Jackson – The Amador County Board of Supervisors honored some of their own during their meeting Tuesday, which corresponded with the 234th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Chairman Ted Novelli, a former marine and veteran, was the driving force behind the birthday celebration. “We’ve had a lot of fallen soldiers lately and…my heart goes out to their families,” said Novelli, referring to the recent tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas and the thousands of American soldiers serving in the Middle East. A Marine Corps flag hung on the wall behind the supervisors and a small Marine Color Guard consisting of local veterans lined the back of the room. The crowd in attendance stood and sang the national anthem, followed by a rendition of the Marine Corps Hymn by one of the veterans. Novelli then asked for a brief moment of silence to remember our nation’s fallen soldiers. He ended the celebration by reciting the old Marine Corps motto: “God, Country, Corps!” Also on the agenda was a celebration of longtime Amador County citizen and activist Thelma Clancy’s birthday. Clancy, who recently turned 90, was recognized for her years of service on the Amador County Commission on Aging and other community organizations. Novelli joined Clancy at the podium for the presentation of a special resolution in her honor. The resolution states that “Ms. Clancy exemplifies the wonderful role model that senior citizens can be for all of our community. She is the living proof that it is ‘better to wear out than rust out.’” Clancy has worked on the Transportation Commission, the Housing Committee of the Commission and “has actively advocated for seniors in Amador County.” Clancy said she was proud of what she has so far accomplished and considers there to be “no better place than Amador County to do it.” Supervisor John Plasse echoed the sentiments of the other Supervisors, saying: “If you are a living example of ‘it’s better to wear out than rust out’ then you’ve got a lot of rust left on you.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson – The Administrative Committee on Monday sought clarification of a revenue sharing agreement relating to the annexation of the Gold Rush Ranch and Noble Ranch properties, including a stipulation requiring the developer to dedicate a 3-acre library site. Supervisors Ted Novelli and Brian Oneto made recommendations as to the best course of action before the item is presented to the Board of Supervisors. County Administrative Officer Terri Daly said Supervisors and the Sutter Creek City Council adopted the revenue sharing agreement on September 29, 2003, in order to address “revenue streams.” Part of the revised agreement includes a commitment by Gold Rush to dedicate a 3.01 acre site for a new main library. Gold Rush had also previously made a separate agreement with the Amador County Unified School District to dedicate 17 acres for a new school site. Bill Bunce, development partner with Gold Rush, said the County has “7 years to do something with the 3 acre parcel, and then it reverts back to the school district.” He said they are currently working with the Library Improvement Funding Taskforce group in order to help establish the specifics of the library plan. Oneto asked if there was any requirement that the school and library be built at the same time. Bunce said the two dedications are not connected - they would still be able to dedicate the 3 acres to the county if the school district decides not to accept the land set aside for it. He stressed that the land “will not revert back to (Gold Rush) if the school does not take the site.” He said the school district could eventually turn down the offer because of changing priorities or construction costs. County Counsel Martha Shaver told Bunce “you can’t dedicate something you don’t own.” Bunce said “all we have to do to own it is to have it under an option contract” and “when we execute that option is a function of when the school district wants the site.” The Supervisors agreed to bring the item before the board at their regular meeting scheduled for November 24th. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sutter Creek – The Sutter Creek City Council last week heard that the Sutter Hill annexation faces property owner opposition. During public comment, Sharyn Brown asked the status of the annexation, and City Manager Rob Duke said some property owners wanted out. City staff is preparing a package for the Amador County Local Agency Formation Commission. Duke said it is “much easier if all of the property owners want to annex.” And “if one does not, it makes it much more difficult.” City Planner Bruce Baracco said Wednesday that Duke and Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe are working on an agreement on the Brusatori property, with principal owner Aaron Brusatori, his father Ray, and others. Baracco said the 11-acre property was a key part of the proposed annexation because new sewer and storm drain lines would run through the property, located between Ridge Road and Old Ridge Road. Concerns included tying down obligations of the city and the owner, and making sure all commitments are clear. Baracco said issues include fees, charges, and rights of access to city sewer and other services. Another property owner, Andy Aguilar, is also concerned with the terms, Baracco said. He expected the city annexation package would get to LAFCO in January meeting. He said because there is not full support, the annexation process must include a LAFCO “protest hearing,” which he said could happen in February. A simple majority of protests by owners can stop an annexation. The Sutter Hill annexation includes 11 different property owners and a total of 56 acres. Baracco said the project was different from Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort, which