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Thursday, 30 April 2009 |
 Amador County – A lengthy debate over a request to install public bathrooms at Pioneer Park became the prevailing agenda topic at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. Tracey Towner-Yep, Executive Director of the Amador County Recreation Agency, requested permission to fund the project through Quimby fees, which are paid by developers to help offset the density impacts of development by setting aside land, donating conservation easements, or paying fees for park improvements. The presentation quickly shifted into a debate over the future costs of maintaining a facility in a public area that would be subject to vandalism. “Let’s find a way to present a plan to prevent vandalism,” said Chairman and Supervisor Ted Novelli. He recalled many times in the past when he had to go to public recreation areas and assess the damage from vandals. Past vandalism has ranged from graffiti to the destruction of water fountains with baseball bats. “Since ACRA’s been in charge, we have stopped some vandalism and the rates have gone down,” said Towner-Yep. The Supervisors suggested different options, such as the rental of Port-O-Potties, or a gate system around the field. Towner-Yep shot these suggestions down one at a time, saying a permanent bathroom structure was the “best option” available. Novelli said the costs to clean up public restrooms is taxpayer money. “Let’s make it clear: I’m not saying I don’t want restrooms at Pioneer Park, I want to hear how we’ll secure restrooms in Pioneer Park,” said Novelli. Debbie Dunn, a member of the ACRA board, said the County has time and again failed to follow through with this project. Prop. 12 and Prop. 40 monies were approved in the past but the opportunities to authorize construction of the project passed, she said. Now the Quimby funds were lying in wait. “I’m all for solving problems, but I thought this decision had already been made twice,” Dunn said. In the end, the Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Richard Forster to approve implementation of the project using Prop. 40 funds. Story by Alex Lane
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