Tom
Tuesday, 22 June 2010 06:04
Ione Talks Next Year’s Budget Deficit
Amador County – The Ione City Council held a special meeting Monday (June 21st) to discuss its upcoming fiscal year, which comes with a projected General Fund deficit of $642,000. The council hosted a workshop on the draft 2010-2011 fiscal year budget, and look at a staff report that included 1 layoff, some staffing reductions, and about $70,000 in union employee reductions in savings, or an optional reduction in hours across the board. City Manager Kim Kerr in a report completed Sunday said the city’s projected General Fund deficit of approximately $642,000 in the proposed 2010-2011 budget included $1.9 million in projected revenue and $2.5 million in expenses. Kerr said the “primary area to continue to reduce expenses is in salaries and benefits.” Kerr in the report listed the city council’s main goals and priorities, led by maintaining and “public safety services at current service levels” and enhancing the services as “revenues improve.” Number 2 on the list was to “continue resolving wastewater issues by completing the city’s Wastewater Master Plan including obtaining a new discharge permit” from the state. Kerr said current agreements with union employees impose a 2% cost of living raise, plus a 5% raise for police officers and sergeants, and the combined building official/public works director. Medical insurance is increasing 9.4% on average for various plans and dental insurance is going up 5.6%, Kerr said, noting that the city now pays “up to $1,100 per employee for medical insurance and the full cost of dental, vision and life insurance coverage.” Kerr said other employee benefits have led the city council to authorize “the negotiating team to seek cost savings or reductions from employees.” She said that was authorized during a City Council closed session meeting April 20th, and “those negotiations have begun.” Kerr in the report recommended $145,000 in specific cuts, including laying off a mechanic; reducing the building inspector to ½ time; and a 20% cut of the police clerk’s hours. Kerr also recommended either seeking “reductions from the bargaining units totaling General Fund cost savings” of $70,000; or reducing the “work week to 36 hours at a savings of approximately $70,000.” Kerr said “staff recognizes the need to make additional cuts to the general fund of at least $100,000” and would be “reviewing whether there are additional increases in revenues available.” Kerr also recommended “limiting or eliminating intra-fund loans this year.” She said all city departments participated in developing the draft budget. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Tuesday, 22 June 2010 06:02
Major Construction Union Training Facility Negotiating Local Move
Amador County – A major training facility for heavy equipment operators is currently seeking approval from the Amador County Unified School District to move its 120-acre operation from its current location near Rancho Murieta to Ione - a move that could add as many as 47 jobs and enhance educational services in Amador County. For over 30 years, Operating Engineers Local No. 3 has trained operating engineers to do the specialized work required to operate all types of heavy equipment, from cranes to pile drivers to concrete pumpers. As part of its apprenticeship program through the Department of Labor, the union must align with an LEA, or Local Educational Agency, in order to receive state-administered instructional funding. The union’s longtime relationship with Sacramento County is coming to a close for unspecified reasons, spurring the proposed move to Amador County. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved,” said Chris Morgan, Executive Director of the campus. Morgan stressed that nothing is set in stone and what they have so far is a tentative agreement. “I’ve been driving by that area for 36 years, and up until recently I had no idea it existed,” said Karl Knobelauch, Amador County Unified School District board president. He estimates the move could provide local education with an additional $300,000 or more per year. He said it could also mean the union will sponsor and teach preparatory courses in Amador County that are free to those who qualify. “It would be a tremendous opportunity for our students to have that as an option,” said Knobelauch. He recently toured the campus with Superintendent Dick Glock and District 1 Supervisor John Plasse. The three men spent a day there, which included a look at classrooms, administration offices, residential facility and 3-D equipment simulators. Knobelauch said he was able to lift a boulder using a crane simulator- not an easy feat. “Needless to say, it’s quite an impressive operation,” he said. He said Plasse currently has children enrolled at the facility and he personally knows families with members who have graduated from the program. The union’s long-range plan is to move everything, but that is pending approval from the ACUSD. Knobelauch said the union’s current LEA affiliation is set to expire on June 30th. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Tuesday, 22 June 2010 06:01
Plymouth Looks to Waive TOT Increase On RV Parks
