Tom
Friday, 07 May 2010 04:17
Rabe Says SCPD Officer Did Nothing Wrong in Pay Issue
Amador County – Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe made a brief statement Wednesday saying that financial management issues are being addressed after recent allegation by the former city finance director, but primarily to say that a Sutter Creek Police officer had done nothing wrong. Rabe released a statement Wednesday regarding “allegations made by ex-Finance Director Jeff Gardner concerning alleged financial mismanagement” in Sutter Creek, by the city council and managers. Rabe said he wanted to immediately address allegations of improper payment to Officer Kevin Harris, whom he said “has done nothing wrong and is a valuable and well-respected member of the Sutter Creek Police Department.” Rabe said it was “very unfortunate” that Harris “has been included in Mr. Gardner’s agenda.” He said Harris had an injury that prevented him form working on full duty. The council has hired an independent party to look at the issue to see if there were improprieties. Rabe said Sutter Creek City Council and staff were “made aware of various claims by Gardner several months ago, and the city responded immediately.” He said the “council and staff have always taken their financial management responsibilities very seriously.” The council and managers “have been working for several months to address various financial operational issues, including but not limited to Gardner’s concerns.” He said the city must complete “its ongoing financial management action plan.” Among the accusations, Gardner said the city improperly held “finance committee meetings” by calling them “budget” or “personnel” to avoid the Brown Act. Rabe said Tuesday that Mayor Pro Tempore Tim Murphy and Councilwoman Linda Rianda are members of both the finance committee and an ad hoc budget committee. He said an ad hoc committee does not need to be noticed, and is not open to the public. He said it mostly handles closed session personnel matters. The Finance Committee has not met for a couple of months. Gardner alleged the city made improper expenditures on developments, including Gold Rush. Rabe said there are certain areas in which the city must pay costs, while in others, the city and developer share costs. He said a good example was the wastewater master plan. The city council contracted with Gardner in 2004, and the contract ended May 3rd. Gardner was city auditor prior to that. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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News Archive
Friday, 07 May 2010 04:11
2 Recent Rattlesnake Bites Spur Warning
Amador County – Two rattlesnake bites have been reported so far this year, and the Amador County Health and Human Services office is urging residents to keep an eye out for the critters as we head into the summer season. This week, two people were seen at the Sutter Amador Hospital emergency room for rattlesnake bites. Last year, there were two rattlesnake encounters in the land surrounding the Health and Human Services building alone. “While some bites result from deliberate attempts to harass or capture a rattlesnake, many bites result from surprise encounters, with hands, feet and ankles as the most common sites,” said the department in a release. The department reminds residents that “many snakebites can be prevented by using a few common sense rules.” These include never walking barefoot, staying on paths and trails, using caution in water areas where snakes may be resting or swimming, checking stumps and logs carefully before sitting down, shaking out sleeping bags and using a walking stick which the snake could strike instead of you. The department also warns residents not to keep rattlesnakes as pets. “Many bites occur when people, usually intoxicated males in their 20’s, tease their pet rattlers,” says the release. It is rare for a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake bite victim to die. Statistics say more people actually die from wasp or bee stings. If a bite occurs, calm the victim, wash the area with soap or water, keep the limb in a neutral position, and transport the victim to the nearest emergency facility. You should not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, suck out the venom, let the victim drink alcohol, or pack the wound in ice. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 07 May 2010 04:17
Rabe Says SCPD Officer Did Nothing Wrong in Pay Issue
Amador County – Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe made a brief statement Wednesday saying that financial management issues are being addressed after recent allegation by the former city finance director, but primarily to say that a Sutter Creek Police officer had done nothing wrong. Rabe released a statement Wednesday regarding “allegations made by ex-Finance Director Jeff Gardner concerning alleged financial mismanagement” in Sutter Creek, by the city council and managers. Rabe said he wanted to immediately address allegations of improper payment to Officer Kevin Harris, whom he said “has done nothing wrong and is a valuable and well-respected member of the Sutter Creek Police Department.” Rabe said it was “very unfortunate” that Harris “has been included in Mr. Gardner’s agenda.” He said Harris had an injury that prevented him form working on full duty. The council has hired an independent party to look at the issue to see if there were improprieties. Rabe said Sutter Creek City Council and staff were “made aware of various claims by Gardner several