By Jim Reece -

The Sutter Creek Planning Commission met last Wednesday and commented on another six chapters of the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort Draft Environmental Impact Report. A laundry list of categories drew some public comment and remarks from the commission. In the public services and facilities element, staff found the EIR sufficient in that, like the city’s General Plan requires, Gold Rush will pay its fair share of new, improved or expanded public services and facilities. Likewise, the developers will fund improvements to the collection and treatment systems to keep pace with needs. In the safety element, Anders Hauge, consultant for the city, said that no open mine shafts were found on the Gold Rush property, but they would go look again just to be sure. The General Plan requires capping any such shafts. Staff found that sufficient soil investigation had been completed at the site. Staff also found that FEMA had not designated the site a 100-year flood plain. The report said “Hilly topography and drainage within existing swales, Stony Creek, and tributaries within the site minimize the potential for flooding.” Findings also said the project will control peak flow runoff such that it does not significantly add to flooding hazards. Chairman of the commission Robin Peters asked about language placing fire hydrants in wildland fire areas of the property. Hauge said the intent was to get hydrants out in some of the hundreds of acres of open space areas, to meet fire suppression requirements in the General Plan. The project will provide peak fire flows of 1,500 gallons per minute. On the noise element, Commissioner Mike Kirkley said that constraints of the project put conflicting land uses – housing – close to the noise of the existing SPI wood mill in the area. A consultant for Gold Rush said the comment gives them reason to go back to the noise data, decibel readings, to see if the mill was operating on that day. The Commission still needs to go through the EIR’s housing element, at a meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, then it will discuss changes and recommendations at later meetings scheduled through February 2009.

By Alex Lane  -

A proposal has been included in the General Plan that would require a conditional use permit for any residential use of Up Country lands East of Dew Drop. The proposal is number 19 in a list of potential changes available for public viewing through the County’s website. In the language of the document, the proposal would apply to, “public and private lands east of Dew Drop presently used or anticipated to be used for passive and commercial recreation, limited managed forestry, mining or grazing activities.” This and other elements of the General Plan have been added and revised based on public input in years of past meetings. Amador County Planning Director Susan Grijalva acknowledged last week that “there is some opposition to what the county and staff have proposed” and expected extended public comment on the issue during a public workshop Saturday and another, Wednesday, October 15th. Two other public meetings are scheduled for October 14th and 16th. “I own my land, and I shouldn’t have to have a use permit to go on my own land,” said Jennifer Cunio Girard, owner of a cabin near Silver Lake.” District 1 Supervisor Elect John Plasse agreed, saying “it is against my core beliefs to devalue or further incumber someone's property with additional regulations.” Plasse is a property owner in affected area. This option has been the only one available throughout the process of developing alternatives A, B, C, and D. Plasse said he didn’t “understand why leaving things as they are can't be an alternative,” said Plasse.”

Amador County – The joint meeting of the Amador County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission will reconvene tomorrow in the supervisors’ chambers in Jackson. The Amador County Planning Department last week announced the continuation of the March and April meetings for the county’s comprehensive General Plan Update, “The Path to 2030.” The joint panel first met on the General Plan Update last October and met again in March and last week. Tuesday’s meeting will be held in the Board Chambers, at the County Administration Center, 810 Court Street, in Jackson, from 4 to 7 p.m. The planning department in announcing the meeting said its purpose is for specific “public comment, discussion and recommendation pertaining to identifying provisions for interim use of property and desired criteria for any future Specific Plan” or plans within the proposed “SPA-I,” that is, the “Special Planning Area – Interim” designation for the Rancho Arroyo Seco property located west of Ione. The department said “written information and maps that have been developed to this point” can be found at the County’s website, www.co.amador.ca.us. Amador Planning Department said “the Update process is ongoing so please continue to monitor the website and watch for notices of future public hearings, as changes to the proposed General Plan can, and will, be made up until the last meeting.” For information, call the Amador County Planning Department at 223-6380. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Ione City Council on Tuesday amended an agreement on the Wildflower Subdivision, which could allow a sale of the development. Doug Goldsmith of Ryland Homes was the only person to talk during a public hearing on the amendment. Goldsmith said it was a “win-win” for the city and his company because “it gives you guys some money and it makes the project more viable.” The amendment allows for a final map on the project. City Manager Kim Kerr introduced the amendment, approved earlier this month by the Ione Planning Commission. Kerr said “the biggest issue is addressing their water entitlement with the Amador Water Agency.” Kerr said Ryland Homes is in negotiations with a company to purchase the Wildflower Project. The project includes a 2-million-gallon potable water storage tank off Brickyard Road. Ryland Homes paid 2.2 million dollars for the tank and also financed the project for another 2 million dollars. JTS Communities paid 360,000 dollars for a pump station that feeds the tank. The amendment to the agreement with Ione allows a 15 percent payment of Facility Impact Fees on Units 1 and 2 in the Wildflower development. That 15 percent is to be paid when the final map is recorded, while the remaining 85 percent of fees are due at the issuance of the first building permit, or 9 months after the recording date. For Units 3, 4 and 5, Ryland must pay 15 percent of Facility Impact Fees, which amounts to 435,794 dollars. That money is due to the city either on February 27, 2009, or within 7 days of close of escrow if Ryland sells Units 3, 4 and 5. Accompanying it was a resolution saying that the amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. The original agreement was signed with Ryland Homes in 2007 to develop 201 single-family homes on 63 acres. The Wildflower Project is next to Howard Park, between Highway 104 and Brickyard Road, in the east part of Ione. The revision changed the notification period from 60 days to 30 days for Ryland Homes to notify the city of any intent to sell the lots in each of Units 3, 4 and 5. Kerr said that the amendment was needed to get the final map and allow any sale of the units. Story by Jim Reece (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

