The City Council of Clearlake held its regular meeting on January 4, 2024, where several key updates and community acknowledgments were discussed. The meeting primarily focused on the transition of certain city services back in-house, the status of ongoing projects, and recognition of community efforts during the holiday season.

City Manager Alan reported that the city is set to take over specific services beginning in February, a move that has been in preparation for some time. He also reminded the council about the increase in the tourism improvement district assessment, which rose from 1.5% to 2.5% as of July 1, impacting all lodging establishments in the area.

A significant topic was the airport project, which is currently undergoing environmental impact analysis. The city anticipates presenting various contracts for approval at the next council meeting, highlighting the project's importance and expected costs.

Additionally, the completion of the City Hall renovation was noted, with most operations successfully resumed in the updated facility. The city has also been accepted into the California Public Utilities Commission's proceedings regarding Golden State Water's rate adjustments, with the city attorney's office managing the necessary paperwork.

Council members took the opportunity to express gratitude towards former officials for their contributions over the past year and acknowledged community efforts during the holiday season. Council Member Pardoch specifically thanked local businesses and organizations for their participation in Christmas decorations and events, emphasizing the positive impact of grassroots initiatives.

Vice Mayor Overton highlighted the success of the community Christmas dinner, which served over 200 people, a significant increase from the previous year. He praised the volunteers and local churches for their support in organizing the event, noting the ongoing challenges posed by the flu season.

The meeting concluded with a collective optimism for the upcoming year, as council members expressed their commitment to continuing the work initiated by previous leadership and addressing the needs of the community. The council looks forward to a productive 2024, focusing on both ongoing projects and community engagement.