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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week is set to hold discussions on cannabis tax revenue, cell tower placement and “K-Class” housing standards.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8 and online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx . Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
In an untimed discussion, the board will consider a draft resolution to amend Article 71 of the Lake County Zoning Ordinance regarding regulations for the placement of communications towers and antennae.
The draft resolution suggests that a wireless communication facility must be located at least the height of the tower times two from any residential structure, with the exception of a residential structure that is occupied by the owner of the property upon which the wireless communication facility is located, in which case the setback requirement may be reduced with design certification by an engineer.
The proposal says the setback must include enough area to contain the fall zone entirely within the boundaries of the property owned or leased by the wireless communications provider.
The county’s proposed changes also would require that a wireless communication facility must be located at least two times the fall zone from any public right of way or private road and from any high-tension power lines.
“ In measuring setbacks, an accessory structure constructed to house equipment relating
to the wireless communication facility must be included as part of the wireless communication facility. The edge of an accessory structure to a property line shall constitute an appropriate measurement,” the draft ordinance states.
Also in an untimed on Tuesday, Supervisor Bruno Sabatier is asking for a discussing on cannabis tax revenue being generated from Measure C, which imposes a tax on cannabis cultivation operations in the county’s unincorporated areas, “in order to raise revenue to help fund law enforcement, environmental protection and water quality resources in the County, as well as to establish additional educational programs for County youth relating to drug and alcohol use,” according to his memo to the board.
Sabatier wrote, “Since the local cannabis industry is still in the developmental stages, the amount of ongoing revenue which will be generated by Measure C is in the process of being determined. Nonetheless, a Board discussion, and possible direction to staff to develop policy, would be timely.”
Along with Supervisor Moke Simon, Sabatier also is requesting the board and Community Development Department staff hold a discussion on Tuesday about “K-Class” housing, a type of owner-built housing with less stringent building standards. That discussion also is untimed.
“We are requesting discussion as to where these types of housing could be located and whether or not this type of housing should be allowed in unincorporated areas,” the memo from Sabatier and Simon explains.
In other business, at 9:15 a.m. the board will consider a request from the board of directors of Lake County Community Radio KPFZ, seeking a reduction in the fees it pays to the county for space on a communications tower on Mount Konocti.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Approve side letter to the Lake County Deputy District Attorney Association memorandum of understanding.
5.2: Adopt resolution to establish position allocations for Animal Care and Control officers.
5.3: Approve budget transfer in the amount of $55,000 to cover salaries and benefits for the remainder of FY 18-19 and authorize the chair to sign.
5.4: Approve the purchase of Microsoft Exchange licenses in the amount of $69,381.46 and authorize IT director to issue purchase order. Purchase will be made via the NASPO ValuePoint Data Communications Products and Services statewide contract.
5.5: Adopt resolution establishing county-maintained mileage for 2018.
5.6: Approve amendment one of agreement between Lake County and Ewing and Associates for special legal services for Sheriff Brian L. Martin and authorize the chair to sign.
5.7: Approve waiver of the 900 Hour extra help limit for Law Enforcement Records Technicians Sylvia Pascoe and Terri Whitehead.
5.8: Adopt resolution authorizing the application and acceptance of the 2019/20 Boating Safety and Enforcement financial aid funding from the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways in the amount of $315,312.
5.9: Approve agreement between the county of Lake and Konocti Unified School District for the assignment of a school resource officer for a base rate of $120,000 from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020; and authorize the sheriff to sign.
5.10: Adopt proclamation for designating the month of June 2019 as Elder and Adult Dependent Abuse Awareness Month in Lake County.
5.11: Approve contract between the county of Lake and Lake Family Resource Center for CalWORKs Domestic Violence Services in the amount of $25,000, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.12: Approve contract between the county of Lake and North Coast Opportunities Inc. for the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for children in foster care in the amount of $107,654.00, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2021, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.13: Approve contract between the county of Lake and North Coast Opportunities Inc., Rural Communities Child Care, for stage one child care services, in the amount of $70,000, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2022, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.14: Approve contract between the county of Lake and Lake County Office of education for foster youth services in the amount of $45,000, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.15: Approve contract between the county of Lake and Lake Transit Authority for local public transportation services in the amount of $73,920, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.16: Approve contract between the county of Lake and Lake County Office of Education for Probation Family PRO in the amount of $36,000, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, and authorize the chair to sign.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the month of June 2019 as Elder and Adult Dependent Abuse Awareness Month in Lake County.
