Agenda packet — Sonora City Council, June 3, 2024

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting
Agenda
Monday, June 03, 2024
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on June 03, 2024, 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 live streaming 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.

CITY COUNCIL appreciates your interest and encourages participation. Regularly scheduled meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

The numerical order of the items on this agenda is for convenience of reference. Items may be taken out of order upon request of the Mayor or Council Members. All questions shall be directed to the Mayor who, at their discretion, will refer to Staff.

Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tempore Ann Segerstrom
Council Members Suzanne Cruz, Matt Hawkins, Andy Merrill City Administrator Melissa Eads
City Attorney Douglas White
1 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. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. PUBLIC COMMENTS

4. ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Liability Claim (Government Code Section 54956.95): Two (2) Potential Cases, Claimant: Tiraschi; Claimant: Gansel; Agency Claimed Against the City of Sonora; Doug White, City Attorney, Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.

5. RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM

6. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION

7. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

8. ROLL CALL

9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT ON AGENDA POSTING

10. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

11. 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.

12. PRESENTATIONS
A. Receive a Presentation from Visit Tuolumne County Regarding the Quarterly Report; Lisa Mayo, President & CEO and Jen Lopez, Programs & Project Manager.

B. Receive a Presentation from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Regarding Wildfire Safety and Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) Update; Nathan Alonzo, Local Government Affairs.

C. Consider Approval of a Proclamation Acknowledging Work Activities for Tuolumne/Calaveras Handicapped (WATCH), Tuolumne County Arts Council, and Diane Stearns in Appreciation and Recognition of Their Efforts to Make the Mosaic Art Project; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director. 2 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
D. Receive an Update from Tuolumne County District 1 Supervisor; David Goldemberg.

13. 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.

A. Consider Approval of the City Council Meeting Minutes from March 06, 2023; March 15, 2023; and March 04, 2024; Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk.

B. Consider Approval of Disbursements in the Amount of $182,114.08 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.

C. Consider Adoption of Resolution 06-03-2024-B Establishing a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan in Accordance with California Senate Bill 553 (SB553); Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer.

14. NEW BUSINESS
A. Consider Adoption of Resolution 06-03-2024-A Authorizing Temporary “No Parking” Zones along Certain City Streets During the 2024 Mother Lode Fair; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.

B. Consider Adoption of Resolution 06-03-2024-C Authorizing Two Agreements Between the City of Sonora (“City”) and Tuolumne County (“County”):

1. Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement Between the County of Tuolumne and the City of Sonora Related to the Subaru Car Dealership (“Subaru Agreement”); and

2. Amendment #1 to Agreement for Revenue Redistribution Pertaining to the South Bypass Annexation to the City of Sonora (“Amendment #1 to the South Bypass Agreement”); Douglas White, City Attorney.

C. Introduce by Title Ordinance No. 898 Amending Chapter 17.64 - Transient Use Permit - Under Title 17 Zoning, of the Sonora Municipal Code and Waive the First Reading; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.

D. Consider Acceptance of the Appeals Filed for the Planning Commission Decision Regarding 956 Oregon Street on May 13, 2024, and Schedule the Appeal Hearing for June 17, 2024; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
3 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

15. MONTHLY REPORTS
A. Receive the City of Sonora Administrative Services Department Report for March 2024 (FY23/24); Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.

B. Receive the City of Sonora Community Development Department Monthly Report for April 2024; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.

C. Receive the City of Sonora Fire Department Monthly Report for April 2024; Aimee New, Fire Chief D. Receive the Sonora Police Department monthly report for April 2024.

E. Receive the City of Sonora Public Works Department Monthly Report for April 2024; Michael Lagomarsino, Public Works Supervisor.

16. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS

17. ADJOURNMENT
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.
4 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: June 03, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Visit Tuolumne County
SUBJECT: Visit Tuolumne County Quarterly Report Presentation.

RECOMMENDATION:

Receive a Presentation from Visit Tuolumne County Regarding the Quarterly Report.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan 5 Item B.

Visit Tuolumne County
Quarterly Report to City
of Sonora
June 3, 2024
6 Item B.
2023 Travel Impacts
Tuolumne County
7 Item B.

Advertising • Print ad in Diablo Magazine • Digital ads on diablomag.com Diablo Magazine covers travel,
recreation, food, and more and is the
only monthly publication written
specifically for the San Francisco Bay
Area market.

Print Distribution: 35,000
Monthly Readers: 138,000
8 Item B.

Media Features & Visits
Visits
• Ginny Prior, March 21-22:

Travel focus journalist featured in multiple Bay Area outlets • Shoshi Parks, March 30-April 1:

Associate Editor of 7x7 Magazine and has appeared in
Fodor’s Travel, Smithsonian Magazine, and more
“Sonora, the ‘Queen of the Southern Mines,’ is Gold
Country’s grand dame with a sweet downtown that still
has the look of the Old West but nicely balances historic buildings and saloons with antique shops and
contemporary boutiques and eateries.”
9 Item B.

Media Features & Visits
Features
• WorldAtlas
• 5 articles in January & February
• Equivalency value of $186,690
WorldAtlas has 4 to 5 million user views monthly
Sonora was mentioned in five additional
outlets over the course of the quarter.
10 Item B.

Web Highlights
• 8,565 site views January-March 2024
• Increase 173% YOY!
11 Item B.

Other Marketing Highlights
“Fuel Your Journey” Winter Promotion
• Promoted minimum 2-night stays at VTC
partner properties in January and February
• 27 stays qualified
• $1,550 in gas cards purchased in City of
Sonora gas stations for reward fulfillments
12 Item B.

Other Marketing Highlights
Go West Summit & Post FAM Tour
Go West Summit connects tourism industry
suppliers (DMOs like us) with buyers (travel
agents, tour operators, etc. and media from all
over the world.
• VTC team member attended the Go West
Summit in February
• 52 appointments with travel trade
representatives and media from eight countries
Following the Summit, VTC hosted eight of its
attendees to tour Columbia and Sonora. They
overnighted at Heritage Inn Sonora/Yosemite
and dined at The Armory.
13 Item B.

Thank You
14 Item B.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: June 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Melissa Eads, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Presentation from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Regarding Wildfire Safety and Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) Update
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive a Presentation from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Regarding Wildfire Safety and Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) Update.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan
15 Item C.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company
City of Sonora Local Government Forum
June 3, 2024
16 Item C.

Safety
Preparedness Tips
Always be prepared in case of a
natural disaster or an emergency
Build a disaster supply kit for you,
your family or your business
Be sure to include food, water,
medication, flashlights, first aid kits, a
list of emergency contacts and more
Visit safetyactioncenter.pge.com to
help prepare for an emergency
17 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 3 Topics For Discussion
1 Identifying and Reducing Wildfire Risk
2 Vegetation Management
3 Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings
4 Public Safety Power Shutoffs
5 Customer Resources
6 Open Discussion
18 Item C.

Identifying and
Reducing Wildfire Risk
19 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 5 Wildfire Risk in Your Community
PG&E’s high fire-risk area
map helps us target wildfire
mitigation efforts in the
areas and communities at
highest risk.

High fire-risk area
City of Sonora
20 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 6 Layers of Wildfire Protection
New Tools and Technology: Installed over 2,000 weather
stations and high-definition cameras with AI to better predict, monitor and respond to wildfires and severe weather
A
Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings: Installed on
44,000+ line miles in and around high fire-risk areas. These settings automatically shut off power within one-tenth of a second if a hazard is detected
B
Public Safety Power Shutoff: Turning off power for safety as a last resort during severe weather C
Situational Awareness
Operational Mitigations
Resiliency Work
New, Strengthened Equipment: Installing strong poles and covered powerlines on 1,800+ miles of overhead powerlines D Undergrounding Powerlines: Completing 10,000 miles of
undergrounding in the highest wildfire risk areas E
Vegetation Management: Removing or pruning 1 million+
trees per year to ensure they are a safe distance from powerlines F A
Reducing Wildfire Risk in Your Community
A
B
C
D
E
F
For illustrative purposes only. Not to scale. 21
Item C.

Vegetation Management
22 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 8 When trees are too close to overhead
powerlines, they can cause a power
outage or a wildfire.

That’s why each year we:

Inspect ~100,000 miles of powerlines
Perform additional inspections in areas
with increased wildfire risk
Trim or cut down more than 1 million
trees that pose a safety concern
Address dead, dying or hazardous trees
Keeping Trees Away from Powerlines
23 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 9 Additional Vegetation Work to Keep Your Community Safe
We also reduce wildfire risk through
additional vegetation work.

This year, across our service area, we are:

Reviewing and cutting down trees that pose a
safety concern
Conducting additional inspections in high fire-risk
areas near circuits with an increased risk for
vegetation-caused outages
Trimming additional trees near circuits that have
experienced a high volume of vegetation-caused
power outages
24 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 10 What Customers Can Expect During This Work
Notifying in advance if their property
will be impacted before work begins
Inspecting for potential powerline
safety concerns
Trimming or cutting down trees as
needed for safety
Chipping and hauling away small debris
where possible, and placing larger wood
in a safe location on site
Conducting safety and quality checks
through follow-up inspections
1 2
3 4
5 25
Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 11 Right Tree, Right Place Overview
Planting the right tree in the right place
can help reduce power outages, prevent
wildfires and maintain reliable service.

You can help by:

Practicing safe planting near overhead and
underground utilities
Calling 811 two days before digging or planting to
have crews mark underground utilities for free
Leaving vegetation work near powerlines to a
qualified line specialist
Sharing PG&E’s safe planting guides on your website Customers can learn more at pge.com/righttreerightplace. 26
Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 12 Vegetation Management Community Resources
Customers can learn more
about our efforts to keep trees
away from powerlines by:

Visiting us online at pge.com/trees
Downloading the “PG&E Report It”
Safety App at pge.com/reportit
 Customers can submit photos of
non-emergency safety concerns
Contacting us via 1-800-564-5080
or [email protected]
27 Item C.

Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings
28 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 14 Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings:

A Technology to Prevent Wildfires
Safety Settings Prevented a
Possible Ignition in Napa County
72%
reduction in
ignitions*
How It Works
Turning off power within one-tenth
of a second if a tree branch or other
object strikes the line.

Why We Do It
Stopping wildfires
before they have a
chance to start.
*Data is approximate; based on PG&E’s weather-normalized analysis of California Public Utility Commission reportable fire ignitions compared to the 2018-2020 average. 29 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 15 Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings Help Keep You Safe From Wildfires 30 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 16 What Customers Can Expect
Customers can learn more about the status of an outage and the restoration process at pge.com/outages.

Initial
Notification
Estimated
Restoration
Time
Restoration
Timing
Updates
Power
Restoration
Notification
Outage
Occurs
Access
Powerlines
and Equipment
(when safe)
Assess
and Repair
Damage
Power
Restored
31 Item C.

Public Safety Power Shutoffs
32 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 18 Public Safety Power Shutoffs Overview
High winds can cause tree branches and debris to contact energized electric lines, damage our equipment and cause a wildfire. To prevent wildfires, we may need to turn off power as a last resort.

Low humidity
levels of 30%
and below
A Red Flag
Warning issued
by the National
Weather Service
Forecasted high
winds above
19 mph and gusts
above 30-40 mph
Condition of dry
material on the
ground and low
moisture content
of vegetation
On-the-ground,
real-time
observations
Conditions that may lead to a Public Safety Power Shutoff 33 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 19 Watch Warning
48-24 hours before
power is turned off
4-1 hours
before power
is turned off
When power
is turned off
After severe
weather has
passed
If estimated
restoration
time changes*
Daily until
power
has been
restored
Once
power is
restored
PSPS Customer Notifications
When We’ll Share Notifications
We will reach out to customers through automated calls, texts and emails and provide updates on pge.com, social media and to local news and radio. Notifications are available in 16 languages.

Annual registration is required.
*Estimated Time of Restoration is also provided to customers throughout the notification process Customers can sign up for address alerts to receive PSPS notifications for any location by enrolling at pge.com/addressalerts. 34 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 20 During Public Safety Power Shutoffs,
Community Resource Centers provide
resources and up-to-date information.

Community Resource Centers (CRCs)
Customer Resources:
*Indoor locations only
 Personal and medical device charging
 Mobile battery chargers
 ADA-accessible restroom
 Cooling/heating*
 Bottled water/snacks
 Seating
 Ice*
Customers can learn more at pge.com/crc.
35 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 21 PG&E Data Portals
Our secure online data portals provide important planning information and updates for our agency partners to access before, during and after an outage.

PSPS Portal: PSPS planning and event
information, including maps and
confidential data files.

Outage Portal: circuit and outage data on
lines protected by EPSS.

Microgrid Portal*: microgrid maps and
information for local agencies and tribes to
assist in their own resiliency efforts.
*Microgrid Portal is available only to agencies and tribes.

Customers can login or register at
pgedataportals.pge.com.
36 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 22 Differences Between Safety Settings and PSPS
Enhanced Powerline
Safety Settings (EPSS)
Public Safety Power
Shutoffs (PSPS)
WHY
Automatically turning off power within onetenth of a second if a problem is detected on the line
Proactively turning off power to prevent
tree branches and debris from contacting
energized lines
WHEN
Elevated wildfire risk is present, most likely
from May to November, but can occur
year-round
During times of high winds, low humidity and
dry vegetation

NOTIFICATIONS
Regular updates after the outage occurs,
provided until power is restored
In advance through automated calls, texts,
and emails with updates provided until power
is restored
vs.

Customers can find updates and information for both planned and unplanned outages at pge.com/outages. 37 Item C.

Customer Resources
38 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 24 PG&E’s Seven Saturdays to a More Fire-Resistant Home
Our 7 Saturdays series offers
basic steps to help customers
prepare for wildfire season.

Customers can learn more at
safetyactioncenter.pge.com.

Topics customers can learn
about include:

Creating defensible space
Planning for an emergency
Building a more fire-resilient
community
39 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 25 Wildfire Safety Progress Map
The Wildfire Safety Progress Map is a comprehensive, interactive map of PG&E wildfire safety work and progress for customers.

