Clearlake council approves new animal‑care contract after extended public comment on shelter conditions

The Clearlake City Council on Jan. 15 authorized a new contract with Clear Lake Animal Association to provide animal care and control services, following public testimony from residents, volunteers and the association about shelter conditions, enforcement gaps and animal welfare.

City Manager Flora summarized a request‑for‑proposals process that produced a single responsive submittal. An evaluation committee that included council members and one public member scored the proposal (average score 86 of 100) and recommended the city proceed. Staff described the proposed contract as an initial one‑year term with two optional one‑year extensions, a 30‑day mutual termination clause, and a new annual performance‑report and scorecard process to monitor outcomes.

Volunteers and residents used the public‑comment period to press the council on multiple fronts. Kathy Plowman and others urged humane alternatives to euthanasia and called for daily spay/neuter services and a properly funded shelter; Charmaine Weldon, speaking for Clear Lake Animal Association, said the proposal was developed from field experience and emphasized the group’s commitment to public‑safety and humane care. Several residents described roaming dogs, animal bites, and the need to enforce leash and licensing rules.

Council members discussed contract length and performance monitoring. Several members said the work would likely take more than a single year to stabilize shelter operations; staff noted the contract structure allows two one‑year extensions and includes a 30‑day termination clause. The council approved a motion authorizing the city manager to sign the contract; the vote was recorded as unanimous.

City staff said any contract award would be contingent on the contractor meeting the city’s insurance requirements and that the city retains rights to records during the transition. The council also directed staff to continue pursuing enforcement and to use the proposed performance scorecard to provide annual oversight and community feedback.