Amador County - Amador County Treasurer-Tax Collector Michael E. Ryan is reminding property owners that they have until Thursday, December 10 at 5 p.m. to make the first installment payment of their annual secured property taxes for the 2009-10 fiscal year. The first installment of secured property taxes was due and payable on November 1, 2009, and will become delinquent if not paid by 5 p.m. on December 10, 2009; thereafter a 10 percent delinquent penalty will be added. Ryan notes that payments may be made by mail sent to the Amador County Tax Collector, 810 Court Street, Jackson, CA 95642, and must be postmarked by December 10, 2009 in order to avoid late penalties. Payments may also be made in person at the Amador County Tax Collector's Office, which is located on the second floor of the County Administration Center, 810 Court Street in Jackson, between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, Monday through Thursday, holidays excepted. For the convenience of taxpayers, a payment drop box is located on the outside wall of the alcove to the immediate left of the main entrance to the Administration Center. Additionally, payments may be made with a credit card in our office, or over the telephone by calling 1-800-609-4599. Credit card and e-check payments may also be made over the Internet by visiting the web-sites shown on your tax bill. Amador County property tax information is available on-line. To view your tax information, visit www.co.amador.ca.us, select “Government”, then “Treasurer/Tax Collector”, and then “Public Tax Information”. For additional information, please contact the Tax Collector’s Office. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Amador Water Agency Board of Directors heard earlier this month that it was closing in on more than half a million dollars worth of state Proposition 84 grants. AWA Interim General Manager Gene Mancebo reported to the board at its November 12th meeting that a Sierra Nevada Conservancy’s Proposition 84 grant” for a “Regional Approach for Water Reuse” in the amount of $270,000 “is ready for the funding agreement to be executed.” The report also said that a “Department of Water Resources Prop 84 grant for Lake Camanche Groundwater Management and Sustainability in the amount of $247,500 is moving forward and should be ready for the funding agreement to be executed in the next 2 weeks.” The Administration Department report said that the AWA had “partially recovered from the storm and then the power lag with no data loss,” but “rebuilding the engineering servers will take some time as (they) decide how to move forward with the primary servers that were affected.” Mancebo said servers and laptops with expired warranties could contribute to catastrophic failures, and the agency has “several desktops that are at end of life and will need to be replaced within the next year.” Engineering Manager Erik Christeson said the storm outages did not affect a computer aided drawing server, and maps and data. But he said it “may push into January before we have an audit report” on all related damages. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – An agreement concerning the Arroyo Ditch in Plymouth was delayed after a lengthy discussion on water rights at the Board of Supervisors meeting last Tuesday. In question was the First Amendment for Conveyance of the Arroyo Ditch entered into on November 12, 2009 between Plymouth and Amador County. District 5 Supervisor Brian Oneto pushed to add the issue to the agenda after several property owners living in the Plymouth area alleged that a lack of water in the Arroyo Ditch is in violation of the controlling agreement between Plymouth and Amador County. The 18-mile canal, which carries water from the Consumnes River into and past Plymouth, has been dry for years beyond city limits. Oneto asked to insert a clause that would earmark some water for sale to downstream users. He noted there is “nothing in (the agreement) stating Plymouth would deliver water further down the ditch.” Attorney Steven Rudolph, speaking on behalf of Plymouth, said “we are shocked and dismayed to be here today.” He said Plymouth approved of the amendment as is without any further changes. Plymouth officials previously stated that the quitclaim contract gives the city flexibility to negotiate with the Shenandoah Management Company for further improvement and maintenance of the old canal. Supervisor John Plasse said there is nothing in the amendment that ensures the city’s intention to work with downstream users. Oneto said he believes the Plymouth City Council means well, but “city council’s change.” Eldon Wait, Director of the Willow Springs Water District, said “Plymouth has consistently tried their damndest to keep us from any water.” Wait reminded the council that the Willow Springs District is “the oldest recognized district in California” consisting of 2,861 acres, but has remained dormant since any consistent water flow through the canal stopped decades ago. “It’s hard to distribute when you have nothing to distribute,” he said. Speaking on behalf of other property owners in attendance, Wait said “we are asking you as a board to take (the water) down to us because if you’re not capable, certainly the City of Plymouth isn’t.” Supervisor Richard Forster said he could “pretty well tell” that Wait did not trust Plymouth. Referring to the board’s indecision, Forster said he doesn’t “see any reason to reinsert language if we’re not going to put any teeth into it.” The board voted 4-1 with Forster against to hold Chairman Ted Novelli’s signature on the contract in abeyance until the city can further negotiate with the Shenandoah Management Company. Plymouth will hold a special meeting today, Monday, November 30th, to discuss this issue. A public comment period will be allowed. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Amador Regional Planning Committee will meet Tuesday, December 2nd and hear a workshop presented by Rene Chapman, at-large member of the panel, who represents the unincorporated areas of Amador County. Chapman, a grant writer and consultant, will present “Your Town Design Workshop,” with discussion and possible action, as is the case with all agenda items. Chapman’s presentation will include discussion of “possibly holding a local workshop” on the topic. Also on the agenda will be a presentation by Regional Planning Committee Member Connie Gonsalves, mayor of Jackson, who will give a presentation on the Amador Fire Protection District. The information will include an update on AFPD plans and accomplishments. Sutter Creek resident Ed Arata is also scheduled to make a presentation on a revised central county regional wastewater treatment and disposal plan. The Amador Regional Planning Committee membership includes the cities of Sutter Creek, Jackson, Ione and Plymouth, and the Amador County Board of Supervisors. The committee members and alternates included Supervisor Brian Oneto and Supervisor Chairman Ted Novelli, Sutter Creek Mayor Pro Tem Tim Murphy, Gonsalves, Ione Councilwoman Andrea Bonham, Plymouth Councilwoman Pat Fordyce, and at-large public member, Chapman. Potential topics, listed on the meeting announcement as future agenda items include recirculation of the updated Memorandum of Understanding for the formation of the planning committee. Others are general plan update presentations from member entities, as well as “individual presentations on current and proposed wastewater treatment and recycled water distribution facilities and programs. Other future items include drafting “a program document supporting the sharing of revenues from major new and relocated commercial developments, and establishing a system to share personnel and material resources between jurisdictions. The Regional Planning Committee’s next meeting is January 6. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – Sutter Creek resident Mimi Arata circulated petitions last week asking Sutter Creek City Council to balance its budget. Mimi and husband Ed Arata claimed a victory in October – “at least for now” – she said, in stopping the City Council from issuing bonds to repay itself $750,000 borrowed to make emergency sewer treatment system repairs. The Aratas’ latest effort is the petition for a balanced budget, after the council on November 2nd approved its 2009-2010 budget with a deficit of $250,000. Mimi manned a tent last Tuesday next to Bill Boitano’s barn on Boston Alley, across the corner from the city Post Office. They wanted to circulate the petition in front of the Post Office, but were told they could not do so on federal property. Mimi said they plan to take the petitions door-to-door, hoping to match the 350 signatures they gathered on a petition asking the City Council not to pass the bond issue for repayment of the $750,000 internal loan. The council tabled the bond issuance October 5th, to wait until decisions were made on the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort, even though their Bond Attorney Robert Norcross said the city council’s “reimbursement resolution” gives it full authority to reimburse itself with bonds. Finance manager Jeff Gardner said the $750,000 bond would put the city about $400,000 in the positive. City Manager Rob Duke said the bonds would repay funds spent to purge solid matter from the city’s wastewater treatment plant, which began to max out when service began for new Martell businesses. Duke said the city and Amador Water Agency split the total cost of the $1.5 million repair. He said the fix was needed because the Martell hook-ups immediately caused the system to be in violation of state law. Duke said repairs “took almost all of the sewer reserves, which are now upside-down.” Duke said a related state threat of fines had stopped because the city was working to stop wastewater violations, but quarterly violations continue. Ed and Mimi’s criticism has increased as city meetings address plans for Gold Rush. Ed in early November said “Gold Rush will not save us financially, now or in the future,” and urged the city to contract its police work with the sheriff. Mayor Gary Wooten said despite police making up the majority of the city budget, it was still most efficient for the city to have its own police department. He said most of the $1 million police budget comes from grants, including a $300,000 COPS grant. Wooten said it would cost more than $1 million to contract with the sheriff. