Agenda packet — Sonora City Council, June 17, 2024 (part 2 of 2)

Table 1—Five-Year Strategic and Implementation Plan
Priority/Recommendation
Tier 1
(1/1/24–
6/30/25)
Tier 2
(7/1/25–
12/31/26)
Tier 3
(1/1/27–
6/30/28)
Cost Notes
Economic Development (Combined Priorities)

1. Use Creek as Amenity TBD “as appropriate”

2. More Shops and Restaurants (Improve Tourism) C X
$20,000
See Rec. 108
Contract for Economic Development
(marketing assessment)

3. Business Incentives/Programs (i.e., Façade, Forgivable Loans)*
C C X $25,000 Loans, incentives, etc. (Economic
Development)

4. City Entrance C $75,000
City share of infrastructure cost (explore
grant possibility—need Engineer to
manage)

5. Entertainment/Activities C C X See Rec. 21 Cost for partnership with Chamber (in process)

6. Consultant for Efficient Processes and Regulations for Permitting*
C XCC $100,000
Contractors to analyze and draft
Ordinance changes ($100,000 is just the
start as City has been stagnant for
years/decades)

7. DOME / Bike Rentals / Bikeability See Rec. 108

8. Outdoor Dining See Rec. 108

9. Tourism Tax (Not Locals) TBD

10. Trees and Landscape $75,000
Explore costs for beautification
campaign. need City Engineer (explore
grant possibility)

11. Parking Signage C $25,000 Signage design, production of signage, staff time to install

12. Noise Downtown (Possible Ordinance) – New $25,000 Contract to analyze and draft potential ordinance
485
Item A.

City of Sonora
Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study
Appendix A—Five-Year Strategic and Implementation Plan Page 3 Priority/Recommendation
Tier 1
(1/1/24–
6/30/25)
Tier 2
(7/1/25–
12/31/26)
Tier 3
(1/1/27–
6/30/28)
Cost Notes

13. Branded Hotel C See Rec. 108 Contract for Economic Development

14. Cleanliness XCC C $20,000 Staff time including time to organize volunteers

15. Vacant Property XC See Rec. 108 Contract for Economic Development

16. Increase and Evaluate Opportunities for Shared Spaces (Including Parks) XCC C
$25,000
See Rec. 108
Reflects start-up cost if location is
determined

17. Evaluation of Airbnb Ordinance and Developing Vacant Property Registration and Ordinance*
XCC $25,000 Contractors to analyze and draft
ordinance changes
Economic Development (Citygate Recommendations)

18. Downtown Mini-Specific Plan (Possible within General Plan)
C $50,000
Contract to design and implement
(explore grant possibility); staff time to
manage

19. Utilize Volunteer Groups, Chamber, or Partnerships CC C XCC $75,000 See Rec. 21 Staff time – Chamber partnership – other

20. Staff Support (1 FTE Economic Development
Specialist/Coordinator, Management Analyst, or Initial
Consultant) (Including Staff Support for Implementation of Strategic Plan)*
C C $140,000 All-in cost for 1 FTE

21. Support from Sonora Chamber and Others for
Community Events / Opera Hall with Funding (Including
Support for Arts and Culture)*
CCCC C $50,000 Includes Opera Hall maintenance and
utilities with revenue going to Chamber
Infrastructure (Combined Priorities)

22. Walkability C Undetermined Contract to design and implement (grants, other funding)

23. Bridges TBD
486
Item A.

City of Sonora
Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study

Page 4 ends

Priority/Recommendation
Tier 1
(1/1/24–
6/30/25)
Tier 2
(7/1/25–
12/31/26)
Tier 3
(1/1/27–
6/30/28)
Cost Notes
Infrastructure (Citygate Recommendations)

24. Partner with Regional Transportation Council to
Leverage Funding to Develop a City Pavement
Management System*
XCC XC $75,000+
City share to partner with Tuolumne
County Transportation Council (City
Engineer)

25. Use Contract City Engineer to Leverage Federal / State Funding for Capital Projects*
X X $250,000 IN PROCESS; budget is approved for
FY 23/24

26. Infrastructure CIP (Capital Improvement Plan – Roads, Sidewalks, Curbs, Crosswalks, Gutters)*
XC XCC $225,000
Contractor to study, design, and
implement plus cost of project (grants,
other funding); need City Engineer

27. Pursue Contract Services for City Engineer and Fleet Maintenance XCC X $250,000 IN PROCESS; total cost annually

28. Facilities Assessment and Plan* X XCCC $50,000
Part of the above "vacant properties";
contract to analyze City space usage,
etc.

29. Coordinate with Tuolumne Utilities District on its Water and Sewer Capital Improvement Program (Economic
Development and General Plan)
XC X Undetermined May require funding allocation; TBD

30. Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Plan (Leasing) XCC XC $150,000 IN PROCESS; total cost annually ($300,000)

31. Review Public Works Related Fees for Full Cost
Recovery (Engineering, Development, Stormwater) X XCC See Rec. 50 Fee study needs to be completed

32. Forecast Staffing/Contract Needs XC X C $425,000
Additional Administrative staffing
(1 FTE), PD staffing (2 FTE), FD staffing
(3 FTE)

33. Review Compensation for Public Works Staff X XC CC $30,000 See Rec. 63
IN PROCESS; compensation plan
underway for all City staff which will add
costs (maybe as much as $150,000)

34. Determine Baseline Staffing for Essential Public Works Services and Emergency Preparedness X X CC See Rec. 60 Current staffing seems appropriate; notsewer/water 487
Item A.

City of Sonora
Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study
Appendix A—Five-Year Strategic and Implementation Plan Page 5 Priority/Recommendation
Tier 1
(1/1/24–
6/30/25)
Tier 2
(7/1/25–
12/31/26)
Tier 3
(1/1/27–
6/30/28)
Cost Notes

35. Assets Inventory and Replacement Program X X CC $150,000 IN PROCESS; since all equipment is so
old, this will require significant effort for
the next 2–3 years

36. Explore Feasibility of Expanding the Solid Waste
Collection Agreement to Include Street Sweeping X X CC $0 Unsure of feasibility, waste management does not do any sweeping in County

37. Explore Contracting for Snowplow Equipment X XC C $0 Decided to try the next year with current
operations; this could be the backup
plan and pursued in 1 year

38. Explore Opportunity for Shared Equipment Agreement
with Tuolumne Utility District (Vacuum Track)
X X C $50,000 Possibly split cost of equipment

39. Continue the use of Community Facilities and Lighting and Landscape Districts in New Development XC X C $25,000 This should be included in any new
annexation, developments as
appropriate, and in the General Plan
Update. Annual report requires
engineering time thus consultant or staff
allocation. Plan may also require
updating related to fees. Potential
$25,000 for consulting services and/or
marketing to community.

40. Consider Energy Action Plan and Elements as Items are Developed/Implemented
General Plan | Community Development (Combined
Priorities)

41. Workforce for Affordable Housing

42. Thoughtful Growth (Workshops) C $25,000 Contractor; tie in with timing of General Plan launch

43. Annexations CC XC See Rec. 46
This requires a General Plan Update
and is budgeted as part of the General
Plan Update (will need help with County
controlling LAFCO)
488
Item A.

City of Sonora
Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study

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Priority/Recommendation
Tier 1
(1/1/24–
6/30/25)
Tier 2
(7/1/25–
12/31/26)
Tier 3
(1/1/27–
6/30/28)
Cost Notes

44. Standard Conditions of Approval with Community
Benefits CC See Rec. 46
Community or economic development
staff to draft. If consultant, then
estimated $25,000 not including
community workshop cost.

45. Software/Technology Upgrades for Permitting C XC $40,000 This has been researched previously (OpenGov – annual license)
General Plan | Community Development (Citygate
Recommendations)

46. Update General Plan (Utilizing Five-Year Strategic Plan as Baseline)*
XC XC C $1,000,000
Has been discussed and will need to
budget this over next 2–3 years (total
cost spread over 2–3 years: $750,000 to
$1,250,000)

47. Utilize Consultant for 1 Year, Then Determine FTE for City Community Development Director (Recommend
both Economic Development and Community
Development Experience)
C X X $213,000 Contract at fully loaded rate of a
Community Development Director
Budget/Fiscal (Combined Priorities)

48. Revenue Opportunities XC C See Rec. 50
City already has 1.5% use tax, increase
cannabis dispensaries, fee study, etc.

If consultant is needed, then cost is
approximately $35,000

49. Unfunded Liability* XC X XCC $150,000
IN PROCESS; 115 Trust with a
minimum annual contribution of
$150,000

50. Fee Study* XC C C $75,000 Contract for fee study (could be more) 489
Item A.

City of Sonora
Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study
Appendix A—Five-Year Strategic and Implementation Plan Page 7 Priority/Recommendation
Tier 1
(1/1/24–
6/30/25)
Tier 2
(7/1/25–
12/31/26)
Tier 3
(1/1/27–
6/30/28)
Cost Notes
Budget/Fiscal (Citygate Recommendations)

51. Multi-year Labor Agreements C $250,000
All current MOUs are multi-year through
2025; in 2025, this will be difficult without
a compensation adjustment (based on
compensation study)

52. CIP (Otherwise Leads to Inefficient Capital
Expenditures)
XC C C See Rec. 24 Contract for CIP, plus in-house engineer

53. Policies and Procedures Manual Enhanced for Best
Practices

54. Administrative Services Understaffed – 1 FTE or
Consulting Support X $94,000 IN PROCESS; 1 position (FUNDED)

55. Forecasting Methodology – Understanding and
Acceptance by Council
Ongoing Current staff will work on this

56. Contingency Budget (Reflecting Budget Reductions) for Public C C Current staff will work on this

57. Review of TOT Ordinance XCC See Rec. 17 Contract for expertise and ordinance

58. Action Plan to Reflect Measure Y Funds Usage and
Monitoring Going Forward XCCC See Rec. 17 Revisit Airbnb ordinance

59. Succession Planning* C XCC $25,000 Add a Deputy Administrator versus Administrative Services Director

60. Classification and Compensation Study for Recruitment and Retention Plan*
X XCC $360,000
See Rec. 33
IN PROCESS; compensation plan
underway for all City staff

61. Staffing Levels Assessment (Accountant Position,
Floater/Limited-Term/Cross-Trained) C C C See Rec. 54 IN PROCESS; 1 position (FUNDED) Fire (Combined Priorities)

62. Suppression and Mitigation Efforts* XCCC X X $50,000 IN PROCESS; Citywide fuel mitigation, some G/G funding (use grants)
490
Item A.

City of Sonora
Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study

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Priority/Recommendation
Tier 1
(1/1/24–
6/30/25)
Tier 2
(7/1/25–
12/31/26)
Tier 3
(1/1/27–
6/30/28)
Cost Notes

63. Disaster Plan and Preparation with Evacuation Routes* C XCC $75,000 Estimated initial cost of $75,000 to
develop plan. The contract cost going
forward needs to be determined.

64. Flooding Mitigation XCC X C $0
Main drain improvement; grants would
be required; real improvements could be
millions of dollars

65. Public Works (Barricades for Disasters) C $0
IN PROCESS; several barricades
purchased—limited by how many staff
can deploy during any one event

66. Parking for Emergency Vehicles (Traffic Study,
Evacuation Routes)
C X $50,000 Contract for traffic study
Fire (Citygate Recommendations)

67. Increase Minimum Daily Response Staffing (Continue to Seek SAFER Grant Funding); Regional X XCCC Fire applies each year for the Safer Grant (requires “new” hires)

68. Finalize and Implement Chicken Ranch Fire Station
Staffing Agreement XC XCCC $0 Waiting on resolution to LAFCO denial (attorney costs unknown)

69. Fill Fire Inspection Position / Current Staff / CSG* C XC X $0 IN PROCESS—was part of last MOU

70. Identify Long-Term Capital Facility/Equipment Needs and Funding CXC C See Rec. 25 Facilities Assessment Plan

71. Increase Office Assistant to Full-Time* C XCCC $31,000 Cost to increase part-time to full-time

72. Hire 1 FTE Fire Prevention and Disaster Prevention
Officer/Investigator $84,000
Police (Combined Priorities)

73. Equipment (Radio Repeater / CarCams / Guns /
Technology)*
XCC XC $61,000 IN PROCESS (with more expensive
items for future years)
491
Item A.

City of Sonora
Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study
Appendix A—Five-Year Strategic and Implementation Plan Page 9 Priority/Recommendation
Tier 1
(1/1/24–
6/30/25)
Tier 2
(7/1/25–
12/31/26)
Tier 3
(1/1/27–
6/30/28)
Cost Notes

74. New Police Building – Range and Conference
Capabilities XC XCCC X See Rec. 25
Facilities Assessment Plan plus possible
grants, bond measure, public private
partnership, etc. This may require
separate assessment of $25,000.

Police (Citygate Recommendations)
75a. Increase Staffing: 2 Police Officers (1 Detective) C $247,000 Cost for 2 additional officers; City is
moving forward with hiring bonuses—
cannot fill the positions City has
75b. Increase Staffing: 1 Records/Dispatch Supervisor C $135,000 Cost for 1 FTE Supervising Records Technician
75c. Increase Staffing: 1 Administrative Assistant C $88,000 Cost for 1 FTE; Tier 1 priority but need facility capacity for position
75d. Increase Staffing: 1 Records/Dispatch Technician C $104,000 Cost for 1 FTE 75e. Increase Staffing: .25 Community Services Officer for Property/Evidence X C $65,000 IN PROCESS; changes to CSO in FY23/24 budget 75f. Fill Current Vacancies Before New Positions

76. Refresh Dispatch Consoles and Ensure Radio
Interoperability*
XC XC $175,000
Understanding is that a new console is
$50,000 but would trigger other needed
upgrades
77a. Address Recruitment and Retention Issues—Seek and
Maintain Competitive Compensation Packages C XC See Rec. 33 IN PROCESS; compensation plan
underway and working on hiring bonus
for officers
77b. Address Recruitment and Retention Issues—Explore
Regional Opportunities to Expand Professional
Development (e.g., SWAT, Narcotics Task Force)
C Undetermined

78. Code Enforcement Support (Consulting)* Eventually this should become an FTE

79. Consider a Hybrid Contracting Model Such as AfterHours Dispatch and/or Patrol Coverage 492
Item A.

City of Sonora
Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study

Page 10 ends

Priority/Recommendation
Tier 1
(1/1/24–
6/30/25)
Tier 2
(7/1/25–
12/31/26)
Tier 3
(1/1/27–
6/30/28)
Cost Notes

80. Fund and Develop a Facilities Assessment and
Implementation Plan $50,000
Homelessness (Combined Priorities)
Note that many of the Tier 2 priorities can be addressed by implementing Recommendation #99.

81. Education Information* CC $10,000 Grants / County support

82. Reunite Homeless with their Families C C $10,000 Costs for outreach plus travel vouchers

83. Mental Health Care and Facilities (Access and New) C C CC $0 IN PROCESS with PD Homeless Outreach Coordinator Grant
Homelessness (Citygate Recommendations)

84. Make Public Commitment to Ending/Preventing
Homelessness C $0 Costs undetermined

85. Set Community-Wide Measurable Goal for Number of
Homeless Reduction CC C $0 Possibly use grants and state/County Support

86. Sign a Joint Services Agreement or MOU with Tuolumne County Supervisors CC $0 Costs undetermined

87. Establish Inter-Departmental Task Force for Ending
Homelessness with Coordination with Tuolumne County

88. Treat Responding to Homelessness like a Disaster CC Undetermined Possibly use grants; FEMA should get involved

89. Appoint or Hire Lead City Staff for Ending Homelessness Efforts $50,000 Part-time position (initially can be a limited term of 1 to 2 years)

90. Get Seat on Central Sierra Continuum of Care
Governing Board C $0 Costs undetermined

91. Sign Central Sierra Continuum of Care MOU for
Partnership and HMIS Access C $0 Costs undetermined
493
Item A.

City of Sonora
Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study
Appendix A—Five-Year Strategic and Implementation Plan Page 11 Priority/Recommendation
Tier 1
(1/1/24–
6/30/25)
Tier 2
(7/1/25–
12/31/26)
Tier 3
(1/1/27–
6/30/28)
Cost Notes

92. Make Use of By-Name List and Participate in Case
Conferencing

93. Support Establishment of Housing Navigation Center
(Possible Wet Shelter)

94. Work with Tuolumne County on Distributive Housing
Program

95. Homeless Outreach Support Team (HOST) 4 Times Per
Month C C $0 IN PROCESS with grant funding –County project

96. Code City Services like Fire and Police for
Homelessness (17 Percent Homeless Related)
C Undetermined

97. Continue to Include Emergency Shelter and Supportive Housing in Sonora Housing Element C Undetermined Costs to create shelter; staff time for project; partner with ATCA

98. Address Stigma of People Experiencing Homelessness

99. Write Homelessness Strategic Plan: Align Work of
Nonprofit and Faith-Based Service Providers Towards
Ending Homelessness*
$75,000 Consulting services
Arts & Culture (Program) (Combined Priorities)
100. Additional Cleaning of Downtown—Graffiti Reduction, Sidewalks, Benches, Garbage Cans—Supported by
Internal and/or external Resources*
C CC
$75,000 onetime and
$75,000 ongoing
Current staff address graffiti with 24
hours; possibly add Public Works
staffing to be more proactive
101. Beautification Program CC See Rec. 100 Possibly force account 102. Jobs/Volunteers C C See Rec. 100
103. Increase Activities (Senior and Youth Priority) C
County provides Elders Center within
City limits
104. Music C C See Rec. 21 City-sponsored events – see Chamber 494
Item A.

