Tom
Monday, 02 August 2010 06:20
AWA Brainstorms Cost Reductions, Revenue Increases
Amador County - On the heels of a third successful rate increase protest, this one on the CAWP Retail System, the Amador Water Agency Board of Directors has scheduled a meeting with all Water Agency employees to brainstorm ideas for both cost reductions and revenue increases at AWA. The meeting is an opportunity for the Board and Agency staff to discuss possible concepts that may ultimately improve the financial health of the Agency. The meeting will be held Tuesday, August 3 from 8:00-11:00 am in the Agency Board Room. Just like other local government entities, the Water Agency has been challenged by recent years of economic downturn. AWA General Manager Gene Mancebo says closed businesses, vacant homes, reduced water usage, and virtually non-existent development have all contributed to a dramatic decrease in income to the Agency.
Rate increase protests in La Mel Heights, Lake Camanche and CAWP systems have prevented scheduled rate increases and reduced Agency revenues further. Most recently in the upcountry CAWP Retail system, 1,396 signatures opposing a proposed three-year water rate increase were verified, successfully halting the rate hike. Under the state’s Prop. 218 rate protest procedure, opponents of the rate increase needed over 50 percent of the system’s 2,625 water users to formally protest the rate increase to succeed. In the meantime, the Agency must continue to provide service to all of Amador County’s water and wastewater customers and fulfill its commitment to public health and safety. “Many of the Agency’s costs are out of our control,” says Mancebo. “The cost of fuel for vehicles, electricity for pumps and treatment plants, water treatment chemicals, state reporting fees – we can’t make cuts in these kinds of operating costs.” The Agency has reduced staffing costs by approximately 25 percent over the past two years. In 2008 there were 62 regular full-time equivalent positions and four temporary positions at AWA; currently there are 46 regular full-time equivalent positions and no temporary positions. Four full-time workers were laid off as of July 23. Over $1.23 million in total salaries and benefits have been cut since the 2008-2009 budget year. At their last Board meeting, Directors approved implementing the 4 percent balance of a previously approved 12 percent rate increase for the Amador Water System, which was only partially implemented at the beginning of last fiscal year. This rate increase allows the 2010-2011 budget to balance but requires already depleted cash reserves to be reduced by at least another $300,000 to meet expenses. Mancebo says the pattern of reducing reserves is not sustainable and the Water Agency can’t absorb another year of reserve reductions without severe financial consequences. “Everyone at the Amador Water Agency recognizes that these are also difficult economic times for ratepayers and many others in the county,” said Mancebo. “We have very talented and committed employees here at the Water Agency and we hope the meeting Tuesday will result in some creative ideas that will help us meet our current economic challenges.” Via Press Release This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Monday, 02 August 2010 06:11
2010 AC Fair a Huge Success
Amador County – Another successful Amador County Fair has come and gone, leaving behind lasting memories for all those who were in attendance. While the final numbers have yet to be tallied, the strong turnouts for most of the Fair’s popular events was an indication that this was a year to rival any other. Traditional fair events, including the CCPRA rodeo, destruction derby and tractor pull all had sell out or close to sell out crowds. The fair is always a great place to catch a wide variety of talented musical and stage acts, and this year was no exception. Local and regional performers included Mario Manzini performing like Houdini, Chrystal Image, Hero’s Last Mission, Erin McKinney & HoTT LeDD, Whiskey Dawn, the Dave Russell Band and James Garner with a standout tribute to the late Johnny Cash. “Bringing people together is really what the Amador County Fair is all about,” said fair CEO Troy Bowers shortly before the opening of the fair last Thursday. “I so look forward to this every year.” This year’s theme, “County Fair Safari – It’s a Jungle Out There!” was also a hit. Visitors seemed to get a big kick out of the jungle decorations and fair employees wearing safari caps. The theme was made all the more authentic by a special jungle animal exhibit that included boa constrictors, scorpions, porcupines and geckos. “This is all so entertaining,” said Donna Priestley, a resident of Lodi and first time fair attendee. “I can guarantee that if it is always this fun in Amador County I will bring my family back to the fair every year.” TSPN will relay the results of various fair events throughout the week, including the destruction derby and the Miss Amador Contest. Stay tuned to TSPN for more information on your 2010 Amador County Fair! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 30 July 2010 06:15
Calaveras County Experiences 2 Fatal Accidents In 24 Hours
