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Tuesday, 18 May 2010 06:31

Officials Urge Against California Diesel Emissions Rules

Amador County - California's plan to require construction contractors to install large and expensive emissions reduction kits on their off-road diesel equipment will put workers' lives at risk and force job cuts, a prominent union official and a member of the Associated General Contractors of America told federal officials today. As a result, both asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to deny or delay a decision to allow the state to proceed with its off-road rule. “Denying this rule is the only way to protect the men and women working in California's construction industry from a new and grave risk of injury and death,” said Guy Prescott, a representative of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local Union Three. “This rule will lead to additional fatalities.” Mr. Prescott noted that the large filters and new exhaust pipes that are part of many emissions reduction kits can impair visibility and greatly increase the risk of burns. Noting that obstructed lines of site are already a leading cause of fatal collisions with construction workers, he said the rule would increase the chance more workers would be hurt and killed. Prescott added that his union had tried several times to warn the California Air Resources Board about the safety hazards of retrofitting existing equipment, but his union had been repeatedly ignored. “The Board is biased in favor of retrofits and incapable of making impartial determinations about the hazards they pose.” Meanwhile, Jon Cloud, Treasure of El Cajon, California-based J. Cloud Inc, a firm specializing in processing and providing recycled construction materials, told EPA officials that he has had to downsize his equipment fleet by over 30 percent and cut 14 percent of his workforce in order to cope with the cost of the new diesel emissions reductions rule. “For too many small and family-owned businesses like ours, the only way to comply with this rule is to simply go out of business,” said Mr. Cloud. “There is no reason to believe that the technology necessary to comply with this rule at anything approach an affordable cost is going to be developed soon enough to save companies like mine.” Cloud added that the off-road diesel rule isn't necessary to meet the state's aggressive emissions targets. He noted that the Associated General Contractors of America, using new data gathered by the Board last year, found that emissions from off-road diesel equipment will be below state target levels for at least several years to come. The state based its rule on an earlier emissions inventory that significantly overstated the amount of construction equipment in the state, he added. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in News Archive

Monday, 17 May 2010 06:11

Amador County Fair 2010

Amador County - After a successful first year, the Amador County Fair Survivor competition is back with a twist. This year teams of two will be encouraged to apply for a chance to be one of five teams competing for $1,000 and the title of the ultimate Amador County Fair Survivor. The chosen contestants will spend the entire duration of the fair (Thursday, July 29 to Sunday, August 1, 2010) at the fairgrounds in Plymouth. Again this year, contestants will be asked to compete in a number of fair related challenges, without money, electronic devices and while only consuming fair food the entire time. The winning team will be awarded $500 and an additional $500 will be given to their favorite local charity. “Last year’s event was so successful, the Fair won a First Award in the Facing Challenges category at the Western Fair Association Conference,” said Amador County Fair CEO Troy Bowers. “It was a wonderful opportunity to generate new interest in the Fair and promote several local charities.” “This year is all about bringing something different to the table,” said Competition Coordinator Brandi Ehlers. “New challenges, new surprises and lots of fun can be expected.” Teams can consist of parent/child, siblings, cousins, friends or any other combination of two. Contestants must be at least 18-years-old. For full rules and regulations and an application available now, visit www.amadorcountyfair.com. Applications are due to the Fair Office in Plymouth Monday, June 28, with chosen contestants announced the following week. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Monday, 17 May 2010 06:12

