News Archive (6192)
Also at Thursday evening’s Plymouth City Council
Meeting, the council
reviewed their Mid Year Budget Update. Current numbers are on target, with the
money allocated for Attorney Services under budget and 99% of the budget
already utilized. The council
determined to move acceptance of the budget to the next meeting, as adjustments
must be made. Council members generally agreed on the budget’s progress
report, however, Vice Mayor Pat Fordyce did have some questions regarding the
City’s current economic state and whether or not there were funds to pay for
the potential hire of new employees. Her questions alluded to the last fiscal
year, for which there is no final budget yet available. Discussions will
continue at the next meeting.
Jackson is looking at some proposed childcare land use designations. The Jackson Planning Commission is in the process of reviewing modifications to its Land Use Element. As part of that process, the city has been collaborating with local organizations that have recommended policies to the commission. Joyce Stone of the Amador Child Care Council, or ACCC, proposed several policies that would allow the City of Jackson to “facilitate and promote the development of child care centers and homes in all areas, and encourage inclusion of child care centers in non-residential areas.” Stone noted that there is a shortage of day care centers in Amador County. In 2004, the ACCC conducted a childcare needs assessment that found that Amador County had enough childcare spaces to accommodate only 24 percent of Amador’s working parents. Today, the need is just as great, especially for infant and toddler care facilities, says Stone.
The ACCC’s recommendations to the planning commission propose that the city “streamline processing and permit regulations to promote the development of child care facilities.” Additionally, those recommendations include that the city provide incentives to, as well as require, developers to build daycare centers in or near their developments. Some citizens questioned the use of the word “streamline,” saying that word was too vague. Stone explained that term was used to mean that the city would take all steps possible to encourage and promote development of daycares. Stone’s suggestions will be incorporated into the draft General Plan, which will eventually go before the Jackson City Council. The Planning Commission will continue their review until the next scheduled meeting on April 21st.
When a well-established
local gas station like the Beacon on Highway 49 in Jackson closes down, residents take notice.
It turns out the closure is only temporary. According to John Luy, the station’s
owner, the station is undergoing renovations and is set to reopen as an
unmanned station providing 24 hour service to credit card only customers.
Five students from Amador and Argonaut High Schools competed in front of a packed Teresa’s banquet room Tuesday night for this year’s Amador Rotary Speech Contest. The theme for this year’s county wide Contest was “How Sharing Promotes Peace In The World.” John Young, a junior from Amador High School, took home 200 dollars in cash, a trophy, and the opportunity to compete for a 1,000 dollar prize in Reno during the Rotary District 5190 Conference in May. Amador Senior Claire McCaffrey won second place and 100 dollars. Third place and 50 dollars was awarded to Hana Casita, an Amador junior. Katie Hancock of Argonaut and Amador’s Charlie Merritt tied for fourth place and won 25 dollars.
The County and several Cities throughout recently have undertaken comprehensive updates of their General Plans. A General Plan sets forth the policies, goals, and objectives for land use and development decisions for the next 20 years. A General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) for the County was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to assist County staff and the consultant EDAW, in the preparation of the Draft General Plan. The Amador County General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meetings are open to the public and all County residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the meetings that define the future of Amador County.
The Board of Supervisors will be receiving an update on the Hwy. 49
bypass as well as consider the Relinquishment Agreement with Cal Trans. Larry
Peterson addresses this item in a memo to the Board by stating “As part of the local Hwy. 49
Bypass Project, the County entered into a relinquishment agreement with Cal
Trans in March, 2003, to take over sections of the old Hwy. 49 upon completion
of the Bypass Project.” Peterson points out that this agreement expires
December 31st. The agreement also states that a payment of $960,000 shall be paid to
the County “for the purpose of meeting the State’s obligation to ‘…place the
state highway (certain segment of existing Hwy. 49 in the county) in a state of
good repair.’ “By
receiving the state’s payment the County accepts ownership, maintenance,
operation, and liability of the relinquishment highway segment,” states the memo.
Amador Public Health reports that three rabid
skunks in the Jackson
vicinity have been identified in the past two months. According to health
officials, this is a significant increase for the county. These 3 rabid skunks
were in close proximity to one another, indicating to health officials
that the general skunk population could be experiencing a rise in rabies. In these situations it is crucial that
domestic dogs and cats be up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Several dogs
and livestock have been exposed to these rabid skunks. “With only 2 rabid skunks reported in the past 10
years, we have concerns there are many more rabid skunks that we don’t know
about and there will be more potential opportunities for people and their
animals to be exposed,” says Dr. Robert Hartmann, Amador County Health
Officer. Prevention is the best weapon for protection against exposure to
rabies. Protection would include: keeping your dog and/or cat’s rabies vaccinations up to date,
avoiding exposure to wild animals for both yourself and your animals, and not
feeding wild animals and keeping your dog and cat feeding bowls away
from wild life access.
BOS Reviews Fees To Pine Grove Development The PC Called A “Deal Breaker”
Written by
At the Tuesday meeting the
Board of Supervisor’s adopted several resolutions that ultimately put into
motion a Community Facilities District (CFD) to levy a Special Tax to finance
Fire Protection Services. The properties
within the CFD total 40.86 acres, which is split into 4 main areas and range in
location from Martell to the upcountry. The first area is located north of Ridge Road and
northeast of Climax Road; the second just east of Pioneer volcano Road and north
of Hwy. 88 near Red Corral Road; while the 3rd area is located on the north
east corner of Industry Boulevard and Prospect Drive; the final area is located
west of Tower Drive and south of Industry Boulevard near the third area.
It was announced yesterday that a Mule Creek
State Prison employee will be honored during a Medal of Honor ceremony held on the West steps
of the State Capitol. Mike Dowd will be honored by the Department of
Corrections and the Governor. Dowd is a vocational instructor and a leader in
the development of the Prison’s successful Mill and Cabinetmaking program.
“Mike teaches tolerance and self
esteem,” said spokesman Chris Weathersbee. “ He knows the importance of
rehabilitation and reducing recidivism rates.” The ceremony is scheduled for
May 16th.
Thursday’s Plymouth City Council Meeting revolved
around two presentations. The first was from an electronic document repository
software company. The
program being presented allows small businesses to electronically house
documents and make them easily available internally, as well as to the
public online. The council listened to
the presentation and commented that it was worth further investigation. The
second presentation was on the upcoming
3rd Annual Motorcycle Expo, which will be held May 31st through June
1st at the Amador County Fairgrounds.
An ordinance was discussed which would amend the municipal code regarding the operation of motorcycles, but was tabled until next week’s meeting. Lorett Kinnicutt, President of “Women’s Motorcycle Events” announced that any Plymouth resident could attend the event free of charge. To prove residency, simply present a copy of your utility bill or other document with a Plymouth address.
