Amador County - The Jackson City Council approved a motion Monday night to raise water and sewer rates. Beginning in September of 2007, a water and sewer committee composed of members from the community and Jackson government discussed how rates were being adjusted and whether they were proportional to costs being passed on to the city as a wholesale water purchaser. Jackson purchases its water wholesale from the Amador Water Agency. The committee concluded that in order to stay in the black, rates would have to go up and costs would be passed on to the consumer. “It’s never exciting to have to raise rates, but we have always tried to keep them as low as possible,” said City manager Mike Daly. Water rates will go up 14 percent. Wastewater compliance efforts with the Department of Fish and Game have put the city in an operating deficit. As a result, wastewater costs will go up 16 percent. Both these rate adjustments are an average increase of $3.82 a month. February 1st marks the beginning of the next billing cycle and the increase. Amador Water Agency Board member Bill Condrashoff was in attendance and spoke during public comment. “ He said the new board will “keep it out of the double digit increases we’ve seen for the last couple years,” adding “keep your fingers crossed, we might be able to stop the bleeding.” “We’re hoping water agencies can get some of these grants that President Obama is trying hard to push through,” he said. An elderly resident of the Rollingwood park community voiced the sole public opposition to the increase, saying that many of the fixed income seniors who live there are already facing high fees they can’t afford. The City Council approved the rate increases 4 to 1, with Councilmember Marilyn Lewis opposed “on behalf of the residents of Rollingwood.” Story by Alex Lane

Amador County- The Jackson City Council approved the recommendation of the Jackson Revitalization Committee to extend 3-hour free parking in the downtown area. The covered meter experiment is part of the continuing effort by the Committee to improve and encourage visitors to downtown. In an exclusive interview with TSPN, newly appointed Jackson Mayor Connie Gonsalves said the covered meters will continue through March 30th. She said the committee is waiting for reports from the Amador County Transportation Commission on the parking study, which is still in the first of four phases. The experiment was originally intended to end last Labor Day, but positive reviews encouraged an extension through Slovenian Christmas, and now the current extension through March. While the City is not charging for meters, they have raised parking tickets from $11 to $24. The Parking Committee is a subdivision of the original Economic Development Committee. Since it is no longer a true subcommittee, it will likely be absorbed by the Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by Gonsalvez and Supervisor John Plasse. In response to a question as to whether there has been too much focus on Main Street, Gonsalvez replied “absolutely not.” She said “a lot of folks think (economic development) applies only to downtown, but we have to look at it as a city-wide plan and take things region by region.” The Jackson Revitalization Committee meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Jackson Civic Center. The public is encouraged to attend. Story by Alex Lane

Amador County – The Amador Water Agency Board of Directors approved a study of the feasibility of increasing the storage capacity at Lower Bear Lake by building up the dam. The approval in effect will simply pay for the study already approved in a consultant agreement with the URS Corporation executed in July of 2007. General Manager Jim Abercrombie said the board was simply approving the cost share agreement of the $120,000 project, to cost AWA $30,000. Board Member Don Cooper asked why there was no incentive in the agreement for a completion time-frame for the study. Abercrombie said it was left out because of other AWA construction projects and because a Pacific Gas & Electric study related to the lake would not be completed for another 3 years. He added that part of the project agreement would be about preserving AWA water rights, which staff wanted to discuss in closed session. Board Chairman Terence Moore said the study would find out if it was possible financially and physically to raise the dam at Lower Bear, and the board was only approving the study. Board Member Bill Condrashoff asked if the estimated 72 Million Kilowatt Hours for replacement of loss of water in a 4,000-foot drop of water above the dam would be more like a 5,000-foot drop. Abercrombie said the kilowatt hours were estimated with a study done in the 1990s and could be updated with more current numbers. Moore said the agreement and study were aimed at future water rights and a water rights workshop, possibly in February, would help new board members better understand the elements involved. AWA Attorney Steve Kronick said a 1975 agreement with PG&E gave the agency 2,200 acre-feet a year of water rights in Lower Bear Lake, with 3,000 acre-feet of storage paid for by AWA, 2,200 taken in yield, and the balance paid for as insurance for future needs if or when the Central Amador Water Project water supply runs out. Story by Jim Reece

