Spellman Weekly Update ~ By, Charity Maness

O’Byrnes Ferry Bridge once again found its way into the top priority spot with citizens present at the forum. New news has been discovered that not only has there been structural damage but that the current bridge does not “meet current seismic safety regulations.” While it was not clear the time frame with which the bridge needs to become compliant with current seismic safety regulations and if CalTrans was responsible for such retrofitting due to the length of the bridge, it was noted that current repairs are anticipated to proceed.

“I have good news!” Spellman proclaimed, concerning the fate of the Copperopolis Library and the many brainstorming sessions that have followed. It was put in Spellman’s corner to possibly find a suitable building for a library if the citizens could find a donated lot. While the lot has yet to be found, Spellman has located some previously used school site modular’s that were in use as of 2010. It will be necessary to check the buildings for current compliance codes prior to receiving them and the library will have to have a lot to store them on until a usable site is located. But Spellman was clearly happy with the progress, stating he had spoken with the CFPD Chief and the FD is considering allowing the library use of a small portion of their land for a potential library site.

Spellman’s current project is to find out the exact property tax revenue that is received by the county from District 5. His belief is that since District 5 has a more rapid turnover in housing many of the homes are not in Prop 13 standing and therefore the county is receiving property taxes from the District that are closer to the current market value. He questions if the tax revenue is equal to a certain dollar amount then that District should be receiving goods and services equal to that amount.

For more information regarding the O’Byrnes Ferry bridge repair, and the turn lane to Poker Flat, please attend the public meeting on Friday the 11^th at 6:30 at Poker Flat Hall, where Spellman, a representative from the SO, and possibly Susan Larson will be delivering presentations.