Amador County - Health Officer Robert Hartmann informed the Board of Supervisors Tuesday that the only confirmed case of H1N1 influenza, or “swine flu,” in Amador County has been contained and the patient is doing well. According to Hartmann, the infected individual recently returned from Mexico and “exhibited flu like symptoms the following day.” This individual contacted Amador County Public Health the day after returning and followed specific Health Department advice, whereas “voluntary home isolation was followed ensuring minimal local contact.” Hartmann said the patient exhibited mild symptoms that are no more severe than the traditional flu. When questioned as to how sever he expected the outbreak of the this virus to become, Hartmann said “what we are seeing is a blunting of the peaks” in reference to the strong international response from health officials. He said he did not expect the outbreak of this flu to be any more problematic than traditional flues. Public Health continues to work closely with other local health services and local government. Board Chairman Ted Novelli thanked Hartmann and Amador County Public Health Director Angel LeSage, saying: “The people of Amador County can sleep safe knowing that you two are at the head of this.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Governor announced the obligating of $1 billion dollars in highway funding, including 2 projects rehabilitating Highway 88 in Amador County. Camille Anderson of the governor’s office said Monday that the California Recovery Task Force released a list of 80 projects “2 months ahead of deadline.” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s list included “transportation infrastructure projects statewide.” Anderson in the release said “under the Recovery Act, states were given 120 days to obligate the first half of their transportation infrastructure funding, and California has obligated this funding in less than 60 days.” The governor said planning helped place “funding into the economy as quickly and effectively as possible.” Last week, California’s first Recovery Act project broke ground, a $13.3 million Interstate 80 pavement rehabilitation project, that would create 200 jobs. Anderson said: “With today’s announcement, 80 transportation projects are now in the pipeline to begin construction.” California will receive a total of nearly $2.6 billion dollars from the Recovery Act for highways and local streets and $1 billion dollars for transit projects. Discretionary programs could add another $300 million dollars. California expects to be “very competitive in securing a major share” of $8 billion dollars set aside nationally for high-speed and intercity passenger rail. Amador County’s two projects include work on Highway 88. One will fund maintenance chip seal coating on 88 at Plasse, from 2 miles west of Tragedy Springs Road to 3/10ths miles east of Kit Carson Lodge, costing $407,169 dollars. Also on Highway 88, the Recovery Act package will fund $1.1 Million dollars for rubberized asphalt overlay maintenance on 88, near Barton, from 1/10th mile west of Wagon Wheel Drive to 1/10th mile west of Silver Lake. Local projects included Alpine County, which received $27.3 million dollars to “improve water quality” on Higway 89 near Meyers, from the Alpine County Line to Route 50. Tuolumne County got $1.5 million dollars for overlay maintenance near Sonora on Highway 49, from south of Pesce Way to the Calaveras County line. El Dorado County received $9.3 Million dollars to widen shoulders on Highway 49, near El Dorado, from Ore Court Road to China Hill Road. The largest projects included $192 Million dollars toward a 2-lane tunnel project on Highway 24 in Alameda County. And Los Angeles received $190 Million dollars toward adding a lane on Interstate 405. The city of Fairfield in Solano County received $27.7 Million dollars to rehabilitate a portion of Highway 80. For information, see www.recovery.ca.gov, or call (916) 322-4688. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Plymouth Planning Commission on Thursday will look at zoning change requests for 165 acres near Plymouth. The Greilich property developers seek to have 82 acres zoned at “suburban residential,” and 23.5 acres zoned as “auto-urban residential” (on separate plots of 17 and 6.5 acres). Another 18.5-acre section is sought to be zoned “urban residential,” with a usage map showing about half slated for apartments, and half for townhomes. 