Amador County – The Plymouth City Council last week approved advertising to find qualified operators for its 1853 Arroyo Ditch, after learning that people are interested in the long-time water source that once linked Pokerville with the Cosumnes River. City Manager Dixon Flynn said city staff heard “some interest expressed in the development of the Arroyo Ditch,” from a “wide range of people,” and he encouraged giving the private sector a chance to take on the project. Flynn said the ideal candidates would need to have expert financial capacity, legal experience with water rights and the technical ability to make the earthen berm ditch operational. He said the city council can also waive any requirements it chooses. He said qualifications should include having the legal ability to “address the questions about our water rights.” Flynn in a staff report said the advertisement would seek “proposals to develop the Arroyo Ditch at ‘no’ or ‘little’ cost to the city.” He said the city “anticipates that after the qualified individuals and firms are selected, a future date will be selected to accept proposals that satisfy the city’s goals of developing the Arroyo Ditch as a long-term source of water.” The report told the history of the ditch, developed in 1853 to bring water for mining from the Cosumnes River to Plymouth. The city took ownership in the early 1900s and it was Plymouth’s primary water source until 1987. Flynn said “there is a wide range of opinions on the city’s water rights … a pre-1914 water right and the estimated right ranges from approximately 23,000 acre fee to approximately 500 acre feet.” Plymouth signed a 2006 agreement with the Amador Water Agency to build the Plymouth Pipeline Project and now faces development of about 2,500 homes and 27 commercial buildings over the next 20 years, along with the possibility of a casino, proposed by the Ione Band of Miwok Indians, to be built adjacent to the city. Qualifications must be submitted to Flynn at Plymouth City Hall by 4 p.m. Friday, January 30th. Story by Jim Reece

Amador County - In these tough economic times, organizations that cater to Amador County’s large senior population are feeling the pinch. The Meals on Wheels program, which for the last eight years has served hot meals to seniors with limited or little mobility, has been forced to make some cutbacks. Frozen meals have replaced hot meals on Ione and Pioneer routes. “Frozen meals are not as beneficial because they get harder to prepare as you get older, and there quality is not as good,” said Elizabeth Thompson, Executive Director of Common Ground Senior Services. The non-profit organization has the Meals on Wheels contract for Amador and Calaveras Counties. In addition, “well-being” checks have been cutback to one day a week from there previous five. Thompson said “well-being is an important factor that benefits seniors in these hard economic times.” The reason behind cutting back these routes is a transportation issue. The price of gas is rising, there has been much difficulty in finding drivers and there is no funding available towards buying an additional truck. The trucks used to deliver meals in Jackson, Sutter Creek and Pine Grove are called “hot shot” trucks and have compartments for both hot and cold meals. They run about $40,000 a piece. Despite the cutbacks, Thompson says Amador County’s program is in better shape than neighboring Calaveras County. “Amador County is more of a giving County, as far as people supporting their neighbors,” she said. She said there are reserves in place to help weather the recession, but those funds are dwindling. Story by Alex Lane

Amador County - Saturday at noon over 1,000 community folks turned out at the Prospect Motors Dealership to show their support at the ‘Save the Community’ Rally. The goal was to send a message to GM and GMAC that Amador County’s largest dealership needs to re-open for business here in the county. The spirit of the community was evident with supporters of all ages waiving banners, signs and American Flags. Speeches by local leaders, elected officials along with owners Frank and Lori Halvorson garnered cheers and applause. The closure of the dealership has created a huge void, the impact is tremendous: over 80 employees lost their jobs, local GM parts and warrantee service gone, city and county tax revenue gone, local vendors business from the dealership gone and the philanthropic generosity of the Halvorson Family to the numerous youth and community organizations is gone. The Rally was a great success; GM & GMAC heard the message loud and clear. ‘Save Our Community’ Kudos to the Amador County community, just like family, they were there, once again, for one of their own in need. See full coverage of the Rally here on TSPN. Show, times and dates will be posted on the TSPN website. Amador County needs to continue the fight. You can help by Emailing or writing a letter to GM and GMAC along with your elected local, state and federal officials. That the community needs Prospect Motors to re-open and service this community. Do the Right Thing GM. Story by Sue Slivick

Amador County – The Amador County Social Services Department saw an alarming trend mirroring the national economic flux in the early part of the year, last week, with early walk-in customers hinting at surpassing the previous month. “The number of people applying is just going through the roof,” said Amador Social Services Director Matthew Zanze, who added that “something is happening here.” Zanze said December of 2008 had a total of 216 walk-ins, or first-time customers seeking some sort of aid from Social Services. But he said that as of 2:22 p.m. last Thursday, they had 74 walk-ins for the month of January, and it was “only the fourth day of the month.” Walk-ins were seeking applications for food stamps, MediCal or cash assistance. Zanze said many were applying for MediCal because they had lost their job or their employers were no longer offering insurance. “It’s been very busy – something that we haven’t seen,” said Zanze. Data comparing applicants in Amador County the last three years showed that monthly food stamp applicants in Amador number more than 600 cases each month last year, including more than 700 in each of the last four months. Food stamps numbered 605 cases in December 2007, breaking 600 for the first time in a month, but numbered 500 or more cases for all of 2007 except for the month of January, up from around a 450 average in 2006. October of 2008 had the highest number of food stamp applications with 151 applications, topping all single-month applications in the last three years from 2006 to 2008. Applications for cash assistance also rose in the Amador Social Services department last year, over the previous two years. The Amador Social Service office is at 10877 Conductor Boulevard in Sutter Creek. Story by Jim Reece

