Memorandum
Date: October 27, 2026
To: The Honorable, Brad Rasmussen, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Stephen L. Carter Jr., Interim Public Works Director
Subject: A) 10:00 A.M. - PUBLIC HEARING - Consideration of Qualifications and Appointment of a County Road Commissioner who holds a California Civil Engineer License; and B) Authorize the Interim Public Works Director to enter into an Agreement for Road Commissioner Services; and C) Direct staff to submit evidence of compliance with Streets and Highways Code Section 2006 to the State Controller
Executive Summary:
The County currently maintains agreements with EBA, RSA+, and NCE for professional engineering services. Staff propose utilizing these existing contractual relationships to provide continued engineering support for County Road operations and to also identify a qualified registered civil engineer to serve as County Road Commissioner.
California Streets and Highways Code Section 2006 requires the Board of Supervisors to appoint a single Road Commissioner for all road districts within the County. The appointee must be a registered civil engineer, and the Board must conduct a public hearing to consider the qualifications of the candidate or candidates before making the appointment.
Staff recommend appointing a California registered civil engineer affiliated with one of the 3 selected firms, as County Road Commissioner, effective October 27, 2026. qualifications, relevant experience, and professional registration information are included in the attached materials.
The proposed arrangement would allow the County to continue utilizing all three contracted firms for engineering assignments based on project needs, expertise, and availability, while assigning Road Commissioner responsibilities to one designated individual.
Staff propose a separate agreement with the selected firm establishing the scope of Road Commissioner services, compensation, availability, coordination with County staff, and term of services. The agreement would provide for these services upon appointment of the designated engineer by the Board. Any subsequent replacement of the appointed individual would require separate Board consideration and compliance with applicable appointment requirements.
Notice of the public hearing was posted as required on October 10, 2026, at the County courthouse and published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation within the County, at least 14 days but not more than 30 days before the hearing. Documentation of posting and publication have been provided to the Clerk of the Board and are attached to this item.
Appropriations are available in the road budget due to salary savings from the vacant Public Works Director position.
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
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☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☒ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary) Public Hearing
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☒ Public Safety ☒ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☐ Economic Development ☒ Infrastructure ☒ County Workforce
☒ Community Collaboration ☒ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: Conduct the public hearing on October 27, 2026, at 10:00am to consider the qualifications of candidates and appoint a Road Commissioner who holds a California Civil Engineer Registration No., effective October 27, 2026.
Authorize the Interim Public Works Director to enter into an agreement for Road Commissioner services and authorize the Interim Public Works Director to execute it on behalf of the County of Lake.
Direct staff to submit evidence of compliance with Streets and Highways Code Section 2006 to the State Controller.