Conflict of interest protocol was presented by Planning Director Willis. Willis stated the advisory committee are not elected public officials, their presentations will be given to the BOS and final decision will be made at that level. With that information the CCPAC agreed that members of the CCPAC disclose if land owned by any individual member is affected by CCPAC decisions and allowing the member to participate and vote.
A new proposed boundary line was submitted by Willis including areas on the East side of O'Byrnes Ferry road from IGA to Hwy 4 up to the edge of the hillside where allowable by terrain. The map below shows the area in red as the additional area added to previous boundary map. Willis stated that the plan attempts to not cut parcels, preferring to follow the parcel boundaries.
Discussion from the audience again turned to a possible road to New Melones. Willis stated that this was not an issue with the current boundary lines, yet the current boundary lines do not inhibit the possibility of a future road. McHale asked if there was a plan for development of a hotel at the entrance to Morrisey Ranch on O'Byrnes (the proposed entrance for the New Melones access road). A response from the audience claimed only a bait shop and gas station were in the plans.
Ron Kopf addressed the Committee asking if the east side of O'Byrnes across from Poker Flat and wrapping around to the base of the bridge would be included within the boundary, stating that it consisted of 913 acres slated for development. This land was not included in the new boundary lines.
Discussion turned to the development at the end of Little John with two developments approved or in the approval process. Tuscany Hills , 335 homes, 27 boat slips and Copper Valley Ranch 1500 home developments increasing the population of Copperopolis by potentially 3600 people. The map below shows the current access and egress to the two developments in question....raising the issue of turning Little John Road into a four lane road.
At the south end of Little John Road there is a dotted line that designates the proposed access and egress road to the Tuscany Hills community, this road wraps through the Copper Valley Ranch development with a dotted line returning to Little John Road as the proposed access and egress to that community.
A citizen raised concern about the county approving this "irresponsible" development without taking into account the impact on the town. Tom Garcia, Director of Public Works, stated that this is why the CCPAC is important, "we can't afford mistakes on 3,000/4,000 home projects. We're late to the game, but we're not that late."
The next CCPAC meeting will be held August 6, 2012 at 6 pm at the Copperopolis Fire Station meeting room.
