It looks as if the ongoing debate over the extension of the Amador Economic Stimulus Package has come to a close- at least temporarily. During a Board meeting Tuesday packed with realtors and contractors in support of the package, the Supervisors and a cross-section of residents from throughout the County debated the merits and setbacks. The main point of contention that had brought the issue back before the council was the permit limit, which had already been reached within two weeks of the package’s initial approval. Supporters of the package generally agreed that swift action and an extension of the permit limit were necessary in order to satisfy those who had not been able to submit plans for approval by the original deadline. While the Supervisors generally agreed that the purpose of the agenda item was to discuss a permit limit extension, the debate primarily revolved around the proposal’s ambiguities.

Parties from both sides of the podium expressed confusion as to what limits were in place that would prevent contractors from qualifying for permits and then sitting on them indefinitely. In the opinion of Public Works Director Larry Petersen, the current 18 month time limit is vague. Both proponents and opponents stated concern over the lack of accountability in respect to the calculated effects that this proposal would have on the local economy.  “I hear nothing about how much money is going to come back into this county,” said Pine Grove citizen John Carlson. Upcountry resident Debbie Dunn reiterated his concern, saying that, “issuing permits does not automatically indicate the economy has been stimulated.” Sheriff Martin Ryan also urged the Board to oppose expanding the package because of his concern over the lack of funding needed for the new jail site. Despite the opposition, supporters remained enthusiastic. “If we can achieve 100 new starts, we can do better than any other place in the state. I really believe that we can pull the county out of this slump,”Novelli for 30 new permits at half fees and half deferred cost, 60 more permits with only deferred fees, a permit application period of 6 months, and a required final inspection or sale of each new project within 2 years. said contractor and package co-author Paul Bramell. The Board approved a motion by Supervisor

Supporters and skeptics of the proposed Amador Economic Stimulus Package entered into a verbal sparring match during a heated debate at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. The stimulus package, which was originally  approved with a 30 permit application limit for building contracts, was added to the this week’s agenda after all the available permits were used in less than two weeks time. While Board members have all publicly stated their approval of the package in premise, some agreed with skeptical audience members who questioned whether the package’s vague guidelines really stimulate local and immediate economic development. During public comment, Debbie Dunn, an upcountry resident, stated that although she wants the best for local contractors and a rejuvenation of the housing market, she also had concerns over its impact on the county’s pocketbook. “There are 35,000 people who have to support this decision, and a vast minority wants this decision to go through. We don’t have any forecast as to when this (economic) slump will end. What we do have is 362,000 dollars given away by the county with no method of recovery except on the backs of the taxpayers,” said Dunn. Dunn also made it clear that she did not intend to enter into a polarizing debate. Moments later, a back-and-forth ensued between herself and some of the Supervisors, most notably Richard Forster. “Someone has to be a leader here, or we can sit back and let people watch TV all day because they don’t have a job,” said Forster. Forster went on to accuse Dunn of “trying to make it sound like you’re representing the whole county.” . 

Earlier in the debate, Pine Grove Contractor Jim Josse opened public comment with a simple statement: “I am number 31.” Josse’s name was referenced repeatedly by Forster and other audience members who strongly support expanding the package now to include more permits and feel that delays in doing so could hurt theSupervisor Boitano was convinced enough to make a motion for a 30 day postponement while he and other Supervisors further investigate the package’s impacts, despite Forster’s call for decisive action now. A compromising motion was reached for a delay of two weeks. The motion was approved 4 to 1 with Supervisor Forster opposing. approved with a 30 permit application limit for building contracts, was added to the this week’s agenda after all the available permits were used in less than two weeks time. While Board members have all publicly stated their approval of the package in premise, some agreed with skeptical audience members who questioned whether the package’s vague guidelines really stimulate local and immediate economic development. intended purpose. Amador building Inspector Larry Perez, who is also opposed to the package, emphasized the importance of including a clause that would require builders to begin construction immediately instead of qualifying for permits now and then sitting on them for years.Supervisor Boitano was convinced enough to make a motion for a 30 day postponement while he and other Supervisors further investigate the package’s impacts, despite Forster’s call for decisive action now. A compromising motion was reached for a delay of two weeks. The motion was approved 4 to 1 with Supervisor Forster opposing.

Terri Works waved goodbye to the Jackson Planning Commission Monday night, marking the end of her term on the commission.  Chair Leticia Sexton thanked Works and says, “We’ll miss her… I’ve learned a lot from her,” a sentiment that seemed to be mirrored by the entire commission. Works indicated that she would still participate in planning commission meetings, but from the other side of the bench.  Works was on the commission for about four years, and her term officially ends June 30th.  The City of Jackson accepted applications for that seat through June 18th, and will make appointments at their June 23rd meeting.

