Memorandum
Date: September 16, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Ray Buenaventura, Chief Public Defender
Subject: Consideration of the First Amendment to Commercial Lease Agreement Between the County of Lake and Lakeport Plaza, LLC, for Office Space at 55 1st St, Lakeport
Executive Summary:
On December 3, 2024, the Lake County Board of Supervisors approved a Commercial Lease Agreement for 4,716 square feet of office space at 55 1st St, Lakeport, used by the Public Defender's office. The original Lease (attached) provided for space split between the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building, and additionally provided for a Right of First Refusal, should additional space become available on the 2nd Floor; from the outset, the Public Defender's Office's hope was to ultimately occupy the entirety of the 2nd floor.
Administrative Office staff have been notified the balance of the 2nd floor space is now available (as of September 1, 2025). The Public Defender is seeking approval to occupy the remaining 2nd Floor space in its entirety and vacating the use of the 3rd Floor space
On September 9, 2025, at the Board of Supervisors meeting, the Public Defender presented a proposal that would enable such a transition. No action was taken surrounding that proposal (no member of the Board made a Motion), but concern was expressed by Supervisors surrounding associated costs, including discussed modifications to the space (not included in the Lease), which could have cost $10,000. The details of the September 9, 2025, item are accessible here:
https://countyoflake.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7648730&GUID=DAD49263-F3B8-4B21-B77F-EBAA822B02AE
On September 10, 2025, the Public Defender re-negotiated the terms with the property manager of Lakeport Plaza. The re-negotiation resulted in the following proposed agreement:
1. No increase in ongoing monthly rent (rentable space on the 2nd floor will be 4,716 square feet, consistent with total square footage previously rented on the 2nd and 3rd floors, with monthly Base Rent remaining at $9,903.60, and the Flat Fee remaining at $4,716.00).
2. No building modifications.
3. A 1-month transition period with monthly Base Rent of $12,652.50, and Flat Fee of $6,025.00.
On September 11, 2025, the Public Defender presented this proposal to the Space Committee. The Committee supported this proposal and had no objections to the terms. Shane French, Director of Information Technology, advised his staff would be able to facilitate the transition process despite the short turnaround.
Staff recommends your Board approve Amendment 1 to the Commercial Lease Agreement.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ? Not applicable
? Fully Article X.- and/or Consultant Selection Policy-Compliant (describe process undertaken in "Executive Summary")
? Section 2-38 Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in "Executive Summary," attach documentation, as needed)
? For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee ("Yes," if checked)
? Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 (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: Approve First Amendment to Commercial Lease Agreement Between the County of Lake and Lakeport Plaza, LLC, for Office Space at 55 1st St, Lakeport