Sutter Creek – The Sutter Creek City Council last week heard that the Sutter Hill annexation faces property owner opposition. During public comment, Sharyn Brown asked the status of the annexation, and City Manager Rob Duke said some property owners wanted out. City staff is preparing a package for the Amador County Local Agency Formation Commission. Duke said it is “much easier if all of the property owners want to annex.” And “if one does not, it makes it much more difficult.” City Planner Bruce Baracco said Wednesday that Duke and Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe are working on an agreement on the Brusatori property, with principal owner Aaron Brusatori, his father Ray, and others. Baracco said the 11-acre property was a key part of the proposed annexation because new sewer and storm drain lines would run through the property, located between Ridge Road and Old Ridge Road. Concerns included tying down obligations of the city and the owner, and making sure all commitments are clear. Baracco said issues include fees, charges, and rights of access to city sewer and other services. Another property owner, Andy Aguilar, is also concerned with the terms, Baracco said. He expected the city annexation package would get to LAFCO in January meeting. He said because there is not full support, the annexation process must include a LAFCO “protest hearing,” which he said could happen in February. A simple majority of protests by owners can stop an annexation. The Sutter Hill annexation includes 11 different property owners and a total of 56 acres. Baracco said the project was different from Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort, which has one owner. He said: “This would be a case of 100 percent owner consent. And if that’s the case, LAFCO has the ability to waive the protest hearing.” Gold Rush includes 945 total acres, with 612 already having been annexed into city limits, and the remaining 1/3rd (333 acres) still to be annexed. Also in public comment last week, the city council received an update on the haunted house fundraiser held in the City Auditorium basement. Jeff Jolly said “this year, we were able to donate $1,600” for the Sutter Creek Elementary School. That was up from last year’s sum of $500. Jolly said it was mostly due to generous donors and a very successful 2-weekend run. He said they did not have to spend money on supplies this year. Donors included Louis Boitano, Pat Crosby and Jeff Gardner. Jolly also thanked JD’s Steakhouse, the City Council, Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort and American Exchange Hotel. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.