Amador County – The Plymouth City Council this week could finalize a move to exempt recreation vehicles and trailers rentals from its Transient Occupancy Tax increase, after voting to seek the increase earlier this month. The council voted 4-0 June 10th to set a municipal election to raise the city TOT tax on hotels from 6 percent to 10 percent, and also moved to have the city attorney draft an ordinance that would waive that tax on the RV parks. 49er Village mobile home park owner Chuck Hayes spoke against the increase at the meeting June 10th. The council asked the city attorney to look into the legality of differentiating between levels of service, between hotel rooms and renting a space for mobile homes and campers. They also asked the attorney to draft an ordinance that would exempt RV parks in Plymouth from the TOT increase. The council on Thursday will consider a draft ordinance by City Attorney Laura Hollender. The ordinance would amend city code on the Transient Occupancy Tax “to provide that occupancy of recreational vehicles in recreational vehicle parks shall remain subject to a Transient Occupancy Tax of 6 percent of the rent charged by recreational vehicle park operators. The TOT increase proposed for a citywide vote would otherwise apply to cabins that are rented by 49er Village. Hollander in the agenda recommended council introduce the ordinance and waive its first reading. Staff reported that the county does not have a TOT tax, and the council instructed staff to write a letter to the board of supervisors suggesting they consider a TOT tax in unincorporated areas. The council also approved letters to Assemblywoman Alyson Huber and Senator Dave Cox asking them to oppose potential legislation, SB 625 “that would undermine local TOT collection.” City Manager Dixon Flynn said “online travel companies are proposing to gut and amend a bill and insert language that would undercut TOT collection.” Flynn said Plymouth receives 11.5 percent of its general fund revenue from TOT. He said online travel companies collect TOT on room rent but only remit the tax to the city based on “the discounted wholesale room rate the online travel company pays to the hotelier.” Online companies “retain a portion of the tax they collect, claiming that it’s part of the fees.” Flynn said “in reality, the online hotel company is retaining tax dollars that are owed to the local agency.” Flynn said the dispute “is already in the courts,” while online companies are trying to change the law through legislation. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Tuesday, 22 June 2010 05:59
Upcountry Citizens Seek Pine Acres Input
Amador County – Members of the Upcountry Community Council (UCC) are urging the area’s citizens to attend a meeting this Wednesday, June 23, to discuss concerns over the proposed Pine Acres development. The subdivision will be located in the area of Tabeaud Road and Highway 88. A group of upcountry citizens recently filed an appeal regarding the Amador County Planning Commission’s approval of the project. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hear the appeal on Tuesday, June 29 at 10:30 am in the County Administrative Building in Jackson. According to UCC member John Carlson, the meeting will be an opportunity to “join your neighbors (and) members of the Pine Grove Civic Improvement Club to hear more about what’s going on…protect our rural areas, keep safety first and learn what you need to know to fight a ‘cement jungle’ happening here or in your neighborhood.” He called the proposed development “unsafe for everyone” because “it’s high density, it’s about clear cutting (and) it threatens all the rural areas of Amador County.” The meeting to discuss this issue takes place this Wednesday, June 23 at the Pine Grove Town Hall. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Thursday, 17 June 2010 18:00
News In-Depth: Dan Lungren - Incumbent Candidate, 3rd Congressional District
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Thursday, 17 June 2010 18:00
News In-Depth: Dr. Ami Bera - Democratic Candidate, 3rd Congressional District
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Monday, 21 June 2010 06:18
Red Cross Chapters Merge to Increase Operational Efficiencies
Amador County – Three area chapters of the American Red Cross are merging in order to increase efficiencies during the economic recession. The Sacramento, Sierra, San Joaquin and Stanislaus chapters will merge July 1 and collectively serve Amador, Alpine, Calaveras, El Dorado, east Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Tuolumne and east Yolo counties under one large chapter. “This is an exciting time as we explore new opportunities to make our communities safer and better prepared for life threatening emergencies,” said Dawn Lindblom, regional chief executive officer, in a news release. The release said the consolidation will create a stronger Red Cross presence throughout the 11 counties as the operation becomes more efficient. All six offices - in Auburn, Modesto, Sacramento, Sonora, Stockton and Tracy - will remain open. A TSPN TV Staff Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Monday, 21 June 2010 06:14
Amador County Fair Release Its Exhibitor Handbook