City of Sonora
Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study

Page 12 ends

Priority/Recommendation
Tier 1
(1/1/24–
6/30/25)
Tier 2
(7/1/25–
12/31/26)
Tier 3
(1/1/27–
6/30/28)
Cost Notes
105. More Events CC $25,000
Current business license fee for events
requires a General Fund contribution;
more events would increase that
contribution
106. Window Art
Arts & Culture (Program) (Citygate Recommendations)
107. Review, Consolidate, Revamp Current and/or New
Volunteer Groups/Committees to Support Arts and
Culture as Actionable Committees
C Possibly utilize volunteers
Innovation (Combined Priorities)
108. Process Improvements, Creating Efficiencies, Attracting Tourism, Motivation (Community and Economic
Development)*
C C C $30,000
Contract for Economic Development;
potential to impact Rec. 2, 13, 15, and
115
Innovation (Citygate Recommendations)
See Recommendation 120 and 125
Honorable Mentions (Combined Priorities)
109. Youth Mentorship Program C
110. Development of “Use Locals First” Ordinance/Program* CCCC C $35,000 When a purchase agreement includes
items subject to sales tax, City will lower
that bid by the amount of the local share
of the sales tax when comparing it to
bids submitted by businesses not
located in the City of Sonora
111. City-Sponsored Projects (Buy-a-Brick, Adopt-a-Wall) C Staff time undetermined 112. Public Signs, Decals, and City Logos Identifying City Workers and Equipment and Showing Where all
Measure Y Funds are Being Utilized*
CC CC $25,000 Costs of signs, deployment
495
Item A.

City of Sonora
Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study
Appendix A—Five-Year Strategic and Implementation Plan Page 13 Priority/Recommendation
Tier 1
(1/1/24–
6/30/25)
Tier 2
(7/1/25–
12/31/26)
Tier 3
(1/1/27–
6/30/28)
Cost Notes
113. On-Boarding (Shadowing)
114. AEDs at Public Facilities C $0 COMPLETED. Each facility currently has AEDs
115. More Latino Heritage Stories (Marketing and Tourism) C See Rec. 108 Contract for Economic Development 116. Dining in Downtown / Rooftop Amenities C C
$25,000
See Rec. 3
Business incentives/programs. May
require additional business program
grants. Startup costs are $25,000.
117. Colored, Innovative, Artistic Sidewalks
Honorable Mentions (Citygate Recommendations)
118. Incorporate Recommendations Into Individual
Smartsheet Type Work Plans for Staff C C C Undetermined 119. Cybersecurity Risk Assessment*
Communication (Combined Priorities)
120. Public Information Officer (PIO); Increase Transparency C C $50,000–
$100,000
See Rec. 125
New FTE or PT position
121. Training for Volunteers and Community C C See Rec. 123 Increase training budgets x 2 (Tier 1 was
$40,000 thus increase to $75,000-
$100,000.)
122. Evacuate, Capitalize, and Increase – Marketing and Branding C C $150,000 IN PROCESS with contract with Visit Tuolumne County Communication (Citygate Recommendations)
123. Citywide Training Budget (Personnel Development,
Certifications, Conferences)*
CC C $50,000 Increase training budgets x 2
124. Social Media / Communication* $12,000 One-time funds 496
Item A.

City of Sonora
Organization Review and Budget Stabilization Study

Page 14 ends

Priority/Recommendation
Tier 1
(1/1/24–
6/30/25)
Tier 2
(7/1/25–
12/31/26)
Tier 3
(1/1/27–
6/30/28)
Cost Notes
125. 1 PIO (Consultant is an Option) Including: Disaster Preparedness and Response, Website, Newsletters,
Marketing and Branding, Coordination with Volunteers,
Social Media
C C
See Rec. 120
$50,000–
$100,000
New FTE or PT
497
Item A.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 23, 2024
TO: City Council Members
FROM: Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Administrator SUBJECT: Approve Resolution No.06-17-24-A Creating and Approving the Job Descriptions for an Assistant City Administrator, Building Official, Homeless Outreach Coordinator, and Economic Development Coordinator (Part-Time, Limited Duration) and direct the City Administrator to negotiate the additions with the effected employee associations.

RECOMMENDATION
Consider Adoption Resolution No.06-17-2024-A Creating and Approving the new Job Descriptions and Direct the City Administrator to Meet with the Affected Employee Associations.

DISCUSSION
 The Assistant Administrator position is not additive to the total FTE’s approved and budgeted and will replace the active position of Administrative Services Director. The overall budgetary effects have been recognized in the City Classification and Compensation Study that was completed in Fiscal Year 2023.
 The Building Official position was recommended in the City’s Organizational Review and Budget Stabilization Study. The budget for this position will be requested in the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Budget and the expenditures will be offset with an amount nearly equal to what has been budgeted for the contracted help within the Community Development Department.  The Economic Development Coordinator position was also part of the recommendation from the Organization Review. This position would provide direction for the City’s to begin planning, developing, and implementing programs and initiatives to enhance economic growth and vitality in the community.
 The Homeless Outreach Coordinator position is currently a grant funded, part-time position. As part of the Organizational review study, it was recommended that the city increase the funding from the General Fund to make this a full-time position. This will help the City in its goals of making an impact on homelessness in the City.

FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact of the positions presented is a part of the Fiscal Year 2024/25 budget request. These costs have been discussed in the Organizational Review and Budget Stabilization study.

ATTACHMENTS
 Job Description Assistant City Administrator
 Job Description Building Official
 Job Description Homeless Outreach Coordinator
 Job Description Economic Development Coordinator (Part-Time, Limited Duration) 498
Item B.

RESOLUTION 06-17-2024-A

A RESOLUTION OF THE SONORA CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE

ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR, BUILDING OFFICIAL, HOMELESS OUTREACH COORDINATOR,

AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR (PART-TIME, LIMITED DURATION) POSITIONS EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2024
WHEREAS, The City Council recognizes the need for the positions of Assistant City Administrator, Building Official, Homeless Outreach Coordinator, and Economic Development Coordinator (PartTime, Limited Duration), and:

WHEREAS, the duties of the Assistant City Administrator, Building Official, Homeless Outreach Coordinator, and Economic Development Coordinator have been developed to fill a need missing in the current staffing structure of the City Departments; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Sonora approves the Job Descriptions of Assistant City Administrator, Building Official, Homeless Outreach Coordinator, and Economic Development Coordinator, and to provide greater efficiencies and opportunities within the City; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sonora does hereby approve the job descriptions for the following positions:

Assistant City Administrator
Building Official
Homeless Outreach Coordinator
Economic Development Coordinator (Part-Time, Limited Duration) PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED as a Resolution by the Sonora City Council at a meeting held by the City Council on the 17th day of June 2024, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
___
Mark Plummer, Mayor, City of Sonora
ATTEST:

Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
RESOLUTION 06-17-2024-A
499
Item B.

JUNE 2024
FLSA: EXEMPT

ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR

DEFINITION
Assists the City Administrator in managing and directing the overall administrative activity and operations of the City. Plans, organizes, manages, and provides direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Administrative Services Department, including finance, general accounting, business licenses, purchasing, information technology, human resources, facilities, fleet and risk management; directs and administers the fiscal operations and activities of the City, which include investments, financial transaction processing, record keeping and reporting, and payroll; coordinates the production and the administration of the City’s budget; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups. Serves as Acting City Administrator in the absence of the City Administrator.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general administrative direction from the City Administrator. Exercises general direction and supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff within the Administrative Services Department.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a department head classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Administrative Services Department, including short and long-term planning, development, and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. Assists in the development, planning, and implementation of City-wide goals, objectives, policies, and procedures. Participate in the City's labor relations activities; assist in developing labor relations objectives and strategies. Perform or supervise comprehensive management analyses in a wide range of municipal policies, organizations, procedures, budgetary and finance areas; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.

Assume overall administrative responsibility for all City activities in the absence of the City Administrator.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
500
Item B.

Assistant City Administrator

Page 2 of 5 ends

 Serve as a member of the City Administrator’s Department Head Staff, involved in the formulation and execution of citywide policies and long and short-term strategies.  Assist the City Administrator in planning, organizing, and directing the services and activities of City departments and programs.
 Assumes full management responsibility for all Administrative Services Department programs, services, and activities.
 Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Administrative Services Department; establishes, within City policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
 Manages and participates in the development and administration of the Administrative Services Department’s annual budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
 Selects, trains, motivates, and directs the Administrative Services Departments personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.  Contributes to the overall quality of the Administrative Services Department’s service by developing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.  Coordinates the administration of the annual budget for the entire City, provides for financial forecasting and planning; tracks the adopted budget and prepares periodic budget reviews for submission to City departments.
 Establishes the City’s central budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting practices; evaluates accounting procedures and financial controls; responds to and implements audit recommendations.  Manages the City’s investment portfolio; ensures that investments meet the City’s policy guidelines, and that adequate cash is available to meet obligations.  Manages revenue collection programs including tax assessments, subventions, license or user fees, and other sources.
 Oversees the City’s Information Technology resources and function, including the purchase and implementation of new computer hardware and software, the management of all computer servers, and ensuring the security of the City’s IT system; oversees and manages technical services to keep the City’s IT system technologically up-to-date and operating efficiently and reliably.  Oversees the City’s human resources functions, including recruitment and selection, benefits administration, and payroll.
 Oversees the City’s risk management functions, including City contracts with vendors of risk management functions.
 Manages the fleet needs of the City. Meets with department heads to determine the needs and requirements.
 Oversees the facility needs of the City. Creates and oversees the development of a facility assessment and plans the future space requirements.
 Negotiates contracts and agreements; coordinates with legal counsel and City department representatives to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services. 501
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 Represents the Administrative Services Department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
 Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.  Participates on and makes presentations to the City Council and a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of administrative services and other services as they relate to the area of assignment.  Maintains and directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.  Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.  Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the City Manager.  Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
 Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
 Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.  Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs, principles and practices of municipal government administration.
 Principles and practices of governmental accounting, public finance administration and budgeting, auditing, reconciliation; Federal and State regulations and guidelines as they pertain to municipal finance, grant administration, municipal taxation and revenue management.  Public agency budgetary, contract administration, citywide administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.  Practices and techniques of automated and manual financial and accounting document processing and record keeping.
 Basic terminology, methods, techniques and practices of the operation and maintenance of computer servers, network systems, and personal computer hardware and software.  Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.  Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.  Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
 Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements.  Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommendations.  Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
 Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations. 502
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Assistant City Administrator

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 Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:
 Manage and direct a comprehensive Finance Department including accounts payable, accounts receivable, budget development, cash management, cash receipts, payroll, financial analysis, general ledger, benefits, investments, purchasing, and utility billing programs.  Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
 Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department and the City.  Plan, direct, and oversee the financial activities of the City including the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
 Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
 Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
 Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of professional and technical personnel within assigned area of responsibility; delegate authority and responsibility; select, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures.
 Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.  Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of administrative services programs and administrative activities.
 Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.  Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
 Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.  Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
 Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
 Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns, and needs.

Education and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in finance, accounting, business or public administration, or a related field and seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience, including supervisory experience, preferably in municipal administration or in a finance office. At least six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in public accounting or municipal finance, including three (3) years of management and administration responsibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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Assistant City Administrator

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Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to attend meetings and other activities outside of normal working hours. 504
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JUNE 2024
FLSA: EXEMPT

BUILDING OFFICIAL

DEFINITION
Under the general supervision of the Community Development Director, coordinates, manages and reviews the plans and specifications of proposed residential, commercial, and industrial buildings; issues building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and fire permits; inspects all work for compliance with codes; insures adherence to City building and related codes and ordinances; provides detailed step-by-step assistance and guidance to Customers for project applications, plans/document submittals, and permitting needs.

Serves as an Ombudsman between the City and its Customers for issuance of permits, building and fire inspections; provides detailed building and fire inspections as warranted. Responds to citizen complaints as directed; performs related work as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general administrative direction from the Community Development Director. Supervises community development staff, as required.

General
 Acts as the initial point of contact for the Community Development Department.  Assist Community Development Director with grant administration activities and reports.  Coordinates City inspections for Building and Fire Inspection Services.  Issues various permits and collects fees.
 Track timelines for project review, project permit development, project completion and takes corrective action for any delay in processing a project.  Identifies and calculates appropriate permit fees and issues permits.  Expands web access for permit applications and enhances communication for building and fire code related projects.
 Attends meetings of the City Council, Planning Commission, Technical Advisory Committee, and professional organizations as required.
 Performs other duties as assigned.

Building Division Activities
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Building Official

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 Organizes daily workload and performs the more complex inspections and resolves building code questions.
 Investigates complaints of buildings, housing, and zoning violations.  Reviews the plans and specifications of proposed residential, commercial, and industrial buildings for compliance with the uniform codes, zoning regulations, and pertinent provisions of the state and county regulations.
 Explains, interprets, and provides guidance regarding all applicable codes within area of responsibility to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and other interested parties.  Enforces building related codes, including California Building Code, California Plumbing Code, California Mechanical Code, Residential Code, Cal-Green Building and Code, California Fire Code, NFPA CTitle 24 Code, California Housing Code, California Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code, and local codes such as sprinkling, nuisance, clearing, grading, filling, floodplain, zoning, etc.  Schedules and performs on-site inspections of buildings, including footing, foundations, framing, and electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and fire inspection projects.  Maintains records of building and inspection activities and completes related reports.  Administers the permitting function, plan review, permit application processing, fee assessment, and permit issuance.

Fire Code Services
 Manages fire inspections; organizes daily workload.
 Responsible for fire system plan checks and manages all fire issued permits.  Manages all fire code violations to include appropriate follow-up documentation for code compliance.
 Inspects a variety of structures and facilities ensuring compliance with all State and Local fire codes including NFPA, new construction, tenant improvements, day care centers and hazardous occupancies and resolves fire code issues.
 Ensures corrections are made to violations of the applicable codes and standards in a timely manner, and minimum fire safety practices are put into effect.  Prepares and keeps accurate logs, reports and records regarding fire inspections, violations notices and other related data which are legible, complete, up-to-date, and descriptive of problems encountered and resolved.
 Establishes rapport with the community by providing useful and helpful information to building owners, developers, contractors and others regarding applicable codes and standards and ensures that questions and concerns are appropriately resolved.  Maintains current knowledge of fire education goals and service objectives and the fire problems within the community and tailors the education delivery to these problems by informative education and awareness to field contact.
 Inspectsfire protections systems for new and existing occupancies forserviceability and code compliance requirements.
 Attends and successfully completes any Building and Fire Department sponsored training classes.  This position may assist as staff support at large emergency incidents or in the Emergency Operations Center
 Works closely with the Fire Chief to ensure prevention objectives are met.

Code Enforcement Services
 Coordinates Community Code Enforcement Complaints with Code Enforcement Officer. 506
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Building Official

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 Partners with Code Enforcement division to support, inform and help move code cases towards compliance with Sonora Municipal Code.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
 Thorough knowledge of California Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Fireand energy codes, and considerable knowledge in related construction trades.  Construction methods, materials, and accepted safety standards.  State and Municipal codes, ordinances and regulations relating to zoning, building construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical installations.
 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
 Inspection procedures.
 Technical resource materials and information sources applicable to building inspection.  Principles practices and technics of modern municipal fire inspection activities.

Ability to:
 Meet the public using tact, communication skills, and job knowledge to assist with applications and answer inquiries.
 Explain codes and requirements for building permitsto citizens, both in person and by telephone.
 Maintain clear and accurate records and make difficult arithmetical computations accurately.
 Review plansfor completeness in accordance with all applicable laws, ordinances, and policies.
 Operate a personal computer and other automated systemsto enter and retrieve information, monitor work performed, and to communicate information in reports.  Operate and use modern office equipment.
 Plan, organize, and implement duties and responsibilities defined by desired outcomes and objectives.
 Exercise sound independent judgment within policy guidelines.  Work with diverse groups of people.
 Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
 Five years of journey level combination building inspection experience, education equivalent to an Associate of Arts degree in construction technology.
 Certification as a Building and Combination Inspector by the International Code Conference.  At least one year work experience as a Fire Inspector conducting inspectionsfor a Municipality, Local Jurisdiction, County, State, or government agency or department.  Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
 California State Fire Marshal Certification as a Fire Inspector 1 or successful completion of Fire Inspector lA, IB, 1C, 1D and Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness. (Possession of Fire Inspector 2 or Fire Marshal is highly desirable.) Certification as a Fire Prevention Officer under the previous State Fire Training track is acceptable. 507
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Building Official

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 Possession of a current CPR certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed both in office and outdoor settings. Outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. Must be able to operate various pieces of office equipment, tools, or controls. The employee is required to climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, see, talk, and hear for inspections.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.

The employee works in inside environmental conditions and occasionally works with a video display terminal for prolonged periods. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Must be able to attend meetings and other activities outside of normal working hours. 508
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JUNE 2024
FLSA: NON-EXEMPT

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
(PART-TIME, LIMITED DURATION)

DEFINITION
Underthe general supervision ofthe Community Development Director, oversees and coordinates the City’s Economic Development and Business Support Services programs; performs a full range of varied and responsible professional and technical duties involving research, design, implementation and monitoring of programs encouraging economic development; participate and coordinate a variety of economic and community development activities relating to business attraction, expansion, retention and development; performs related work as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general administrative direction from the Community Development Director.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 Plans, organizes, and coordinates economic development and business attraction, expansion, and retention projects; develops and implements programs to stimulate commercial and industrial development in the City.
 Develops, implements, and coordinates targeted marketing strategies for business attraction, retention, and development programs; provides input into the design, development, and production of marketing tools for professional publication; works to develop and/or prepare City ads and written narrative for publication.
 Serves as liaison and facilitates communication amongst City departments, community groups, developers, business owners/operators, and outside agencies regarding community-wide economic development initiatives.
 Coordinates and conducts public meetings and project presentations to interested businesses, groups and individuals; participates in public relations tasks and special campaign projects.  Collects, compiles, and analyzes information for dissemination to potential business clients, including economic, statistical, financial, population, growth, demographic and other information.
 Assists in the research for policies, analyzes, and recommends changes and improvements to existing municipal codes and ordinances.
 Researches, analyzes, and prepares a variety of studies and reports on economic development 509
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Economic Development Coordinator

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including labor market trends; evaluates and responds to request for proposals; prepares and evaluates contracts, and scope of work for economic feasibility; negotiates, prepares, and administers contracts and agreements.
 Develops, implements, and tracks economic development efforts to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the City's economic development program.  Monitors legislation related to economic development and makes recommendations concerning policy and procedural improvements.
 Identifies grant funding opportunities, includes writing, submitting and managing grant proposals.
 Prepares comprehensive reports, proposals, and studies related to economic development and development objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
 Operational characteristics, services, and activities of assigned program area.  Principles, structure, and organization of public sector agencies.  Principles and practices of project management.
 Professional and/or technical knowledge of business/industry principles and practices for the area of responsibility.
 Methods and techniques of data collection, research, and report preparation.  Recent developments, research methods, current literature, and sources of information related to assigned programs and service areas.
 Grant application and administration principles and practices.  Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.  Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations.  Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and supporting applications.