The map includes data related to:
 System Upgrades (Hardening)
 Installing Strong Poles and Covered
Powerlines
 Undergrounding
 Line Removal
 Sectionalizing Devices
 Temporary Microgrids
 Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS)
 Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
 Customer Assistance Programs
 Self-Generation Incentive Program
 Permanent Battery Storage Rebate
Visit pge.com/progressmap to learn more
40 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 26 Customer Resources and Support for Wildfire Safety Outages Portable Battery Program
Supporting eligible customers with fully subsidized portable battery solutions Generator and Battery Rebate Program
Rebates for eligible customers to purchase a qualified generator or battery Self-Generation Incentive Program
Rebates to help customers save on energy storage systems for their business Disability Disaster Access and Resources
Emergency preparedness planning, portable batteries, and support for customers requiring additional accommodations
Residential Storage Initiative
Permanent, long-term backup power solutions for the most impacted customers pge.com/portablebattery
pge.com/backuppower
pge.com/sgip
pge.com/ddar
pge.com/residentialstorageinitiative
41 Item C.

Some of the measures included in this presentation are contemplated as additional precautionary measures intended to further reduce the risk of wildfires. 27 Additional Resources
Dedicated wildfire safety contacts: Hotline: 1-866-743-6589 | Email: [email protected] Information on wildfire
prevention efforts
Wildfire Safety
pge.com/wildfiresafety
Submit photos of
non-emergency potential
safety concerns
Report It App
pge.com/reportit
Free and confidential
support and resources via
calls or texts to 211
California
Network of 211
211ca.org
Create an emergency
safety plan to keep you
and your family safe
Safety Action Center
safetyactioncenter.pge.com
42 Item C.

Open Discussion
43 Item C.

Thank You
44 Item C.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: June 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tyler Summersett
SUBJECT: Proclamation Honoring the Mosaic Art Project in Downtown Sonora RECOMMENDATION:

Present Proclamations to Work Activities for Tuolumne/Calaveras Handicapped (WATCH), Tuolumne County Arts Council, and Diane Stearns in appreciation and recognition of their efforts to make the mosaic a reality BACKGROUND:

WATCH was generous enough to share the speech that director Clint Bower gave at the ribbon cutting/unveiling of the Mosaic. It was so well written; I would like to include it here as background for the item. “This mural is more than just a work of art; it is a testament to the creativity, talent and perseverance of the artists that brought it to life. These artists, many of whom are with us today, have poured their hearts and souls into this project, using their unique perspectives and abilities to advocate for conservation and inspire our community. Equally important to them is that they all got paid for each hour they put into creating this beautiful mural thanks to the generosity of the grantors and sponsors which were focused on employing artists with disabilities.

I would like to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the sponsors who made this project possible.

Your generosity and support have enabled us to provide a platform for these talented individuals to showcase their artistic talents and share their passion for conservation with the world. Without your contributions, this beautiful mural would not have been possible, and for that we are truly grateful.  California Arts Council
 California Heartland Creative Corps
 United Way of Merced County
 Tuolumne County Arts
 Community Development Department, City of Sonora
 The Clever Crow
 Good Stuff
 Local Collective
 Art on Main
 Round Table Pizza
45 Item D.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP  Sonora Tile and Supply
 Zac Garman and Lisa
 Boones Memorial
 Yanni’s Grill
I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers and Community Supporters who dedicate their time, energy, and expertise to help bring this beautiful mural to fruition. Your tireless efforts behind the scenes have played a crucial role in every step of the process, from planning and preparation to installation and beyond.

Your commitment to WATCH is truly commendable, and we are incredibly grateful for your unwavering support.  Tamara Polley
 WATCH Board of Directors
 Valley Mountain Regional Center
 Jaron Brandon-Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors
 Blue Zones Project
 Mother Lode Art Association
 John LaTorre
 Art Guild partners
Last but certainly not least, I want to express my deepest appreciation and admiration for the artists who poured their creativity and talent into every brushstroke, tile, and mosaic piece that make up this stunning work of art.

This creativity exemplifies focusing on abilities and not disabilities. Your passion, dedication and resilience have not only brought this mural to life but have inspired us all to see the world through a new lens and to advocate conservation and abilities in our community and beyond.

As we gather here today to unveil this mosaic mural, let us not only celebrate the beauty of the artwork before us but also reflect on the importance of conservation and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities and the incredible impact that each and every one of us can make when we come together with a shared vision and purpose.”
DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

A special thank you to:

Clint Bower- Executive Director, WATCH
Mica Sutton- Director of Program Services, WATCH
Athena Vida- Administrator for the Heartland Creative Corps Grant, WATCH Carol Stephens- Lead Ceramic teacher for WATCH (30 years!) Chris Halley- Local Artist & Ceramic materials and processes advisor Diane Stearns- Lead Mosaic Artist
Laurie Livingstone- Tuolumne County Arts Council, Executive Director 46 Item D.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact
ATTACHMENTS:

None
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Infrastructure and Engineering, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan 47 Item D.

CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA

PROCLAMATION HONORING

THE MOSAIC ART PROJECT
WHEREAS, the City of Sonora cherishes the creative spirit that thrives within its vibrant community; and
WHEREAS, art serves as a powerful catalyst for unity, expression, and cultural enrichment, fostering connections among diverse individuals and enhancing the beauty of our surroundings; and WHEREAS, the Mosaic Art Project has exemplified the profound impact that collaborative artistic endeavors can have on our city, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike; and WHEREAS, through the dedication, talent, and passion of local artists, volunteers, and supporters, the Mosaic Art Project has transformed public spaces into dynamic showcases of imagination, innovation, and storytelling; and
WHEREAS, we celebrate the beauty of the artwork but also reflect on the importance of conservation and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities and the incredible impact that each and every one of us can make when we come together with a shared vision and purpose.; and WHEREAS, the enduring legacy of the Mosaic Art Project will continue to inspire creativity, spark imagination, and cultivate a sense of community for generations to come; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED I, Mark Plummer, Mayor of the City of Sonora, do hereby proclaim:

The City of Sonora proudly honors and celebrates the Mosaic Art Project and the efforts of WATCH, Tuolumne County Arts Council, Diane Stearns, Chris Halley and the many sponsors and contributors for their invaluable contributions to our city's cultural landscape and for its unwavering commitment to fostering creativity, connection, and community spirit.

I urge all residents to join me in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of this remarkable project and in recognizing the transformative power of art to unite, inspire, and uplift.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Sonora to be affixed this 3rd day of June, of the year two thousand and twenty-four.

Signed ___________ Attest
Mark Plummer, Mayor Tracy Skelly, City Clerk
48 Item D.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: June 03, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Melissa Eads, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Supervisor David Goldemberg County Update
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive an Update from Tuolumne County District 1 Supervisor David Goldemberg.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

District 1 Supervisor Goldemberg will Present an Update on County-Wide Issues to the City Council at the First Meeting of Each Month.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan, Homelessness Issues 49 Item E.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: June 03, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk
SUBJECT: Meeting Minutes from March 06, 2023; March 15, 2023; and March 04, 2024.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve City Council Meeting Minutes from March 06, 2023; March 15, 2023; and March 04, 2024.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve Meeting Minutes from March 06, 2023; March 15, 2023; and March 04, 2024.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

ATTACHMENTS:

Meeting Minutes from March 06, 2023; March 15, 2023; and March 04, 2024.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan, Homelessness Issues, Staffing - Salary, Benefits, Training, and Retention
50 Item F.

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, March 06, 2023
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on Monday, March 6, 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 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.

Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tempore Ann Segerstrom
Council Members Suzanne Cruz, Matt Hawkins, Andy Merrill City Administrator Melissa Eads
City Attorney Douglas White
51 Item F.

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 Matt Hawkins
Councilmember Andy Merrill

PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments.

ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
Adjourned into closed session at 4:03 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 Labor Negotiators (Gov. Code Section § 54957.6): Agency designated representatives: Melissa Eads, City Administrator; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director; Employee Organization: Sonora Employees' Association (SEA).

4. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Government Code section 54956.9 (d)(1)); Name of Case: Jaycee Alameda v. City of Sonora, et al., Tuolumne Superior Court Case No. CV 63114; Doug White, City Attorney.
52 Item F.

RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
Called to order 5:07 PM.

REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Plummer stated direction was given to staff.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz
Councilmember Andy Merrill
ABSENT
Matt Hawkins
CITY CLERK’S REPORT ON AGENDA POSTING
The Agenda was posted Friday, March 3, 2023, at 12:26 PM.

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. 53 Item F.

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 commented she was pleased to see the K9 Program adopted into the Sonora Police Department as it enhances services and spreads love in the community, as everyone values and appreciates the dogs that are here to serve us and Kudos to everyone who helped to make this happen.

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 adoption of Resolution 03-06-2023-C accepting the donation of a police K9 patrol vehicle from the Friends of Sonora Police Department, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.

6. Consider adoption of Resolution No. 03-06-2023-D accepting the donation of a Canine from the Friends of Sonora Police Department, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.

7. Consider approval of disbursements in the amount of $171,457.41 and $159,996.39 for payroll, inclusive of employee salaries, employer and employee taxes, retirement contributions, miscellaneous voluntary employee deductions, holiday pay, and other adjustments, including retropay; Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer.

8. Authorize the possession and consumption of beer and wine, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., on June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14, 2023, in Coffill Park during the Sonora Chamber of Commerce’s Second Saturday Art Night Concert Series; Rachelle Kellogg, Community Development Director.

9. Authorize the possession and consumption of beer and wine, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., on March 17, 2023, on the east side of Linoberg Street (excluding the area currently used by Diamondback Grill) by Spearhead Holdings, LLC (Sonora Taproom) for their St. Patrick’s Day Celebration; Rachelle Kellogg, Community Development Director.
54 Item F.

10. Consider approval of Resolution No. 03-06-2023-A to proclaim the termination of the Local Emergency Due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19); Melissa Eads, City Administrator, Doug White, City Attorney.

11. Consider adoption of Resolution No. 03-06-2023-B supporting the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant for the Northern State Route 49 (SR 49) segment of the Gold Rush Path; Melissa Eads, City Administrator.

No public comments.

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.

MONTHLY REPORTS

12. Receive the Sonora Administrative Services Department monthly report for December 2022; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.

13. Receive the Sonora Community Development Department monthly report for February 2023; Rachelle Kellogg, Community Development Director.

14. Receive the Sonora Fire Department monthly report for January 2023; Aimee New, Fire Chief.

15. Receive the Sonora Police Department monthly report for January 2023; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.

16. Receive the Sonora Public Works Department monthly report for January 2023; Rachelle Kellogg, Community Development Director, Mike Lagomarsino, Public Works Supervisor.

COUNCIL MEMBER/DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
City Administrator Melissa Eads; no report.

Councilmember Andy Merrill; no report.

Councilmember Suzanne Cruz; informed those in attendance Valley Sierra was having a grand opening event at the Small Business Development Center.

Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom; attended the Joint Session with the County; Vehicle Lease Meeting and contributed to the Polar Bear Plunge.
55 Item F.

PRESENTATIONS

17. Receive a presentation from the Blue Zones Project; Tyler Summerset, Executive Director, Kristine Conforti, Public Policy Advocate.

A Business Owner commented he was apprehensive at first with the changes that are to be made to Linoberg and is now very happy and confident with the changes and with Blue Zones. He also voiced his concern for the safety of community members and guests to the City as the corner of Stewart and Linoberg is very unsafe for foot traffic and needs to be addressed.

ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 5:45 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).

CITY COUNCIL EMERGENCY MEETING - MARCH 15, 2023 PAGE 1 OF 2

CITY COUNCIL EMERGENCY MEETING
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 3:00 PM
94 N. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 532-4541

MINUTES
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have an Emergency meeting on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 3:00 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 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING VIA VIDEO CONFERENCING AT:

Zoom Meeting Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86323353320?pwd=WE4wZ0dJSUJjRW9VSGtBZWpkOGhxUT09 Dial: (669) 444-9171
Meeting ID: 863 2335 3320
Passcode: 434214
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.

Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tempore Ann Segerstrom
Council Members Suzanne Cruz, Matt Hawkins, Andy Merrill City Administrator Melissa Eads
City Attorney Douglas White
57 Item F.

CITY COUNCIL EMERGENCY MEETING - MARCH 15, 2023 PAGE 2 OF 2

ROLL CALL

PRESENT
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom
Council Member Suzanne Cruz
Council Member Matt Hawkins
Council Member Andy Merrill

CALL TO ORDER
Called to order at 3:02 PM.

PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment.

NEW BUINESS

1. Consider adoption of Resolution 03-15-2023-A ratifying a declaration of a Local State of Emergency, due to extreme weather, as required by the California Emergency Services Act Article 14 §8630(b); Melissa Eads, City Administrator.

No public comment.

Motion made by Council Member Matt Hawkins, Seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Council Member Suzanne Cruz, Council Member Matt Hawkins, Council Member Andy Merrill.

2. Consider for adoption Resolution 03-15-2023-B for the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) designating the City Administrator, the Administrative Services Director and Fire Chief as authorized agents to execute on behalf of the City of Sonora for the purpose of obtaining post-disaster public assistance grants from FEMA and CalOES.

No public comment.

Motion made by Council Member Matt Hawkins, Seconded by Council Member Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Council Member Suzanne Cruz, Council Member Matt Hawkins, Council Member Andy Merrill.

ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 3:25 PM.

EMERGENCY SESSION
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator 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).

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, March 04, 2024
4:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2024, 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.

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
59 Item F.

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 Matt Hawkins
Councilmember Andy Merrill

PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments.

ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION

1. Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Gov. Code, § 54956.8) Property Location: Parking lot, located at the intersection of Church Street and Stewart Street; Agency Negotiator: Melissa Eads, City Administrator; Christopher Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.

RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
Called to order at 5:03 PM.

REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Plummer stated direction was given to staff.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Matt Hawkins led the Pledge of Allegiance. 60 Item F.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz
Councilmember Matt Hawkins
Councilmember Andy Merrill
CITY CLERK’S REPORT ON AGENDA POSTING
The Agenda was posted on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Seconded by Councilmember Andy Merrill. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill.

A member of the public gave an update on Creative Corps Heartland Grants including Dianne Stearns's project with the WATCH Program and the beautiful mosaic mural; thanked everyone who attended the Pebbles in a Pond Heartland Project; and shared the date and location for the next event for Pebbles in a Pond.

Katie Dunn, President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce informed those in attendance the Chamber was awarded a traveling exhibit from the California Historic Society and there will be many activities planned around the exhibit; Downtown Sonora will be having a Side Walk Sale; there will be an Opera at the Opera House in May; and let the public know when the next Chamber Mixer will be. 61 Item F.

PRESENTATIONS

2. Receive an update from Tuolumne County District 1 Supervisor David Goldemberg.

Tuolumne County District 1 Supervisor David Goldemberg, attended the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in DC, while in DC he attended meetings on the Rural Caucus, California Caucus, Finance and Pensions; spoke at a Round Table for the Pew Charitable Trust on Disaster Resilience; and updated those in attendance the County has not published their priorities and goals from their Workshop, they should be released in 2 -3 weeks.

3. Consider approval of disbursements in the amount of $207,792.84 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.

4. Consider waiving the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 895 to amend the City's Zoning Map; Tyler Summerset, Community Development Director.

No public comment.

Motion made by Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill.

NEW BUSINESS

5. Consider acceptance of the Fiscal Year 23/24 Mid-Year Budget Update with recommended adjustments; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.

A member of the public commented she commended Chris Gorsky and the Administrative Staff for pulling together the Budget Update Report, as it is a vital revival of the budget; she thanked everyone for their efforts to help pass measure Y; and commented City Hall has incredible staff and they are moving in the right direction, having people in City Hall to help is a gift for all of us. 62 Item F.

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 Matt Hawkins, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill.

COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, informed those in attendance on the many emails she receives on a daily basis from homelessness to road issues, she is working with the City Administrator to stay on top of these issues so they can be addressed; she thanked the citizens for reaching out to let us know the issues that are out there; and she will be attending the Sonora 7th (Seventh) Day Adventist Event celebrating International Women's Day.

Mayor Pro- Tem Ann Segerstrom, attended a virtual meeting for the Water Advisory Committee; attended the City Housing Element Meeting, a Talk with Marie Alverado-Gil; and was hoping for an update from Chief New on the Family Feud Game Show.

Councilmember Andy Merrill, attended a productive meeting with the County on the Homelessness situation; and would like to start a Homeless Committee at the City level.

Councilmember Matt Hawkins, commented to those in attendance this is the last City Council Meeting before the election, and is feeling good about whoever obtains the new Councilmembers spots; and is proud of the Council and the direction they are going in.

Mayor Mark Plummer, also attended the meeting with the County on the Homelessness situation and would like to have a discussion on establishing a Homeless Committee at the City level; and attended the Access Tuolumne meeting.

ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 6:12 PM.

35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: June 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer
SUBJECT: Disbursements in the Amount of $182,114.08 for Payroll RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of Disbursements in the Amount of $182,114.08 for Payroll, Including Employee Salaries, Employer and Employee taxes, Retirement Contributions, Miscellaneous Voluntary Employee Deductions, Holiday Pay, and Other Adjustments, Including Retro-Pay.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

This payroll was the third (3rd) payroll of the month, which was an expected amount.

This was the 24
th payroll of 26 for FY23-24, we would have expected to expend 92.31% of the budgeted amount. In total, we have expended 78.37% of the Salaries and Wages for the FY 23-24 budget.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Disbursements are part of the approved FY23-24 Budget.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Staffing - Salary, Benefits, Training, and Retention 64 Item G.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: June 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer
SUBJECT: Workplace Violence Prevention Plan for California Senate Bill 553 (SB553) RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of Resolution 06-03-2024-B Establishing a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan in Accordance with California Senate Bill 553 (SB553).

BACKGROUND:

Senate Bill 553 (SB553) mandates that all workplaces within the city must have comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans by July 1, 2024. In compliance with this legislation, the City has developed a robust Workplace Violence Prevention Plan tailored to the unique needs of our municipal workforce.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The proposed Workplace Violence Prevention Plan outlines a comprehensive framework designed to identify, prevent, and respond to instances of workplace violence within City facilities. Key components of the plan include:

1. Risk Assessment: Conducting thorough risk assessments to identify potential sources of workplace violence and implementing measures to mitigate these risks.

2. Training and Education: Providing comprehensive training programs to all employees to raise awareness about workplace violence, its warning signs, and appropriate response procedures.

3. Reporting and Investigation Procedures: Establishing clear protocols for reporting incidents of workplace violence and conducting prompt and thorough investigations to address concerns and prevent future occurrences.

4. Support Services: Offering support services, such as counseling and employee assistance programs, to employees affected by workplace violence.
65 Item H.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP

5. Continuous Improvement: Implementing mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and improvement of the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan in response to emerging threats and employee feedback.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Workplace Violence Prevention Plan will require initial funding for training materials, educational resources, and any necessary security enhancements and will be included in the FY 24/25 Proposed Budget.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Workplace Violence Prevention Plan

2. Resolution 06-03-2024-B
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Staffing - Salary, Benefits, Training, and Retention 66 Item H.

RESOLUTION 06-03-2024-B
____ _________________________________________________________

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA ESTABLISHING A WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA SENATE BILL 553 (SB553) WHEREAS, workplace violence poses a significant threat to the safety, well-being, and productivity of employees in California; and
WHEREAS, the implementation of effective prevention measures is crucial to ensuring a secure and conducive work environment for all individuals; and
WHEREAS, California Senate Bill 553 (SB553) aims to address these concerns by mandating the development and implementation of comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans; and WHEREAS, it is imperative to endorse and support the objectives outlined in SB553 to safeguard the rights and safety of workers across the state;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sonora does hereby approve Resolution 06-03-2024-B, establishing a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan in accordance with SB 553.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED as a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonora, California, at a regular meeting of said City Council held on June 3, 2024, by the following votes:

AYES: ___________________________________________________________________ NOES: ___________________________________________________________________ ABSTAIN: ___________________________________________________________________ ABSENT: ___________________________________________________________________ Signed and dated: 06/03/2024
_______________________________
Mark Plummer
Mayor of the City of Sonora
ATTEST: _______________________________
Tracy Skelly
City Clerk of the City of Sonora
67 Item H.

City of Sonora
Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
May 5, 2024
68 Item H.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Policy............................................................................................................................... 1 Prohibited Acts ................................................................................................................ 1 Responsibility and Authority ............................................................................................ 2 Compliance ..................................................................................................................... 3 Communication and Training .......................................................................................... 3 Procedures...................................................................................................................... 5 Hazard Assessment ........................................................................................................ 6 Hazard Correction ........................................................................................................... 6 Post Incident Response and Investigation ...................................................................... 6 Recordkeeping ................................................................................................................ 7 Annual Review ................................................................................................................ 7 Appendices
A. Workplace Violent Incident Log
B. Workplace Violence Prevention Environmental Hazard Assessment & Control Checklist
69 Item H.
1 Policy
The City of Sonora is committed to providing a work environment that is free of disruptive, threatening, or violent behavior involving any employee, appointed or elected official, volunteer, contractor, client, or visitor. Our policy is to establish, implement, and maintain an effective plan as required by SB 533. The regulation requires us to establish, implement, and maintain, at all times in all our facilities, a workplace violence prevention plan to protect employees and other personnel from aggressive and violent behavior at the workplace.

Our Workplace Violence Prevention (WVP) plan is available upon request to our employees, their representatives, and the Chief of Cal/OSHA or an assigned designee.

Prohibited Acts
The City of Sonora will not ignore, condone, or tolerate threats of violence or workplace violence by any employee, appointed or elected official, volunteer, contractor, client, or visitor.  Threats of violence include both verbal and non-verbal conduct that causes a person to fear for his or her safety because there is a reasonable possibility he or she might be physically injured and that serves no legitimate work-related purpose.  Workplace violence means any act of violence or threat of violence that occurs at the work site. The term workplace violence shall not include lawful acts of self-defense or defense of others. Workplace violence includes the following:
– The threat or use of physical force against an employee that results in, or has a high likelihood of resulting in, injury, psychological trauma, or stress, regardless of whether the employee sustains an injury.
– An incident involving the threat or use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon, including the use of common objects as weapons, regardless of whether or not the employee sustains an injury.

Workplace violence can be categorized into four types:

Type 1: Workplace violence committed by a person who has no legitimate business at the work site - includes violent acts by anyone who enters the workplace with the intent to commit a crime.

Type 2: Workplace violence directed at employees by customers, clients, vendors, or visitors.

Type 3: Workplace violence against an employee by a present or former employee, supervisor, or manager.

Type 4: Workplace violence committed in the workplace by someone who does not work there but has or is known to have had a personal relationship with an employee. 70 Item H.
2 In addition, the City of Sonora prohibits all dangerous weapons not used for fire suppression, accident, incident response, emergency medical services, and the service of fire, law enforcement, or security duties on all City of Sonora property. Any employee or elected official in possession of prohibited dangerous weapons on City of Sonora property violates this policy and may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Any volunteer, contractor, client, or visitor possessing prohibited dangerous weapons will be banned from the premises.

Dangerous weapons include any instrument capable of inflicting death or serious bodily injury.

Responsibility and Authority
Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Administrator
The City Administrator, or an assigned designee, is the designated WVP Plan Administrator (“Administrator”) and has the authority and responsibility for developing, implementing, and maintaining this plan and conducting or overseeing any investigations of workplace violence reports. The City Administrator will also be able to answer employee questions concerning this plan.

The City Administrator, or an assigned designee, shall solicit feedback and input from employees and their authorized representatives in developing and implementing the WVP plan. Active involvement of employees could include, but is not limited to, their participation in identifying, evaluating, and correcting workplace violence hazards; in designing and implementing training; and in reporting and investigating workplace violence incidents.

The City Administrator, or an assigned designee, shall coordinate the implementation of the workplace violence prevention plan with other employers (ex. contracted security staff and other employers on site), when applicable, to ensure those employers and their employees understand their respective roles as provided in the plan. These other employers and their staff shall be provided with training on the City of Sonora’s WPV plan.

Managers and Supervisors
Responsibilities include:
 Implementing the plan in their work areas;
 Providing input to the Administrator regarding the plan;  Participating in investigations of workplace violence reports; and  Answering employee questions concerning this plan.

Employees
Responsibilities include:
 Complying with the plan;
 Maintaining a violence-free work environment;
 Attending all training;
71 Item H.
3  Following all directives, policies, and procedures; and  Reporting suspicious persons in the area and alerting the proper authorities when necessary.

Compliance
The Administrator is responsible for ensuring the plan is communicated and understood by all employees. The following techniques are used to ensure all employees understand and comply with the plan:
 Informing all employees of the plan during new employee safety orientation training and ongoing workplace violence prevention training;
 Ensuring all employees, including managers, and supervisors receive training on this plan;  Providing comprehensive workplace violence prevention training to managers and supervisors concerning their roles and responsibilities for plan implementation;  Evaluating employees to ensure their compliance with the plan;  Disciplining employees, appointed or elected officials, and volunteers who engage in threats of violence; up to and including dismissal; and  Ensuring training of this plan is conducted on a biennial basis.

Communication and Training
Managers and supervisors are responsible for communicating with employees about workplace violence in a form readily understandable by all employees.

Employees are encouraged to inform their supervisors about any threats of violence or workplace violence. Employees may use the Workplace Violent Incident Log (Appendix A) to assist in reporting incidents. No employee will be disciplined for reporting any threats of violence or workplace violence.

After the employee has reported their concerns about any threats of violence or workplace violence to their supervisor, the supervisor will report this information to the Administrator who will investigate the incident. The Administrator will then inform the employee of the results of their investigation and any corrective actions to be taken as part of the City of Sonora’s responsibility in complying with hazard correction measures outlined in the WVP plan.

Any employee who believes he or she has the potential of violent behavior is encouraged to use the City of Sonora’s confidential Employee Assistance Program:

Halcyon Behavioral
Main Phone Number: 1-800-425-4800
Website: www.halcyoneap.com – Username: csjvrma
72 Item H.
4 Employee training on workplace violence will include:
 This plan;
 Workplace violence risks that employees may encounter in their jobs;  How to recognize the potential for violence and escalating behavior;  Strategies to de-escalate behaviors and to avoid physical harm;  City of Sonora alerts, alarms, or systems that are in place to warn of emergencies;  How to report incidents to law enforcement; and
 Employee Assistance Program - Halcyon Behavioral
Employees assigned to respond to alerts, alarms, or systems that are in place to warn others will receive additional training that includes:
 General and personal safety measures;
 Aggression and violence predicting factors;
 The assault cycle;
 Characteristics of aggressive and violent persons;
 Verbal intervention and de-escalation techniques and physical maneuvers to defuse and prevent violent behavior;
 Strategies to prevent physical harm;
 Appropriate and inappropriate use of restraining techniques and medications as chemical restraints in accordance with Title 22; and
 An opportunity to practice the taught maneuvers and techniques, including a debriefing session.

Training will occur:
 When the plan is first established;
 At the time of hire or transfer;
 Annually for employees assigned to respond to internal alerts, alarms, or systems;  When new equipment or work practices are introduced; and  When a new or previously unrecognized workplace violence hazard has been identified Employees who receive training in a form other than live will have the opportunity to meet with a person knowledgeable on the plan within one business day of the training for interactive questions to be answered.
73 Item H.
5 Procedures
Responding to Actual or Potential Workplace Violence Emergencies In the event of an actual or potential workplace violence emergency, the City Administrator or an assigned designee will alert employees of the presence, location, and nature of the workplace violence through the following methods:
 Verbal, text message, phone, or email.