has one owner. He said: “This would be a case of 100 percent owner consent. And if that’s the case, LAFCO has the ability to waive the protest hearing.” Gold Rush includes 945 total acres, with 612 already having been annexed into city limits, and the remaining 1/3rd (333 acres) still to be annexed. Also in public comment last week, the city council received an update on the haunted house fundraiser held in the City Auditorium basement. Jeff Jolly said “this year, we were able to donate $1,600” for the Sutter Creek Elementary School. That was up from last year’s sum of $500. Jolly said it was mostly due to generous donors and a very successful 2-weekend run. He said they did not have to spend money on supplies this year. Donors included Louis Boitano, Pat Crosby and Jeff Gardner. Jolly also thanked JD’s Steakhouse, the City Council, Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort and American Exchange Hotel. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson – A preliminary hearing was held last Friday in the case of Kenneth John Zimmerman, who previously pled “not guilty” to one count of murder after his neighbor John O’Sullivan was shot dead in a dispute in Fiddletown on August 16. Judge David S. Richmond oversaw the proceedings, which are designed to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to hold the defendant for trial. Deputy District Attorney Stephen Hermanson and Public Defender Richard Cotta cross examined four members of the Sheriff’s Department in order to paint a better picture and clarify accounts of what occurred on the evening in question. Deputy Todd Smith, one of the first to arrive on the scene, said Zimmerman had blocked the roadway to his residence with his vehicle and appeared “angry” and “frustrated.” He said Zimmerman had said he “shot at” O’Sullivan who was “somewhere on the property.” Deputy Dustin Macaughey secured the scene and eventually found O’Sullivan deceased on his tractor, off the roadway, in the brush near Zimmerman’s residence. Macaughey confirmed a previously recorded quote by Zimmerman saying “he ran over my foot, I shot at him.” Zimmerman said that O’Sullivan had struck him in the face with his hand and tried to run over him with the tractor. He told police that he used a .25 caliber handgun. Sergeant Brian Middleton said Zimmerman gave “multiple responses” about where he was at when he shot O’Sullivan. Zimmerman reportedly said he was not sure whether the tractor was moving or stationary when he shot because of “the pain in his feet.” Evidence was collected at the scene which may attest to Zimmerman’s claims of physical injury, including blood spots found on his carpet. Middleton said one expended .25 caliber shell casing was found near the scene of the incident. The autopsy report later determined that O’Sullivan was shot “twice in the back and once in the side.” In an uncharacteristic move during a preliminary hearing, Defender Cotta said he completely disputed the autopsy report. He also disputed the order in which some recounted the shots were fired and asked why the two shots in the back were sometimes referred to before the shot in the side. He said he can produce experts who can testify that the shots were not actually fired from behind O’Sullivan. Cotta also wanted to enter as a legal fact that Zimmerman’s 9-1-1 call was made after the shooting. Judge Richmond said that could not yet be established as a fact. According to the Sheriff’s office, Zimmerman and O’Sullivan had “a longstanding dispute”, one which eventually led to their final conflict on the grounds of the property Zimmerman was renting adjacent to O’Sullivan’s house in Fiddletown. The case has garnered international attention because O’Sullivan was a citizen of Ireland and a well-known player of Gaelic football, an immensely popular Irish sport. O’Sullivan’s widow, Krista Clem, was present at the hearing. The next step in the case process will be an arraignment on information filed from previous hearings, set for November 20th at 1pm. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson - The Amador County Sheriff's Office is investigating the shocking discovery of a decomposed human leg and body in the Mokelumne River. Last Sunday at approximately 2 pm, the office received a report that a subject fishing in the El Dorado National Forest near Salt Spring Reservoir had located a possible human leg. Amador County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the area and were directed to the Mokelumne River, west of Salt Springs Reservoir, wherein a decomposed human leg was found partially submerged in the river. A search was conducted and approximately 25 feet away the remainder of a decomposing body was located. The body was located in a dry area, between several boulders near the middle of the river. Due to darkness the scene was secured for the evening. On Monday November 9, Amador County Sheriff's Investigators, along with Detectives from the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office and the Stockton Police Department returned to the area, processed the scene, collected physical evidence, removed the body and conducted a thorough search of the area, which included the use of soil sifters and swift water trained divers. The body was subsequently released from the Amador County Sheriff-Coroner's Office to the custody of the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office to complete the death investigation, which will at a minimum include identifying the decedent, notification of the next of kin and determining the cause and manner of death. For further details, please contact the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office at 754-6500. A TSPN TV Staff Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ione – The Ione City Council last week approved $9,000 in