2013-2014 Annual Report www.cityoflakeport.com
CITY OF LAKEPORT
Find Your
1 / City of Lakeport Annual Report 2014 Introduction
A stunning fireworks display bursting over beautiful Clear Lake. There are so many reasons to be inspired by our wonderful city. Our staff is proud to support and promote the interests of Lakeport and all of its residents and visitors. Find your inspiration here in the City of Lakeport.
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Introduction City of Lakeport Annual Report 2014 / 2 F YOU ARE LIKE MOST PEOPLE,
you probably never give a thought about turning on the faucet to get reliable, safe drinking water, or where it might go after you shower or brush your teeth. The weekly trash pickup and recycling service, with free green waste removal, never crosses your mind until the cans are somehow left full. When you call 9-1-1 in the City, you can depend on the rapid response to your needs of an officer. The services that we take for granted every day are the main focus of what your City does for you all year round. We on the council - with our highly competent staff - are constantly at work planning for future needs and emergency contingencies that you may have never even considered. Just like your home, the preservation of the outer and inner Kenneth Parlet - Mayor (2014) structure, the safety, the appearance, are always in need of some sort of repair or preventative maintenance. The costs of prevention and improvement are always on the rise. Forecasting future serious issues is, or at the very least should be, a major priority in maintaining your home, your car, and your City as well. Sometimes much needed improvements are not within the budget. While your home may need a new roof, the money may not be readily available. In a City there are always countless projects that need attention, but likewise, the money to do everything needed is never easy to find. As your servant, along with fellow council members and staff, we are charged with doing the best job possible that lies within our budget and financial means to maintain the level of service you have come to expect. Some of the services, plans, and projects we engaged in during the last fiscal year to benefit our community included:
Stacey Mattina Mayor Pro Tem
Mireya Turner City Council
Marc Spillman City Council
• Water and sewer capital rehabilitations and improvements. Though water rate increases seemed unpopular to many, the USDA saw our efforts as proactive and thereby awarded us a $1.5 million grant. Among other areas of need, this money was used to help in the rehabilitation of our sewer treatment plant and for installation of new storage tanks and automated water meters. Recent reports show that these new meters have cut employee hours by over 90%, enabling other work to be done elsewhere. • Dock replacement at Library Park. We have taken action to spend some financial reserves to do improvements to the docks at Library Park, and other capital projects. Doing them now is more cost efficient than deferring them any longer. • Successful negotiations of new two year agreements with all city labor groups. We were Martin Scheel Mayor (2015) able to maintain the integrity of our current and future budgets while satisfying to the best of the City’s ability the increased needs of many, if not all, of our city employees. • Moving forward to explore utilizing solar to power City facilities with the intention of saving the city thousands of dollars. • Successfully applying for grants to assist the City in finding better and higher uses for city facilities (such as Carnegie Library) as well as continuing programs in housing and small business development. • Enhancing the safety and effectiveness of our police force though the procurement of body cameras and other highly technical equipment used in crime prevention and adjudication. The council also remains dedicated to increasing public safety by supporting the highest possible staffing levels our community can afford. • Participation in customer service workshops to improve, sustain and maintain our level of customer care.
“We are dedicated to doing the best job, with the money we have, to offer the highest level of services possible.”
