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Thursday, 24 June 2010 06:08

City Manager Flynn Says Plymouth Will Balance Its Budget

Amador County – The Plymouth City Council will consider finalizing its 2010-2011 budget on the last day of this fiscal year, and staff said the budget will be balanced. City Manager Dixon Flynn said Wednesday that the city budget will balance, but the council needs to transfer some funds to get to that point. The council set the special budget meeting Wednesday (June 30th) so it can address the budget without the distractions of regular agenda items. Flynn said the city’s General Fund and Sewer Fund were in good condition, but the Water Fund was “upside down,” due to construction of the water pipeline that connected the city’s system to the Amador Water Agency. He said a $160,000 transfer of funds from the General Fund and Sewer Fund would balance the Water Fund. He said Finance Director Jeff Gardner has been working on the budget, and updating drafts to the council, and he said recently that he is finished with the final update for next week’s meeting. Flynn said the council today will get updates from staff on 2 projects to improve the city sewer drain system, and also the wastewater plumbing system. The projects are going well, he said, at no cost to the city, with $2.4 million in funding for the work coming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. But Flynn said any overrun will have to be paid by the city, leading to “creative sweat equity” to balance costs in the project. Engineering Consultant Richard Prima was expected to give a report today (Thursday, June 24th) on the sewer system upgrade project. Flynn said when the city completes its upgrade, a lift of the building moratorium will allow building in the city. But he said due to the economic downturn, the city has gone from having 9 potential developers, to having only one still sticking around. That one was Reeder Sutherland. The reason the others weren’t around, Flynn said, was due to a tightening on lines of credit by the credit industry. by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in Local

Thursday, 24 June 2010 06:07

Sutter Creek Appoints Long-Time SCPD Sergeant as Interim Chief

Amador County – The Sutter Creek City Council on Monday appointed a long-time Sutter Creek Police Department sergeant to succeed Rob Duke as the Interim Chief of Police. The council announced after closed session that it had selected Sergeant Brian Klier (Clear) to be interim police chief for a period of 6 months, after which the city council will evaluate his work. He will take over for 11-year Chief Duke, whose resignation is effective July 1st. Acting City Manager Sean Rabe said Klier has been working with SCPD for 10 years. Klier was recommended by Duke. Rabe said the chief reports to the city manager, who typically appoints the chief. But he said it was too important a task, and asked the council to make the appointment. Duke’s leaving was “bittersweet” for Rabe, who has known him for probably 11 years, since his days as a reporter at the Ledger Dispatch, covering the city council. Rabe said: “I’ve learned a lot from Rob,” but he knows and understands why Duke is leaving. The impact may take awhile to realize, he said, as “anytime a longtime employee leaves, the loss of institutional knowledge is an issue.” He said Duke has helped with the transition and will continue to help even as he takes over as police chief at Huron in Fresno County. The city council is waiting to see the impact on the budget. Rabe said “we are still anticipating a $300,000 general fund deficit,” but that figure originated prior to the resignation by Duke, so the city is still analyzing the potential impacts it could have on the deficit to remove Duke’s salary from the budget. Rabe said staff is still working on the draft budget and they hope to take it to the city council in the first meeting in July. Rabe said they continue to look at the city’s miscellaneous and police unions for areas to save money on possible adjustments to wages, benefits, and working conditions. The city’s negotiating team has been meeting with unions on a regular basis, Rabe said, and they are “continuing to look at any avenue of expense reduction to help balance the budget.” The council next meets Monday (July 7th), and could call a special meeting in the mean time to talk about negotiations. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in Local

Thursday, 24 June 2010 06:05

CALFIRE Burn Permit Suspension to Begin July 1

Amador County - Unit Chief Bill Holmes of the Amador-El Dorado-Sacramento-Alpine Unit of CAL FIRE, announced today that all burn permits within the State Responsibility Area (SRA) will be suspended at 8 AM on Thursday July 1st in Amador County and on the western slope of El Dorado County. Chief Holmes adds “this will be the last weekend you can burn your four foot by four foot backyard burn piles, so take this opportunity to finish up your defensible space clearances.” Note that this does not apply to the Lake Tahoe Basin so if you have questions regarding the Basin please call 530-543-2600. For information regarding proper burning techniques and other life-saving information, please visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov or the Ready-Set-Go website at www.readyforwildfire.org. Other “green” options for disposing of your vegetation are available through your local Fire Safe Councils. Visit the Amador Fire Safe Council website at www.amadorfiresafe.org or the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council website at www.edcfiresafe.org. A TSPN TV Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in Fire