Calaveras County – Calaveras County experienced two separate fatal vehicle collisions in less than 24 hours, as confirmed Thursday by the San Andreas California Highway Patrol (CHP). The first collision took place at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday evening on Gold Strike Road just south of Leonard Road near San Andreas. Matt Thien, 21, was operating a 1993 Dodge occupied by Michael G. Thien, 50, and Karen Lundy, 54. Thien, who later admitted to driving while intoxicated, said he observed another vehicle turning onto Gold Strike Road from Leonard Road in front of him. The CHP report said that “due to (Thien’s) intoxication and unsafe speed, he applied (the vehicle’s) brakes and turned into the northbound lane from the southbound lane. Leah Montoya, 30, who was driving a 1999 Mercedes occupied by her 10-year-old daughter Felicia, observed Thien’s vehicle cross the double yellow lane divider headed straight toward her. She applied the brakes and swerved to the right, but the front end of her vehicle struck the front end of Thien’s. Both Michael J. Thien and Karen Lundy died as a result of the accident. Thien was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. A second vehicle collision was reported by the CHP to have occurred Thursday at 6:50 a.m. A driver whose identity has yet to be released was driving a 2005 Pontiac Sedan eastbound on Highway 4 near Brice Station when he crossed over the center divider for unknown reasons and collided with a 2007 Kenworth truck towing a trailer loaded with logs. The unidentified driver “collided with the fourth axle of the driver side of the logging trailer” and suffered fatal injuries as a result. The driver of the truck was uninjured. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 30 July 2010 06:13
Supes Select New County Administrative Officer
Amador County - The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday selected a new County Administrative Officer in a closed door meeting after their regularly scheduled meeting. Chuck Iley, current director of Developmental Services in Orange Park, Clay County, Florida, has been given a conditional employment offer pending a background check. Iley will fill the position left vacant by Terri Daly, who recently resigned in order to take a job as Deputy CAO for El Dorado County. Daly served Amador County as CAO since March 2007. Her last day was July 23. If accepted, Iley will bring a wealth of education and experience to the position. He is an engineer and an AICP, APA certified planner with a master’s degree in business administration from the University of North Florida and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Miami. He background also includes working as an engineer for Caltrans. According to Board of Supervisors Chairman Brain Oneto, Iley has worked in Clay County for over nine years and “all his references there speak very highly of him.” The meticulous interview process that led to Iley’s selection began shortly after Daly announced her resignation. Supervisor John Plasse said it came down to 5 finalists and Iley was decided upon as the top candidate by the board. Various department heads also interacted with Iley and gave their input on him to the board. “All input considered, Chuck seems to be a very level-headed, confident individual and I look forward to working with him,” said Supervisor John Plasse. Kristin Bengyel, interim CAO and acting director of Health Services, said she is excited to work alongside Iley. “We look forward to his arrival,” she said. Iley is reportedly happy to return to California; in part because he has relatives in Volcano. Bengyel said Iley will start on September 20 “at the latest.” The starting salary for the position was advertised at $132,165, but Bengyel said he will start at $118,949 due to current work week cutbacks agreed upon with union negotiators. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Friday, 30 July 2010 06:10
West Point Woman Arrested for Embezzeling from PG Ace Hardware
Amador County – The Amador County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday the arrest of a West Point woman for embezzling from Pine Grove Ace Hardware. Sheriff’s deputies initially responded to the report of a crime on April 21, 2009. The owner of Pine Grove Ace Hardware and the victims in this case reported that in August 2006, they hired Ashley Marie Alaway, 26, of West Point, as a bookkeeper and accounts payable representative for their business. The victims stated they were ultimately forced to close the business and file for bankruptcy. During the process, some irregularities in bookkeeping were identified. The victims began checking their records and found that Alaway had fraudulently given herself raises and used business funds to pay personal bills and expenses. An Amador County Sheriff’s Detective was assigned and began the financial investigation. The investigation included additional interviews with the victims, the drafting and execution of multiple search warrants, a lengthy and complex financial analysis and numerous attempts to interview Alaway, who declined all interviews. Amador County Sheriff’s Detectives working with the victims and various financial institutions have identified no less than $106,000 in loss. Alaway, who was employed at Ace Hardware for approximately 18 months, gave herself raises within six months of employment, to over 33 percent of her authorized pay. She additionally arranged a direct deposit, effectively doubling her already inflated salary. Alaway also used funds from the Ace Hardware business accounts to pay personal bills and expenses, and to filter funds through various personal accounts. After Alaway’s employment was terminated due to the business closure, Alaway reported her fraudulently earnings to the California Employment Development (EDD) Department to acquire increased unemployment benefits. EDD has been advised of this investigation and Alaway’s fraudulent reports to that agency. The case was subsequently presented to the Amador County District Attorney’s Office for review. The District Attorney’s Office drafted a complaint alleging Alaway committed embezzlement. On July 8, 2010 the Amador County Superior Court approved and issued an arrest warrant for Alaway based upon the complaint filed by the District Attorney’s Office. On July 14, 2010, Alaway turned herself in at the Amador County Jail wherein she was booked for embezzlement. Via Sheriff Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Law Enforcement
Friday, 30 July 2010 06:08
Rattlesnake Bites at Record Number
