Amador County - The City of Ione has released its progress report for the 2008-09 fiscal year, which expectedly highlights the city’s notable accomplishments. “The report is intended to provide the residents of Ione with an overview of key accomplishments by the City Staff, Council, Planning and Parks Commissions over the past year,” said City Manager Kim Kerr. The accomplishments are divided into key areas, including administration, finance, planning, public works, building inspection, maintenance, police and fire. Each category includes numerous achievements met or exceeded by city staff during a tumultuous year in city government. Most finance-related achievements pertained to streamlining finance processes, including credit card payment options for city services and on-line payments. In planning, the city established guidelines for all planning documents, which was called “a model document and leading in the County.” This has been requested by other cities for use as a guideline. The city improved its infrastructure with a number of street overlays and sidewalks built by funds from the Safe Route to School grant. A Draft Master Plan was completed that includes the Howard Park CEQA Analysis and new restrooms for the arena. The most publicized infrastructure project was the new Preston Area Fire Station, completed on schedule and within budget. Grand opening is planned for March/April of 2009. A waste water master plan was created and the environmental impact on improvements to 2030 is in progress and due to be completed by September 2009. In regards to fire and public safety, Ione continues to develop paid fire call staff with weekly training and enhanced skills. The city is developing a working relationship with Jackson Valley Fire District to share paid employees with Measure M funds. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.