The Clearlake City Council convened on November 21, 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the adoption of new consultation guidelines for sovereign nations and updates to employment contracts and salary schedules for city staff.

A significant topic of the meeting was the approval of consultation guidelines aimed at improving interactions with local Native American tribes. The council received input from various tribes, including Middletown, Elam, and Koy, with the latter deferring further consultations to tribes with closer historical ties to the area, specifically the Bemtol, Upper Lake, and Ushua'i nations. The guidelines were presented by an expert in the field, who emphasized the importance of these protocols in fostering respectful relationships with indigenous communities. The council unanimously approved the guidelines, marking a progressive step in the city’s approach to tribal relations.

In addition, the council reviewed an amendment to Police Chief Timothy Hobbs' employment contract, which previously excluded him from receiving a longevity incentive. The amendment was proposed to align his contract with those of other department heads, allowing him to benefit from this incentive based on his tenure. Council members praised Chief Hobbs for his leadership and the stability he has brought to the police department, which has seen significant improvements in staff retention and training. The amendment was also unanimously approved.

The council also addressed updates to the fiscal year 2024-2025 salary schedule, which included adjustments for the Administrative Services Director and the Assistant City Manager positions. These updates aim to ensure competitive salaries that reflect the growing responsibilities of these roles, facilitating effective recruitment of qualified candidates.

City Manager updates included the installation of a new sound system for future meetings and ongoing work on a local hazard mitigation plan in collaboration with the county, highlighting a cooperative approach to community safety.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing city operations and fostering positive relationships with local tribes, while also ensuring competitive employment practices for city staff.