6.3, 9:15 a.m.: Consideration of request from the board of directors of Lake County Community Radio KPFZ for rate reduction in tower fees.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Consideration of appointments to the Scotts Valley Community Advisory Council.
7.3: Discussion and consideration of a draft resolution of intention to amend Article 71 of the Lake County Zoning Ordinance, Regulations for the Placement of Communications Towers and Antennae.
7.4: Discussion and consideration of the use of cannabis tax revenue.
7.5: Consideration of proposed findings of fact and decision in the appeal of Aurelia Johnson (AB 18-01).
7.6: Sitting as the Lake County Housing Commission, consideration of (a) the Lake County Housing Commission 5 Year Plan for 2019 – 2024 with Required Certifications and; (b) the Administrative Plan for 2019 and authorization for the chair to sign.
7.7: ADDENDUM: Discussion and consideration of K-class housing in Lake County.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Public employee evaluations: County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson, Community Development Director Michalyn DelValle.
8.2: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(1): County of Lake, et al. v. PG&E, et al.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8 and online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx . Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
In an untimed discussion, the board will consider a draft resolution to amend Article 71 of the Lake County Zoning Ordinance regarding regulations for the placement of communications towers and antennae.
The draft resolution suggests that a wireless communication facility must be located at least the height of the tower times two from any residential structure, with the exception of a residential structure that is occupied by the owner of the property upon which the wireless communication facility is located, in which case the setback requirement may be reduced with design certification by an engineer.
The proposal says the setback must include enough area to contain the fall zone entirely within the boundaries of the property owned or leased by the wireless communications provider.
The county’s proposed changes also would require that a wireless communication facility must be located at least two times the fall zone from any public right of way or private road and from any high-tension power lines.
“ In measuring setbacks, an accessory structure constructed to house equipment relating
to the wireless communication facility must be included as part of the wireless communication facility. The edge of an accessory structure to a property line shall constitute an appropriate measurement,” the draft ordinance states.
Also in an untimed on Tuesday, Supervisor Bruno Sabatier is asking for a discussing on cannabis tax revenue being generated from Measure C, which imposes a tax on cannabis cultivation operations in the county’s unincorporated areas, “in order to raise revenue to help fund law enforcement, environmental protection and water quality resources in the County, as well as to establish additional educational programs for County youth relating to drug and alcohol use,” according to his memo to the board.
Sabatier wrote, “Since the local cannabis industry is still in the developmental stages, the amount of ongoing revenue which will be generated by Measure C is in the process of being determined. Nonetheless, a Board discussion, and possible direction to staff to develop policy, would be timely.”
Along with Supervisor Moke Simon, Sabatier also is requesting the board and Community Development Department staff hold a discussion on Tuesday about “K-Class” housing, a type of owner-built housing with less stringent building standards. That discussion also is untimed.
“We are requesting discussion as to where these types of housing could be located and whether or not this type of housing should be allowed in unincorporated areas,” the memo from Sabatier and Simon explains.
In other business, at 9:15 a.m. the board will consider a request from the board of directors of Lake County Community Radio KPFZ, seeking a reduction in the fees it pays to the county for space on a communications tower on Mount Konocti.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Approve side letter to the Lake County Deputy District Attorney Association memorandum of understanding.
5.2: Adopt resolution to establish position allocations for Animal Care and Control officers.
5.3: Approve budget transfer in the amount of $55,000 to cover salaries and benefits for the remainder of FY 18-19 and authorize the chair to sign.
5.4: Approve the purchase of Microsoft Exchange licenses in the amount of $69,381.46 and authorize IT director to issue purchase order. Purchase will be made via the NASPO ValuePoint Data Communications Products and Services statewide contract.
5.5: Adopt resolution establishing county-maintained mileage for 2018.
5.6: Approve amendment one of agreement between Lake County and Ewing and Associates for special legal services for Sheriff Brian L. Martin and authorize the chair to sign.
5.7: Approve waiver of the 900 Hour extra help limit for Law Enforcement Records Technicians Sylvia Pascoe and Terri Whitehead.
5.8: Adopt resolution authorizing the application and acceptance of the 2019/20 Boating Safety and Enforcement financial aid funding from the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways in the amount of $315,312.
5.9: Approve agreement between the county of Lake and Konocti Unified School District for the assignment of a school resource officer for a base rate of $120,000 from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020; and authorize the sheriff to sign.