Sutter Creek Trash Rate Hike Based on Sacramento Landfill Fees

Amador County – The Sutter Creek City Council last week approved a rate increase for city trash and recycling services, related to an increase in dumping fees at a Sacramento County facility. ACES Waste Service requested the rate increase for the garbage and recycling hauling for city residents and businesses. Councilman Pat Crosby said the franchise agreement allowed for the increase, based on increased dumping fees. Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe recommended that the council hear from ACES representatives and open a public hearing, then accept public input on the proposed increase. He also recommended approval of the increase. Rabe said the “franchise agreement allows for an annual rate increase process,” the “proposed increase for this year is 6.89 percent,” and the “adjustment is consistent with the approved Rate Adjustment Methodology as presented in the franchise agreement.” The Sutter Creek staff discussed the increase with ACES representatives, Rabe said, and the “bulk of the increase comes from a 123.81 percent increase in disposal fees at Keifer Landfill,” operated by Sacramento County. Sutter Creek entered into its solid waste franchise agreement with ACES last year, and the agreement “allows for a detailed rate review in the first year of the contract.” ACES Vice President Paul Molinelli Jr. in a letter March 15th to the city council said the 6.89 percent rate increase in the city includes a 2.04 percent increase to cover a disposal rate increase of 21 percent that took effect at last July 1st at the Keifer Landfill. ACES will also be looking for a rate increase approvals before the Amador County Board of Supervisors, for its 3 unincorporated areas. The supervisors’ Administrative Committee of Ted Novelli and Chairman Brian Oneto today will consider requests by ACES to raise waste collection rates. The proposed increases include 11.83 percent at the Pine Grove Transfer Station; 4.34 percent in Franchise Area 2; and 4.91 percent at the Buena Vista Transfer Station. The committee will discuss the items and decide whether to place it on the supervisors’ agenda Tuesday. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Monday, 17 May 2010 06:14

School Board Investigates Swallow Nest Destruction

Amador County – The Amador County Unified School District board is expected to discuss the alleged destruction of swallow nests at Amador High School during their next board meeting. Plymouth resident and Veterinarian Elida Malick raised the issue during last week’s meeting. A source at the district told Malick on Friday that they investigated the site of the alleged destruction twice on one day and discovered that a nest had been removed and one bird was “caught behind the nets” near the eaves. The source said they asked for a response to Malick’s presentation by the administration, leading to the addition of the agenda item next week. Malick said she raised the issue during public comment because the board has “repeatedly refused” to add it as a regular agenda item. Malick urged an end to the practice, which she says began in response to one parent who threatened to sue the district, claiming their child might be sensitive to Histoplasma, a fungus sometimes carried by birds. Dr. Bob Hartmann, Amador County Public Health Officer, verified that there have been no cases of Histoplasma reported in Amador County. Malick said that for many years, a colony of native swallows have been completing their southern migration by returning to the eaves of the backside of the school’s gymnasium. She said the nest destruction is a violation of the Migratory Bird Act of 1918, which makes it unlawful to kill, hunt or capture over 800 species of migrating birds. The board said they would investigate the issue. The next school board meeting is scheduled for May 26 at 7 p.m. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Monday, 17 May 2010 06:15

Ione Puts Pause on Marijuana Dispensaries

Amador County – The Ione City Council last week approved an emergency moratorium on the formation of medical marijuana dispensaries while the city prepares an update to its zoning for such establishments. City Manager Kim Kerr recommended that the council consider adopting an “urgency ordinance” that would establish “a moratorium on the establishment of a medical cannabis dispensary” within city limits. Kerr recommended that the council waive a first reading and hold a public hearing on the ordinance May 18th. In 2004, the city adopted an ordinance, regulating the location and operation of pot dispensaries, but issues remain on “how the law applies,” Kerr said. The city’s business license and zoning regulations are in conflict, a fact discovered when someone approached the city about opening a dispensary. A woman spoke to City Planner Christopher Jordan about whether the city allowed medical pot dispensaries in the city. The council enacted the moratorium until the city can update its zoning and business issues related to medical marijuana dispensaries. The moratorium will be in place for 45 days. The council also held a special meeting last Wednesday to discuss the city’s draft audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2009. The independent auditor will issue the final audit and make a presentation to the city next month. City Clerk Janice Traverso said the audit findings were reviewed and the final audit will be subject of the council’s first regular meeting in June. This week, Ione will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday before its regularly scheduled meeting, at 6 p.m. The early special session will talk about the city’s Capital Improvement Plan. It will also address the “pavement management system” for streets, and will address the “police station remodel project.” The council already had gotten plans for a police station remodel, including disability act requirements, and the council will see if it wants to go through with the plans. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Tuesday, 18 May 2010 06:33

