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Monday, 19 April 2010 18:00
Attorneys Step Down in Plymouth, Sutter Creek
Amador County – City attorneys for Sutter Creek and Plymouth recently tendered their resignations effective this year. Sutter Creek attorney Dennis Crabb will be retiring after 7 years with the city, with his last day to be June 7th. And earlier this month, Plymouth City Attorney Steven Rudolph told his council that he would be stepping down to work on staff at Galt. On April 13th, Crabb sent a memo to the Sutter Creek City Council advising them how to proceed in his replacement. He said they could advertise and hire at will, without a bid, because it is a professional service. They could also take “requests for proposals,” which delineate the different billing rates, in an effort to save on legal fees of approximately $40,000 per year. Crabb in the memo said: “As I more toward retirement it is time for me to work less and enjoy life more.” Crabb gave the city council a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) and recommended that “the RFP be sent to at least 4 experieenced municipal law firms,” those being “the current back-up city attorney firms” of Sam Jackson; Best, Best & Krieger; Meyers-Nave; and McDonough Holland Allen. Crabb said the “RFP should also be posted on the city’s web page and sent to all attorneys holding current city of Sutter Creek business licenses.” He said if the League of California Cities agrees, it should also be posted on the League’s web site. Crabb suggested a return date of May 13th, to allow for evaluation of proposals. Crabb said he “will be available to the new city attorney for consultation as needed on pending issues and for background thereafter.” Earlier this month, Plymouth City Attorney Steven Rudolph said he was going to be the Galt City Attorney. He introduced his recommended replacement, at the city council’s choosing. That was Attorney Laura Hollander, also of Rudolph’s firm, Meyers Nave of Sacramento. Rudolph said he has been working as city attorney for Galt for a couple of years while also working in Plymouth, but he is “going in-house with Galt,” to join the city staff. City Manager Dixon Flynn said he has worked with many city attorneys over the years, including 3 who became superior court judges, and Rudolph is the best city attorney among them. Rudolph said: “When I do drive out of town, I will leave a little piece of my heart.” Hollander had already begun working on some Plymouth issues for Rudolph, and gave presentations during the April 8th Plymouth City Council meeting. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Monday, 19 April 2010 18:00
Howard Properties Halts Application on 107-Acre Project
Amador County – Howard Properties has put the brakes on its 107-acre project application in Ione Business Park, asking the city for a partnership on environmental costs. Howard Properties Resource Manager Tim K. Smith told of the decision in an April 14th letter to city staff, and Ione City Council members. TSPN received a copy of the letter from City Manager Kim Kerr. Smith in the letter said: “As of today we are discontinuing the Howard Business Park project and site development application within the Ione Industrial Park complex which was recently submitted to your office.” Smith said Howard Properties project proponents “do not feel it is a feasible project for them under the cost estimates and permitting constraints put on the project by your staff.” He said the city is unwilling to share in the cost of the project, which began as a “Tentative Map,” then was required by city’s staff to be a “Specific Plan,” with all work required to be done by city staff. He said a scope-of-work and cost document from the city had an “open-ended cost estimate for the tree permit and Specific Plan environmental documents” which “was roughly 500 percent of the not-to-exceed cost to do the actual studies and technical data collection and negotiations for the project by our private consultants.” Smith said “to date, the proponents requests for strategy accommodations and cost controls have been largely ignored by the city.” He said “as a huge beneficiary of the project, the city is unwilling to act as a partner in the process but is set up to function as a paid third party overseer.” Smith said: “The Specific Plan is a city project which staff is currently unwilling to participate in as a financial or in-kind partner.” He said: “Without a competitive influence on the EIR work, there is no way for the proponent to be in control of their own project,” and in the last year-and-a-half, “the project has morphed into something way beyond the initial vision of a combined park in an already appropriately zoned parcel which was annexed by the city for the very purpose which is the proponent’s intent.” Howard Properties informed its “consultants to discontinue work on the project and to archive work done to date in case the city of Ione would be willing to accommodate the proponents concerns at some time down the road.” Ione Councilman David Plank said he had received the letter and would make comments on the issue in public at the meeting today. City Manager Kim Kerr is planning to talk about the letter today during a discussion of written correspondence. Ione City Council meets at 6 p.m. today. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Monday, 19 April 2010 18:00
