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Thursday, 15 July 2010 06:57
Plymouth to Revisit TOT, Mitigation Fee MOU
Amador County – The Plymouth City Council this week could return to at least 2 items it set aside in late June, including a Transient Occupancy Tax amendment, and a Memorandum Of Understanding on traffic fees for restaurants. Both items could be revisited Thursday (July 15th). City Manager Dixon Flynn reported at the last meeting that 49er Village owner Chuck Hayes had seen the draft Transient Occupancy Tax ordinance amendment and did not like the terminology of “trailer parks,” instead preferring to call them “spaces.” Other changes could be considered in the amendment, which would exempt recreation vehicle rental spaces from the increased TOT taxes of an extra 4 percent, should that be approved by Plymouth voters in November. On June 30th, Councilman Jon Colburn attended the Amador Water Agency meeting and told the AWA board of directors: “We need our 1.4 million acre feet of water,” the city’s supply from the new potable water pipeline to Plymouth. Colburn said the city has developers that may need that water at any time. Finance manager Jeff Gardner asked about a Bob Reed financial study and how it may affect AWA’s plan to raise rates for the city of Plymouth. AWA Finance Manager Mike Lee said as Reed’s study accumulates more information, that should lower the rate increase needed in Plymouth. The city council also could return to the issue of a Memorandum Of Understanding that makes it a part of the Amador County Regional Traffic Mitigation Fee Program. Plymouth had planned to write letters to the Amador County Transportation Commission, supervisors and member cities of the fee program to see if they might agree to a lower impact fee to charge for all restaurants, rather than a higher fee for those considered “fast food,” and not situated in a shopping mall. The council was near to giving the fee program its first “no” vote of a member entity, leaving ACTC Executive Director Charles Field facing that question of how to handle such a dilemma for the first time. The council deferred action to possibly this week with the entire item remaining on the agenda for Thursday. The council in its June meeting also received a report from Flynn that the “city started the fiscal year with 7 development projects on the books,” but “the economic downturn has reduced that number to 2.” He said “at least 1 developer will sign a development agreement for construction of housing” in the coming year. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Thursday, 15 July 2010 06:59
Supes Deny Pine Acres Appeal
Amador County – In a 3-2 vote Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors shot down an appeal by upcountry residents to the Amador County Planning Commission’s approval of the Pine Acres North subdivision proposed for construction near Tabeaud Road and Highway 88. The appeal was filed by Jerry and Kelly Trottier, two upcountry residents who believe the project does not adequately account for concerns including water storage, construction closures, density and the effects of a fast moving wildfire. The Trottier’s concerns were echoed by most of the near capacity crowd in attendance at the Board of Supervisor’s chamber in Jackson. Beginning at 10:45 a.m. and continuing with few breaks until 6:30 p.m., attendees voiced and debated their concerns. The Supervisors gave their input and sought clarification from Planning Department officials on what one opponent described as “big red flags.” In the end, Chairman Brian Oneto and Supervisors Richard Forster and John Plasse voted to deny the appeal, which authorizes the project to continue going forward. Supervisor Ted Novelli, who voted on behalf of the appeal with Supervisor Louis Boitano, said he favors more local control in determining certain aspects of the project, like an intersection that will eventually be installed on Highway 88, as recommended by CALTRANS. “I drive through that area sometimes up to three times daily,” said Novelli. “If the county could have more input about that intersection, then I would have voted for the denial of the appeal.” Supporters of the project were also in attendance, including Sutter Creek resident Ray Brusatori, who believes a project of this magnitude could provide a big boost to the local economy. “I can see people in the county scratching to make ends meet, and it hasn’t always been that way. We need to create jobs, put people to work and start solving our own problems,” he said. As proposed, the development would create 87 units, including 66 single family lots, 3 four unit lots or “quadplexes,” and one 12 unit apartment complex on a total of 44 acres, or what Trottier describes as “an extremely high density.” Some units are proposed to be built on 1/5 of an acre or less. Planner Heather Anderson told TSPN that approval allows Thomas Martin & Associates, a developer located in Folsom, to continue fulfilling a set of conditions that will eventually lead to the recording of a subdivision map. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Thursday, 15 July 2010 07:03
Troy Bowers - County Fair Update 7-15-10
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Thursday, 15 July 2010 07:09