Wednesday, 23 June 2010 06:17

Tuolumne Man Missing After Fall in Lake Tulloch

Calaveras County – Search and rescue crews are out in force to find a Tuolumne County man who fell into the icy waters of Lake Tulloch in Calaveras County on Monday evening and has been missing ever since. According to reports from the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department, the man (whose identity was not released) was crossing a bridge between Tuolumne and Calaveras County at around 8 p.m. Monday night when he slipped and fell into the cold water. The bridge was said to have been part of an old trolley system. The man’s friend said he could have been swept into one of three water tunnels downstream. A search is being conducted by emergency officials from Calaveras, Tuolumne and Stanislaus Counties. The Calaveras County Sheriff's Department said the area was also being searched by air yesterday and a dive team from Stanislaus County. Lake Tulloch is about 30 miles east of Stockton. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in News Archive

Wednesday, 23 June 2010 06:12

ATC Raises Over $27K to Restore Argonaut High Tennis Courts

Amador County – The Amador Tennis Club announced Monday that they have successfully raised the $27,300 needed to restore four worn tennis courts at Argonaut High School. Project Manager Mike Daly, a member of ATC, said the initial goal for this project was established during a brunch meeting of club members on New Year’s Day in which they set a goal to restore “the surface-worn, crack-plagued, playing surface…at the facility by summertime.” He said “the ambitious program…involved fundraising, tennis court repair consulting, a competitive contractor selection process and approval from the ACUSD School Board.” Fundraising was coordinated by ATC President Rosalie Escamilla and an initial goal of $20,000 was established. A total of 66 families and individuals donated funds to the project, as well as ten businesses, the cities of Ione and Jackson, a significant anonymous donation and several community organizations, including funds from the Amador Tennis Club’s Junior Team Tennis program. Daly said other organizations included the Jackson Lions Club, Amador Kiwanis Club, American Legion Post 108, Jackson Police Activities League, the “Men’s Morning Tennis group” and the Amador Community Foundation. Significant additional funding was raised by the Argonaut High School tennis team, who raised $2000 through their “pledge per set” program during their undefeated Mother Lode League championship season. Some of the players also participated in the club’s fundraising tournament held in March that raised over $1,000 on a weekend of perfect weather between the many wet days of spring. The ATC Board presented the final recommendation to the School Board on June 9th and received unanimous support from the Board. The District was unable to provide any funds due to fiscal constraints, but the staff at Argonaut High School and District officials were extremely cooperative and appreciative of the club’s efforts. Daly said “this project is yet another testament to the community spirit and generosity of Amador County, from individuals to organizations to businesses to local government.” For more information on the project or a complete list of donors, visit the ATC website at www.amadortennisclub.org. A TSPN TV Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in News Archive

Wednesday, 23 June 2010 06:11

Soroptimist of Amador Contributes $5,600 to Operation Care

Amador County - Soroptimist of Amador contributed $5,600 to Operation Care at their May board meeting to help with vehicle costs for transportation of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. They have also committed to giving an additional $150 per month to offset the cost of fuel and maintenance. The two organizations have formed a team to search for a vehicle and to recruit volunteer drivers. “We have had a significant increase in the number of women and children sheltered at our safe house in 2009/10 versus 2008,” says Lynn Shield, Executive Director of Operation Care. She said they have always provided their clients with vehicle transportation, but the increasing number of adults and children they house coupled with changes in the bus routes has increased these requirements phenomenally. She said they are looking “for a reliable vehicle and some volunteers to drive, so that our small staff can be available for counseling, accompaniment to court, crisis intervention, and community education.” Soroptimist of Amador president Linda Matulich said they have “partnered with Operation Care to help these women and children to overcome their abuse, and to lead healthy and productive lives. This is a project that allows our members to actually become involved with the program, and to possibly even donate their time as drivers.” Ideally, the organizations are looking for a donated vehicle that seats at least six passengers, which would allow them to use Soroptimist’s contribution for maintenance and insurance for a longer period of time. The alternative would be to purchase a used vehicle with the funds. Persons interested in donating a vehicle, making a contribution to the transportation program, or becoming a volunteer driver should contact Lynda Miller at 209-223-2897. All drivers will be subject to fingerprinting and background check. Soroptimist International is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. Operation Care, a non-profit organization founded in 1980 provides domestic violence and sexual assault support services, crisis intervention and education to our community. A TSPN TV Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in News Archive