AWA to Look at CAWP Rates, Capacity
Amador County – The Amador Water Agency board of directors will readdress the Central Amador Water Project system rates Thursday, and could also look at capacity constraints. An engineering staff report requests further board direction regarding CAWP and the Amador Water System. One request is “regarding new individual service or increased usage requests” in both systems, with direction for action sought “until such time as additional water treatment plant capacity is on-line at the 2 AWS plants, and additional water rights are obtained in CAWP.” Staff also seeks direction “regarding parcels with standby connections in CAWP,” and regarding reserve capacity for projects in Jackson that were “granted Housing Equivalency Units, specifically those that do not have a tentative map from the city and Conditional Will Serve commitment from AWA.” The report, by Engineer John Griffin, and submitted by Interim Engineering Manager Erik Christeson, said the “Amador Water System-Ione service area is over committed by approximately 250 equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) and the Amador Water System-Tanner service area is over committed by approximately 230 EDUs based on peak annual water usage.” In CAWP, the “over commitment is approximately 450 EDUs, where there are approximately 540 standby connections in CAWP” in both retail and wholesale areas. “The number of standby parcels in CAWP has remained about the same since 2004, but total number of parcels has increased. Currently, on average, AWA receives approximately 1-2 applications for new or increased service per month while CAWP receives approximately 1 application every month.” Staff is working with California Public health “to determine if recent conservation efforts by Mule Creek State Prison can be used to reduce existing peak 24-hour demand for the AWS-Ione service area.” It was unclear if public health would grant that reduction. Staff also seeks direction on a state law requiring public water entities to put a priority on water service access to projects that provide affordable housing for lower income residents. The report said the “Countywide Regional Housing Needs Allocation is 2,171 units” from “very low income to above moderate income.” It said each land use agency must identify project to meet their needs. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Water
Monday, 19 April 2010 18:00
Amador Operation Care Urges Denim Day Participation
Amador County – Amador County’s Operation Care encouraged county residents to dress in denim as part of the national Denim Day Wednesday. April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and throughout April, Operation Care and Amador County’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month Committee has organized a series of events to help every member of the community “decide to end sexual violence.” Lynn Shield, Executive Director of Operation Care, said: “The goal is to encourage everyone in Amador County to learn about sexual violence, how to help prevent it, and how to help survivors heal.” Shield said the committee is “inviting all employees of local non-profit organizations, civic government and other employers to help recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.” The committee is “asking employers to allow their staff to break the dress code and the silence by wearing jeans during the month of April, and especially on Denim Day, Wednesday April 21st.” Denim has become the clothing of the day due to an Italian court ruling in a sexual assault case. Denim Day is being sponsored by Operation Care and the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault. The Denim Day California campaign began in 1999 with groups including “Peace Over Violence,” and the Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women, “as part of an international protest of an Italian High Court decision to overturn a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans.” The Italian Supreme Court dismissed charges against a 45-year-old rape suspect because his 18-year-old victim was wearing jeans at the time of the attack. The Court stated in its decision that: “It is common knowledge ... that jeans cannot even be partly removed without the effective help of the person wearing them ... and it is impossible if the victim is struggling with all her might.” The judgment sparked a worldwide outcry from those who understand coercion, threats and violence go along with the act of rape. The unpopular verdict became an international symbol of myth-based injustice for sexual assault victims. Also this month, the committee plans the “Human Ribbon to Raise Awareness.” A teal-colored “Human Ribbon” will be making the rounds throughout Amador County encouraging community to take action toward building healthy and respectful relationships. The Human Ribbon will be accompanied by an advocate from Operation Care to answer questions, and they’ll hand out teal ribbons to tie on car antennas to show support. For information call Operation Care at (209) 223-2897. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Monday, 19 April 2010 01:45
Ione Sets Paid Daytime Fire Shifts
