Calaveras County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Calaveras County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
O'Byrns Ferry Bridge partnership grant
Public Works announced a partnership with Calaveras COG, Tuolumne County and Calaveras County agencies on a Caltrans strategic planning grant to finally improve the O'Byrns Ferry Bridge, with a support letter coming to the Board next meeting.
Snow response preparedness after February storms
Residents from Arnold and the Highway 4 corridor slammed the county's handling of the President's Day storm — roads went unplowed for days, communication broke down, and businesses closed for a week. Requests include a town hall, better equipment like snow blowers, and GPS tracking of plows.
Calaveras Transit Agency Technology Funding Application
The Board signed a letter of support for the transit agency's application for state TIRCP funding to upgrade sustainable transit infrastructure and technology.
Dogtown Road bridge replacement contracts
The Dogtown Road over French Gulch Creek bridge replacement is finished; the Board accepted the work and released retained funds.
Valley Springs traffic light concerns
Supervisor Tofanelli warned the new Caltrans traffic light on Highway 12/26 at Valley Springs — installed without a traffic study of the four-way stop — will back up commuter traffic, and pressed for a bypass project.
Hartvickson Road maintenance complaint
Supervisors Andahl and Stopper blasted years of delays on paving HartVixen and Baldwin Roads, pushed out again due to water district coordination — possibly to 2028 — with risk of losing state grant money.
District 5 road resurfacing and Pennsylvania Gulch sidewalk
Public Works wants to pave all of Baldwin Road and extend Parkfix work, but warned bids may exceed budget, prompting a two-week table for more discussion.
Roadway Safety Signage Audit project cost increase
After the original sign placement sparked a public backlash, the county redesigned the project with fewer signs and now needs another $203,800 for construction management.
Active Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan
Public Works asked the board to pick two priority projects for grant fact sheets. Supervisors chose Valley Springs and Murphys Complete Streets while raising concerns about the Murphys median, historic-district sidewalks, and McColamy Hills right-of-way constraints.