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Wednesday, 24 February 2010 17:00
Amador County News TSPN TV with Alex Lane 2-25-10
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Wednesday, 24 February 2010 17:00
County Budget Review Reveals Projected Deficit of $4.7 Million
Amador County – County Administrative Officer Terri Daly presented a mid-year budget update Tuesday before the Board of Supervisors, urging them to continue to “take steps early and often” in order to stay solvent. “Because our (Supervisors) has taken action early and often, starting as far back as 2007, that enables me to say we are financially sound,” said Daly. She said the county must continue to spend conservatively in order to keep expenditures in line with revenues in the General Fund. As of December 31st, 2009, General Fund revenues are down 15.1 percent from one year before. Expenditures are also down 1.8 percent over last year at the same time, following a 9.6 percent decrease in 2009 over 2008 due to the implementation of the 36-hour workweek. Based on projections created by Daly and staff with assistance from County Auditor Joe Lowe, she said they expect to conclude this budget year with General Fund revenues and expenditures in the $34.4 million range. The budget report estimates total General Fund revenues during the 2010-2011 budget year will total approximately $39.1 million. Projected expenditures over the next year will be $43.8 million, resulting in a projected deficit of about $4.7 million. She said the two major factors contributing to the current deficit over the last year are a decrease in property tax revenue and approximately $2 million in “encumbered costs” which she and staff our currently developing budget strategies for in the coming year. She said “major actions” are necessary to balance the 2010-2011 budget. “I think its time, because we haven’t ever done it, to really take a look at what are the priorities of the county and…really start doing some long term budget planning,” she said. She urged a “County-wide department reorganization” to avoid a “redundancy in services.” Although the $43.8 million expenditure projection includes reverting back to the traditional 40-hour work week, Daly suggested the 36-hour work week be continued for one more fiscal year. She said with every dollar the county brings in, about 60 cents goes out to personnel. Supervisor John Plasse questioned whether it was cost effective to continue the 36 hour, 4 day work week and asked Daly to compare that with the normal 40 hour 5 day work week in terms of savings in energy costs. He said current 9 hour days could also mean less productivity because of the “fatigue factor.” Daly also urged they approve a continuation of the Early Retirement Incentive Program “that would offer $500 per year of service to all retirement-eligible employees.” She said there are still question marks that could effect budget projections. These include a big increase in the amount the county will pay for PERS retirement funding and what funding they will receive to build the new jail. The Supervisors agreed to bring back the item for discussion after Daly and staff bring back specifics on their requests and more information on a departmental reorganization. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 24 February 2010 17:00
Sutter Creek Puts Gold Rush Project on June 8 Ballot
Amador County – The Sutter Creek City Council on Monday approved a referendum to determine the fate of the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort project, placing it in a special election to be held on the June 8th primary ballot. City Attorney Dennis Crabb recommended the council certify the petition meets legal standards. He also recommended adopting a “resolution calling for and giving notice of a special municipal election for submission of the resolution to the voters for final action.” The council approved both on 5-0 votes. Crabb said the “petition requires that the council either repeal the adopted resolution approving various aspects of Gold Rush” or “submit the resolution to the voters for final action.” The question to be put to voters suggested by staff was: ““Should Resolution Number 09-10-16 entitled “A resolution of the Sutter Creek City Council approving the Gold Rush Ranch Specific Plan, General Plan amendments, and phased vesting large lot tentative subdivision map” be enacted?”” The council agreed to list, among other things, the parks, golf course, houses and open space that will come with the project. Councilwoman Sandy Anderson said she wanted people in Sutter Creek to know why she voted for Gold Rush, and supported listing the different things that the city would get from its agreements with Gold Rush. She said it was important for people to know why they made their decision. Mayor