months ago, and the city responded immediately.” He said the “council and staff have always taken their financial management responsibilities very seriously.” The council and managers “have been working for several months to address various financial operational issues, including but not limited to Gardner’s concerns.” He said the city must complete “its ongoing financial management action plan.” Among the accusations, Gardner said the city improperly held “finance committee meetings” by calling them “budget” or “personnel” to avoid the Brown Act. Rabe said Tuesday that Mayor Pro Tempore Tim Murphy and Councilwoman Linda Rianda are members of both the finance committee and an ad hoc budget committee. He said an ad hoc committee does not need to be noticed, and is not open to the public. He said it mostly handles closed session personnel matters. The Finance Committee has not met for a couple of months. Gardner alleged the city made improper expenditures on developments, including Gold Rush. Rabe said there are certain areas in which the city must pay costs, while in others, the city and developer share costs. He said a good example was the wastewater master plan. The city council contracted with Gardner in 2004, and the contract ended May 3rd. Gardner was city auditor prior to that. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Local
Friday, 07 May 2010 04:15
Sheriff Gets Reports of Prowlers, Streakers
Amador County – The Amador County Sheriff’s call log lately has received numerous reports of suspicious people, including possible prowlers with flashlights, and a streaker on Buckhorn Ridge Road. That includes one that occurred at about 9:23 p.m. April 27th on Ridge Drive. A caller reported a male was walking around the neighborhood, shining a flashlight into windows and looking into the windows of different residences. The reporting party’s son confronted the subject, who fled on foot into a wooded area. The subject was described as 6-foot-2, wearing all black and carrying a black bag. Other suspicious people were seen April 25th on Gayla Drive. They were described as dressed in dark clothing and hoodies, last seen on foot, possibly headed to an empty house on Tony Court. The caller said they came up to her residence and appeared to try to gain entry, but she has her doors locked. The subjects ran off when she came to the door. Another suspicious person was reportedly seen at 6:15 p.m. April 25. A caller reported a 20-year-old male with shaggy hair running down the street without any clothes, on Buckhorn Ridge Road at Buckhorn Lane. The subject went into the woods and possibly put shorts on when he was seen by the reporting party. April 27th, a caller reported an aggressive pit bull running loose on Main Street at Gunther Way. The dog went after the reporting party, who reportedly hit the dog with a shovel. Ampine wood products reported a burglary and the theft of a large amount of copper wire taken from the facility by 2 suspects who walked into the property, on Ridge Road. The reporting party said an estimate based on video surveillance had the burglary occurring at about 1:30 a.m. Monday, April 26th. A suspicious person was reported on Latrobe Road. The reporting party came home to find a male subject sitting in a dog kennel, pulling weeds and petting the dog. The man was described as in his 50s, Hispanic, with brown eyes, and he left in a white Chevy Suburban. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Law Enforcement
Friday, 07 May 2010 04:14
Raley’s Grocery Store Settlement Pays Out $580,000
Amador County - Raley’s grocery stores on Monday agreed to pay $580,000 in order to settle a civil case that originated in Amador County alleging the company discouraged injured workers from filing claims and encouraged them to use the company’s health plan. The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office announced that Raley’s agreed to pay $550,000 in penalties and costs, including $30,000 to fund training for law enforcement through the California District Attorney’s Association. The settlement will go to five counties participating in the suit, which was based on the testimony of over 100 Raley’s employees interviewed by District Attorney’s Offices from Amador, Monterey, Yolo and Placer counties. Raley’s has neither admitted to nor denied the allegations. The company will now adopt mandatory workers’ compensation training for store managers, improve record keeping and contract with a telephonic medical advice company to evaluate worker injuries. In 2007, the Amador County District Attorney’s office began investigating a complaint by a local Raley’s employee that store manager’s dissuaded an injured employee from filing a claim. The incident took place at the Bel Air store in Roseville, also owned by Raley’s. The Sacramento Bee published a statement by Michael Teel, Raley’s president and CEO, who said he was “disappointed and saddened” by the accusations. In another statement, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office said: “The goal was to hold Raley’s accountable, gain compliance with the law and deter others.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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State
Friday, 07 May 2010 04:13
Ione Reduces Howard Business Park Fees By $21K