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Amador County Health Department last week announced the scheduling of 2 free Swine flu vaccination clinics for high-risk groups, December 8th and 16th in Sutter Creek. Amador County Health Officer Dr. Robert Hartmann said in a release November 24th that there will be 2 clinics to give out free vaccination for the H1N1 virus, also known as Swine Flu, with eligible candidates only “high-risk groups.” The clinics are set for 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 8th, and again 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 16th. Both will be held at the Public Health Department, 10877 Conductor Boulevard in Sutter Creek. Hartmann said “these clinics will be open to all individuals that fall into the H1N1 high-risk groups.” High-risk groups consist of people 6 months to 24 years old, pregnant women, and care providers for infants younger than 6 months old, including parents, siblings, and daycare providers. Others in the high-risk group include health-care and emergency medical services personnel, people 25 to 64 years old who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications. As throughout the country, vaccine supply is limited. Hartmann said general public vaccine clinics will be held when supply becomes available. The December 8th and 16th clinics are free, and there will be no charge for the vaccines. For further information, call the Amador County Public Health Flu Line at (209) 223-6697 (for English), and (209) 223-6642 (for Spanish) or the Public Health Department at (209) 223-6407. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Amador County Health Department last week announced the scheduling of 2 free Swine flu vaccination clinics for high-risk groups, December 8th and 16th in Sutter Creek. Amador County Health Officer Dr. Robert Hartmann said in a release November 24th that there will be 2 clinics to give out free vaccination for the H1N1 virus, also known as Swine Flu, with eligible candidates only “high-risk groups.” The clinics are set for 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 8th, and again 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 16th. Both will be held at the Public Health Department, 10877 Conductor Boulevard in Sutter Creek. Hartmann said “these clinics will be open to all individuals that fall into the H1N1 high-risk groups.” High-risk groups consist of people 6 months to 24 years old, pregnant women, and care providers for infants younger than 6 months old, including parents, siblings, and daycare providers. Others in the high-risk group include health-care and emergency medical services personnel, people 25 to 64 years old who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications. As throughout the country, vaccine supply is limited. Hartmann said general public vaccine clinics will be held when supply becomes available. The December 8th and 16th clinics are free, and there will be no charge for the vaccines. For further information, call the Amador County Public Health Flu Line at (209) 223-6697 (for English), and (209) 223-6642 (for Spanish) or the Public Health Department at (209) 223-6407. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – An agreement concerning the Arroyo Ditch in Plymouth was delayed after a lengthy discussion on water rights at the Board of Supervisors meeting last Tuesday. In question was the First Amendment for Conveyance of the Arroyo Ditch entered into on November 12, 2009 between Plymouth and Amador County. District 5 Supervisor Brian Oneto pushed to add the issue to the agenda after several property owners living in the Plymouth area alleged that a lack of water in the Arroyo Ditch is in violation of the controlling agreement between Plymouth and Amador County. The 18-mile canal, which carries water from the Consumnes River into and past Plymouth, has been dry for years beyond city limits. Oneto asked to insert a clause that would earmark some water for sale to downstream users. He noted there is “nothing in (the agreement) stating Plymouth would deliver water further down the ditch.” Attorney Steven Rudolph, speaking on behalf of Plymouth, said “we are shocked and dismayed to be here today.” He said Plymouth approved of the amendment as is without any further changes. Plymouth officials previously stated that the quitclaim contract gives the city flexibility to negotiate with the Shenandoah Management Company for further improvement and maintenance of the old canal. Supervisor John Plasse said there is nothing in the amendment that ensures the city’s intention to work with downstream users. Oneto said he believes the Plymouth City Council means well, but “city council’s change.” Eldon Wait, Director of the Willow Springs Water District, said “Plymouth has consistently tried their damndest to keep us from any water.” Wait reminded the council that the Willow Springs