News Archive (6192)
Jackson City Council discuss a potential sign ordinance enforcement crackdown
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Jackson City Council on Monday discussed reaching out to the Jackson business community as the council considers sign ordinance amendments.
The council directed staff on Nov. 14 to “develop an outreach program to the business community to obtain more input from these stakeholders,” the “business owners using signs” relative to “current and proposed sign regulations.” City Manager Mike Daly said in a report to the council that at the previous meeting, there were concerns that “the proposed regulations were not business-friendly and that they could create a competitive disadvantage for businesses within city limits.”
City Planner Susan Peters said prior to 2002, the city’s sign ordinance was weak. Daly said the last major stand-alone update to sign regulations occurred in 2002. Banner regulations were adopted in 2008 and further restrictions added to Development Code in 2009, including “the more restrictive use of internally lit cabinet signs.”
Daly said “as modifications to the sign ordinance were adopted, staff found it difficult to implement and enforce the new regulations. Staff reductions and the economic downturn for local businesses further complicated enforcement.”
Peters said non-enforcement included not following a 5-year amortization, which would require non-conforming signs to be fixed to meet city law within 5 years. She said regulations cover wall signs, pole signs, and temporary political signs, among others.
Staff has gotten complaints about vehicle-mounted signs, she said, and wanted to clarify issues in a new draft ordinance, which had a public hearing Nov. 14. Daly said minimal attendance worried the Council.
Peters said staff and the Jackson Planning Commission created an informational brochure that is “a voluntary sign clutter reduction program.” She said it was up to the council if they wanted to continue drafting new regulations.
Councilman Wayne Garibaldi said he did not think sending the brochure “is going to garner the response that we would like to see.” He said they should let people know the city is contemplating a draft ordinance that would affect a lot of business signs considered non-conforming.
Councilman Keith Sweet said he hoped the brochure would tell what signs were illegal in existing code, and another letter would focus on potential enforcement and set specific times and dates for afternoon and evening meetings, to increase attendance in the public hearing.
Councilwoman Marilyn Lewis said she would like to see visuals, and wondered about people who will say “I’ve had this sign for 25 years.”
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tax Collector reminds that unsecured tax payments are delinquent after December 12
Written by Tom
Amador County – Amador County Treasurer-Tax Collector Michael E. Ryan on Wednesday reminded property owners that they have until 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 to make the first installment payment of their annual secured property taxes for fiscal year 2011-2012.
Ryan said the first installment would normally be delinquent after Dec. 10, but since Dec. 10 falls on a Saturday, the delinquent date is being extended to the next business day.
The first installment of secured property taxes was due and payable on Nov. 1, and will become delinquent if not paid by 5 p.m. Dec. 12. He said thereafter, a 10 percent delinquent penalty will be added.
Ryan said payments may be made by mail and must be postmarked by Dec. 12 in order to avoid late penalties.
Payments may also be made in person at the Amador County Tax Collector’s Office, on the second floor of the Amador County Administration Center, 810 Court Street in Jackson, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, except holidays.
A payment drop box is located on the outside wall of the alcove to the immediate left of the main entrance of the Administration Center. Additionally, payments may be made with a credit card in the Tax Collector/Treasurer’s office, or by telephone by calling 1-800-609-4599. Credit card and e-check payments may also be made over the Internet by visiting the website shown on tax bills.
Amador County property tax information is available on the county website, under “Online Services” and “Public Tax Information.”
For additional info, contact the Tax Collector’s Office.
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Amador Supervisors fund Chamber of Commerce with $20,000 from contingencies
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors at its Nov. 22 meeting approved a funding request for the Amador County Chamber of Commerce for $20,000, falling short of the full request for $30,000.
The action took a reconsideration to finalize when, at the end of the meeting, Deputy County Counsel Greg Gillott said a modification of the budget required a 4/5ths vote. The Board approved a motion to reconsider, and discussed the funding previously thought approved, which would have spent $15,000 budgeted generally for economic development, and another $5,000 budgeted specifically for the Amador Economic Development Corporation.
Supervisor Chairman John Plasse and Supervisor Brian Oneto had dissented earlier in the 3-2 vote. Plasse during reconsideration said that last year, Supervisors granted funds to Amador Economic Development Corporation to cover overhead costs because of month-to-month rent. Plasse said “we offered them space” in the admin building, with phones, and they declined because they said they had a long-term rent agreement.