Amador County – The Ione City Council on Tuesday agreed to about $21,000 in costs cuts for the Howard Business Park, and will seek more savings on the 107-acre project. The council discussed the project with Howard Properties Resource Manager Tim K. Smith and authorized reducing city manager and fire chief fees. They also directed staff to look at other reductions. City Manager Kim Kerr said the council reaffirmed that it wants to continue with the city General Plan requirement that any Environmental Impact Report done for a city project must be led by city, paid for by the applicant, and performed by a city consultant. Kerr said the process is done so the city need not worry about legal defense. The council voted 3-0 to not change policy in its General Plan. Councilman Jim Ulm did not attend, and Mayor Skip Schaufel recused himself due to having previously worked as a Realtor for Howard Properties. The reductions include not charging fees for work done by Fire Chief Ken Mackey and by Kerr as city manager. The reductions total $20,975. Kerr said “costs for their time will not be charged to the project.” The council decided that Mackey and Kerr’s work is “fixed costs that we already have,” while extra work for the city attorney, engineer, planner or other staff must be paid by the developer. The fire chief reviews plans with regard to access and fire issues, and health and safety from a firefighting standpoint. The council also agreed to have staff work with Smith to find what other ways they can reduce an estimated $440,000 cost in city staff and consultant time on the project. Kerr said Smith and Howard Properties “asked us to try and work with them but not deviate from our policies.” Kerr said the EIR probably will be a “fixed cost.” Smith thought costs were too high, and the city was not supporting development by not sharing costs. Kerr said Howard Properties wants to lead the project “at a reduced cost or no cost.” She said the city could be lead entity, but it would cost the city and the developer would lose control. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Local
Friday, 07 May 2010 04:11
2 Recent Rattlesnake Bites Spur Warning
Amador County – Two rattlesnake bites have been reported so far this year, and the Amador County Health and Human Services office is urging residents to keep an eye out for the critters as we head into the summer season. This week, two people were seen at the Sutter Amador Hospital emergency room for rattlesnake bites. Last year, there were two rattlesnake encounters in the land surrounding the Health and Human Services building alone. “While some bites result from deliberate attempts to harass or capture a rattlesnake, many bites result from surprise encounters, with hands, feet and ankles as the most common sites,” said the department in a release. The department reminds residents that “many snakebites can be prevented by using a few common sense rules.” These include never walking barefoot, staying on paths and trails, using caution in water areas where snakes may be resting or swimming, checking stumps and logs carefully before sitting down, shaking out sleeping bags and using a walking stick which the snake could strike instead of you. The department also warns residents not to keep rattlesnakes as pets. “Many bites occur when people, usually intoxicated males in their 20’s, tease their pet rattlers,” says the release. It is rare for a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake bite victim to die. Statistics say more people actually die from wasp or bee stings. If a bite occurs, calm the victim, wash the area with soap or water, keep the limb in a neutral position, and transport the victim to the nearest emergency facility. You should not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, suck out the venom, let the victim drink alcohol, or pack the wound in ice. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in
Health
Thursday, 06 May 2010 06:10
Ione Firefighters Respond to Two Structure Fires Over Weekend
Amador County – The City of Ione Fire Department responded to two separate residential structure fires over the weekend, with combined damages estimated at $200,000. On Saturday, May 1 at 4:55 pm, crews responded to reports of a structure fire at 126 Shakey Lane. Upon arrival, they found smoke and fire coming from the kitchen area of the residence. The fire was quickly extinguished through the combined efforts of 18 Ione firefighters and 2 support units utilizing three fire engines. One fire engine was from the Mule Creek Fire Department. The American Red Cross was able to assist the occupants with temporary housing and supplies. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. On Monday, May 3 at 3:29 pm, a second structure fire was reported at 612 Nuner Drive. Responders included crews from the City of Ione Fire Department, Mule Creek Fire Department, Jackson Valley Fire District, CalFire and the Amador Fire Protection District. On arrival, crews found heavy fire coming from the roof and rear half of the building. The fire was knocked down within 10 minutes of the first arriving units and damage was contained to the structure. No one was reported at the residence at the time of the fire, and damage is estimated at $180,000. One Ione Firefighter received minor injuries and a burn during the initial fire attack. The man was treated on scene by the American Legion Ambulance Service and then transported to Sutter Amador Hospital’s Emergency Room where he was treated and released. He is currently at home and expected to make a fast recovery. A total of 7 fire engines and 4 support units, along with 35 fire personnel were on scene for the blaze. The cause of the second fire is currently under investigation. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Thursday, 06 May 2010 06:06
