The city of Ione has been undergoing modernization on many fronts in recent days. This week, the city council took a major step toward speeding up the process and driving down the cost of many public works projects.

Currently, the city must do formal bidding on projects expected to cost more than $5,000. An alternative process will soon be put in place, saving time and money.

This newly adopted process is called the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Procedures. Adoption of these procedures will allow the city to use its own workforce to complete projects that cost less than $30,000. The city will also be able to use an informal bid process on projects up to $125,000. Only projects costing more than $125,000 will be required to go out for bids under the formal bidding process. The city will be required to maintain a list of contractors qualified to do work in the informal bid range, between $30,000 and $125,000.

"I'm all for taking control of our own destiny," said Councilman Lee Ard, "and saving money where we can."

The Highway 49 Amador City Sutter Creek Bypass bridge over Amador Creek was dedicated to the memory of Jay-D Ornsby-Adkins, who was born in Australia, but moved to Ione at a very early age. He attended Ione Elementary School and graduated from Independence High School in 2005. Ornsby-Adkins died in combat in Iraq in April 2007 while a member of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment.

The 70-year old fire truck formerly owned by the city will soon be in the shop for long overdue repairs. The 1937 American La France antique was operational until 1982. The truck now belongs to the Ione Picnic Association, which has been negotiating with Mule Creek State Prison for engine repair. The prison is allowed to work only with governmental entities and the IPA asked for city involvement.

"We will get an agreement with Mule Creek," said City Manager Kim Kerr to the council, "and then a second agreement with the Ione Picnic Association to guarantee costs."

Asked where the restored antique will be displayed, Kerr replied, "The picnic association has two years to decide." Full restoration was casually estimated to approach or exceed six figures.

City officials also discussed the seasonal problem of political signs. "There are campaign signs on city property," Kerr said, "and I haven't been able to find an ordinance that deals with them."

Kerr did say that she had discovered that "If people have the right to assemble in a place, a sign is also allowed there."

"I would like to see the city stay totally out of it," said Mayor Andrea Bonham.

No decisions were reached. "We have two weeks," Kerr noted. "We'll do a survey of other cities and agencies."

A sign of a different sort will be erected on South Church Street adjacent to Howard Park by the Ione Business and Community Association. The monument sign is going to be identical to an existing sign at Preston Avenue and Sutter Lane.

The city council reappointed David Plank and Mike McDermed to the Planning Commission, with their terms expiring in October 2012. The council also reappointed Rosemary Johnson, Laurie Lord and Russ Baldwin to the Park and Recreation Commission, with their terms expiring in September 2010.