Concern about the lack of Sheriff patrols within Copperopolis had Spellman offering a potential solution. In Copperopolis the residents pay an extra tax each year to make sure they have fire coverage and Paramedic coverage, which Spellman points out is not available where he lives. With that thought in mind he ventured to say that Copper may be able to enter into a contract with the Sheriff Department where the residents pay a yearly tax to insure a Deputy presence 24/7/365. Though not sure if it is a viable solution it is one “worth looking into” said one resident.
Touching on possible O’Byrnes bridge repairs Spellman will be speaking to the residents of Copper Friday the 11th at Poker Flat Hall at 6:30 pm regarding that issue. He did however state that the “repair of the O’Byrnes Bridge is in the top ten” of his ‘things to complete while in office’ list. He had spoken with Tom Garcia, public works director, who had confirmed there is $3 million dollars set aside for repairs. At that point Spellman requested that Garcia put the repair “on the priority list…get it done.”
“As much as I want to get things done, advocating for my district, I am only one vote.” This message was presented multiple times during the meeting, while encouraging members of District 5 to come to BOS meetings, make their cases, be heard.
Recently Spellman came under heat regarding his appointment of an 18 year old to the Fish and Game Commission. To this he said, “Kyle is a future investment in our community.” Kyle is an avid hunter, fisherman, and wildlife enthusiast. “He will be heading to college in the Fall will the goal of obtaining a Wildlife Management Degree.” With no applicants for that position Spellman felt that giving this young man an opportunity for a few months until someone stepped forward for the position would not only give him experience in the field but would help further his education. Steve Marks, from CFPD Board, will be replacing Greg Mayer as alternate and then stepping in as Kyle’s anticipated replacement in the Fall. Currently there are no qualification guidelines for this position.
Some residents questioned the education systems unwillingness to allow parent volunteers to aid in classes with excessive numbers of children. Spellman explained that that issue is a Union issue. A volunteer cannot help in a position that could be a Union paid position. While the subject became heated, Spellman again suggested coming to a BOS meeting, having their voices heard. He also noted, as he did in the last community meeting, that he is an advocate for evening meetings, at least once a month, so a larger portion of the public may attend. He intimated that Wilensky is also in support of this, alluding to the fact that he would only need one more vote to make this happen.
When asked what his short term goal was, Spellman stated, “To keep as many people as we can employed.” Acknowledging the extra efforts of the current employees at the County level with the many cuts, “they (the employees) are working above and beyond what their job (title) is.” Yet also stating, “It’s not Government's job to create jobs, it’s their job to step aside to let free enterprise create jobs.”
On one last note, Spellman pointed out that CCWD, Calaveras County Water District, is in no way attached to the County. It is not a County Office. It is simply their business name.
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