News Archive (6192)
Amador County – With an 8-point lead as the initial count ended Tuesday night, No On Measure N took a narrow win in unofficial voting Tuesday. Amador County election officials said it was “too close to call right now.” The “No” votes on Measure N numbered 594 after the ballots from the 2 Sutter Creek voting places were tallied just before 10 p.m. Tuesday. The No votes edged out Yes On N by 8 votes. The No’s totaled 586 votes. There were 9 “under votes,” or ballots that were returned without a decision on the measure question. One had an “over vote,” selecting both options. That was only in ballots that were received either from absentee voters or from the 2 precincts. The election office still must count numerous provisional ballots, from all precincts throughout the county, which may or may not include Sutter Creek ballots. Elections clerk Debra Smith said provisional ballots that were not counted may also include ballots cast by people whose eligibility still needed verification. The Measure N vote would approve or reject Sutter Creek City Council approval and actions on the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort housing and commercial development in Sutter Creek. The vote was open only to Sutter Creek residents. There were 1,725 registered voters who were eligible for to vote Tuesday, and as of the closing of polls, 1,180 total votes had been cast, for a voter turnout of 68.4 percent. Smith said it was better than the county-wide turnout of 52.9 percent. She said with provisional ballots still to count, she hoped it would bring up both percentages. The ballots still left to count could include “vote by mail” ballots that may have been returned to a voting place different than the voter’s own precinct. She said voting day hand-delivered mail votes were becoming more common in the county. Mailed-in votes had to be delivered to a voting place by the close of polls at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Smith said, and post-marked ballots still in the mailing system were not valid. She was not sure how many of the ballots yet to count would be Sutter Creek ballots, and the office was not sure when the official count would be completed. Election officials were still going through the precinct boxes this morning (Wednesday, June 9th), and they did not know how many more Sutter Creek ballots were left to count. Deputy Registrar of Voters George Allen said Tuesday that the election department must hand-count 10 percent of its precincts and likely would hand-count one or both Sutter Creek precinct. He was not sure when that would occur. The elections office has 28 days to certify the election. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County - El Dorado Irrigation District is cautioning visitors to take care if they plan to visit Caples Creek or the Silver Fork American River over the next several weeks. Streamflows and water levels in Caples Creek and Silver Fork American River will be noticeably higher than usual and will likely make trail crossings hazardous and unusable. The higher flow and water levels are the result of “pulse flow” releases from Caples Lake. The district must conduct the pulse flows as an environmental requirement of the federal license to operate EID’s 21-megawatt El Dorado hydroelectric project. The pulse flows are intended to mimic the natural snowmelt runoff pattern to help maintain a healthy riparian community and stream channel along Caples Creek. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Tuesday, 08 June 2010 06:25
SNC Board Votes to Launch Sierra Nevada Forest and Community Initiative
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Sierra Nevada Conservancy Board unanimously voted last week to launch its Sierra Nevada Forest and Community Initiative, which aims to “promote forest health, create jobs, increase biomass energy production, and reduce fire risk in Sierra forests,” according to a news release from the agency. “For the past several decades people have been fighting about how best to manage the public forestlands in the Sierra Nevada, to the point where our forests are dangerously overgrown and in poor health,” said Jim Branham, Executive Officer of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. “Today we can proudly acknowledge a new era of dedication and cooperation to help improve the forest environment and our local economies.” The release said the board’s action effectively launches the Initiative, “designed to find collaborative approaches to reducing the overgrowth of public forestlands.” Branham said the Initiative focuses on public forest lands and indicated that the SNC will work with a coordinating council at the regional level to identify key policy, funding and scientific issues essential for success. Materials removed from the forests can be used for dimensional lumber, wood specialty products or used for fuel in clean-burning biomass energy plants. He said the SNC will now be seeking support for this initiative from local governments, environmental organizations, the wood products industry, community organizations and others interested in the issue. They will also work closely with the federal land managers in determining how these efforts can work to improve forest health and community vitality. A TSPN Report, via release This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Tuesday, 08 June 2010 06:28
Races For GOP Governor Nomination, Amador County Assessor Decided Today
Written by Tom
