognized. Therefore, County Administrative Office Budgeting staff advised the Building Division to adjust their practices, to ensure all actual Departmental costs were recovered; when this does not occur, it can inappropriately appear the Department "made a profit." In the immediate, those prudent actions included transfers among CDD Divisions, in consideration of historical costs that had not been recovered.
In subsequent Fiscal Years, rather than slowing, transfers from CDD's Building Division to Code Enforcement and Planning accelerated; as discussed late last year, than trend was unsustainable.
Although the Building Division's budget was balanced, as presented in September 2025, the Division's cash flow could not sustain budgeted expenses. County Administration has customarily monitored cash accounts only for those under its direct purview, whereas the Auditor-Controller's office is responsible to monitors all cash accounts, as well as all Accounts Payable. The Auditor-Controller's office notifies departments if they overdraw accounts and requires resolution. When November payroll hit, the Building Division's cash account was overdrawn, despite their having remaining budgeted allocations in their payroll accounts. This was multifactorial: for example, as previously discussed, permit revenue had not been coming in as expected; the ending cash balance for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 was also $222,335.90 short of Departmental projections.
During discussion of December 9, 2026, reference was made to review of legal considerations surrounding Building Division Fees, and whether those revenues could be appropriately utilized to cover cross-Divisional expenses. County Counsel, Lloyd Guintivano's, findings are presented here:
County Counsel's Information in relation to the proposed loan:
Adoption of Fees
California State Code requires the County to provide funds to meet the CDD's costs. Specifically, CGC �65104 states that a "legislative body shall provide the funds, equipment, and accommodations necessary or appropriate for the work of the planning agency...". In this County, the "planning agency" is the Community Development Department, including its three divisions. The County may, however, adopt fees to "support the work of the planning agency" and to reimburse the local agency for expenditures previously made. (CGC ��65104 and 66007).
When the County adopts fees as part of its fee schedule, the California Government Code requires specific regulatory actions to adopt fee schedules which comply with the due process requirements for implementation which include:
1. Holding at least one open and public meeting, at which oral or written presentations can be made, as part of a regularly scheduled meeting.
2. Notice of the time and place of the meeting, including a general explanation of the matter to be considered, and a statement that the data required by this section is available.
service for which the fee or service charge is levied and the revenue sources anticipated to provide the service, including General Fund revenues." (emphasis added).
4. Fees shall be adopted by ordinance or resolution (GC �66016(b))
The State requires that any adopted fee schedule be based on readily determinable, objective, expressly stated, criteria. [Barratt American, Inc. v. City of Encinitas (Cal. App. 4th Dist.), 115 Cal. App. 4th 837, 9 Cal. Rptr. 3d 457, 2004 Cal. App. LEXIS 168]. Fees must also meet the Nollan/Dolan test (Test) requiring:
1. An "essential nexus": Permit conditions must have an "essential nexus" to the government's land-use interest, ensuring that the government is acting to further its stated purpose, not leveraging its permitting monopoly to exact private property without paying for it.; and
2. A "rough proportionality": Permit conditions (including fees) must have a "rough proportionality" to the development's impact on the land-use interest and may not require a landowner to give up (or pay) more than is necessary to mitigate costs or harms resulting from new development. (Sheetz v. Cnty. of El Dorado, 601 U.S. 267 citing Nollan v. California Coastal Comm'n, 483 U. S. 825, 107 S. Ct. 3141, 97 L. Ed. 2d 677, and Dolan v. City of Tigard, 512 U. S. 374, 114 S. Ct. 2309, 129 L. Ed. 2d 304).
In adopting its fee schedule, the Board will have already determined that the CDD building division fees meet the required test, but, as outlined below, the County has discretion through policy or the budget appropriation process under the Government Code to manage the expenditure of the revenues from said fees.