5.10: Adopt proclamation for designating the month of June 2019 as Elder and Adult Dependent Abuse Awareness Month in Lake County.
5.11: Approve contract between the county of Lake and Lake Family Resource Center for CalWORKs Domestic Violence Services in the amount of $25,000, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.12: Approve contract between the county of Lake and North Coast Opportunities Inc. for the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for children in foster care in the amount of $107,654.00, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2021, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.13: Approve contract between the county of Lake and North Coast Opportunities Inc., Rural Communities Child Care, for stage one child care services, in the amount of $70,000, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2022, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.14: Approve contract between the county of Lake and Lake County Office of education for foster youth services in the amount of $45,000, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.15: Approve contract between the county of Lake and Lake Transit Authority for local public transportation services in the amount of $73,920, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.16: Approve contract between the county of Lake and Lake County Office of Education for Probation Family PRO in the amount of $36,000, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, and authorize the chair to sign.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the month of June 2019 as Elder and Adult Dependent Abuse Awareness Month in Lake County.
6.3, 9:15 a.m.: Consideration of request from the board of directors of Lake County Community Radio KPFZ for rate reduction in tower fees.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Consideration of appointments to the Scotts Valley Community Advisory Council.
7.3: Discussion and consideration of a draft resolution of intention to amend Article 71 of the Lake County Zoning Ordinance, Regulations for the Placement of Communications Towers and Antennae.
7.4: Discussion and consideration of the use of cannabis tax revenue.
7.5: Consideration of proposed findings of fact and decision in the appeal of Aurelia Johnson (AB 18-01).
7.6: Sitting as the Lake County Housing Commission, consideration of (a) the Lake County Housing Commission 5 Year Plan for 2019 – 2024 with Required Certifications and; (b) the Administrative Plan for 2019 and authorization for the chair to sign.
7.7: ADDENDUM: Discussion and consideration of K-class housing in Lake County.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Public employee evaluations: County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson, Community Development Director Michalyn DelValle.
8.2: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(1): County of Lake, et al. v. PG&E, et al.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council this week is scheduled to hold a budget workshop ahead of its regular meeting, along with considering the appointment of a new planning commissioner and a request to defer fees for a new housing project.
The council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, for the workshop before the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
On the regular meeting agenda is the appointment of a new planning commissioner in the wake of Commissioner Jeri Driver’s resignation last month.
City Clerk Kelly Buendia said the city is recommending Brandon Disney, a prior applicant, for the seat.
In other business, City Manager Margaret Silveira will ask the council to consider approving a wastewater connection fees and water capacity fees deferral agreement/loan for the 48-unit affordable family rental housing project, the Martin Street Family Apartments.
The apartment complex is the second phase of an affordable housing project being built by AMG & Associates – Pacific West Communities.
“To provide affordable housing in Lakeport, the developer needs assistance through the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) in order to make the project affordable. This is a competitive application process and to obtain the points necessary for the funding, the local jurisdiction needs to partner with the developer to receive the tax credits,” Silveira wrote.
Silveira said the city does not have the capacity to invest monetarily, thus the deferral of the wastewater and water connection fees would meet the needed match.
“The total for wastewater connection fees deferred is $706,041 and the total water capacity fees deferred is $188,310. This deferral will allow the project to proceed which is consistent with the City’s General Plan and Housing Element. This is also consistent with State’s Housing
Policy to provide affordable housing. The payback for the deferral will be a 55 year loan paid through annual installments limited to 20% of Residual Receipts generated by the project. The deferral will be secured by a deed of trust,” Silveira’s report explained.
The council also will consider approving a new police lieutenant and captain classification series, including monthly salary changes for the lieutenant and the police chief positions, and salary range for the captain position, all effective July 2; and a deputy city clerk III-records supervisor classification at salary range 44, effective July 1.
Also on Tuesday, the council will discuss the purchase of Laserfiche software and authorize the city manager to sign a licensing agreement and the first year’s annual maintenance and support agreement with Synapse, and there will be the presentation of the city of Lakeport employee scholarship.
On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances; minutes of the regular council meeting on May 21; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the Mendocino Complex fire; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the February 2019 storms; and approval of response to the Lake County Grand Jury regarding Lampson Field.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
The council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, for the workshop before the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
On the regular meeting agenda is the appointment of a new planning commissioner in the wake of Commissioner Jeri Driver’s resignation last month.