Ability to:
 Participate in the coordination of a comprehensive economic development program.  Participate in the development and administration of goals, objectives, and procedures.  Prepare a variety of analytical and financial reports.  Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
 Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.  Establish and maintain various data collection, record keeping, tracking, filing, and reporting systems.
 Manage multiple projects simultaneously.
 Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.  Participate in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating assigned programs, projects, events, or technical area.
 Properly interpret and make recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.
 Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
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Economic Development Coordinator

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 Identify and respond to community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs and inquiries from the general public.
 Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
 Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws and regulations.  Represent the City in a professional and highly credible manner.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education and Experience Guidelines: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
 Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration, economic development, marketing, or a related field.
 Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible experience in public administration, economic development, or a related field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions. Some travel will be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to attend meetings and other activities outside of normal working hours. 511
Item B.

JUNE 2024
FLSA: NON-EXEMPT

HOMELESS OUTREACH COORDINATOR

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, the Homeless Outreach Coordinator will partner with staff from city departments, including police department and fire department, to provide outreach services to individuals experiencing homelessness. The Homeless Outreach Coordinator will engage persons experiencing homelessness by helping them to identify programs which can assist with permanent housing, treatment, and services to rehabilitate. The functions below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this job. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job, as necessary; perform related work as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Police Sergeant. Exercises no supervision of staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a full-time journey-level classification in the Police Department involving detailed duties relating to case management for homeless services. The main responsibility of this position is to accompany law enforcement and other outreach personnel during field interventions to establish clients and assist them in connecting them with services and housing opportunities to foster self-reliance. This position involves collaborating with local homeless service providers and reporting collected program data using automated databases.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 Identify community members who are housing insecure, housing unstable, unhoused, or unsheltered through direct outreach activities and through reports/referrals from community partners.
 Coordinates and leads outreach efforts by the City of Sonora.  Works with City Police, City Fire, and Administration on issues surrounding homelessness.  Works with other city, county, and non-profit organizations on issues surrounding those experiencing homelessness.
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Homeless Outreach Coordinator

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 Meets, engages, and assists homeless individuals in person to connect them with employment opportunities, substance abuse treatment and or mental health counseling resources, and housing opportunities.
 Responds to requests from the public, City of Sonora staff, and other area partners regarding programs, resources, and referrals.
 Completes assessments of each client and enters information into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database.
 Interacts with clients and their families in a culturally and socially sensitive way.  Keeps apprised of developments and trends in the program’s operation and be attentive to the changing or growing needs of the community.
 Collaborates and considers guidance with Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA).  Attends trainings, workshops, and classes to keep abreast of client engagement theories and practices.
 Maintain a log of outreach activities and street contacts.  Participates in community events such as the Homeless Point in Time Count and other related functions.
 Assists with grant writings and submissions, as needed.  Completes and meets all required program reporting deadlines.  Adheres to all local, state, and federal guidelines and laws.  Collects, compiles, and reports data required by the associated grant funding.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
 Commitment to improving the lives of the homeless and under-resourced in the City of Sonora.
 A professional attitude and the ability to manage time and organize work demands, work effectively in stressful situations, think critically, and exercise discretion and independent judgement.
 Basic knowledge of computers, word processing and spreadsheet programs, and basic office equipment.
 Strong verbal and written communication skills.
 Ability to do community outreach.
 Be able to work independently and as a team.
 Possess record-keeping techniques.
 Principles of resource management.

Ability to:
 Read instructions, fine print, and a computer screen; and operate vehicles/equipment.  Converse on the telephone and in person.
 Stand, sit, walk, kneel, bend, and twist; use hands and fingers for use of computer keyboard, copy machine, filing, writing, operating equipment, and telephones.  Lift equipment and office supplies, as necessary.
 Navigate steep and unsteady terrain.
 Withstand harsh elements.
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Homeless Outreach Coordinator

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 Learn and manage the HIMS.

Education/Experience/Licenses and Certifications:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
 At date of application filing, must be a high school graduate or possess a GED equivalent.  At date of appointment, must possess a valid California Driver's License.  Experience related to homeless programs, resources, and homeless community challenges, including life experience and personal achievement, is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking on uneven terrain and to access homeless people in and around encampments. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate police services equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach, to perform work.

Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work indoors and outdoors and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives. The principal duties of this class are performed in a field environment with exposure to homeless activity, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases.
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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 17, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director
SUBJECT: Approval of Resolution No.06-17-2024-B which approves the salary schedules for the Sonora Management Employees Association (SMEA) and the Sonora Confidential Employees Association (SCEA).

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends the City Council approve Resolution No.06-17-2024-B approving the SMEA and the SCEA salary schedules as presented.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

Over the past several years, the City of Sonora has had continued difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified staff. In Fiscal Year 2023/24, the City completed a citywide compensation study to provide information and recommendations that would be used for discussion during negotiations with the City’s bargaining units. As part of the negotiations that followed the salary schedules presented were agreed to by the City and the two bargaining units.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Impact to the General Fund is part of the FY24/25 budget. The budget includes a labor reserve set aside for all increases negotiated over the associated five-year contracts.

ATTACHMENTS:
 Resolution No.06-17-2024-B
 Salary Schedule SMEA
 Salary Schedule SCEA
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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 CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

RESOLUTION No. 06-17-2024-B

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA APPROVING THE SALARY

SCHEDULES FOR THE SONORA MANANGEMENT EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (SMEA) AND THE SONORA CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (SCEA) EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2024.

WHEREAS, the City Council has a goal to ensure a high performing organization and the City’s employees are a primary driver of that goal; and
WHEREAS, the City Council directed staff to complete a compensation study to determine market wages for the City of Sonora.

WHEREAS, the completed City of Sonora Compensation Study Report was presented to Council in November 2023 and the results were used to inform during the negotiations that followed.

WHEREAS, the salary schedules are based on the compensation study and were agreed to by the City and the employee associations.

WHEREAS, Section 570.5 of California Code of Regulations, Title 2 requires formal Council approval and adoption of salary and compensation plans; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sonora does hereby approve Resolution No.06-17-24-B, hereby adopts the salary schedules for the Sonora Management Employees Association and the Sonora Confidential Employees Association effective July 1, 2024.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED as a Resolution by the Sonora City Council at a meeting held by the City Council on the 17
th day of June 2024, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

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Item C.

Signed and approved on: _______________
___________________________________
Mark Plummer, Mayor, City of Sonora
ATTEST:

Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
RESOLUTION 06-17-2024-B
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Item C.

Adders:

Step A Step B Step C Step D Step E Step F
Monthly Bi-Weekly Hourly Monthly Bi-Weekly Hourly Monthly Bi-Weekly Hourly Monthly Bi-Weekly Hourly Monthly Bi-Weekly Hourly Monthly Bi-Weekly Hourly Admin Svs Officer 4152 $ 7,196.80 $ 3,321.60 $ 41.52 $ 7,557.33 $ 3,488.00 $ 43.60 $ 7,935.20 $ 3,662.40 $ 45.78 $ 8,332.13 $ 3,845.60 $ 48.07 $ 8,748.13 $ 4,037.60 $ 50.47 $ 9,184.93 $ 4,239.20 $ 52.99 4256 $ 7,377.07 $ 3,404.80 $ 42.56 $ 7,746.27 $ 3,575.20 $ 44.69 $ 8,132.80 $ 3,753.60 $ 46.92 $ 8,540.13 $ 3,941.60 $ 49.27 $ 8,966.53 $ 4,138.40 $ 51.73 $ 9,415.47 $ 4,345.60 $ 54.32 4362 $ 7,560.80 $ 3,489.60 $ 43.62 $ 7,938.67 $ 3,664.00 $ 45.80 $ 8,335.60 $ 3,847.20 $ 48.09 $ 8,751.60 $ 4,039.20 $ 50.49 $ 9,188.40 $ 4,240.80 $ 53.01 $ 9,647.73 $ 4,452.80 $ 55.66 4471 $ 7,749.73 $ 3,576.80 $ 44.71 $ 8,138.00 $ 3,756.00 $ 46.95 $ 8,545.33 $ 3,944.00 $ 49.30 $ 8,973.47 $ 4,141.60 $ 51.77 $ 9,422.40 $ 4,348.80 $ 54.36 $ 9,893.87 $ 4,566.40 $ 57.08 4583 $ 7,943.87 $ 3,666.40 $ 45.83 $ 8,340.80 $ 3,849.60 $ 48.12 $ 8,758.53 $ 4,042.40 $ 50.53 $ 9,197.07 $ 4,244.80 $ 53.06 $ 9,656.40 $ 4,456.80 $ 55.71 $ 10,140.00 $ 4,680.00 $ 58.50

SONORA CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
EFFECTIVE July 1, 2024

2.5% Longevity Pay After 10 Years of Service, Then For Every 5 Years Thereafter

2.5% for AA; 5.0% for BA/BS; 7.5% for Masters or CPA; 10.0% for Doctorate. 519
Item C.

Adders:

Step A Step B Step C Step D Step E Step F
Monthly Bi-Weekly Hourly Monthly Bi-Weekly Hourly Monthly Bi-Weekly Hourly Monthly Bi-Weekly Hourly Monthly Bi-Weekly Hourly Monthly Bi-Weekly Hourly Police Lieutenant 5451 $ 9,448.40 $ 4,360.80 $ 54.51 $ 9,921.60 $ 4,579.20 $ 57.24 $ 10,417.33 $ 4,808.00 $ 60.10 $ 10,939.07 $ 5,048.80 $ 63.11 $ 11,486.80 $ 5,301.60 $ 66.27 $ 12,060.53 $ 5,566.40 $ 69.58 5587 $ 9,684.13 $ 4,469.60 $ 55.87 $ 10,167.73 $ 4,692.80 $ 58.66 $ 10,675.60 $ 4,927.20 $ 61.59 $ 11,209.47 $ 5,173.60 $ 64.67 $ 11,769.33 $ 5,432.00 $ 67.90 $ 12,358.67 $ 5,704.00 $ 71.30 5727 $ 9,926.80 $ 4,581.60 $ 57.27 $ 10,422.53 $ 4,810.40 $ 60.13 $ 10,944.27 $ 5,051.20 $ 63.14 $ 11,492.00 $ 5,304.00 $ 66.30 $ 12,067.47 $ 5,569.60 $ 69.62 $ 12,670.67 $ 5,848.00 $ 73.10 5870 $ 10,174.67 $ 4,696.00 $ 58.70 $ 10,684.27 $ 4,931.20 $ 61.64 $ 11,218.13 $ 5,177.60 $ 64.72 $ 11,779.73 $ 5,436.80 $ 67.96 $ 12,369.07 $ 5,708.80 $ 71.36 $ 12,987.87 $ 5,994.40 $ 74.93 6017 $ 10,429.47 $ 4,813.60 $ 60.17 $ 10,951.20 $ 5,054.40 $ 63.18 $ 11,498.93 $ 5,307.20 $ 66.34 $ 12,074.40 $ 5,572.80 $ 69.66 $ 12,677.60 $ 5,851.20 $ 73.14 $ 13,312.00 $ 6,144.00 $ 76.80 Comm Development Director/ADS 6167 $ 10,689.47 $ 4,933.60 $ 61.67 $ 11,223.33 $ 5,180.00 $ 64.75 $ 11,784.93 $ 5,439.20 $ 67.99 $ 12,374.27 $ 5,711.20 $ 71.39 $ 12,993.07 $ 5,996.80 $ 74.96 $ 13,643.07 $ 6,296.80 $ 78.71 Fire Chief 6321 $ 10,956.40 $ 5,056.80 $ 63.21 $ 11,504.13 $ 5,309.60 $ 66.37 $ 12,079.60 $ 5,575.20 $ 69.69 $ 12,682.80 $ 5,853.60 $ 73.17 $ 13,317.20 $ 6,146.40 $ 76.83 $ 13,982.80 $ 6,453.60 $ 80.67 Assitant Administrator 6479 $ 11,230.27 $ 5,183.20 $ 64.79 $ 11,791.87 $ 5,442.40 $ 68.03 $ 12,381.20 $ 5,714.40 $ 71.43 $ 13,000.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 75.00 $ 13,650.00 $ 6,300.00 $ 78.75 $ 14,332.93 $ 6,615.20 $ 82.69 Chief of Police 6641 $ 11,511.07 $ 5,312.80 $ 66.41 $ 12,086.53 $ 5,578.40 $ 69.73 $ 12,691.47 $ 5,857.60 $ 73.22 $ 13,325.87 $ 6,150.40 $ 76.88 $ 13,991.47 $ 6,457.60 $ 80.72 $ 14,691.73 $ 6,780.80 $ 84.76 6807 $ 11,798.80 $ 5,445.60 $ 68.07 $ 12,388.13 $ 5,717.60 $ 71.47 $ 13,006.93 $ 6,003.20 $ 75.04 $ 13,656.93 $ 6,303.20 $ 78.79 $ 14,339.87 $ 6,618.40 $ 82.73 $ 15,057.47 $ 6,949.60 $ 86.87 6977 $ 12,093.47 $ 5,581.60 $ 69.77 $ 12,698.40 $ 5,860.80 $ 73.26 $ 13,332.80 $ 6,153.60 $ 76.92 $ 14,000.13 $ 6,461.60 $ 80.77 $ 14,700.40 $ 6,784.80 $ 84.81 $ 15,435.33 $ 7,124.00 $ 89.05 7151 $ 12,395.07 $ 5,720.80 $ 71.51 $ 13,015.60 $ 6,007.20 $ 75.09 $ 13,665.60 $ 6,307.20 $ 78.84 $ 14,348.53 $ 6,622.40 $ 82.78 $ 15,066.13 $ 6,953.60 $ 86.92 $ 15,820.13 $ 7,301.60 $ 91.27 7330 $ 12,705.33 $ 5,864.00 $ 73.30 $ 13,341.47 $ 6,157.60 $ 76.97 $ 14,008.80 $ 6,465.60 $ 80.82 $ 14,709.07 $ 6,788.80 $ 84.86 $ 15,444.00 $ 7,128.00 $ 89.10 $ 16,217.07 $ 7,484.80 $ 93.56 7513 $ 13,022.53 $ 6,010.40 $ 75.13 $ 13,674.27 $ 6,311.20 $ 78.89 $ 14,357.20 $ 6,626.40 $ 82.83 $ 15,074.80 $ 6,957.60 $ 86.97 $ 15,828.80 $ 7,305.60 $ 91.32 $ 16,620.93 $ 7,671.20 $ 95.89 7701 $ 13,348.40 $ 6,160.80 $ 77.01 $ 14,015.73 $ 6,468.80 $ 80.86 $ 14,716.00 $ 6,792.00 $ 84.90 $ 15,452.67 $ 7,132.00 $ 89.15 $ 16,225.73 $ 7,488.80 $ 93.61 $ 17,036.93 $ 7,863.20 $ 98.29 7894 $ 13,682.93 $ 6,315.20 $ 78.94 $ 14,367.60 $ 6,631.20 $ 82.89 $ 15,085.20 $ 6,962.40 $ 87.03 $ 15,839.20 $ 7,310.40 $ 91.38 $ 16,631.33 $ 7,676.00 $ 95.95 $ 17,463.33 $ 8,060.00 $ 100.75 8091 $ 14,024.40 $ 6,472.80 $ 80.91 $ 14,726.40 $ 6,796.80 $ 84.96 $ 15,463.07 $ 7,136.80 $ 89.21 $ 16,236.13 $ 7,493.60 $ 93.67 $ 17,047.33 $ 7,868.00 $ 98.35 $ 17,900.13 $ 8,261.60 $ 103.27 8293 $ 14,374.53 $ 6,634.40 $ 82.93 $ 15,093.87 $ 6,966.40 $ 87.08 $ 15,847.87 $ 7,314.40 $ 91.43 $ 16,640.00 $ 7,680.00 $ 96.00 $ 17,472.00 $ 8,064.00 $ 100.80 $ 18,345.60 $ 8,467.20 $ 105.84 8500 $ 14,733.33 $ 6,800.00 $ 85.00 $ 15,470.00 $ 7,140.00 $ 89.25 $ 16,243.07 $ 7,496.80 $ 93.71 $ 17,056.00 $ 7,872.00 $ 98.40 $ 17,908.80 $ 8,265.60 $ 103.32 $ 18,804.93 $ 8,679.20 $ 108.49

2.5% State Fire Training Officer Cert.

SONORA MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION SALARY RANGE TABLE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2024

2.5% Longevity Pay After 10 Years of Service, Then For Every 5 Years Thereafter

2.5% for AA; 5.0% for BA/BS; 7.5% for Masters or CPA; 10.0% for Doctorate.

Police Personnel Cert Pay: 2.5% For Basic Cert (if hired prior to July 1, 2013)/2.5% for Intermediate Cert./2.5% for Supervisor Cert (if designated) Fire Personnel Cert Pay: 2.5% For EMT-1A; EMT-P (if hired prior to January 3, 2015) and/or Fire Officer 520
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 17, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Melissa Eads, City Administrator
Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director
SUBJECT: Approve Resolution No. 06-17-24-F Approving the Tentative agreements with the Sonora Police Officers’ Association (SPOA), the Sonora Management Employees’ Association (SMEA), and the Sonora Confidential Employees’ Association (SCEA) RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution No. 06-17-24-F approving the tentative agreements with the Sonora Police Officers’ Association (SPOA), the Sonora Management Employees’ Association (SMEA), and the Sonora Confidential Employees’ Association (SCEA) and authorize the City Administrator to finalize the memorandums of understandings.

