Minutes — Sonora City Council, June 3, 2024

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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
09/03/2024
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
CLOSED SESSION - 4:00 PM

CALL TO ORDER
Called to order at 4:00 PM.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz
Councilmember Andy Merrill
ABSENT
Councilmember Matt Hawkins (Joining for Open Session)

PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comment.

ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
Adjourned at 4:01 PM.

1. 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.

RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
Called to order at 5:01 PM

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

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

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 Friday, May 31, 2024, at 8:27 AM.

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

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.

Katie Dunn President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce updated those in attendance on El Campo de Sonora, thanked the Councilmembers who attended, Mayor Mark Plummer for his help and Tyler Summersett for being the MC; and there is a new website for the Opera Hall that is coming soon.

Collette Such shared with the Councilmembers a few suggestions for the City's website.

Sharon Marovich with the Tuolumne Historical Society presented to those in attendance pictures of the Historic Tuolumne County Court House, and pictures of the proposed remodel the County would like to do.

A member of the public informed those in attendance that Friday was International No-Tobacco Day, and Behavior Health Public Outreach for Mental Health Awareness Month; and Wednesday night there was a Tuolumne County Town Hall Forum on Opioid Addiction.

Maliki Schneider Co-Owner Allen's Detailing Shop shared with the Councilmembers a proposal for a building on Highway 49.

PRESENTATIONS

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

Tuolumne County District 1 Supervisor David Goldemberg informed those in attendance it is budget time for the County; a Special Meeting is scheduled; attended the Solid Waste Committee meeting; and gave an update on Homelessness.

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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

No public comment.

Motion made by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Seconded by Councilmember Matt Hawkins. Voting Yea:

Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill for the Minutes and Disbursements.

8. 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.

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
Mayor Mark Plummer asked to discuss the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan separately.

Councilmembers discussed their concerns over the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan with City Attorney Doug White.

A member of the public shared concerns over the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan.

A member of the public stated this is an employee issue.

Motion made by Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, to adopt everything in the policy minus the paragraph on page 71 and bring back once there is correct verbiage.

Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill, for the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan.

NEW BUSINESS

9. 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.

No public comment.

Motion made by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Seconded by Councilmember Matt Hawkins. Voting Yea:

Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill

10. 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.

Richard Todd a local land surveyor had one question for the Councilmembers, is this a good deal or a bad deal?
Councilmember Matt Hawkins and Councilmember Suzanne Cruz both agreed this is a good deal.

Mayor Mark Plummer and Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom thanked the City Attorney and City Administrator Melissa Eads for all their hard work.

Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
Councilmember Andy Merrill recognized the amount of man hours the City and County have put in getting this together; and thanked the County.

Motion made by Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Seconded Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea:

Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill

11. 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.

Colette Such informed those in attendance of her concern over the outdoor fire pits; and investors buying up homes for Air B&B’s.

Bess Levine informed those in attendance she would support some sort of cap on how many units are being bought and who the buyers are; and spoke of noise complaints.

A member of the public informed those in attendance that most of the homes are second homes, and they are being used as additional income.

City Administrator Melissa Eads and Mayor Mark Plummer recommended approving the ordinance as written and re-visit, adapt or adjust when needed.

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

12. 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.

Lee Pagni informed those in attendance concerns over the City giving away a piece of land. (see EXHIBIT A on next page)
Councilmembers set an Appeal date for the next scheduled meeting on June 17th, 2024, or a Special Meeting on June 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM.

MONTHLY REPORTS

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

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

Sent:

To:

Subject:

EXHIBIT A
Lee Pagni <[email protected]>
Monday, June 3, 2024 2:56 PM
Tracy Skelly
public comment related to Item 14 L
Regarding Item 14, L of the June 3, 2024 Sonora City Council Meeting Agenda Packet "Consider Acceptance of the Appeals Filed ..."
Sonora City Council,
Thank you for taking up this agenda item. I speak for multiple neighbors and myselfin noting that we look forward to presenting important information to the City Council. There have been some serious missteps in the process related to the review and approval ofthe proposed project and we feel that it is ofthe utmost importance for the City Council to address these missteps.

One very important part ofthe approval process that has not been made available to the public is the negotiated agreements between the City and the applicant ofthe proposed project. Given that the City is ready to give away a piece ofCity owned property, change zoning, and support a use variance, among other actions, for the proposed project, it seems clear that the City has been involved in some level ofnegotiation with the applicant. I request that you provide full transparency to the public about what has been negotiated/agreed to, by whom, and when between the City and the applicant for the proposed project. For a controversial project ofthis magnitude and with significant impacts for both the City and the neighborhood where the proposed project is sited, the City should be transparent about its position on and agreements made for the proposed project. I request that you make the requested information available to the public as soon as possible and certainly before the appeal is heard.

Thank you,
Lee Pagni
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. Receive the City of Sonora Fire Department Monthly Report for April 2024; Aimee New, Fire Chief.

16. Receive the Sonora Police Department monthly report for April 2024; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.

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

COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Fire Chief Aimee New shared with those in attendance the Sonora Fire Department and Sonora Police Department will lead a small procession for Chief Mills to the Old City Cemetery.

Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom attended the opera at the Opera Hall; Adventist Health Cars, Cops and Coffee; Chamber Mixer at the Tuolumne County Historical Society; Budget and Finance Committee meetings; Drought and Early Warning System; the final Pebbles in a Pond event; El Campo de Sonora; PRIDE; and Christmas Town is coming up and we are in planning mode.

Councilmember Matt Hawkins shared with those in attendance community leader Jim Grinnell had passed away.

Councilmember Andy Merrill stated he did a whole ton of stuff over the last couple weeks, will talk about it at the next meeting for the sake of time.

Councilmember Suzanne Cruz attended the goodbye party for Michelle Fuentes; the Peace Officers Memorial; Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO); Visit Tuolumne County; Central Sierra Economic Development Forum and met their new Manager Alex Bloom.

Mayor Mark Plummer attended Access Tuolumne/Cable 8; Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), the Volunteer Fair; and El Campo de Sonora.

ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 8:58 PM.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at City Hall (209) 532-4541, [email protected]. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR

35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).

Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Administrator’s Office at 94 N. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370 during normal business hours (8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). The 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
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.

Sonora City CouncilJune 3, 2024

Sonora City Council
June 3, 2024