Amador County News TSPN TV with Alex Lane 7-15-10
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Thursday, 15 July 2010 06:59
Supes Deny Pine Acres Appeal
Amador County – In a 3-2 vote Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors shot down an appeal by upcountry residents to the Amador County Planning Commission’s approval of the Pine Acres North subdivision proposed for construction near Tabeaud Road and Highway 88. The appeal was filed by Jerry and Kelly Trottier, two upcountry residents who believe the project does not adequately account for concerns including water storage, construction closures, density and the effects of a fast moving wildfire. The Trottier’s concerns were echoed by most of the near capacity crowd in attendance at the Board of Supervisor’s chamber in Jackson. Beginning at 10:45 a.m. and continuing with few breaks until 6:30 p.m., attendees voiced and debated their concerns. The Supervisors gave their input and sought clarification from Planning Department officials on what one opponent described as “big red flags.” In the end, Chairman Brian Oneto and Supervisors Richard Forster and John Plasse voted to deny the appeal, which authorizes the project to continue going forward. Supervisor Ted Novelli, who voted on behalf of the appeal with Supervisor Louis Boitano, said he favors more local control in determining certain aspects of the project, like an intersection that will eventually be installed on Highway 88, as recommended by CALTRANS. “I drive through that area sometimes up to three times daily,” said Novelli. “If the county could have more input about that intersection, then I would have voted for the denial of the appeal.” Supporters of the project were also in attendance, including Sutter Creek resident Ray Brusatori, who believes a project of this magnitude could provide a big boost to the local economy. “I can see people in the county scratching to make ends meet, and it hasn’t always been that way. We need to create jobs, put people to work and start solving our own problems,” he said. As proposed, the development would create 87 units, including 66 single family lots, 3 four unit lots or “quadplexes,” and one 12 unit apartment complex on a total of 44 acres, or what Trottier describes as “an extremely high density.” Some units are proposed to be built on 1/5 of an acre or less. Planner Heather Anderson told TSPN that approval allows Thomas Martin & Associates, a developer located in Folsom, to continue fulfilling a set of conditions that will eventually lead to the recording of a subdivision map. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Thursday, 15 July 2010 06:57
Plymouth to Revisit TOT, Mitigation Fee MOU
Amador County – The Plymouth City Council this week could return to at least 2 items it set aside in late June, including a Transient Occupancy Tax amendment, and a Memorandum Of Understanding on traffic fees for restaurants. Both items could be revisited Thursday (July 15th). City Manager Dixon Flynn reported at the last meeting that 49er Village owner Chuck Hayes had seen the draft Transient Occupancy Tax ordinance amendment and did not like the terminology of “trailer parks,” instead preferring to call them “spaces.” Other changes could be considered in the amendment, which would exempt recreation vehicle rental spaces from the increased TOT taxes of an extra 4 percent, should that be approved by Plymouth voters in November. On June 30th, Councilman Jon Colburn attended the Amador Water Agency meeting and told the AWA board of directors: “We need our 1.4 million acre feet of water,” the city’s supply from the new potable water pipeline to Plymouth. Colburn said the city has developers that may need that water at any time. Finance manager Jeff Gardner asked about a Bob Reed financial study and how it may affect AWA’s plan to raise rates for the city of Plymouth. AWA Finance Manager Mike Lee said as Reed’s study accumulates more information, that should lower the rate increase needed in Plymouth. The city council also could return to the issue of a Memorandum Of Understanding that makes it a part of the Amador County Regional Traffic Mitigation Fee Program. Plymouth had planned to write letters to the Amador County Transportation Commission, supervisors and member cities of the fee program to see if they might agree to a lower impact fee to charge for all restaurants, rather than a higher fee for those considered “fast food,” and not situated in a shopping mall. The council was near to giving the fee program its first “no” vote of a member entity, leaving ACTC Executive Director Charles Field facing that question of how to handle such a dilemma for the first time. The council deferred action to possibly this week with the entire item remaining on the agenda for Thursday. The council in its June meeting also received a report from Flynn that the “city started the fiscal year with 7 development projects on the books,” but “the economic downturn has reduced that number to 2.” He said “at least 1 developer will sign a development agreement for construction of housing” in the coming year. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Thursday, 15 July 2010 06:55
Amador County 2010 General Election Vacancies Announced