technological improvements and repairs, to replace a server and other computers. City Manager Kim Kerr said the October 13th storm “knocked out” the city finance computer. The city still has its Department of Justice server, and Ione Police Chief Michael Johnson believes they can place the city’s website on that server. A problem was finance data dating back to 1990, which Kerr cannot go on the main city computer because it is incompatible. Kerr recommended dropping use of Internet Service Provider “Twin Wolf,” in favor of a Direct Service Link. She was not satisfied with Twin Wolf, with whom “it’s always an argument that it’s our equipment” causing problems, but “ends up its Twin Wolf’s problem.” Kerr said it has happened that way 4 times, including the latest outage. Kerr and staff are “looking at a virtual private network,” with remote accessibility. Councilman David Plank recommended a Level 4 DSL business account with AT&T, at $55 to $75 a month, “a huge difference from the $1,500 a month” paid to Twin Wolf. Kerr recommended buying a $4,000 tower server, and keeping the current server as a backup. She said there will be additional costs, due to the storm. City Planner Christopher Jordan said the storm “fried the uninterrupted power supplies,” with most having expired warranties. One costing $237, however, had a lifetime warranty. Mayor Lee Ard said the council previously visited the technology issue and knew it was coming. He also agreed “with dumping Twin Wolf,” and said the next step is to look at a plan to build the network. The good thing, he said, was that they can do so with Pacific Municipal Consultants, at $80 an hour, compared to $125 for other technicians, and they can also “have a solution before they leave.” Jordan, of PMC, said they backed up the city’s $140 server and loaded it onto PMC’s computer. He said it was important to have those warranty packs with the purchase of new equipment. Vice Mayor Skip Schaufel voted no in a 4-1 vote authorizing $9,000, including a budget change, for the upgrades. Schaufel said with 17 people on staff, “we’re talking about $114,000.” He said it was “way in excess of what we need,” and “should be about half of that.” Schaufel said it’s “probably a good plan but the cost is outrageous.” Staff direction included bringing a final plan, with an implementation schedule and costs for council consideration by the end of December. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sutter Creek – The Sutter Creek City Council subcommittee on fiscal impacts on Monday discussed who would handle fireproofing parks and wildland, and road maintenance mitigation in the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. A fiscal impact report under discussion included 319 acres of open space, of which about 21 acres will be passive parks, left 90 percent untouched, with all its trees. Local activist Kathy Allen asked if the “open space is ever going to be taken care of.” City Manager Rob Duke said “there is not going to be a Robin Hood type guy out caring for it.” Consultant Anders Hauge said the “irrevocable dedication” gives the city time to take control of the acreage. Planning Commissioner Mike Kirkley said as soon as wildland is annexed, it becomes the city’s responsibility. He said the city can contract with and get insurance through Calfire, “on a per-acre basis.” Kirkley said: “That does not mean we do away with the Sutter Creek Fire Protection District.” The committee also discussed the project’s 34 acres of roads. Kirkley said the city might need to consider forming a Community Facilities District to care for roads. He said it was hard to believe that the city was getting by on gas tax revenue for road maintenance. Planning Commissioner Frank Cunha said he has done “quite a bit of research” and found that city gas tax money is not always spent on road maintenance. Duke said it was, however, always spent on road projects. Duke said the city is about 5 years behind on improvements on Broad Street and Old Sutter Hill Road, waiting on approved funding to become available. He said gas tax revenue is used on major road projects – including Broad and Old Sutter – to match ACTC or Caltrans funds. Duke said: “Having a street maintenance CFD is a fairly common practice.” Gold Rush development partner John Telischak said: “We are contributing $1 million for remedial street maintenance,” and are “building new streets that don’t need maintenance” for years. Cunha said the “$1 million is at build-out,” not “up front.” Cunha said instead, “all new developments should be required to maintain streets.” Duke said he thinks the “gas tax will be a shortfall,” and “chip-seal doesn’t really work to prolong the life of the pavement.” But he would like to see if new technology has improved, as some studies indicate. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sutter Creek – The Sutter Creek City Council last week heard that the Sutter Hill annexation faces property owner opposition. During public comment, Sharyn Brown asked the status of the annexation, and City Manager Rob Duke said some property owners wanted out. City staff is preparing a package for the Amador County Local Agency Formation Commission. Duke said it is “much easier if all of the property owners want to annex.” And “if one does not, it makes it much more difficult.” City Planner Bruce Baracco said Wednesday that Duke and Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe are working on an agreement on the Brusatori property, with principal owner Aaron Brusatori, his father Ray, and others. Baracco said the 11-acre property was a key part of the proposed annexation because new sewer and storm drain lines would run through the property, located between Ridge Road and Old Ridge Road. Concerns included tying down obligations of the city and the owner, and making sure