The Clearlake City Council took a significant step towards improving community safety and aesthetics by approving a contract for the demolition and abatement of ten problematic properties. During the June 15, 2023 meeting, the council authorized the city manager to execute a contract with Case Excavating for $113,800 to address these long-standing issues.

Code Enforcement Supervisor Lambert presented the case, highlighting that many of these properties have been under scrutiny for years, with multiple compliance inspections yielding no results. For instance, the property at 3191 Sixth Street has been open since October 2018, undergoing 18 inspections without compliance. The situation is similar for several other locations, including 3662 Cottonwood Street and 14870 Clement Drive, which have also faced numerous inspections and administrative citations.

The council discussed the presence of hazardous materials like lead and asbestos at some sites, which contributed to the higher costs associated with the demolition. Lambert noted that while some properties would be cleared of structures, others would require extensive cleanup due to accumulated debris and illegal encampments.

The decision to move forward with this contract reflects the city’s commitment to addressing blight and ensuring public safety. The council's actions are expected to lead to a cleaner and safer environment for Clearlake residents, with the city now poised to tackle these neglected properties effectively.