CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council discussed a possible car wash moratorium during its regular meeting on July 10 at Clearlake City Hall.
Ultimately, no action was taken to enact such a moratorium.
The topic was discussed at the request of Councilwoman Joyce Overton, who said she thought it was important for the council to show concern for the water shortage.
“The reality is, we have water problems and people need to be aware of it,” she said. “There are other things you can do to raise money.”
Conrad Colbrandt said he was in attendance for clarification of the discussion.
“I want to make sure it is not affecting homeowners,” he said, “and be aware, there are many groups that fundraise with car washes.”
“If it weren't for the fundraising car washes, my car wouldn't get washed,” Clearlake resident Dave Hughes said.
Hughes said such fundraising events are needed by many charity organizations in the area.
Mayor Denise Loustalot said most car wash fundraisers are held on private property and those hosts are responsible for their water bills.
Overton said she also wanted to address a lack of regulations concerning runoff attributed to car wash fundraising activity.
She said – as stated in City Manager Joan Phillipe's staff report – that currently there is no requirement for an organization to obtain a permit for a car wash.
Overton said, in addition, there are not any regulations in place to protect the environment from run-off contamination.
Tom Walker, who owns a public, coin-operated car wash on Lakeshore Drive, said he is required to have two collection bays and is subjected to penalties when they overflow.
“It's an environmental issue,” Walker said.
Hughes also voiced concern for environmental protection as did Councilman Joey Luiz. However, Luiz said the council was not going to be able to stop people from washing their cars.
Vice Mayor Gina Fortino Dickson said people should be aware of water issues but she did not want to see Clearlake take the brunt of rationing without similar action by Yolo County.
She also took issue with how such a moratorium would be enforced, which Phillipe said would be based on complaints or staff observation.
Fortino Dickson said most fundraising car wash events take place on the weekend, when staff is not working.
“People doing their car washes should be conscious of how much water they are using and the run-off,” Fortino Dickson said. “My biggest concern is zero enforceability.”
She added support for raising awareness to a possible water shortage and said personal communication goes a long way.
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