News Archive (6192)
The First of the Amador Government 101 Workshop Series Held Last Thursday
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It looks as
if the ongoing debate over the extension of the Amador Economic Stimulus Package has come to a close- at
least temporarily. During a Board meeting Tuesday packed with realtors and
contractors in support of the package, the Supervisors and a
cross-section of residents from throughout the County debated the merits and
setbacks. The main point of
contention that had brought the issue back before the council was the permit limit,
which had already been reached within two weeks of the package’s initial
approval. Supporters of the package generally agreed that swift action and an
extension of the permit limit were necessary in order to satisfy those who had
not been able to submit plans for approval by the original deadline. While the
Supervisors generally agreed that the purpose of the agenda item was to discuss
a permit limit extension, the debate primarily revolved around the proposal’s
ambiguities.
Parties from both
sides of the podium expressed confusion as to what limits were in place that
would prevent contractors from qualifying for permits and then sitting on them
indefinitely. In the opinion of Public Works Director Larry Petersen,
the current 18 month time limit is vague. Both proponents and opponents stated
concern over the lack of accountability in respect to the calculated effects
that this proposal would have on the local economy. “I hear nothing 
about how much money is going
to come back into this county,” said Pine Grove citizen John Carlson. Upcountry resident Debbie Dunn
reiterated his concern, saying that, “issuing permits does not automatically
indicate the economy has been stimulated.” Sheriff Martin Ryan also
urged the Board to oppose expanding the package because of his concern over the
lack of funding needed for the new jail site. Despite the opposition,
supporters remained enthusiastic. “If we can achieve 100 new starts, we can do better than any other
place in the state. I really believe that we can pull the county out of this
slump,”Novelli for 30 new permits at half fees and half deferred cost, 60 more
permits with only deferred fees, a permit application period of 6 months, and a
required final inspection or sale of each new project within 2 years. said contractor and package co-author Paul Bramell. The Board
approved a motion by Supervisor
Supporters and skeptics of the proposed Amador
Economic Stimulus
Package entered into a verbal sparring match during a heated debate at
Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. The stimulus package, which was
originally approved with a 30 permit application limit for building
contracts, was added to the this week’s agenda after all the available permits
were used in less than two weeks time. While Board members have all publicly
stated their approval of the package in premise, some agreed with skeptical
audience members who questioned whether the package’s vague guidelines really
stimulate local and immediate economic development. During public comment, Debbie Dunn, an upcountry
resident, stated that although she wants the best for local contractors and a
rejuvenation of the housing market, she also had concerns over its impact on
the county’s pocketbook. “There are 35,000 people who have to support
this decision, and a vast minority wants this decision to go through. We don’t have any forecast as to
when this (economic) slump will end. What we do have is 362,000 dollars given
away by the county with no method of recovery except on the backs of the
taxpayers,” said Dunn. Dunn also made it clear that she did not intend
to enter into a polarizing debate. Moments later, a back-and-forth ensued
between herself and some of the Supervisors, most notably Richard Forster. “Someone has to be a leader here, or
we can sit back and let people watch TV all day because they don’t have a job,”
said Forster. Forster went on to accuse Dunn of “trying to make it sound
like you’re representing the whole county.” .
Earlier in the debate, Pine Grove
Contractor Jim Josse opened public comment with a simple statement: “I am
number 31.” Josse’s name was referenced repeatedly by Forster and other audience members who strongly
support expanding the package now to include more permits and feel that delays
in doing so could hurt theSupervisor Boitano
was convinced enough to make a motion for a 30 day postponement while he and
other Supervisors further investigate the package’s impacts, despite
Forster’s call for decisive action now. A compromising motion was reached for a
delay of two weeks. The motion was approved 4 to 1 with Supervisor Forster
opposing. approved with a 30 permit application limit for building
contracts, was added to the this week’s agenda after all the available permits
were used in less than two weeks time. While Board members have all publicly
stated their approval of the package in premise, some agreed with skeptical
audience members who questioned whether the package’s vague guidelines really
stimulate local and immediate economic development. intended purpose. Amador building Inspector
Larry Perez, who is also opposed to the package, emphasized the importance of
including a clause that would require builders to begin construction
immediately instead of qualifying for permits now and then sitting on them for
years.Supervisor
Boitano was convinced enough to make a motion for a 30 day postponement while
he and other Supervisors further investigate the
package’s impacts, despite Forster’s call for decisive action now. A
compromising motion was reached for a delay of two weeks. The motion was
approved 4 to 1 with Supervisor Forster opposing.