Amador County – The Ione City Council held a special workshop on paying city fire department personnel last week, and directed staff to implement an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. paid shift that will give daytime coverage 7 days a week. City Manager Kim Kerr said she received board direction at the meeting Monday (April 12th) to keep moving forward with a salary and benefits package, which she will try to bring to the council for its May 4th meeting. Kerr said effective June 1, Ione will have an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. day shift, Sunday through Saturday, for paid firefighter coverage. Kerr said it will include a stipend for the firefighters, who will be able to work and see if they like the shifts, and it will give the city 8-5 coverage 7 days a week. She said they must work the 8-5 shift, and will be paid for 8-hour days. Staff is also working to finalize a retirement package for the firefighters. For staffing, they will be bringing in fire engineers, so they can operate the machinery. The jobs will be 40 hours a week, and shifts will overlap so that they will have 2 people working on Sundays. The council and staff were not sure about nighttime coverage, and Kerr said they “may institute a sleeper” position. The Ione Fire Department already has nighttime coverage, with captains and above always on duty and always within a 5-mile radius. The Ione department now pays stipends to firefighters ranked captains and above, who are on duty 24 hours within 5 miles of town. Captains and above get paid a monthly stipend. 3 council members attended last Monday’s meeting and in a consensus gave Kerr direction to work on the salary and benefits package. Kerr said she hopes to bring the salaries and benefits to the city council for its May 4th meeting. About 10 people attended the meeting, including board members of the Jackson Valley Fire District, who were looking to see what Ione is doing, as they decide what they will do. Fire Chief Ken Mackey and Kerr presented information to the council. Ione has received more than $210,000 for the past year from the statewide Proposition 172 and the county-wide Measure M, both ½-cent sales taxes. Kerr was “not recommending 100 percent staffing or spending 100 percent of the revenues” due to volatility in sales tax. Ione Fire staff includes a Fire Chief, an Assistant Fire Chief, 7 Captains, and 26 fire fighters/engineers, plus support staff. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Monday, 19 April 2010 01:43
Amador Transit Eligible For $275,000 Loan From ACTC
Amador County – The Amador Regional Transit System board of directors this week will consider a report from its assistant transit manager that ARTS is eligible for a loan of approximately $275,000 from funds set aside for pedestrian and bicycle programs. Assistant transit manager Joyce Jones in a report to the ARTS board last week said “we have received confirmation” that the Amador County Transportation Commission “is allowed to loan or reallocate the pedestrian/bicycle set-aside fund to ARTS.” After the resignation of the ARTS transit manager, Jones met with the ARTS board of directors finance committee and board Chairman Greg Baldwin “to discuss transition issues and prepare a plan to maintain stability in our transit operations.” The letter said “ACTC has agreed to pass all Local Transportation Funds to ARTS for April,” and “will reconsider if this action is needed in May.” Jones said she is working with CPA Hal Weber “to establish a program to track current cash balance and flow, enabling ARTS to more accurately report revenues and expenditures, and give a clearer picture” of the system’s “financial state.” ARTS was also “directed to temporarily cease work on all contracts until further notice,” and 2 trolleys were replaced with “regular style buses,” due to extra costs of the trolleys. Jones will review “cost-saving route adjustments,” with the help of Gordon Shaw, with findings to be given to the board for approval. The budget committee and Baldwin also authorized ACTC Executive Director Charles Field to prepare a “request for qualifications for an ARTS interim transit manager consultant.” The request was circulated to potential consultants Thursday, with replies due April 30th. Jones said the chairman should appoint a selection committee to review replies and conduct interviews the week of May 3rd to 7th, so the board “may decide whether or not to hire an interim transit management consultant and at what cost.” If hired, the consultant would “assist in reviewing budget detail, staff and assignments and recommend cuts and/or adjustments.” Jones said the assistant manager or consultant would “clarify, finalize, and execute all contracts with legal consultation.” The transition and stabilization list included having the ARTS finance committee and the assistant manager “discuss Mobility Management’s role in assisting ARTS staff.” Part of the consultant’s job description was to “conduct a thorough review of ARTS present operations including the staff, their functions, the ARTS budget, transit routes, transit needs, state and federal requirements” and “available grants.” He or she would also “advise the ARTS board regarding changes that can improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase revenues.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Monday, 19 April 2010 01:40
