Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 17, 2024
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on June 17, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the City of Sonora Council Chambers located at 94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370.
This meeting is physically open to the Public and citizens who wish to provide public comment during the meeting will be invited to do so by the Mayor.
Written comments can be submitted to be included as part of the administrative record; they will not be read during the meeting. All comments must be received by 3:00 pm on the day of the noticed meeting and can be submitted to the City Clerk at 94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370, or via email to [email protected].
Public Access Audio and Video Live Streaming
The Public will not have access to give public comments via public access audio and video live streaming; they are available for audio and visual only; and can be accessed via our website at www.sonoraca.com.
Remote viewing of the meeting via live streaming is provided to members of the public as a courtesy. If the live streaming connection malfunctions for any reason and no Council Members are attending via teleconference, the City Council will continue the public meeting in Chambers without remote access.
CITY COUNCIL appreciates your interest and encourages participation. Regularly scheduled meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.
The numerical order of the items on this agenda is for convenience of reference. Items may be taken out of order upon request of the Mayor or Council Members. All questions shall be directed to the Mayor who, at their discretion, will refer to Staff.
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tempore Ann Segerstrom
Council Members Suzanne Cruz, Matt Hawkins, Andy Merrill City Administrator Melissa Eads
City Attorney Douglas White
09/16/2024
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
Called to order at 5:00 PM.
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Andy Merrill led the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz
Councilmember Matt Hawkins
Councilmember Andy Merrill
3. CITY CLERK’S REPORT ON AGENDA POSTING
The Agenda was posted on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 1:50 PM.
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Seconded by Councilmember Andy Merrill. Voting Yea:
Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill
5. PUBLIC COMMENT (NON-AGENDA ITEMS)
The public may address the Council on any item of public interest not otherwise on the agenda that is within the jurisdiction of the City. No action may be taken. Matters to be addressed may be referred to City Staff or placed on a subsequent meeting Agenda. Speakers are limited to a three (3) minute presentation.
Mike Lemke with Miramont Homes updated those in attendance of the new homes in the Woods Creek bungalow neighborhood.
Katie Dunn President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce informed those in attendance the Chamber has written a letter of support for Sonora Moves Downtown Paseo & Regional Connectivity Project; the Opera Hall website is now live; attended the second Christmas Parade meeting; the next mixer is hosted by Business Network International (BNI) and is at RE/MAX Gold.
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
Jerry Lewis with Greenly Oaks Firewise Community expressed his concern for fire safety in the City and County.
A member of the public informed those in attendance Tuesday is International Day of Countering Hate Speech; the Library has a new technology program, and adult summer reading program; thanked the Mayor for attending the Volunteer Fair; and Saint Patrick's is collecting shoes for a fundraiser.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be voted on in one motion unless a Council member or member of the public has a question or wishes to discuss an item. In that case, the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately.
A. Consider Approval of Disbursements in the Amount of $176,981.08 for Payroll, Including Employee Salaries, Employer and Employee Taxes, Retirement Contributions, Miscellaneous Voluntary Employee Deductions, Holiday Pay, and Other Adjustments, Including Retro-Pay; Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer.
B. Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 898 Amending Chapter 17.64 - Transient Use Permit - Under Title 17 Zoning, of the Sonora Municipal Code; Tyler Summerset, Community Development Director.
Mayor Mark Plummer asked to discuss Ordinance 898 separately.
The Council discussed with Tyler Summersett Community Development Director.
A member of the public shared concerns.
Motion made by Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins
Voting Nay: Councilmember Andy Merrill
C. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 06-17-2024-G Authorizing the City of Sonora to Continue the Imposition of an Annual One-Dollar ($1.00) Vehicle Registration Fee for Vehicle Abatement Purposes; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.
D. Ratify the Administrators Approval of Task Order No. 3 in the Amount of $30,000 for Dewberry Engineers, Inc. to Prepare a 2025 Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 7 Grant Application for the Development of the Sonora Moves – Downtown Plaza and Regional Connectivity Project; Mike Pugh, City Engineer, Melissa Eads, City Administrator
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
E. Consider Approval of Task Order No. 4 in the Amount of $50,000 for Dewberry Engineers, Inc. Phase 1 Transition of the City’s Engineering Files from Paper Hard Copies Stored at an Offsite Location to Digital Files Stored at City Hall; Mike Pugh, City Engineer, Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
Mayor Mark Plummer asked to discuss Task Order Number 4 separately.
Chris Gorsky Administrative Services Director clarified the cost.
No public comment.
Motion made by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Seconded by Councilmember Andy Merrill. Voting Yea:
Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill
F. Consider Approval of Task Order No. 5 in the Amount of $30,000 for Dewberry Engineers, Inc. to Provide Project Oversight Services for the Project Approval / Environmental Document (PA/ED) Development of the Gold Rush Multi-Use Path Phase 1 Project; Mike Pugh, City Engineer, Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
G. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 06-17-2024-H Approving a List of Projects to Receive Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funding (RMRA); Carlye Buchholz, City Engineer.