When any employee becomes aware of an actual or potential workplace violence emergency, they shall notify the employee’s direct supervisor who will notify the City Administrator or an assigned designee.

Employees shall implement the run, hide, and fight protocols where appropriate. Evacuation routes and sheltering locations will be communicated to affected staff. If employees are not able to evacuate or shelter in place, they are authorized to take all reasonable actions necessary to fight or subdue an active shooter or assailant.

Employees can obtain help from staff assigned to respond to workplace violence emergencies, such as security personnel by calling the Police Department at the following number: 1-209-532- 8143. If no security personnel are located at the worksite, employees shall call 911 to report the incident and request assistance from law enforcement.

Emergencies and Reporting a Crime
For immediate assistance in an emergency that is not associated with a service call, contact emergency services or law enforcement by calling 911. For immediate assistance in an emergency associated with a service call in progress, follow internal procedures for requesting immediate backup assistance by notifying local law enforcement. Employees should also notify their supervisor, manager, and the Administrator as soon as possible.

Reporting Workplace Violence Concerns
Employees who witness or experience threats of violence or workplace violence can report the incident through their chain of command or directly to Human Resources. Employees may report anonymously and without fear of reprisal by submitting the incident in writing through interoffice mail.

Restraining Orders
Employees or other personnel affiliated with the City of Sonora who have an active restraining order issued against another person that includes the workplace are encouraged to provide a copy of the restraining order to their supervisor and the Administrator. Supervisors who receive notification of a restraining order that includes the workplace will meet with the Administrator to decide what actions, if any, need to be initiated.
74 Item H.
6 Hazard Assessment
Workplace hazard assessments will include:
 An annual review of the past year’s workplace violence incidents; and  Periodic physical security assessments.

The Workplace Violence Prevention Environmental Hazard Assessment & Control Checklist (Appendix B) can be used to assist with the security assessment. Inspections are performed according to the following schedule:
 Once a year;
 When the plan is implemented;
 When new, previously unidentified workplace violence/security hazards are recognized; and
 When workplace violence injuries or threats of injury occur.

Hazard Correction
Work practice controls will be used to correct unsafe work conditions, practices, or procedures that threaten the security of employees.

Work practice controls are defined as procedures, rules, and staffing that are used to effectively reduce workplace violence hazards. Work practice controls may include, but are not limited to:
 Appropriate staffing levels;
 Provision of dedicated safety personnel (i.e. security guards);  Employee training on workplace violence prevention methods; and  Employee training on procedures to follow in the event of a workplace violence incident.

Corrective actions will be implemented in a timely manner based on the severity of the hazard, documented and dated.

Post-Incident Response and Investigation
Managers and supervisors will use the Workplace Violent Incident Log (Attachment A) to assist in documenting incidents and investigations.

These procedures will occur following an incident:
 Provide immediate medical care or first aid;
 Identify all employees involved in the incident;
 Offer staff individual trauma counseling resources;
75 Item H.
7  Conduct a debriefing with all affected staff;
 Determine if corrective measures developed under this plan were effectively implemented; solicit feedback from all personnel involved in the incident as to the cause of this incident and if injuries occurred, how injury could have been prevented; and  Record the incident in the Workplace Violent Incident Log.

Recordkeeping
 Records of workplace violence hazard identification, evaluation, and correction will be maintained for three years in accordance with the recordkeeping requirements of the City of Sonora’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program.  Training for each employee, including the employee’s name, training dates, type of training, and training provider will be maintained for a minimum of three years.  Records of violent incidents (Workplace Violent Incident Log) will be maintained for a minimum of five years at City Hall, 94 N. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370.

Annual Review
The City of Sonora’s Workplace Violence Prevention Plan will be reviewed annually and updated as needed considering the following criteria:
 Staffing;
 Sufficiency of security systems;
 Job, equipment, and facility design and risks;
 Modifications or additions to tasks and procedures that affect plan implementation;  Newly identified hazards;
 Prior year incidents;
 Identified deficiencies; and
 Feedback provided by employees and their authorized representatives. 76 Item H.
1 Appendix A

WORKPLACE VIOLENT INCIDENT LOG
This form must be completed for every record of violence in the workplace Incident ID #*: Date and Time of Incident: Department:

Specific Location of Incident:
* Do not identify employee by name, employee #, or SSI. The Incident ID must not reflect the employee’s identity) Describe Incident (Include additional pages if needed):

Assailant information:

Patient Client Customer
Family or Friend of Patient Family or Friend of Client Family or Friend of Customer Partner/Spouse of Victim Parent/Relative of Victim Co-Worker/Supervisor/Manager Former Partner/Spouse of Victim Animal Person In Custody Robber/Burglar Passenger Stranger
Student Other:

Circumstances at time of incident:

Employee Performing Normal Duties Poor Lighting Employee Rushed Employee Isolated or Alone High Crime Area Low Staffing Level Unable to Get Help or Assistance Working in a Community Setting Unfamiliar or New Location Other:

Location of Incident:

Lobby Emergency or Urgent Care Hallway
Office or Station: Restroom or Bathroom Parking Lot or Outside Building Personal Residence Breakroom Council Chambers
Other:

Type of Incident (check as many apply):

Robbery Grabbed Pushed
Verbal Threat or Harassment Kicked Scratched
Sexual Threat, Harassment, or Assault Hit with an Object Bitten Animal Attack Shot (or Attempted) Slapped
Threat of Physical Force Bomb Threat Hit with Fist
Threat of Use of Weapon or Object Vandalism (of Victim’s Property) Knifed (or Attempted) Assault With A Weapon or Object Vandalism (of Employer’s Property) Arson Robbery Other:

Consequences of incident:

Medical care provided? Yes No Law enforcement called? Yes No Security contacted? Yes No Did anyone provide assistance to conclude the event? Yes No Days lost from work (if any) Actions taken by employer to protect employees from a continuing threat? Yes No Completed by:

Name: Title: Date:

Telephone: Email:

Signature: Telephone:
77 Item H.
2 Appendix B

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD ASSESSMENT & CONTROL CHECKLIST
Assessed by: Title:

Location(s) Assessed:

This checklist is designed to evaluate the workplace and job tasks to help identify situations that may place employees at risk of workplace violence.

Step 1: Identify risk factors that may increase the City of Sonora’s vulnerability to workplace violence events.

Step 2: Conduct a workplace assessment to identify physical and process vulnerabilities.

Step 3: Develop a corrective action plan with measurable goals and target dates.

STEP 1: IDENTIFY RISK FACTORS
Yes No Risk Factors Comments:

Does staff have contact with the public?
Does staff exchange money with the public?
Does staff work alone?
Is the workplace often understaffed?
Is the workplace located in an area with a
high crime rate?
Does staff enter areas with high crime rates?
Does staff have mobile workplaces?
Does staff perform public safety functions
that might put them in conflict with others?
Does staff perform duties that may upset
people?
Does staff work with people known or
suspected to have a history of violence?
Do any employees have a history of threats
of violence?
78 Item H.
3 STEP 2: CONDUCT ASSESSMENT
Building Interior
Yes No Building Interior Comments:

Are employee ID badges required?
Are employees notified of past workplace
violence events?
Are trained security personnel or staff
accessible to employees?
Are bullet-resistant windows or similar
barriers used when money is exchanged
with the public?
Are areas where money is exchanged
visible to others?
Is a limited amount of cash kept on hand
with appropriate signage?
Could someone hear an employee who
called for help?
Do employees have a clear line of sight of
visitors in waiting areas?
Do areas used for client or visitor interviews
allow co-employees to observe problems?
Are waiting and work areas free of objects
that could be used as weapons?
Is furniture in waiting and work areas
arranged to prevent employee entrapment?
Are clients and visitors clearly informed how
to use the department services so they will
not become frustrated?
Are private, locked restrooms available for
employees?
Do employees have a secure place to store
personal belonging?
79 Item H.
4 Building Exterior
Yes No Building Exterior Comments:

Do employees feel safe walking to and from
the workplace?
Are the entrances to the building clearly
visible from the street?
Is the area surrounding the building free of
bushes or other hiding places?
Are security personnel provided outside the
building?
Is video surveillance provided outside the
building?
Is there enough lighting to see clearly?
Are all exterior walkways visible to security
personnel?
Parking Area
Yes No Parking Area Comments:

Is there a nearby parking lot reserved for
staff?
Is the parking lot attended and secure?
Is the parking lot free of blind spots and
landscape trimmed to prevent hiding
places?
Is there enough lighting to see clearly?
Are security escorts available?
80 Item H.
5 Security Measures
Yes No Security Measures Comments:

Is there a response plan for workplace
violence emergencies?
Are there physical barriers? (between staff
and clients)
Are there security cameras?
Are there panic buttons?
Are there alarm systems?
Are there metal detectors?
Are there X-ray machines?
Do doors lock?
Does internal telephone system activate
emergency assistance?
Are telephones with an outside line
programed for 911?
Are there two-way radios, pagers, or cell
phones?
Are there security mirrors?
Is there a secured entry?
Are there personal alarm devices?
Are there “drop safes” to limit available
cash?
Are pharmaceuticals secured?
Is there a system to alert staff of the
presence, location, and nature of a security
threat?
Is there a system in place for testing security
measures?
81 Item H.

STEP 3: DEVELOP CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(Action Plan Types: BI – Building Interior, BE – Building Exterior, PA – Parking Area, SM – Security Measure) Type Action Item Person(s)
Responsible
Target
Date Status Comments
82 Item H.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: June 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION 06-03-2024-A TO ESTABLISH NO TEMPORARY PARKING ZONES FOR THE 2024 MOTHER LODE FAIR.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve Resolution 06-03-2024-A authorizing temporary “No Parking” zones along certain City Streets during the 2024 Mother Lode Fair.

BACKGROUND:

Each year, the Tuolumne County Mother Lode Fair is held at the fairgrounds within the city limits of Sonora. This event attracts a large amount of vehicle and pedestrian traffic around the fairgrounds. Because of the additional traffic, temporary “No Parking” zones are established to assist with the flow of pedestrian traffic, as well as to keep narrow streets open for emergency vehicles.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The Mother Lode Fair will begin on Thursday, June 27, 2024, and end on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Because of the large volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic around the fairgrounds, temporary “No Parking” zones are needed to assist with the flow of pedestrian traffic and to keep narrow streets open for emergency vehicles.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no direct fiscal impact resulting from the adoption of Resolution 06-03-2024-A ATTACHMENTS:

Resolution Number 06-03-2024-A
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness.
83 Item I.

RESOLUTION 06-03-2024-A
____ _________________________________________________________

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TEMPORARY “NO PARKING” ZONES ON CERTAIN CITY STREETS TO ACCOMMODATE

PEDESTRIAN, AS WELL AS VEHICLE TRAFFIC ASSOCIATED WITH THE MOTHER LODE FAIR, TO BE HELD THURSDAY, 27 JUNE 2024, THROUGH SUNDAY, 30 JUNE 2024.

WHEREAS, the Mother Lode Fairgrounds will be hosting the 2024 fair within the City limits of Sonora; and
WHEREAS, the Mother Lode Fair tends to increase vehicle and pedestrian traffic in areas around the fairgrounds; and
WHEREAS, NO PARKING zones will be needed along certain City Streets to assist with the flow of pedestrian traffic while keeping narrow streets accessible for emergency vehicles.

NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Recitals. The Recitals set forth above are true and correct and are incorporated into this Resolution by this reference.

Section 2. Temporary “NO PARKING” zones will be established on the following streets from Thursday, 27 June 2024, through Sunday, 30 June 2024.

Section 3. There shall be no parking at the south/east corner of State Route 49 (Stockton Road) and Southgate in the area of the locomotive and crosswalk.

Section 4. There shall be no parking on the east side of Solinski, between State Route 49 (Stockton Road) and West Jackson Street.

Section 5. There shall be no parking on Fairview Lane, between State Route 49 (Stockton Road) and the driveway into the Tuolumne County Superintendents’ Office.

Section 6. There shall be no parking on the east or west side of Forest Road, between State Route 49 (Stockton Road) and the driveway into the Adventist Health Wellness Center.

PASSED AND ADOPTED as a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonora, California, at a regular meeting of said City Council held on 03 June 2024, by the following votes:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:
84 Item I.

Signed and approved on:______________, 2024
_______________________________
Mark Plummer, Mayor of the City of Sonora
ATTEST: _______________________________
Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
RESOLUTION 06-03-2024-A
85 Item I.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP {CW138475.2}
DATE: June 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Douglas L. White, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement Between the County of Tuolumne and the City of Sonora Related to the Subaru Car Dealership, and Authorizing Amendment #1 to Agreement for Revenue Redistribution Pertaining to the South Bypass Annexation to the City of Sonora
RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing two agreements between the City of Sonora (“City”) and Tuolumne County (“County”):

1. Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement Between the County of Tuolumne and the City of Sonora Related to the Subaru Car Dealership (“Subaru Agreement”); and

2. Amendment #1 to Agreement for Revenue Redistribution Pertaining to the South Bypass Annexation to the City of Sonora (“Amendment #1 to the South Bypass Agreement”).

BACKGROUND:

The City and County have been negotiating for several months related to a proposed Subaru development project located within the County’s territorial limits but also included within the City’s Sphere of Influence (“SOI”). Subaru maintains an existing car dealership with two parts: car sales, which are currently located within the County and within the City’s SOI; and services/parts, which are currently located within the City.

The Subaru development project will combine the car sales and service/parts portions of the existing dealership into one location within the County, resulting in the existing facility locations ceasing to operate.