Expenditure of Collected Fees
For fees that have already been adopted by the Board, statutes and case law provide some degree of flexibility on the expenditure of the revenue stemming from collected that result in a surplus fees. While a local agency may not levy a fee or service charge "...to an amount which exceeds the estimated amount required to provide the service for which the fee or service charge is levied", there may be instances in which "...fees or service charges create revenues in excess of actual cost..." [CGC �66016(a), (emphasis added)]. In County of Orange v. Barratt American, Inc., for example, a county had collected more in fees for building inspections and construction plan checks than the cost of performing the services. Relying on CGC �66016(a), the Court determined the County could use its surplus fee revenue to cover the reasonable and necessary costs of the services, rather than lowering the fees until the entire surplus was dissipated. [County of Orange v. Barratt American, Inc. (2007, Cal App 4th Dist) 150 Cal App 4th 420, 58 Cal Rptr 3d 542, 2007 Cal App LEXIS 671, reh'g denied, (2007, Cal App 4th Dist) 2007 Cal App LEXIS 958, review denied, Orange, County of v. Barratt American, Inc. (Cal 2007), 2007 Cal. LEXIS 8521]. The County of Orange did, in fact, lower its fees in that instance but the Court determined that it was not required to refund any surplus or excess. However, if the fees meet the Nollan/Dolan test discussed above, a reduction may not be necessary.
In some cases, fees can fund broader planning activities if directly related to building regulation. In 2007, San Francisco's practice of using building permit fees to fund long-range planning was upheld by the First District Court of Appeal. The court rejected arguments that the fee plan violated Proposition 13 and the city charter. Instead, the court ruled that long-range planning is sufficiently related to the regulation of building construction to justify the spending. [Collier v. City and County of San Francisco, 151 Cal. App. 4th 1326 citing Sinclair Paint Co. v. State Bd. of Equalization, (1997) 15 Cal.4th 866 and California Assn. of Prof. Scientists v. Department of Fish & Game, (2000) 79 Cal.App.4th 935 (see CP&DR Legal Digest, May 2000).]
Next Steps
The County Administrative Office and Community Development Department share your Board's, and the public's, desire that any and all attendant issues that sparked this unfortunate situation are well understood, and lessons learned are appropriately institutionalized and acculturated within the County of Lake organization. As members of your Board will appreciate, fully resolving the network of concerns that informed this situation will take some time. Ensuring those concerns are well articulated, promoting transparency and public understanding, demands that ongoing analysis continue.
CDD therefore requests an opportunity to return February 10, 2026 and provide the following further updates:
* Analysis of Building Division Fees over the past 10 Fiscal Years;
* Analysis of historical Code Enforcement Division cost recovery (i.e., gaining further insight into informants of insufficient cost recovery);
* Analysis of historical Planning Division cost recovery;
* Analysis of CDD funding structures in similar Counties;
* Fee analysis for the Planning Division (i.e., recognizing any patterns where staff time is not fully covered by current fees);
* Calculations surrounding 500,000 Code Violations;
* Assessment of repeat code violators and fines applied; and
* Assessment of the financial effects of self-abatements spurred by Code Enforcement activity.
Staff values your Board's leadership and engagement in navigating this complex matter.
Recommended Action
Direction to staff to return at the Tuesday, February 10, Board meeting to provide further updates, as described and amended by Board Consensus.
There was Board consensus to bring back the presentation in February with more detail.
Clerk’s notes: Community Development Director Mireya Turner introduced the item to the Board. Deputy Community Development Director Shannon Walker-Smith and Deputy County Administrative Officer Casey Moreno presented PowerPoint Presentations to the Board. Assistant County Administrative Officer Stephen Carter and County Counsel Lloyd Guintivano spoke.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak and the following person present in the Board of Supervisors Chambers spoke: Tom Lajcik. The following person spoke via Zoom: Skiela Laiwa. No one else wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
7. Non-Timed Items
7.1Supervisors’ weekly calendar, travel and reports
7.2Consideration of a Supplemental Response to the 2024-25 Lake County Civil Grand Jury’s Final Report
Action Item
Motion carried
Carried 5-0 — moved by Pyska
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Staff memo
Executive Summary
As your Board is aware, the Lake County Civil Grand Jury is an examining and investigative body that makes findings and recommendations intended to improve systems, procedures, and methods of operation. A Final Report is issued annually, documenting the Grand Jury's Findings and Recommendations. Your Board authorized submittal of a response to specified Recommendations, in continuation of customary practice, in September of 2025.