BACKGROUND:

As approved in the Organizational Assessment and Budget Stabilization Study, the City prioritized competitive wages. To guide the decision-making, a Compensation Study was completed in FY23/24. The role of studies like these is to help public sector organizations achieve human resource objectives such as employee recruitment, retention, pay satisfaction, and containment of labor costs. The City’s history of paying below market wages helps to explain the difficulty the City has faced when recruiting staff to fill vacant positions.

The last several months has included negotiations with every employee association with the stated goal of increasing pay rates to market and finding ways to limit future costs on extraneous items. The tentative agreements below are the fruit of those negotiations. The City has secured agreements with the SPOA, SMEA, and the SCEA and we had hoped to have the final Memorandums of Understanding’s available for approval but there are several additional aspects that will need to be addressed as meet and confer items, include the City personnel policy update and the final MOU language. Staff recommends approving the tentative agreements as the City and the associations work to finalize the MOUs. Once this process is completed the MOU’s will be agendized for Council Approval.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The impact to the General Fund has been budgeted in the FY24/25 budget. 521
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 ATTACHMENTS:
 Exhibit “A” - Sonora Police Officers Association (SPOA) Tentative Agreement  Exhibit “B” - Sonora Management Employees Association (SMEA) Tentative Agreement  Exhibit “C” - Sonora Confidential Employees Association (SCEA) Tentative Agreement CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

RESOLUTION No. 06-17-2024-F

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA APPROVING TENTATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH THE SONORA POLICE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION (SPOA), THE SONORA MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION (SMEA), AND THE SONORA CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION (SCEA)
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 36506 requires the City Council to determine by resolution the compensation of all officers and employees; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the City Council’s direction, the City bargaining team has negotiated in compliance with the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act and all other applicable requirements to reach these tentative agreements with the SPOA, SMEA, and the SCEA that meets the needs of all parties and covers the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029; and WHEREAS, the tentative agreements have been recommended for approval by the City Administrator; and
WHEREAS, the City Council authorizes the City Administrator to finalize the Memorandums of Understanding with the SPOA, SMEA, and the SCEA and to agendize them on a future City Council meeting for Council adoption.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sonora does hereby approve the tentative agreements between the City of Sonora and the SPOA, SMEA, and the SCEA for the period between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2029 and attached hereto as Exhibit A, B, C.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED as a Resolution by the Sonora City Council at a meeting held by the City Council on the 17
th day of June 2024, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Mark Plummer, Mayor
ATTEST:

Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
523
Item D.

Exhibit “A”
Sonora Police Officers’ Association (SPOA)
Tentative Agreement
Negotiated Items:
• 5 Year Agreement: July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029.
• Wages moved to new pay scale effective December 23, 2023. o July 1, 2024, 2.5% COLA has been included in the Sworn Officers new pay scale, for non-sworn positions the July 2024 2.5% COLA will be honored. • The City has a stated intention for Sonora Police Officer pay to remain approximately 5% above the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department.
• Add: Canine Incentive @ 5%.
• Reopener in 3rd year of this agreement to determine in there is a need for an 11th officer with the understanding there would need to be substantial overtime reductions as a benefit to the City.
• Update the City’s out of date Personell Policies (Still need to Meet and Confer). • Update the Memorandum of Understanding Language (Still need to Meet and Confer). • The City will complete a Compensation Study in Year 4 of the new agreement. Study to be conducted after September 1st 2028. (To be available for the next negotiation.) Union Concessions:
• Wage incentives (certificate pay) capped at a maximum of 20%. Agree to monitor Tuolumne County Sheriff for changes in certificate pay. If Sheriff caps incentive pay below 20% SPOA agrees to maintain alignment.
• Union will provide seniority language cleanup for final MOU.

Side Letters:
• None
524
Item D.

Exhibit “B”
Sonora Management Employee Association (SMEA)
Tentative Agreement
Negotiated Items:
• 5 Year Agreement: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2029.
• The currently negotiated COLA will take effect July 1, 2024. • Wages move to new pay scale based on the Compensation Study once the Taxpayer Protection Act is resolved.
o July 1, 2024 COLA is included in the new pay scale’s and will not be in addition to the new PayScale.
• Add: Assistant Administrator Position (This replaces the Administrative Services Director position).
• Update the City’s out of date Personell Policies (Still need to Meet and Confer). • Update the Memorandum of Understanding Language (Still need to Meet and Confer). • The City will complete a Compensation Study in Year 4 of the new agreement. Study to be conducted after September 1st 2028. (To be available for the next negotiation.) • If City reserves drop below 25% of budgeted appropriation the union agrees to meet and confer.

Union Concessions:
• New employees that start after July 1, 2024:
o Sunset Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB).
o Sick leave conversion at separation changes From: 480 hours @ 100% + 240 hours @ 50% To: 240 hours @ 100% + 240 hours @ 50%.
o Cap on incentive pay for certificates and education to 15% max.

Side Letters:
• One time payout of vacation and administrative leave for the Chief of Police and the Police Lieutenant. As the department has been understaffed it has been impossible to use accrued leave time.
• Current employee in the Police Lieutenant position pay increases 2.5% above pay scale.

Once the current employee in Police Lieutenant position separates or takes a new position this incentive ends.
• Existing MOU had increases for the Fire Chief that included up to 12% pay incentive while Chicken Ranch Fire Department was operating. It has been agreed to tier those increases to: Year 1 – 4%, Year 2 – 4%, Year 3 – 2%, Year 4 – 2%. Once the current employee in the Fire Chief position separates this incentive will end. 525
Item D.

Exhibit “C”
Sonora Confidential Employee Association (SCEA)
Tentative Agreement
Negotiated Items:
• 5 Year Agreement: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2029.
• The currently negotiated COLA will take effect July 1, 2024. • Wages move to new pay scale based on the Compensation Study once the Taxpayer Protection Act is resolved.
o July 1, 2024 COLA is included in the new pay scale’s and will not be in addition to the new pay scale.
• Update the City’s out of date Personell Policies (Still need to Meet and Confer). • Update the Memorandum of Understanding Language (Still need to Meet and Confer). • The City will complete a Compensation Study in Year 4 of the new agreement. Study to be conducted after September 1st 2028. (To be available for the next negotiation.) • If City reserves drop below 25% of budgeted appropriation the union agrees to meet and confer.

Side Letters:
• None
526
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 17, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director
SUBJECT: Adopt Resolution No.06-17-24-D Adopting and Amending a City of Sonora Fee Schedule as set forth in Exhibit “A,” effective July 1, 2024.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends the City Council adopts Resolution No.06-17-24-D adopting and amending a City of Sonora Fee Schedule as set forth in Exhibit “A,” effective July 1, 2024 DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

Under Prop 26 the City can change the fees charged by the City, but a tax would require the City to go back to the voters. The definition of tax is, every charge is a tax unless it fits into an exception as below:
 A fee for a benefit, privilege, service, or product.
 A regulatory fee.
 A charge for use of property.
 A fine or penalty.
 A charge imposed as a condition of property development.  Assessments.
 Property-related fees.

The City charges fees for a variety of specific services provided. Many of these fees have not been updated for many years and this has led to a mismatch in the cost of providing these services and the actual revenues received. The City conducted an analysis of the costs of various services, such that general revenues are not diverted to subsidize these services, while the City continues to have many unfunded needs.

User and regulatory fees are set according to the estimated reasonable cost of service. A fee for service ensures that an individual or entity bears most, if not all, of the costs incurred by the City to provide that service. When a fee does not fully cover the cost of service, another City revenue source subsidizes the cost, and in most cases, this is the General Fund.
527
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 The benefits of reviewing and updating user fees include reducing the need for the General Fund to subsidize, providing a pattern of consistency with information for forecasting and decision-making purposes, helping to meet service level expectations by collecting fees to fund existing levels of service, keeping pace with the cost of inflation, and avoiding fee spikes that are more likely to occur when municipalities leave fees unchanged for multi-year periods, as the City has done.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The fiscal impact of the increased revenues for fiscal year 2024/25 is approximately $40,000 which has been subsidized by other General Fund revenues in past years.

ATTACHMENTS:
 Exhibit “A” - City Fee Schedule 2024
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan, Staffing - Salary, Benefits, Training, and Retention
528
Item E.

RESOLUTION No. 06-17-2024-D

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA ADOPTING AND AMENDING A CITY FEE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2024.

WHEREAS, State law authorizes local agencies to collect fees to defray the costs of providing programs and services; and
WHEREAS, User fees in California are required to conform to the California Constitution including Proposition 26 and statutory requirements including Government Code Sections 66014 through 66018.5. User fees imposed to provide specific services, to cover reasonable regulatory costs to issue licenses and permits, and fines for violating the City Code are generally excluded from the definition of "tax" under Proposition 26. Section 1 (e) of article XIIIC of the California Constitution describes these exceptions.

WHEREAS, The City of Sonora has conducted an analysis of the costs of its services, and wishes to recover the costs of providing services, such that general revenues are not diverted from general services to subsidize services.; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sonora does hereby approve Resolution No.06-17-24-D, hereby adopting and amending a City of Sonora fee schedule as set forth in Exhibit “A” effective July 1, 2024.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED as a Resolution by the Sonora City Council at a meeting held by the City Council on the 17
th day of June 2024, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
________________________________
Mark Plummer, Mayor, City of Sonora
ATTEST: _______________________________
Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
RESOLUTION 06-17-2024-D
529
Item E.

City Fee Schedule
Exhibit "A"
FEE DESCRIPTION Current New
Copies $0.10 - $1 first page
-$.80 for each additional page
Credit Card Processing $5
or 2.5% over $1,000
$6
or 3% over $1,000
Business License Late Fees - Per Month $20 $40
Business License Late Interest - Per Month 1.00% 1.50%
Business License - Change of Address $20 $30
Business License - Copy of Cert $20 $30
Parking Lot Fees - Terzich - Per Month $35 $60
Parking Lot Fees - Bradford/Norlin - Per Month $25 $60
Parking Daily Fees - Per Day $10 $20
Pile Pickup $40 $125
Transient Use Permit Fee $140 $398
Outside Tire Storage Permit >5000 sq. ft. $60 $120/Annually Operational Permits required by California Fire Code: See CFC 105.6 for Complete List $60 $120/Annually
Fire Sprinkler Inspection
(for commercial and residential < 3000 sq. ft.) $60 $100 Fire Sprinkler Inspection
(for commercial and residential > 3000 sq. ft.) $60 $150 Fire Alarm Inspection $60 $100
Fire and Life Safety Inspection $60 $100
Fire Inspection of Commercial Hood System $60 $100
Above Ground Fuel Storage Permit, including LPG Tanks $60 $120 Fire Flow Test on Commercial, Industrial, and Residental Developments (1 Hour Minimum)
$60 $75/Hour
Pyrotechnic Special Effect Display Permit (plus standby fees - see stand by fees) $60 $250/per event
Residential Inspections (Initial Inspection & One Follow Up) $60 0-25 Units - $100
26-50 Units - $200
51-75 Units - $300
76-100 Units - $400
Additional Inpection - $100
530
Item E.

City Fee Schedule
Exhibit "A"
FEE DESCRIPTION Current New
All Other Occupancy Inspections (Initial Inspection and One Follow Up) $60
0-3000 sq. ft - $100
3,001 - 6,000sq. ft. - $200
6,001-10,000 sq. ft. -$300
10,001-15,000 sq. ft.-$400
15,001-20,000 sq. ft. -$500
20,001 sq. ft. - over -$600
Standby Fees (Will be charged at one (1) hour minimums and 15 minute increments) -
Engine: $90/hour
Squad: $76/hour
Staff Vehicle: $76/hour
Personnel: $62/hour (OT
Time Applies)
Burn Permit $20 $60.00
Candle and Open flame device in an assembly
occupancy Permit $20 $60/per event
Hazardous Materials Permit $120 $150
False Alarms Penalty -
4th Alarm: $150
5th Alarm: $240
6th+ Alarm: $360
After Hours or Weekend Inspections $60 $200/per inspection Occupancy Permit $30 $100
Home Occupation Permit $50 $125
Special Event Permit $50 $100
Encroachment Permit $100 $200
Banner Installation (Inside City Limits) $100 $150
Banner Installation (Outside City Limits) $200 $240
Returned Check Fee $20 $30
CEMETERY Current New
Setting Headstones $25 $175
$35 $245
$45 $315
531
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 17, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director
SUBJECT: Adopt Resolution No. 06-17-2023-C Establishing the FY24/25 GANN Appropriations Limit for the City of Sonora
RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt Resolution No. 06-17-2023-C establishing the Gann Appropriations Limit for FY24/25 for the City of Sonora.

BACKGROUND:

On November 6, 1979, California voters approved Proposition 4, commonly known as the Gann Spending Limitation Initiative, establishing Article XIIIB of the California State Constitution. This proposition, which became effective in FY 1980/81, mandated an appropriations (spending) limit on the amount of tax proceeds that the State and most local government jurisdictions may appropriate within a fiscal year. Charges for services, fees, grants, loans, donations, and other non-tax proceeds are excluded. Exemptions are also made for voter-approved debt prior to January 1, 1979 and the cost of court-related or Federal government mandates.

The initiative was later modified by two propositions - Proposition 98 in 1988 and Proposition 111 in 1990.

Proposition 98 established the return of tax revenues exceeding appropriation limit levels to the State or citizens through a process of refunds, rebates, or other means. Proposition 111 allowed more flexibility in the appropriation calculation factors.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

Attached for Council consideration is a resolution establishing an appropriations limit for FY 2024/25. The City may select either the percentage change in California per capita personal income or the percentage change in the local assessment role due to the addition of local non-resident new construction. This City has elected to use the change in California per capita income of 3.62%.

In addition, the City may elect to use either the Department of Finance’s annual population percent change for the City or for the entire County. This year the City’s percentage increase of .3% will be used rather than the County’s percentage increase of (.4%). Local jurisdictions are allowed to choose whichever factors are most beneficial for them each year.
532
Item F.

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 The Calculation of the FY24/25 Gann Appropriations Limit is as follows:

FISCAL IMPACT:

The City’s FY24/25 appropriations funded by tax revenues are within the required GANN Limit.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Resolution Establishing the FY24/25 Appropriations Limit for the City of Sonora CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan, Homelessness Issues City of Sonora
GANN Appropriations Limit Calculation
FY 2024/25
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Appropriations Limit (Resolution No.06-05-2023-A) $ 54,751,496 Adjustment Factors for Current Year:
2024 to 2025 Change in California Per Capita Income1

3.62%
2024 to 2025 Change in Population1

0.30%

1.0393
2024/25 Appropriations Limit $ 56,903,230
Estimated Proceeds from Taxes Subject to Limit2
$ 13,302,500
Total Adjustments Factor
1 California Department of Finance Price Factor and Population Information May 2024 2 Fiscal Year 2024/25 Projected Budget
533
Item F.

RESOLUTION 06-17-2024-C

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA
ESTABLISHING THE FY 2024/25 GANN APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT

FOR THE CITY OF SONORA
WHEREAS, Article XIIIB of the California Constitution (Limitation of Government Appropriations) was passed by the California electorate on November 6, 1979, and became effective on July 1, 1980; and
WHEREAS, the California Department of Finance has determined the California Personal Income Index of 3.62%; which the City Council has elected to use instead of using the percentage change in the local assessment roll; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has elected to use the population change for the City of Sonora, a positive .3%, instead of the County of Tuolumne, a negative (.4%), now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the formula for determination of the Appropriations Limitation for Fiscal Year 2024/25 is hereby adopted as follows:

The foregoing Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonora was PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council, State of California, at a public hearing held on this 17th day of June, 2024, by ___________________, who moved its adoption, which motion was duly seconded by ___________________, and the Resolution adopted by the following vote:

AYES: _________________________________
NOES: _________________________________
EXCUSED: ______________________________
APPROVED:
_______________________________
Mark Plummer, Mayor, City of Sonora
ATTEST: ________________________________
Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
RESOLUTION 06-17-2024
% Change in
California per
capita personal
income
% Increase
in City
Population
Appropriation
Factor
2023/24
Appropriations
Limit
2024/25
Appropriations
Limit

3.62% X 0.30% = 1.0393 X $ 54,751,496 = $ 56,903,230
FY 2024/25 Calculation
534
Item F.

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 {CW139203.2}
DATE: June 17, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Appeal Hearing and Rezoning Ordinance for 956 Oregon Street, Multi-Use Residential and Commercial Project
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Adopt Resolution No. 06-17-24-_, to uphold the May 13, 2024 decision of the Sonora Planning Commission approving, based on the identified findings and conditions, the Design Review, Site Plan, and Use Permit to allow a 40-foot residential and commercial mixed-use building at 956 Oregon Street (APNs: 056-106- 004 and 056-108-015).

2. Introduce by title Ordinance No. 896, amending the Zoning Map through the rezoning of Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 056-106-004 and 056-106-001 from General Commercial (CG) to Commercial (C), and waive the first reading.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT ITEMS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL:

The proposed project is a three (3) story multi-use residential and commercial project located at 956 Oregon Street.

The project involves twelve (12) residential units and six (6) commercial spaces, accompanied by parking, landscaping, and street improvements. The total project area is 31,198 square feet (~0.72 acres). Before the Council are two (2) items for consideration of the project.

The first item is an appeal hearing for the Planning Commission decision on May 13, 2024 to approve the Design Review, Site Plan, and Use Permit application for the project. Three (3) appeal forms were filed for the Planning Commission decision, and as such, the decision of the Planning Commission is forwarded to the Council for its review.

The project also requires a rezoning from General Commercial (GC) to Commercial (C). At the same meeting on May 13, 2024, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council introduce an ordinance to rezone the property to the Commercial (C) zoning designation. Of note is that the adjacent property at 11 Tuolumne Street (APN 056-106-001) is also included in the ordinance to be rezoned from General Commercial (GC) to Commercial (C) to conform both properties to the corresponding General Plan designation of Commercial (C). The rezoning ordinance is not part of the appeal hearing. The rezoning ordinance is a stand-alone item based on the Commission’s recommendation.
535
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 {CW139203.2}
The Council should also be aware that this project involves conveyance from the City of a small strip of right-ofway (ROW) along S. Washington Street. This strip of ROW is 3,831 square feet and is included in the project area.