The negotiations have focused on the concern that City services will be impacted by the Subaru development project, but the City would not receive tax revenue from the project once completed, thereby creating a cost to the City. Additionally, the County expressed concern regarding the City potentially seeking to annex the site. Working collaboratively to address the concerns, the City and County agreed to: (1) enter into the Subaru Agreement fortax revenue sharing specific to the Subaru development project; and (2) enter into Amendment #1 to increase the City’s share of the local general fund Bradley-Burns tax that was established in the original 1991 Agreement for Revenue Redistribution Pertaining to the South Bypass Annexation to the City of Sonora (“South Bypass Agreement”).
86 Item J.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP {CW138475.2}
The Subaru Agreement provides that the County will retain all ad valorem property tax for the site and that the City and County will split on a 50-50 basis of all sales and use tax revenue generated by the project in excess of two hundred seventeen thousand dollars ($217,000) on an annual basis. The Subaru Agreement also includes the provision that the City will not pursue annexation of the site during the term of the Agreement and will not pursue litigation related to the project.

Amendment #1 to the South Bypass Agreement increases the City’s share of the local general fund BradleyBurns tax that was established in the South Bypass Agreement. The South Bypass Agreement established that the County shares a portion of the one percent of the 1 ¼% Bradley-Burns local tax that is distributed to local agencies to support local government general funds. In 1991, the City and County agreed to the tax redistribution in which the City would receive .87 of the one percent and the County would receive .13 of the one percent. Amendment #1 to the South Bypass Agreement will reduce the County’s share from .13 to .11 and increase the City’s share from .87 to .89.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The provisions of Article XIII, Section 29(b) of the California Constitution and Government Code sections 55700-55707 authorize the City and County to enter into an agreement to apportion between them the revenue derived from any sales or use tax imposed by them pursuant to local sales and use tax law. The City and the County must each approve the agreement by ordinance or resolution, and the agreement must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of both the City Council and the Board of Supervisors. The proposed resolution approves the Subaru Agreement and authorizes the City Administrator to execute the Subaru Agreement, subject to any revisions approved by the City Attorney.

The South Bypass Agreement specifies that any amendment to its terms must be in writing signed by both parties. The Proposed resolution approves and authorizes the Mayor to execute Amendment #1 to the South Bypass Agreement, subject to any revisions approved by the City attorney.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Subaru Agreement provides the City with tax revenue that the City would not otherwise receive. Since the Subaru development project will combine the car sales and service/parts portions of the existing dealership into one location within the County, the City would see a significant loss of sales tax revenue since the service/parts portion of the dealership will no longer be located in the City. The Subaru Agreement is a fair and equitable approach to tax sharing for the Subaru development project located within the County’s territorial limits but also within the City’s SOI.

Amendment #1 to the South Bypass Agreement benefits the City by increasing the City’s share of the tax revenue pertaining to the South Bypass.
87 Item J.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP {CW138475.2}
ATTACHMENTS:
 Resolution No. 06-03-2024-C
 Subaru Agreement
 Amendment #1 to the South Bypass Agreement
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Economic Development/Growth and General Plan.
88 Item J.
{CW138476.4}
RESOLUTION NO. 06-03-2024-C

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA AUTHORIZING THE

TAX REVENUE SHARING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF TUOLUMNE AND

THE CITY OF SONORA RELATED TO THE SUBARU CAR DEALERSHIP, AND AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT #1 TO AGREEMENT FOR REVENUE REDISTRIBUTION

PERTAINING TO THE SOUTH BYPASS ANNEXATION TO THE CITY OF SONORA WHEREAS, Tuolumne County (“County”) received an application for a Subaru development project that will be located within the County’s territorial limits but also within the sphere of influence of the City of Sonora (“City”); and WHEREAS, the City and County have a mutual interest in the development of and tax revenue derived from the Subaru development project, and the City and County have worked together to develop a fair and equitable agreement for tax sharing; and WHEREAS, Article XIII, Section 29(b) of the California Constitution and Government Code sections 55700-55707 authorize the City and County to enter into an agreement to apportion between them the revenue derived from any sales or use tax imposed by them pursuant to local sales and use tax law, provided that the ordinance or resolution approving the agreement is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of both the City Council and the County Board of Supervisors; and
WHEREAS, the City and County agree to share the tax revenue from the Subaru development project according to the terms of the attached Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement Between the County of Tuolumne and the City of Sonora Related to the Subaru Car Dealership (“Subaru Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, on May 6, 1991, the City and the County entered into an Agreement For Revenue Redistribution Pertaining to the South Bypass Annexation to the City of Sonora (“South Bypass Agreement”) to address revenue redistribution related to the City’s annexation of the South Bypass; and
WHEREAS, the City and County have agreed to amend the South Bypass Agreement to modify the schedule of sales tax charges as outlined in the attached Amendment #1 to Agreement for Revenue Redistribution Pertaining to the South Bypass Annexation to the City of Sonora (“Amendment #1 to the South Bypass Agreement”).

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Sonora City Council hereby approves the Subaru Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote. The City Administrator is hereby authorized to execute the Subaru Agreement, subject to any revisions approved by the City Attorney, and to perform all acts necessary and incidental to carry out the purposes of this Resolution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Sonora City Council hereby approves Amendment #1 to the South Bypass Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit B. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute Amendment #1 to the South Bypass Agreement, subject to any revisions approved by the City Attorney, and to perform all acts necessary and incidental to carry out the purposes of this Resolution.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED AS A RESOLUTION BY THE SONORA CITY 89 Item J.
{CW138476.4}
COUNCIL AT A MEETING HELD BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON THE 3RD DAY OF JUNE 2024, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES: ________________________________________________________________ NOES: ________________________________________________________________ ABSTAIN: ________________________________________________________________ ABSENT: ________________________________________________________________ ATTEST: APPROVED:

Tracy Skelly
City Clerk, City of Sonora
Mark Plummer
Mayor, City of Sonora
90 Item J.
91 Item J.
92 Item J.
93 Item J.
94 Item J.
95 Item J.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Pa11ies have executed this Agreement on the date set forth above.

COUNTY OF TUOLUMNE
By:--------
David Goldemberg,
Chair, Board of Supervisors
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

By��
Sarah Carrillo
County Counsel
By: Heather Ryan Seal
Board Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

CITY OF SONORA
By:--------
Mark Plummer
Mayor, City of Sonora
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

By: ______ _
Douglas L. White
City Attorney
Authorized by Resolution No. [number]
Adopted [date] by the
L_J City Council
{CW138402.3) June, 2024, Version Page6of6
96 Item J.
97 Item J.
98 Item J.
99 Item J.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: June 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Code Amendment of Title 17, Zoning, of the Sonora Municipal Code, Chapter 17.64, Transient Use Permit for Short Term Rentals.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Introduce by Title Ordinance No. 898 Amending Chapter 17.64 - Transient Use Permit - under Title 17 Zoning, of the Sonora Municipal Code and waive the first reading; and,

2. Adopt Resolution No. 06-03-2024-B adopting an increase in the Community Development’s Transient Use Permit Application Fees for Short Term Rentals.

BACKGROUND:

In 2015, the City of Sonora adopted a Transient Use Permit ordinance to govern short-term home rentals for tenancies of less than 30 days. As the short-term industry grew, concerns were raised that short-term rentals were taking away existing housing stock needed for long-term housing opportunities for City residents. In 2021, the City Council recommended an update to the Transient Use Ordinance in response to the statewide housing crisis and the growing homeless population in the City.

On August 16, 2021, the City replaced its existing Transient Use Ordinance with a revised set of regulations for short-term rentals. These regulations intended to limit the number of short-term rentals in the City to ensure shortterm rentals are not displacing City residents from existing housing. In particular, the new ordinance limited shortterm rentals to a host’s primary dwelling unit and prohibited whole house rentals (e.g. vacation rental homes) entirely. This change effectively limited City residents to primarily using rooms in their home as a short-term rental.

Since the adoption of the revised short-term rental ordinance in 2021, the City has undertaken major long term planning efforts to address future economic growth. In 2023, the City conducted an Organizational Review and Budget Stabilization study and in 2024 the City released the draft Housing Element update. The development of these plans, along with the recognition that Sonora is a regional destination for travelers (Yosemite, State Parks, Gold Country, High Country, Recreation) serves as the impetus for the proposed 2024 update to the Transient Use Permit Ordinance providing necessary context for the housing/growth market(s) in the City today.

The Organizational Review and Budget Stabilization Study addressed the City’s financial viability. The study identifies a five-year spending approach to increase operational efficiency, prioritize critical needs, and pursue 100
Item K.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP long-term growth strategies. The study evaluated many aspects of the City’s function, including incentivizing economic growth and analyzing the challenges to homelessness.

As a result of this study, an update to the short-term rental ordinance was identified as a high-priority strategy for increasing tourism, economic activity and by extension revenues. Although the City passed a 1 percent sales tax in 2022, additional revenue sources, such as increasing the City’s transient occupancy taxes (TOT), are fiscally beneficial. The taxes collected on short-term rentals via the TOT), provide a flexible source of funding to augment the City’s General Fund. Additionally, the added short-term rentals support increased tourism that benefits the City’s local establishments.

Following the release of the budget study, the City released the draft Housing Element in February of 2024, which demonstrated the City’s contribution to meeting regional housing targets. The City of Sonora’s Housing Element is developed every five years and, as a part of the process, the state of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) identifies the housing need for each County known as the Regional Housing Need Assessment (RHNA). As a result of the RHNA process, the City is assigned a number of housing units it must accommodate during the 5-year planning period.

For the 2024-2029 Housing Element, the City was allocated two units of housing, one unit allotted for a very lowincome housing unit and one unit allotted for a low-income housing unit. This represents a significant reduction from the 115 units the City was assigned for the previous 2019-2024 Housing Element. In addition, the Housing Element evaluated the number of facilities for homelessness, which increased from last housing element (2019- 2024):

Housing Element cycle Family Units Family Beds Adult-Only Beds 2019-2024* 45 150 95
2024-2029* 60 195 162
Total increase in units 15 45 67
*Note: Numbers are provided for the Tuolumne, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa Counties Continuum of Care for which Tuolumne County is a participating member DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The current ordinance has resulted in very few short-term rentals operating in the City in order to preserve existing housing stock. Currently, there are 29 short-term rentals operating in the City, which is less than 0.01 percent of the total housing stock. However, as identified by the City’s 2024 Housing Element, the City’s housing needs across all income levels for the next five years projects a total of two units, representing a reduction in the projected needs since the short-term rental ordinance was updated in 2021. In addition, the 2024-2029 Housing Element identified the City at a low risk of displacement should additional growth and development occur.

A revision to the existing Transient Use Ordinance to reduce municipal restrictions will bring it in line with the 2023 Organizational Review and Budget Stabilization Study recommendation to update the ordinance as well as 101
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP providing a pathway for greater investment into the City through the collection of TOT and for the potential investment by short-term rental operators.

To address the changing needs of the City, staff worked to refine the Transient Use Permit Ordinance to adjust the elements of the policy that were constricting growth as imposed by the Transient Use Permit Ordinance adopted in 2021. To facilitate growth of short-term rentals, staff evaluated the existing ordinance against two key policy areas:
 Economic Growth and Investment — Support the City’s Tourism Industry by reducing barriers to entry and to leverage the funding of Measure Y with increased TOT revenues.  Streamlined Review and Oversight — Reduce administrative burden on staff and operators as the number of short-term rentals increases.

To protect City neighborhoods and residents, staff worked to update and add policies surrounding standards of operation to ensure that conflicts between existing uses and short-term rentals are minimized. In particular, staff added language to the noise policy and added a more general “Good Neighbor Policy” that establishes quiet hours and a 24/7 phone line to file a complaint. These policies will enable the imposition of fines and the revocation of permits for operators who continually disrupt the existing neighborhood.

The table below identifies the primary changes to the Transient Use Ordinance. The attached Ordinance No. 898 contains all proposed changes with strike-through for sections to be deleted and underline for proposed additions.

Section Primary Revision Policy Area

17.64.020 Included new definitions for “Hosted Short-Term Rental”, “Quiet Hours”, and “Vacation Home.” Other minor revisions were made to existing definitions.

Streamlined Review and
Oversight

17.64.030(A) Allowed for the issuance of short-term rental permits to vacation homes.

Economic Growth and
Investment

17.64.030(C) Continue to prohibit short term rentals in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) in accordance with ADU law (Government Code 65852.2, subds. (a)(6) & (e)(4)(5).

Removed requirement for short term rental permits to be issued for primary residences only.

Economic Growth and
Investment

17.64.040(I) and

17.64.040(J)
Noise standards and Good Neighbor Policy were included to clarify standards of operation and prevent potential conflicts between short-term rentals and other residential uses.

Streamlined Review and
Oversight

17.64.040(K) Removed the prohibition of outdoor fireplaces so that operators can include that amenity if desired.

Economic Growth and
Investment

17.64.040(L) Removed the annual expiration of permits in lieu of operators signing an affidavit for operation.

Streamlined Review and
Oversight
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP

17.64.040(M) Removed the annual inspection requirement in lieu of an inspection occurring every three years.

Streamlined Review and
Oversight

17.60.060 Added section on the expiration of permits upon transfer of ownership or cease of use.

Streamlined Review and
Oversight
The following General Plan policies would be implemented with the proposed text amendment:
 5.A.3 Identify and Implement solutions for resolving noise complaints within the city.  9.A.5 Recognize the importance of heritage tourism to the economy of the city.  10.A.1 Encourage a mixture of uses and activities that will maintain the vitality of the downtown areas.

The draft Transient Use Permit Ordinance was shared with the Sonora Chamber of Commerce Tuolumne County Association of Realtors and the Tuolumne County Business Council for their input and comment. At the time of this staff report, comments were received regarding allowing Short Term Rentals in ADUs and extending the timeline for expiration of permits.

Prohibiting STRs in ADUs is governed by State law. Expiration of permits is a policy decision at the discretion of the City Council, so modifying this element of the ordinance is possible. Further discussion of these and other aspects of the Transient Use Permit Ordinance will be addressed at the City Council public hearing. A public hearing notice was posted on May 24, 2024.