The city staff at all levels does realize that we all work for the citizens and businesses of Lakeport. So while many of us may take that clean glass of water for granted, your council, City staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure you receive it, while fixing current problems and looking ahead to solve other issues before they occur. We are dedicated to doing the best job, with the money we have, to offer the highest level of services possible.” -
Kenny Parlet
3 / City of Lakeport Annual Report 2014 City Overview
I Farmers’ Market
NCORPORATED in 1888, Lakeport is the county seat and hub of rich historic traditions and growing opportunities. Settled on the shores of one of North America’s oldest bodies of water, Lakeport is surrounded by beauty and diverse geography. Residents often possess a strong connection to Lakeport’s beauty, community and warm familial bonds encompassing generations. Explore some of what Lakeport has to offer: Lakeport Centers for Education • Marymount California University Lakeside Campus • Yuba College — Clear Lake Campus • Mendocino College — Lake Center • Lakeport Unified School District
Wine Auction
Tourism
• Fishing Tournaments • Car Shows • Clear Lake Sea Plane Splash In
Lakeport and Surrounding Area Parks
Lake County Fair
• Library Park • Westside Community Park • Highland Springs Recreational Area • Lakeside County Park • Rodman Slough County Park
Demographics • 2,518 Housing Units • 4,807 Residents • 2.7 square miles Within City Limits
Family Activities
• Westshore Pool • Semi-Annual Lake County Fair • Parades • National Night Out • Bowling • Cinema/Drive In Movies
Lakeport Libraries and Museums
• Lake County Library • Lakeport Carnegie Library • Lake County Historic Courthouse Museum
• $43,588 Median Household Income
Mendocino College- Lake Center
Message From the City Manager City of Lakeport Annual Report 2014 / 4
“W
e live in a beautiful, vibrant
community with friendly people, natural splendor, and a wonderful sense of place. These are all elements necessary in finding inspiration to live, love, and enjoy life. The highest priority of the Lakeport City Council, its staff, and volunteers, is to maintain and grow your enjoyment of those things. The City Council in 2014 set its sights on doing just that through its budget. It established goals to enhance our participation in regional economic development activities; improve the safety, health, and security of its citizenry; and bolster service delivery by reinforcing the City’s commitment to its people. My job as the City Manager – the City’s chief executive officer – was to implement programs, activities, and directives to meet these Margaret Silveira - City Manager goals. In 2014 we did just that. Working closely with developers, we helped complete a new housing project, Bella Vista, offering quality residences for dozens of low- and moderate-income senior citizens who have chosen Lakeport to live out their golden years. Part of this effort involved tailoring our policies to move the project forward. In the end, it was an incredible triumph. We also were successful in securing grant funding to support low- income residents in home rehabilitation and first-time homebuyer assistance. We focused our efforts on ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of water and sewer services by reinvesting $8 million in infrastructure over the next several years. Our team began with critical projects in our water and sewer operations, including water storage tank rehabilitation, meter replacement, and system control overhauls. More effort than ever before was targeted at improving our economic condition, not only within the City but throughout the greater Lake County region. Partnering with local business and civic groups, the City of Clearlake, and the County of Lake, we made significant progress in creating a business environment of collaboration, communication, and support. The City continues to strive to ensure our businesses thrive and to promote investment from outside the region. People are what we’re about and service is what we do. We made some great additions to our team and were successful in retaining a few in the face of temptations of higher pay and benefits elsewhere. But we hold ourselves to a high standard as well, promoting transparency and accountability in everything we do. Finally, we did all this under significant fiscal constraint. Revenues are up but so are our liabilities; promises of the past will continue to affect our progress in the future. We have begun planning to meet those commitments, and I am confident that we will do so while still maintaining the highest level of service possible. Our budget is tight but balanced. Our needs are large but manageable. Our resources are limited but our resolve to better our community is unwavering. Thank you, Lakeport, for the faith you’ve placed in us to help you find your inspiration. On behalf of staff, the City Council, and the volunteers who make what we do possible, I encourage you to explore what we’ve accomplished and to stay involved in the affairs of your City. We rely on it for our inspiration to serve you every day.”
“People are what we’re about and service is what we do.”
-Margaret
Silveira
5 / City of Lakeport Annual Report 2014 Community Development
Find Your Community Development The Community Development Department is comprised of three divisions: Planning, Building and Housing. The department is responsible for a wide variety of functions including the review and approval of new development projects; building permit applications and inspections; code enforcement and nuisance abatement; and housing support services. The department also carries out activities related to business licensing, including working with new businesses on remodeling and sign issues and the collection of business license fees.
Our Community Development Department is dedicated to the vision of creating a bright future for Lakeport. We assist in the planning and construction process of new commercial locations and residences. We provide a framework for establishing new businesses and keeping Lakeport peaceful and productive.
Year Highlights • Procured funding for new 50 unit low- and middle- income senior housing project on Martin Street, “Bella Vista.” • Provided technical expertise and support to the marijuana cultivation ordinance development.
• Actively worked with the Police Department on code enforcement, particularly regarding marijuana cultivation, ensuring effective and fair regulatory practices to preserve the community well-being. • Supported Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee economic development efforts to find more effective ways to promote growth and development in the City.
