Jackson - The Amador County Board of Supervisors has extended the deadline for accepting applications for volunteers to serve on a Winery Ordinance Review Ad Hoc Committee. The Committee will be reviewing the County's current winery and tasting room zoning regulations and making recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding possible amendments to those regulations. The Board of Supervisors has also changed the composition of the Ad Hoc Committee to be comprised of three members of the Amador Vintners Association, three members of the Amador Wine Grape Growers Association, three members of the public at large with experience and knowledge of the wine/grape industry, and two members of the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is, however, retaining the flexibility to change the composition of the Committee in the event adequate numbers of applications are not received. Applicants must be a resident of Amador County and either be members of one of the aforementioned groups, or have experience in and knowledge of the wine/grape industry. Individuals who meet these criteria are encouraged to apply. The dates and times of the Ad Hoc Committee meetings will be determined. If you desire to apply for this volunteer position, applications may be obtained from the Amador County Board of Supervisors Office located at 810 Court Street, Jackson, CA, or by calling (209) 223-6470. The deadline for submitting applications is 5 pm, Tuesday, October 6. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson – The Amador Regional Transit Board of Directors last week discussed and eventually approved a number of measures described as “crucial” by Amador Regional Transit System Manager James Means. The challenge posed to the directors was how to come up with funding in order to bring some aspects of the ARTS program into compliance with federal regulations. Means recommended hiring three entry-level mechanics because OSHA maintenance regulations require that the two-man concept be used when overhead lifts are in use. Furthermore, ARTS maintenance facility does not have maintenance pits and two maintenance technicians are required whenever repairs are performed. When Chairman Louis Boitano asked what had been done to comply with federal regulations in the past, Means said “we’ve been in violation of various regulations, pure and simple.” Means equated the county’s ability to so far avoid the hefty fines associated with OSHA violations to gambler’s luck. “Sooner or later, it catches up with you,” he said. Board member Greg Baldwin thanked Means for his excellent work and enthusiasm transforming the ARTS program and agreed that funding two additional staff positions was necessary, but cautioned against spending money they don’t have. Board member Richard Forster said he is open to giving Means latitude but also cautioned that funds were low. Means said “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I found it this way and I’m just trying to fix it.” Means also strongly recommended the board authorize him to investigate the possible restoration of Saturday bus service. Amador County Transportation Director Charles Field said the General Fund monies allotted for ARTS were almost fully depleted. Means also requested the approval of research in procuring management software, authorization to pursue grant writing services and approval for a contract with Prudential Overall Supply for staff uniforms consisting of polo-style shirts with embroidered ARTS logos. On the subject of uniforms, Forster called them “a no-brainer…it’s important to show professionalism.” In total, the board approved seven agenda items pertaining to ARTS needs. Funding for staff and uniforms is expected to come from the contingency fund. 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 was urged to take its time on the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort, and not to freeze traffic impact fees. District 4 Supervisor Louis Boitano urged the City Council to “consider all facts carefully before voting to approve” Gold Rush. Boitano, in a letter Thursday to the council said: “Approval of this project is a very complex issue and could potentially have significant impacts on not only traffic but fire services, roads and schools in the county as a whole.” He urged the council to review its October 20th resolution and a related attachment, “which outlines the specifics of the revenue sharing agreement with the city of Sutter Creek for the Noble Ranch Allen Ranch Phase II Annexation.” Boitano said a “similar resolution was unanimously adopted by the Board of Supervisors” in November 2003. Boitano said “as chairman of the Amador County Transportation Commission,” he urged the council to “not lock in the (traffic mitigation) fees at the rate of $170 per trip-end but give the city, county and region the ability to raise the rates over time so that each home will be paying amounts that can provide needed infrastructure.” Amador High School Athletic Director Kevin Neville in a letter last Friday said “there is a need for more parks and recreation facilities” in Sutter Creek. He said fields at Amador “are used continually from the time school is dismissed until late into the evening,” and “almost every weekend.” Neville said: “During peak seasons, as many as three teams will be practicing on the same field, safety is a major issue and organizing a quality practice is difficult.” Neville said the “Gold Rush Development plan includes a park and fields,” and he hoped “the city requires and supports this aspect of the plan.” County Assessor Jim Rooney gave the council “information they can use as they see fit.” He said “nobody is suggesting this will affect property taxes in Sutter Creek.” He said the average home sale price in Gold Rush would be $450,000. Sutter Creek’s property tax revenues in 5 years would be $2 million. In 10 years, it would be $4 million, and 15 years out, it would be $6.9 million. The county would get 22 percent of property taxes, and the schools would get about 60 percent, or about $3.9 million after 15 years. The council discusses Gold Rush again today, with a 6 p.m. meeting in the Auditorium. