Two City Council Seats Appointed.  As allowed by Elections Code Section 10229, the Jackson City Council has appointed the only two certified nominees for the upcoming General Election to the two City Council seats that were up for election.  Connie Gonsalves and Patrick Crew were nominated and appointed by the City Council by a 3-0 vote, with the two nominees abstaining from the vote.  They will assume their new terms following certification of all election results by the County Registrar of Voters in November.  Jackson residents will vote on all other local candidate races and statewide propositions on November 2, 2010.

City Employee Salary Schedule.  In the aftermath of the City of Bell salary scandal, many cities including Jackson, are acting to ensure transparency of local government salary information.  State officials, including Governor Schwarzenegger, have also urged City officials to post the salary information prominently on local websites.  The salary schedule linked to this story has not changed since July 1, 2008, with the exception of the addition of full-time firefighters funded by Measure M and a reduction in salary for employees included in the furlough program.

Wastewater Report Outlines Costly Options. To comply with Regional Water Quality Control Board requirements to reduce the City's treated wastewater effluent discharge into Jackson Creek, the City has conducted numerous studies over the past ten years to evaluate options. At the July 26 City Council meeting, a sewer rate committee was appointed to review the report and examine potential impacts to sewer rates in Jackson.  More information about this committee will be placed on the website as it becomes available.

Downtown Buildings Eligible for a Make-over Grant.  The City Council has approved a program to allow downtown businesses and property owners to apply for grant funding for façade improvements to their building.  The program was developed by the Jackson Revitalization Committee and is designed to provide an incentive for physical improvements to beautify downtown.  Click here for the program details and application.

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“Shop Jackson” Program Offers Great Local Discounts!.  The Jackson Revitalization Committee’s Shop Jackson program developed in cooperation with the Jackson Rancheria Casino is now open for business.  A list of all participating Jackson merchants and the special deals they are offering to Dreamcatcher’s Club members are listed on the Rancheria’s web site.  This program was created by the business community for the business community and offers great potential to expand your customer base.  Click on the Revitalization Committee's page for more information on how to participate.

Fiscal Year 2010-11 City Budget Adopted.  At its meeting on June 28, the City Council approved the budget for July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 with a balanced General Fund, but without restoring any of the significant cuts required last year to offset the revenue reductions resulting from the economic recession.  The full staff report, including line item details of each department and enterprise fund is available by clicking on the first sentence of this item.

Mission Boulevard Extension Open!  Less than two months after the ground breaking ceremony, the new section of Mission Boulevard (near the hospital) now connects Mission Boulevard and Broadway to create an alternate route for traffic.  The project will allow westbound Highway 88 motorists going south on Highway 49 (and northbound motorists on Highway 49 heading east on Highway 88) to avoid the busy intersection where Highway 49 and 88 meet in downtown Jackson.

Veterans' Day Parade Returning!  The American Legion Post 108 is hosting the second annual Veterans' Day Parade on Main Street in Jackson on Veterans' Day - Thursday, November 11 at 10:00 a.m.  They are currently accepting entries from community groups, schools, entertainment groups and any other interested participants.  The registration form is linked here.  And click here for slides from last year's event.  Come out and salute our veterans!

Amador Farmers Market Every Sunday Now Through October.  Local produce farmers from the region are bringing their annual Sunday market to the Busi Municipal Parking Lot (just beyond Mel & Faye's Diner off Highway 49/88) from 10am to 1pm.  Come buy the freshest, locally grown produce in the area, buy plants and enjoy a relaxing Sunday morning at the market.  Get there early for the best selection!

Come to Downtown Jackson and enjoy free jazz every other Wednesday from noon to 3pm.  The "Geezers" welcome all music lovers to 35 Main Street for their pick-up jams - musicians welcome too!  It's a great way to spend a summer afternoon on Main Street.  For the next performance date, please call 223-4633.