38 acres are tabbed for “suburban commercial” zoning. The map also includes 5 acres in the northeast corner of the parcel for ballfields. The parcel is located in Amador County and in the “Sphere of Influence” of the city of Plymouth, according to GW Consulting Engineers. The property is also included in the Williamson Act. City Planner Darcy Goulart said “staff has been informed” that additional information is being “prepared to help support the request and will be provided prior to the meeting.” Developers of the Greilich Parcel, owned by Elanor Greilich, request square footage breakdowns and shows 26,400 square feet of retail and commercial use, including “personal services, neighborhood markets and a small restaurant.” A service station would occupy a 3,800 square foot building, and a single-story hotel would have 60 rooms. A professional office park would occupy another 30,000 square feet, and an assisted living, nursing home and a congregate care facilities each would have 25 rooms. A retirement home would have 50 rooms or apartments and there would be 5,000 square feet of daycare. In the non-residential uses, 23 acres would be occupied, and a 40 percent requirement would leave 15.1 acres as open space. The Plymouth City Council and Planning Commission will hold a special joint meeting Thursday at Plymouth City Hall to hear a presentation from the head of the Amador County Local Agency Formation Commission. Amador LAFCO Executive Director Roseanne Chamberlain will give a presentation on procedures related to “Sphere of Influence,” annexations and other LAFCO related topics. The presentation is set for 7 p.m. City Hall also released a special meeting agenda this week, and the city council will hold a single-item special meeting, for a closed session discussion about anticipated litigation. The special meeting starts at 6 p.m. Thursday. The regular meeting of the Planning Commission follows. The agenda includes a general discussion on the draft General Plan and Environmental Impact Report and a discussion regarding possible land use map changes. Staff will update the Planning Commission on meetings held to date regarding the Urban Reserve land use designation in Amador County’s General Plan Update for properties within Plymouth’s existing Sphere of Influence. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Fiddletown Preservation Society made a request before the Board of Supervisors Tuesday for a loan of $100,000 to assist in paying outstanding bills associated with the restoration of historic buildings in Fiddletown. The restorations referred to are for the Chinese Gambling Hall and Chinese General Store, both over 150 years old. The buildings came very close to imploding as the walls bulged and the cracks widened and were only months away from becoming ruins when the restoration crew completed restorations last December. Repairs have been going on over the course of seven years as funding comes in. Society member Carl McDanel recapped the long history the Society has had with the county, both in applying for grants and as caretakers for the historic Chinese buildings. He said the Society is facing a “Catch-22.” The California Cultural and Historical Endowment and Prop 12 require a holdback amount of their grants until all invoices are paid, but the Society can’t pay off the invoices until the grant funding is released. In addition, the Prop 12 resolution to release the funds expires on June 30th of 2009. “Your support so far…has made it all possible, but we need more help,” said McDanel. The Supervisors sympathized with McDanel as he outlined the complex requirements of obtaining funding through the state. “It seems like they hold all the strings and pull them the way they want to,” said Supervisor Louis Boitano. Supervisor Brian Oneto asked County Counsel whether the county would become liable for not helping the Society with its debts. “If we don’t help them, it becomes our problem.,” he said, adding: “We’ll be happy to do what it takes to help the Society.” The Supervisors approved 4-0 a motion for County Counsel to draft an agreement for a bridge loan to the Society in the amount of $100,000. Supervisor Richard Forster was absent from the meeting. McDanel said the money will be paid back “the day we get our checks.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors heard an impressive presentation Tuesday outlining an ambitious Eagle Scout project to take place at Westover Field Airport. Airport Manager Dave Shepard introduced Boy Scout Austin Thorne, who has volunteered to restore and mount for display a classic F-86 Sabre Jet on loan from the Department of the Navy. Eagle Scout applicants have traditionally had to complete a volunteer project as part of the ranks requirement. Thorne outlined the history of the aircraft, which was best known for its role as an interceptor during the Korean War. Only about 24 are left in existence. He said the aircraft needs extensive body and fiberglass work. Funding will come from a variety of private sources. The project’s main goals will be completing the large amount of paperwork associated with the loan, restoring the body to prime condition and mounting it for display at the airport. The Supervisors complemented Thorne on his presentation and the ambitious task that lies ahead. Supervisor Ted Novelli said that “most importantly, we’re restoring an important part of our history.” Supervisor John Plasse said “Eagle Scouts have always stepped up to the plate when it comes to helping out this county.