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pioneer - A Sun Valley, Nevada man died during a motorcycle accident Saturday afternoon on Highway 88 near Cat Creek in eastern Amador County. According to a report by the California Highway Patrol, Darius L. Scarbro, 54, was travelling at speeds in excess of 70 miles per hour, “attempted to negotiate a curve to his left and failed to maintain control of his vehicle.” Scarbo was driving a 1996 Harley Davidson motorcycle. The Report of Collision said Scarbro “ran off the north side of the highway and overturned.” His bike struck a sign post and began to flip end over end. Scarbro was ejected from the bike and thrown approximately 50 feet further west down the road. Scarbro was pronounced dead at the scene. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson - Thousands of acres of Pacific Gas and Electric company lands along the Mokelumne River and the entities competing for there ownership are the subject of an upcoming public information meeting in Jackson. The 140,000 acres under discussion became available after a bankruptcy settlement agreement with the state in 2000 required PG & E to donate their surplus lands to public entities or non-profit organizations. After concern was expressed over how stewards would be chosen, a Pacific Land and Forest Stewardship Council was established to spearhead designation of donees. Amador County consultant John Hoffman told Supervisors on August 12 that the county is one of many donees competing with other interested parties for land management. Donees can be land owners or conservation easement holders with a say over land use, but not both. The bankruptcy deal requires new owners to manage the lands in the “public interest.” It is expected that approximately half of the 140,000 acres of PG & E lands will ultimately be donated. Also at that meeting, Mary Adelzadeh, Regional Land Conservation Manager with the Stewardship Council, said “our primary purpose is to conserve and enhance these watershed lands.” She said “we’re seeking organizations interested in holding fee title” as well as “organizations interested in a land conservation role.” She said the primary role of a title holder “is really monitoring, with no management involved.” Amador County is among 19 entities interested in fee title on parcels of approximately 2,607 acres of land in the North Fork Mokelumne area, 914 acres in the Lower Bear area and 1,028 acres in the Blue Lakes area. Other applicants include the Amador Water Agency, the California Department of Fish and Game and the US Forest Service. “These decisions are going to effect ecology, wildlife and the ability to transfer water back and forth,” said Forster. The Stewardship Council will host the upcoming workshop, to take place October 7 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Amador County Senior Center in Jackson. For initial reports and proposals on the Mokelumne River properties and other PG&E lands being evaluated, visit www.stewardshipcouncil.org. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ione – The Ione City Council is scheduled to hold a workshop today on its current fiscal year budget, and will look at ways to close the gap on an expected $700,000 deficit. The council will discuss the proposed 2009-2010 budget from 3 to 5 p.m. today in a workshop at City Hall. Adoption could come after a public hearing October 6th. In a report last week, City Manager Kim Kerr told the council that “staff has been working on the budget” and “monitoring impacts from the state’s budget” to “ensure that the city can adopt a balanced budget.” Kerr said “the general fund is projected to have a deficit of $698,000.” She said staff is recommending balancing the general fund by transferring $200,000 from “gas tax,” $200,000 from “general fund reserves,” $120,000 from a Community Development Block Grant fund, $68,000 from the Amador Regional Sanitation Authority fund, and $10,000 from Local Traffic Mitigation Fee Funds. Kerr said “overall, the city’s revenues are declining and expenses are increasing.” Ione lost $276,000 in property tax revenue, including $90,000 due to a county assessment change. The state took 8 percent of the city’s property taxes, or $54,904, and the state could take 8 percent of vehicle license fees in lieu of property taxes, an expected $66,953 reduction. Kerr said “sales taxes are volatile and staff is projecting lower sales tax receipts” this year, with a $65,000 reduction expected. Increased expenses include a retirement contributions for police officers, a $100,000 increase over last year. Kerr said the city still needs