Wednesday, 23 June 2010 06:14

Sutter Creek Will Try To Pay ACRA Membership Dues

Amador County – The Sutter Creek City Council said it would try to pay its membership fee to the Amador County Recreation Agency again this year, but will hold final approval until city budget work is done. The council agreed to fund the voluntary membership fee of $5 per person of the city’s population, with Sutter Creek’s fees about $13,405 based on its population of 2,681 people, but the council has yet to work on its budget. ACRA Executive Director Tracy Towner-Yep said less than half of the agency’s revenue comes form membership contributions. She said in 2005-2006, membership fees were 85% of operating costs, which in the current fiscal year, the fees were 45% of ACRA’s operating costs. She said the agency took a hit to its fundraising this year when it canceled its major event, the Kennedy Mine Barbecue, due to low sales, which she blamed on the economy. They had sold 2 tickets with a week left before the event, and they decided to pull the plug on the barbecue, which is normally a $10,000 fundraiser for ACRA. Towner-Yep said they could not afford to pay for a barbecue and lose money. She told the council she was sure the fees would be doubled in value bringing jobs and activities for county youths to the community. Jobs at ACRA include 2 full-time and 5 part-time staff; up to 25 seasonal jobs (such as lifeguards, park aides and program helpers); and 40 more potential jobs, including umpires, score keeper, referee and snack shack positions. Towner-Yep said ACRA brings multiple benefits to Sutter Creek, including summer day camps’ the 49er Bypass Run; and ongoing operation of Lion’s Park. The agency this year took over operation of the Sutter Creek Duck Race fundraiser. Mayor Gary Wooten said the “Duck Race seemed to go really well and that was your first shot in the barrel.” The 4 council members agreed they “need to support” ACRA, and asked City Manager Sean Rabe if he could move toward putting it in the budget. Rabe said he would “continue to try to squeeze” things into the budget, but suggested they not take action until they approves the 2010-2011 budget. Wooten said “We will try to get the money in there.” Towner-Yep said fund-raisers include the “Music in the Park” series, which this week features Electra Road 6-8 p.m. Friday (June 25th) with beer, wine and refreshments. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in News Archive

Wednesday, 23 June 2010 06:15

Ione to OK Interim Budget, Not Ready to Decide Layoffs

Amador County – The Ione City Council discussed layoff and cost cuts of about $250,000 for the coming fiscal year on Monday, then decided to adopt an interim budget next week, so that it can continue negotiations with employees. City Manager Kim Kerr said adopting an interim budget will allow the city 2 months to finalize its budget for the coming year. She said the council gave her direction to continue negotiating with employee representatives, and the council “is not ready to make any decision on layoffs.” Kerr said the interim budget “allows us to start having that initial discussion.” The council set a special meeting Tuesday (June 29th) to “adopt a budget by rolling over the interim budget.” She said it gives the council 60 days after the turn of the fiscal year to finalize budget. The city council in Monday’s workshop went over $140,000 in cuts recommended by Kerr, and after discussions, the city employee bargaining units are willing to negotiate. The recommendation said the city needed an additional $100,000 in cuts, or it could remove certain Cost Of Living Adjustment raises, totaling those up with Federal Insurance Contributions Act payments the city makes for some employees. Kerr said no decision had been made at this point, and more discussion is ahead. The council looked at her recommendations, such as laying off a mechanic, and reducing building department hours. It also let the employees see what cuts were needed in the budget. The council asked Kerr to bring back information about the mechanic and building department. She said: “Their goal is to not reduce employees.” The city manager’s recommendation “helps to bargain with employees,” she said, because it identified the issues and the gap between revenue and expenses, and what “we need from each of these bargaining units to close that gap.” The council also directed her to look at revenue streams to see if projections were correct; and look for grants. The city must also see if the state is “going to stand by its budget,” or change it. She said if the state stays with its plan, the city will back get property tax revenue, but not until fiscal year 2011-2012. That would amount to $125,000 to $130,000 the state took out last year. That funding will not help this year. The council will hold a special meeting Tuesday to consider adopting the interim budget. The agenda could also include Ione’s mention in the 2010 Amador County Grand Jury Report, which is due out Friday. The council will also have closed session discussion with bargaining units. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.