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – Amador County health officials confirmed Sunday evening the first probable positive case of swine flu in Amador County. Health Officer Robert Hartmann announced that the H1N1 influenza case is an individual who recently returned from Mexico and “exhibited flu like symptoms the following day.” Official results need to be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control or the California State Public Health Lab, but preliminary results indicate the diagnosis is accurate. “This individual contacted Amador County Public Health the day after returning from Mexico and followed specific Health Department advice,” said Dr. Hartmann, adding: “Voluntary home isolation was followed ensuring minimal local contact.” Saturday evening, officials in El Dorado County received confirmation of a positive swine flu case in a child who attends Camino School. Health officials area awaiting confirmation test results for two other probable cases in other students. That school will be closed through at least Friday, May 8 as a result of the confirmed case. “I’m relieved that this case (in Amador County) did not involve school children, teachers or staff. We do not need to have any school dismissals,” stated Dr. Hartmann. According to a release issued Sunday, “Amador County Public Health will continue heightened surveillance efforts for early detection and identification. For the most part, the Swine flu illness has been mild in the cases identified and very few individuals have needed hospitalization.” Public Health continues to work closely with other local health services and local government. Visit TSPN’s website for an interview with Dr. Hartmann about the case. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The District Attorney announced yesterday that a Jackson man was sentenced to 8 years in prison on April 29 for the rape of a woman at the National Hotel. Larry Steven Smith, 51, received his sentencing from visiting Judge Thomas Smith one month after an Amador County Jury found him guilty of felony charges of rape of an intoxicated person, rape of an unconscious person and a misdemeanor sexual battery. The rape occurred on November 11, 2008, when a female victim who had visited Jackson for a shopping trip and stopped at the Fargo Club for a drink reported that she’d woken in the National Hotel with no recollection of how she got there. The investigation was assigned to and investigated by Detective Chris Mynderup. According to District Attorney Todd Riebe, “surveillance video of the Fargo Club and the National Hotel were obtained that showed that the victim was so intoxicated at the Fargo Club that she vomited on the floor, was unable to stand or walk without Smith’s assistance, and at one point, was passed out at the bar.” Smith is seen groping the victim and taking advantage of her intoxication. After a male companion of Smith’s used the victim’s credit card to obtain a room at the hotel, Smith is seen returning multiple times to the room. Smith reportedly demonstrated “no remorse” during the trial; while the victim talk about the negative impacts this has had on her life. She said she is afraid to let her daughter play outside and her trust in people has been shattered. Riebe was happy with the outcome, stating that it was the product of the hard work of the Jackson Police and Deputy District Attorney Gabrielle Bettencourt. Riebe said, “This case stands as a testament to the courage of the victim, who told her story under the most uncomfortable of all circumstances to ensure that the man who raped her would not escape punishment and perhaps victimize someone else.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

State - On May 19th, Amador County voters will have the opportunity to vote on six budget-related propositions in a statewide special election. In a special series here on TSPN, we’ll bring you information on each ballot measure, what it means for California, and more specifically, how it affects Amador County. Today we discuss Proposition 1C, also known as the Lottery Modernization Act. It would authorize borrowing against future lottery proceeds as a way to avoid state government spending cuts. There is no cap on the amount of future lottery revenue that could be used, and the 2009-10 budget plan includes $5 billion from this source. The measure would authorize similar borrowing in future years. The proposal would repeal current requirements that lottery revenues be used only for education, although the measure would require the legislature to appropriate general fund revenues to education in an amount equivalent to the lottery revenues that previously went to schools. Prop 1C was authored by Assemblywoman Noreen Evans and legislatively-referred to the ballot through Assembly Bill 12. Supporters of the measure include the California Democratic Party and Budget Reform Now, a coalition of groups assembled by the governor to support the overall budget agreement. “Modernizing the lottery…can generate $5 billion in revenues without a tax increase,” said Roger Salazar, a spokesman for the Yes on 1C campaign. Opponents include the California Nurses Association and the Peace and Freedom Party. They are most concerned with how the lottery profits - the percentage of revenues the state keeps - would be allocated. On May 19th, you’ll have the opportunity to vote on this and other contentious issues. Stay tuned for more information on the propositions in upcoming newscasts. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Amador Water Agency board of directors studied proposed rate increases on Monday, then continued the meeting to May 12th. The workshop was to inform the board on reasons for staff’s recommendation to raise rates in Camanche, LaMel Heights, Upcountry improvement districts. Those include about 600 water customers in Lake Camanche Water Improvement District Number 7; roughly 300 wastewater customers in Lake Camanche Water Improvement District Number 11; about 400 customers in Wastewater Improvement District Number 1; and about 50 water customers in the La Mel Heights Water District. Finance Manage Mike Lee led the board through the 4 district budgets, discussing existing deficits and forecasts. Each showed the last 3 years’ numbers, and projections for this fiscal year and the next 6 fiscal years. Lee said Wastewater District Number 1 “won’t see a positive ending balance until the end of fiscal year 2014-2015.” Camanche water District Number 7 also showed its first positive end balance at the end of 2014-2015. Wastewater District 1 began the year with a balance of negative-$292,000 dollars and was expected to close the year a negative-$401,000 dollar balance. Board members pointed out a funding slump in salaries and benefits, and Lee said it was due to loss of a part-time employee, whose position was vacated and unfilled. Lee said AWA’s 3 wastewater systems have a total of about 1,000 customers. The staff has been the same 5 people, whose hours are spread between the 3 systems. Lee said Martell sewer needs more labor and Camanche may need slightly more that $180,000. He said his forecast to need $180,000 dollars in labor at WW District Number 1 “might be more optimistic than actual needs.” He said he was “predicting Camanche will have a smaller share on paper.” All 4 districts started the year with negative operating budgets and are projected to end the year further in the hole. Camanche Wastewater District Number 11 opened at negative-$385,000 dollars and is expected to close at negative-$413,000 dollars. Camanche Water Number 7 opened at negative-$400,000 dollars and should close at negative-$416,000 dollars. The La Mel Heights Water opened at negative-$103,000 dollars and is expected to end at negative-$128,000. General Manager Jim Abercrombie said the board finished discussing Wastewater District Number 1, and directed staff to review salaries and benefits and look at “debt service financing that we were considering.” No rate meetings were set, and the board continued the rate workshop, asking for changes to be brought back to that continued meeting on Tuesday, May 12th. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – City Manager Dixon Flynn last week suggested Plymouth City Council “take another look at its Transient Occupancy Tax.” Flynn, in his bi-weekly report, said the city’s TOT is at 6 percent, earning Plymouth $77,000 dollars a year. He said Jackson recently raised its TOT to 10 percent, and San Francisco’s is 14 percent, with another 3 percent voluntary. Flynn said travelers go to places where things are happening, and “Plymouth is a tourist destination,” adding that “we need that additional income.” Mayor Jon Colburn said the new RV park at the Jackson Rancheria Casino Hotel & Conference Center is “cutting into” the business at 49er Village trailer park. Colburn said the Rancheria has no TOT tax, and it is hurting the 49er Village. Raising the TOT in the city would further hurt them. He said “(49er Village owner) Chuck (Hayes) paid over $800,000 dollars to the city for TOT tax and has not gotten anything for it.” Flynn said one thing that would attract people to Plymouth is better streets. He said the city might also look at hiking its business license tax, which is $20 dollars a year, or $40 a year for professionals. He said Amador County has no business license tax, while the state minimum is $50 dollars. Also in his report, Flynn said he received estimates for paving, including Highway 49 from Main Street to the “Chinese building” for $15,000 dollars; Locust Street for $25,300; Empire Street for $12,000; and Sherwood Street for $5,000. The quote included road striping at $11,800 dollars, for a total cost of $159,100 dollars. City Attorney Steven Rudolph said the city must go out for formal bids on the paving, or any job spending over $5,000 dollars. Vice Mayor Greg Baldwin thought the striping was high; and Colburn said they might get a better deal through Amador County. In other business, City Finance Manger Jeff Gardner delivered 2006 annual financial reports, and told Flynn that 2007 and 2008 reports could be complete in the next 14 days. Flynn said the reports were needed to get federal grants. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.