all commitments are clear. Baracco said issues include fees, charges, and rights of access to city sewer and other services. Another property owner, Andy Aguilar, is also concerned with the terms, Baracco said. He expected the city annexation package would get to LAFCO in January meeting. He said because there is not full support, the annexation process must include a LAFCO “protest hearing,” which he said could happen in February. A simple majority of protests by owners can stop an annexation. The Sutter Hill annexation includes 11 different property owners and a total of 56 acres. Baracco said the project was different from Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort, which has one owner. He said: “This would be a case of 100 percent owner consent. And if that’s the case, LAFCO has the ability to waive the protest hearing.” Gold Rush includes 945 total acres, with 612 already having been annexed into city limits, and the remaining 1/3rd (333 acres) still to be annexed. Also in public comment last week, the city council received an update on the haunted house fundraiser held in the City Auditorium basement. Jeff Jolly said “this year, we were able to donate $1,600” for the Sutter Creek Elementary School. That was up from last year’s sum of $500. Jolly said it was mostly due to generous donors and a very successful 2-weekend run. He said they did not have to spend money on supplies this year. Donors included Louis Boitano, Pat Crosby and Jeff Gardner. Jolly also thanked JD’s Steakhouse, the City Council, Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort and American Exchange Hotel. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson – The Amador County Board of Supervisors honored some of their own during their meeting Tuesday, which corresponded with the 234th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Chairman Ted Novelli, a former marine and veteran, was the driving force behind the birthday celebration. “We’ve had a lot of fallen soldiers lately and…my heart goes out to their families,” said Novelli, referring to the recent tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas and the thousands of American soldiers serving in the Middle East. A Marine Corps flag hung on the wall behind the supervisors and a small Marine Color Guard consisting of local veterans lined the back of the room. The crowd in attendance stood and sang the national anthem, followed by a rendition of the Marine Corps Hymn by one of the veterans. Novelli then asked for a brief moment of silence to remember our nation’s fallen soldiers. He ended the celebration by reciting the old Marine Corps motto: “God, Country, Corps!” Also on the agenda was a celebration of longtime Amador County citizen and activist Thelma Clancy’s birthday. Clancy, who recently turned 90, was recognized for her years of service on the Amador County Commission on Aging and other community organizations. Novelli joined Clancy at the podium for the presentation of a special resolution in her honor. The resolution states that “Ms. Clancy exemplifies the wonderful role model that senior citizens can be for all of our community. She is the living proof that it is ‘better to wear out than rust out.’” Clancy has worked on the Transportation Commission, the Housing Committee of the Commission and “has actively advocated for seniors in Amador County.” Clancy said she was proud of what she has so far accomplished and considers there to be “no better place than Amador County to do it.” Supervisor John Plasse echoed the sentiments of the other Supervisors, saying: “If you are a living example of ‘it’s better to wear out than rust out’ then you’ve got a lot of rust left on you.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson – The Administrative Committee on Monday sought clarification of a revenue sharing agreement relating to the annexation of the Gold Rush Ranch and Noble Ranch properties, including a stipulation requiring the developer to dedicate a 3-acre library site. Supervisors Ted Novelli and Brian Oneto made recommendations as to the best course of action before the item is presented to the Board of Supervisors. County Administrative Officer Terri Daly said Supervisors and the Sutter Creek City Council adopted the revenue sharing agreement on September 29, 2003, in order to address “revenue streams.” Part of the revised agreement includes a commitment by Gold Rush to dedicate a 3.01 acre site for a new main library. Gold Rush had also previously made a separate agreement with the Amador County Unified School District to dedicate 17 acres for a new school site. Bill Bunce, development partner with Gold Rush, said the County has “7 years to do something with the 3 acre parcel, and then it reverts back to the school district.” He said they are currently working with the Library Improvement Funding Taskforce group in order to help establish the specifics of the library plan. Oneto asked if there was any requirement that the school and library be built at the same time. Bunce said the two dedications are not connected - they would still be able to dedicate the 3 acres to the county if the school district decides not to accept the land set aside for it. He stressed that the land “will not revert back to (Gold Rush) if the school does not take the site.” He said the school district could eventually turn down the offer because of changing priorities or construction costs. County Counsel Martha Shaver told Bunce “you can’t dedicate something you don’t own.” Bunce said “all we have to do to own it is to have it under an option contract” and “when we execute that option is a function of when the school district wants the site.” The Supervisors agreed to bring the item before the board at their regular meeting scheduled for November 24th. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.