Some of the KnowN Lakeport's Issues as of 9-18-10.

My Take may change due to learning of new facts and public input. 

1)     City Budget.  This is a very important issue.  The city is currently over budget pulling funds from the reserve.

My take --- As long as the city council does not speculate on more tax revenue and grant funds then they are currently receiving, the city should remain in the black for the near future.  If this is not the case, one needs to look at how the funds are being spent, what past commitments are coming due, and future projects may need to be re-addressed.  Basically one should not spend more than one has.

2)     Road repair, sidewalks, bike lanes.  Today, improvements are being made.

My take --- The question has to be asked are the roads being planned for repair the correct ones.  I think we should prioritize not only the main thoroughfares to the city which is good for business, but also residential streets which are good for the citizens.  Sidewalks should be completed on both sides of Main Street.  Bike lanes should also be created if the street widths allow encouraging citizens to ride bicycles instead of driving vehicles.  This would allow more parking places for out of town visitors for our businesses and possibly increase more bicycle events to Lakeport.

3)     Waterfront access.  Citizens and tourist enjoy having access to the waterfront.  The issue is a developer would like to build a hotel on Dutch Harbor and Natural High site which could block waterfront view and access at those locations.

My take --- Since the city does not own Natural High it would need to swap a parcel of city owned land for the school district owned Natural High.  My belief is if we're swapping city property for Natural High than the citizens should get the benefit of Natural High.  An option for Natural High and Dutch Harbor would be to create a park that is linked to Library Park with sidewalks and bike paths.  The existing Natural High building could be remodeled for a new senior citizen center and / or youth center / community event facility with outside games including horseshoes, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts. 

4)     Enforcing local hiring policy.  Hire local talent instead of searching outside the city and county.

My take --- A question came up during a city council meeting regarding hiring outside the city and county for a structural engineer to perform an engineering study on Vista Point.  A local Lakeport engineering firm questioned why they were overlooked.  The city's response was the Lakeport firm did not hold a structural engineering certificate.  Later, it was identified neither did the selected outside firm.  The city is now reviewing a Santa Rosa firm.  My question is what would it take for our local engineering firm to earn the certification, could it be accomplished in the required timeline for the issue at hand, and would this route save the city money for this issue and future ones?  I believe in using local resources as much as possible.  I think local resources would not price gouge the city and welcome their business.  

5)     Cristallago.  This is a plan to develop a golf course with condominiums and houses north of Lakeport.  The development could strain Lakeport's infrastructure.  An infrastructure includes the roads, sewage, solid waste, schools, and water / air quality, with police and fire services. 

My take --- As long as the county accepts to provide the infrastructure items.  The only item in question is roads, schools and the increased traffic congestion.  If this project goes forward, the city and county should establish a liaison with the planning committee, developer, environmental agencies, and the city council to ensure issues are resolved before and during development.   Also, I would recommend local resources be a major part of construction. 

6)     Measure I Spending.  Lakeport's citizens perception was Measure I funds are for improving roads.  In reality, since it was not a targeted tax increase which requires 2/3 vote to pass, it was a general tax increase which requires a majority.  Therefore, the tax increase funds legally go to the general fund and are guided by Measure J.  Measure J states these funds are for roads, streets, parks, and public services. 

My take --- Since the voters perceive these funds for improving roads, I believe they should be spent for road improvements and only used otherwise as a last resort.

7)     Redevelopment Money.  These funds are provided by government grants to develop low income housing and remove city blight.  The city is reviewing plans to create low income senior housing within Lakeport's city limits.

My take --- This would be wonderful if it occurs.  In the past some low income housing projects requesting funds were never developed.  It would be advantageous to offer low income housing to our senior citizens.

Hopefully, this new project will be completed on time and under the guidelines that were reported to the city council.