Terri Works waved
goodbye to the Jackson Planning Commission Monday night, marking the end of her
term on the commission. Chair
Leticia Sexton thanked Works and says, “We’ll miss her… I’ve learned a lot from
her,” a sentiment that seemed to be mirrored by the entire commission. Works
indicated that she would still participate in planning commission meetings, but
from the other side of the bench. Works
was on the commission for about four years, and her term officially ends June
30th. The City of Jackson accepted applications for that seat
through June 18th, and will make appointments at their June 23rd
meeting.
The Sutter Creek City Council last week voted to approve a set of traffic impact study guidelines drafted by the Amador County Transportation Commission. The goal of the guidelines is to provide a mode for standard traffic data collection and analysis throughout Amador County, with the ultimate goal of a uniform system for implementing standardized funding mechanisms. Since November, ACTC staff has been taking the guidelines to each city planning commission in order to receive comments and direction. At the meeting Monday night, ACTC director Charles Fields told the Sutter Creek City Council that it was really necessary for all of the cities and the county to adopt the guidelines for them to be effective. “We all need to address traffic in the same way,” Fields said. “If one jurisdiction does not adopt these guidelines, it will impact the whole playing field.”
The city council did have some concerns about the guidelines, and questioned the nature of their authority. City Manager Rob Duke stated that he felt the guidelines should be advisory, and not legally binding. The guidelines include a set of “Statements of Overriding Consideration,” which provide an avenue for developments with traffic impacts that cannot be mitigated, if developers can meet 5 of 8 of criteria.Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe, who was previously employed by ACTC and worked to draft the guidelines, explained that the statements were not a requirement, but a recommendation designed to reduce the number of miles traveled. At the end of the discussion, the Council voted unanimously to approve the guidelines as an advisory tool for standardizing Amador’s traffic impact studies.
The
operator of the carnival ride that injured 23 people when it collapsed at the Calaveras
County Fair on Friday had two less serious accidents on different rides six
years ago. The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration
says one boy broke both wrists in 2002 and two other boys had minor injuries
when a Brass Ring Amusements employee started a Skywheel ride prematurely at
the Stanislaus County Fair. And
later that year a boy broke his wrist and another bumped his head at the Tehama
County Fair because the company's Zipper ride was out of balance and the
brakes needed adjustment. Cal-OSHA spokeswoman Kate McGuire says neither
accident was as bad as the malfunction of the company's Yo-Yo ride at the
Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee. Three people were hospitalized, but all have since been released.
A local Cub
Scout pack is back in business after a lengthy break from meetings. Pack 89, based
in Pioneer, had discontinued further meetings due to an apparent lack of community interest and no scout
master. Anxious and devoted cubs were left in the dark as to when and if their
pack would become active again. But Pack 89 resumed meetings again last
month after some local boys and their parents made inquiries. Helping the pack
get started again was Boy Scout District Commissioner Tom Harris. The Cub Scout Motto is
to “do your best” and boys are taught the importance of helping others. Patches and beads are earned as scouts achieve certain
goals. Cub Scouts are for boys in grades 1 through 5, and Boy Scouts are
grades 6 through 11. Pack 89 now has about nine boys and meetings are being
held at the Faith
Lutheran Church
in Pioneer. For more
information on meetings, you can contact Mr. Harris at 295-2343. 
