By Jim Reece -

With a 5-0 vote Monday in a special meeting, the Plymouth City Council passed another milestone in its trek toward a new water supply. City Manager Dixon Flynn said it was a huge project for the city of Plymouth and “I don’t envy the people sitting on the city council. This isn’t easy.” Flynn gave an overview of the project, which in its vote Monday, the city council sent out to bid. In 2005, the U.S. Department of Agriculture oversaw Plymouth’s attempt to build a water reservoir on its sewer spray property. And when the numbers came out, the USDA urged the city to scrap the reservoir and instead encouraged the city to entertain a water pipeline. That year, the pipeline was estimated to cost 9 million dollars. Now it is estimated at 12 million, of which 9 million would be the rough cost of construction. Flynn said that could possibly drop and save money for the city and partners, the Amador Water Agency. In July of 2008, Flynn said the city passed Amendment 2, what should have allowed the AWA to go out and seek bids on the pipeline. But another hindrance, 2 easements, stalled the project and were cleared up. AWA was looking for an August or early September return of bids. But after another meeting, the USDA and AWA said Plymouth “needed to have a firm financial plan in place.” With Monday’s vote, the city council authorized staff to notice a water a sewer rate hike public hearing, which allowed AWA to go out to seek bids and kept the USDA happy in financing loans that lie ahead for Plymouth, if, after bids come in, the pipeline remains feasible, Flynn said. Since the OK of the red tape, Flynn said that due to the holidays, the council would meet at a regular meeting November 13th, then adjourn that meeting to November 17th, the set date for the public hearing on rates. In the mean time, Flynn will discuss funding offers from housing and commercial developers, toward mitigation fees for the pipeline. Flynn said they expected bids back by October 23rd and a construction start date of Dec. 31, with water to flow in the new pipeline by January 2010, or, “the project could be done by early fall of next year.”

By Alex Lane -

A candidate’s forum for the Amador Water Agency Board of Directors is scheduled for Monday evening. It will be sponsored by the Amador Resource Conservation District, or ARCD. According to ARCD President Steve Cannon, the forum is an ideal place to pose, “relevant questions designed to promote the exchange of ideas relating to water in Amador County.” The candidates will answer questions pertaining to the management of local water resources, and all candidates shall be able to review those questions ahead of time. Time permitting, the moderator will also allow audience members to ask questions of the candidates. “We do not intend for this forum to be a debate, as such. Our intention is to enhance the public’s knowledge about the candidates’ position on certain water issues, their motivation for seeking a position on the Water Agency Board, and their general knowledge about water issues that qualifies them to serve on the Water Agency Board,” Cannon said. The Amador Resource Conservation District is a special district organized under Title 9 of the California Code whose stated mission is to “encourage the wise use of all natural resources in Amador County and assist the landowners of the county in the conservation and management of those resources.” The forum will take place at the County Administration Building, 810 Court Street in Jackson, beginning at 6:30pm. The moderator will be Giles Turner, a respected educator at Amador High School. The public is encouraged to attend.

By Alex Lane -

The Jackson Civic Center, located next to the Jackson Police Department, was alive with activity Thursday afternoon as residents lined up to donate blood through the BloodSource blood drive. Community volunteers prepared the building by setting up chairs and tables before the drive opened its doors at 11am. The spacious room is also the home to Jackson City Council meetings. Volunteers from the hospital and other area health facilities were there to draw blood from donors who looked utterly content in relaxing, high-backed chairs. After they submitted to a relatively painless needle prick, donors were offered their choice from a number of blood sugar raising treats. “I’ve been on this earth some 64 years now, and this is the first time I’ve bothered to donate blood- I’m not going to make that mistake again,” said Bill, a resident of Plymouth. Established in 1948 as a not-for-profit community blood bank, BloodSource provides lifesaving services to millions of people in 25 counties throughout northern and central California. BloodSource was created entirely by community members in response to a growing need-the need for a safe and adequate blood supply. Through a network of 15 blood centers and over 40 hospitals in cities from Merced to the Oregon border, the BloodSource mission remains simple: To provide blood and services to those in need. To learn more about BloodSource, visit www.bloodsource.org.

