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ACTC Study of the Plymouth Highway |
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Friday, 20 March 2009 |
 Amador County – The Amador County Transportation Commission considered Plymouth’s proposed Sphere of Influence Wednesday, then approved a $90,000 dollar study of traffic on Highway 49. The ACTC board got a motion from Plymouth Councilman Greg Baldwin that failed for lack of a second, before the board eventually voted 4-1 with 1 abstention to approve the Plymouth Circulation Improvement Project, at a cost of $89,105 dollars. Neil Peacock, planner and program manager, said the Plymouth project included a schedule, starting with forming an oversight committee and a developing public participation program in April and eventually concluding next May. Board Member Richard Forster said that Plymouth’s study, based on its proposed Sphere of Influence would be a waste of money because he doubted that the Local Agency Formation Commission would approve that sphere. Baldwin said 2 development projects touch the city of Plymouth boundary line and expand into the unincorporated areas around town, and he would “be surprised if LAFCO did not approve” the city’s request. ACTC Chairman Louis Boitano asked if there was any way they could table the item, so ACTC staff could discuss the study with Plymouth staff. Peacock said delaying the scoping might delay some of the scheduled work and reviews. Baldwin said “we are looking at May or June to have our General Plan wrapped up so we need this.” Forster said “it appears that your Sphere of Influence should be part of your fatal flaws.” ACTC Executive Director Charles Field said “it’s not up to transportation planners to consider Spheres of Influence and LAFCO’s opinion of them.” Field said cities have certain powers and “it would be awkward for ACTC staff to discuss with the city” whether it can support its Sphere of Influence. Baldwin said “we just want the county to be aware that this is an area we are concerned about.” Peacock said “this is a programmatic grant for the city” and the decisions and operation are “really in their lap.” Baldwin motioned to pass the project again, Councilman Pat Crosby of Sutter Creek seconded it, and it passed 4-1. Story by Jim Reece
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