By Jim Reece -

The 12th hour of a Land Use Element hearing ended with public input running over the allotted speaking time once again. Deliberation planned by the Amador County Board of Supervisors and its Planning Commission was put on hold. The meeting was adjourned to November 5th in the board chambers. The panel took four hours of public testimony Thursday in the third day of its serial. Jim Conklin, executive director of the Amador County Business Council said he was worried that draft elements in the General Plan might go directly from draft form to the Environmental Impact Report process, but he was glad to hear Planning Director Susan Grijalva say that the process must include more public hearings. Conklin said he is also executive director of the Calaveras County Business Council and has been working with Calaveras on its economic development element and would be happy to share that work with Amador County. He and others noted that the county might also want a separate Agriculture Element, which he said might fit into the economic element. Others suggested a Water Element, for watershed management. Chris Fusano urged that the county remove any tree law from the county plan and use only state law for tree preservation. He also said the term, “where economically feasible” should be part of the entire General Plan. Supervisor Board Chairman Richard Forster said he would like that term for the county too, as the state mandates too many tasks for the county. Supervisor Louis Boitano said, “One of those tasks it to redo your General Plan.” Supervisors and planning commissioners will meet again to deliberate on the Land Use Element, 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 5 at the supervisors chambers, 800 Court Street in Jackson. Cara Agustin of the county planning office said the “main goal for the board and planning commission is to provide direction to staff on how to proceed with the General Plan.” Another, tentative meeting is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 12th.

By Jim Reece -

Amador County got the OK for 20 new homes in Lake Camanche Village last week when the state lifted a moratorium on new homes there. The Amador Water Agency announced the lifting of the moratorium. AWA received notice from the California Department of Public Health on October 7th that said, “with the additional source capacity and reliability provided by the (newly installed) Well 14, state regulators will allow up to 20 new service connections in the system in the next year.” The health department halted all new connections in Lake Camanche Village in November of 2006, until the AWA could improve the system’s ability to provide a sustained water supply. Well 14 was completed in August of 2007 and gives an additional 40 percent capacity gain to the Lake Camanche system. AWA General Manager Jim Abercrombie said it was “critical to Lake Camanche property owners that they know whether they will be able to develop their property in the future.” He said the “state has recognized that we have made substantial improvements” to the system, and that AWA “is committed to continuing to develop a reliable, sustainable water supply for out Lake Camanche customers.” The health Department noted concern over diminishing groundwater resources in the Foothills in the current drought and outlined conditions for the 20 new hook-ups. AWA must monitor groundwater conditions and well production rates for evaluation before future hook-ups will be allowed. AWA must continue efforts to fund and complete a groundwater sustainability study in the Camanche area. If water shortages occur, the AWA will implement mandatory conservation practices for residents of Lake Camanche Village as needed to prevent water shortages.

By Jim Reece -

The Amador County Planning Department hosts a series of joint meetings of the planning commission and Board of Supervisors this week, with writing the new General Plan as the final objective. Planners are looking for Supervisors’ direction in the use of a “Habitat Conservation Plan,” or HCP, which is an “implementation measure” by which planners can tailor an overall plan to protect wildlife and habitats in a certain area. Planner Heather Anderson said it is a means of addressing requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and U.S. Fish and Game. Anderson said it is a way of determining if land uses impact something that is federally protected. But one local activist group, the “Amador Citizens for Responsible Government” is encouraging citizens to attend in protest of the HCP. “Spending 2 to 3 million on a Habitat Conservation Plan…would reduce local control of the County’s General Plan and potentially give significant power to Federal and State agencies,” they said in a release. The series of meetings start Tuesday and run Wednesday and Thursday, and will look at land uses all around the county. Standing room only crowds are expected. Day 1 of the serial meeting will be for staff presentations of the meeting’s purpose and background. Day 2 will be for public input and comment. Day 3 will be for planning commission and supervisor deliberation and direction to staff. The meeting, over three days, will be held 1 to 5 p.m. in the Supervisors Chambers, 800 Court Street. The meeting should include planners giving recommendations to supervisors as the meeting progresses.