City Clerk Kelly Buendia said the city is recommending Brandon Disney, a prior applicant, for the seat.
In other business, City Manager Margaret Silveira will ask the council to consider approving a wastewater connection fees and water capacity fees deferral agreement/loan for the 48-unit affordable family rental housing project, the Martin Street Family Apartments.
The apartment complex is the second phase of an affordable housing project being built by AMG & Associates – Pacific West Communities.
“To provide affordable housing in Lakeport, the developer needs assistance through the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) in order to make the project affordable. This is a competitive application process and to obtain the points necessary for the funding, the local jurisdiction needs to partner with the developer to receive the tax credits,” Silveira wrote.
Silveira said the city does not have the capacity to invest monetarily, thus the deferral of the wastewater and water connection fees would meet the needed match.
“The total for wastewater connection fees deferred is $706,041 and the total water capacity fees deferred is $188,310. This deferral will allow the project to proceed which is consistent with the City’s General Plan and Housing Element. This is also consistent with State’s Housing
Policy to provide affordable housing. The payback for the deferral will be a 55 year loan paid through annual installments limited to 20% of Residual Receipts generated by the project. The deferral will be secured by a deed of trust,” Silveira’s report explained.
The council also will consider approving a new police lieutenant and captain classification series, including monthly salary changes for the lieutenant and the police chief positions, and salary range for the captain position, all effective July 2; and a deputy city clerk III-records supervisor classification at salary range 44, effective July 1.
Also on Tuesday, the council will discuss the purchase of Laserfiche software and authorize the city manager to sign a licensing agreement and the first year’s annual maintenance and support agreement with Synapse, and there will be the presentation of the city of Lakeport employee scholarship.
On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances; minutes of the regular council meeting on May 21; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the Mendocino Complex fire; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the February 2019 storms; and approval of response to the Lake County Grand Jury regarding Lampson Field.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Draft 2019-20 City of Lakep... by on Scribd
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – City Manager Alan Flora announced that the city of Clearlake has just released the first public draft of the 2019-27 Housing Element.
This is an eight-year update to the city’s General Plan Housing Element; a policy document describing existing housing conditions, a review of resources available to facilitate new housing construction and a strategy that addresses goals, policies and programs for Clearlake’s housing needs.
A second public workshop with the Clearlake Planning Commission has been scheduled in the city council chambers, located at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive, on Tuesday, June 4, starting at 6 p.m.
The Preliminary Draft Housing Element may be reviewed from the city’s Web site at http://www.clearlake.ca.us/355/Housing-Element-Update-2019-27 or hard copies of the document can be obtained for purchase from the Planning Department at 707-994-8201.
After the workshop, the document will be prepared for submittal to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, or HCD, which will review it for compliance with state housing codes.
After this review, the housing element document will be scheduled for adoption by the planning commission and city council in late summer, and then again be returned to HCD for final certification.
Final certification provides city access to grants and many housing programs offered by the state.
“We are making a big effort to reach out to the public to obtain their input regarding the city’s housing needs, and would like to hear from our community at this second public workshop. We plan to have other meetings with the public in a few more months too, so if you miss this workshop, we can always hear from you during the adoption workshops coming this summer,” said Flora.
This is an eight-year update to the city’s General Plan Housing Element; a policy document describing existing housing conditions, a review of resources available to facilitate new housing construction and a strategy that addresses goals, policies and programs for Clearlake’s housing needs.
A second public workshop with the Clearlake Planning Commission has been scheduled in the city council chambers, located at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive, on Tuesday, June 4, starting at 6 p.m.
The Preliminary Draft Housing Element may be reviewed from the city’s Web site at http://www.clearlake.ca.us/355/Housing-Element-Update-2019-27 or hard copies of the document can be obtained for purchase from the Planning Department at 707-994-8201.
After the workshop, the document will be prepared for submittal to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, or HCD, which will review it for compliance with state housing codes.
After this review, the housing element document will be scheduled for adoption by the planning commission and city council in late summer, and then again be returned to HCD for final certification.
Final certification provides city access to grants and many housing programs offered by the state.
“We are making a big effort to reach out to the public to obtain their input regarding the city’s housing needs, and would like to hear from our community at this second public workshop. We plan to have other meetings with the public in a few more months too, so if you miss this workshop, we can always hear from you during the adoption workshops coming this summer,” said Flora.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Association of Realtors, or LCAOR, reported that the sales of single-family residences have remained relatively flat over a three-month period.
