Recap of Spellman Forum in Copper on 2-17-11

The “reality” of the new FEMA flood zone areas that are affecting many homeowners was at the top of Spellman’s concerns. According to Spellman those holding government backed mortgages for their homes that now lie within the new flood regions are required to have flood insurance, either through FEMA or another insurance source. Supervisor Spellman said he felt this new requirement was a "backlash of Catrina...that FEMA was trying to recoup those costs by creating new flood zones" and requiring insurance, offered through FEMA, to "generate more revenue."

Acting as an advocate for one such homeowner Spellman had a meeting with a FEMA rep. At the conclusion of the meeting it was agreed that the rep would take new aerial photos of the area to determine which areas were at flood risk.

Spellman announced the appointment of Lyle Wallace, a 70 year Copper resident, to the Planning Commission. Saying that Mr. Wallace brings to the table experience as a realtor, a real estate broker involved in development, and an expert witness in Fresno on real estate and planning issues. Mr. Wallace was approved unanimously Thursday morning prior to a “heated meeting” where rezoning of Ag 1 conditional permits were before the commission.

Discussing lawsuits within the County, Spellman said he felt it was important to be proactive in the future, “to get things out on the table…be heard.” Spellman also stated that he wants accountability with reference to the Waller case. “I want accountability…who released Waller’s personnel record’s to the media?”

When asked if there was any chance of repairing Little John Road past Saddle Creek, Spellman had no answer. When asked whether CCWD may be able to ‘partner’ with the County to offset those costs due to the water treatment facility at the end of Little John, the answer was, “slim.”

Dennis Dooley, our district rep to CCWD, referred to a copy of the Copperopolis Community Plan that had been drafted in 2005, saying “there are not many of these documents in existence” brought up the fact that the 2005 community plan does not include Saddle Creek. He felt that the two communities in the plan “should mutually recognize each other.”

Spellman and Dooley will meet on that subject, as will the Copper Gazette.

By, Charity Maness