Monday, 07 December 2009 23:14

Board of Supervisors Revisit Arroyo Ditch Issue

slide3-supes_revisit_arroyo_ditch_issue.pngAmador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors are scheduled to continue their debate today on the Arroyo Ditch and related agreements with the City of Plymouth. Specifically, supervisors will reconsider a motion made last month holding in abeyance the contract for conveyance of the Arroyo Ditch originally entered into on November 12, 2009 between Plymouth and Amador County. The 18-mile canal, which carries water from the Consumnes River into and past Plymouth, has been dry for years beyond city limits. District 5 Supervisor Brian Oneto pushed to add the issue to last meeting’s agenda after several property owners living in the Plymouth area alleged that a lack of water in the Arroyo Ditch is in violation of the controlling agreement between Plymouth and Amador County. Oneto asked to insert a clause that would earmark some water for sale to downstream users. He noted there is “nothing in (the agreement) stating Plymouth would deliver water further down the ditch.” Plymouth Attorney Steven Rudolph said Plymouth approved of the amendment as is without any further changes. Plymouth officials previously stated that the quitclaim contract gives the city flexibility to negotiate with the Shenandoah Management Company for further improvement and maintenance of the old canal. Board Chairman Ted Novelli’s signature on the contract was held in abeyance at that meeting until the city can further negotiate with the Shenandoah Management Company. Plymouth is expected to report on what was discussed during a special meeting held on November 30. Also on the Board’s agenda will be a discussion and possible action relative to authorizing an increase of $240,864 for an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grant, which includes a decrease in contingencies of $120,432 and an increase in revenue in the amount of $120,432 in order to “move forward the application process for the subject grant.” Finally, the Board will discuss the proposed transfer of the Rosedale water treatment equipment purchased by the County with Community Development Block Grant Revenue funds to the Volcano Community Services District. The Board of Supervisors meeting is open to the public and takes place at 9 am on Tuesday, December 8 in the County Administrative Building, 810 Court Street in Jackson. For more information, contact the Board of Supervisors office at (209) 223-6470. The next Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 22. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.