CEQA DETERMINATION:

The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), Common Sense Exemption.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The elimination of the short term rental moratorium will increase Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenues for the City. Applicants will incurthe cost of Transient Use Permit application processing and site inspections in accordance with the City’s fee schedule as adopted by the City Council.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Ordinance No. 898 with Strikeout/Insert Version
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering, Economic Development/Growth, and General Plan
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THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF SONORA
ORDINANCE NO. 898
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.64, TRANSIENT USE PERMIT, OF TITLE 17, ZONING, OF THE SONORA MUNICIPAL CODE TO REVISE REGULATIONS ON

SHORT-TERM RENTALS
WHEREAS, the City of Sonora (the “City”) adopted Chapter 17.64 of the Sonora Municipal Code in 2015 to allow short-term rentals by right in all residential, commercial, and tourist and administrative zoning districts; and
WHEREAS, the City amended Chapter 17.64 of the Municipal Code in 2021 to prevent dwelling units from exclusively being used as short-term rentals to address the lack of affordable housing in the City, in accordance with the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) as projected in the adopted Housing Element of the General Plan; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, the City’s adopted RHNA for housing need across all income levels for the City over the next five years is two housing units, which represents a 98 percent reduction in the City’s projected RHNA ; and
WHEREAS, on February 6th, 2023, City of Sonora adopted the Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study which identifies a 5-year long spending approach to increase operational efficiency, prioritize critical needs, and pursue long-term growth strategies; and WHEREAS, based upon the economic benefits and transit occupancy tax to be generated, an update to the Transient Use Ordinance is a high-priority item identified in the 2023 Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study; and
WHEREAS, the City derives significant revenue from the transient occupancy tax imposed by Chapter

3.20 of the Code, such that collection of all transient occupancy tax enables the City provide critical services; and
WHEREAS, the City wants to ensure long-term financial viability and facilitate economic development; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes the importance of the tourism industry to the City due to its scenic vistas, rich Gold Rush History, and proximity to Yosemite National Park.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SONORA CITY COUNCIL DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. AMENDMENT. Chapter 17.64, Transient Use Permit, of Title 17, Zoning, of the Sonora Municipal Code as amended shall read as follows:
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Chapter 17.64
Transient Use Permit
Sections:

17.64.010 Purpose.

17.64.020 Definitions.

17.64.030 Transient Use Permit Requirements.

17.64.040 Operational Standards.

17.64.050 Prohibitions.

17.64.060 Expiration.

17.64.07060 Penalties; Permit Denial, Suspension, and Revocation.

17.64.08070 Appeals.

17.64.09080 Amnesty Period.

17.64.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this Chapter is to:

A. Allow limited short-term rental uses while preventing the loss of housing stock; A. Achieve a balance of short-term rental uses and adequate housing stock for all economic segments of City residents. Allow short term rentals, while preserving the residential character and establish operating standards to reduce potential noise, parking, traffic, property maintenance and safety impacts on adjacent neighbors;
B. Preserve residential character and establish operating standards to reduce potential noise, parking, traffic, property maintenance and safety impacts on adjacent neighbors; and C. Provide a registration process for the City to track and enforce these requirements as needed and ensure appropriate collection of transient occupancy taxes.

17.64.020 Definitions
For the purpose of this Chapter, and except where otherwise expressly defined in this Chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings provided in this Section. Where words and phrases are not expressly defined under this Section, they shall be construed as their ordinary meaning within the context which they are used:
“Code” means the Sonora Municipal Code.
"Guest" or "Guests" means the individual or individual(s) occupying the short-term rental for the purposes of staying overnight.
“Hosted short-term rental” is the rental of one (1) or more bedrooms in a dwelling unit where the operator remains in residence in one (1) or more bedrooms in the dwelling unit or resides in another dwelling unit on the same parcel, for the duration of the guest’s stay. A hosted short-term rental is rented out for a period less than thirty (30) days
"Local contact person" means an individual who is available by telephone on a twenty-four (24) hour basis and who maintains the ability to be onsite within thirty (30) minutes and who has access and authority to assume 105
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management of the short-term rental. The operator of the short term rental or an An agent or professional property management company that meets the availability requirements can serve as the local contact person. “Operator” means any and all of the following: (i) the person who is a legal owner of a short-term rental; (ii) a person who has the legal right to possession of a short-term rental; (iii) any manager, agent, representative or other similar person acting under the authority or at the direction of the owner or other operator of a shortterm rental. “Primary residence” means the dwelling unit where a person has been physically present and that the person regards as home for at least two hundred forty-five (245) days during the calendar year. A person may only have one primary residence at any given time. Evidence of a person's primary residence includes, but is not limited to, documentation from income tax statements or a driver's license. An applicant or permittee physically occupies a dwelling unit when he or she is always on the premises between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
“Quiet Hours” are the hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Weekdays and 8:00 AM on Weekends in residential areas.
"Short-term rental" means a single-family dwelling, multi-family dwelling unit, studio, condominium, townhouse, duplex, guesthouse, bedroom within an existing residential unit, or junior accessory dwelling unit, rented for the purpose of continuous overnight lodging for a period of not less than one night and not more than thirty (30) days.
“Vacation rental home” or “vacation home” means the rental of an entire dwelling unit, which contains bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, for a period less than thirty (30) days. An operator of a Vacation Home does not reside onsite for the duration of the guest’s stay.

17.64.030 Transient Use Permit Requirements
A. Transient Use Permit Required. Short-term rental uses consisting of hosted short-term rentals and vacation homes as defined herein, shall be permitted subject to the requirements of this chapter, including compliance with the operational standards, registration, Transient Occupancy Tax payments, and recordkeeping obligations required under the Code. A separate transient use permit shall be required and maintained in good standing for each parcel in which a transient use rental is located. Transient use permits shall be renewed annually. The issuance of any permit pursuant to this Chapter does not relieve the owner of the obligation to comply with the other provisions of this Code pertaining to the use and occupancy of the short-term rental or the property in which it is located.

B. Use Requirements. Each transient use parcel shall be used and maintained in a manner consistent with the character of the neighborhood in which it is located; shall not impair the desirability of investment or occupation of the surrounding neighborhood; and shall not have displayed thereon any sign that indicates the property is used or available for transient or short-term rental purposes.

The maximum number of occupants eighteen or older in age authorized to stay overnight at any transient use parcel shall be limited to two persons per bedroom, plus one additional person per unit.

C. Short-term rentals are prohibited for in accessory dwelling units. It is unlawful for any person to advertise, maintain, operate or use a short-term rental within the City without a transient use permit, or in violation of this Chapter. Transient use permits shall be issued only for the primary residences of Operators within the City. It is unlawful for any person to advertise, maintain, operate, or use as a short-term rental an accessory dwelling unit as defined in Government Code section 65852.2, as it 106
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may be amended from time to time. No transient use permit shall be issued for any accessory dwelling unit. Each short-term rental occurring without a transient use permit, and each rental of an accessory dwelling unit shall be a separate violation.

D. Transient Occupancy Tax. All transient use permits shall be subject to the transient occupancy tax pursuant to Chapter 3.20 of the Code.

E. Business License Required. All short-term rental operators must obtain and maintain a business license pursuant to Chapter 5.10 of the Code.

F. Exemption. The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to the operation of any lawfully established bed and breakfast inn, motel, hotel, or timeshare development, subject to applicable provisions of this Code.

G. Application process. An application for a transient use permit shall be submitted by the operator to the Community Development Department for consideration in accordance with the standards contained herein. Each transient use permit application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable transient use permit fee as set by resolution of the City Council. Permits and fees required by this Chapter are in addition to any license, permit, certificate or fee required by any other chapter of this Code. Each application shall at a minimum include the following:

1. Operator name and contact information.

2. Proof that that short-term rental is a primary residence.

3. The name of the local contact person, if different from the operator, and a telephone number at which the local contact person may be reached within 30 minutes.

4. Address and assessor's parcel number for property at which the short-term rental is located.

5. Rental unit type (e.g., home, condominium) and number of bedrooms.

6. Total number of on-site parking spaces.

7. Proof of existing solid waste and recyclable collection and disposal service with the City’s franchisee.

8. Number and location of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms, and certification of compliance with Fire Code and fire safety requirements, including those pertaining to fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms.

9. Date of the most recent inspection (if any) of the short-term rental conducted by the Sonora Fire Department pursuant to this Chapter.

10. Such information as may be required by the City Administrator, or his or her designee, and deemed necessary to estimate the annual transient occupancy tax to be charged for that property.
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11. Such further information as may be required to enable proper administration of the transient use permit and this Chapter.

12. Acknowledgment that the operator has read and understood this Chapter, and the City’s operational standards for short-term rentals.

If the information supplied by the operator on the application for a transient use permit is not consistent with City records, an inspection may be required prior to or after the issuance of the transient use permit. An inspection fee shall be charged for the inspection.

G. Term and Scope of Transient Use Permit. A transient use permit issued under this Chapter shall expire on December 31 of the calendar year for which it is issued, unless revoked or suspended earlier. Prior to January 1 of each year, an application for renewal of the transient use permit shall be submitted to the City Administrator, or his or her designee, containing information required by this Chapter, and payment of the renewal fee, as set by resolution of the City Council.

H. Acceptance of Transient Use Permit; No Vested Rights. Acceptance by an operator of a transient use permit shall constitute acknowledgment and acceptance of, and consent to: (i) the requirements and provisions of this Chapter; (ii) the lack of any vested right to operate a short-term rental; (iii) the nontransfer of a transient use permit to any other parcel, location, or operator; and (iv) the City’s right to adopt or amend at any time restrictions on the operation of short-term rentals, including without limitation a complete prohibition on short-term rentals.

17.64.040 Operational Standards.

All short-term rentals shall comply with the standards of this Section at all times and shall not generate other potential disturbances which may disrupt the peace, safety, and general welfare of the neighborhoods in which they are located.

A. Operator Responsibilities. Operator and any local contact person shall respond in a reasonable and timely manner, to ensure that every occupant of the transient use parcel does not create or contribute to unreasonable use of the property, cause unreasonable noise or disturbance, engage in disorderly or unlawful conduct, or overcrowd the parcel. The operator shall inform guests that they must not violate the standards of this Chapter. The operator shall be responsible for taking any action necessary to ensure that guests abide by the terms of this Chapter and other applicable provisions of this Code.

B. Local Contact Person. A local contact person shall be available by telephone when contacted by the City’s employees or agents or the short-term rental’s guest(s) on a twenty-four (24) hour basis. A local contact person shall be physically present at the short-term rental within thirty (30) minutes of contact. Upon receiving a call or complaint about physical conditions or circumstances that constitute an immediate threat to the public health and safety, the local contact person shall immediately contact the appropriate law enforcement, fire, or other authority. Upon receiving any call or complaint about the short-term rental, the local contact person shall cause the discontinuance of any violation of this Chapter as soon as practical.

C. Parking. On-site parking shall be provided for each short-term rental guest to the extent on-site parking is possible on the parcel in which a transient use rental is located. A maximum of two motor vehicles shall be allowed to park on street, if no on-site parking is available, at the transient use parcel by the responsible tenant or any other occupant subject to availability and parking regulations. No 108
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guest of a short-term rental shall park a vehicle (including without limitation boat trailers and recreational vehicles) on the street or in an unpaved area. The operator may park his or her vehicle on the street.

D. Trash Collection. Except for trash properly deposited in trash collection receptacles, accumulation of trash and debris outside of a short-term rental at any time is prohibited. Each short-term rental shall obtain solid waste and recyclable collection and disposal service from the City’s franchisee.

E. Smoke Alarms. Smoke alarms, in good working order, shall be installed at a minimum in each bedroom, and at least one alarm on every level of the short-term rental, including basements and habitable attics.

F. Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms, in good working order, shall be installed in accordance with current California Building Code requirements, and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

G. Fire Extinguisher and Ash Can. Each short-term rental shall be equipped with one five-pound fire extinguisher, type 2A-10BC, installed at a readily available location near the kitchen. If the short-term rental has more than one level, an extinguisher must be mounted within each level. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected annually by a certified professional to ensure the extinguishers are in good working order. Each short-term rental with a wood-burning fireplace or woodstove shall be equipped with a metal container at least five gallons in size with a tight-fitting lid, which shall be clearly labeled for ash disposal.

H. Visible Address. Each short-term rental shall have an address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property.

Whenever the address on the short-term rental unit will not be clearly visible from the street or access road fronting the property, the address shall also be placed at the public street or access road in a manner which is clearly visible from both directions of travel on the frontage road or street. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background and conform to the minimum size requirements of the Section 505.1 of the California Fire Code, 2019 latest edition, of which requires numbers four (4) inches tall with a minimum stroke thickness of one-half (1/2) inch. A short-term rental in a condominium building that does not have an individual address may utilize the condominium building address and shall clearly identify each unit number.

I. Noise. All tenants are responsible for honoring the property's Quiet Hours which are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM on Weekdays and 8:00 AM on Weekends. The following acts or conditions are hereby declared to be public nuisances:

1. Behavior constituting violation of California Penal Code Section 407 or 415 in a residential area between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM on Weekdays and 8:00 AM on Weekends; or

2. Noise that is unreasonably loud, raucous, or jarring to persons within the residential area during quiet hours.

J. Good Neighbor Policy. Please be mindful that you are staying as a guest in a residential community.

As a member of the community, we value our relationships with our neighbors. The City’s goal is to 109
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ensure the neighbors are not disturbed – so please ensure that all occupants are aware of the enclosed policies of this Chapter. Any noise disturbances or violations of this Chapter may result in fines.

If you are fortunate enough to be visiting the City while on vacation, please note that your schedule may differ from that of your neighbors. The following policies are designed to ensure there are no noise or other disturbances:

1. Quiet time starts at 10:00 PM and the use of outdoor spaces after 10:00 p.m. should be limited.

Please monitor your group at 10:00 p.m. and be aware that open windows and doors may allow sounds to carry and disturb others.