• Jackson City Officials Look to Clean It, Green It for Earth Day in Detert Park Festival
Amador County – The city of Jackson plans a “Clean It & Green It” event Saturday (April 24th) at Detert Park in downtown Jackson. Jackson City Manager Mike Daly and the city council bring back the annual Earth Day event to encourage citizens to help clean the city park in a fun environment. Daly said last week that the Earth Day Clean It & Green It Celebration “promises to be a fun-filled day at Detert Park for the whole family.” The “Clean It” portion of the event is the city of Jackson’s annual litter clean-up from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Daly said the “litter clean-up day has been an annual event in Jackson and is intended to serve as a spring clean-up for the entire city.” The event, formerly known as the “Clean Our Green”, invites volunteers to participate in the clean-up, although “all the spots in the previously announced Disney Give a Day, Get a Day promotion are full.” Daly said the “Green It” portion of the fair is a celebration of Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. He said many community organizations will be participating in the “Green It” fair with demonstrations, special projects, and other activities intended to increase awareness of positive “earth-friendly” habits, recycling and energy use. He said the theme of the entire event is intended to compliment Earth Day activities throughout the world. Also, an “E-waste Collection Event” will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the old Prospect Motors lot directly across the street from Detert Park on Highway 49 and 88. It is billed as a “safe and environmentally friendly way to recycle all of your old electronics with 100 percent of all donations benefiting the Argonaut High School Science Club.” Items that will be accepted include TVs, monitors, computers, computer peripherals, cell phones, printers, copiers, fax machines, audio-video equipment and microwaves. All are invited, and encouraged to “bring a picnic and enjoy a unique and pleasant day at Detert Park celebrating Earth Day.” Music will be provided by a band that has local roots and is on the verge of becoming white hot: Hero’s Last Mission. HLM, as they are known, has been touring the western United States and has a huge following on Myspace. The primary organizers of this first-of-its-kind event include the city of Jackson, Bank of Amador, Amador Mobility Management, Farms of Amador, Amador Community Foundation, Argonaut High School Science Club and the Amador County Waste Management and Recycling Department. TSPN TV News staff. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Monday, 19 April 2010 01:42
El Dorado Irrigation District Considers Swap of Parcels at Silver Lake
Amador County – The El Dorado Irrigation District board of directors will host a public hearing today to consider approval of a land swap with the U.S. Forest Service involving parcels around Silver Lake in Amador County, as well as parcels in El Dorado and Alpine counties. El Dorado Irrigation District announced earlier this month that its board will be considering a “Land Exchange Project” at a regular meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. today (Monday, April 26th) at the EID customer services building, 2890 Mosquito Road, in Placerville. The land exchange involves 7 federal land parcels that would be acquired by EIR and 7 EID land parcels that would be acquired by the U.S. Forest Service. A public notice prepared by Dan Corcoran of EID said that all of the federal parcels are within El Dorado County and the El Dorado National Forest. The non-federal lands owned by EID that would be acquired by the forest service “consist of 7 parcels above 7,000 feet in elevation along the Highway 88 corridor.” Corcoran’s notice said “4 of the parcels are located around Silver Lake within El Dorado County and Amador County and the remaining 3 are situated around Caples Lake within Alpine County.” The involved parcels in El Dorado County include portions of the old Sno-Park parcel and Oyster Creek parcel. The notice said the parcels within Amador County include the remaining portions of the Oyster Creek and Sno-Park parcels, and the Silver Lake Campground East and Silver Shoreline parcels. The Alpine County parcels include Emigrant Cove, Caples Lake and Wood Creek parcels. The federal land parcels include the Silver Lake Campground West, Reservoir A, Moose Hall Reservoir, Bullion Bend, Pinecone North, Jenkinson B and Hazel Valley parcels. The notice for the public hearing said that in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the forest service “prepared a finding of no significant impact for the land exchange based on the results of an Environmental Assessment.” The notice also said that the El Dorado Irrigation District believes that the forest service finding meets the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. The public hearing is 10 a.m. today (Monday, April 26th) at the EID customer services building, 2890 Mosquito Road, in Placerville. For information, call (530) 642-0482, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. TSPN TV News staff This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Monday, 19 April 2010 05:49
Board of Supervisors Pre-Agenda Report with Richard Forster 4-19-10
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