Amador County – 23 elected official seats are up for November 2nd general election in Amador County, with the declaration period now open for candidates. Registrar of Voters Sheldon D. Johnson, said if an incumbent fails to file nomination papers by 5 p.m. August 6th, “there will be a 5-day extension allowed” for all people “other than the incumbent to file for such office.” The extension deadline is 5 p.m. August 11th. Ione City Council has 3 seats up for election, currently held by Mayor Skip Schaufel, and councilmen Jim Ulm and Lee Ard. Schaufel was appointed to fill a term vacated by Jeff Barnhardt. City Manager Kim Kerr said 4 people have taken out papers form city hall, including Ard, Lloyd Oneto, Ron Smilie and Jerry Sherman. Amador Water Agency board of directors has 3 positions up for vote, including District 1 held by President Bill Condrashoff, District 4 held by Vice President Debbie Dunn, and District 5 held by Terence Moore. Moore has said he would not seek reelection, after 3 terms. Amador City Council has 2 seats to be elected, held by Tim Knox and Michael Vasquez. The city clerk position, held by clerk Joyce Davidson is also on the ballot. Jackson City Council has 2 seats up for election, held by Mayor Connie Gonsalves and Councilman Pat Crew. Plymouth City Council has 2 seats to expire this year, held by Mayor Pat Fordyce and Councilman Michael Omeara. On Wednesday, Plymouth reported no one had taken out papers for the election. Sutter Creek City Council has 2 positions expiring, held by Councilwoman Linda Rianda and Councilman Pat Crosby. Crosby has said he does not plan to run for reelection. Sutter Creek will also elect its city clerk and city treasure positions, held by Judy Allen and Cathy Castillo respectively. Volcano Community Services District board of directors also has 2 positions up for election. Amador County Unified School District has 4 trustee positions expiring, including 2 in Ione (held by President Karl Knobelauch and Terry Porray), and 2 in Jackson (held by Pat Miller and David Dutra). As of Wednesday (July 14th) only one person had declared their candidacy. That was former councilman and Mayor Jerry Sherman of Ione, filed as a candidate for Ione City Council. 2 people have been discussed as candidates in Sutter Creek, including Dan Riordan, who has said he file as a candidate, and Bart Weatherly, who has said he will decide after the filing period opened. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Thursday, 15 July 2010 06:49
AC Fair Highlights Include Hero's Last Mission, Miss Amador Contest
Amador County – The 2010 Amador County Fair at a glance includes a Thursday night crowning of Miss Amador, and a Friday night concert by a Plymouth-based and nationally touring rock and roll band, Hero’s Last Mission. The finals of the Miss Amador Scholarship competition will start 7 p.m. Thursday (July 29th) at the Central House Bandstand, and culminate with the crowning of the 2010 Miss Amador. Fair promoters expect the usual standing room only crowd as “contestants show off their talents and inner beauty in hopes of winning educational scholarships and representing the Amador County Fair at public events throughout the coming year.” Organizers said “the competition offers the opportunity to reach and grow as a young person of accomplishment and achievement,” and “sharpen their talents, expand their leadership skills, and broaden their community service.” 2010 contestants are Morgan Hirschel, Savannah Gray, Lauren Godde, and Arielah Dreksler, all of Jackson; Misty Makemson, Julianne Nevin, and Rachel Jenkins of Ione; Tomi Sadler of Sutter Creek; and Angela Faryan of Pine Grove. Saturday night’s music includes a homecoming for Hero’s Last Mission, a rock and roll band that formed in 2005 in Plymouth, and has toured nationally. The 5-piece band’s members are Lee Hurtado, Luis Hurtado, Art Padilla, Q Garcia, and Julian Mendoza. Hero’s Last Mission has 3 EP releases and in May was added to the lineup of the “Journeys Backyard BBQ Tour,” featuring music, skateboarding, BMX and motocross, headlined by Switchfoot. Promoters said their “fan base has continued to grow” and “after returning from their second tour this year they made the announcement of their first full length CD,” which they will begin recording in August and expect to release in early fall. The band plays sets at 7, 9 and 11 p.m. Friday (July 30th) at the Central House Grandstand. The Amador County Fair this week announced that it will offer advanced sales that can mean a savings for fairgoers. Wrist bands or discount tickets for carnival rides are available in advance. A $20 coupon purchased by July 28th can be exchanged for an unlimited ride wristband (which can be used from noon to 8 p.m.) – or a sheet of 30 tickets. There is also a “Five for $25 bargain on Fair admissions,” which includes a $5 coupon for a carnival game. There are also advanced ticket sales for the annual Wine Tasting event on Friday (July 30th) and each night of Grandstand entertainment, which includes Cowboy Poetry and Music, 4x4 Truck and Tractor Pulls, Rodeo, and the Destruction Derby. For information and order forms, see www.amadorcountyfair.com or call (209) 245-6921. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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