2. When returning from an evening out, please keep your voices to a level that will not disturb the neighborhood.

3. The surrounding neighbors have access to a 24/7 City contact number that they may call to file a complaint. As a reminder, any noise disturbances or violations of the Chapter may result in fines.

K. Fireplaces. Residential outdoor burning is limited to fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and similar freestanding devices. Additionally, an outdoor fire can be used for the cooking of food.

1. Only dry vegetation/wood and clear unpainted untreated dry lumber with a small amount of starter materials, such as hay or small kinking, can be burned. Flammable liquids shall not be used.

2. Portable Outdoor Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces: These devices, sold by many businesses, fully contain the fire by means of a metal screen or grate and shall be utilized in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. All outdoor fireplaces must be constantly attended until the fire is completely extinguished.

4. A portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other on-site fire extinguishing equipment such as sand or a garden hose much be available for immediate utilization.

5. Smoke from burning cannot bother or cause a nuisance to neighbors.

L. Affidavit. An affidavit prepared by the City shall be provided to the operator. The operator shall sign and acknowledge that the short-term rental is in compliance with the standards contained in this Chapter. The operator shall also acknowledge that disclosure of the standards in this Chapter are provided to the tenants via terms of the rental agreement.

M. Fire Inspections and Other Inspections. The operator of each short-term rental shall allow Sonora Fire Department staff to conduct an initial inspection prior to the issuance of a transient use permit and upon request by the City, to ensure the short-term rental complies with:

1. The requirements of this Chapter, including requirements pertaining to smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, visible address, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, and grills and barbecues; and
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2. The City’s defensible space requirements pursuant to Chapter 8.12.

In addition, the operator of each short-term rental shall allow the Sonora Fire Department staff to conduct an inspections whenever requested by the City to every three (3) years.

However, if violations have occurred, inspections may be requested by the City periodically to ensure that the information contained in a transient use permit is correct short-term rental is in compliance with the standards of this Chapter.

All inspections, including re-inspections due to non-compliance and inspections prompted by complaints, are subject to the applicable Sonora Fire Department’s fee schedule cost for inspections.

17.64.050 Prohibitions.

A. Outdoor Fireplaces. No wood, natural gas or propane burning pits, bonfires, or campfires are permitted to occur at short-term rentals.

B. Grills and barbeques. Grills and barbeques are not permitted beneath a potentially flammable source including trees, umbrellas, decks, or other appurtenant structures. All grills and barbecues shall be no less than ten (10) feet away from a structure and any flammable materials, such as a woodpile.

C. Subletting. Guests are prohibited from subletting a short-term rental. Only operators with a valid transient use permit may advertise and rent a residential unit as a short-term rental.

D. Special events. Weddings, corporate events, commercial functions, and any other similar events are prohibited from occurring at a short-term rental property. The occurrence of any such event which violates any such requirements shall be a separate violation of this Chapter, in addition to the violation created by noncompliance with such requirements.

17.60.060 Expiration.

A. Transfer. Permits are not transferable upon change in ownership. A transient use permit issued under this Chapter shall expire upon sale or transfer the short-term rental.

B. Cessation. A Transient Use Permit will expire if the use of the short-term rental ceases for more than 6 months. The cease of the short-term rental use will be evaluated by the reporting and remittance of Transient Occupancy Tax through the process defined in SMC 3.20.080.

C. Notification of Cessation or Transfer. Upon sale, transfer, or intent to cease use of the short-term rental unit or any portion of the unit for a short-term rental, the permit holder shall notify the Community Development Department and make all applicable payments as defined in SMC 3.20.

17.64.07060 Penalties; Permit Denial, Suspension, And Revocation.

A. It is a misdemeanor and a public nuisance to violate any of the provisions of this Chapter. Violations of this Chapter are subject to the administrative citation provisions set forth in Chapter 1.20 of this Code, provided that fines for violations of this Chapter shall be as set forth in this Section. Any person violating the provisions of this Chapter, including without limitation guests, operators, and local contact persons may be subject to administrative or judicial remedies as set forth in this Section. The owner of a short-term rental shall be deemed responsible for all violations of this Chapter occurring 111
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at the short-term rental or in connection with its operation, provided that this shall not preclude the City from issuing fines or citations to guests, or exercising other remedies against guests, if the guests are deemed to have committed the violation.

B. The City shall have the authority to suspend or revoke a transient use permit, or to maintain an action for injunctive relief for violations of this Chapter.

C. Unless otherwise expressly provided, the remedies, procedures and penalties provided by this Section are cumulative as to each other and to any others available under state law or this Code. In the event of any conflict between the penalties set forth in this Chapter and any penalties set forth in state law, the maximum penalties allowable under state law shall govern.

D. In the event the City is required to bring legal action to enforce any provision of this Chapter, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorney's fees, interest, court costs and other costs incurred in such action; provided that, such fees shall only be available in those actions or proceedings in which the City has provided notice at the commencement of such action or proceeding that the City intends to seek and recover attorney's fees.

E. Enforcement. An administrative penalty of up to five hundred dollars ($500) per day may be imposed for each violation of this Chapter contained in a first administrative citation, and up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day for each violation contained in a second or subsequent administrative citation.

A prior citation for purposes of this Subsection shall be an earlier administrative citation for violation of this Chapter on the same property that occurred less than one (1) year prior to the current citation, provided that a previous citation issued to a guest shall not be deemed a prior citation for purposes of calculating the penalty for a subsequent citation issued to a different guest at the same property.

F. Denial, Suspension or Revocation of a Transient Use Permit. The City may deny, suspend or revoke a transient use permit for any of the following reasons:

1. The transient use permit application is incomplete;

2. The transient use permit application contains a false or misleading statement or omission of a material fact;

3. The short-term rental, operator or guest is currently in violation of, or has been found to be in violation of, any local, state or federal laws, statutes, ordinances, rules or regulations pertaining to the operation of a short-term rental;

4. The transient use permit of a short-term rental for which three (3) citations have been issued for violations of this Chapter within a 12-month period and not overturned on appeal, including without limitation citations issued to guests and citations issued to operators, shall be revoked, and a new permit shall not be issued for a period of 12 months from the date of the permit revocation.

5. The operator is delinquent on any payment to the City of any fees, penalties, taxes, or any other monies related to the short-term rental including, but not limited to, transient occupancy taxes;
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6. A transient use permit application may be denied due to prior revocation or suspension of a transient use permit;

7. The operation of a short-term rental is a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare;

8. The lack of a fire inspection pursuant to Section 17.64.040, Subsection (I), a failed fire inspection unless documentation is provided that the conditions causing the failure were corrected and the short-term rental passed a subsequent fire inspection, or a refusal to allow a fire inspection or other inspection of the short-term rental;

9. Absence or expiration of a transient use permit;

10. Any required application fee or renewal fee has not been paid.

17.64.08070 Appeals.

A. Any operator or guest may appeal a penalty imposed pursuant to this Chapter, or a denial, suspension, or revocation of a transient use permit to a hearing officer designated by the City Administrator by filing a notice of appeal with the City Clerk within 10 calendar days of the serving or mailing of notice of the action taken.

B. Following receipt of a notice of appeal, the City Clerk shall give not less than five (5) days' written notice to the appellant, and to the complainant, if any, of an appeal hearing at a time and place fixed in the notice by personal service or mail.

C. At the hearing, the operator or guest may appear and offer evidence why the action being appealed should be overturned or modified.

D. After such hearing the hearing officer shall determine whether the action should be sustained, overturned, or modified and shall thereafter give written notice to the appellant in by personal service or mailing of the notice of the decision.

E. An operator or guest aggrieved by the hearing officer’s decision regarding such appeal may appeal to the City Administrator by filing a notice of appeal with the City Clerk within ten (10) calendar days of the serving or mailing of notice of the hearing officer’s decision. The City Clerk shall fix a time and place for hearing such appeal, and the City Clerk shall give notice in writing to such operator at the last known place of business or to such guest at the guest’s address as set forth in the appeal. At the hearing, the appellant shall have the right to testify, to be represented by counsel, to present witnesses on the appellant's behalf, to cross-examine all other witnesses and to present oral and written documents and evidence on the issues. The findings of the City Administrator are final and conclusive and shall be served upon the appellant by personal service or mailing of the notice of the decision. Any fine or penalty found to be due is immediately due and payable upon the service of notice.

17.64.09080 Amnesty Period And Exemptions.

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the City Administrator, in his or her sole discretion, may exempt short-term rentals with an active transient use permit in good standing as of July 1, 2021 from compliance with this Chapter for a period of ninety (90) days after the effective date of this Chapter. 113
Item K.

The purpose of the amnesty period codified in Section 17.64.080(A) is to allow exempted short-term rentals to conform to the requirements of this Chapter, except as otherwise provided herein. Transient occupancy tax payments continue to be required at all times for short-term rentals and must be collected and paid during and after the amnesty period.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, short-term rentals with an active transient use permit in good standing as of July 1, 2021, are exempt from compliance with the primary residency requirement set forth in this Chapter following the effective date of this Chapter.

C. The provisions of this Section shall only apply to short-term rentals operating with a continuously active transient use permit in good standing.

D. Short-term rentals operating pursuant to this Section that do not conform to the applicable requirements for short-term rentals shall cease operation and shall be prohibited from operating unless and until the short-term rental conforms to the requirements of this Chapter and obtains a new transient use permit.

SECTION 2. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof.

SECTION 3. PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from and after its final passage and adoption, provided it is published in a newspaper of general circulation at least within fifteen (15) days after its passage or a summary of the Ordinance is published in a newspaper of general circulation at least five (5) days prior to adoption and again at least within fifteen (15) days after its passage.

SECTION 4. CERTIFICATION OF COUNCIL ADOPTION AND APPROVAL. This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council held on June 3, 2024, and passed and adopted as Ordinance No. 898 at a regular meeting of the City Council held on June 17, 2024, by the following vote:

AYES:___________________________________________
NOES:___________________________________________
ABSENT OR ABSTAIN:_______________________________
____________________________________
Mark Plummer, Mayor, City of Sonora
ATTEST: ___
Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
114
Item K.

Approved as to Form:
__________________________________
Douglas L. White, City Attorney
Publish: The Union Democrat, Sonora
____________________, 2024
115
Item K.

Short-Term Rental (STR)
Ordinance
City Council
June 3, 2024
116
Item K.

Short-Term Rentals
• Home rentals – occur for less than
30 days
oi.e. AirBnB, VRBOs
• Sonora adopted Ordinance 880 in
2021
oRequirement to operate from
primary residence
117
Item K.

Background
• Current Ordinance focuses on
preserving existing housing stock
for long-term renters
• Need for a flexible STR Ordinance
o2023 Organizational Review
and Budget Stabilization Study
o2024 Draft Housing
Element Update
118
Item K.

Key Changes
• Removal of Primary Residence Requirement
• Allowance for "Vacation Homes" or rental of entire home • Noise Standards and Good Neighbor Policy established
• No annual renewal requirements
• Three-year inspection cycle instead of annual
119
Item K.

Section Primary Revision Policy Area

17.64.020 Included new definitions for “Hosted Short-Term Rental”, “Quiet Hours”, and “Vacation Home.” Other minor revisions were made to existing definitions.

Streamlined Review
and Oversight

17.64.030(A) Allowed for the issuance of short-term rental permits to vacation homes.

Economic Growth and
Investment

17.64.030(C) Removed requirement for short term rental permits to be issued for primary residences only.

Economic Growth and
Investment

17.64.040(I)
and

17.64.040(J)
Noise standards and Good Neighbor Policy were included to clarify standards of operation and prevent potential
conflicts between short-term rentals and other residential uses.

Streamlined Review
and Oversight

17.64.040(K) Removed the prohibition of outdoor fireplaces so that operators can include that amenity if desired.

Economic Growth and
Investment

17.64.040(L) Removed the annual expiration of permits in lieu of operators signing an affidavit for operation.

Streamlined Review
and Oversight

17.64.040(M) Removed the annual inspection requirement in lieu of an inspection occurring every three years.

Streamlined Review
and Oversight

17.60.60 Added section on the expiration of permits upon transfer of ownership or cease of use.

Streamlined Review
and Oversight
120
Item K.

Outreach
• Coordinated with City Department heads
• Shared draft with Sonora Chamber of Commerce, Tuolumne County Association of Realtors, Lodging Association, TC Business Council
121
Item K.

California Environmental Quality Act
• Exempt under Section 15061(b)(3), Common Sense Exemption. • Utilized when there is no possibility of significant impact to the environment
122
Item K.

Recommendation
Introduce by Title Ordinance No. 898 amending Chapter 17.64 - Transient Use Permit - under Title 17 Zoning, of the Sonora Municipal Code and waive the first reading; and,
Adopt Resolution No. 06-03-2024-B adopting an increase in the Community Development’s Transient Use Permit Application Fees for Short Term Rentals.
123
Item K.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP {CW138700.1}
DATE: June 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: 956 Oregon Street Project - Scheduling of Appeal Hearing for the City Council RECOMMENDATION:

Accept the appeals filed for the Planning Commission decision on May 13, 2024, and schedule the appeal hearing for June 17, 2024, giving staff sufficient time to publish public notice and prepare the appeal hearing documents.

BACKGROUND:

The project applicant has submitted applications to the City to develop a three-story, mixed-use residential and commercial project on the vacant lot located at 956 Oregon Street. The project proposal involves twelve (12) residential units and six (6) commercial spaces. The project also includes parking, landscaping, and street improvements.

The project proposal first came to the Planning Commission on November 13, 2023. After receiving public comment on the project, the Planning Commission continued the item and asked staff/applicant to bring the project back at a future date.

