Ione council approves Axios Homes reimbursement and Prairie Oak Park basketball courts; other votes passed by voice vote

The Ione City Council approved two separate funding measures on Feb. 4 by voice vote.

Release of developer funds for Island/Ione Elementary school access road: The council voted to release $350,000 to Axios Homes as a progress reimbursement related to construction of an access road adjacent to Ione Elementary School. According to staff, Amador Unified School District originally held about $488,000 deposited for the project; Axios Homes requested $350,000 of those funds to reimburse work that is about 72% complete. A representative for Axios Homes described the project as an emergency access route and said the developer had installed sewer improvements, grading, drainage and temporary parking for the school. The council approved the reimbursement on a voice vote; the motion passed with all present voting "aye." The motion was recorded as a progress payment; staff said no additional city funds are required and that final work will be completed after weather permits.

Funding and appropriation for a basketball court at Prairie Oak Park: Parks and Recreation staff reported they sought a third competitive bid after an earlier bid for a concrete court with epoxy surfacing; the low responsive bid returned at $60,841 from contractor John Hertzig would use asphalt surfacing, painted lines and separate contracts for fencing, sidewalks and hoops. Staff said the $60,841 total includes a contingency and the bid represents a roughly $45,000 savings compared with the earlier lower‑quality estimate. The council approved funding for the court and related site work on a voice vote; the motion passed with all present voting "aye." Council members noted that Hertzig is a disabled veteran and several members praised staff for obtaining the third bid.

Both actions were taken by voice vote with no roll‑call recorded and were announced as carried by the mayor.