Amador County – The Plymouth City Council last week approved seeking bids to remodel Lodge Hill, as soon as funds are available. City Engineer Roark Weber said he was there Thursday “to testify to the manifestation of this project” through the work of many volunteers in the community. He said his company compiled “the work of a lot of people,” including plans and specifications by volunteers, John Peabody and Doug Ketron. Volunteers brought a lot of ideas that were incorporated into the work, including a large, wooden deck the length of the west side of the building, overlooking the city swimming pool. Also, 2 paved handicapped accessible parking spaces will skirt the kitchen side of the building. A wheelchair ramp will allow access to the deck and building. Also on the west wall, French double doors, with 2 windows on either side, will bring in natural light. City consultant Terri Cox wrote a winning grant request for Lodge Hill’s remodel. Weber said that $220,000-dollar grant is in limbo, but “the grant has not lost its value.” Weber estimated remodeling the west side of Lodge Hill would cost about $300,000 dollars. Weber said after considering plans and specs, it was determined the project will remodel only the west side of the building, and not the upstairs portion, and its auditorium. Councilwoman Patricia Fordyce said it has been a 4-year project and “volunteers have done a great job getting people to offer services.” She said once the lower level is complete, City Manager Dixon Flynn had some good ideas to raise money to finish the upper section. Fordyce said Weber charged $10,000 for engineering but “he has not charged us any more. He has put in a lot more time and money on this than he was ever paid.” Fordyce, a member of the Lodge Hill Committee, said they will be looking for more funding sources. Councilman Michael O’Meara said: “Honestly, if there was ever a project that should get some of the stimulus money, this is one of them.” Committee member Maria Nunez Simon asked the council to approve the project so they can “finish a dream of 30 years,” which they picked up again 4 years ago. Amador County Recreation Agency Director Tracey Towner-Yep said the project might be a good candidate for Proposition 84 funding, should that program get more funding. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.