By Jim Reece -

The Plymouth City Council could decide today whether to raise its water and sewer rates in order to pay for its water pipeline. Last Thursday’s regular meeting brought offers of pipeline funding from developers and a consultant for the Ione Band of Miwok Indians. Peter Teteishi, consultant for the Ione Miwoks, reminded the city that Tribal Chairman Matthew Franklin had sent an August 5th offering to pay for both the building of the pipeline and the upgrades to the wastewater system, “as part of negotiating a (Municipal Services Agreement),” paying for both, “once our land is taken into trust.” Councilman Greg Baldwin said any discussion would have to wait until the land were taken into trust for the tribe. Bob Reeder of Reeder-Sutherland, developers seeking 1,100 units around Plymouth, sought annexation to the city and said his company would guarantee payments of the interest on a loan to pay for the city’s portion of a pipeline. He said his company in July offered future-year funding from water impact fees, paying 180,000 dollars over 4 years. In the long-term offer, Reeder said his company was “willing to give guaranteed income,” without a home built, that they would take over the loan payment 100 percent. Mayor Jon Colburn said that water and sewer rate hikes would hurt single older women, including one “old lady” who lived on a fixed income and whose utility bills he shared with the council and audience. “There’s an inordinate amount of widows in this town, probably 50,” Colburn said, all living on fixed incomes. Vice Mayor Patricia Fordyce said she has “sat in the audience for years and heard about the poor little old lady who lives down the street,” which the council used in arguing against rate hikes and against capital improvements. Fordyce said “She should be dead by now because I’ve been hearing about her for 20 years.” Councilwoman Patricia Shackleton agreed “to an extent” with Fordyce. Shackleton said it was “terrible to sit up here and vote on these things and make people pay more.” Looking back on when the ditch broke down and townspeople couldn’t have a glass of water without boiling it, she said “we should have raised rates.” On the other hand, she said, “I know a little old lady who ate dog food, who lived on 35 dollars worth of dog food. I don’t see any solution but getting this pipeline.” Fordyce asked Flynn about Reeder’s offer, and whether the city should have a financier look into it. “We’re trying to get as much as we can and they are trying to give as little as they can,” Said Flynn, noting that he would he would talk to Reeder and hopefully find a resolution in the next 45 days “They will pay, the question is when?”

Amador County – Sutter Creek has two meetings this week focusing on Sutter Hill area developments. The Sutter Creek Planning Commission meets at 6 p.m. today to further discuss portions of the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. And tomorrow, the city Development Review Committee will get a presentation on the Sutter Hill Transit Center and could make recommendations on the project. The Planning Commission will continue its review of the Gold Rush Specific Plan at 6 p.m. today, with work on “Attachment C” through “Attachment J,” along with the Vesting Large Lot Tentative Subdivision Map, the Revised Zoning Ordinance Amendments,” and conditions of approval. The documents under consideration are all available for review online, and can also be seen on file at the Sutter Creek City Hall. The City Council in the future will consider recommendations of the Planning Commission. The Final Environmental Impact Report will address and respond to comments received during the circulation of the Draft EIR pertaining to the adequacy of the EIR. Send comments to the Gold Rush Ranch review process to the Sutter Creek Planning Department, by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and by regular mail to Sutter Creek City Hall, 18 Main Street, Sutter Creek, CA 95685. Comments can also be faxed to (209) 267-0639. Tomorrow morning, the Sutter Creek Development Review Committee will meet to discuss and consider making a recommendation on the Sutter Hill Transit Center. The committee will review the site plan and conditional use permit. The Amador Regional Transit Center will give a presentation the proposed site plan for the lower portion of the project for committee review and comment in relation to the Conditional Use Permit of June 9th, 2008. The Development Review Committee meets 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Community Building, 33 Church Street, in Sutter Creek. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County - The U.S. Census Bureau is gearing up for the 2010 Census by recruiting for thousands of temporary and part-time jobs throughout the foothills region. A United States constitutional mandate from 1790 requires a systematic population count every ten years. The information is used by the government to distribute tax dollars, and it determines how many seats are allocated per state in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Amador is one of 11 counties in this region that we are recruiting for,” said Judy Lopez, a regional technician with the Census Bureau. “We are currently conducting pre-employment exams and background checks,” she added. Census jobs last anywhere from 5 to 10 weeks and start at 15 dollars an hour. An exam for a non-supervisor position, which includes enumerators and field crew leaders, takes approximately 30 minutes. Supervisor exams take at least an hour and require some previous supervisor experience. Although the meat of the work will be conducted from February 2009 through May 2010, some job requirements could last up to two years. Every household in the area will receive census forms to fill out for the final tally, which is set for April 1st, 2010. “We will need many workers and we encourage people to take the exam,” said Lopez. She said that so far Amador County has shown a strong turnout. A dry-run of the census taking process was recently conducted in San Joaquin County with good results. Most census jobs require U.S. citizenship, a driver's license and use of a vehicle. Each applicant will undergo a background check before being hired. Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties' residents can call 235-3480 to schedule the test. Merced and Mariposa County residents can call 818-717-6700 for recruiting. Story by Alex Lane (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).