The battle between "Pumps vs. Gravity" pours on, with the Amador Water Agency Board meeting at Mace Meadow Golf Course wendsday sept 12th with up-country residents to discuss how the Gravity Feed Line (GSL) would affect customer rates. AWA General Mgr. Gene Mancebo expressed his concern about the "reliability" of the current pump system, citing electrical, communications and maintenance issues that occur especially during winter storms. He stated that several engineers agree that the existing pump system needs to be replaced or a possible "catastrophe" could occur. AWA Operations Manager Chris Mckeage, reiterated that the current pump system is unsustainable and at the end of its useful life, describing the current pump system as a "Working Time Bomb". "It is a rusty and leaking system with a 25 year life expectancy, with over 35 years already on it". The Water Agency expects that an early spring vote will take place in March for or against creating a "Community Facilities District" (CDF). If they can get a two-thirds vote, a CDF will be created as the necessary mechanism by which to qualify for a USDA loan at 3¼% for 40 years. Residents wanted to know how that debt would be paid for. The answer was that a special tax would be assessed to customers with existing water service plus undeveloped parcels that could potentially become water customers, of approximately $86 a year or $7.17 per month. Properties solely on a well will be excluded from any tax. Overall, according to the Water Agency, water rates will be lower if the GSL is approved and higher if not approved. Replacing the pump system would cost close to 10 million, while tapping into a higher water supply and more reliable flow with the GSL would cost 13.4 million with 40% of that being covered by grant money from the Federal Govt., bringing the GSL cost down to around 8.3 million, 1.7 million less. Consultant Bob Reed of the Reed Group made a detailed presentation of the proposed rate structure. The Board guaranteed residents that the rates captured in the Reed Group report are accurate and that rates will not go up for five years. Some residents questioned whether or not the GSL would really enhance fire protection, and were clearly upset about the State's fire prevention tax bill they just received in the mail. Residents were also concerned that the rate study did not account for all costs, and that the AWA's plan for the future use of this water by down-country users is more than conceptual at this point. The Board believes that the GSL is the most efficient and reliable option, and is unanimous in going forward with the Project. They believe that a decision needs to be made now not five years from now. There will still be another public hearing coming up in the next few months, plus a written notice will be going out before the separate election takes place.
Story by Mike Spence TSPN TV
David Plant.said in a News Release this is to inform the registered voters of Ione that I am NOT RUNNNING for a Seat on the Ione City Council on November 6th, 2012. I will NOT be campaigning. Also, that if somehow I am inadvertently elected, I will immediately vacate the position by resignation. The official ballot will show my name as an incumbent. I was unable to officially withdraw. I was out of town on August 15th which, unknowingly, was the deadline to withdraw. My letter of withdrawal to the Elections Dept. was hand delivered on August 17th. Therefore, I am asking that all registered voters in Ione: DO NOT VOTE for Councilman David Plank...I am officially NOT IN THE November 2012 Election. I sincerely apologize for any confusion in this matter.
Story from Press Release edited by Tom Slivick TSPN TV
According to Sean Kriletich of CalaverasGROWN's Livestock Processing Project Animals raised here in the foothills are not processed here witch means we not only are transporting animals unnecessary distances but also losing all of the economic value gained when these animals are processed into meat. Our current livestock processing project looks to change all this by providing the tools for members of our community to implement a livestock processing facility right here in our region. Through a USDA grant and the work of our steering committee we have come up with a number of viable potential options for facilities that would serve the Central Sierra foothills. This will be the Subject of today's news interview with Sean Kriletich and now let's take a look at our weather.
Story from Press Release edited by Tom Slivick TSPN TV