Presiding Judge, Michael Lunas, on behalf of the Civil Grand Jury, requested your Board and County Departments supplement September's Responses by addressing all cited Findings. In response, Department Heads and Administrative Office and Counsel staff prepared the Supplemental Responses attached hereto.
Additionally, internal practices have been updated to ensure all future Grand Jury Responses consistently address both Findings and Recommendations (the attached County Administrative Office-Human Resources Division joint Response is an example), pursuant to Penal Code Section 933 et seq. We greatly appreciate the contributions of County Department Heads and guidance of Presiding Judge Lunas.
All Departmental Supplemental Responses and Your Board's draft Supplemental Response are attached. These draft Responses conform to the requirements of the Penal Code.
Recommended Action
Approve Supplemental Response to the 2024-25 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report and Authorize Chair Rasmussen to Sign.
On motion of Supervisor Pyska, and by vote of the Board, approved Supplemental Response to the 2024-25 Lake County Civil Grand Jury's Final Report. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Clerk’s notes: Administrative Analyst Trevor Mockel presented the item to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
Administration-Human Resources Supplemental Grand Jury Response 2024-25 (Final) Air Quality GJ Supplemental Response 24_25 Animal Control Supplemental Response - Grand Jury 2024-25 Animal Control BOS SUPPLEMENTAL GRAND JURY RESPONSE 2024-25 Health Services Supplemental GJ Response (Medical Services at the Lake County Jail) 01-2016 Public Works Supplemental GJ Response - Lake Pillsbury Future (12-2025) Sheriff Supplemental GJ Response (12-2025) Water Resources Supplemental GJ Response 01.13.2026
7.3Consideration of the following Advisory Board appointment:
Cobb Municipal Advisory Council
Kelseyville Cemetery District
Lake County Ag Advisory Committee
Lower Lake Cemetery District
Appointment
Motion carried · 3 motions
Carried 5-0 — moved by Pyska
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Carried 3-2 — moved by Pyska
Crandell: aye Owen: nay Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: nay
Crandell: aye Owen: nay Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: nay
Carried 5-0 — moved by Owen
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Staff memo
Executive Summary
(include fiscal and staffing impact narrative):
The following Advisory Boards and Commissions have vacancies and applications for consideration have been received.
Cobb Municipal Advisory Council
Two (2) Vacancies: General
* Paul Duncan
* Cathy McCarthy
Kelseyville Cemetery District
Three (3) Vacancies: General
* Elizabeth Broida
Lake County Ag Advisory Committee
Three (3) Vacancies: Crop Grower and One (1) Vacancy: Ag Processor
* Carolyn Hillman
* Daniel Suenram
* David Weiss
* Paul Bernacchio
* Makaila Benjamin
Lower Lake Cemetery District
Two (2) Vacancies: General
* Iris Hudson
Recommended Action
Appoint qualified applicants to the specified advisory board.
