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Board asks staff to work with volunteers to preserve Downeyville bell tower, discourages new plaques at site
Summary
Supervisors expressed concern about preserving the historic integrity of the Downeyville bell tower (1896); they asked public‑works staff to work with volunteers to repair a rock wall and to coordinate with local veterans about placing plaques at alternate locations.
The Board of Supervisors discussed the historic Downeyville bell tower and directed the public‑works director to work with community volunteers and the Downeyville Public Utility District to repair the tower’s surrounding rock wall and address the fountain’s water service.
Board members said the bell tower dates to 1896 and voiced concern about adding new plaques that could compromise its historic integrity. “I would really like to keep the historic integrity of the Bell Tower,” the chair said, urging the county to encourage any new veterans plaques be placed at a different site, such as the American Legion hall or Gold Rush Park, where veterans memorials already exist.
Public‑works director Brian Davis said the county would coordinate with volunteers and the utility district to cap the water service until repairs can be made and that repairing the fountain fixture should be straightforward once the service is corrected. Staff noted that using county labor for the work should avoid prevailing‑wage issues, but if private contractors are paid, prevailing‑wage rules would apply. Staff also suggested a volunteer hold‑harmless waiver if volunteers assist with rock work.
The board asked staff to continue informal community engagement and to return with any necessary liability or workers‑compensation resolutions if volunteer labor is used under county oversight.