Amador County - Seven Amador County residents required treatment at Sutter Amador Hospital for rattlesnake bites this year. “Six of those victims were admitted to the hospital and required anti-venom,” according to Eduardo Morin, Pharmacy Director at Sutter Amador Hospital. Dr. Bob Hartmann, Amador County Public Health Officer, notes that the emergency department usually sees three to four bite victims per year. “No one keeps official statistics, but the most we can remember in any year is seven. We’re already there and the season’s only half over.” A recent bay area news paper article suggested that there are more rattlesnakes this year because of the late, wet spring and more small rodents which are their main source of food. More bites occur in the hand, when the person is attempting to pick up the snake or working in brush or wood piles. Alcohol consumption is involved in over 50 percent of bites. Symptoms are usually pain and stinging at the site, swelling, oozing of blood from bite and bruising. Sometimes a person will have a metallic or mint taste in the mouth or muscle twitching. There about 8,000 venomous snake bites per year in the United States. Only about five to six people die from rattlesnake bites per year. If bitten, the best thing you can do is get to the emergency room right away. Fortunately Sutter Amador Hospital keeps an adequate supply of anti-venom on hand. “The anti-venom is very effective and most victims require six to ten vials given intravenously,” says Morin. “The hospital stay is one to two days and most people recover without long lasting effects.” Morin notes that the cost of the anti-venom is close to $2,000 per vial. Hartmann adds that, “The only rattle snake native to this area is the Northern
Pacific Rattlesnake. Therefore, it’s not important to catch the snake. Actually it is more dangerous to attempt that. Every year someone brings a rattlesnake to the emergency room and it stirs up a little commotion.” Prevention is the best medicine. In order to avoid bites, never handle dead or living snakes, know the habitat where the snakes live (wood piles, brush), know snake habits (out more at dusk and dawn), keep rattlesnake enemies around (including dogs, cats, guinea hens, and pigs), wear boots and long pants, and
trim bushes and shrubs so you can clearly see underneath. Via Press Release This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Health
Friday, 30 July 2010 06:06
New Oil, Filter Recycling Center Opens in Plymouth
Amador County - The Amador County Waste Management Department recently announced the newest addition to the Used Motor Oil and Filter Recycling program. Located in Plymouth at Foothill Garage and Wrecking, 9408 Pacific Street, the new center will accept used motor oil, filters, antifreeze, and auto batteries at no charge from the public, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center was introduced to the public at a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony in late July. Guests of honor included Amador County Board of Supervisors Chairman Brian Oneto, Plymouth Mayor Patricia Fordyce, and Director of California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery (CalRecycle), Margo Reid Brown. Members of the public also attended and refreshments were served. The county’s oil program includes free used motor oil recycling locations in Jackson, Martell, Ione, Pine Grove, Buena Vista Transfer Station and now Plymouth. For more information on used motor oil recycling or any other questions, please call the Amador County Waste Management Department at 209-223-6429. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Local
Thursday, 29 July 2010 06:04
Amador Transit Slashes In-County Bus Route Fares
Amador County - Fares on Amador Transit’s in-county bus routes have been slashed and routes adjusted in an effort to provide low-cost, reliable transportation to as many Amador County residents as possible. Riders can buy a daily pass for $3.00 and use it for unlimited rides on all in-county routes - from the bus stop closest to their home or business, to anywhere in the county the system travels, and back. Fares on the Jackson-Sutter Creek Express Shuttle are now 50 cents per stop. The new rates do not apply to the transit system’s Sacramento routes. A rate cut review was ordered by the Amador Regional Transit District’s board of directors during a special meeting on May 19; the new rates and route adjustments were set by Amador Transit staff and are in effect now. Before the board’s direction was established, every time a rider got on a bus, the cost was $2 for general fare passengers. “It’s time to make riding an Amador Transit bus as inexpensive as possible,” said board chairman Greg Baldwin. “We know public transportation is very important now. We’ve had financial difficulties like so many others and the Amador Transit board understands that a reduction in cost will help riders use the bus system.” At a cost of $3 a day to ride anywhere the buses run in Amador County, the Amador Transit system is undercutting the price of putting gas in most private vehicles. “There are so many benefits to using the bus now,” said Assistant Transit Manager Joyce Jones. “For example, if someone uses their private vehicle to travel from Pioneer to Jackson, and then to Ione and back to Pioneer, by the end of the day, they will very likely spend more than $3 in gasoline.” She added that simply running chores around Jackson and Sutter Creek could cost more than $3 a day in gas for a private car. Using public transportation spares wear and tear on private cars, and with regular use, can save on auto insurance rates. Jones said the cost of riding the Jackson-Sutter Creek Express Shuttle has also been cut to 50 cents each time a rider boards the bus. “But if you expect to travel between Jackson and Sutter Creek frequently during the day, you can buy a daily pass for $3 instead.” There have been several changes to the bus schedule as part of a board direction to reduce cost while providing the best service. For a complete list, go to www.amadortransit.com or call 209-267-9395. Via Press Release This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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