Gary Wooten, Councilman Pat Crosby and Councilwoman Linda Rianda agreed. Mayor Pro Tempore Tim Murphy was in favor of leaving the referendum with minimal wording in the question. Wooten suggested that the council form a committee to write the council’s statement to be published in the sample ballot and on the actual ballot at the polls. Wooten said: “Sandy’s a good writer,” and he asked her to be on the committee, and he asked Planning Commissioner Frank Cunha if he wanted to help her. Sutter Creek resident Sharyn Brown said she supported the work the council did on the project to get the benefits for the city, from Gold Rush. Brown said she did not sign the petition because she wants a new sewer plant, part of the project’s agreements with the council. She said the full project, including 1,335 equivalent dwelling units, “will not be built out in our lifetime.” Crabb said “the county clerk serves as the city elections official,” and the goal “is to have the county handle most, if not all of the process, with payment of the county costs by Gold Rush Ranch,” though the city clerk may handle some duties. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 24 February 2010 17:00
AWA Special Workshop Looks at CAWP Retail Finances, Rates
Amador County – The Amador Water Agency board of directors hosts a special meeting 9 a.m. Friday to consider financial plans for Central Amador Water Project retail customers and to consider possible rate increases. The agency announced the special meeting called by Board President Bill Condrashoff, with a public notice that said “members of the public will have the opportunity to directly address” the AWA board “concerning any item listed on the agenda” either before or during consideration of the items on the agenda. The board will hold a CAWP retail water system financial plan and rate workshop, with discussion and possible direction regarding a draft financial plan and rate study. The agenda also includes “discussion and possible direction to send out rate notices in accordance with the Proposition 218 process for the CAWP retail water system.” The board hosted a workshop on the system and the “Gravity Supply Line” project February 1st. Interim General Manager Gene Mancebo said there were “5 points that the board had by way of direction.” One was to “verify the reliability and vulnerability of the flume system that provides water to the tiger creek reservoir.” They were also to take a look at connection fees and how they would perhaps be increased with respect to the GSL or the pump station increase, and how much revenue would be generated with new connections. Mancebo said staff also was told to look into the possibility of using solar power for existing pump stations or at other locations where power could be put in to benefit the CAWP system. The board also asked for “staff to give estimates that they are comfortable with,” in effect that staff determine if they “feel good about those” estimates. Mancebo said he read into it that staff should “double check your numbers.” They were also instructed staff to search for grants, including for solar power, the Gravity Supply Line, pump expansions, and “anything and everything” for which they could seek grants. They would also look into a state solar grant program recommended by David Evitt. The meeting is 9 a.m. Friday at the AWA office on Ridge Road in Sutter Creek. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Water
Wednesday, 24 February 2010 17:00
Gold Country Lanes Hosts 7th Annual Jackson Rancheria PBA Classic
Amador County – Sutter Creek’s Gold Country Lanes hosts a weekend of professional bowling with the 7th Annual PBA Jackson Rancheria Classic, starting with a Pro-Am tournament Friday. The professionals hit the lanes Saturday and Sunday in the PBA West Regional Jackson Rancheria Classic. Jan Krum of Gold Country Lanes said there were 90 regional Professional Bowling Association bowlers signed up for the tournament. That includes a couple of local bowlers, who bowl in leagues at Gold Country Lanes. They are Sutter Creek resident Robert Harmon; and recent Argonaut High graduate Ricky Lague (Lay-Hue). Krum said Lague “is bowling this weekend in his first tournament as a professional.” Lague also recently bowled his first perfect game, getting 300 on the way to a 700 series. The Jackson Rancheria Casino, Hotel & Conference Center is sponsoring the PBA tournament for the 7th year at Gold Country Lanes, on Lower Ridge Road in Sutter Creek. Krum said that by Wednesday, there were 90 PBA regional bowlers signed up for the Rancheria Classic, and 50 amateurs signed up for the Pro-Am Tournament, which starts 6:30 p.m. Friday. Krumm said they probably had room for another 20 amateurs for the Pro-Am, during which 3 professionals will bowl alternating games with amateur