Plasse said AEDC was also asked to give regular reports, and they have not done so. Plasse said now the county finds that AEDC is $5,500 in arrears for two years’ back rent. A motion to fund the Chamber with the economic development and AEDC funds failed, then the board voted 4-1 to fund the Chamber with $20,000 from the contingency fund.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Buying local with air and land ambulance services offers family membership, and “peace of mind”
Written by Tom
Amador County – As “buying local” has become a popular concept in supporting Amador County economics, some companies allow buying local for family “peace of mind.” Namely, family passes to the local air and ground ambulance services.
CALSTAR is the local, non-profit, air ambulance provider that has been serving Amador County since June 2009. Tom Pandola, CALSTAR’s Auburn Regional Director said recently: “An air ambulance flight saves lives, but can also create a financial hardship for families. Membership cards are offered because of the financial ramifications of having an air transport, which can cost $25,000 or more. Pandola said: “CALSTAR knows this and offers a very inexpensive way to fly free with us. For just $45 per year you will ensure that your entire family flies free should they ever need our services.” Last year alone CALSTAR 10, based in Martell, “flew more than 200 patients to the medical facilities required to provide the care needed.” It also has group rates for companies and organizations that want to provide the benefit for employees and members.
American Legion Post 108 Ambulance Service also offers a membership program for year-round family coverage of ambulance service. American Legion Ambulance provides “Advanced Life Support” emergency 911 response to Amador and Calaveras counties, staffing six 24-hour units, and two 12-hour units, covering about 1,400 square miles with 75,000 people.
American Legion online said it “is committed to providing its patients with the very best care, protecting Life, Health and Safety,” and the “membership program can help protect your pocketbook as well.”
American Legion Ambulance’s average ambulance bill is more than $2,000, and people without out-of-pocket coverage may find it difficult to cover. American Legion Ambulance “membership protects your entire household against out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and co-payments that may not be covered by your insurance policy, Medicare, or other health benefits provider. If you have no insurance, or if your insurance company or other payor denies payment, you will be responsible for the full payment for ambulance services rendered, but American Legion Ambulance will discount your bill by 50 percent.”
The “membership program is not an insurance policy, nor is it meant to be a substitute for health insurance.” American Legion Ambulance’s membership costs $50 a year (or $30 a year for active members of The American Legion). A household is covered for medically necessary ambulance transports for a year.
For CALSTAR info, call 1(888)207-5433. For American Legion Ambulance info, call (209)223-2963.
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Amador Supervisors fund Chamber and urge it to work with the Council of Tourism
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors last week funded Amador County Chamber of Commerce for $20,000 and urged it to work with the Amador Council of Tourism and reduce redundancies.
Supervisor Ted Novelli said the “Chamber’s doing a great job” but asked if it was “wise to use $8,000 to make promotional material” when the Tourism Council was already doing so. Chamber President Mark Borchin said it was “apples to oranges,” because “visitors are not the same as tourists.” He thought it was appropriate spending.
Susan Manning said the Chamber likes to do a lot with business promotion, which is very different from tourism. Supervisor Richard Forster said he would like to see the two organizations work together.
Borchin said he supports Maurine Funk’s work and would like the Chamber to support the Tourism Council, including financially.
Supervisor Chairman John Plasse asked about the new downtown Jackson office, which the budget showed an “almost doubling of the rent.” Borchin said the landlord (Stan Lukowicz) gave us relief of bankruptcy and back rent owed from the past Chamber organization, and is now increasing the rent as the revitalization of Jackson takes place. Borchin said “it’s something he had informed us of.”
Plasse asked if the Chamber had sought Transient Occupancy Tax funds from the cities, which get the “lion’s share” of the TOT. Chamber Vice President Tom Blackman said Jackson City Council elected to give the majority of the TOT to the Jackson Business and Community Association. He said its thinking was that the majority of the money was raised in Jackson and should stay in Jackson.
Blackman said Jackson officials thought businesses in Jackson should be members of the Chamber. He said at the last minute, the Jackson City Council pulled the money and gave it to the Tourism Council. Blackman said “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t deal us a second blow.”
He said the Chamber should be here to bring businesses here, such as Emco and a Piranha Propellers.
Blackman said “Chamber of Commerce is a household name,” and even President Obama said, when he is going somewhere, “the first thing my wife did was call the Chamber of Commerce.”