ARTS Committee Gets Caltrans Info On Mobility Management
Amador County – The Amador Regional Transit System Budget Committee met with Caltrans Wednesday and learned that the new Mobility Management program is more flexible than they thought. The committee, which includes County Supervisor John Plasse and Ione Councilman David Plank, planned to have a conference call with Caltrans, but Plasse said that “morphed into a face-to-face meeting,” which went very well. He said the information they received gave himself, Plank and Supervisor Richard Forster “a greater understanding of what Caltrans views the scope of Mobility Management to be.” Plasse, Plank and ARTS Interim Transit Manager Joyce Jones met with Kimberly Gayle, office chief for the Federal Transit Grants Program with Caltrans. Plasse said Caltrans and ARTS share the same overarching goal for the Mobility Management program, in which the “net effect should be increased ridership of public transit.” Plasse said that has been a tremendous focus of the board, but ARTS has still seen a drop in ridership, so much so that the “primary demographic locations” have been losing routes. He said ARTS is required by statute to provide service that must be offset by an income of at least 10 percent from “fare box revenue.” Plasse said the committee was “able to confirm (Wednesday) that “we can change some of the staffing of the Mobility Management program.” They also “can change money allotments” to customize the program to fit ARTS goals of service in Amador County. Plasse said he was bothered by Mobility Manager Mel Welsh seeking to move the program out of ARTS and into the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency. Welsh instituted that search, and he and the ARTS board thought it was out of her purview. Plasse said he “expressed concern over her making the autonomous decision” to look at trying to move it. He said Welsh was under the impression that if she was not the manager, then the grant would be lost. The program must follow spending as outlined in the grant application, but he found out Wednesday that Caltrans in effect got its “hand slapped” in awarding the grant to ARTS, with Welsh as the “sole source provider of Mobility Management functions,” and putting her automatically into the position, with no competitive hiring process. A federal audit discovered that Welsh was named “sole source provider” in the grant. Plasse said the grant was written by Innovative Paradigms of Sacramento, a firm that Welsh recommended as a grant writer. He said the next step for the ARTS board is deciding how to proceed with Mobility Management, and its staffing. The board last week moved toward ending Welsh’s contract, and set up Wednesday’s meeting with Caltrans. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Thursday, 06 May 2010 06:05
Ione Discusses Howard Business Park Project
Amador County – The Ione City Council received a report on the Howard Business Park project this week, which had a planning stoppage last month pending discussion with the city. City Planner Christopher Jordan said a staff “scope of work and cost estimate” of $440,000 was not received well by Howard Properties resource manager Tim Smith. The work included Environmental Impact Reports and “estimated reimbursable costs for public notices.” Jordan said the project’s plan to remove nearly 1,500 trees would require “analysis of the potential environmental impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act.” He said tree removal likely would qualify for a Mitigated Negative Declaration. CEQA documentation estimated at $84,000. On March 16th, Smith sent the city “comments and questions about the scope of work and budget for processing.” Smith’s engineer, Jesse Shaw said that the need for a “Specific Plan” was not as important as the need to verify that Caltrans would grant the project roadway access along Highway 124. He said the Ione Bypass likely would not be built “in our lifetime,” and pursuing any planning in depth would be futile without assurance of Highway 124 access. Jordan’s report included comments from several agencies on the project’s Tentative Subdivision Map, many saying it lacks the detail for them to give a full impact analysis, and list mitigations. Ione Fire Chief Ken Mackey said it lacked building descriptions, on which the department could eventually base a need to request upgrades to its ladder truck. Smith in a letter April 15th told of stoppage on project planning, pending discussion with the city. He said city staff cost estimates were “roughly 500% of the not-to-exceed costs to do the actual studies and data collection and negotiations for the project,” as estimated by his consultants. Jordan said: “this would mean that the Howard’s consultant costs are approximately $100,000.” Jordan said in “staff’s experience, $100,000 would cover the required traffic study and maybe the drawing of the tentative map.” He said it wouldn’t cover a water study (required by the Amador Water Agency); a sewer study or planning; biological studies for CEQA and tree permitting; or development of the Specific Plan. Jordan said Ione could take the lead in the project, but it could cost up to $1.2 million. He said staff is looking at Proposition 84 “State Strategic Growth Council” grants, which could net a $1 million grant, but the city would face significant competition, including 2 or 3 applications within Amador County. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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