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Wednesday, 18 March 2009 |
 Amador County - The Board of Supervisors discussed a vital step in the development of a new county jail during Tuesday’s meeting: securing a viable piece of property held by Sierra Pacific Industries. The property is located near the Health and Human Services building off Conductor Boulevard and has long been discussed as the most sensible location for a much-needed and expanded county jail. Amador County General Services Director Jon Hopkins presented the board with details of a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions, and a Grant of Option and Right of First Offer with Sierra Pacific Industries. The discussion quickly focused on water rights and availability outlined in the contract. Supervisor John Plasse stated his long-term concern of “owning this property and down the road Sutter Creek can’t accommodate,” he said in reference to water capacity. Hopkins said capacity is related to infrastructure, not relative to whether water is available. Chairman Ted Novelli said he felt that if they began paying fees right now they would be locked into the current water rate and not subject to any potential future changes. Sheriff Martin Ryan urged the Board to consider reapplying for eligibility through the Assembly Bill 900 process. The Board had previously rejected some AB 900 money because of the large local matching grants required. Ryan said it was a good idea to reapply considering that many “other counties dropped out because they were intimidated by the matching process.” He said new guidelines could make it easier and more accessible for Amador to take advantage of that funding in the future, but details are still vague. The Board unanimously approved the continuation of the process with SPI. Story by Alex Lane
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