Community Development Number of staff* 5 Total budget $ 937,506
“I find in my job that Lakeport residents really appreciate knowledge. I get to explain the codes and try to break down some of the technical information regarding building permits and most people are able to come away more comfortable with the process. We’re here to help. I enjoy helping people solve problems they encounter as they build and maintain our community.” -Tom Carlton - Chief Building Official
Total expenditures $ 392,204 Benefit per capita** $ 81.59 *including full- and part-time personnel **per resident spending. City residential population was approximately 4,807 as of June 30, 2014
Economic Development City of Lakeport Annual Report 2014 / 6
“My advice to Lakeport residents is to ‘be involved in the process.’ Attend a City Council meeting, learn more about the planning commission, volunteer with groups like LEDAC, Main Street Association, and the Chamber of Commerce. These are great ways for residents to know what’s happening. Once you start participating you want to know more and you want to do more.” -Wilda Shock - Economic Development Specialist, City Consultant
Economic Development Total expenditures $ 59,038 Benefit per capita** $ 12.28 **per resident spending. City residential population was approximately 4,807 as of June 30, 2014
Year Highlights • Supported workforce development efforts of Mendocino College Lake Center and Marymount California University.
• Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee worked with local businesses for positive local and regional outcomes. Provided leadership for the Carnegie Library reuse feasibility study to determine options for the historic building. • Organized City Staff business visits; staffers walked the streets of Lakeport, visiting local businesses to show support. • Hosted an economic development summit in conjunction with the Lake County Regional Economic Development Committee at the Marymount California University Lakeside Campus in Lucerne.
Economic Development
Find Your
Focus
Find your focus and support the changes you would like to see. Our Economic Development department is proud to support the growth of our local businesses, our educational centers, and preserving our rich heritage.
The Lakeport City Council and staff understand the importance of Lakeport as a regional economic center and have sought over the years to strengthen and expand the City’s role in the economic wellbeing of the County, in spite of competitive outside forces. There are many factors that come into play and have an impact on the Lakeport economy and thus affect the whole of the County. These factors range from the provision of basic public infrastructure to the adoption and implementation of governmental economic development objectives, policies, and programs to having a sophisticated knowledge of the US and world economies and how Lakeport fits within them.
7 / City of Lakeport Annual Report 2014 Infrastructure Infrastructure The Roads and Infrastructure Division of Public Works provides for the maintenance and minor construction of all City streets, curbs and gutters, drainage systems and structures, and right-of-way improvements. This includes asphalt overlays and repairs, street signs, pavement markings, culvert maintenance and replacement, and other street related projects. This division also manages construction activities and maintenance of the City’s storm sewer collection system. Additionally, it provides other public service functions, including traffic control devices for parades and other special events, installing decorative or informational signage along City streets, and assisting other City departments with manpower for use in heavy lifting.
Parks, Buildings and Grounds The Parks, Buildings, and Grounds Division provides for the operation and maintenance of Library and Westside Community Parks, special use areas, City Hall, and the Police Station. This Division provides administration and supervision of contract providers and park and building maintenance staff for landscaping, grounds, and building maintenance, including electrical and plumbing repairs, vandalism repairs, painting, custodial services, and litter abatement.
Find Your
Purpose For residents of the City of Lakeport, beauty is right in your own backyard. We are proud to maintain and Infrastructure develop our roads, parks, and buildings. Get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and find your purpose in the City of Lakeport. For each function, include the following information
Description of how this function helps “find your inspiration” Year Highlights Description of services provided Accomplishments outcomes • Provided high quality,and low-cost assistance to Fiscal andand budgetary performance information civic groups the local business community in support of public events, such as the Staff member highlight Summer Series and various parades Picture Concert and personal statement about what they do and and street fairs. how it benefits the community • Assisted in securing future operations of Westshore Pool and engaged the Lakeport Unified School District for future support; pool is scheduled to be open to the public in the summer of 2015. • Addressed significant infrastructure rehabilitation issues, including resurfacing of Hartley Street, First through Third Streets, Estep Street, and pedestrian safety improvements at Twentieth Street • Worked with local civic groups and service clubs to maintain City parks, including Westside Community Park and Library Park.