Amador County – Heated races on both a local and state level will be decided by California voters today, as well as the fate of a number of proposed propositions. Money seems to play an important role in the race between well-funded Meg Whitman and underdog Steve Poizner for the GOP nomination for Governor in the 2010 election. Whitman, the former President and CEO of Ebay, has contributed $71 million to her campaign, compared to the $25 million spent by Poizner, who currently serves as Insurance Commissioner for the State. Both Republican candidates have spent a combined total of $103 million, making this the most expensive primary in California’s history. The contest has been ugly at times, and much of the candidates recent energy has been focused on who can claim to be the most vehemently opposed to illegal immigration, cited as “the number one” issue amongst conservative voters. Most polls indicate Whitman as the favorite to win. The winner will face off against Democratic nominee Jerry Brown, the former California Governor and current Attorney General. The only contested local seat is that of County Assessor. Incumbent Jim Rooney is being challenged by Jay Elias, an Auditor and 23-year employee of the Amador County Auditor’s Office. Rooney is citing his track record and numerous accomplishments during a time of budget reductions as the reasons to reelect him, while Elias is running on a platform of “public service over politics” and pledges to introduce further efficiencies to streamline office operations. The two candidates squared off in a well-attended debate hosted by Elias last Wednesday. Five propositions are also up for public consideration. Proposition 13 provides that construction to seismically retrofit buildings will not trigger reassessment of property tax values. Proposition 14 would change the primary election process for congressional, statewide and legislative races. Proposition 15, also known as the California Fair Elections Act, would repeal the ban on public funding of political campaigns. Proposition 16 imposes a new two thirds voter approval requirement for local public electricity providers. And Proposition 17 allows auto insurance carriers to base prices in part on a driver’s history of insurance coverage. All the propositions have strong support and opposition from both elected officials and/or major corporations. Arguments for and against each proposition are outlined in the June ballot book. TSPN will bring you the results of our election coverage on Wednesday after the final votes are tallied Tuesday night. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Tuesday, 08 June 2010 06:27
Resource Advisory Committee Selects John Hofmann As First Chairman
Written by Tom
Amador County – A group that will recommend how to spend $90,000 on federal land in Amador County meets Wednesday for its second meeting in existence. The Amador Resource Advisory Committee has a 15-member board with 3 alternates, made up of state and local representatives appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Members include Supervisor Ted Novelli, and the board’s first chairman, John Hofmann, selected by committee members May 5th. USFS publicist Frank Mosbacher said the Resource Advisory Committee’s purpose “is to recommend funding projects that benefit National Forest System lands in Amador County.” For the 2008-2009 funding cycle, the committee “will recommend projects to allocate approximately $90,000 that benefit the National Forest.” The El Dorado National Forest supervisor will select projects on behalf of the ag secretary. Amador Water Agency Vice President Debbie Dunn was selected as a “replacement” member, and was told she should attend meetings (to be able to vote, if needed as an alternate). Board members were selected in 3 categories, each of which “includes subcategories representing related yet distinct interest groups.” Category C of the Resource Advisory Committee includes Lindsay Reed representing Assemblywoman Alyson Huber (as a state office-holder); and locally elected official, Novelli. Michael Fallon of the Jackson Rancheria was selected to represent local tribes; and area school officials are represented by Robert Laurent, of the online University of Phoenix. Hofmann, a self-employed consultant, who has worked for the county as a natural resources consultant, was selected to represent the “affected public-at-large,” as was Dunn, as the alternate for Category C. Category A regular members include labor leader Marcie Byrne, of California School Employees Association; Arthur “Gary” Dorall of Dorall Construction, a recreation activities developer; Justin Smith of PG&E representing energy development; and Craig Ostergaard of Sierra Pacific Industries representing commercial timber. Frank Busi Junior of Busi Ranch was selected for holding a “federal grazing or other land use permit.” Alternate is Larry Costick of Natural Resource Management. Category B regular members include John Ingvoldstad, chairman of the Sierra Club, representing a nationally recognized environmental organization. Foothill Conservancy Executive Director Chris Wright was selected to represent a regional or local environmental organization. Richard Farrington of the USDA Forest Service was selected to represent “dispersed recreational activities.” And Susan Stratton of the state office of Historic Preservation represents archaeological and historical interests. Former AWA director John Swift was selected representing a regional watershed association, and alternate is Steven DeBenedet of CalFire. The committee meets 6-9 p.m. Wednesday (June 9th) at the county Health & Human Services Building. Meetings are open to the public. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Tuesday, 08 June 2010 06:30
Sutter Creek to Decide Gold Rush Ranch’s Immediate Future Today
Written by Tom
