Amador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors heard that $1.2 million in remodeling work through state recreation grants was finding some blockage to progress, though the elements were not yet among the causes.

Amador County Recreation Agency Director Tracy Towner-Yep said the Proposition 40 grant funds were likely to be extended another year on about $700,000 in project funding, for various building remodels around the county. Some of those will have to be completed by March 31 to keep the funding alive. One of those is the remodeling of the Pine Grove Town Hall, and the other is a remodel at the Volcano Armory.

Supervisor Chairman John Plasse said he was worried about meeting the March 31 deadline. He said these are “expensive projects that need to be finished on time.”

Towner-Yep said a county building permit was not yet issued for the Pine Grove Town Hall job because the Amador Water Agency “threw us a curve” and needed $650 to review the plans. Once that paperwork is given, the building permit will be issued. She said demolition has begun at the Town Hall. Supervisor Louis Boitano suggested she talk with AWA’s official in District 4, Robert Manassero.

Supervisors also wondered about the jobs being won by non-local contractors. Towner-Yep said: “We did advertise up here,” and “it’s against the law for us to call people and say ‘Bid on this job.’ ” She said most of these guys are hiring local contractors and buy local materials, so some of the money is staying in the county.

She said the Pine Grove Town Hall may need unexpected drywall to reinforce it, as recommended by the contractor. She said Supervisors had loaned ACRA $200,000 that the state owes the agency for the projects, and Plymouth City Council had loaned another $90,000. Work locations include Pioneer Park, Plymouth, River Pines and Volcano.

Supervisor Ted Novelli asked why nobody was working last week to lay brick or block on one project, with good weather in which to work. Towner-Yep said the bricklayer had guaranteed that he would start work on Tuesday. Supervisor Richard Forster said they “need to call the bricklayer and tell him the Super Bowl party is over.” Plasse said rain was forecast for this weekend.

Towner-Yep said boulders in Volcano that crumbled to the touch were an issue, causing a redesign of the Armory remodel. She said it was decided that it would be better to build around them. Novelli said that “change orders need to be brought immediately.”

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.