By Jennifer Wilson -

It was standing room only at the Pine Grove Town Hall Wednesday evening, where over 150 residents came to hear speakers from Caltrans and the Amador County Transportation Commission, or ACTC, give an overview of what happened to the Pine Grove Bypass. Together, Charles Field, Executive Director of ACTC, and Dan Brewer from Caltrans, gave a six-year history of the events leading up to the decision to scrap the bypass option. Originally, in 2002, a series of town halls were held, at which residents narrowed about a dozen options down to three: a northern bypass, a southern bypass, or widening Highway 88 through Pine Grove. According to Field, the two predominant choices were the southern bypass and the Highway 88 widening. Field reported that in 2002, the cost of a southern bypass was estimated to be about 22.5 million dollars, and that after a 2007 Caltrans study, that amount climbed to 45 million. Latest cost estimates put the southern bypass option at over 83 million dollars, a cost that the State of California called “unrealistic.” According to Field, the bypass was voted down by ACTC this summer due to the “lack of funding” and “high cost” of that option. Their plan now is to conduct a series of public workshops beginning in late January of next year, where they hope to find out “what (Pine Grove) wants to look like, feel like, and be like,” says Field. Many citizens had comments and questions. Carmen Enyeart questioned the state’s motive in upgrading the highway 88 corridor. “Isn’t this just a way to get the skiers up to Kirkwood?” This inquiry sparked others, including a request for data on the ratio of locals and tourists traveling through Pine Grove. Field indicated that as of 2004, a little more than half was local county traffic. Although questions were posed relating to the cost and purpose of the proposed projects, many of the concerns centered on safety. “Where’s the school going to go? Where are the safe zones?” asked one Pine Grove Elementary mother. This prompted more comments, one of which was that the primary concern should be the safety of pedestrians crossing Highway 88. Andy Byrne, Chair of the ACTC board, assured the public that “all of these concerns will be covered in an environmental impact report.” All in all, over twenty people spoke from the audience, some of which requested copies of maps and other data. Lynda Burman, President of the Pine Grove Civic Improvement Club, volunteered to post the specific Caltrans web links on their website at www.PineGroveCA.com. The next step in this process will be the series of public workshops early next year, and TSPN will bring you more information as details develop.

By Alex Lane -

The Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance to amend salaries and benefits for some elected officials at their meeting on Tuesday. In a proposal presented to the Board by County Administrative Officer Terri Daly, she outlined the stipulations of a salary amendment to Section 1, Chapter 2.68 of the Amador County Code. “I think that even in hard times it’s fair for the elected to get the same increase,” said Daly. The Board agreed, approving the ordinance unanimously. In an exclusive TSPN interview the day before, Supervisor Richard Forster explained the Board’s reasoning behind an increase during such tough economic times. “We’ve seen an increase…but not many (county employees) are going to see that increase because we’re all taking furlough days to ease the budget situation within the county,” he said. Forster added that this will effectively be the same increase as other employees in the county receive. This year saw an approximate 4.5 to 4.6 percent increase in pay for county employees with newly negotiated contracts. The ordinance presented Tuesday amended the wages of six county officials. The Sheriff, Treasurer-Tax Collector, Auditor, Clerk-Recorder, Assessor, and District Attorney will see amendments of 7000 to approximately 10,000 dollars to their usual pay.

By Jim Reece -

The Sutter Creek Planning Commission combed through six chapters of the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort’s Environmental Impact Report on Wednesday. About 40 people attended the meeting, which began with the land use chapter. City consultant Anders Hauge led the meeting, discussing general plan categories, their application to the Gold Rush EIR and any recommendations. Commission Chairman Robin Peters asked about custom lots being on a road designated a “collector” and whether they should front the road, Highway 104. Peters said “35 miles per hour — that’s a driveway every 4 or 5 seconds.” She noted that there must be a better location for the lots or they should be provided with other access. Peters said according to the general plan, lots should have frontage on local subdivision streets only. Peters noted that in several sections that Gold Rush’s EIR said road design should minimize grading by aligning with topography and existing grades. Peters called it an oversight – and a “little disingenuous” – noting that the EIR included severe “mass grading” for some of its large lots. Commissioner Mike Kirkley agreed, saying the policy should be consistent throughout the project. In public comment, biologist Terry Strange noted the use of ridges and valleys as natural byways for transportation and roads. Strange said that while preserving ridges and valleys can prevent erosion, having roads and circulation on ridge tops and valleys may cause problems. He said the EIR could consider more current environmental practices. Resident Sharyn Brown commented on another section that said cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets should be discouraged, while through-streets should be preferred. Brown said cul-de-sacs actually can improve the quality of neighborhoods, as in the Bay Area. The Commission, on staff recommendation from Assistant Manager Sean Rabe, decided to meet more often to address the EIR’s compatibility with the city general plan. The commission will meet the first Wednesday of each month strictly for the Gold Rush EIR. They will also meet the second and fourth Monday of each month for regular meetings. The commission next meets Oct. 14.