District is “the oldest recognized district in California” consisting of 2,861 acres, but has remained dormant since any consistent water flow through the canal stopped decades ago. “It’s hard to distribute when you have nothing to distribute,” he said. Speaking on behalf of other property owners in attendance, Wait said “we are asking you as a board to take (the water) down to us because if you’re not capable, certainly the City of Plymouth isn’t.” Supervisor Richard Forster said he could “pretty well tell” that Wait did not trust Plymouth. Referring to the board’s indecision, Forster said he doesn’t “see any reason to reinsert language if we’re not going to put any teeth into it.” The board voted 4-1 with Forster against to hold Chairman Ted Novelli’s signature on the contract in abeyance until the city can further negotiate with the Shenandoah Management Company. Plymouth will hold a special meeting today, Monday, November 30th, to discuss this issue. A public comment period will be allowed. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – Sutter Creek resident Mimi Arata circulated petitions last week asking Sutter Creek City Council to balance its budget. Mimi and husband Ed Arata claimed a victory in October – “at least for now” – she said, in stopping the City Council from issuing bonds to repay itself $750,000 borrowed to make emergency sewer treatment system repairs. The Aratas’ latest effort is the petition for a balanced budget, after the council on November 2nd approved its 2009-2010 budget with a deficit of $250,000. Mimi manned a tent last Tuesday next to Bill Boitano’s barn on Boston Alley, across the corner from the city Post Office. They wanted to circulate the petition in front of the Post Office, but were told they could not do so on federal property. Mimi said they plan to take the petitions door-to-door, hoping to match the 350 signatures they gathered on a petition asking the City Council not to pass the bond issue for repayment of the $750,000 internal loan. The council tabled the bond issuance October 5th, to wait until decisions were made on the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort, even though their Bond Attorney Robert Norcross said the city council’s “reimbursement resolution” gives it full authority to reimburse itself with bonds. Finance manager Jeff Gardner said the $750,000 bond would put the city about $400,000 in the positive. City Manager Rob Duke said the bonds would repay funds spent to purge solid matter from the city’s wastewater treatment plant, which began to max out when service began for new Martell businesses. Duke said the city and Amador Water Agency split the total cost of the $1.5 million repair. He said the fix was needed because the Martell hook-ups immediately caused the system to be in violation of state law. Duke said repairs “took almost all of the sewer reserves, which are now upside-down.” Duke said a related state threat of fines had stopped because the city was working to stop wastewater violations, but quarterly violations continue. Ed and Mimi’s criticism has increased as city meetings address plans for Gold Rush. Ed in early November said “Gold Rush will not save us financially, now or in the future,” and urged the city to contract its police work with the sheriff. Mayor Gary Wooten said despite police making up the majority of the city budget, it was still most efficient for the city to have its own police department. He said most of the $1 million police budget comes from grants, including a $300,000 COPS grant. Wooten said it would cost more than $1 million to contract with the sheriff. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Amador Water Agency Board of Directors heard earlier this month that it was closing in on more than half a million dollars worth of state Proposition 84 grants. AWA Interim General Manager Gene Mancebo reported to the board at its November 12th meeting that a Sierra Nevada Conservancy’s Proposition 84 grant” for a “Regional Approach for Water Reuse” in the amount of $270,000 “is ready for the funding agreement to be executed.” The report also said that a “Department of Water Resources Prop 84 grant for Lake Camanche Groundwater Management and Sustainability in the amount of $247,500 is moving forward and should be ready for the funding agreement to be executed in the next 2 weeks.” The Administration Department report said that the AWA had “partially recovered from the storm and then the power lag with no data loss,” but “rebuilding the engineering servers will take some time as (they) decide how to move forward with the primary servers that were affected.” Mancebo said servers and laptops with expired warranties could contribute to catastrophic failures, and the agency has “several desktops that are at end of life and will need to be replaced within the next year.” Engineering Manager Erik Christeson said the storm outages did not affect a computer aided drawing server, and maps and data. But he said it “may push into January before we have an audit report” on all related damages. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.