On motion of Supervisor Pyska, and by vote of the Board, appointed Paul Duncan and Cathy McCarthy to the Cobb Municipal Advisory Council. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
On motion of Supervisor Pyska, and by vote of the Board, appointed Elizabeth Broida to the Kelseyville Cemetery District. The motion carried by the following:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
On motion of Supervisor Pyska, and by vote of the Board, appointed Carolyn Hillman, David Weiss, Paul Bernacchio, and Makaila Benjamin to the Lake County Ag Advisory Committee. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 3 - Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Nays- Supervisors: 2 - Owen and Sabatier
On motion of Supervisor Owen, and by vote of the Board, appointed Iris Hudson to the Lower Lake Cemetery District. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Clerk’s notes: Chair Rasmussen introduced the item to the Board. County Counsel Lloyd Guintivano spoke.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
LL Cemetery District_Hudson, Iris_Application_Redacted.pdf CAC_Paul Duncan_Redacted Ag Advisory_Daniel Suenram_01082026_Redacted Ag Advisory_Carolyn Hillman_Redacted CAC_McCarthy_01062025_Redacted Kelseyville Cemetery_Broida, Elizabeth Ann_01072026_Redacted Ag Advisory_David Weiss_Redacted Ag Advisory_Makaila Benjamin_Redacted Ag Advisory_Paul Bernacchio_Redacted
7.4SECOND READING - Consideration of Ordinance to Amend Chapter 21, Articles 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 27 and 68 of the Lake County Zoning Code to Implement General Plan Sixth Cycle Housing Element Policies HE-38, 38, HE-59, HE-60, HE-61, HE-71, HE-72 and HE-73 (Staff requests another first reading, due to addition of text)
Ordinance
Motion carried
Carried 5-0 — moved by Pyska
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Staff memo
Executive Summary
The Housing Element (HE) is a chapter of the Lake County General Plan. It is updated every seven years, as required by state law. The HE describes the County housing demographics, identifies obstacles to housing development, and lists policies and actions to take to lower these obstacles, and encourage housing development.
The Lake County General Plan Housing Element (Sixth Cycle, 2019-2027), was approved by the Board on March 26, 2019, and found to be in substantial compliance with Housing Element Law by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on September 16, 2020.
The Housing Element contains numerous policies and programs to support housing development in the unincorporated areas of the county. Department Staff have been in ongoing contact with HCD regarding the implementation of a number of Housing Element policies and actions. Policy HE-58 is the first of six HE Implementation Actions to be accomplished within the next few months. HCD requested HE-58 be separated from the larger implementation project in order to lessen its timeline. As such, on November 13, 2025, Staff brought a Draft Ordinance for the Planning Commission's recommendation to the Board of Supervisors regarding implementation of Policy HE-58. On November 18, 2025, the Board approved the first reading of the ordinance, with adoption following on December 9, 2025.
This draft ordinance and policy complete the County's list of implementation tasks for the Sixth Cycle Housing Element. The Planning Commission approved a recommendation of approval of both the draft ordinance and policy at the December 11, 2025 meeting.
This draft ordinance was approved for its first reading by the Board, on January 6, 2026 (4-1, Supervisor Owen No), and advanced to the next agenda for second reading and possible adoption. After the Board meeting, Staff realized the definition of affordable housing was inadvertently omitted. Since this is a substantive addition, Staff requests the Board consider the amended ordinance, and approve a first reading of the amended ordinance, with an advancement of the amended ordinance for second reading and possible adoption at the next available Board meeting.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE
Table 1, Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Existing HE Policy
Proposed Zoning Amendments or Other Actions for Implementation
HE-6: County shall develop policies and procedures to give priority or expedited processing to residential developments that include a significant portion of units restricted to very-low, low-, or moderate-income households.
No zoning amendment needed, but CDD staff have prepared a written internal policy for adoption (Attachment 1).
HE-38: The County shall consider adopting amendments to the zoning ordinance that would allow additional residential development in community commercial areas, where appropriate services area available.
Amend Article 19: Community Commercial (C2) to allow several types of residential housing development with reduced development standards.
HE-59: The Zoning Ordinance shall be amended to allow supportive housing by right in Commercial or other zoning designations that have access to support services.
Amend the following articles to allow supportive housing by-right: 9 Suburban Reserve (SR); 10, Single-Family Residential (R1); 11 Two-Family Residential (R2); 12 Multi-Family Residential (R3); 13 Planned Development Residential (PDR); 18 Local Commercial (CL); 19 Community Commercial (C2)
Amend Article 68 to add "Supportive Services" definition.