Plymouth Report Anticipates Development

Amador County – The Plymouth City Council last week received a progress report on the city’s general plan and housing element, with indicators that a long moratorium on development could end this year. The Plymouth Planning Commission earlier this month passed a resolution approving required state reports of progress, and the city council last week received the report, to pass it on to the state and the governor. One indicator of the past building moratorium was that zero building permits were issued last year. While the expected turn-around indicator was that several housing element programs will be active, including the review of development agreements, making development reviews, and making project site plan reviews. The report said the city expects several of each in 2010. Plymouth Community Development Director Barry Siebe prepared a report last week for the council, detailing the progress of the state required Housing Element and General Plan. The current housing element was approved in 2004, while the rest of the General Plan was updated last August. Some of the elements of the general plan included details of program implementation, including completion of the water pipeline in collaboration with the Amador Water Agency. The report also listed the receipt of American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding to work on the city wastewater treatment plant, and also the wastewater transmission line system. Both projects should “bring these systems into compliance with state water agency requirements” and are anticipated to be completed this year. Affordable housing data shows 67 eligible housing units, including 28 listed as “above moderate.” The data, from the Local Agency Formation Commission, said Plymouth also has 15 “very low” income level units; 11 for “low income;” and 13 in the “moderate” range. The report said the city “closed out the most recent Community Development Block Grant program in December,” and will not be eligible for new funding until the Housing Element is updated. That update is being conducted “in-house,” and is anticipated in 2010. The city’s eligibility for funding to assist “at risk” units is also dependent on the housing element update. The report said a “Redevelopment Plan” feasibility study was completed in 2009, and “adoption of a plan is currently on hold due to funding constraints.” Development impact fees are currently being updated as well. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Tuesday, 18 May 2010 06:36

18-Year Old Wilseyville Man Killed, Child Critically Injured In Weekend Accidents

Amador County - An 18-year-old Wilseyville resident died as the result of a motorcycle accident Sunday afternoon in Calaveras County, according to reports from the California Highway Patrol. Kenneth Hawes was driving his 2006 Honda motorcycle southbound on Old Toll Road at approximately 45 miles per hour when he apparently lost control while trying to navigate a “deeply rutted, wet and muddy” turn. Old Toll Road is a dirt road on private property. Hawes attempted to regain control by turning his bike to the left and accelerating rapidly. The vehicles rear tire struck a dry portion in the road, causing it to regain traction and propel Hawes forward out of control. The bike’s front end then reportedly struck a large tree and Hawes was thrown off the vehicle and into the tree. Hawes was wearing a full-face helmet and additional body safety gear at the time of the accident. San Andreas CHP officers responded to the incident. This accident is the latest in a string of vehicle accidents and traffic collisions between May 13th and May 16th. The San Andreas CHP handled 10 traffic collisions in that time, 8 of which involved motorcycles. Several of the collisions involved multiple motorcycles. “I believe these motorcyclists would benefit from the California Motorcycle Safety Program,” stated Lieutenant Tim Port, San Andreas Commander. “It offers a basic rider course for beginners and an experienced rider course for improving skills.” Of those ten collisions, none were DUI related, although there were 7 people arrested for driving under the influence in that same time period. A San Andreas CHP release on Monday said “the overall statistics have been decreasing each year, but the number of motorcycle collisions and injuries went up slightly this year compared to last year.” In related news, another accident occurred Sunday at approximately 1:30 p.m. on the Carson Pass Summit when a vehicle carrying five people rolled over, according to Amador County fire officials. One 12-year-old vehicle occupant was critically injured in the accident involving a white Ford Expedition. A Care Flight helicopter transported the child to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Firefighters from Amador County and Woodford responded to the accident, which blocked one lane of Highway 88. The vehicle occupants were eventually able to get back in and ride away safely. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in News Archive

Monday, 17 May 2010 06:19