Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, March 20, 2023
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 5:00 PM in the City of Sonora Council Chambers located at 94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370.
NOTICE: THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 52953(E) AND THE CITY OF SONORA CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 02-21-2023-A.
THIS MEETING IS PHYSICALLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING VIA VIDEO CONFERENCING AT:
Zoom Meeting Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81193397821?pwd=UGdrRTcyaFFac3o0b2JQK2FmMTRyUT09 Dial: (669) 444-9171
Meeting ID: 811 9339 7821
Passcode: 906625
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE COMMENT.
THIS MEETING WILL BE LIVE STREAMED ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE AT www.sonoraca.com.
Written comments can be submitted to be included as part of the administrative record; they will not be read during the meeting. All comments must be received by 3:00 pm on the day of the noticed meeting and can be submitted to the City Clerk at 94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370 or via email to [email protected].
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tempore Ann Segerstrom
Council Members Suzanne Cruz, Matt Hawkins, Andy Merrill City Administrator Melissa Eads
City Attorney Douglas White
07/01/2024
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
CLOSED SESSION - 4:00 PM
1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation - Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section § 54956.9: One (1) Potential Case; Doug White, City Attorney, Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
CALL TO ORDER
Called to order at 4:02 PM.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz
Councilmember Andy Merrill
ABSENT
Councilmember Matt Hawkins
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments.
ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
Adjourned into closed session at 4:03 PM.
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
Called to order at 5:00 PM.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Mark Plummer stated direction was given to staff.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz
Councilmember Andy Merrill
ABSENT
Councilmember Matt Hawkins
CITY CLERK’S REPORT ON AGENDA POSTING
The Agenda as posted Friday March 17, 2023 at 11:22 AM.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Councilmember Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Andy Merrill
PRESENTATIONS
2. Receive a proclamation declaring March 30, 2023, as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day; Mark Plummer, Mayor.
Mayor Mark Plummer read the Proclamation Declaring March 30, 2023, as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.
A member of the public spoke to those in attendance of his time in Vietnam and on his return home as a Veteran; spoke of America's mis-information on the War as they were not able to separate the War from the Warrior; to help local Veteran's he set up Chapter 391 to assist local charities; and has also set up a Legacy Scholarship Fund for the children of those currently in the Military and/or Veteran’s who would like to attend college.
3. Receive a presentation regarding recently acquired items important to City of Sonora's history; Patricia Perry, City Historian.
Patricia Perry, City of Sonora's Historian, presented to those in attendance the newest donations to the City's Historical Collection, including a school bell that was given to an employee of the Dome's janitorial service upon their retirement; and a shadow box of Sonora's first appointed watchman.
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
PUBLIC COMMENT (NON-AGENDA ITEMS)
The public may address the Council on any item of public interest not otherwise on the agenda that is within the jurisdiction of the City. No action may be taken. Matters to be addressed may be referred to City Staff or placed on a subsequent meeting Agenda. Speakers are limited to a three (3) minute presentation. If participating via Zoom, please raise your hand using the Raise Your Hand feature or dial *9 (*6 to unmute).
A member of the public addressed the City Council and asked that they do something about creating a local Noise Ordinance as there currently is not one within the City; it is greatly needed and the citizens would be very happy with one.
Katie Dunn, President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce thanked the City Council for approving the Summer Concert Series, listed the bands that would be playing; and let the public know when the next Chamber Mixer will be.
A member of the public addressed the City Council of his concerns for the safety and well-being for the community, local businesses and visitors in light of a recent event, in which an unhoused man was booked for causing a fire and unlawful burning under a local business, encouraged the City Council to take action to ensure the safety of the community; and shared his thoughts and concerns about fake/negative reviews on-line about local business, and how it has devastating consequences for small business owners, as it can damage both the businesses reputation, and the business owners personal reputation.
A member of the public also addressed the City Council on his concerns that there is not a local Noise Ordinance and hopes the City will start looking at and addressing this problem.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be voted on in one motion unless a Council member or member of the public has a question or wishes to discuss an item. In that case, the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately.
4. Consider approval of Resolution 03-20-2023-A ending the proclamation of a Local State of Emergency in the City of Sonora due to the January 2023 Storms; Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
5. Consider approval of disbursements in the amount of $152,582.41 for payroll, inclusive of employee salaries, employer and employee taxes, retirement contributions, miscellaneous voluntary employee deductions, holiday pay, and other adjustments, including retro-pay; Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer.
No public comment.
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
Motion made by Councilmember Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Andy Merrill
NEW BUSINESS
6. Adopt Resolution Number 03-20-2023-B, authorizing the closure of State Route 49 (Washington Street & Stockton Road), along with certain other City Streets for the 2023 Mother Lode Round-Up Parade and Rodeo; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.
Motion made by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Seconded by Councilmember Andy Merrill. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Andy Merrill
7. Adopt Resolution Number 03-20-2023-C, authorizing the possession of opened alcoholic beverage containers and the public consumption of alcoholic beverages within the cordoned areas of the special event, which is identified by the street closures of State Route 49 (Washington Street) and other identified connecting City Streets for the 2020 Mother Lode Round-Up Parade; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.
No public comment.
Motion made by Councilmember Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Andy Merrill
8. Consider acceptance of the 2022 Sonora General Plan Annual Report; Rachelle Kellogg, Community Development Director.
No public comment.
Motion made by Councilmember Andy Merrill, Seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Andy Merrill
9. Consider approval of the Mayor’s Appointment of Andy Merrill to the Solid Waste Committee; Mark Plummer, Mayor.
No public comment.
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
Motion made by Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Andy Merrill
MONTHLY REPORTS
10. Receive the Administrative Services Department monthly report for January 2023; Christopher Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.
11. Receive the Police Department monthly report for February 2023; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.
12. Receive the Fire Department monthly report for February 2023; Aimee New, Fire Chief.
13. Receive the Public Works Department monthly report for February 2023; Rachelle Kellogg, Community Development Director, Mike Lagomarsino, Public Works Supervisor.
No public comments.
COMMUNICATIONS
14. Receive communications regarding the Sonora High School Level I Developer Fee Study.
Mike Lemke Local Builder/President Local Building Association informed those in attendance of the Level 1 Development Fee, and how it is applied to the schools in need.
Ron Kopf also discussed the Level 1 Development Fee, and how the school boards and the State of California work alongside each other in determining the fee and how the schools allocate the funds.
COUNCIL MEMBER/DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom participated in the Blue Zones Event for the future of Linoberg; attended the Water Advisory Committee Meeting; and met with a new organization that provides affordable spay and neuter clinics.
Councilmember Andy Merrill updated those in attendance of the developments on the Homelessness Committee; attended the ATCAA Board Meeting; joined an Ad Hoc group for the re-branding of ATCAA; and attended the Tuolumne County Transit Agency Meeting.
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz attended the Visit Tuolumne County Meeting; and notified those in attendance of the upcoming Yes Partnership Meeting and Children's Friendship Conference.
Mayor Mark Plummer attended the Planning Meeting for the Development of Greenly Road.
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 6:42 PM.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at City Hall (209) 532-4541, [email protected]. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR
35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Administrator’s Office at 94 N. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370 during normal business hours (8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). The agenda and supporting public documents are also available on our City website www.sonoraca.com listed under the agenda/minutes link on the Government page.