The Lake County median sales price for April was $259,950, up 4.4 percent over the March median of $249,000. The February median was $257,050.
Year-over-year trends showed an 8.5-percent decline in the median price with April of 2018 having a median of $284,000.
The number of sales in April was 58, up 13.7 percent over 51 sales in March. February had 61 sales, the most thus far for any month of the year.
The number of sales in April 2018 was 79, resulting in April 2019 sales being down by 26.6 percent on a year-to-year basis.
The percentage of homes financed with cash in April was 32.8 percent, which was up from 23.5 percent in March and up from 22.8 percent in April 2018.
“With prices remaining below last year’s we have seen affordability rise,” said Mary Benson, 2019 LCAOR president. “According to the California Association of Realtors 44 percent of Lake County residents can afford to buy a median priced home, which is up from 40 percent during the same time period in 2018.”
On a statewide basis, the California Association of Realtors reported that 32 percent of California residents could afford the first quarter median price of $545,820, up from 28 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018 and up from 31 percent in the first quarter of 2018.
Affordability is based on 30-year fixed rate loans at a 4.62-percent interest rate.
The California Association of Realtors reported existing, single-family home sales in California totaled 396.760 in April on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 0.1 percent from March and down 4.8 percent from April 2018.
April’s statewide median home price was $602,920, up 6.5 percent from March, and up 3.2 percent from April 2018.
The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 4.14 percent in April, down from 4.47 percent in April 2018, according to Freddie Mac. The five-year, adjustable mortgage interest rate rose in April to an average of 3.75 percent up from 3.66 in April 2018.
LAKE COUNTY NUMBERS AT A GLANCE
April 2019
Median price: $259,950
Units sold: 58
Median days to sell: 56
March 2019
Median price: $249,000
Units sold: 51
Median days to sell: 69
April 2018
Median price: $284,000
Units sold: 79
Median days to sell: 37
The Lake County median sales price for April was $259,950, up 4.4 percent over the March median of $249,000. The February median was $257,050.
Year-over-year trends showed an 8.5-percent decline in the median price with April of 2018 having a median of $284,000.
The number of sales in April was 58, up 13.7 percent over 51 sales in March. February had 61 sales, the most thus far for any month of the year.
The number of sales in April 2018 was 79, resulting in April 2019 sales being down by 26.6 percent on a year-to-year basis.
The percentage of homes financed with cash in April was 32.8 percent, which was up from 23.5 percent in March and up from 22.8 percent in April 2018.
“With prices remaining below last year’s we have seen affordability rise,” said Mary Benson, 2019 LCAOR president. “According to the California Association of Realtors 44 percent of Lake County residents can afford to buy a median priced home, which is up from 40 percent during the same time period in 2018.”
On a statewide basis, the California Association of Realtors reported that 32 percent of California residents could afford the first quarter median price of $545,820, up from 28 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018 and up from 31 percent in the first quarter of 2018.
Affordability is based on 30-year fixed rate loans at a 4.62-percent interest rate.
The California Association of Realtors reported existing, single-family home sales in California totaled 396.760 in April on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 0.1 percent from March and down 4.8 percent from April 2018.
April’s statewide median home price was $602,920, up 6.5 percent from March, and up 3.2 percent from April 2018.
The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 4.14 percent in April, down from 4.47 percent in April 2018, according to Freddie Mac. The five-year, adjustable mortgage interest rate rose in April to an average of 3.75 percent up from 3.66 in April 2018.
LAKE COUNTY NUMBERS AT A GLANCE
April 2019
Median price: $259,950
Units sold: 58
Median days to sell: 56
March 2019
Median price: $249,000
Units sold: 51
Median days to sell: 69
April 2018
Median price: $284,000
Units sold: 79
Median days to sell: 37
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Kelseyville Unified School District has begun the process of soliciting proposals from nonprofit groups interested in restoring and maintaining the historic Kelsey Creek Schoolhouse.
In April, the district’s board of trustees voted to donate the 148-year-old building to a nonprofit organization, as Lake County News has reported.
When the board next met on May 21, it approved the request for proposal process developed by Superintendent Dave McQueen that nonprofits must follow to acquire the schoolhouse.
Board President Rick Winer said at the meeting that it’s the board’s intention that the building continues to benefit the community, and “That it’s accessible to the community and that it’s in much better condition than it currently is.”