A condition is included in the project that conveyance of this ROW area will occur after the City complies with the Surplus Land Act, a statute that requires the City to comply with certain procedures before it transfers surplus parcels of land. The ROW has little value to the City and is better used for the project. Staff will bring a future item to the Council to consider approving conveyance of the ROW area to the project applicant.

It is recommended that the City Council first conduct the appeal hearing and decide to uphold or overturn the Planning Commission decision (Design Review, Site Plan, Use Permit), followed by consideration of the rezoning ordinance. The Council may decide to introduce the rezoning ordinance, regardless of its action on the Planning Commission decision subject to appeal.

REVIEW OF APPEAL BY THE CITY COUNCIL:

The City Council’s review of this appeal is a de novo action, which means the City Council is not bound by the action of the Planning Commission. By filing an appeal, the project is forwarded to the City Council for its review. The City Council has the ability to review the entire project, as well as the specific grounds for appeal cited by the Appellants. The City Council can take any action that could have been taken by the Planning Commission (that is, to deny, approve, or approve the project with conditions).

BACKGROUND OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION:

On November 13, 2023, a public hearing was scheduled for the Sonora Planning Commission for a Design Review, Site Plan, Use Permit, Rezone, and Variance to develop a three (3) story multi-use residential and commercial project on the vacant lot located at 956 Oregon Street. The Planning Commission voted to continue the item due to the high number of comments received. In total, City Staff received thirteen (13) comment lettersfor the project proposed at the November 13 Planning Commission meeting.

After reviewing all comments, staff identified concerns about the high number of entitlements (including the proposed variance), the high number of parking spaces, site conditions, and environmental considerations. City Staff continued working with the project applicant to address the concerns. During this time, the applicant revised the site plan to comply with setback requirements and withdrew the variance application. The project was modified to provide only the minimum number of parking spaces required by the Sonora Municipal Code. Staff also conducted further analysis for the CEQA exemption for the project and refined the conditions of approval.

On May 13, 2024, the item was brought back to the Planning Commission where it voted 3-2 to approve the Design Review, Site Plan, and Use Permit for the project and to recommend rezoning of the site for Council’s approval. 536
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 {CW139203.2}
APPEALS FILED AND STAFF ANALYSIS OF APPEALS:

Following the Planning Commission’s approval of the project, the City received three (3) appeals of the Planning Commission’s decision. The appeal documents reflect the general tenor of the public comments received at the Planning Commission meetings. Below is a table that describes the concerns identified by the appeals and responses from staff:

Concern Identified by Appellants Staff Response
Inadequate notice provided for the project.
300-foot notifications were sent to surrounding
property owners. Notices are sent to the owner of
record based on the Assessor Roll. Notices
regarding the project were placed in the Union
Democrat advertising the public hearings. The City
met its legal obligation for the noticing
requirement.

The project is not in compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

CEQA exempts certain in-fill development projects
from comprehensive environmental analysis. To
qualify, the project must meet the following five
criteria:
 Within City Limits and the site is smaller
than five (5) acres ☑
 General Plan and Zoning Consistency ☑
 Rare or endangered species at the site –
None identified
 Significant effects relating to traffic, noise,
air quality, or water quality— None
identified, the impacts do not meet the
City’s thresholds for significant impacts.
 All utilities available ☑
As further explained in this report, staff believes
all the findings can be made to support use of the
identified CEQA exemption.

The historic Sonora/Downtown area along
Washington Street is a unique and vibrant part of
the Sonora community because it represents a mix
537
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 {CW139203.2}
The project is not consistent with the historic
character of Sonora.
of coexisting uses (commercial, residential, retail,
parks, multi-story, multi-family). This project is
consistent with the historic development of
the town. The project provides homes within
walking distance of many locations while also
providing neighborhood serving
retail/business maintaining a development
pattern found along Washington Street
currently.

Planning Commission approved the project
despite comments received from the City
Engineer, who provided comments on
drainage, traffic access, removal of trees and
vegetation, and plan submittal.

The City Engineer highlighted specific
concerns in his comment letter for the
project. Staff addressed each of these
concerns in the Conditions of Approval for the
project, which were approved by the Planning
Commission. The Conditions of Approval are
included in the Planning Commission staff
report attached with this item. Below are
staff’s responses to the City Engineer’s
comments with references to the applicable
Condition of Approval.
 Drainage plans and drainage
improvements will be required,
including installation of a culvert.

Drainage will be addressed through
plan review and identifying necessary
improvements. (COA # 12, 13, 14)
 Parking and circulation plans will be
provided to ensure there is adequate
traffic access to and from the site.
(COA 8, 9, 15, 17, 18). Traffic access
will be addressed through further plan
submittal and review by the City
Engineer prior to issuance of a building
permit. The project also includes
widening Oregon Street to two lanes,
and Mariposa Street will be a paved
538
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 {CW139203.2}
fire access road. Also of note is that
the project is exempt from CEQA. VMT
analysis was conducted to confirm that
the project qualifies for the CEQA
exemption.
 Trees and vegetation will be removed,
but the project landscape plan shall
include trees, address design of the
retaining walls, and be approved by
the Parks, Recreation, and
Beautification Committee. (COA 23)
 Professional drainage, grading, and
site plans will be submitted. (COA 12,
14, 15, 18.) These plans are not yet
required at the planning review stage.

Planning Commission approved the project
despite the comments received by nearby
property owners.

The Planning Commission’s role in development
approvals is to make findings regarding the
project’s consistency with City plans and rules.

This includes making the required findings under
the General Plan and the Sonora Municipal Code.

The Planning Commission found that the project is
consistent with the General Plan and meets the
required findings for the Design Review, Site Plan
Review, and Use Permit. Review of the project is
guided by the findings required for each project
approval.

Project will remove trees without mitigation.

Some existing trees along the frontage of the
project (S. Washington) will be removed (along
with invasive Himalayan Blackberry).

The project will be required to submit a landscape
plan which includes trees along the frontage and
in the parking area. The landscape plan is subject
to approval by the Parks, Recreation, and
Beautification Committee, as required by the
Municipal Code. (See COA #23).
539
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 {CW139203.2}

CEQA ANALYSIS (IN-FILL EXEMPTION)
The project qualifies for the in-fill exemption under CEQA, where projects on sites smaller than five (5) acres, consistent with the General Plan and Zoning, near available utilities, and with minimal environmental impacts do not require comprehensive environmental study. After the November 2023 Planning Commission meeting, staff conducted further analysis of each criteria under the exemption. The additional analysis included utilizing a mapping tool developed for the City to ensure the project was located in low-travel area. One of the criteria of the exemption is that the project would not result in significant impacts to traffic. The Planning Commission, based on staff’s recommendation, did not find that the project causes significant traffic impacts under CEQA. The Planning Commission also found that the project will not cause significant impacts to noise, air quality, or water quality. The project is subject to the City’s noise ordinance, involves residential and commercial uses on a site smaller than one (1) acre, and the drainage plans and improvements will address water quality impacts.

Council may refer to the full analysis of the CEQA in-fill exemption in the attached staff report from the Planning Commission approval on May 13, 2024 (Attachment 1).

SUMMARY OF APPEAL HEARING
The application approved by the Planning Commission on May 13, 2024, was for the Design Review, Site Plan, Use Permit application for the project. The following provides a summary of the different approvals for the project and the findings made by the Planning Commission:
 The Design Review was approved, based on the architectural review of the structures, materials, colors, and compatibility with the surrounding area.
 The Site Plan was approved, based on review of environmental impacts, public and emergency vehicle access, traffic, public improvements and utilities, health and safety impacts, landscaping, and conformance of screening and parking to the Sonora Municipal Code.  A Use Permit is required to extend the height five (5) feet above the height limit. The Use Permit was approved, based on findings of minimal impacts to surrounding buildings and public safety.

For further review of all findings made by the Planning Commission in regard to the project approvals and the CEQA in-fill exemption, the Council may refer to the attached staff report and resolution from May 13, 2024.

REZONING ORDINANCE
The second item before the Council for the project is a rezoning ordinance, which rezones two (2) adjacent parcels from General Commercial (GC) to Commercial (C). The project is on one of the parcels proposed for rezoning.

On May 13, 2024, the Planning Commission also recommended a rezone of the property from General Commercial (GC) to Commercial (C). A rezone is required because multifamily dwelling projects with units above ground level are allowed by right in the Commercial (C) zoning district, but not in the General Commercial (GC) zoning district. 540
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 {CW139203.2}
The Commercial zoning district is also more compatible with the site’s General Plan designation of Commercial.

A rezone from General Commercial (GC) to Commercial (C) will ensure project consistency with the applicable zoning district and improve consistency with the corresponding General Plan designation.

Under the Commercial (C) Zoning designation, the project is also subject to the land and structure regulations under the Tourist and Administrative (CO) Zoning District. The project meets all the land and structure regulations under the CO Zoning District.

Additionally, staff has included rezoning of the adjoining property at 11 Tuolumne Street (APN 056-106-001) from General Commercial (GC) to Commercial(C) to improve conformity with the General Plan. The 11 Tuolumne Street property is not part of the project proposal.

FINDINGS TO APPROVE A REZONE. Based on the preceding discussion, staff recommends Council make the following findings that the rezone ordinance:

A. Is compatible with, and physically suited for, the uses authorized in, and the regulations prescribed for, the proposed zoning district in which the real property is located; B. Is consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses and programs specified in the General Plan;
C. Is in conformity with public convenience, general welfare and good land use practice; D. Will not be detrimental to health, safety and general welfare; E. Will not adversely affect the orderly development of property or the preservation of property values; and
E. Project has been reviewed in compliance with CEQA and is exempt from further review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.

CEQA ANALYSIS FOR REZONE:

The rezoning of the project at 956 Oregon Street is included in the CEQA determination for the project application approval (In-fill Exemption).

The rezoning ordinance for both parcels also qualifies for the commonsense exemption (CEQA Guidelines, § 15061(b)(3)). The rezone to the adjacent parcel at 11 Tuolumne Street is proposed by the City to improve conformity with the corresponding General Plan designation. No development is proposed on this parcel. The changes in zoning do not have potential to cause significant impacts to the environment. The rezoning reduces the allowed uses on the parcels and improves conformity with the General Plan. As a result of the rezone, the parcels 541
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 {CW139203.2}
will be more restricted to commercial/retail-oriented land uses. Any future development application received for the 11 Tuolumne Street property will be subject to further review at that time.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL:

The following are available options for the City Council to consider:

1. Uphold the Planning Commission decision to approve the Design Review, Site Plan, and Use Permit approved for the project;

2. Overturn the Planning Commission and deny the Design Review, Site Plan, and Use Permit approved for the project;

3. Uphold the Planning Commission’s approval of the project, subject to modifications;

4. Continue the appeal hearing to a future hearing date;

5. Regarding the rezoning ordinance, the Council may consider the rezoning ordinance independently of the appeal of the Planning Commission decision. The rezoning ordinance is required for the project to proceed as proposed.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Planning Commission Staff Report (Conditions of Approval for the project begin on page 14)

2. Planning Commission Resolution

3. Lee Pagni Appeal

4. Fred and Rhonda Buess Appeal

5. Lee Brooks Appeal

6. Comment Letter from City Engineer (dated September 20, 2023)

7. Memo from the Project Applicant (Timothy Miller, on behalf of William Canning)

8. Resolution of Approval

9. Resolution of Denial

10. Rezone Ordinance
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan
542
Item G.
{CW137759.2}
Community Development Department

PLANNING COMMISSION
Staff Report
MEETING DATE: May 13, 2024 GENERAL
PLAN:

Commercial (C)
TO: Planning
Commissioners
ZONING: General Commercial (CG)
APPLICANT/ OWNER: William Canning, Trustee
PROJECT: 956 Oregon Street, Multi-Use Residential and Commercial Project

PROJECT
DESCRIPTION:

Design Review, Site Plan, and Use Permit for a Multi-Use Residential and Neighborhood Serving Commercial Project. The project also includes a rezone from CG to C for conformity with the General Plan.

The project is located at 956 Oregon Street (APN 056-106-004-000).

The City is also including APN 056-106-001-000 (11 Tuolumne Street) to rezone the parcel from CG to C for conformity with the General Plan.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The applicant, William Canning, is seeking to develop a three-story multi-use residential and neighborhood serving commercial project on the vacant lot located at 956 Oregon Street. The project consists of one structure approximately 40 feet tall with six commercial spaces (1057 square feet per unit) located on the first floor and six two-bedroom units (1073 square feet per unit) on the second and third floors, for a total of 12 market-rate residential apartments. The commercial spaces will include a dark bronze aluminum storefront. The project also proposes 49 parking spaces, landscaping and street improvements including the widening of Oregon Street along the project site, a new fire access lane on Mariposa Street and a new encroachment/driveway onto S. Washington Street.

The applicant is seeking approval for the following entitlements for the proposed project:
• Design Review approval;
• Site Plan approval;
• A Use Permit to increase the allowable building height from 35 to 40 feet; and • A Rezone from General Commercial (CG) to Commercial (C).

Additionally, the City has included the rezoning of the adjoining property owned by Janice L.

Quinn, TR located at 11 Tuolumne Street (APN 056-106-001) from CG to C to improve conformity with the General Plan.
543
Item G.
{CW137759.2}
Existing Site (looking west from Oregon Street)
Existing Site (looking east from S. Washington Street)
BACKGROUND:

The development site consists of two parcels:

1. APN 056-106-004 (27,367 sq. ft.), currently owned by the Applicant; and

2. A portion of APN 056-108-015 (3,831 sq. ft.), currently owned by the City for which the Applicant is seeking to acquire from the City.

Thus, the total project area is 31,198 sq. ft. (0.716 acre). As provided in the project’s conditions of approval, the City will have to approve the acquisition of this portion of APN 056-108-015 for the project to move forward as proposed.
544
Item G.
{CW137759.2}
Both parcels front S. Washington Street and Oregon Street and are currently vacant. However, a demolition permit for the residence that was on the lot owned by the applicant was issued in 1997.

The surrounding zoning includes General Commercial (CG) to the North, Limited Manufacturing (ML) to the west, Limited Multifamily Residential (R-2) to the south, and Single-Family Residential (R-1) to the east.

A portion of the property along with the City’s property contains a drainage channel which is fed by City storm drains onto the site. The storm water runoff flow from areas north of the project into this channel has caused flooding north of the site in the past, primarily due to issues with blockage caused by the existing vegetation within the channel. The City’s Public Works Department has cleared vegetation in this area in the past to address these issues. This clearing will continue as long as the existing conditions remain on the property. Vegetation on the project site is within this drainage channel and includes an oak, Himalayan blackberry (invasive), and willows. The project proposes to remove existing vegetation and replace the drainage channel with a culvert.

Planning Commission Action:

The project was scheduled for a public hearing at the November 13, 2023 Planning Commission meeting, but the item was continued due to the high number of comments received. After reviewing all comments, staff identified concerns about the high number of entitlements, including the proposed variance, as well as concerns due to the number of parking spaces, site conditions, and environmental considerations. For these reasons, city staff has continued working with the project applicant to address these concerns.

As a result, the previously proposed setback variance has been withdrawn and the number of parking spaces has been reduced from 54 to 49 spaces, the minimum necessary to comply with the Sonora Municipal Code (SMC) section 17.42.060. In response to these changes, the project site plan has been revised to comply with the requisite setback standards and the project will include a condition of approval limiting the number of parking spaces to 49, which will comply with the minimum standards set by code. Additionally, staff has carefully reviewed the environmental criteria under Section 15332 pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In 545
Item G.
{CW137759.2}
accordance with Section 15332, consideration was given to ensure that the project qualifies for this CEQA exemption and is further analyzed in the CEQA determination section of this report.

SITE PLAN CONSIDERATION/ANALYSIS:

Section 17.52.010 requires Site Plan review for this project. In considering approval of a Site Plan, the Planning Commission must make the following findings:

A. The proposal is consistent with all applicable provisions of the Sonora Municipal Code and other local, state and federal laws; and
B. The proposal is consistent with the Sonora General Plan; and C. The project is in compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and there will be no potentially significant adverse effects upon environmental quality and natural resources that cannot be properly mitigated and monitored, unless a Statement of Overriding Considerations is adopted; and D. There are adequate provisions for public and emergency vehicle access, fire and police protection, sanitation, water, and public utilities and services to ensure that the proposed development will not be detrimental to public health and safety. Adequate provisions shall mean that distribution and collection facilities and other infrastructure are installed at the time of development and in operation prior to occupancy of buildings and the land, and all development fees have been paid prior to occupancy of buildings and the land; and
E. The subject site is:

1. Adequate in size and shape to accommodate the use and all fences and walls, landscaping, loading, parking, yards, and other features required by the Sonora Municipal Code; and

2. Served by streets adequate in width and surfacing type to carry the quantity and type of traffic generated by the proposed development.

F. The use will not produce odors, gas, fumes, dust, smoke, noise, vibrations, glare, heat, electrical interference, hazardous or waste materials beyond the confines of the property onto contiguous properties or into the air or watercourses to an extent constituting a nuisance and does not constitute a physical hazard to persons or properties beyond the confines of the property by reason of fire, explosion or similar cause.

The proposed building is to be located along the eastern side of the parcel. Due to the topography of the parcel and the proposed grading, there will be retaining walls on three sides of the building. The first floor will be for the small commercial suites and will back up to these retaining walls. The 2nd and 3rd floor apartments will be at street level along Oregon Street.

The main access for the commercial element of project will be from S. Washington Street with the main residential access from Oregon Street with required fire access from Oregon Street onto Mariposa Street. Road widening for Oregon Street is part of the project. The project includes widening the paved area of Oregon Street, along the project frontage, from 20 ft. to 31 ft. S. Washington Street is categorized as a City Minor Arterial Street. In addition to the main driveway, the frontage along S. Washington Street is to include an ADA compliant sidewalk, curbs, and gutters. The applicant is required under the conditions to submit an analysis for the encroachment and access roads to consider the existing and proposed encroachments and driveways, sight lines, access roads, and any operation and safety functions. 546
Item G.
{CW137759.2}
The project includes 49 parking spaces with 23 ft drive aisles in compliance with the Sonora Municipal Code and Fire Code requirements. Under Section 17.42.060 of the Sonora Municipal Code, the minimum number of parking spaces required is 49 spaces, as 18 parking spaces are required for the residential units and 31 spaces are required for the commercial units.

