Amador County – The Plymouth City Council last month discussed the handling of agricultural policy and land use, with a developer suggesting case-by-case work. The council also heard that Amador County Ag Commissioner Mike Boitano wanted Plymouth officials to talk to property owners if they set agriculture land use policy, because he had not heard of such developments in Plymouth. City Planner Paula Daneluk said the planning department notified the county ag office by letter of its General Plan works, including land use designations. City Clerk Gloria Stoddard said Boitano “wasn’t going to say his office didn’t get” the letter, “but he wasn’t aware of it.” Vice Mayor Greg Baldwin said “if the city planners can produce a registered letter” proving notification, “then we can get on with it.” The city council will continue a public hearing on the General Plan update and Environmental Impact Report Thursday night. In public comment “on the Boitano issue, developer Stephanie McNair said: “there’s no one boiler plate solution to deal with” agricultural land “buffer zones.” She said the General Plan says they must deal with zone differences among different projects. McNair said: “I will have ag projects adjacent to developments,” and “different ag users have different ideas for buffer areas.” City Manager Dixon Flynn said Ag Commissioner Boitano mentioned “the very same thing” and said “we have to do this land-owner by land-owner.” McNair said she has done that “personally” with both ag owners her developments would share borders with in Plymouth, who both want secure fencing as a buffer. She said Jackson set a “300-foot buffer,” then when in place, a question arose of who keeps the fire risk down in those zones. The council returns to the General Plan public hearing 6:30 p.m. Thursday. In July committee reports, Plymouth Councilwoman Pat Fordyce said the Amador Fire Protection Association meeting included talk of hiring a consultant to help handle state sales tax revenue from Measure M. She said a consultant bid $38,000, while the AFPA has already received $400,000 in sales tax. Mayor Jon Colburn asked if there was talk of a county-wide fire department, but Fordyce said it was not at that meeting. She said there was some concern by Butch Martin over spending money to buy equipment. Councilman Mike O’Meara said he wanted a future agenda item to consider passing a city council resolution supporting the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and the private ownership of guns by private citizens. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Modesto – Thanks to a mutually beneficial partnership with the Calaveras County Board of Education, the Yosemite Community College District is one step closer toward a permanent Columbia College site in Angels Camp. The Calaveras County site is a project identified in the District’s Measure E bond which passed in November 2004. Earlier this month the Yosemite Community College District voted to approve the site acquisition, conditioned upon Calaveras County Board of Education approval. That approval was given Monday night. The District’s goal to create the foundation to expand its presence in Calaveras County made its first real progress. Columbia College currently offers classes out of renovated space at the Glory Hole Shopping Center in Angels Camp. There is little flexibility and no room for additional growth. With the construction of a new complex, the college will have an opportunity to slowly grow its offerings over time and respond to the educational needs of the Calaveras County area. YCCD Trustee Pat Dean, who resides in Sonora said, “I’m really glad that we’re beginning…there are many of our young people who will be able to take advantage of Columbia College’s Calaveras facilities.” The initial plans for the Angels Camp property are to construct classrooms, offices and labs. YCCD Chancellor Roe Darnell said, “This is part of our effort to provide long term and permanent educational opportunities for students in Calaveras County and Angels Camp area.” Calaveras County residents represent roughly 20% of the enrollment at Columbia College. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Amador Regional Planning Committee next week will hear a sewer plant update from staff of the city of Sutter Creek. The presentation is part of an ongoing update by member entities on their respective wastewater systems. The committee requested each jurisdiction to present an overview of its wastewater treatment facilities and plans. The intent of the committee was to discuss challenges and share solutions related to the treatment and disposal of wastewater, and seek opportunities to coordinate efforts whenever feasible. Sutter Creek City Manager Rob Duke was expected to give the presentation, on the Amador Regional Sanitation Authority Master Plan. Duke did the same at a Sutter Creek City Council meeting earlier this month and said ARSA’s partnership includes Amador City, Sutter Creek and Ione. He said the ARSA Master