Amador County – The primary election today in Sutter Creek will ask voters to decide by a simple majority whether the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort remains intact as a project. A “yes” vote on city-wide Measure N will keep the project as approved by the Sutter Creek City Council and Planning Commission. A “no” vote will remove approvals and put the project on hold for at least a year. The city is surrounded by political turmoil, ranging from an accusatory letter by its former finance director to a widely known Amador County Grand Jury investigation into city finances, including those related to Gold Rush. Volunteers with “Protect Historic Sutter Creek” helped gather signatures to place Measure N on the ballot, and both sides have campaigned for their causes, including appearances on TSPN TV’s news show. The “No On N” side includes Vice Mayor Tim Murphy, and Planning Commission Chairman Cort Strandberg, Mike Sweeney (of Arc of Amador) and others who signed a rebuttal to “Yes On Measure N,” which will be part of the ballot. The statement in part says “a No vote on Measue N would be that the citizens and officials of Sutter Creek could immediately begin work on a smaller, less invasive plan.” It says 1,334 houses is “simply too big” for the city. Project Managing Partner Bill Bunce has said the size is non-negotiable for the viability of the project. The ballot statement supporting “Yes On Measure N” was signed by Mayor Gary Wooten; Councilwomen Linda Rianda and Sandra Anderson; and planning commissioners Frank Cunha and Robin Peters. Peters was commission chairman for the 2 years that the planning commission considered the Gold Rush project. In an open letter to voters released Monday, Peters said today’s ballot measure was the subject of an inundation of “propaganda arguing both sides.” But he stood by the approval, saying the majority of the Planning Commission voted to approve Gold Rush “because we know that the project represents a responsible and timely land use plan that is in the best interests of the city and its residents.” The city is already being sued by Martell resident Ken Berry, whose suit alleges violation of the California Environmental Quality Act and a laundry list of impacts he said were not adequately addressed. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – The Amador Water Agency will consider a draft budget for the coming fiscal year in a special meeting Tuesday (June 8th) at the agency office. The draft budget projects $11.1 million in revenue and $11.06 million in spending in fiscal year 2010-2011. It also shows capital expenses would increase by 81 percent over this year, from $4.6 million to $8.4 million. The budget foresees total sales of $8.8 million, a 9.9 percent increase over this year, led by expectations of nearly $4 million in residential sales; $1.4 million in resale; and $1.3 million in wastewater service charges. The draft spending budgets were led by $4.3 million in operating expenses (in the form of salaries and benefits). It also includes $2.6 million in total system operations and maintenance. The AWA board has been meeting 3 or more times a month to work on finances, and recently took a loan from the county to correct a cash problem. The board also has gone back on several internal loans to increase interest rates in order to restore potential income losses for lending systems. The meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday will include discussion and review of the agency budget, by each individual system. The board could also review its 2010-2011 “Capital Improvement Projects,” as well as fixed assets and cash reserves. In reference to long-term water supply, Director Terence Moore said staff gave five different strategies for planning. General Manager Gene Mancebo said last month that the board might want to look at and discuss its strategic planning goals at a regular meeting, and then schedule a workshop at a later meeting. Board President Bill Condrashoff said each of the board members should write down their list of goals and “we can see if we have any in common, then we can make the list together,” and set a date for the workshop. He said they will “have to come to a consensus on what our goals will be.” Vice President Debbie Dunn said they should focus on overarching goals, and they would be doing general manager a disservice if they did not give him a contract. In public comment, Bob Farrington said people like to be able to follow along, and Condrashoff said they could use a computer slideshow on the conference room wall screen. Director Gary Thomas said “one of my goals is to have lunch that day,” referring to long sessions in the past eating into the lunch hour. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – The Sutter Creek City Council today may consider hiring a new city attorney and could also seek proposals for a new financial auditor. The council meets a 7 p.m. today and could wrap up the hiring of a new attorney, after Dennis Crabb recently announced his retirement. Crabb has assisted the city council on finding a replacement firm. The council recently interviewed candidates. The council will hold a 6 p.m. closed session meeting today to appoint a new city attorney; and also to negotiate with the Police Officers Association and the city employees’ Service Employees International Union. The consent calendar includes approval of a contract with WTR Science Group for evaluation of the city sewer plant and preparation of a manual. The consent calendar also includes letters to state representatives, stating the city council’s opposition to a state “raid” of the cities’ Transient Occupancy Tax. The letters from Mayor Gary Wooten are to Senator Dave Cox and Assemblywoman Alyson Huber. The letters request the politicians’ “strong opposition to any legislation that would undermine the ability of our city to fully collect local transient occupancy tax from online sales.” The letter, copied to the governor’s office and Dan Carrigg of the League of California Cities, says that online travel companies are trying to “gut and amend” Senate Bill 625, so that it “would undercut TOT collection.” The council will also discuss and possibly act on requesting proposals for a financial auditor for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The board recently received the 2008-2009 audit report from long-time City Auditor