Previously, the project exceeded the minimum number of parking spaces by 5 spaces.

However, in response to public comments, the City incorporated a condition of approval that the project cannot exceed the minimum number of parking spaces under the City’s code.

Existing Condition (Oregon Street)
547
Item G.
{CW137759.2}
Preliminary Site Plan
The areas highlighted in green below will include the landscape areas for the project. A landscape plan is to be submitted for review and approval by the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee as required under SMC Section 12.20.130 and will also be subject to ongoing maintenance and the State’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) requirements. Project conditions also require street trees along the S. Washington Street property frontage and trees within the parking lot area. 548
Item G.
{CW137759.2}
DESIGN REVIEW CONSIDERATION/ANALYSIS:

The project is subject to Design Review under Section 17.32.070 of the Sonora Municipal Code.

When considering the plans for structures outside of the historic area the Planning Commission shall consider the following finding in their review of a project:

1. All structures shall be in good proportions; have simplicity of mass and detail and shall not be inharmonious with other buildings in the City of like class and type; there shall be an appropriate and fitting use of materials; colors shall be in good taste and never harsh or garish, but in harmony with themselves and their environment.

The project design includes a 3-story mixed-use structure with 6 commercial units on the first floor and 6 two-bedroom apartments on both the second and third floor (a total of 12 residential units). The commercial storefronts will be a dark bronze system with 1” insulated safety glazing as shown below. The exterior of the commercial area will be smooth face concrete masonry.

The exterior of the residential portion of the building will be 8” cement lap siding. The proposed colors indicated below include Oakwood for all siding, Whitest White for all trim, and Toscana for the shutters. The windows for the residences will be from the Milgard Tuscany Series and will be white vinyl single hung.

Elevations
549
Item G.
{CW137759.2}
Exterior Color Palette
Proposed Storefronts
USE PERMIT CONSIDERATION/ANALYSIS:

Under Section 17.60.030 of the Sonora Municipal Code, a building or structure may exceed thirty-five feet in height if the Planning commission grants a Use Permit. When considering the request for the Use Permit, the Planning Commission shall consider the following finding in their review of a project:

1. The increase in height is necessary and desirable after having considered the impact on surrounding buildings and on public safety.

To accommodate the three-story structure, the Applicant is seeking a Use Permit to exceed the maximum building height of 35 ft. by an additional 5 ft. not to exceed a total height of 40 ft. This request is based on the need for the additional space to accommodate the ducting HVAC and duct work, and the required fire suppression system between the commercial and the residential units. Staff finds the impact on surrounding buildings and public safety to be insignificant given the increase is only 5 feet and the surrounding area is sparsely populated with low-density residential and commercial uses.

CONSISTENCY WITH ZONING:
550
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The project site is currently zoned as General Commercial (CG) and is proposed to be rezoned as Commercial (C). While the Commercial and General Commercial zoning districts are similar in that they both allow service-oriented land uses, where they differ is in the intensity of allowed uses. The CG Zone allows for a greater intensity of commercial uses, such as industrial land uses, whereas the C zone is more restricted to commercial/retail-oriented land uses. The project as proposed would be allowed in the C zoning district, but not in the GC zoning district because it does not allow mixed-use development. The commercial zoning district is also more compatible with the site’s General Plan Designation of Commercial. A rezone from CG to C will reduce the intensity of allowed uses and ensure project consistency with the applicable zoning district.

Under the Commercial Zoning District, multi-family dwellings above ground level commercial with no maximum limitation of the number of units is a permitted use allowed by right subject to land and structure regulations under the Tourist and Administrative (CO) Zoning District. The project meets all the land and structure regulations under the CO Zoning District.

CONSISTENCY WITH GENERAL PLAN:

The project site is designated Commercial (C) per the Sonora General Plan 2020. The present zoning of the project site is General Commercial (CG). Zoning is tool to implement the vision and policies laid out on the General Plan. It is not uncommon for cities to update the zoning for properties to ensure vertical consistency with the General Plan. The rezoning to C will better reflect the goals and vision laid out in the General Plan. Rezoning the site will ensure greater consistency between the zoning for the property and the City’s General Plan.

Under the General Plan 2020, the purpose of the C land use designation is to:
“Maintain and enhance the present and future needs of city and county residents and visitors while maintaining and enhancing the city’s economic base and conserving the city’s social, economic, cultural, environmental, and aesthetic resources.” The Commercial designation promotes the inclusion of multi-family dwelling units above ground level. The purpose of the allowance of multi-family units above commercial is to support the City’s historical development style, which can be seen throughout the City’s downtown area along Washington Street. The project site is along the commercial corridor that connects into the historic downtown area. The project will be a continuation of the look and feel of the downtown area while being compatible with the existing pattern of development in the area; which includes a mix of existing residential and commercial uses.

The project conforms to the applicable Goals/Policies of the General Plan, including:

1.C.c: Continue to maintain a provision within the city’s municipal code allowing residential uses as permitted uses above ground level within all commercial zones, including those within historic commercial districts.

1.D.2: Encourage higher density housing in areas served by a full range of urban services, preferably along collector, arterial, and major arterial streets, and within walking distance of shopping areas.

1.D.3: Recognize the need to supply affordable housing in close proximity to commercial centers to serve the city and county’s high number of service-oriented, minimum wage workers.
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1.E.5: Encourage a mixture of uses and activities that will maintain the vitality of the downtown area.

1.E.6: Promote integrated, rather than scattered, visitor-serving commercial developments.

2.B.5: Promote and encourage pedestrian-oriented development.

ADVISORY/PUBLIC COMMENTS
Advisory agencies were notified of the proposed project in September of 2023. At that time, staff received project comments from the City Engineer, Sonora Fire Chief, Tuolumne Heritage Committee, and TUD. Copies of written comments are attached to the staff report and conditions have been included.

Prior to the November 2023 All property owners within 300 feet of the properties were also provided notification about the meeting and project. Staff received 13 comment letters from members of the public. After the November 2023 Planning Commission Meeting, Staff received an additional letter. Comment letters were received from the following individuals:
• Bill Allie
• Fred Buess
• Judith Chalmers
• Janette De Giobbi
• Linda Fuller
• Veronica Hemphill
• Therese Mallen
• David Pagni
• Lee Pagni (provided 2 separate submittals and email correspondence) • Sharon Pagni
• Arlene Paxton
• Kayla Weldon
In advance of the May 2024 Planning Commission Meeting, all property owners within 300 feet of the properties were also provided notification about the meeting and project. At the time of the report preparation, Staff have received XX written comments. If additional comments are received, they will be presented to the Planning Commission at the meeting.

CEQA DETERMINATION
Class 15332 In-Fill Exemption
Article 19, Section 15332 of CEQA exempts certain in-fill development projects from environmental analysis, which are consistent with the exemption criteria. In general, in-fill development is defined as projects that develop vacant or underutilized land in urban areas.

Under Section 15332 of CEQA, the project must meet the following five criteria:

CEQA In-Fill Criteria 956 Oregon Street In-Fill Criteria Analysis

1. The project is consistent with the
applicable general plan designation and
all applicable general plan policies as well
as with applicable zoning designation and
regulations.

Yes. The project is consistent with the
General Plan as described in this report. The
proposed project rezone will improve
alignment between the General Plan and
zoning district. After the rezone, the proposed
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project will be consistent with all applicable
zoning requirements, as described in
previous sections.

2. The proposed development occurs within
city limits on a project site of no more
than five acres substantially surrounded
by urban uses.

Yes. The project is within the City of Sonora
and located on an approximately 0.72-acre
site substantially surrounded by commercial
and residential uses.

3. The project site has no value as habitat
for endangered, rare or threatened
species
Yes. There is no valuable habitat for
endangered, rare, or threatened species.

Special status species are most widely
associated with the wetland habitats along
Woods Creek, Sonora Creek, and Dragoon
Gulch, which are outside of the project area.

The project area is substantially surrounded
by other urban uses. The site is mostly
vacant and the vegetation on the site is not
considered valuable habitat for endangered
or threatened species.

4. Approval of the project would not result in
any significant effects relating to traffic,
noise, air quality, or water quality
Yes. As described in the discussion which
follows, the project would not result in any
significant impacts for traffic, noise, air quality
and water quality.

5. The site can be adequately served by all
required utilities and public services.

Yes, the proposed project would be
adequately served by existing dry and wet
utilities, including water supply, sewer
service, and solid waste services. The project
site is within the service area of applicable
utilities and surrounding parcels are all
served by adequate utilities.

The following provides an evaluation and justification for why the 956 Oregon Project meets the infill exemption requirements for traffic, noise, air quality, and water quality.

Traffic
In 2021, Sonora adopted seven “screening criteria” to exempt projects from traffic analysis under CEQA. These criteria were developed to assist complying with Senate Bill 743, which requires using the “Vehicle Miles Traveled” metric, which measures the total miles induced by a project, for all traffic CEQA analysis. The purpose of screening tools is to quickly identify projects that could be determined to have a less than significant impact. To be exempted from CEQA analysis, a project must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Sonora Screening Criteria for Traffic CEQA Analysis Does Project Meet Criteria?

1. Residential or Employment-Based
Office/Commercial/Industrial Projects Located within a Low VMT Area: Residential or employment-based
office/commercial/industrial projects located within a lowVMT area.

2. Small Project: Projects that would generate less than 110 trips per day and are consistent with the City General Plan.

3. Local-Serving Retail: Local-serving retail projects that are 50,000 square feet or less.

4. Local-Serving Public Facility: Public facility projects that serve the local community or operate as passive facilities.

Public facilities that serve the local community include 553
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public K-12 schools, local parks, libraries, post offices, police stations, fire stations, transit centers, and park-andride lots. Public facilities that operate as passive facilities include utility, communication, water sanitation, and waste management buildings.

5. Affordable Housing: Projects that consist of 100%
affordable housing.

6. Mixed-Use Project: Each project land use type should be considered separately and compared against the
appropriate screening criteria above. It is possible for some land use types in a mixed-use project to be screened out, and other land use types to not be screened out and
require additional analysis. When applying the “Small
Project” screening criteria to a mixed-use project, the criteria should only be applied to the trip generation for the portion of the mixed-use project that is not screened out due to other screening criteria.

7. Redevelopment Project: Projects that would generate less total VMT than the existing land use they are replacing, unless the project is replacing affordable housing with other land use types.

Using the City of Sonora’s VMT Screening procedure above, a project located in a low-VMT area can be determined exempt from CEQA analysis. In 2021, Sonora and Tuolumne County created a map that identified low-VMT areas in the County. Using the map of low-VMT areas, staff identified that the proposed project is located in a low-VMT area, as pictured below.

Map of Project Site in Low-VMT Screening Area
Furthermore, in addition to meeting criteria 1, the proposed project also meets screening criteria 2,3, and 6 due to the fact that the project proposes 6,342 sq ft of neighborhood serving commercial and the estimated traffic generated for 12 units of residential would be less than 110 trips based on annual daily traffic, adjusted for A.M and P.M. trips. 554
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In addition to meeting the City’s screening criteria, staff utilized the “Tuolumne County Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Sketch Tool” which was developed for conducting traffic analysis under CEQA. Adopted by the City 2021, the VMT Sketch Tool determines what quantity of VMT constitutes a significant impact under CEQA. After applying the VMT sketch tool to this project, the proposed project location does not meet the threshold for significant impacts.

According to the established criteria, the proposed project would not create a significant destination land use that would exacerbate VMT and the parcel is not identified as high traffic area.

Noise
Staff reviewed the proposed project against the city’s noise standards and evaluated the potential impacts generated by the project’s proposed land uses against the existing surrounding land uses. Based on this analysis, the project will not rise to the level of a CEQA significant impact. Analysis on the construction and operational noise impacts are provided below.

Construction
The applicant will comply with the existing noise ordinance on construction noise, Section 8.20.04 of the Sonora Municipal Code. This measure is reflected in the staff report as a condition of approval. Therefore, construction noise impacts will not rise to a threshold of significance under CEQA.

Operation
Currently, the project site is located near noise generators such as highway 108 and an operational Sierra Pacific Rail line which are in close proximity to general commercial, commercial, and residential uses. Although the project’s proposed uses will be developed at a higher density than the existing setting, the site proposes similar lowintensity uses. The proposed project includes six units of neighborhood-serving commercial (total of 6,342 sqft) and 12 units of residential (total of 12,876 sqft) that could impact noise in the existing neighborhood. The six commercial units of neighborhoodserving uses will be small-scale retail such as eating/drinking establishments, professional offices, and professional services. Unlike large-scale retail, it will not be a large destination or create significant noise impacts, when compared to industrial uses, manufacturing uses, or full-service restaurants or large shopping centers. Similarly, the 12 units of residential uses will be small, two-bedroom apartments that will generate similar noise levels to the existing residential in the vicinity of the project. Therefore, operational noise impacts will not rise to a significant impact under CEQA.

Air Quality
The proposed project will not include any significant land uses that will contribute to air pollution, such as industrial land uses. Air quality impacts caused by the project would most likely be limited to fuel combustion emissions from space and water heating, fuel combustion emissions from landscape maintenance equipment, volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions from periodic repainting of interior and exterior surfaces, and standard uses of natural gas. Due to the less than significant impacts generated by traffic, it is unlikely that significant air quality impacts would be generated by vehicle trips. Therefore, air quality impacts will not be significant under CEQA.

Water Quality
To prevent impacts to water quality, the project conditions require approval of a drainage plan prior to approval of grading permits. With the development of a drainage plan that addresses 555
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project run-off and the effect to drainages, it is unlikely that significant impacts to water quality would occur.

In reviewing the proposed project, staff finds that the project is exempt under CEQA pursuant to 15332, In-fill Development Projects (Class 32).

CEQA Guidelines, § 15061(b)(3) (Commonsense Exemption)
The rezone to the adjacent parcel at 11 Tuolumne Street is proposed by the City to improve conformity with the corresponding General Plan designation. No development is proposed on this parcel. This change in zoning does not have potential to cause significant impact to the environment. The rezoning reduces the allowed uses on the parcel and improves conformity with the General Plan. As a result of the rezone, the parcel will be more restricted to commercial/retail-oriented land uses. Any future development application received for the site will be subject to further review at that time.

RECOMMENDATION:

Based on the preceding, it is recommended that the City Planning Commission approve the Design Review Permit, Site Plan Permit, and Use Permit with the findings above and subject to the following project conditions. Staff also recommends that the City Planning Commission adopt the attached Resolution 5-13-2024-A recommending to the Sonora City Council approval of the attached ordinance rezoning APN’s 056-106-004 and 056-106-001 from General Commercial (CG) to Commercial (C), based on the findings included within the Resolution. 556
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Design Review Permit, Site Plan Permit, Zoning Amendment, and Use Permit 956 Oregon Street
GENERAL CONDITIONS:

1. The Design Review Permit, Site Plan Permit, Zoning Amendment, and Use Permit are issued for a Multi-Use Residential and Commercial Project. Project plans, design and construction shall be in accordance with the plans approved by the Sonora Planning Commission on May 13, 2024. The Community Development Director may approve minor changes to the project that are in substantial compliance with the plans approved by the Planning Commission.

2. Acquisition and transfer of the portion of APN 056-108-015 included within the project area shall be subject to approval from the City and after compliance with the Surplus Land Act.

3. The number of parking stalls shall not exceed the minimum required under SMC 17.42.060.

The project shall incorporate 18 parking stalls allocated to the proposed residential units and 31 stalls allocated to the proposed commercial units. The final parking layout shall not change the total number of residential designated stalls and commercial designated stalls.

4. A City Encroachment Permit shall be obtained from the Community Development Department prior to any work within all City right-of-ways or lane closures.

5. Applicant shall comply with Section 8.20.040, Construction Noise, of the Sonora Municipal Code.

6. City streets adjacent to the construction site shall be cleaned as necessary to limit track out and prevent fugitive dust.

7. The Applicant and contractors shall be responsible for dust abatement during grading, construction and development operations. A water truck or other approved watering device shall be on the project site on all working days when natural precipitation does not provide adequate moisture for complete dust control. Said watering device shall be used at the end of each day and at other intervals as needed to control dust.

8. Mariposa Street shall be designed and maintained by the Applicant to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be paved to provide all-weather driving capabilities.

Mariposa Street shall not be blocked in any manner including the parking of vehicles.

9. Project-related improvements to Oregon Street cannot impede future access to the adjacent parcels south of the project area.

10. The property owner or authorized applicant, their successors and assigns, will defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the city and its agents, officers, attorneys and employees from any claim, action, or proceedings brought against the city or its agents, officers, attorneys or employees within the applicable statute of limitations to:
a. Attack, set aside, void, or annul any action approving an application (including any action to provide environmental clearance in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), by city staff any city planning or advisory agency, any city appeal board, or the city council; or
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b. Seek damages for property damage or personal injuries resulting from development authorized by the city pursuant to the application. [SMC Section 17.69.010 (Ordinance 776)]

11. Applicant shall comply with all local, state and federal regulations, permitting, and requirements.

CONDITIONS TO BE MET PRIOR TO GRADING PERMIT ISSUANCE:

12. The applicant shall prepare and submit a drainage plan that addresses the following:
a. The entire project site including the parking lot drainage. b. The increased runoff and effect to downstream drainages, culverts and adjacent property.
c. Culvert along S. Washington Street sized to accommodate the water flow from the City’s storm drain system that currently flows into and through the existing drainage channel.
d. Drainage improvements shall be installed in accordance with the approved drainage plans.

13. The applicant shall submit an erosion control plan.

14. The applicant shall submit an engineered grading plan which clearly shows the proposed parking lot and roadway grades, cuts and fills as well as retaining walls, on a topographic map.

CONDITIONS TO BE MET PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT ISSUANCE:

15. The applicant shall prepare a parking and circulation site plan subject to review and approval by the Community Development Director. The parking and circulation site plan shall include the following:
a. How parking stalls will be assigned for residents and allocated for commercial spaces.
b. A path of travel clearly denoting pedestrian access points; including how the public could access the commercial spaces fronting Washington from Oregon Street.

