Amador County Administrative Officer Terri Daly brought the Buena Vista Casino Workshop information to the Jackson City Council last Monday night, prompting discussion among council members and public alike.

Daly began by stating that "the county is steadfastly opposed to any expansion of Indian gaming." She went on to explain the difficult and complex choice that now faces the county's board of supervisors. "The county can either continue to invest county funds in litigation that may or may not be successful or the county can approve an intergovernmental services agreement with the Buena Vista Tribe of Me-Wuk Indians."

The agreement includes provisions that would result in payments by the tribe totalling $180 million over a period of 20 years. Initial contributions to the county for road improvements, fire protection, reimbursement of legal and consulting fees and sundry other purposes would total $18.5 million. Annual payments for community improvement, law enforcement and fire protection, amounting to $8 million.

The city of Jackson is not directly in line for any of these payments.

First 5 Amador Executive Director Nina Machado continued sounding the alarms of a "Healthy Futures Project," pointing out an alarming prevalence of alcohol and drug use, as well as the presence of weapons, on local school grounds. The presentation, which was also made to the board of supervisors, is intended to raise public awareness.

The Jackson Planning Commission has a new member, Kathryn Devlin, appointed by the council to the planning seat vacated by new Councilman Wayne Garibaldi. Devlin is a retired teacher and owner, along with her husband, Bob, of New York Fitness, on New York Ranch Road.

Before any of that could happen, the council began to make some history of its own by welcoming its first Mayor's Honored Guest. Jackson resident and eighth grade student Jacob Schmidt was introduced by Mayor Rosalie Pryor-Escamilla and invited to take a seat beside her for the duration of the proceedings.

Students interested in becoming an honored guest may apply by letter to the city council at 33 Broadway, Jackson, 95642 or by e-mail to cinfo@ci.jackson.ca.us.