Sutter Creek – The Sutter Creek Planning Commission drew closer to an end of its work on the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort Wednesday, going through suggested changes with staff, with an expected handoff of the decision to the City Council that could occur at its next meeting. Environmental Impact Report consultant Bob Delk told the commission that its “mitigation measures are implemented through the conditions of approval.” And consultant Anders Hauge said that would allow them to read simply the paragraph saying the mitigations are addressed in the conditions. Hauge said “these documents reflect the direction you have given us.” He said he assumed the city attorney and assistant city manager will review the documents. The commission will likely consider a resolution with recommendations for the City Council on Gold Rush’s Specific Plan, Development Agreement, and Conditions of Approval. Commissioner Frank Cunha asked if it was the final draft of the document, including edits. Hauge said it was the final draft, but there may still be some typographical errors. Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe (Ruh-Bay) said during a break that the commission was expected to make a vote on a recommendation at its meeting Monday. The commission had some important issues that still might need to be resolved in the Conditions of Approval. One of those was wildland fire fighting obligations in open spaces of Gold Rush. Commissioner Mike Kirkley said with open space requirements, there can be urban development, but it will still have open space that “looks like wildland and burns like wildland.” Peters said when a fiscal analysis is finalized, he would like to see wildland fire obligations included as a line item. Another issue was traffic. Cunha said the current draft’s traffic mitigation says that “whatever fee is in place at the time they get their permit, that’s what they pay.” Hauge said “the city can make those fees flexible.” Peters said in those issues that were still unresolved, “it seems the conditions” of approval “will prevail.” The commission next meets 7 p.m. Monday, August 24th in the city auditorium on Main Street. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.