Amador County – On Friday, Congressman Dan Lungren, member of the House Administration Committee and Representative for Amador County, was chosen to represent his Republican colleagues during the Electoral College vote on the House floor. “This historic vote, confirming the election of the 44th President of the United States, is an important part of the American democratic process. I am honored to be involved in today's ceremony,” Lungren said. Often misunderstood, the Electoral College was set by the Founding Fathers of the United States to accompany the popular vote. Although there are a small number of electors, this vote is just as important as the popular vote. The Electoral College, rather than the popular vote, has decided the election three times in our nation’s history. Congressman Dan Lungren also serves on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, Budget, and House Administration Committee. Staff Report

Amador County – The Plymouth City Council directed staff to study erecting a building across the street from city hall to house the Ahrens Fox Fire Truck. Mayor Jon Colburn placed the item on the agenda on behalf of the Ahrens Fox Restoration Society. Colburn said a society committee looked at locations for a museum-type building to house the 1939 aerial ladder truck, the Ahrens Fox, a former truck from the San Francisco Fire Department. He said they found the Lodge Hill and found no benefit at that being the location. The committee spoke with a commercial building supplier about the city’s vacant lot across Main Street from City Hall, where the former Plymouth Fire Station once stood. Colburn said a steel building could be built for $80,000, but it was smaller that they had hoped to have. Part of the plan would include a 15 by 40 foot space on the east side of the building to rent out as a commercial spot for weekend operations, to be able to pay utilities, insurance and rent. Colburn said the Ahrens Fox Restoration Society’s funding included a $50,000 private pledge, $15,000 in the bank and other pledges. Councilwoman Patricia Fordyce did not like the idea of giving a building to a non-profit organization. But City Attorney Mike Dean said any number of scenarios could result in an agreement between the council and the society, including the city owning the building on the city property. Councilman Greg Baldwin said he presumed they would rent to the society. City Manager Dixon Flynn said the project likely would cost more than the $80,000 cost of the building. On City Council direction, Flynn said he would meet with the non-profit, discuss finances and come up with some preliminary plans and an estimate for design work, with some sketches on the project. He said he expected to bring the item back to the council by the summer. Story by Jim Reece.

Amador County – The Plymouth City Council hired a water and wastewater engineer to help meet state standards Thursday. City Manager Dixon Flynn recommended hiring consultant and engineer Richard C. Prima Jr., and making him Deputy City Manager for Development. The council decided to approve a contract with Prima minus the title of deputy city manager, and made other minor changes. Flynn said Prima was helping the city by training city personnel to handle water and wastewater plant operations on the way to helping the city meet stringent state standards. Flynn said he needed “continued assistance and support” for “complicated engineering and planning issues to come together” – though Flynn said that was not to diminish the work done by the city planner and engineer. Councilman Mike O’Meara asked how the city would pay Prima’s $92 an hour rate. Flynn said the city was due to be reimbursed between $400,000 and $600,000 for work already done on the Plymouth Pipeline Project. He said the USDA was now working on paperwork for the city’s grant funding on the pipeline. Flynn said the city expected a reimbursement check by the end of February, saying “whenever we get the money related to the sewer treatment plant, we will be reimbursed.” Councilwoman Patricia Fordyce said she was against the hiring, calling it fiscally irresponsible, and voted no in a 4-1 passing of the contract to hire Prima. Vice Mayor Greg Baldwin asked how much money the city had paid the Amador Water Agency last year and this year in trying to stay up to state standards, but City Finance Director Jeffry Gardner was unable to find the numbers before the vote. Baldwin said he looked “forward to Richard Prima coming on board” and he asked if developers could be asked to help in paying Prima, as they had offered such help in the past. Baldwin asked if developers could be “hard pressed” to help. Flynn said that could be “part of the reimbursement agreement,” used with developers, in bringing the plant up to state standards. Story by Jim Reece