Plymouth municipal wells have been reported to be dangerously low, causing the city and Amador Water Agency to put out a call to water well consumers to conserve wherever possible.

AWA General Manager Jim Abercrombie discussed the matter with his board of directors the Thursday morning before the Plymouth City Council meeting. He reported that despite the dangerously low levels, initial conservation measures would be voluntary. Abercrombie also said that this is strong evidence of the need for the planned Plymouth Pipeline.

AWA Director Paul Scott pointed out that Folsom is going mandatory on water conservation.

That night, Plymouth City Manager H. Dixon Flynn told the city council that he has already spoken with officials at the Amador County Fairgrounds, 49er Trailer Village and Sutter Home Vineyard. All were receptive and promised to cooperate in conservation efforts. Flynn will also be working on arranging a water conservation workshop by the water agency for Plymouth water users. Flynn referred to his personal history with water shortages and drought conditions, where he learned to do things like keep a bucket in the shower to fill with rinse water that later can be used to water flowers or other plants.

Most of Thursday's council meeting was devoted to discussion of design alternatives for the intersection of Plymouth's Main Street and Highway 49. With money in the coffers for this major change, the city council faces a tough choice between a traffic light and a roundabout.

"Alternative 2 is the more innovative roundabout," Matt Griggs of Dokken Engineering told the council. "Caltrans is more familiar with the standard signalized intersection," Griggs continued, "but they are supporting and encouraging further study of the roundabout alternative."

Although Highway 49 is a state route, the design for this intersection inside the city limits is under city control. At an open house last November, public preference leaned toward signalization, according to Plymouth City Council candidate Maria Nunez, who asked the council and/or engineer to explain the priorities expected from the state Department of Transportation. "There have been no decisions made," Griggs replied. "This is a city project and with Caltrans acceptance of either (alternative), it becomes purely a city decision."

City council Candidate Gary Colburn suggested that the apparent preference he sensed in the engineering firm's presentation for the roundabout was profit-motivated. "There's more money for those who build a roundabout," Colburn said.

"I would have a much easier time," Griggs retorted, "getting the signal approved by Caltrans."

The alternatives were prominently displayed, along with a drawing that showed the relative footprints of the roundabout and the signalization. The signaled intersection would require more lanes and slightly wider roadways, while the roundabout would call for additional landscaping and a larger center. The drawings are expected to remain on display in the Plymouth City Hall.

Amador County Recreation Agency Director Tracey Towner-Yep appealed to the city council for annual funding in the amount of $5 per resident. "I think this is the best $5 per person you can spend in Amador County," said Towner-Yep. "The first time I came before the city councils to ask for money," she admitted, "I was absolutely terrified."

There was no reason to be terrified this time, as Plymouth's contribution of $5,165 was approved unanimously by the council.

Councilman Mike O'Meara informed his fellow council members and the public that his appointee to the Plymouth Planning Commission had chosen to resign, leaving a vacancy. Applicants can apply to O'Meara or City Clerk Gloria Stoddard.