16. Civil plans to show that all utilities will be installed underground onsite.

17. The applicant shall submit an analysis for the encroachment and access roads prepared by a qualified professional and approved by the City Engineer. The analysis will consider the existing and proposed encroachments and driveways, sight lines, access roads, and any operation and safety functions.

18. The applicant shall submit an engineered site plan which clearly shows the proposed parking lot and roadway grades, cuts and fills, and retaining walls. Plans shall address internal traffic circulation, stall layout, striping/marking and signage.

19. All parking areas and traveled ways on the site shall be paved.

20. The applicant shall ensure the turning radius is met for the local fire apparatus within the parking lot, access off S. Washington, and Mariposa Street onto Oregon Street. 558
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21. Project is to include ADA-compliant sidewalk, curb and gutters along the S. Washington Street frontage along with any additional non-motorized improvements included within approved/adopted transportation plans.

22. A lighting plan shall be submitted prior to the installation of any exterior lighting. Exterior lighting is to direct the light downward to the area to be illuminated, install shields to direct light and reduce glare. The lighting plan shall comply with the International Dark Sky Association standards.

23. A landscape plan is to be submitted for review and approval by the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee as required under SMC Section 12.20.130 including ongoing maintenance and MWELO requirements. Landscape plan is to include street trees along the S. Washington Street property frontage, trees within the parking lot area, and details on the design of the retaining wall.

24. The applicant shall meet 904.3.1.1 (a full NDPA 13 system) to ensure that there are fire sprinklers throughout the building, including attic space and void spaces.

25. Project is approved with the Authority having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for FDC/riser location.

26. Project will be required to meet fire flow and hydrant spacing per CFC Chapter 5 and Appendix B and C.

27. The applicant shall coordinate with TUD regarding the water and sewer connections and capacity at the site and in the surrounding lines. TUD engineers shall approve the plan. The project shall subject to all conditions and standards required by TUD as shown in the comment letter attached.

CONDITIONS TO BE MET PRIOR TO OCCUPANCY:

28. The project is to include a centralized garbage and recycling area which is to be screened from public view. Containers are to be continuously closed, watertight and vector-resistant that are of adequate size and in sufficient numbers to contain all refuse without overflowing or impact to the storm drain system. The garbage and recycle area, and containers, shall be kept in good repair and sanitary condition.

29. Landscape permit is issued and all landscaping is installed and approved by the City.

Landscape Maintenance Agreement and bonding (Section 12.20.135 of the SMC) has been executed and MWELO requirements have been complied with.

30. The applicant will pay all impact fees that are due prior to building permit or occupancy, as applicable.

Attachments:

Attachment 1 – Resolution No. 5-13-2024-A
Attachment 2 – Ordinance 893
Attachment 3 – Site Plan
Attachment 4 – Elevations
Attachment 5 – TUD Advisory Notice Comment Letter
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Attachment 6 – City Engineer Comment Letter
Attachment 7 – Tuolumne Heritage Committee Comment Letter 560
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION NO. 05-13-2024-A

A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING TO THE SONORA CITY COUNCIL
adoption of an ordinance rezoning
Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 056-106-004 and 056-106-001
from General Commercial (CG) to Commercial (C)
WHEREAS, the City of Sonora Planning Commission is formed by Chapter 2.32 of the Sonora Municipal Code (SMC); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 2.32.080(B) of the SMC, the Planning Commission shall investigate and make recommendations to the City Council upon reasonable and practicable means for putting the General Plan into effect, in order that it will serve as a pattern and guide for the orderly physical growth and development of the City; and
WHEREAS, zoning is one of the primary means for promoting the comprehensive and adequate planning of the City and for implementing the General Plan; and WHEREAS, at its regular meeting conducted on November 13, 2023, the Planning Commission opened the public hearing to consider the rezoning of APNs 056-106- 004 and 056-106-001 from General Commercial (CG) to Commercial (C), and voted to continue the public hearing to a future date upon further review of project impacts; and
WHEREAS, at its regular meeting conducted on May 13, 2024, the Planning Commission conducted the public hearing to reconsider the rezoning of APNs 056-106-004 and 056-106-001 from General Commercial (CG) to Commercial (C); and WHEREAS, the proposed rezoning from General Commercial (CG) to Commercial (C) will improve consistency with the corresponding General Plan designation of Commercial (C). The proposed rezoning will also allow and advance the project proposed in conjunction with this rezoning, by conforming the zoning district to the uses and standards of the proposed project; and
WHEREAS, City staff recommends that the Planning Commission make the following findings, that the proposed rezoning:

A. Is compatible with, and physically suited for, the uses authorized in, and the regulations prescribed for, the proposed zoning district in which the real property is located;
B. Is consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses and programs specified in the General Plan;
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C. Is in conformity with public convenience, general welfare and good land use practice;
D. Will not be detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare; E. Will not adversely affect the orderly development of property or the preservation of property values; and
WHEREAS, the project has been reviewed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it was determined that the project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15332 (In-Fill Exemption) and CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) (Commonsense Exemption), as further described in the record for this action.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE SONORA PLANNING COMMISSION HEREBY RECOMMENDS to the Sonora City Council the rezoning of Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 056-106-004 and 056-106-001, from General Commercial (CG) to Commercial (C), as contained in the attached Ordinance and based on the findings contained herein and all documents and testimony in the record.

PASSED AND ADOPTED as a resolution by the Sonora Planning Commission on this 13th day of March 2024, by the following vote:

Members of the Commission:

AYES: ______________________________
NOES:_________________________________________________________________________ ABSENT:

ABSTAIN: _____________________________________________________________________ SIGNED:

Kevin Anderson, Chair
Planning Commission
ATTEST:

Tyler Summersett, Secretary
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City of Sonora
Tuolumne County
“Queen of the Southern Mines”
94 N. Washington Street
Sonora, California 95370
www.sonoraca.com
Area Code 209
Administration/Finance/City Clerk 532-4541
Community Development 532-3508
Building Department 532-3508
Public Works Department 532-2922
Police Department 532-8143
Fire Department 532-7432
Opera Hall/Redevelopment-Grants 532-7725
City Engineer 532-1867
Date: September 20, 2023
To: Emma Goldsmith, Contract Planner
From: Gerard J. Fuccillo, City Engineer
Subject: Advisory Agency Response from the City Engineer to your Notice of September 11, 2023; RE: 956 Oregon Street, APN 056-106-004, Design Review, Site Plan Review, Zoning Amendment, Use Permit and Variance to Permit a Multi-Use Residential and Commercial Project Project Description: The project consists of a three story building with 12 apartments on the second and third floors fronting on Oregon Street, with the first floor basement fronting on a parking lot below Oregon Street which proposes 6 commercial units. Total gross square foot of the building from dimensions shown on the Site Plan is 19,020 SF (40 x 158.5 x 3). The project is on a .64 acre assessor parcel, although it uses a portion of the S. Washington Street right of way for its parking lot and entrance, as well as an undeveloped section of Mariposa Street, which is used as an access from the parking lot to Oregon St. The project includes major grading for the parking lot and an entrance from S. Washington Street over a vegetated drainage area running along the S. Washington Street frontage.

Project Plans: Project plans included in the notice are:

1. A Site Plan showing the location of the new apartment building on Oregon Street with commercial under it, the entrance on Washington Street, parking lot, access driveway to Oregon St on the Mariposa Street Right of Way, and adjacent parcels to Tuolumne Street. The site plan appears to be sketched by the owner/applicant on a Land Surveyors plan of the assessor parcel and adjacent areas.

2. For Design Review, a color elevation photo of the proposed elevation of the apartment building along Oregon Street with photos of the siding materials and colors. The elevation photo appears to be a brochure photo of an 8 unit apartment frontage, which has been cut apart and pasted together to be a 12 unit apartment frontage, and without any relationship the site grades.

Review Comments: In review of the project plans, area topography and a field review, I would like to make the following comments:

1. Grading. This project will require major grading of the entire assessor parcel, portions of S. Washington Street right of way as well as the undeveloped portion of Mariposa Street right of way presently used by TUD for a public sewer line. The submitted Site Plan indicates the requirement of retaining walls along 3 sides of the building and portions of the site, as well as a major retaining wall along the southerly right of way of Mariposa Street for the access driveway between the parking lot and Oregon St.

As is shown on the Site Plan, the height of the retaining wall on Mariposa St along adjoining property varies in height from 8' to 17' at the drainage channel to 12' at the westerly right of way of Oregon Street. The retaining wall then crosses the right of way of Oregon St with a height of 12' to 5'. The construction and backfill of this particular retaining wall will render the existing public sewer along Mariposa Street unserviceable and eliminate access to adjoining large parcels to the south of the Mariposa Street which are presently zoned R-2. Although the sewer line can be replaced, the lack of secondary access would seem detrimental to the development of two adjoining parcels to the south of the project totaling 7.5 acres (APN 056-107-02&05). 570 Item G.

2. Drainage. The project the would fill in a natural drainage channel through the site and along the S. Washington Street right of way which receives piped storm drainage from upstream areas. The drainage basin to this drainage channel is fairly large and includes areas northerly of the site to Hospital Road, Symons Lane, the old County Hospital and intervening residential areas. We have had flooding in the area of Tuolumne Street just upstream of the project due to blockage of the storm drainage through the site.

The Site Plan submitted does not address drainage through and from the site. For construction on the site , a drainage study should be required to size a culvert through the site and site drainage, as well as access effects downstream. As the vegetated channel presently acts as a detention basin, improvements onsite may also require improvement to the driveway crossing culvert downstream of the project.

3. Tree and vegetation removal. For environmental review of this project, a biological study of the tree and vegetation removal should be conducted for potential riparian vegetation and tree replacement.

4. A Traffic Study should be conducted in regard to the new commercial use entrance on S. Washington Street.

S. Washington Street is a two lane Minor Arterial Street in the City with fairly heavy traffic at times.

The ultimate active transportation plan for Washington Street is to add bike lanes or a path. and sidewalks similar to Mono Way, which is in the same Minor Arterial category. The Traffic Study should address the safety of the new entrance onto S. Washington Street and access the need for lane widening or a turn lane for the subject use.

5. Plans Submitted. Considering the size and type of this project as a multifamily/commercial mix and with major grading, I feel that we should have more professional level plans for Planning Commission approval of a Site Plan and Design Review. Considering the grading of the site, the Site Plan should include a preliminary Grading Plan which clearly shows the proposed parking lot and roadway grades, cuts and fills as well as retaining walls, on a topographic map. Design Review elevations should show elevations of the 4 sides of the building as related to a profile of the site, not just a pieced together brochure photo of the Oregon Street frontage.

Considering the number of residential units, and commercial usage with major grading, this project is far beyond the exemptions included in the California Business and Code Section 5500 (Architects Practice Act) and 6700 (Professional Engineers Act) where anyone can prepare plans for approval or construction. B&P Code Sections 5537, 5538 and 6737.1 list the type of projects exempt from the requirements of having plans prepared by a California licensed Architect or Engineer, With 12 residential units combined with over 6000 SF of commercial space in one building, this project far exceeds the exemptions and should have had plans prepared by an Architect or Civil Engineer, even for the preliminary approvals such as Site Plan and Design Review prior to building permits.

Summary:

In summary, the plans submitted for this notice should be rejected for Site Plan/Design Review and more professional level plans which address the concerns noted above, be submitted for this proposal.

It is suggested that the proposal be less in density so that the project does not take up the entire frontage of Oregon Street and that a driveway from Oregon Street to the parking area below be provided onsite without changing the grade across Oregon Street. The grade along the Mariposa Street sewer easement should remain the same and Oregon Street should not be blocked for a future extension southerly to adjacent properties.

A reduction in density could also eliminate the need for a side setback variance. Side setback for a two story multifamily residential should be 10' as is noted in the C zone reference to CO zone regulation. A reduction in density would also provide more open space and landscape areas for replacement of the trees and vegetation removed by the project, as well as add some common space for the future residents.

Gerard J. Fuccillo
City Engineer
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DATE: June 13, 2024
TO: City of Sonora
FROM: Timothy A. Miller, AICP, MCRP, MPA
SUBJECT: Appeal Hearing – 956 Oregon Street Project
Honorable Mayor, Council members and City Staff,
I have prepared this memorandum on behalf of the applicant in response to the appeals that have been submitted regarding the above project. Based on the following, it is the applicant’s position that the appeals are without merit and the Planning Commission approval should be sustained.

The subject property is zoned General Commercial. The General Plan land use designation is Commercial. The conforming zoning is Commercial. State statute requires the zoning ordinance to be consistent with the general plan. When a development application is submitted that is consistent with the general plan where the zoning is not, the City is required to rezone the property within 180 days or process the development application based on the general plan standards. (Govt Code 65860) In this case, a rezoning request is accompanying the Site Plan, Design Review, and Use Permit applications.

The permitted uses in the Commercial zoning district are less intense than the General Commercial district uses and are to be “located near residential or some public use areas, mainly along arterial roadways” (General Plan Land Use page 38). Commercial retail, office and “light commercial activities” and “multifamily dwellings above ground level with no maximum limitation of number of units’, are uses allowed by right in the Commercial zoning district. (Sonora Municipal Code

17.24.010 Purpose and 17.24.020 Uses Allowed by Right).

The proposed mixed-use development reflects the historic character of the City’s original downtown which had living spaces above the ground floor commercial uses. Further, this project serves as one example of the New Urbanism live/work concept which is recognized as one of the most viable forms of market rate development.

The application submittals also include a Use Permit to allow the building to exceed the maximum building height of thirty-five feet as provided for in Sonora Municipal Code 17.60.030 R. The requirement for this application submittal is based on the overall height of the structure measured from ground level to the ridge being approximately forty feet six inches as shown on the site plan.

However, as defined in the Sonora Municipal Code, 17.04.010,"Building height" means the vertical dimension measured from the ground level to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof; or to the deck line of a mansard roof; or to the average height between eaves and the highest ridge of a gable, hip or gambrel roof or between eaves and the highest point of an arch roof.

The distance between the eave and the ridge of the proposed building is six feet eight inches, with the midpoint being three feet 4 inches below the ridge, resulting in a building height of thirty-seven feet two inches. Only two feet two inches over the height otherwise allowed by the zoning code.

However, the lot has a significant grade change. When viewing from Oregon Street the structure height would be approximately twenty-four feet. If the structure heights were averaged, the height would be just over thirty-two feet (40’ 6” + 24/2 = 32’ 3”). 572
Item G.
pg. 2
The Sonora Municipal Code is silent on calculating building height when building on a sloped property. Standard practice on sloped sites is to measure the building height from the average finished grade. There is at least a sixteen-foot grade difference between the finished floor of the commercial spaces and the Oregon Street grade. If this eight-foot average were deducted from the thirty-seven foot two inch building height measured at a level grade, the calculated height, allowing for the slope, would be just over twenty nine feet. The International Building Code (IBC) and the California Building Code (CBC,) which the City adopts, have provisions for determining building height based on the difference in elevation of sloped properties. Using these code standards, the calculated building height would be less than thirty-five feet. If these standards were utilized, a Use Permit application would not have been necessary.

PROJECT BENEFITS
• Rezoning
The applicant is responsible for the rezoning application and processing fees, which would otherwise have been a City obligation and cost.
• Property Tax
Development costs are estimated at $4,000,000 dollars. At the overall 1% tax rate, the project would generate $40,000 per year with the City’s share being approximately $5,000. • Sales Tax
The six commercial spaces total just over 6,000 square feet. Based on comparable businesses of similar square footage, the City estimates sales tax income to range between $20,000 and $25,000.
• Housing Units
The project includes 12 market rate multi-family residential units. The 2019-2024 Housing Element projects an overall need of 115 residential units including 20 moderate units. This project will meet 60% of the moderate rate goal and over 10% of the overall housing goal. • Employment Opportunities
While the exact numbers will depend on the commercial businesses that occupy the rental spaces, the project provides opportunities for job creation.
• Investment/Revitalization
An investment of this magnitude will serve as an example for others and hopefully encourage them to invest in the revitalization of this area
• Streets/Infrastructure
The project will include the widening and frontage improvements on Oregon, frontage improvements on South Washington, a paved fire apparatus access road on Mariposa and improvements to the existing drainage channel and the Washington Street storm drain system 573
Item G.
pg. 3
• Building Plan Check and Inspection Fees
The applicant will be responsible for the costs associated with the review, approval and permitting of the project including grading, on-site and off-site improvements and building construction plans.

APPEAL ISSUES
• Environmental Review – “EIR should be prepared”
The CEQA review determined the project qualified for a “Class 15332 In-Fill Exemption”, had met the five qualifying criteria and exemption requirements for traffic, noise, air quality, and water quality. (See pages 14-18 Planning Commission staff report) • Historic/Neighborhood Character and Views – “not consistent with historic nature” “injurious to harmony and views in our historic neighborhood” The project meets the General Plan Goals/Policies with respect to residential uses above commercial uses including historic commercial districts; higher density housing along major streets within walking distance of shopping areas; providing affordable housing proximate to commercial centers; having a mixture of uses and activities to enhance downtown; promote integrated visitor serving commercial development; and, promoting pedestrian oriented development. (See pages 13-14, Planning Commission staff report) The mixed-use development proposed, with a live/work potential as was discussed before, is the modern-day version of a historic property owner living above their place of business. The multifamily units front Oregon Street which is more residential in character while the commercial spaces front on South Washington Street which is an existing commercial district. • Noise/Light/Activity – “increased noise, activity, lighting will alter nature of this quiet neighborhood”
The City has an existing Noise Ordinance limiting noise levels by time of day and type of use. Noise impacts were addressed in the CEQA Determination (page 17 of the Planning Commission staff report). The Commercial zone district provides for less intense noise generating uses than currently allowed by the existing zoning. A lighting plan is required that direct lights, reduce glare and comply with International Dark Sky Association standards (General Condition 22, Page21) • Oregon Street Access – “development would cut off access to Oregon street” Oregon Street improvements will include widening and frontage improvements per the City standards. “Project related improvements to Oregon Street cannot impede future access to the adjacent parcels south of the project area (General Condition 9, page 19) • Sewer – “cutting off access to secondary sewer”
TUD comment letter – “The District would require the project proponent to relocate the District’s sewer main” (See page 31, Planning Commission staff report) 574
Item G.
pg. 4
• Traffic – ‘increased traffic, traffic safety”
The traffic analysis met four of the seven screening criteria to be exempt from CEQA analysis, including being in a low VMT area. The other qualifying exemptions were local serving retail project of less than 50,000 square feet; a project consistent with the general plan generating less than 110 trips per day; and, a mixed used project. Only one criterion needed to be met to be exempt. (See Pages 15-17, Planning Commission staff report)
The project fronts on two streets which assist in dispersing the traffic with residential traffic using a local street (Oregon) and commercial traffic using an arterial (Washington). Both streets will be improved as part of the development which will enhance safety and better accommodate any increased traffic volume.
• Vegetation – “vegetation removal/loss of green space” The City does not have a heritage tree protection or preservation ordinance. The environmental review concluded “there is no valuable habitat for endangered, rare or threatened species” (See page 15 Planning Commission staff report). The development will provide landscaping in accordance with the requirements of the City code (General Condition 23, page 21).