HE-60: The Zoning Ordinance shall be amended to set the maximum stay in an emergency shelter at 180 days, and to remove the requirement that such shelters not be located within 300 feet of one another.
Amend Article 27 to remove setback to other facilities; remove parking requirements; remove minimum number of beds required, increase maximum length of stays.
HE-61: The Zoning Ordinance shall be amended to accommodate agricultural employee housing of 6 to 12 units or up to 36 beds in all zones permitting agriculture as a permitted use.
Amend the following articles to allow agricultural employee housing with a Minor Use Permit: Article 4: Agricultural Preserve District (APZ); Article 5: Agricultural District (A); Article 6: Timberland Preserve District (TPZ); Article 7: Rural Lands District (RL); Article 8: Rural Residential District (RR)
Amend Article 27 to allow Agricultural Employee Housing with a Minor Use Permit
Amend Article 68 to add "Agricultural Employee Housing" definition
HE-71: The Zoning Ordinance shall be amended to allow residential unit(s) located on the second story or higher, limited to one (1) dwelling unit per 1,000 square feet of commercial floor area, and subject to the parking requirements of Section 21-46 with a Minor Use Permit
Amend Article 19 to remove the Minor Use Permit requirement and allow by right. Also remove parking requirements.
HE-72: The County will amend the Zoning Ordinance to remove the minor use permit requirement for multi-family developments with 20 or more units, to remove the constraint on development and possible barrier to construction of affordable housing units.
Amend Articles 12, Multi-Family Residential (R3) and Article 19 Community Commercial (C2) to remove Minor Use Permit requirement for multifamily with 20+ units
HE-73: Per AB 101 (2019), review the County's zoning ordinance and make revisions if necessary, to allow low barrier navigation centers for the homeless per Government Code 65660-65668.
Amend Article 19 Community Commercial District (C2) to allow low barrier navigation centers by-right, subject to objective development standards
Add definition of "Low Barrier Navigation Center" to Article 68
Environmental Review: The series of Municipal Code text amendments, as required by State law to implement the County's Housing Element, would not result in a significant effect on the environment, as they do not automatically grant any entitlements or include specific development proposals. All future development is required to obtain applicable permits such as Building Permits, Zoning Clearances, Grading Permits, Environmental Health Clearances, Air Quality Permits, etc. which contain regulations intended to protect the environment and ensure health and safety. Additionally, future development that is not ministerial would be subject to CEQA review. For these reasons, it can be seen with certainty that the proposed text amendments would not result in a significant effect on the environment, and the proposed revisions to the Municipal Code are exempt from further review under CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
Recommended Action
1) Approve the first reading of the ordinance, as amended, to be read in title only; and 2) Advance the ordinance to the next available Board agenda for second reading and possible adoption.
On motion of Supervisor Pyska, and by vote of the Board, advanced the draft ordinance with amendments to the next Board of Supervisors Meeting for consideration and possible adoption. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Clerk’s notes: Community Development Director Mireya Turner presented the item to the Board. County Counsel Lloyd Guintivano spoke.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak and the following person spoke via Zoom: Holly Harris. No one else wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
7.5Consideration of Consolidation of Public Works and Public Services Departments
Action Item
Staff memo
Executive Summary
Staff recommend that the Board of Supervisors consider and approve an organizational consolidation of the Public Works Department and the Public Services Department into a single, integrated department.
As a related action, staff recommend appointing the current Public Services Director and Interim Public Works Director, Lars Ewing, as Interim Director of the consolidated department, pending establishment and Board approval of the permanent job classification and compensation package.
Staff further request Board direction to move forward with the administrative, budgetary, and organizational actions necessary to implement the consolidation, with the intent of preparing the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget under a unified departmental structure.
Discussion
In mid-2025, the Board of Supervisors implemented an interim leadership structure for the Public Works Department in response to executive-level transitions, ultimately appointing Public Services Director Lars Ewing as Interim Public Works Director. This interim arrangement was intended to maintain operational stability while longer-term organizational needs were evaluated.