teams. KCRA Channel 3 and the Sacramento Bee are reportedly planning to cover the Pro-Am, which begins with a raffle drawing that supports a family at orphanage in Haiti. Gold Country Lanes, owned by Ed Swift and operated son John Swift, has 13 leagues, which will be ending the season in May. Summer leagues start at the end of May. Gold Country Lanes bowlers are part of the Sierra Gold United States Bowling Congress, which was formed from 3 different associations of men, women and youth congresses. Krum said Sierra Gold USBC has 900 bowlers, with members in Amador and El Dorado Counties. It was formed when the Amador and El Dorado Men’s Association joined the Amador County Women’s Bowling Association and the El Dorado County Women’s Bowling Association. Sierra Gold USBC members bowl in 13 leagues at Gold Country Lanes and 13 at Knotty Pines Bowling Center in El Dorado. They are certified, so to bowl in leagues, bowlers must join the USBC. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Monday, 22 February 2010 17:00
Amador County News TSPN TV with Alex Lane 2-23-10
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Monday, 22 February 2010 17:00
Ione considers Taking Back Operations of the City Pool
Amador County – The Ione Parks & Recreation Commission today will consider staff recommendation to take back operations of the city pool, which has been managed the last 2 years by the Amador County Recreation Agency. City Manager Kim Kerr in a report to the commission for today’s 6 p.m. meeting recommends that the commission in turn recommend to the Ione City Council that it operate the Ione Pool this year instead of contracting with the ACRA. Paid through the city’s general fund, Kerr said the city has paid ACRA for managing the pool the last 2 years, with a total cost of $34,500. Kerr said: “staff believes we can provide these services for the same or a lower amount for this year.” Kerr said the city annually operates the municipal pool at Ione Junior High, and has maintained it the past 3 years. A review of records the last 2 years “and it appears that city staff spends a lot of time being involved in scheduling various activities addressing complaints and there have been issues raised by the employees providing the pool management services and shared with the city.” Staff created job descriptions for 2 positions at the pool, to be considered by the commission. One post is a pool manager, the other an aquatics specialist. Staff also started preparing the pool schedule. Kerr said staff believed “the best option would be for the city to provide the pool management to try to address some of these issues.” The commission’s agenda also includes grant funds for the improvement of Howard Park. Kerr in a report said staff is “continuing to review grant opportunities to determine if the city is eligible for grant funds including the Proposition 84 grant discussed” at the Parks & Rec Commission’s last meeting. The commission will also discuss its role in city government. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 24 February 2010 01:02
AWA to Work with Camanche on Cost Reductions
Amador County – The Amador Water Agency will talk with homeowners to determine how to cut costs in Camanche Water District Number 7, after residents Monday presented a Proposition 218 petition to protest a rate hike. AWA Interim General Manager Gene Mancebo said the AWA board of directors “accepted the petition without verification and just assumed that it was correct.” He said they felt it had adequate information and the 439 signatures were valid. Mancebo said the AWA “will consolidate all of the issues raised by the public” on Monday, then meet with homeowner representatives and see if there are some reductions in costs they can make to “right the budget” without raising rates. He said Lake Camanche Homeowners Association President “Michael Krisman indicated he will be a primary point of connection,” representing the homeowners’ board. Mancebo assumed the board would work with a committee, likely including Director Gary Thomas, who represent’s District 2. Krisman told the AWA board Monday that he would like to look at workers’ pay in Camanche District 7, and “see what deal we can make toward a real solution.” AWA 2009-2010 operating expenses for Camanche District 7 total $452,000, including $278,00 in salary and benefits, for 4-and-a-half “full time equivalent” employees, plus $108,000 for system operations and maintenance costs, and $66,000 in administrative expenses. Krisman said “we need to know how you are spending our money.” He said they did not know the AWA board’s “structure,” “who you are accountable to, and for what.” Finance Manager Mike Lee said AWA’s overall budget was reduced by $900,000 this year, and Camanche District 7’s budget was reduced by $123,000. Mancebo said AWA took over Camanche District 7 in 2003, and started operating for Amador County for 1 or 2 years, before the county handed it over to AWA. Lee said the AWA received $481,000 from the county, including $472,000 for capital replacement. Repairs and upgrades included new Well # 14, costing $404,000. Mancebo expected they would meet in the next 30 days with Camanche representatives. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Wednesday, 24 February 2010 01:08
