Clearlake council authorizes closeout of $722,694 CDBG-CV2/3 grant for senior center kitchen and accessibility upgrades

The Clearlake City Council voted unanimously to authorize the city manager and staff to complete closeout paperwork for $722,694.32 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) coronavirus round 2/3 funds used to renovate the Senior Community Center on Bowers Avenue.

City Manager Flora told the council the grant paid for capital improvements intended to serve seniors and vulnerable residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Improvements described by staff included restroom modifications to improve accessibility and safety (touch fixtures), a major kitchen renovation with a new walk-in cooler and freezer, updated electrical work, new flooring and wall paneling to support food preparation and distribution.

Flora said the kitchen supports an ongoing meal program; staff described the scope as enabling the preparation and distribution of approximately 200 meals per day, five days a week. During public comment, Joyce Overton clarified the center serves roughly 200 regular recipients and estimated about 4,600 meals a month are prepared and distributed. The city said it will include final program metrics in the grant closeout documentation.

Council authorized staff to finish the formal closeout process and to address any required amendments or documentation with grant administrators. No additional funding or council action was required at this meeting for the closeout itself.