to reduce the deficit by decreasing expenses, and she took a temporary cut of $12,545; the finance manager took a $7,357 cut; and the police chief took a $6,822 reduction. A city team is negotiating reductions with unions. Over the past year, the city cut costs by nearly $200,000 by reclassifying job positions or not filling vacancies. Expenses for the current year have been reduced in capital projects; and attorney, planning and engineering expenses. Kerr said the budget does not include five requests for funding from Amador County Chamber of Commerce at $1,000; Amador County Recreation Agency at $19,000; Amador Council of Tourism at $1,000; and the Ione Business and Community Association at $4,000. Kerr said “the budget does not project the costs for the wastewater project at this time,” and the “budget will need to be modified if the project is initiated before the end of the fiscal year.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson – County Administrative Officer Terri Daly presented the Board of Supervisors Tuesday with a Strategic Plan Update designed to “improve communication and cooperation both internally and externally.” Daly said “this isn’t just a make-work project…everyone has to-do lists that are already pretty lengthy at this point.” Rather, her plan intends to streamline county systems and help to reduce the bureaucracy inherent in government bodies of all sizes. Chairman Ted Novelli said that he and the other Supervisors have received random questions via phone and email about everything from traffic right-of-ways to “beetles in trees.” He said they try and answer as many questions as possible. Daly said the Supervisors’ clerks have worked hard to answer the variety of calls they receive and have never complained, considering staff reductions due to budget cuts. She called them a “model department.” Novelli said it would be nice to implement a system where calls could be properly diverted to the appropriate department. Daly read through a list of “Six-month Strategic Objectives” and a “Three Year Goal” to put strategies in place. The six month plan included a request for department heads to produce departmental status updates, reviewing the External Communications Plan, developing a County Services Directory and redeveloping the website to be more user friendly. Earlier in the meeting Supervisors heard a presentation from IT Director Jeff White on the revamped county website, now up and running online. Three-year goals included identifying training needed to increase staff awareness of county resources, developing a list of questions regarding the county’s core values, reviewing federal stimulus opportunities and creating a prioritized list of county codes and policies. Daly posed the question: “Before we get to the point where we have money again, where do we add staff back?” She also told the board she had written a letter cancelling the county’s state lobbyist contract as it had proven to be “ineffective.” She recommended putting more staff resources behind Supervisor Richard Forster’s efforts as a member of the Regional Council of Rural Counties, an organization that works hand-in-hand with member counties in areas of State and Federal advocacy, program development and outreach. No formal action was taken. Supervisors unanimously supported Daly’s ongoing efforts. 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 continued its Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort public hearing this week, and would answer questions brought out in hearings last week. Project principal Bill Bunce last week said he cherished the process. “Some people in this community think that I am lower than whale dung, and I appreciate that,” Bunce said last Tuesday. “I love this process.” He said: “I think this is the best project to come to the foothills, and I say that humbly.” On Thursday, one woman said she thought anti-Gold Rush signs in town were negative and “should come down.” She said tourists see the signs and think something is wrong. Bart Weatherly said he represented 100 to 150 people and was appalled at Bunce liking the process. He said it was “killing” him and “has turned neighbors and friends against each other.” Weatherly called Gold Rush “un-build-able,” “un-sell-able” and “un-livable,” and gave Bunce a list of comments and questions. Bunce told the council he would answer the document in writing, and give the answers to the council. Lisa Koslowski, president of the Sutter Creek Business Association, said her organization voted to support Gold Rush a year ago, and “most of us were in favor of it.” She said as a business person, she knows she will benefit, but as a resident, she was “torn.” Koslowski said “it’s a beautiful project. If you are developing that land, you should let no one other than Gold Rush do it.” She said she was torn because she really did not “want 5,000 people around here.” She said the design and materials they are going to use are “very beautiful,” but “if they sell, do we have any control over that?” Bob Reeder of the Amador County Business Council, said his group voted unanimously to support Gold Rush, and urged the council to pass it, as did Former Supervisor Richard Vinson, District 3, who said he thought it was a good project. Tom Infusino told the council that the Foothill Conservancy thought the project’s Environmental Impact Report was not in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, and he submitted a partial list of those presumed failings. The Conservancy’s Katherine Evatt said she thought the project would include “smart growth” and recycled water, but she was disappointed that it did not, and the project’s plan seemed to envision “what developers see as the city’s future.” Infusino urged the city council to complete a fiscal analysis of the project before any approval of Gold Rush. