A new Mission Statement for Amador County and a set of three-year goals are the results of Tuesday morning’s Strategic Planning Workshop, which included 21 of the County’s top administrators and department heads. AmadorCounty’s new mission statement sought to answer the question, “Why does Amador County government exist, and for whom?“ The statement formulated at the workshop is as follows: “The County of Amador provides essential services that are responsive to the needs of the community and create a safe and secure environment.” In addition, the group came up with a four goals, which they will attempt to accomplish within three years. The goals are: Improve communication and cooperation internally and externally, Improve quality of services, Maintain and improve financial stability, and Improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency. A follow-up monitoring process, which included a set of roles, tasks and deadlines was also established to ensure the completion of these goals. The structure of the workshop centered on brainstorming and discussion about internal and external issues facing the county today. Local leaders identified hard working, efficient county employees, geographical diversity, public safety, and a relatively stable budget as some of Amador County’s internal strengths. Conversely, the complexity of policies, a lack of general direction in all departments, a lack of evaluation of past practices, and communication challenges were all identified as internal weaknesses. Increasing tourism, the potential passage of a ½ cent sales tax for fire services, the possibility of federal funding, and the new Regional Planning Committee were all cited as possible opportunities for the county, and Indian Casinos, aging employees, the state budget crisis, and water shortages were all perceived as threats. “This workshop was very productive for all participants,” said County Administrative Officer Terry Daly at the end of yesterday’s meeting.

The Ione Planning Commission met Tuesday to discuss the plans for the second of two new Ione Fire Station’s. Currently the plans are nearing the 80 percent completion stage- a typical marker for review by the Planning Commission. Part of the approval included a condition that requires the Planning Commission to review and approve the floor plan, elevations, building materials, color palettes, landscaping, and parking layout prior to the issuance of building permit. The planning commission had previously approved a boundary line adjustment and a conditional usepermit for the project in 2007 which stated that the aforementioned items must be approved prior to a building permit being issued.  The floor plans for the proposed station were also available at the meeting, including a full-color board which showed the materials to be used on site. City Planner Christopher Jordan was available to answer questions during the public hearing from the audience and the councilmen. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the plans to the Ione city council. commission. 

The Ione Planning Commission also held a public workshop on the City of Ione’s zoning code. City staff is currently working on streamlining the zoning code document and will begin to scour over the pages to correct any discrepancies, according to City Planner Christopher Jordan. “This zoning code update ties in well with the (County’s) general plan update,” said Jordan. A number of questions were raised and answered during the workshop, including ‘What is the zoning code?’; ‘What do the zoning code policy guidelines mean?’; and ‘What are the next steps to be taken?’. The zoning code is a primary tool in land use planning, and is utilized for regulation and prescription regarding allowed uses in the designated areas. It is also universally applied and comprehensive. The method currently utilized by the City of Ione is Euclidean which allows both building block zoning and conventional zoning, and is the most prevalent type of zoning code used in the United States. The city’s current code has been described as lengthy and complicated.

According to Jordan, the updated version will include both tables and graphics that are more concise and easier to use. Chairman Plank stated that, “although this is a good start, there are a lot of items we (the commission) want to take another look at.” Councilman Joe Wylie was skeptical, referring to the latest round of updates as “just another layer”. During public comment, Ione resident Agynes Clay expressed skepticism in regards to the new plans. “I heard a lot of dreams here tonight. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but Ione is a ghost town.” She continued by saying “we need to focus on bringing people in. I am a business owner. I have been in the same spot for the past 4 years and today I made 7 dollars.” The planning commission will hold hearings on the updated zoning code in November and December of this year.

In mortgage news, California takes one more step towards solving the foreclosure crisis, while Congress delays talks. Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill Tuesday designed to help Californians keep their homes.  According to the Governor, approximately 500 thousand Californians have subprime loans that will adjust within the next two years. "Foreclosures not only devastate families, they hurt neighborhoods and depress our economy and our budget," said Schwarzenegger, via news release. SB 1137, authored by Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, will require mortgage holders to notify homeowners at least 30 days before issuing a notice of default and will double the amount of time renters have to move before they are evicted from foreclosed properties. The bill also provides local governments with the power to impose penalties on lenders who do not maintain foreclosed properties, a move that will hopefully prevent neighborhoods from becoming rundown. 

