Amador County – About 20 people spoke in support of streamlining exterior commercial upgrades in downtown Ione, during a special joint meeting of the Ione City Council and the Planning Commission. Speakers suggested lowering fees and inspiring investments into downtown businesses. The discussion talked about various architectural styles in downtown and adhering to them when making repairs. Councilman Jim Ulm said they might be doing too much, and City Planner Christopher Jordan said they can scale back, “but what is on the books now is ineffective,” sending applicants through planning and council public hearings before permitting. Dominic Atlan of Castle Oaks said it costs about $1,000 for two public hearings. He suggested having a “sale” to inspire people to beautify their buildings, with free or minimal fees. Atlan said “it’s going to cost less in approval fees than it will cost in materials.” The owner of the Curves building said he and his wife want to revamp the building and are searching for old photos of it. He said he likes the old Coca-Cola ad but he wants to keep kids from prying bricks from the building’s wall, which he said might benefit with more lighting. Karl Knobelauch, owner of Curves, encouraged lower fees, saying “it will help to accomplish what I believe is a common goal for us.” He said the “current process is unacceptable and burdensome on property owners.” Mayor Lee Ard said there has to be a fee so the city can see that things are being built to code, but the city can possibly help with grants. Commissioner Joe Wylie suggested a flat rate fee of $25, and “if it costs us $100, then we put in $75,… but we don’t stop people form fixing their window.” Jordan said he will draft a new ordinance, and “bring something forward and let the planning commission chew on it.” Story by Jim Reece (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).