The building, which is roughly about 850 square feet, has suffered neglect in recent years.
It was last roofed thanks to the county of Lake – in particular, then-County Administrative Officer Kelly Cox – in 2011, but since then it has suffered broken siding, which has allowed birds to nest inside the walls, paint is coming off the building in large chunks and board members were unaware at the May meeting that two of the windows recently had been broken.
The request for proposal process the board approved has two options – keeping the structure at its location on Finley Road East, where it was moved in 1882, or moving it to another location.
Nonprofits interested in submitting proposals have until 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 31.
One of the key requirements is that the building, if moved, must remain within the boundaries of the Kelseyville Unified School District.
The request for proposal process also requires verification of nonprofit status, the proposed final use of the building, a proposed schedule to receive ownership of the schoolhouse, identification of the proposed final destination of the building, a detail of the proposed methodology for and qualifications to relocate by a licensed removal company, a proposed budget for relocation or maintenance of the building, a detail of the ongoing maintenance of the schoolhouse if it remains on the district-owned property in Finley and proof of general liability insurance in specified amounts.
The process also addresses the potential for the school district to need to weigh in on the transfer of the interest in the building should the nonprofit that receives it come to a point where it needs to hand off ownership.
Winer said on May 21 that, in such a case, the matter would need to return to the full board for a decision.
Should the building be granted to an organization that moves it, Winer said the district would continue to own the land and would make a decision about that property at a future time.
For more information, contact Kelseyville Unified Superintendent Dave McQueen at 707-279-1511.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The late spring rains we have enjoyed in Lake County have extended the opportunities for native wildflower viewing under our pellucid skies.
Besides our seemingly ever-present state flower, the California poppy that grows alongside highways and in our many parks, you can take pleasure in the multi-hued clovers, Ithuriel's spear, evening primrose, chicory, lupine and more.
A fireworks display of color can be found at the Lake County Land Trust's Rabbit Hill in Middletown.
There are sprays of the yellow woolly sunflower, or Eriophyllum lanatum. These commonly found flowers thrive in parched open areas below 10,000 feet. This is a perennial plant that grows from one to two feet in height and attracts lupine ghost moths as well as geranium plume moths in certain areas.
A uniquely beautiful woodland flower set amongst the dense curtain of grasses in shady areas, is Diogenes' lantern, or Calochortus amabilis. This yellow, nodding flower is also called golden fairy lantern. Endemic to California, the plant's bulb was a traditional fare of the Kashaya Pomo, or "bo" who prepared them to eat by first baking or boiling.
If you look carefully, you will spy the flowers of the wavy soaproot plant. These delicate white blooms open near the end of the day, and stretch up, on a straight stalk amidst the center of the leaf rosette. Soaproot is related to the lily.
These marvels of evolution do not have to rely upon bees or wasps for pollination. They depend upon small night flying beetles, flies or moths to do the deed.
Many traditional uses of soaproot were employed by California Indians. Soaproot has been used to construct utilitarian brushes from the strong, brown fibers which cover the bulb.
When the plant fibers were removed from the bulb, and cleaned of debris, they could then be fashioned into various sized bundles for sifting acorn flour.
The handle for the soaproot brush was often made from boiled soaproot bulbs. Once it was made into a pulp, it adhered to the soaproot fibers and dried. Brushes from the soaproot plant were put to use to clean their baskets, mortars and pestles.
One more soaproot factoid: According to a survivor of the 1846 Donner party, pioneer Patrick Breen detailed in his diary that a local Indian he met then shared a half-dozen of the roots of this plant for a small meal, which look like small onions. Soaproot, aka soap plant or amole, is considered to be one of the most abundant bulbs in California.
Another plant with white flowers is the Yerba santa, or Eriodictyon californicum.This bush proliferates in and amongst the serpentine soils, rocks and boulders here in Lake County. It also thrives in oak woodlands, redwood and pine forests.
Yerba santa acquired its moniker from early Spanish settlers who thought of it as a “blessed herb.” It was used by the Spanish in California in the early 1800s, as well as American Indians before them, who concocted a tea for asthma or colds.
For a great seasonal plant uses list of plants used by the local Clear Lake people visit Dr. John Parker's 'Lake County Archaeology" Web site at http://wolfcreekarcheology.com/Pomo2.html .
Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is a retired educator, potter, freelance writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.”