Roads and Infrastructure
Number of staff* 12 Total budget $ 5,794,359 Total expenditures $ 1,583,233 Benefit per capita** $ 329.36 “I always really like helping with the Halloween Parade and seeing the happiness from all of the kids. I’ve been glad we’ve been able to complete more paving projects this year. I’m always happy to see more road improvements.” - Jim Kennedy - Public Works Foreman
Parks, Pool and Facilities Number of staff* 1 Total budget $ 404,689 Total expenditures $ 305,141 Benefit per capita** $ 63.48
*including full- and part-time personnel **per resident spending. City residential population was approximately 4,807 as of June 30, 2014
Utilities and Sanitation City of Lakeport Annual Report 2014 / 8
“I haven’t worked at the City for long, but I’m thankful for the chance to learn and grow and build a good career.” - Steven Grossner Wastewater Operator in Training
Utilities and Sanitation Number of staff* 6 Total budget $ 2,618,616 Total expenditures $ 2,127,384 Benefit per capita** $ 442.56 *including full- and part-time personnel **per resident spending. City residential population was approximately 4,807 as of June 30, 2014
Year Highlights • Provided the highest quality water and sewer services in the county at the lowest possible cost. • Commenced significant portion of USDA water project, including water storage tank rehabilitation and meter replacement, investing nearly $750K in utility infrastructure rehabilitation. • Increased efforts to secure solid waste franchise agreement with local waste hauler. • Responded quickly and effectively to calls for water service and sewer issues.
Find Your
Strength Our utilities staff is dedicated to keeping the City of Lakeport running smoothly. We take pride in our pure, clean drinking water. We proudly keep Lakeport healthy and safe.
Water The Water Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Division is responsible for the treatment and delivery of safe, reliable drinking water to the citizens of Lakeport. It provides 24-hour service and support to the public by responding to customer concerns, emergency water breaks/repairs, and ensuring the City has high quality water in adequate supply for firefighting, domestic, and commercial use. The division operates and maintains 4 ground water wells, a surface water treatment facility, and a distribution system to private meters. The division also works with developers and customers on water service issues during project design to ensure water delivery is never in short supply. The division continuously monitors the quality of the water that it provides to its residents and proudly maintains the distinction of providing the safest, clearest, and best tasting drinking water in Lake County.
Sewer The Sewer Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Division provides collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage in a manner compliant with the health and safety needs of the community and the environment. Delivering this service in the safest, most reliable method possible is the highest concern of the Public Works Department. The Sewer division provides 24-hour service and support to the public by responding to customer concerns, emergency sewer stoppages, and ensuring sewer system functionality.
9 / City of Lakeport Annual Report 2014 Public Safety
Find Your
Harmony Public Safety At the Lakeport Police Department, we are dedicated to working as a partner with our community and City government to provide a safe environment to live, work, visit, run a business or raise a family. Our City enjoys a very low crime rate and provides an exceptional quality of life. We are very proud to be a part of the team effort that has contributed to that success. The Department is committed to providing high quality law enforcement services, consistent with professional standards and best police practices, and to protecting and respecting the rights of all citizens.
Our public safety officers are invested in the lives and happiness of our community. We work together to promote harmony and protect the small-town charm that Lakeport is known for.
Year Highlights • Maintained public communications of critical incidents and updates, keeping the citizens of Lakeport informed. • Promoted professional development and executive POST training of managementlevel staff, improving service delivery to the community and strengthening our professional peace officer workforce.
• Deployed asset forfeiture funds to procure MAV units for patrol cars, vest cameras for officers, and crime scene technology for the county district attorney’s office, increasing transparency and accountability in law enforcement, enhancing officer protection and evidence collection, and enabling the agency to respond more quickly and efficiently to calls for service.