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sutter Creek – The public hearing last week showed some of the numbers behind the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. Chris Austin, analyst for the project told the Sutter Creek City Council and scores in attendance that home prices are down 50 percent in California. But he said there will be “$1.3 billion in economic activity created by this project.” It would bring 10,700 jobs, including “228 on-site jobs.” Austin said “$450 million in worker salary will be created by this project,” with “$22.5 million in property taxes,” “$39.5 million in school district revenue,” and “$475 million in taxable sales.” Austin said: “There’s a lot of dollars being generated by the project.” Project Principal Bill Bunce said “it was always imagined that there would be golf, time shares and homes.” He said partner, Troy Claveran agreed that “piecemeal” was not the way to go, but rather for all parts of the plan. They “invested millions of dollars over many years,” and they could not do the project just for wastewater solutions. Bunce said: “I’ve always believed this will be a quality project to help Sutter Creek.” An attorney for Gold Rush said the developer will pay a $1 million fee for open space, but wants to pay on a “program basis.” He said Sutter Creek attorney Dennis Crabb’s conditions of approval “remedy sections are highly disproportionate.” The Gold Rush attorney said developers want a condition that if the City Council breeches the contract or “causes it to happen that Gold Rush cannot carry on,” Gold Rush would be awarded attorney fees, and would be “compensated for non-nexus benefits that Gold Rush gave to the city.” Gold Rush benefits to Sutter Creek include a plan to take over operation of the wastewater plant, and expansion of it to a higher level of treatment. They also plan to dedicate 17 acres of land to the Amador County Unified School District, for a school and park adjacent to the project. Superintendent of School Dick Glock said the project likely would add 420 students over a 10- to 20-year period. He said the schools could handle that, and if the district cannot take the 17 acres, the developers will give schools $2 million. Bunce said: “We believe Gold Rush can make better schools, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t already great.” Bunce said he knew the importance of preserving schools. His wife has been a school teacher for 17 years, and they have children in 1st, 5th, and 8th grades. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson - Rural-PRIME, an innovative UC Davis School of Medicine program designed to increase access to health care in rural areas of California, launched a medical-training partnership this month in Amador County. Two third-year medical students began clinical rotations in primary care and obstetrics and gynecology at Sutter Amador Hospital. Sutter Amador is the third official site beyond the UC Davis Sacramento campus where the School of Medicine will train its students as the next generation of rural physicians. “We are thrilled to have this new partnership with UC Davis,” said Anne Platt, CEO for Sutter Amador Hospital. “We think they’ll find their time here fulfilling, and we are especially hopeful that it will lead them to practice in a rural community some day, maybe even here in Jackson.” By 2015, experts predict the state will face a significant shortage of physicians, with rural communities struggling to provide health care with fewer doctors per resident than in urban areas. Rural residents often lack access to the full spectrum of medical services that urban populations enjoy. Rural-PRIME is part of the University of California's Programs in Medical Education, or PRIME, which is designed to produce physician leaders who are trained in and committed to helping California's medically underserved communities. By next year, UC Davis School of Medicine will have nearly 50 students enrolled in the program. As part of Rural-PRIME, UC Davis is partnering with other health systems in the state that are committed to improving rural health, passionate in their advocacy for change in the rural health-care delivery system and willing to become teaching sites for medical students. Jackson, along with the mountain town of Truckee and the central valley community of Reedley, are the first designated Rural-PRIME sites. Students will spend from four-to-eight weeks immersed in rural clinical settings, experiencing some of the unique challenges and benefits that only those types of communities can offer. The students are also given opportunities to integrate technology into their curriculum and training through distance learning and the use of telemedicine. High-speed telecommunications technologies such as telemedicine help bridge the rural gaps in access to quality health care and are a key element in Rural-PRIME training. Staff Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.