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, November 20, 2023
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 5:00 PM in the City of Sonora Council Chambers located at 94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370.
This meeting is physically open to the Public and citizens who wish to provide public comment during the meeting will be invited to do so by the Mayor.
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].
Public Access Audio and Video Live Streaming
The Public will not have access to give public comments via public access audio and video live streaming; they are available for audio and visual only; and can be accessed via our website at www.sonoraca.com.
Remote viewing of the meeting via live streaming is provided to members of the public as a courtesy. If the livestreaming connection malfunctions for any reason and no Council Members are attending via teleconference, the City Council will continue the public meeting in Chambers without remote access.
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tempore Ann Segerstrom
Council Members Suzanne Cruz, Matt Hawkins, Andy Merrill City Administrator Melissa Eads
City Attorney Douglas White
08/19/2024
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
CALL TO ORDER
Called to order at 4:00 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 comment.
ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
Adjourned at 4:01 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Conference with Real Property Negotiations, Government Code Section § 54956.8 Property: APN 002-151-012, Sonora, CA, Tuolumne County 95370 Agency Negotiators: Doug White, City Attorney, Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
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
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
Called to order at 5:15 PM.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Mark Plummer stated direction was given to staff.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Andy Merrill led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 was posted on Thursday, November 20, 2023 at 2:45 PM.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Councilmember Andy Merrill, Seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom. Voting Yea:
Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Andy Merrill
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).
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
A member of the public addressed the City Council.
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.
5. Consider approval of the Mayor's appointment of Kurt Bryant and Curtis Wicks to the Tuolumne County Transportation Council (TCTC) Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) as representatives of the City of Sonora with terms to expire on July 31, 2026, and May 31, 2025, respectively; Mark Plummer, Mayor.
Mayor Mark Plummer pulled #5 for further comments.
Mayor Mark Plummer thanked Kurt Bryant and Curtis Wicks for applying and helping the City and the County.
6. Consider approval of disbursements in the amount of $168,128.93 for payroll, including 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.
7. Consider approval of a two-year lease extension between the City of Sonora and the Center for a NonViolent Community for the City-owned property at 542 W. Stockton; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.
A member of the public asked for clarification on the voting of the Consent Calendar and citizens advisory committees.
City Councilmembers discussed the voting and re-stated their votes for Items #5, #6 and #7.
Motion made by Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Seconded by Councilmember Andy Merrill. Voting Yea:
Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Andy Merrill; for Item #5.
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; for Items #6 and #7.
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
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8. Consider adoption of a Resolution affirming or reversing the Police Chief’s Public Convenience or Necessity Determination regarding the 99 Cents Store's ABC License Application; Douglas White, City Attorney.
Steve Rawlings informed those in attendance of his role as a consultant for the 99 Cents Only Store; and gave a presentation.
A member of the public was concerned about issuing another alcohol license in the City.
Steve Rawlings discussed the economic impact on the store; and stated consumers will make decisions on where they are going to shop based on convenience.
Motion Affirming the Police Chief’s Denial of the Appeal 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
PRESENTATIONS
9. Receive a presentation from Citygate Associates, LLC. on the final report of the City of Sonora Organizational Review and Budget Stabilization Study; adopt the City Mission, Vision, and Values; and direct staff to bring back project priorities in a mid-year budget adjustment or subsequent annual budgets.
A member of the public expressed concerns over the rewarding and enabling of the homeless.
Motion made by Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Andy Merrill
COUNCIL MEMBER/DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom attended and delivered a statement at the Board of Supervisors meeting concerning the four (4) buildings the county plans to purchase within the City; attended the County Advisory Committee on Homelessness for Andy; decorated for Christmas Town; there is a giving tree at WILDBUD; and Tuolumne County Social Services is doing a Secret Santa.
Councilmember Andy Merrill informed those in attendance the Columbia College Community Orchestra will be performing on December 8th at 7:00 pm in the Dogwood Theatre; attended the Transgender Day of remembrance at Saint James Episcopal Church; and will continue to encourage increased communication with the County.
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
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz informed those in attendance the Central Sierra Economic Development District (CSEDD) released their 2023 Economic Development Strategy; YES Partnership is having their Annual Holiday Luncheon December 15th from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm; Visit Tuolumne County and the Sonora Chamber are cohosting the Community Holiday Mixer December 14th from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm; attended the Sonora Regional Hospital Tour; read a proclamation from President Barak Obama, and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Mayor Mark Plummer attended the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) and Tuolumne County Transportation Council (TCTC) meetings; Access Tuolumne/Cable 8 is looking for a new Board Member; invited everyone to attend the Christmas Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting/Lighting of the Red Church; and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 8:49 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.