By Jim Reece -

With a 5-0 vote Monday in a special meeting, the Plymouth City Council passed another milestone in its trek toward a new water supply. City Manager Dixon Flynn said it was a huge project for the city of Plymouth and “I don’t envy the people sitting on the city council. This isn’t easy.” Flynn gave an overview of the project, which in its vote Monday, the city council sent out to bid. In 2005, the U.S. Department of Agriculture oversaw Plymouth’s attempt to build a water reservoir on its sewer spray property. When the numbers came out, the USDA urged the city to scrap the reservoir and instead encouraged the city to entertain a water pipeline. That year, the pipeline was estimated to cost 9 million dollars. Now it is estimated at 12 million, of which 9 million would be the rough cost of construction. Flynn said that could possibly drop and save money for the city and partners, the Amador Water Agency. In July of 2008, Flynn said the city passed Amendment 2, what should have allowed the AWA to go out and seek bids on the pipeline. But another hindrance, 2 easements, stalled the project and were cleared up. AWA was looking for an August or early September return of bids. But after another meeting, the USDA and AWA said Plymouth “needed to have a firm financial plan in place.” With Monday’s vote, the city council authorized staff to notice a water a sewer rate hike public hearing, which allowed AWA to go out to seek bids and kept the USDA happy in financing loans that lie ahead for Plymouth, if, after bids come in, the pipeline remains feasible, Flynn said. Flynn said they expected bids back by October 23rd and a construction start date of Dec. 31, with water to flow in the new pipeline by January 2010, or, “the project could be done by early fall of next year.”

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?”

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.”

By Jim Reece -

A deluge of motorcyclists passing through Amador County this weekend translated into crashes and injuries for three people. Many bikers were making the trek to a Reno, Nevada “Street Vibrations” event. A Stockton couple riding a 1997 Harley Davidson motorcycle crossed the center line on dangerous Pioneer curves and crashed with an SUV Thursday on highway 88, east of Cooks Station. James Cook, 54, was driving the Harley and his passenger was Terry Cook. Both were seriously injured and were air-lifted to Sutter Roseville Medical Center with major injuries. A spokeswoman at Sutter Roseville Medical Center said the Cooks were in fair condition at the hospital Friday. California Highway Patrol reported that the Cooks were east-bound on Highway 88, approaching Nobb Hill at about 45 mph, when their Harley rounded a right-hand curve and Mr. Cook allowed the motorcycle to cross over into the west-bound lane. An approaching 2003 Dodge Durango veered to the right but was unable to avoid being side-swiped by the motorcycle. James and Terry Cook were ejected from the Harley. Craig Ziglar, 54, driver of the Durango, and his passenger, Stacey Ziglar, 52, both of Gardnerville, Nevada, were unhurt in the crash. Both left tires of the Durango were punctured in the crash. The collision occurred East of Mace Meadow Golf Course in a series of infamous curves that have been the scene of many motorcycles, automobiles and trucks crashes in the past. There was no clear reason why the motorcycle crossed the center line and CHP were still investigating the accident. On Thursday, another motorcycle crash resulted in major injury. CHP reported that Robert Lockwood, 66, of San Jose was riding his 2009 Harley Davidson east-bound on Highway 88, east of Cooks Station at about 3:30 p.m., when he failed to maintain the motorcycle within the east-bound lane. The Harley left the roadway at the south road edge. Lockwood was ejected from the motorcycle as it rolled over multiple times. He sustained major injuries and was transported by helicopter to Sutter Roseville, where he remained in good condition Friday.