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Thursday, 17 January 2008 |
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Last Tuesday’s Ione City Council meeting covered
a number of topics, including a development agreement, the local railroad and
updates to existing codes. Council members were surprised by an unusual lack of
public comment during the proceedings. The most significant ordinance to be
adopted was an agreement with Ryland
Homes regarding the Wildflower planned development. It will allow Ryland Homes
to continue its plan to build some 201 residential units near the Howard Park
recreation area.
The ordinance certifies that the development is
consistent with the objectives and policies of the City of Ione. A number of revisions to existing codes
were also on the agenda. According to City Manager Kim Kerr, many of these
codes had not been updated since instatement in the 1970’s and ‘80’s. “We want to secure and protect the
property of the public in our tax base,” said Kerr. In regard to improvements to the existing
fire codes, Fire Chief Ken Mackey stressed the importance of updating sprinkler
systems in order to mitigate potential fire damages and conserve manpower. The
only public comment came during a discussion over the feasibility of the cities
involvement in the railroad system. A community member reiterated
local interest in a “tourist train” - much in the same vein as the Napa Valley
Wine train - that would cater to the Lodi, Galt
and Stockton
areas. Further discussions on this topic are intended for a future
meeting.
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