Amador County - Whether you hand-stitch quilts, grow plump produce or use digital photography to capture your world, there will be a category of competition to showcase your talents in the Amador County Fair. The Exhibitor Handbook is now available for the annual County Fair to be held in Plymouth from July 29 to August 1. “Fair exhibits and competition for a blue ribbon are a showcase of the community’s talents,” explains Troy Bowers, CEO. “From the hundreds of categories available, anyone can find a place to show off their projects.” Most entry forms are due by 6:00 pm, Saturday, July 10, with actual exhibits not due until just before the Fair. Residents of Amador, El Dorado, Calaveras and Tuolomne Counties are eligible to enter most divisions. The Exhibitor Handbook is available on-line at www.AmadorCountyFair.com and limited printed copies are available at the Fair office, libraries and feed stores. There are dozens of categories relating to the 2010 theme “Amador County Fair Safari – It’s a Jungle Out There.” Livestock exhibitors are encouraged to decorate their stalls and campsites with the theme, and all stalls and sites will be judged during the Fair. For more information about the Fair or assistance in entering the Fair competition, please visit www.AmadorCountyFair.com or call 209 245-6921. A TSPN TV News Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Monday, 21 June 2010 06:21
Rancheria Employees Find New Way to Support Food Bank
Amador County - Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel is a frequent supporter of the local Interfaith Food Bank through monetary and food donations, but employees have found a new way to support the effort, with grocery bags. When employees discovered that the Food Bank spends hundreds of dollars every month purchasing bags to package food for clients, the employees decided they could do something about that. A large donation box was placed in an employee area and an email went out seeking donations of paper and plastic grocery bags. The box was in place on Friday and by Tuesday morning it was stuffed with bags full of bags and piled almost to the ceiling. “Following the example set by our Tribe of continual community support, our employees have once again shown they will step up to the plate for a community need,” said Jackson Rancheria Marketing Vice President Ron Olivero, adding: “This is yet another example of what we refer to as Rancheria Style.” The collection box will stay in place indefinitely so the Food Bank can spend more of its funds on food rather than bags. Jackson
Rancheria Casino & Hotel is located at 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson, CA 95642. For more information, call 800-822-WINN or visit JacksonCasino.com. A TSPN TV News Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Monday, 21 June 2010 06:23
New Jackson Business Association Looks to Grow Hometown Business
Amador County – Jackson Mayor Connie Gonsalves said about 400 business licensees inside city limits were contacted with a survey recently, with a majority of those in strong support of a paid-membership city business association. About a quarter of those business owners, 98, responded. They did not have the emphasis on preserving history, which was the main focus of the Historic Jackson Business Associations. Gonsalves said the city council already has taken funding away from the HJBA, which if its members want to continue work, they must be self-funded. The mayor said the HJBA just lost membership and people lost interest in it. The aim was to expand a business association outside of just the downtown area, and open it to all businesses in the city. That was why the survey went out. Gonsalves said the survey – led by Maureen Funk – found that the top priority for business people was bringing businesses to the city. Number 2 on the list was beautification. The draft mission statement includes a reference to historic Jackson, but it will really be a city-wide effort to rejuvenate city businesses. Gonsalves said the new façade improvement grant program was discussed last week, and it will be going to the city council for consideration. The draft mission statement said: “The New (Jackson Business Association) is a cooperative of businesses in the Historic Jackson area, dedicated to promoting the business interests of it’s members, attracting new customers to the area, stimulating interest in our area’s rich history, and contributing to its historic preservation.” The Jackson Revitalization Committee recommended formation of a Steering Committee, which will consider the JBA formation. The revitalization Steering Committee will meet 5 p.m. Tuesday (June 22nd) at the Jackson Civic Center. The meeting is open to the public, and the agenda for the meeting will include the “Dance In The Park” information table, along with a presentation on membership benefits by Councilman Pat Crew. There will also be a committee report on Heritage Day, and the group will also talk about planning for the October kick-off reception for the next season of the “Shop Jackson” drive, spearheaded by the Jackson Rancheria Casino. The JRC has also applied for funding from the Jackson City Council, and the group could get a council decision on the funds by Monday (June 28th). The funding request was submitted on time, and a committee meeting is likely to be next week to consider the proposals and make recommendations. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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