County officials speak out about Cottonwood plans

Over 60 people attended a town hall meeting in Cottonwood on Oct. 28 to hear from a panel of several Shasta County officials and department heads discuss plans and updated past issues in the incorporated area of Cottonwood.

Director of Resource Management Russ Mull discussed various housing development projects in Cottonwood and the surrounding areas, including developments Panorama Planned Development, Morgan Ranch, and North Fork Ranch.

All of which, he said, have stalled due to lack of funding.

"I know of no funding for speculative development," Mull said.

While the proposed Walgreens to be built at Fourth and Main streets was approved, Mull said, however building plans had not yet been submitted.

Construction on the Cottonwood hill truck-climbing lanes on Interstate 5 will begin in the summer of 2010, according to Caltrans Project Manager Phil Baker. The $20.8 million project will provide an extra lane, widening toward the median.

Cottonwood Community Center Activities Director Mary O'Keeffe presented a booklet encapsulating the 20-month "How Shall We Grow" project, in which Cottonwood residents added their opinions on how Cottonwood should look 25 years into the future. The booklet was expected to provide guidance for county supervisors and planning commissioners regarding land use.

Public Works Director Pat Minturn responded to questions about county park funding, of which he said is very little. The county manages three parks but cannot afford maintenance, he said. For parks to receive assistance, park maintenance and labor must come from the local population, he said.

Shasta County Supervisor of District 5 Les Baugh emceed the event.

Panelists included Shasta County Administrative Officer Larry Lees, Sheriff Tom Bosenko, District Attorney Jerry Benito, Director of Resource Management Russ Mull, Public Works Director Pat Minturn, Regional Transportation and Planning Director Dan Little, Caltrans Project Manager Phil Baker, Cottonwood Fire Protection District Chief Jim Flaherty, Community Center Director Mary O'Keeffe, and District 5 Supervisor Les Baugh.