Plan’s Environmental Impact Report will “hit the streets in about 60 days.” Sutter Creek Councilman Pat Crosby asked about the treatment plant and its being “unsatisfactory because of flooding.” Duke said that was fixed in the master plan. He said: “Up to a 125-year flood level, we have protection.” ARSA’s new plant will be located “above ground,” with 17-foot tall walls. It will be improved by developers of the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. He said the first phase capacity, including the resort, will be 700,000 gallons a day in “tertiary” level treatment. In phase 2, that goes to 1 million gallons a day, again with Gold Rush included. Phase 3, to be built out “probably in 2050”, would cost an estimated $9 Million to $11 Million Dollars. He said ARSA’s system includes the 100-year-old Henderson Dam, for which ARSA signed a 30-year lease with the state. That lease runs through 2028. Duke said it was estimated it will not be until 2020 that ARSA has “recycling programs going at Gold Rush.” Earlier this month, City Manager Kim Kerr reported on Ione’s wastewater system, during the Regional Planning Committee’s meeting. Members also discussed some financing. Kerr said Ione’s wastewater system was now 100 percent contracted. Jackson Mayor Connie Gonsalves said the Jackson City Council recently contracted its wastewater plant as operation as well, in the last 6 months. The regional planning committee meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 5th at the Sutter Creek civic building on Church Street. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – All roads lead to the Amador County Fair in today’s Road Report. The Amador County Fair is offering a stimulus package all its own this year by simplifying and discounting fair admission passes. Tickets, which are regularly $8 for adult admission, will be sold in advance for just five passes for $25, a savings of $15. “We decided to keep it simple and give a substantial discount this year to encourage families and groups to be able to attend the Fair,” says Fair CEO Troy Bowers. Area residents can also take advantage of unlimited savings by purchasing carnival ride wristbands or ticket booklets now through July 29. Carnival of Fun is offering wristbands, which allow the rider unlimited rides on any one day, for $20 in advance, until 5:00 pm July 29. During the Fair, wristbands will cost $25. Each ride takes 3-5 coupons. Tickets for arena events and the Wine Tasting are also available in advance, and securing reserved seating is a good idea to avoid the lines which can start as early as two hours in advance of the gates opening. “The Fair Board understands that many folks in this County have been hard hit. With admission kept to just $5, and many free activities and opportunities, we think the Amador County Fair is the best entertainment bargain around.” You can purchase on-line with your credit card at www.amadorcountyfair.com or call the Fair office at 209 245-6921. Staff Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Plymouth City Council this week will consider its upcoming budget, while also considering joining a legal fight to stop the state government from raiding city street maintenance coffers. The council on Thursday will consider a resolution authorizing the city attorney to cooperate with the League of California Cities, and other cities and counties in “litigation challenging the constitutionality of any seizure by state government of the city’s street maintenance funds. Staff will recommend approval of the resolution. The council will also consider a resolution establishing an appropriations limit for the coming fiscal year, under Article 8-B of the California Constitution. The council will host a public hearing for “the purpose of soliciting citizens’ views to set priorities for the potential submission of a Community Development Block Grant application.” The council will hear a presentation by grant consultant Terry Cox, on the potential application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Staff said: “The maximum award limits for each grant category vary from year to year and are listed in the State Notice of Funding Availability.” The major activity categories are General and Economic Development Planning and Technical Assistance; Housing-Acquisition; Housing-New Construction; Housing-Rehabilitation; Community Facilities and/or Public Services; Public Works; and Economic Development. Projects funded with CDBG funds must meet at least one “national objective”: to either benefit “targeted income group” people; eliminate “slums and blight;” or meet an “emergency and urgent need.” The council will hear citizen’s views on the annual reports for two current grants, totaling $1.5 million dollars, which are being used in the Plymouth Pipeline Project. An annual report has also been prepared for the city’s CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Fund, Cox said. The council could also approve the fiscal year budget for 2009-2010, by Finance Director Jeff Gardner. City Manager Dixon Flynn will recommend the council authorize him to advertise and seek proposals for Planning & Community Development Services for the city. The council will also discuss offering a reward for information and a conviction regarding vandalism of the city water tank. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at city hall. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – A 49-year-old transient man was found dead early Saturday, after an acquaintance checked on his welfare. Authorities were trying to determine the cause of death through an autopsy in the Amador County Coroner’s Office. His name was not yet released. Jackson Police Sergeant Christy DeStidger said the body was found Saturday, July 11th, in a shed in which he lived between Broadway Street and South Street, in downtown Jackson. It started as a welfare check, when the reporting party called the Jackson Police Department, after seeing the man apparently passed out on the bed. A JPD officer was dispatched at 7:30 a.m. Saturday and attempted to rouse the man, but there was no response, DeStidger said, so they forced entry and checked for signs of life. He was deceased, and Destidger said things were checked to see if there was foul play and it appears that the cause of death was natural. An autopsy is being conducted by the Amador County Coroner’s Office. She was not sure if the next of kin have been notified. The man was 49 years old. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Ione Planning Commission will take public comment today on the city’s draft General Plan and its Environmental Impact Report. The comment period on the draft EIR closes on July 27th, and the public has until then to comment on the documents. The meeting at 6 p.m. today gives a chance for the public to comment in person before the Ione Planning Commission. The Ione Planning Department announced the meeting Monday. On June 10th, the Ione City Council and staff released the draft Environmental Impact Report for the city’s draft General Plan. The public can comment on the DEIR by attending the Planning Commission meeting beginning at 6 p.m. today, that is Tuesday, July 14th, in the council chambers at City Hall. Material for the meeting is available at Ione City Hall and on the General Plan Web site, at www.ionegeneralplan. com. The draft EIR is required by state law and analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the General Plan. Once the document is certified, it will become the primary environmental document to evaluate planning and permitting actions associated with projects in the city. The public comment period closes 5 p.m. Monday, July 27th. Planning staff, Pacific Municipal Consulting, said this was “an important opportunity for residents to share their views and give insight on how to maintain Ione’s quality of life while planning for a thriving and enriching future.” There are additional ways for the public to provide the city with comments on the draft EIR. They can e-mail comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or post comments by U.S. mail to the City Planning Department, Ione City Hall, P.O. Box 398, Ione, CA 95640. The announcement reminded the public to include their name and contact information on any comments they provide, so that city staff may respond. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – What began 14 years ago as a custom lampshade business for Plymouth resident Pat Park is wrapping up July 31st on Main Street in Downtown Jackson. Park is retiring from her shop, Shady Lady Lamps, Gifts & Collectibles, after a 14-year run in Amador County, including 12 years on Main Street in Jackson. Park said last week that she “enjoyed being in business in Jackson. It’s just time to retire.” Park said she enjoyed coming in to work every day, and meeting people, but she said it is time for a change, time “to quit working and enjoy life.” She started in business making custom lampshades, hence the name, “Shady Lady.” She said her lampshades were unique, and specific to the person for whom she made them. In 1995, she opened Shady Lady Lamps, Gifts & Collectibles at the Amador Hotel in Amador City. It was a small operation with not that many customers, until local business journalist Marcia Oxford wrote a story about her shop. Park said the next day, after the story came out, there was a line of people waiting at her shop’s door – little old ladies with lampshades that had been in their closets for years and needed repair. In 1996, Park moved Shady Lady to 126 Main Street in Jackson, current home of Heaven & Earth Consignment boutique. But tragedy struck in 1997, when a fire started in a residence above the shop. Park lost everything, and rebuilt, next door, at 122 Main Street, her current location. The building was owned by Lester Garibaldi, who ran a photography business and a gift shop there. She occasionally makes a custom lampshade, but her specialty has switched to china, including fine imported tea sets from England and Russia. Her good friend, Marilynn Dodge of Volcano walked into the shop 8 years ago, the day they met, and now helps out occasionally. Park is a 33-year resident of Plymouth’s Main Street, and even served a 3-year appointment on the Plymouth City Council. She served with Gene Beck, Roger Kerner, Raymond Estey and Elaine Lasich. But she left the world of politics after the term ended. Park said Shady Lady would close, unless someone bought the business from her, at the end of July. The building is owned by Jackson City Councilman Wayne Garibaldi, the late Lester’s son. The building, with a photography darkroom upstairs, is neighbored by Heaven & Earth boutique, and Syd Bartlett’s Real Deal Antiques. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Sutter Creek Promotions Committee last week reported that it funded a new Farmer’s Market banner, and will discuss ways to mark the upcoming opening of its new foot bridge. The committee met June 16th at The Annex in Sutter Creek. Chairwoman Sandy Anderson asked members be prepared at their July meeting to discuss celebrations for the new bridge, which should be opening to foot traffic in August. Maureen Funk said Amador County hosts the County Assessor’s Conference in August 2010 and the Handweavers Conference in 2011. Anderson said the city needs to work closely with Amador Council of Tourism for these countywide events. Anderson and Councilman Pat Crosby will draw up a policy to clearly define wording and the type of event for the city’s banners. Funk will obtain the Jackson policy as a guideline. The policy will emphasize countywide events and will be resolved by July. The committee approved $163 for a new Farmer’s Market banners, to direct attention to the market’s Main Street parking lot, temporary location until the new bridge opens The Sutter Creek Visitor Center reported that it had 1,011 visitors in May. Volunteer Pam Weatherly is head of recruiting, training, and maintenance of volunteers. Weatherly created a list of restaurants with days and hours open that can be used by merchants. Barbara Braasch created a First-time Visitor Query Sheet to find out the length of visitor stays, how they discovered the town, and any comments they had. Marcia Oxford and Crosby are putting together a new walking tour. A financial report said in mid-June the committee had a cash balance of $10,465 for Promotions and $1,388 for the Visitors Center for a total of $11,853, which included $10,000 of previously committed funds. Anderson noted that the Sutter Creek Historic brochure needed to be reprinted, 10,000 copies at 16 cents each, $600 dollars of which has already been raised. The balance, another $1,000 dollars, comes from the Chairman’s Fund, donated funds for a rainy-day reserve that Crosby said now totals $3,201. Funk said that the cost for printing ACT’s Travel Planner was $900 dollars instead of the estimated $1,600. Anderson asked that all future requests for money be accompanied by the Funding Request Form, a draft of which she circulated. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – Jackson City Manager Mike Daly, speaking at Tuesday’s Jackson City Council meeting, said the city is “really close” to adoption of a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2009-10. “We’re getting to a point where staff can present the balanced budget to the council,” said Daly. In a memorandum to the council, Daly said that the City has experienced more than a 25 percent decline in General Fund revenue over the past few years, falling from $4.34 million dollars to $3.17 million. “Conditions worsened beyond expectations and after 3 years of deficit spending, the goal this coming year is a balanced budget,” Daly said. To achieve this, Daly and staff have been negotiating a number of cost saving measures. These include reducing every General Fund Department to the bare minimum for non-personnel operating costs, meeting with employees to discuss options for reductions in personnel costs, reducing the city’s contributions to outside agencies like the Amador County Recreation Agency, reducing retiree health insurance, reducing training budgets, and considering suspension of the City Council’s monthly “salary” of $75. The council formally agreed to this suspension. Councilman Pat Crew said the suspension was more of a “symbolic” gesture. Amador Water Agency Board Member Bill Condrashoff, who represents Jackson’s District 1, attended the meeting to give an update on rate hikes. Condrashoff said: “I would hate to see an already underpaid job go for nothing. Symbolism, that’s your call, but in my opinion, you guys should be going the other way.” Daly said the “gorilla in the closet is the state of California and how (its) budgeting might impact local government further.” In order to adopt the budget, staff recommended that a special City Council meeting be called for Monday, June 29 at 7 p.m. The special meeting was unanimously approved by the City Council. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.