Developer says school access and sewer easement near completion; council hears crosswalk, street repair updates for Wildflower

Thomas Borjaxios Holmes, identified as the builder and developer of the Wildflower subdivision, told the Ione City Council on May 6 that construction work on the subdivision and an emergency access road for the school is nearly finished and that the developer is prepared to grant a permanent easement to the city once the school board completes its part.

Holmes said underground utilities, including a six‑inch sewer line back to South Ione Road, have been installed and inspected. He told council the temporary construction easement used for building the access is ready to be converted to a permanent easement once the school board executes the agreed transfer; he said he has had preliminary meetings with city staff in anticipation of that step.

Holmes said that by enabling sewer hookups, the connection would open capacity for the nearby Gold Village subdivision (a previously tentatively mapped 79‑lot area) and for lots within Wildflower. He estimated the connection could generate ongoing sewer revenue to the city in the mid‑thousands per home, and he suggested the city consider cost‑reimbursement or negotiated credits tied to prior development obligations — observations he said would be part of later negotiations if a developer seeks to revive Gold Village.

Traffic and safety at Foothill: Holmes said Axios Homes donated and paid for a phase‑one set of improvements for a crosswalk on Foothill. Council members and several residents said parking and speeding persist, especially during park events. Holmes and residents urged that the city consider a phase‑two upgrade — solar flashing beacons or a stop sign — to slow traffic and protect children.

Streets repairs: Holmes said Masingo Construction is coordinating repairs on Lupine and Honeysuckle streets after observed settlement; the developer said lateral sewer inspections and sidewalk replacements will be completed under contractor insurance (Travelers) and that a negotiated warranty is being sought. He estimated work would be completed in June or July.

Ending: Council members and staff asked to be kept informed on finalizing the easement transfer and asked staff to coordinate construction timing to avoid damaging newly paved streets. Holmes said he will work with city staff toward finalization.