H. Consider Re-adoption of Ordinance No. 895, Amending the Zoning Map Through the Rezoning of Assessor’s Parcel Number 001-216-011-000 from Multifamily Residential (R-3) and Commercial (C) to Multifamily Residential (R-3); Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
No public comment.
Motion made by Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea:
Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill, Items A, C, D, E, F, G and H.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 06-17-2024-E Establishing a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan in Accordance with California Senate Bill 553 (SB553); Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer.
Doug White, City Attorney discussed with the Council.
A member of the public asked for clarification.
A member of the public asked for confirmation.
A vote was not taken as it was previously approved.
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Consider Approval of the FY24/25 Proposed Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets as Presented; Melissa Eads, City Administrator, Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director. https://city-sonora-ca-budget-book.cleargov.com/10840
1. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 06-17-2024-A Creating and Approving New Job Descriptions and Direct the City Administrator to Meet with the Affected Employee Associations; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.
2. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 06-17-2024-B Approving the Sonora Management Employee Association (SMEA) and the Sonora Confidential Employee Association (SCEA) Salary Schedules as Presented; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.
3. Consider Adoption of 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; Melissa Eads, City Administrator; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.
4. Consider Adoption of 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; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.
Mayor Mark Plummer asked to set aside Item A-4 for further discussion.
Mayor Mark Plummer discussed fees with Staff.
Motion made by Councilmember Andy Merrill, Seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom. Voting Yea:
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Andy Merrill for Item A-4.
Voting Nay: Mayor Mark Plummer, Councilmember Matt Hawkins Abstaining: Councilmember Suzanne Cruz
5. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 06-17-2023-C Establishing the GANN Appropriations Limit for FY24/25 for the City of Sonora; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.
Chris Gorsky Administrative Services Director explained the GANN Appropriations.
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
A member of the public thanked Chief New and wanted to discuss the Supplemental list. Doug White explained public comment at this time is for Item Numbers A-1, A- 2, A-3, A-4, and A-5.
A motion was made to approve the Budget and separate out Item A-4.
Motion by Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill, for Item Numbers A-1, A-2, A-3, and A-5.
Chris Gorsky Administrative Services Director reviewed FY 24-25 Budget and Supplemental Requests.
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom and Councilmember Andy Merrill requested to add the Linoberg Street Buildout Public Art to the Supplemental Requests.
Katie Dunn President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce made suggestions.
A member of the public stated the items she opposed and is in favor of.
A motion was made to approve the Budget and the Supplemental Requests with the addition of Linoberg Street Buildout Public Art.
Motion made by Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Seconded by Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill.
B. Consider Adoption of 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); Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
The Council discussed with Tyler Summersett Community Development Director.
The Applicant and Appellants addressed the Council.
Several members of the public addressed their support and concern for the project.
The Council discussed with Tyler Summersett Community Development Director.
Motion made by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz; Seconded by Councilmember Matt Hawkins. Voting Yea:
Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director explained to those in attendance there is a Second Component for Rezoning, and there needs to be a public hearing.
No public comment.
Mayor Mark Plummer stated the formal public hearing will be moved to the next City Council meeting on July 1, 2024.
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. 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; Doug White, City Attorney.
Melissa Eads City Administrator asked the Council to consider moving Item 9-A to the next Agenda on 7-1- 2024 as Unfinished Business; referred to Legal Counsel; Mayor Mark Plummer conveyed to the next meeting with approval from Legal Counsel.
10. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom attended the Cal Cities Mayors and Councilmembers meeting via phone call; Christmas Town meeting; the Amador Tuolumne County Action Agency (ATCAA) for Andy; and there is a Juneteenth celebration in Columbia.
Councilmember Matt Hawkins stated this is his last full meeting and looks forward to the next meeting; and is here for the City and the Council when his term is up.
Councilmember Andy Merrill thanked the Staff and Councilmembers for their coverage, and shared details of time away.
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz thanked the Staff for the presentation of the budget and all their work and time; and thanked Mayor Mark Plummer and Councilmember Matt Hawkins for their leadership and it has been a pleasure to work with them.
Mayor Mark Plummer attended the Solid Waste Committee meeting; Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO); Tuolumne County Transportation Council (TCTC); thanked the staff and expressed much appreciation for all they do.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 10:45 PM.
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at City Hall (209) 532-4541, [email protected]. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR
35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Administrator’s Office at 94 N. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370 during normal business hours (8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). The agenda and supporting public documents are also available on our City website www.sonoraca.com listed under the agenda/minutes link on the Government page.