Amador County – The Ione City Council on Tuesday amended an agreement on the Wildflower Subdivision, which could allow a sale of the development. Doug Goldsmith of Ryland Homes was the only person to talk during a public hearing on the amendment. Goldsmith said it was a “win-win” for the city and his company because “it gives you guys some money and it makes the project more viable.” The amendment allows for a final map on the project. City Manager Kim Kerr introduced the amendment, approved earlier this month by the Ione Planning Commission. Kerr said “the biggest issue is addressing their water entitlement with the Amador Water Agency.” Kerr said Ryland Homes is in negotiations with a company to purchase the Wildflower Project. The project includes a 2-million-gallon potable water storage tank off Brickyard Road. Ryland Homes paid 2.2 million dollars for the tank and also financed the project for another 2 million dollars. JTS Communities paid 360,000 dollars for a pump station that feeds the tank. The amendment to the agreement with Ione allows a 15 percent payment of Facility Impact Fees on Units 1 and 2 in the Wildflower development. That 15 percent is to be paid when the final map is recorded, while the remaining 85 percent of fees are due at the issuance of the first building permit, or 9 months after the recording date. For Units 3, 4 and 5, Ryland must pay 15 percent of Facility Impact Fees, which amounts to 435,794 dollars. That money is due to the city either on February 27, 2009, or within 7 days of close of escrow if Ryland sells Units 3, 4 and 5. Accompanying it was a resolution saying that the amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. The original agreement was signed with Ryland Homes in 2007 to develop 201 single-family homes on 63 acres. The Wildflower Project is next to Howard Park, between Highway 104 and Brickyard Road, in the east part of Ione. The revision changed the notification period from 60 days to 30 days for Ryland Homes to notify the city of any intent to sell the lots in each of Units 3, 4 and 5. Kerr said that the amendment was needed to get the final map and allow any sale of the units. Story by Jim Reece (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).