In October 2025, the Board established an ad-hoc committee comprised of two Board members, the County Administrative Officer, Assistant County Administrative Officer, and the Interim Public Works Director. The committee was tasked with evaluating the organization structure of Public Works, identifying opportunities for improvement, and assessing long-term leadership and operational needs.
Through the review process, the ad-hoc committee identified consolidation of Public Works and Public Services as the preferred long-term organizational model.
Departments and Functions
The Public Works Department is responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of County transportation and aviation infrastructure; fleet and heavy equipment services; and engineering, surveying, and capital project delivery primarily related to roads, bridges, and airport facilities. The Department is currently allocated 60 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions with an annual budget in the range of $40-45 million.
The Public Services Department oversees County facilities, parks, and landfill infrastructure; recreation and museum operations; integrated solid waste management; and associated capital project delivery. The Department is currently allocated 51 FTE positions and operates with an annual budget in the range of $30-35 million.
Under the proposed consolidation, the combined department would include approximately 110 FTE positions and a total annual operating budget in the range of $70-80 million.
Anticipated Benefits of Consolidation
In evaluating consolidation as a long-term strategy, staff considered operational effectiveness, service delivery outcomes, administrative coordination, and employee feedback. Several key benefit areas were identified.
Organizational Alignment and Service Delivery
Maintenance responsibilities for County-owned infrastructure are currently managed by various divisions in both departments. Consolidation provides an opportunity to evaluate leadership alignment and operations across roads, facilities, and parks maintenance, with the goal of improving responsiveness, consistency, and long-term asset management.
Similarly, both departments currently deliver capital projects. Public Works focuses on transportation and aviation projects, while Public Services manages facilities, parks, and landfill capital projects. A consolidated structure would support a more integrated capital project delivery model, allowing for consistent standards, shared expertise, and coordinated capital planning across both department's infrastructure portfolio.
Administrative Coordination
Both departments maintain separate administrative support functions, including fiscal services, payroll coordination, human resources support, and customer service functions. Consolidation is expected to improve coordination, reduce duplication where feasible, and strengthen administrative support through economies of scale and clear lines of communication.
Fiscal and Staffing Considerations
While specific cost savings are yet to be quantified, savings are anticipated with leadership and administrative consolidation. Staff anticipates the consolidated structure will allow for the elimination of at least one currently vacant position through realignment of duties and responsibilities, resulting in a reduction in allocated staffing levels without layoffs. Additional efficiencies may be identified as the consolidation goes into effect; however, staff believe it is important to ensure the organizational structure provides effective service delivery before taking formal action to eliminate any vacant positions. While the primary objective of consolidation is organizational effectiveness rather than short-term cost reduction, staff expect that the combined effect of leadership consolidation, position realignment, and operational efficiencies will result in a net cost savings to the County.
Both departments rely on distinct and, in some cases, restricted funding sources, including road maintenance funding and solid waste enterprise funds. Preservation of fund integrity and compliance with applicable restrictions will be a guiding principle throughout implementation.
Comparable County Structures
Staff reviewed organizational structures in other California counties that have roads, airport, facilities, parks, and related infrastructure functions within a single department, as well as operational responsibilities such as integrated solid waste management, fleet and equipment service, and recreation programming. While no single model is directly comparable, several counties demonstrate functional similarities to the proposed structure:
* Shasta County Public Works Department: road and facilities infrastructure maintenance and integrated solid waste management
* Monterey County Public Works, Facilities, and Parks Department: road, facilities, and parks maintenance and capital project delivery
* Sonoma County Public Infrastructure Department: road and facilities infrastructure maintenance, engineering and capital project delivery, fleet operations, and integrated solid waste management
Among these examples, Sonoma County provides a particularly relevant reference. In 2022, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors consolidated its Transportation and Public Works Department and General Services Department into a single Public Infrastructure Department. The impetus for the consolidation was a leadership transition, and has provided valuable lessons related to organizational integration and operational alignment. Lake County staff have engaged with Sonoma County counterparts to understand lessons learned and best practices during their transition.