The Governor says that the new bill “is one more tool to help [Californians] stay in their homes - without government subsidies.”  SB 1137 was two years in the making and will take effect in 60 days. While California moves forward in the fight against foreclosures, Congress is taking their time in regards to foreclosure issues. Brian Montgomery, the Federal Housing Administration’s, or FHA’s, Assistant Secretary for Housing criticized Congress for delaying their talks on the upcoming FHA Secure expansion. FHA Secure is a refinancing option that gives homeowners with non-FHA adjustable rate mortgages, or ARMs, who are in good standing with their lender, the ability to refinance into a FHA-insured mortgage.  The updated program was scheduled to begin on July 14th, but according to Montgomery, Congress has “continued to debate and debate” and has not made any decisions.  As part of a recent stimulus package, Congress had temporarily increased loan limits in March, and those limits continue to be and issue in regards to the FHA Secure expansion.  Montgomery, who feels loan limits may have been raised too much, supports "appropriate and long-term changes" and encouraged Congress to take action.  For more information on the FHA Secure program, visit www.hud.gov and click on FHA Secure.

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

There seems to be no end in sight to the ongoing repairs at the historical Amador CountyMuseum. What began as a roof repair soon escalated into a full construction overhaul after serious deficiencies in the 150 year old structure were discovered. In a presentation Tuesday before the Board of Supervisors, General Services Director Jon Hopkins outlined the updated plan of attack and urged the Board to waive the formal bidding procedure and approve a contract addendum for the sum of 113,955 dollars in additional repairs. The Board also agreed to purchase glass from the Glass Architects company in the amount of 22,600 dollars and Youngdahl Consulting Group in the amount of 5,200 dollars.

“We’ve spent a considerable amount of time trying to formulate the best method of attack with the carpenters and engineers,” said Hopkins. After comparing proposed construction bids between a number of competing companies, the County decided upon Otto Construction, one of the few contractors who specialize in the restoration of older buildings. The Board had initially considered putting the additional repair work back out for bid so the contractors could compete for the lowest offer. Hopkins also urged the Board to consider the many other structures in Amador County that need repairs. “When I look at the total here, we’re going to spend 450,000 dollars just on this (museum). We need to eventually think about stopping and diverting that money to other properties that need it,” he said. Supervisor Ted Novelli congratulated Hopkins and all others involved on the effort they have put into this project. Hopkins will continue to update the Supervisors on the progress of the project during future Board meetings.

After 19 years of business, Jackson’s popular restaurant Bonanza closed its doors last week. Bonanza was well known for its great steaks, hearty drinks, and raucous company. Owner Larry VanAnda, who is 69 years of age, told TSPN, “after only two vacations in 19 years, I am beat. It is just time to retire.” He also said that there were a couple of parties interested in purchasing the place, and that there is talk of continuing the restaurant and also making Bonanza into a cowboy nightclub venue. “I would like to thank all of my patrons, I had a great time and have lots of fond memories,” VanAnda said.

Whether you like it or not, the hands-free driving law is now in full effect across California. Officers from the local division of the California Highway Patrol have added the new law to their list of violations when observing for lawbreakers out on the open roads. During an organized enforcement near the four way stop in Martel last Tuesday, officers squared off along a two block section of highway to catch violators on the first day of the law’s enforcement. “I’m surprised we found as many people as we did,” joked Public Information officer Craig Harmon, who helmed the operation.

Despite clear warnings that there will be no grace period for enforcement, officers used their discretion. Of the 13 total stops made that day, 10 verbal warnings were given and only 3 citations were issued in respect to the new law. However, the stops proved advantageous for citing drivers on other violations. One seatbelt citation was given, and a man was temporarily detained for driving without a license. Overall, Harmon felt that the operation served its purpose in reminding drivers that the law has now taken effect. He reminds drivers that like it or not, an investment in a hands-free mobile device could save you from a ticket inducing headache in the long run.