The City of Clearlake held a special meeting on February 1, 2024, to discuss significant developments regarding a housing project proposed by Danco Communities. The meeting focused on the project's environmental considerations and the necessary steps to move forward.

The session began with a presentation from representatives of the Oklahoma Nation, who emphasized the importance of proper monitoring and mitigation measures to protect cultural resources during the project's development. They indicated that the developer is willing to cover the costs associated with these monitoring efforts, which would alleviate any financial burden on the city. The representatives suggested that the city could either direct staff to consult further on mitigation measures or amend the existing mitigated negative declaration (MND) to allow the project to proceed more swiftly. They cautioned that if modifications to the MND are not made, a more extensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR) would be required, which could delay the project significantly.

Following this, Chris Dart, president of Danco Communities, addressed the council via Zoom. He expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to provide much-needed housing for the community. Dart noted that the development plan closely mirrors the original proposal approved years ago, with minimal changes. He outlined the timeline for the project, stating that infrastructure work is expected to commence in April and continue through the building season, which lasts until October. Dart also mentioned that the company has invested considerable resources into engineering and design to ensure compliance with city requirements.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both the developer and the Oklahoma Nation to work collaboratively with the city to ensure the project's success while respecting cultural heritage. The council's next steps will involve reviewing the proposed modifications and determining the best path forward for the housing development.