• Provided critical input into the development of the City’s marijuana cultivation ordinance and successfully began its implementation. • Sponsored community events like National Night Out, strengthening community policing networks. “I would encourage people to get to know the police force, arrange to ride with us, introduce yourself, get to know us and get a broader understanding of all of the things we do. Our work at the Police Department is about so much more beyond ‘arrests.’ We have school resource officers and we do so much to encourage positive interactions with the kids and families in our community.” - Mike Sobieraj - Police Sergeant
Public Safety Number of staff* 15 Total budget $ 1,782,227 Total expenditures $ 1,727,789 Benefit per capita** $ 359.43 *including full- and part-time personnel **per resident spending. City residential population was approximately 4,807 as of June 30, 2014
Administration and Finance City of Lakeport Annual Report 2014 / 10
“My work here has really changed my perspective. The conduit between residents and the council is really inspiring. Seeing the community involvement, the elected officials, the volunteers who serve on committees and all of the effort and time they put in together is really inspiring to me.” - Hilary Britton - Department Secretary Administration Services
Administration and Finance Number of staff* 8 Total budget $ 1,163,655 Total expenditures $ 1,020,127 Benefit per capita** $ 212.22 *including full- and part-time personnel **per resident spending. City residential population was approximately 4,807 as of June 30, 2014
Year Highlights • Secured low-cost interim financing for water and sewer capital projects.
• Promoted and disseminated City newsletter, enhancing transparency and community awareness of municipal affairs. • Advanced social media presence on Facebook and Twitter, encouraging greater community participation. • Upgraded systems to utilize new financial software, enhancing usability and promoting greater efficiency and cost savings. • Received Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from Government Finance Officers Association for the third consecutive year, the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting.
Find Your
Prosperity The diligent staff in our administration and finance departments are committed to ensuring a secure future for the City of Lakeport. We promote transparency and community participation. We hope your dreams prosper in the City of Lakeport as we ensure the prosperity of the city itself.
Administration Administration is the principal link between the City Council, City staff, and the public. The role of the Department is to provide the best public service possible to all involved with the City, whether they are residents, business, staff, or the City Council. The City’s Administration Department consists of the City Manager, City Clerk, and the Administrative Services Director. The City Manager’s Office is also responsible for the City’s economic development program.
Finance The Finance Department is responsible for the fiscal health of the City as well as the collection and expenditure of funds in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes managing the processes and recording of day-to-day transactions, providing accurate reporting to the City Council, City Manager and other departments performing high level, broad fiscal analysis of current activities, and evaluating economic trends affecting the local economy. As such, the Department is best viewed as providing two levels of service: internal operations and fiscal analysis/advisory services.
11 / City of Lakeport Annual Report 2014 Administration and Finance
Where Does Funding Come From? 1,078
State Sales Tax
737
Measure I
464
Property Tax Property Tax in Lieu of VLF
397
Grants and Subventions
394 359
Property Tax in Lieu of Sales Tax
Permits Business License Tax
106
5.9%
increase in revenue from previous year
194
Franchise Fees Rents and Leases
+
$ Dollars in Thousands
81 65
How Are Funds Used? Non-Departmental 4% Loans and Grants 3% Departmental 26% Debt Service 7%
Retiree 2%
48 Full Time Employees
Capital Improvements 33%
Active Employee 25%
Measure I
In 2014, this 0.5% sales tax provided $736,947 to fund repairs and maintenance of City streets, park and community service facilities, and expand public services and programs.
$604,400 Roads and Infrastructure
$71,519 Public Safety
$61,028 Parks and Recreation
For more information, view our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report at this link: http://www.cityoflakeport.com/docs/Lakeport-CAFR,-2014-15201551022PM.pdf
Conclusion City of Lakeport Annual Report 2014 / 12
City Manager Margaret Silveira 263.5615, ext 32
Finance Director Daniel Buffalo 263.5615, ext 16
City Clerk Janel Chapman 263.5615, ext 12
Chief of Police Brad Rasmussen 263.5615, ext 13
City Attorney David Ruderman 263.5615. ext 44
Administrative Services Director Kelly Buendia 263.5615, ext 30
Community Development Director Kevin Ingram 263.5615, ext 11
Public Works Director Mark Brannigan 263.3578, ext 104
We thank the following for their contributions in compiling this report:
Dan Buffalo- Finance Director, City of Lakeport; Shelly Mascari- Project Consultant; Jessica King- Graphic Design; Nathan De Hart Photography- Lake County Photos; City of Lakeport Employees and City Consultant- Wilda Shock, Jim Kennedy, Steven Grossner, Mike Sobieraj, Hilary Britton; Tim O’Meara- O’Meara Brothers Image
2013 - 2014 Annual Report