On May 13, 2024, the project was brought back to the Planning Commission. A staff report was given on the project, Commissioners asked questions regarding the project, the project applicant spoke, and members of the public provided comments. By a 3-2 vote, the Planning Commission approved the site plan, design review and use permit for the project, and recommended a rezone of the property.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The Sonora Municipal Code, Section 17.62.100 (Appeal to Council) provides as follows:

The decision of the (Planning) commission on a permit may be appealed to the council by the applicant or by any person directly and adversely affected by the decision, in accordance with the following procedure:
124
Item L.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP {CW138700.1}
A. The appeal shall be filed with the community development department, on a form furnished by said department, accompanied by a fee as adopted by resolution of the city council, no part of which may be refunded, within ten days after the date of decision of the commission. Such decision becomes final if an appeal is not filed within the time herein specified.

B. The city council shall consider the appeal at its next regular meeting, and if such appeal is validly made, shall set a time and place for a public hearing thereon.

Staff received three separate appeals for the project consistent with the outlined procedure.

1. Fred and Rhonda Buess

2. Lee Pagni

3. Lee Brooks
It is important to note, this item is not the public hearing for the appeals. This item is to inform the Council of the filed appeals and to schedule the public hearing. The appellants paid the appeal fees and filed the appeal forms prior to expiration of the 10-day appeal period. Upon the scheduling of the appeal hearing, staff will create a report and present the project to Council. The Council will have the option to uphold or overturn the approvals by the Planning Commission. The appellants along with the public will have the opportunity to submit written comments and voice their opinions on the project.

FISCAL IMPACT: No Fiscal Impact.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Request for Planning Commission Decision Appeal to the City Council: Fred and Rhonda Buess

2. Request for Planning Commission Decision Appeal to the City Council: Lee Pagni

3. Request for Planning Commission Decision Appeal to the City Council: Lee Brooks CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan
125
Item L.
126
Item L.
127
Item L.
128
Item L.
129
Item L.
130
Item L.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: June 03, 2024
TO: City Council Members
FROM: Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director
SUBJECT: Administrative Services Department Report for March 2024

RECOMMENDATION
Receive the Administrative Services Department Report for March 2024 (FY23/24).

DISCUSSION
Monthly Report to the City Council
March '24
Highlights of General Fund Revenues:

Current Period YTD FY23/24 Budget % of Budget
Property Tax $ - $ 588,717 $ 980,600 60.0%
Sales Tax $ 309,556 $ 2,651,589 $ 3,355,600 79.0%
Measure Y $ 328,715 $ 3,595,773 $ 4,100,000 87.7%
Transient Occupancy Tax $ 30,090 $ 412,532 $ 625,000 66.0% Cannibis Public Benefit Fees $ 56,797 $ 535,236 $ 710,000 75.4% Building Permits $ 4,021 $ 69,210 $ 100,000 69.2%
Business Licenses $ - $ 128,768 $ 126,900 101.5%
Highlights of General Fund Expenditures:

Current Period YTD FY23/24 Budget % of Budget
Salaries and Benefits $ 459,266 $ 4,860,184 $ 7,537,600 64.5% Operating Expenditures $ 201,353 $ 2,348,790 $ 3,649,125 64.4% Transfers $ 150,000 $ 313,944 $ 334,000 94.0%

A/P YTD H/R YTD
Total Number of Checks/DD Processed: 123 1,416 86 977
Business License Activity:

Current Month
Zone A
Current Month
Zone B
YTD
Zone A
YTD
Zone B
Licenses Issued 1 5 18 108
The Administrative Services Department provides a wide range of comprehensive support services which include: accounting, finance administration and reporting, budgeting, audit, compliance, treasury management, payroll, human resources, recruitments, accounts receivable, local tax collection, accounts payable, procurements, business license management, risk management, information technology for the City.
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Item M.
132
Item N.
133
Item N.
134
Item N.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: June 03, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Aimee New, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Sonora Fire Department Monthly Report for April 2024.

RECOMMENDATION:

Receive the Fire Department Monthly Report for April 2024.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

Receive the Fire Department Monthly Report for April 2024.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP Public Safety

1. City of Sonora Fire Department responded to 187 calls for service in April 2024.

2. Sonora City Units responded to emergency calls as follows:
111 - Building fire 1
131 - Passenger vehicle fire 3
160 - Special outside fire, other 1
200 - Overpressure rupture, explosion, overheat other 1 321 - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury 111 322 - Motor vehicle accident with injuries 4
324 - Motor vehicle accident with no injuries. 3
400 - Hazardous condition, other 1
410 - Combustible/flammable gas/liquid condition, other 1 444 - Power line down 11
511 - Lock-out 1
550 - Public service assistance, other 1
553 - Public service 3
554 - Assist invalid 9
611 - Dispatched & cancelled enroute 18
622 - No incident found on arrival at dispatch address 2 631 - Authorized controlled burning 3
651 - Smoke scare, odor of smoke 4
652 - Steam, vapor, fog or dust thought to be smoke 1
700 - False alarm or false call, other 1
730 - System malfunction, other 3
136
Item O.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP 733 - Smoke detector activation due to malfunction 1
745 - Alarm system activation, no fire - unintentional 3 Total 187

3. Monthly dollar loss in the City, resulting from fire: 0

4. The average response time during the month: 4:51

5. Automatic or mutual aid given: 44
137
Item O.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: June 03, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief
SUBJECT: Sonora Police Department Monthly Report for April 2024 RECOMMENDATION:

Receive the Sonora Police Department monthly report for April 2024.

BACKGROUND:

Each month, the Sonora Police Department reports on general police activity for the previous month. This list is not all-inclusive and is guided by City Council interest. The reporting format allows for a comparison of activity with the prior month and with the same period during the previous year.

The City is divided into two areas of responsibility, each monitored by our two Police Sergeants. The Sergeants monitor their assigned areas and proactively apply problem-solving community policing principles to address crime trends and other quality-of-life concerns related to public safety.

Most categories in our report reflect criminal case investigation reporting, providing a comprehensive view of our law enforcement efforts. However, it's important to note that these categories primarily indicate the number of criminal cases investigated, rather than the actual number of incidents occurring in the City. Select categories, such as Larceny and Homeless Activity, have dual reporting numbers which reflect both the number of reported occurrences and the number of criminal case investigations. Similarly, the Total Phone Calls / 911 Calls category reflects the number of 911 calls included in the total number of incoming calls to the Sonora Police Department in a given month, offering a more nuanced understanding of our emergency response.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The chart below summarizes activities for April 2024. Due to staffing shortages and priority demands, April activity statistics are incomplete.

Activity April 2024 March 2024 April 2023
Total Incidents 1,233 970 1,292
Calls for Service 819 676 786
Officer Initiated 183 294 506
138
Item P.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP Total Arrests 41 44 35
Felony Arrests 7 11 4
Misd. Arrests 34 33 31
Total Reports 108 101 103
Parking Citations 36 4 17
Moving Citations 26 16 17
Domestic Violence 6 9 1
Larceny Inc./Inv. 30 28/16 8
Total Collisions/Inv. 22 13//7 28/7
Homeless Activity 76/17 97/19 99
Animal Calls 49 18 23
Public Intox and UID 14 12 4
DUI Arrests 4 2 5
Total Phone Calls /
911 Calls
2,207/347 7,626/5825 2,058/363
Average Per Day 74/12 246/194 30
Vehicle Releases 7 4 5
FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no Fiscal Impact on the General Fund.

ATTACHMENTS (3):

Crimes by Area Report
Area 1 Supervisor Report
Area 2 Supervisor Report
139
Item P.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Homelessness Issues, Training, and Retention 140
Item P.

April 2024 - Crimes by Area
AREA 1 REPORTS:

Violent Crimes:
2 – Felony Domestic Violence (one with violation of a domestic violence restraining order) 3 – Misdemeanor Domestic Battery
1 – Misdemeanor Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor (including oral copulation) 1 – Misdemeanor Child Neglect
Burglaries / Other Larceny:
2 – Felony Business Burglary (one with felony grand theft) 1 – Felony Robbery from a Business
1 – Misdemeanor Petty Theft from a Business Location
1 – Petty Theft by Use of Access Card
AREA 2 REPORTS:

Violent Crimes:
1 – Felony Domestic Violence (including damage of communication line) 1 – Misdemeanor Sexual Battery (including misdemeanor battery on a person) 1 – Misdemeanor Child Abuse
Burglaries / Other Larceny:
1 – Misdemeanor Theft of Personal Property from a Residence 141
Item P.

Area 1 Monthly Report
April 2024
Neighborhood Watch:

ELKS HILL:
 No updated activity
SONORA KNOWLES:
 No updated activity.

Case(s) for discussion:
24-341-On 04/14/2024, at approximately 4:11 pm, Sonora PD officers were dispatched to a domestic violence call. During the subsequent domestic violence investigation, officers discovered a marijuana cultivation operation inside the home. The suspect was arrested on domestic violence, child neglect, and marijuana cultivation charges. The incident was referred to code enforcement, who inspected the home and determined it was unsafe to occupy.
24-381-On 04-24-24, at approximately 4:13 pm, Sonora PD officers were dispatched to Adventist Health Sonora (AHS) for a report of a nurse with unknown injuries who had been assaulted by a patient.

Officers conducted an investigation and determined the patient had sexually assaulted the nurse while she was caring for him. The suspect was interviewed, and a criminal complaint was sent to the Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution of the suspect for sexual battery.

Recruitments:
 The department is currently recruiting for 2 lateral Police Officers.

Training:
 Sergeant Nygard completed the POST Supervisor Course.  Corporal Brickley completed STOP training.

Range:
 Range qualification is scheduled for late June.

Dispatch:
 2 Full-time and 1 part-time Dispatcher candidate are currently assigned to the Field Training Program.

Investigations:
 Corporal Brickley authored a search warrant concerning a marijuana cultivation case. The warrant gave officers the right to enter the home; where a search was conducted and 150 marijuana plants were discovered.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sgt. Eric Nygard
142
Item P.

Area 2 Monthly Report
April 2024
Neighborhood Watch:

MYERS HILL:
 No updated activity.

NORTH STEWART:
 No updated activity.

HIGHLAND VIEW:
 No updated activity
Case(s) for discussion:
24-405- Officers responded to Wal-Mart for reports of a robbery. Three masked subjects came into the store and went to the Customer Service area. They removed two cash drawers and exited the store. One bystander was threatened by one of the subjects as they exited. The subjects fled in a dark colored sedan. The case has been forwarded to Detectives and is an active on-going investigation.

Canine:
 The Sonora PD canine handler has been attending training at Top Dog K-9 and regularly working with his dog Ridge. His work with Ridge is showing that they are becoming a great team.  Two members of Sonora PD attended the Canine Agitator School with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department Canine Unit. Both members are now certified Agitators.

Property and Evidence:
 Construction in the garage to expand property and evidence is underway and making progress.

It is in the stages of adding drywall to the newly framed wall. SPD staff is completing the work.  The organization and movement of the Evidence area is still underway and making progress.

Reserves/Volunteers:
 Sonora PD has received several new applications for our Volunteer Program. The staff has set interviews for the applicants and is hopeful to be moving those applicants to backgrounds.

Explorers:
 We have had some of our Explorers riding out with Patrol. We are actively recruiting new Explorers and are hopeful to build our Explorer Program.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sgt. Dominic Bertalotto
143
Item P.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: June 03, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Mike Lagomarsino, Public Works Supervisor
SUBJECT: Public Works Department Report for April 2024
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive the City of Sonora Public Works Department Monthly Report for April 2024.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

For April 2024, the City of Sonora Public Works Department performed the following activities:

Events
 Plowed streets during snow events.
 Deployed CMS boards for Home and Garden Show.
 Assembled 250 delineators for the Round-up Parade.

Streets
 Clearance pruned vegetation on several city sidewalks.  Loaded and disposed of two deceased deer from roadsides.  Loaded and hauled 15 pay piles from City residents.
 Spent numerous days loading and hauling brush off City Right of Ways (approximately 30 dump truck loads) following the snow event.
 Replaced several photocells on streetlights on Morningstar Drive.  Trimmed weeds on several sidewalks around the city.
 Spent several days pot-holing City Streets.
 Returned numerous shopping carts to businesses abandoned on City Streets.  Continued with annual roadside weed spraying around the city.  Spent two days removing mistletoe from City Trees on Morningstar Drive.  Installed several new street signs approved by the Parking and Traffic Committee.  Loaded and hauled debris from homeless encampment on Stockton Road.  Replaced damaged sign and post on Stewart Street.

Facilities
 Installed a new interior light switch in the parking garage at the Police Department.  Constructed a partition for the Dais in Council Chambers at City Hall.  Installed a new soap dispenser at the Police Department. 144
Item Q.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP Facilities (cont.)
 Replaced backup batteries at the AT&T towers for the Police Department's repeater.  Installed additional light fixtures on the loading dock at the Public Works Yard.

Parks/Landscapes/Parking Lots
 Monthly inspection of playground equipment at Rotary Park.  Cleaned city lots weekly with a blower.
 Continued with weed spraying in City Parks and Landscapes.  Pulled weeds in the sidewalk landscape on Stewart Street.

Storm Drains
 Replaced missing drain inlet cover on storm drain on Childs Drive.

Cemeteries
 Pruned trees and shrubs at Mt Shadow Cemetery.
 Cut, loaded, and hauled four dump truckloads of brush out of the Old City Cemetery following a snow event.
 Excavated septic tank lid for pumping of tank at Mt Shadow.  Continued with annual weed spraying at Mountain Shadow.  Daily-Check messages at Mountain Shadow, and return calls as needed.  Daily clean irrigation filters during irrigation season.  Marked out plots as requested by the Funeral Home as needed.  Set headstones as requested by the Funeral Home.
 Mow, and edge lawns weekly during spring and summer months.

Miscellaneous
 Daily unlock, and service of all public restrooms.
 Put up weekly event banners downtown.
 Garbage collection twice a week in all City parking lots, landscapes, and parks.  Monthly fleet vehicle inspections.
 Twice weekly- Run Street sweeper early morning on a rotating street schedule throughout the city.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact to the General Fund.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Sonora City CouncilJune 3, 2024

Sonora City Council
June 3, 2024