Plasse said they need a Chamber, and also need it to work with the Council of Tourism, to give economic activities a focus on expansion and retention of business. He said “the Chamber can help us by selling Amador County” on all of the benefits of moving businesses here.
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Ione weekend drug arrests include 17 year old Stockton girl
Written by Tom
Amador County – Ione Police Department arrested an adult and a juvenile from Stockton, and an Ione man all on drug-related charges in separate incidents over the weekend.
Ione Police Chief Michael L. Johnson released details of the incidents Monday, saying that on Saturday, Nov. 26, a 17-year-old Stockton girl was arrested for possession of suspected methamphetamine, after a traffic stop.
At about 2 a.m. Saturday, the IPD “graveyard” officer “stopped a Toyota Celica sedan for a minor traffic infraction. Upon contact with the driver the Officer noted a smell of alcohol emanating from the interior of the vehicle which prompted a DUI investigation. None of the four occupants were able to produce any verifying identification. All occupants were removed from the car for further interview.”
Open alcoholic beverages were found in the vehicle, and further search discovered a bundle of controlled substance, which was determined to be methamphetamine.
The investigation revealed that the bindle of methamphetamine belonged to the 17-year-old, a passenger of the vehicle. The girl was placed in custody and transferred to the Amador County Probation Department for booking. Alcohol-related enforcement issues were addressed with the driver.
Chief Johnson said at about 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, an Ione Police Officer noticed a subject standing in front of the Ione Hotel displaying suspicious behavior. The Officer initiated contact with the male to ascertain his welfare.
“While speaking with the man, the Officer noted objective signs consistent with drug intoxication.” The man completed a battery of “under the influence” exams to assist the officer in determining his sobriety status. Logan Hill, 23, of Ione was placed in custody for suspicion of being under the influence of a combination of controlled substances. Hill was booked into the Amador County Jail.
Johnson said a Stockton man was arrested at about 11:45 p.m. Sunday. The on-duty IPD Officer observed an Acura sedan with no rear license plate make “a furtive turning movement that heightened the Officer’s suspicions. A traffic enforcement stopped ensued.”
The “Officer approached the vehicle and contacted the driver,” Johnson said. “After an evasive conversation with the occupants both the driver and the passenger of the vehicle were removed for further investigation. A search of the vehicle produced drug paraphernalia commonly used for ingesting illegal substances.”
The “Officer located additional drug paraphernalia and suspected methamphetamine which was deliberately concealed in a conspicuous manner.” Neng Lee, 37, of Stockton was arrested for transportation and possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia, and booked into County Jail.
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Merzlak photo is door prize at Amador Arts networking open house
Written by Tom
Amador County – Amador County Arts Council urged people not to miss the next Amador Arts Networking Open House on Thursday, Dec. 1, because someone in attendance will “win a gorgeous photograph of Silver Lake on a giclee canvas donated by Kam Merzlak.” The photograph is valued at $275, and the image was a first place professional winner at the Amador County Fair.
The quarterly Arts Networking Open House is described as a Mixer for the Arts, with “Holiday Spirit” as the theme. Amador Choraliers will sing and Merzlak will be exhibiting his photography. The merriment includes complimentary appetizers and a no-host wine bar, provided by Thomi’s.
For Amador Arts members, the event is free. For all others the cost is $5 a person. Amador Arts Councils’ Dede Ryan Doran said “since this is the season for giving, please bring canned food or donations for the Interfaith Food Bank,” though it is optional.
She said previous quarterly Arts Networking events were very well-attended, and there’s always a raffle and other surprises. Amador Arts is a private, public-benefit, non-profit organization that has served the region with arts-related events and arts education since 1982.
The Arts open house is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at Holiday Inn Express at 101 Clinton Road at Highway 49 in Jackson.
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Amador Association of Realtors and Raley's give $10,000 to Interfaith Food Bank
Written by Tom
Amador County – The Amador County Association of Realtors donated $5,000 to Interfaith Food Bank which doubled to $10,000 in benefits for the charity by participating in Raley’s “Food for Families” Program.
Amador County Association of Realtors President Tina Starling-Dennis announced the donation Saturday, saying the donation was also matched by Raley’s grocery store’s “Food For Families” Program.
Amador Association of Realtors has been located in Jackson for more than 45 years, Starling-Dennis said, and each year ACAR “faithfully donates to the Interfaith Food Bank in addition to holding an annual Theatre Night fund raising event where 100 percent of the donations go to Amador Interfaith Food Bank.”