Next Steps and Implementation
If the Board approves the consolidation, staff will initiate a series of administrative and organizational actions involving multiple County departments. Initial priorities will include finalizing the consolidated organizational structure, aligning administrative functions, merging the capital project and engineering teams, where appropriate, and preparing for budget development under a single department framework.
Implementation activities will also include the development of a permanent job classification and associated compensation for the consolidated department director position, as well as new or revised classifications and associated compensation for other key positions. Based on the consolidated organizational structure, there may be existing vacant positions identified that can be eliminated; however, it is important to note that only vacant positions will be affected, meaning no layoffs are anticipated as part of this effort. Facility planning will also be a key component in determining appropriate workspace locations.
Staff propose a phased implementation, with the goal of the staffing and budget process being complete by July 1, 2026, coinciding with the start of Fiscal Year 2026-27. Staff will return to the Board with future actions as needed to support implementation and oversight.
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ? Not applicable
? Fully Article X.- and/or Consultant Selection Policy-Compliant (describe process undertaken in "Executive Summary")
? Section 2-38 Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in "Executive Summary," attach documentation, as needed)
? Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
? Well-being of Residents ? Public Safety ? Disaster Preparedness, Prevention, Recovery
? Economic Development ? Infrastructure ? County Workforce
? Community Collaboration ? Business Process Efficiency ? Clear Lake
Recommended Action
A) Approve the consolidation of the Public Services Department and the Public Works Department; B) Appoint Lars Ewing as Interim Director of the consolidated department, pending establishment and Board approval of the permanent job classification and compensation package; C) Direct staff to initiate the actions necessary to implement the consolidation
There was Board consensus to return with a presentation prior to the Budget Hearing.
Clerk’s notes: Public Services Director Lars Ewing presented the item to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak and the following person spoke via Zoom: Sterling Wellman. No one else wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
7.6ADDENDUM - Consideration of a Letter to the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Regarding Proposed Juvenile Detention Regulations
Action Item
Motion carried · 2 motions
Carried 5-0 — moved by Sabatier
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Carried 5-0 — moved by Sabatier
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Crandell: aye Owen: aye Pyska: aye Rasmussen: aye Sabatier: aye
Staff memo
Executive Summary
As your Board will be aware, the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) is the entity charged with overseeing juvenile facilities within the State of California. As part of this oversight, they promulgate regulations referred to as Title 15 and Title 24.
Currently, changes are being proposed to the regulations that could have a dramatic effect on the ability to house juveniles detained by Lake County for criminal offenses. Proposed changes to the regulations include: limiting the number of juveniles in a room to one; changing the use of safety cells; and changing the types of health care that must be provided to the youth.
The Executive Steering Committee of the BSCC is meeting on January 26 and 27, 2026, to continue consideration of these changes.
Probation requests your Board submit a Letter of Opposition to the proposed changes.
Additionally, please consider appropriate inclusion of issues related to juvenile detention be in the County's 2026 State Legislative Priorities.
Recommended Action
Approve the Letter to the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Regarding Proposed Juvenile Detention Regulations, and authorize the Chair to sign.
Additionally Consider Direction to Staff to appropriately include issues related to juvenile detention in the County's 2026 State Legislative Priorities.
On motion of Supervisor Sabatier, and by vote of the Board, approved letter as proposed with amendment to the first sentence. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
On motion of Supervisor Sabatier, and by vote of the Board, directed staff to appropriately include issues related to juvenile detention in the County’s 2026 State Legislative Priorities. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes- Supervisors: 5 - Owen, Sabatier, Crandell, Pyska, and Rasmussen
Clerk’s notes: Chief Probation Officer Wendy Mondfrans presented the item to the Board.
Chair Rasmussen asked if anyone present wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public input portion of this item was closed.
8. Closed Session
8.1Public Employee Evaluation:
Title: County Counsel
Closed Session Item