In summary,
The project rezone will bring the property zoning into conformance with the General Plan.

The project provides for much needed sales tax revenue, property tax revenue, housing and jobs.

The project satisfies many of the General Plan goals and Policies regarding second story residential, mixture of uses and housing proximate to commercial and major streets.

The project resolves an existing drainage issue.

The project completes street improvements along the South Washington and Oregon street frontages, and enhances fire access by paving Mariposa Street The project, as an infill development, qualifies for a Categorical Exemption and as such, does not have any environmental impacts that would otherwise require mitigation including, but not limited to, noise, traffic and vegetation.

The project does not impede access by the southerly property to Oregon Street or the Mariposa Street sewer main (as relocated).

The project is subject to existing ordinances regulating noise and on-site lighting.

The project complies with the zoning code building height on Oregon Street and would comply with the building height on South Washington should the property slope is considered.

The City staff has been very thorough in their analysis of this project and has recommended appropriate conditions of approval to protect the City’s and its citizens interests. 575
Item G.

RESOLUTION NO. 06-17-2024-_

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA APPROVING THE APPEALS OF AND OVERTURNING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S APPROVAL FOR THE DESIGN REVIEW, SITE PLAN, AND USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A 40-FOOT RESIDENTIAL COMMERICAL MIXED USE BUILDING AT 956 OREGON STREET (APNs: 056-106-004 and 056-108-015)
WHEREAS, on November 13, 2023, the City of Sonora Planning Commission continued the public hearing for the Design Review, Site Plan, Use Permit, and Variance for a 40-foot residential and commercial mixed-use building at 956 Oregon Street; and WHEREAS, on May 13, 2024, the Planning Commission approved the Design Review, Site Plan, and Use Permit for a 40-foot residential and commercial mixed-use building at 956 Oregon Street; and
WHEREAS, on May 21, 2024, the City received two appeals of the Planning Commission decision from Lee Pagni and Fred and Rhonda Buess; and
WHEREAS, on May 23, 2024, the City received one appeal of the Planning Commission decision from Lee Brooks; and
WHEREAS, the appeals filed describe different concerns about the project, including but not limited to, the City’s analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), traffic impacts, drainage, and removal of existing vegetation; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Sonora Municipal Code 17.32.120, 17.52.050, and 17.62.100, the appeals are subject to review and consideration by the City Council; and WHEREAS, on June 3, 2024, staff notified the City Council of the appeals filed and the City Council scheduled the public hearing for the appeals on June 17, 2024; and WHEREAS, on June 17, 2024, the City Council held a public hearing regarding the appeals at which time the appellants, project applicant, and all other persons wishing to testify in connection with the appeals were heard and the matter was considered; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission made the following findings for approval of the Design Review:

A. All structures are in good proportions; have simplicity of mass and detail and are not inharmonious with other buildings in the City of like class and type; 576
Item G.
there is an appropriate and fitting use of materials; colors shall be in good taste and never harsh or garish, but in harmony with themselves and their environment.

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission made the following findings for approval of the Site Plan Review:

A. The proposal is consistent with all applicable provisions of the Sonora Municipal Code and other local, state and federal laws; and B. The proposal is consistent with the Sonora General Plan; and C. The project is in compliance with the requirements of CEQA and there will be no potentially significant adverse effects upon environmental quality and natural resources that cannot be properly mitigated and monitored, unless a Statement of Overriding Considerations is adopted; and
D. There are adequate provisions for public and emergency vehicle access, fire and police protection, sanitation, water, and public utilities and services to ensure that the proposed development will not be detrimental to public health and safety. Adequate provisions shall mean that distribution and collection facilities and other infrastructure are installed at the time of development and in operation prior to occupancy of buildings and the land, and all development fees have been paid prior to occupancy of buildings and the land; and E. The subject site is

1. Adequate in size and shape to accommodate the use and has all fences and walls, landscaping, loading, parking, yards, and other features required by the Sonora Municipal Code; and

2. Served by streets adequate in width and surfacing type to carry the quantity and type of traffic generated by the proposed development.

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission made the following findings for approval of the Use Permit:
577
Item G.

A. The increase in height is necessary and desirable after having considered the impact on surrounding buildings and on public safety.

WHEREAS, based on the concerns and comments raised by the appellants, documentation and exhibits, and testimony presented at the public hearing, the City Council does not concur with the findings made by the Planning Commission in connection with the project approvals.

WHEREAS, the determination by the City Council shall be final and conclusive and not subject to further appeal.

NOW, THEREFORE, BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF ALL DOCUMENTS AND EXHIBITS CONTAINED

HEREIN, TESTIMONY PRESENTED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING, AND AFTER DUE DELIBERATION,

THE SONORA CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY APPROVE THE APPEALS FILED AND OVERTURN THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON MAY 13, 2024 TO APPROVE THE DESIGN REVIEW, SITE PLAN REVIEW, AND USE PERMIT APPLICATION TO ALLOW A 40-FOOT RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL MIXED-USE BUILDING AT 956 OREGON STREET (APNs: 056- 106-004 and 056-108-015).

PASSED AND ADOPTED as a resolution by the Sonora City Council on this 17th day of June 2024, by the following vote:

Members of the City Council:

Signed and dated: 06/17/2024
AYES: ________________________________________
NOES: ________________________________________
ABSENT: ______________________________________
ABSTAIN: _____________________________________
Signed and Dated 06/17/2027
SIGNED:
________________________________
ATTEST: Mark Plummer, Mayor City of Sonora
_________________________________
Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
RESOLUTION 06-17-2024-I
578
Item G.

RESOLUTION NO. 06-17-2024-_

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA
DENYING THE APPEALS OF AND UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S

APPROVAL FOR THE DESIGN REVIEW, SITE PLAN, AND USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A 40-FOOT RESIDENTIAL COMMERICAL MIXED USE BUILDING AT 956 OREGON STREET
(APNs: 056-106-004 and 056-108-015)
WHEREAS, on November 13, 2023, the City of Sonora Planning Commission continued the public hearing for the Design Review, Site Plan, Use Permit, and Variance for a 40-foot residential and commercial mixed-use building at 956 Oregon Street; and WHEREAS, on May 13, 2024, the Planning Commission approved the Design Review, Site Plan, and Use Permit for a 40-foot residential and commercial mixed-use building at 956 Oregon Street; and
WHEREAS, on May 21, 2024, the City received two appeals of the Planning Commission decision from Lee Pagni and Fred and Rhonda Buess; and
WHEREAS, on May 23, 2024, the City received one appeal of the Planning Commission decision from Lee Brooks; and
WHEREAS, the appeals filed describe different concerns about the project, including but not limited to, the City’s analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), traffic impacts, drainage, and removal of existing vegetation; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Sonora Municipal Code 17.32.120, 17.52.050, and 17.62.100, the appeals are subject to review and consideration by the City Council; and WHEREAS, on June 3, 2024, staff notified the City Council of the appeals filed and the City Council scheduled the public hearing for the appeals on June 17, 2024; and WHEREAS, on June 17, 2024, the City Council held a public hearing regarding the appeals at which time the appellants, project applicant, and all other persons wishing to testify in connection with the appeals were heard and the matter was considered; and WHEREAS, City staff recommends that the City Council uphold the Planning Commission approvals for the Design Review, Site Plan Review, and Use Permit for the project and affirm the findings contained therein, subject to the conditions of approval; and 579
Item G.

WHEREAS, the determination by the City Council shall be final and conclusive and not subject to further appeal.

NOW, THEREFORE, BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF ALL DOCUMENTS AND EXHIBITS CONTAINED

HEREIN, TESTIMONY PRESENTED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING, AND AFTER DUE DELIBERATION, THE SONORA CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1.The City Council hereby finds and determines that the project is exempt from CEQA, as indicated in the record for the Planning Commission approval on May 13, 2024.

Section 2.The City Council hereby concurs with the Planning Commission findings for its approval of the Design Review, Site Plan Review, and Use Permit application, as indicated in the record for the Planning Commission approval on May 13, 2024.

Section 3.The appeals filed for the Design Review, Site Plan Review, and Use Permit for the residential and commercial mixed-use project at 956 Oregon Street (APNs: 056-106-004 and 056-108-015), incorporated herein by this reference, are hereby denied in their entirety. The Planning Commission approval on May 13, 2024 is hereby upheld by the City Council, including the findings and conditions of approval contained therein, and deemed the effective approval for the project.

PASSED AND ADOPTED as a resolution by the Sonora City Council on this 17th day of June 2024, by the following vote:

Members of the City Council:

AYES: __________________________________
NOES: __________________________________
ABSENT: ________________________________
ABSTAIN: ________________________________
Signed and dated 06/17/2024 SIGNED:
__________________________________
Mark Plummer, Mayor, City of Sonora
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
RESOLUTION 06-17-2024-J
580
Item G.
{CW138233.1}
ORDINANCE NO. 896

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA
REZONING ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBERS 056-106-004 AND 056-106- 001 FROM GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) TO COMMERCIAL (C)
WHEREAS, at its regular meeting conducted on November 13, 2023, the Planning Commission opened the public hearing to consider the rezoning of APNs 056-106-004 and 056-106-001 from General Commercial (CG) to Commercial (C), and voted to continue the public hearing to a future date upon further review of project impacts; and WHEREAS, at its regular meeting conducted on May 13, 2024, the Planning Commission conducted the public hearing to reconsider the rezoning of APNs 056-106-004 and 056- 106-001 from General Commercial (CG) to Commercial (C); and WHEREAS, the proposed rezoning from General Commercial (CG) to Commercial (C) will improve consistency with the corresponding General Plan designation of Commercial (C).

The proposed rezoning will also allow and advance the project proposed in conjunction with this rezoning by conforming the zoning district to the uses and standards of the proposed project; and
WHEREAS, City staff recommends that the City Council make the following findings, that the proposed rezoning:

A. Is compatible with, and physically suited for, the uses authorized in, and the regulations prescribed for, the proposed zoning district in which the real property is located;
B. Is consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses and programs specified in the General Plan;
C. Is in conformity with public convenience, general welfare and good land use practice;
D. Will not be detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare; E. Will not adversely affect the orderly development of property or the preservation of property values; and
WHEREAS, the project has been reviewed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and it was determined that the project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15332 (In-Fill Exemption) and CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) (Commonsense Exemption), as further described in the record for the project.
581
Item G.
{CW138233.1}

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

Section One: The City Council hereby finds and determines, upon its review of all documents and testimony contained in the record, that the foregoing recitals, which are incorporated herein by reference, are true and correct.

Section Two: The zoning districts for Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 056-106-004 and 056-105-001 are hereby amended from General Commercial (CG) to Commercial (C). The zoning map for the City of Sonora, as provided by Section 17.10.010 of the Sonora Municipal Code, is hereby amended through the rezoning of the parcels described herein.

Section Three: This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its passage and shall be published or a summary thereof within (15) days after its final passage as required by law.

Said Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonora held on ________________________, and passed and adopted as an Ordinance of said City at a regular meeting of said Council held on _______________________ , by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT OR ABSTAIN:
____________________________________
Mark Plummer, Mayor
ATTEST:

Approved as to Form:
__________________________________
Douglas L. White, City Attorney
Publish: The Union Democrat, Sonora
____________________, 2024
582
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 17, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Douglas L. White, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Waive First Reading, Read by Title Only, and Introduce an Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Amending Chapter 1.16, Elections, of Title One, General Provisions, to Change the Date of General Municipal Elections to Coincide with Statewide General Elections.

RECOMMENDATION:

Waive first reading, read by title only, and introduce Ordinance 899, Amending Chapter 1.16, Elections, of Title One, General Provisions, to change the date of general municipal elections to coincide with statewide general elections.

BACKGROUND:

The City of Sonora’s (“City”) Municipal Code states that the City’s municipal general elections occur on the day of statewide direct primary elections. Recently, the City Council directed Staff to determine how that date may be changed, in order to promote greater voter participation in municipal general elections.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The procedure for changing the date of municipal general elections is governed by Elections Code sections 1301 and 10403.5.

A city council can pass an ordinance changing the election date for municipal general elections to any of the options listed in Elections Code section 1000, including the November statewide general election.1 No term of office may be increased by more than 12 months by the change in date.2 A city council may not amend or repeal the ordinance until at least one election has occurred under the new schedule.3 In order for an ordinance changing the date of municipal general elections to go into effect, it must be approved by the county board of supervisors.4 The county board of supervisors is required to approve the ordinance unless “the ballot style, voting equipment, or computer capability is such that additional elections or materials cannot be

1 Elections Code § 1301.
2 Elections Code § 10403.5(b).
3 Elections Code § 1301(d).
4 Elections Code §§ 1301(d), 10403.5(a).
583
Item A.

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 handled.”5If the county board of supervisors approves such an ordinance and it becomes operative, the city’s elections official must within 30 days send notice by mail to all registered voters of both the change in election date and the extension of any term of office thereby.6
Here, the Ordinance, if passed and approved by the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors, would change the date of the next general municipal election held in the City from March of 2026 to November of 2026. This Ordinance would lengthen the term of office of those Councilmembers up for election in 2026 by approximately eight months, well within the permissible range of twelve months. The City Clerk, as city elections official, would have to oversee the mail notification of registered voters.

FISCAL IMPACT:

If the County Board of Supervisors approves the Ordinance and the Ordinance becomes effective, the City must pay for the mail notification of all registered voters.

ENVIRONMENTAL:

The Ordinance is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act since it does not have the potential to cause a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. (Pub. Res. Code, § 21065) CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

5 Elections Code § 10403.5(a).
6 Elections Code § 10403.5(e).
584
Item A.
{CW139239.2}
ORDINANCE NO. 899
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA, AMENDING CHAPTER 1.16,

ELECTIONS, OF TITLE ONE, GENERAL PROVISIONS, TO CHANGE THE DATE OF GENERAL MUNICIPAL

ELECTIONS TO COINCIDE WITH STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTIONS
WHEREAS, general municipal elections in the City of Sonora (“City”) were established by the City of Sonora City Council (“City Council”) as falling on the day of the statewide direct primary election in 1981; and
WHEREAS, Elections Code sections 1301 and 10403.5 authorize the City Council to reschedule the City’s general municipal elections to the day of the statewide general election, pending approval by the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors, as long as doing so will not extend City Councilmembers’ terms by more than twelve (12) months; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it to be in the best interest of the City to hold general municipal elections on the day of the statewide general election, in order to promote broader voter participation.

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

SECTION 1. AMENDMENT. Chapter 1.16, Elections, of Title 1, General Provisions, of the Sonora Municipal Code is repealed in its entirety and replaced with a new Chapter 1.16, to read as follows:

Chapter 1.16

ELECTIONS
Sections:

1.16.010 General Municipal Election Date

1.16.020 City Elections Official

1.16.010 General Municipal Election Date
The general municipal election of the City shall be held on the same day, from year to year, as the statewide general election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even numbered year, pursuant to Government Code section 36503 and Elections Code sections 1000 and 1301.

1.16.020 City Elections Official
For the purposes of receiving and certifying nomination papers, canvassing the results of all municipal elections, signing and delivering certificates of election, and administering the oath to all elected municipal officers, the City Clerk shall act as the City Elections Official.

The City Administrator shall act as the City Elections Official during the period of a vacancy in the City Clerk position or Interim City Clerk appointment.

SECTION 2. ADJUSTMENT TO TERMS OF OFFICE. ln accordance with Elections Code sections 1301 and 10403.5(d), due to the change of election date, the terms of office of those members of the City Council whose terms would previously have expired in March 2026, will instead, vacate their office upon certification of the results and administration of oaths of office after the November 2026 General Municipal Election.

SECTION 3. REQUEST TO THE COUNTY. The City Clerk is directed to forward, without delay, a certified copy of this Ordinance to the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors and the County Election Department. 585
Item A.
{CW139239.2}
SECTION 4. NOTICE TO VOTERS. Pursuant to Elections Code section 10403.5, within thirty (30) days after this Ordinance becomes effective, the City Clerk must cause a notice to be mailed to all registered voters of the City of Sonora (pursuant to the last report of registration by the County Clerk to the Secretary of State) informing the voters of the change in the election date. The notice must also inform the voters that as a result of the change in election date, elected city officeholders’ terms in office will be changed.

SECTION 5. 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 6. PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE. The Ordinance will only become effective upon approval by the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors pursuant to Elections Code section 1301(b)(1).

This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonora, held on the ___ day of _________, 2024, and given its first reading at said meeting. Said Ordinance was given a second reading at a regular meeting of the City Council held on ___ day of ____, 2024, and after such reading, Councilmember ______, who moved its adoption, seconded by Councilmember ____, said Ordinance was thereupon adopted by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

EXCUSED:

APPROVED:
__________________________________
Mark Plummer
Mayor of the City of Sonora
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Tracy Skelly
City Clerk of the City of Sonora
586
Item A.

Sonora City CouncilJune 17, 2024

Sonora City Council
June 17, 2024