She said: “Even through economic hard times ACAR Realtors have volunteered their time to hold a fund raising event for the Food Bank. ACAR alternates the event venue between Kennedy Gold Mine and Volcano Amphitheatre. The Theatre and their cast are very generous by opening one night specifically for this event.”
The event consists of a great play, raffle prizes, and community friends and family supporting Amador Food Bank. She said: “If you have never attended this wonderful event, be sure to contact Amador County Association of Realtors for more information.” Call ACAR at (209) 223-3875.
Starling-Dennis said the event would benefit from recalling “a quote form a very smart and loved man,” Bob Wynne, who said: “I can imagine being lots of things but being hungry is not one of them. No one should go hungry.”
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Amador County – Redistricting has effectively has removed Amador County’s representative in the State Assembly.
Assemblywoman Alyson Huber (Democrat-El Dorado Hills) reportedly is planning to move to Rancho Cordova and run for the State Assembly in District 8, after the redistricting placed Huber’s residence in El Dorado Hills into District 6. She was removed from the current District 10, which also excluded Amador County.
Assemblywoman Beth Gaines (Republican-Roseville) was also placed into District 6, when Roseville was removed from her District 4. According to Mike Roberts of Village Life online of Cameron Park, Gaines has said she will seek the District 6 seat.
Amador County was taken out of District 10 as well, and placed into State Assembly District 5, the Foothill District. Roberts reported that Huber is planning to move from El Dorado Hills to Ranch Cordova, to live and to run for the State Assembly District 8 seat. Approximately 40 percent of her constituents in District 10 were moved to District 8.
One of her opponents could be Peter Tateishi, a Republican from Carmichael, who is the Chief of Staff of Congressman Dan Lungren (Republican-Gold River). Tateishi, a former Mayor of Carmichael, announced in September that he will be running for the District 8 Assembly seat.
Amador County also lost Lungren with the redistricting, being moved into U.S. Congressional District 4, represented by incumbent Congressman Tom McClintock (Republican-Roseville).
The Citizens Redistricting Commission plans a business meeting from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, by telephone conferencing, for a legal advisory discussion. The public meeting’s agenda includes a closed session for the commission to get briefed on the status of litigation or a referendum against the redistricting final maps, which take effect for the June 2012 primary.
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Amador County – The Amador County Transportation Commission at its last meeting voted 5-0 to amend a contract for construction and design of its Sutter Hill Transit Center, with a rarity involved. Change orders that actually cost the commission less.
Commissioner, Supervisor Richard Forster said it was “refreshing to see change orders go the other way” because they usually go up. ACTC Executive Director Charles Field said the contingencies for the project have gone from $74,000 to $83,000 as Anova Nexus Architects has made suggestions to save money.
Commissioner and Supervisor Chairman John Plasse said the building was designed to have teleconference capabilities because it may be used for a community college. Field said ACTC dropped the teleconferencing capabilities two years ago because they thought they would have no demand. He said they only included audiovisual equipment in the bids that went out. Audiovisual infrastructure was then deleted from the bid to save $15,000. Field said “we have it all specked and we can bid it.”
Commissioner Michael Vasquez said he would personally rather see this completed. He said he had estimated costs to outfit the center with computers and furniture at $65,000 to $100,000. Field said it still must be put out for bids, and “people can beat these costs,” especially in the current economy.
Anova Nexus Architect Steve Haidet said: “I think this is one of the most successful projects that we have been involved with,” and they have “been able to bring forward value engineering suggestions.”
The Commission approved the contract amendment and discussed use of the building and needs, and agreed to install teleconferencing first, then determine the need for a “tele-presence” for classes.
Field said it was designed for other businesses to use, and the public, as a public teleconferencing facility. Forster said the Department of Corrections and other agencies would find that using the teleconference center would save them money by reducing travel costs on trips to conferences.
Field said “if we build this and they come,” they will need a tech to be there. He said it ideally would be set up to leave groups there with a key. Forster said Amador County Fair found their rental fees eaten up by electricity costs because renters left the lights on for 12 hours.
Field said there could be six or seven presets for building lighting, but probably still need a staff presence. The project is ahead of schedule and Commissioners will discuss the bidding specs to try to get bids out in December, then start testing things in February and using things in March.
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