Ralph Murcello, who recommended changing auditors because cities want to avoid over-familiarity by auditors. Also on the agenda today is an update on city budget and financial control issues. The finance audit committee came up with a list of “tasks related to financial control issues,” to address 25 issues raised by Murcello in the audit. All tasks will be completed this year, including some that took effect June 1st. Several address “sick leave” policy, including creating a “Sick Leave Audit Committee,” made up of Interim City Manager Sean Rabe and Councilwoman Linda Rianda. It will meet twice a month, and report monthly to the Personnel and Budget Committee. Rabe also has been identified as the city grants coordinator, “responsible for tracking all city grants.” He will also ensure that “city policy mandates are reviewed by city council” for “grant proposals prior to formal city approval.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – The Ione City Council on Tuesday received an audit report, saying it had dropped $2.7 million behind in cash in fiscal year 2008-2009. Auditor Larry Bain said the city’s “total cash and investments decreased $2.7 million (or 43 percent) to $3.5 million,” and just over $2 million was “restricted for specific activities.” Revenue in June 2009 was $4.5 million, while expenses for the year were $7.2 million, according to the report. City Manager Kim Kerr said “yes, we were spending more than we were taking in,” but 3 big projects from last year are completed. Those are the new fire station, the “wastewater master plan,” and the General Plan update. She said the city does not have as much cash flow, but it also does not have to worry about a major bond. The report noted that the city did not budget a $279,000 loan from the “fire impact fee fund” to pay for the completion of the new firehouse. Kerr in a response in the report said that loan was part of the current budget. The audit also found a $143,000 overstatement of sewer billing revenue when the same payment amount was logged 3 times “into the general ledger accounts receivable account” and city staff did not review and find the error. Kerr agreed, and said “staff will spend more time reviewing” all accounts and “reconciling monthly to resolve this issue.” She said the sewer billing problems may be due to the city’s old “DOS” based software, which required having to move data manually into the “general ledger,” and “any time that is done, there is a potential for error.” Kerr said the audit had 15 findings, with “13 deemed to be significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.” Councilman Lee Ard said the council “made a conscious decision that cost every man, woman and child about $1.35 a month” to build the new firehouse, and now all the cities around Amador County are “trying to duplicate that.” Vice Mayor David Plank said there were a lot of “unknowns” for next fiscal year. Councilwoman Andrea Bonham said “every year, our number of findings goes down,” and she thanked staff and said it was a good example of transparency. Councilman Jim Ulm said the budget was “soft soaked” by limited discussion. He said “some really long-term debt” could be in the city’s future and should be discussed, such as the new sewer plant, estimated at $15 million. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Amador County – A project that (weather permitting) should be moving earth today was marked with a ground-breaking ceremony and blessing Friday in Jackson. Mayor Connie Gonsalves and the entire Jackson City Council were among dignitaries attending the ceremony on the cul-de-sac at the end of Mission Boulevard, which for roughly $1 million, will be extended to intersect with Broadway. Gonsalves said “with funds set aside on an annual basis and with the cooperation of the Amador County Transportation Commission and Amador County, we are able to start this project. It’s going to start on Monday.” She said the Regional Traffic Mitigation Fee Program began planning the project before the 2006 widening of the Broadway Bridge. She said partners on the project included land owners (and neighbors), Sutter Amador Hospital and Saint Sava Mission. District 1 Supervisor John Plasse, representing ACTC, said the commission “is proud of this project,” and “it’s great to see something happening.” He said the project started accumulating mitigation fees in 2004, and it was good that the bid came in below the $1.6 million estimate, and actually less than half of that. Plasse said he would like to move the rest of the funds over to another Jackson project: the extension of Sutter Street. City Manager Mike Daly said a construction bid of $584,000 won the Mission Boulevard expansion project, but right-of-way acquisition will push the total cost close to $1 million. Christina Djokovich Austin, Saint Sava Mission Foundation board member and treasurer, read a note from her board offering gratitude and appreciation to all who worked to complete the project, which fulfilled the visions, purposes and goals of the Mission. Father Stephen Tumbas of Saint Sava Mission blessed the project, making a sign of the cross in four directions and shaking holy water from a sprig of foliage. Sutter Amador Hospital CEO Ann Platt said the hospital acquired the land from Saint Sava Mission in the mid-1990s to build the new hospital, with plans to eventually extend the boulevard to Broadway. The existing access road is used by hikers with pets, she said, who may wonder why the expansion will occur. Platt said extending the road was a “tremendous opportunity to serve the community.” Gonsalves also gave thanks to Senator Dave Cox and Assemblywoman Alyson Huber for their work in helping the project get Proposition 1-B funding. George Reed Incorporated is expected to start the project today. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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