The Sutter Creek City Council last week voted to approve a set of  traffic impact study guidelines drafted by the  Amador County Transportation Commission. The goal of the guidelines is to provide a mode for standard traffic data collection and analysis throughout Amador County, with the ultimate goal of a uniform system for implementing standardized funding mechanisms. Since November, ACTC staff has been taking the guidelines to each city planning commission in order to receive comments and direction. At the meeting Monday night, ACTC director Charles Fields told the Sutter Creek City Council that it was really necessary for all of the cities and the county to adopt the guidelines for them to be effective. “We all need to address traffic in the same way,” Fields said. “If one jurisdiction does not adopt these guidelines, it will impact the whole playing field.”

The city council did have some concerns about the guidelines, and questioned the nature of their authority. City Manager Rob Duke stated that he felt the guidelines should be advisory, and not legally binding. The guidelines include a set of “Statements of Overriding Consideration,” which provide an avenue for developments with traffic impacts that cannot be mitigated, if developers can meet 5 of 8 of criteria.Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe, who was previously employed by ACTC and worked to draft the guidelines, explained that the statements were not a requirement, but a recommendation designed to reduce the number of miles traveled. At the end of the discussion, the Council voted unanimously to approve the guidelines as an advisory tool for standardizing Amador’s traffic impact studies.

The operator of the carnival ride that injured 23 people when it collapsed at the Calaveras County Fair on Friday had two less serious accidents on different rides six years ago. The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration says one boy broke both wrists in 2002 and two other boys had minor injuries when a Brass Ring Amusements employee started a Skywheel ride prematurely at the Stanislaus County Fair. And later that year a boy broke his wrist and another bumped his head at the Tehama County Fair because the company's Zipper ride was out of balance and the brakes needed adjustment. Cal-OSHA spokeswoman Kate McGuire says neither accident was as bad as the malfunction of the company's Yo-Yo ride at the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee. Three people were hospitalized, but all have since been released.

A local Cub Scout pack is back in business after a lengthy break from meetings. Pack 89, based in Pioneer, had discontinued further meetings due to an apparent lack of community interest and no scout master. Anxious and devoted cubs were left in the dark as to when and if their pack would become active again. But Pack 89 resumed meetings again last month after some local boys and their parents made inquiries. Helping the pack get started again was Boy Scout District Commissioner Tom Harris. The Cub Scout Motto is to “do your best” and boys are taught the importance of helping others. Patches and beads are earned as scouts achieve certain goals. Cub Scouts are for boys in grades 1 through 5, and Boy Scouts are grades 6 through 11. Pack 89 now has about nine boys and meetings are being held at the Faith Lutheran Church in Pioneer. For more information on meetings, you can contact Mr. Harris at 295-2343. 

The Amador Water Agency board of directors proudly welcomed Madonna Wiebold, new board member for District 1 at yesterday morning’s Board Meeting. Wiebold replaces the recently retired Heinz Hamann. Also on the agenda, The Amador Water Agency proudly unveiled its new computerized mapping software. The system will centralize all data related to water supply and wastewater systems, as well as provide the agency with comprehensive maps for assessment and maintenance.

Pleasant winter weather and the President’s Day holiday insured a very busy three-day weekend at the Kirkwood Ski Resort. Skies stayed relatively clear and, at a temperature of 22 degrees in the day and lower at night, the snow pack stayed groomed and packed. The surrounding roads, which until recently required chains or 4-wheel drive, were wide-open, allowing weekend skiers from across California easy access to the slopes. Kirkwood opened a total of 65 trails, 37 of which were maintained and groomed.

A deadly viral outbreak is spreading among dogs in the Sacramento area. The virus, known as “distemper”, causes respiratory and  neurologic problems, fevere, and thickened footpads. The virus is extremely contagious. It is most commonly associated with domestic animals such as dogs, although ferrets are also vaccinated for it. Doctors in Marysville Veterinary Hospital are seeing the most cases – eighty percent of the dogs brought in do not survive. Reports of infected dogs in adjacent counties are now being reported. There are no reports so far for Amador County. Although there in cure, symptoms can be treated. Owners are advised to bring animals in immediately if they suspect they are infected. The virus does not affect people or cats. A vaccine has been available since the 1960’s, but authorities believe owners are either unaware or lazy in acquiring vaccinations for their dogs.

Last week’s winter storm brought almost 2 feet of snow to Kirkwood Resort and almost 3 feet to some Lake Tahoe ski resorts. Kirkwood Resort has opened up a few more chair lifts and is open 7 days a week. And if you’re thinking of taking advantage of the new snow, remember that Amador Regional Transit System offers Saturday bus service to Kirkwood. The ride costs only $10 and reservations must be made before noon on the previous Friday. If there are at least 12 riders reserved, the ARTS bus will leave the Arts Terminal on American Legion Drive Saturday morning at 6:30 am and return at 4 pm. If the minimum number of passengers is not met, all passengers’ money will be refunded. For more information, call ARTS at 223-2877.