AWA Rate Hike Stalled by 439 Camanche Signatures
Amador County – About 20 people attended an Amador Water Agency rate hearing Monday, with the board thwarted for the second time in a year by a Proposition 218 petition against raising rates in Camanche Water Improvement District Number 7. AWA Finance Manager Mike Lee said the proposal included an internal loan of $800,000 from the Amador Water System next fiscal year to help correct a $618,000 deficit in Camanche District 7, a district with 730 meters and 350 vacant lots. Camanche Homeowners Association President Mark Krisman and others presented 439 signatures on a Proposition 218 petition opposing the rate hike. The proposal was to raise rates 9 percent a year for the next 4 years, and 64 percent total over 8 fiscal years. Director Terence Moore said: “When I heard that you had 439 votes, I was angry. Not at you but at the process.” Moore said AWA should ask the state Legislature to change the system, because “there’s got to be some kind of rate increase.” One Camanche resident urged AWA to think outside the box for a solution of increased water. Moore said they did that, looking into teaming on a treatment plant and new pipeline with East Bay Municipal Utility District, but it was “extremely expensive,” and without a funding source. They will also try to pursue a partnership with the Buena Vista casino, should it be built. Director Don Cooper said it was a difficult situation and the board needs to look to Sacramento and Washington, D.C., because of regulation “costs bourn by customers.” He said “we need to push back on the state a little more, particularly” with the USDA grant for a storage tank which is “not 100 percent,” and comes with a 40-year loan, a “type of restriction that is untenable in this kind of economy.” Cooper said “when we talk about infusing $800,000 into the system,” he expected support from Camanche residents who understand “overhead.” Director Gary Thomas said he believes in the 218 process, but they cannot buy new tanks without a funding source, and nearly 4 years without a rate hike at Camanche “has really put us in the hole.” AWA Vice President Debbie Dunn lauded the group for “telling the people that are representing you what you want.” Board President Bill Condrashoff said: “You told us you are not going to give us any more money by submitting your petition.” He said “this agency will do something. We’ll figure something out, and I think there will be more communication now.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Monday, 22 February 2010 17:00
California Rodeo Queen Promotes the 2010 Challenge of Champions Rodeo
Amador County – Reigning California High School Rodeo Association Queen K’Lynn Nicole Jackson was in TSPN TV studios Monday to promote the 2010 Challenge of Champions Rodeo, to be held next month in at the Amador County Fair Grounds in Plymouth. Jackson appeared early Monday on AMLive, and then she and her mother, Linda, distributed fair posters at businesses around downtown Jackson, and the county. They stopped at the Feed Barn, Bank of Amador and Jackson Cleaners, and also visited Raley’s, Safeway, and other locations. The Challenge of Champions is the annual invitational rodeo tournament of the California High School Rodeo Association. Entry to the Challenge of Champions closed last Friday, setting the stage for this year’s to be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 19th, 20th and 21st in Plymouth. Jackson appeared with local coordinator Craig Williams. Nine districts make up the CHSRA competition. Jackson said each district competes in 8 rodeos in the season to determine its State Finals qualifiers. The top 5 from each of 13 events go on to compete in Bishop at the California High School Finals Rodeo. From there, the top 4 move on to the National High School Finals Rodeo in Wyoming in 2010-2011. State queens also compete for Miss National High School Rodeo. Jackson, the District 7 Queen, competed in Breakaway Roping, Goat Tying, Barrel Racing and Pole Bending; and she won the queen competition at the State Finals in Bishop last June. As state queen, she took 5th at nationals in New Mexico, and the title of “Miss Photogenic 2009”. For information, see www.chsra.com. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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