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, July 01, 2024
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on July 1, 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
CLOSED SESSION - 4:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Called to order at 4:00 PM.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz
Councilmember Matt Hawkins
Councilmember Andy Merrill
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comment.
4. ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
Adjourned at 4:04 PM.
A. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation - Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Gov.
Code, § 54956.9(d): (1 case); Melissa Eads, City Administrator, Doug White, City Attorney.
5. RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
Called to order at 5:00 PM.
6. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Mark Plummer stated direction was given to staff.
7. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Mark Plummer led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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. ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz
Councilmember Matt Hawkins
Councilmember Andy Merrill
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT ON AGENDA POSTING
The Agenda was posted on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 3:04 PM.
10. 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.
BZ Smith thanked Mayor Mark Plummer for his term; updated those in attendance Pebbles in the Pond is now complete; and Orange Shirt Day is September 30th.
Katie Dunn President Sonora Chamber of Commerce informed those in attendance of the new program called Business Watch.
Jeff Muzio from Hazy Bulldog Farms addressed the Council in regards to obtaining a Distribution License.
Colette Such shared her concerns with the Council.
A member of the public shared her concerns with the Council.
11. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Councilmember Andy Merrill, Seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom. Voting Yea:
Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill
12. UNFINISHED 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.
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 Attorney and the Council discussed Ordinance 899.
No public comment.
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
B. Introduce By Title Ordinance No. 896 and Waive First Reading, 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); Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
A member of the public asked a question on the location.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director confirmed the location.
Motion made by Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom. Voting Yea: Mayor Mark Plummer, Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, Councilmember Andy Merrill
13. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be voted on in one motion unless a Council member or member of the public has a question or wishes to discuss an item. In that case, the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately.
A. Consider Approval of Disbursements in the Amount of $192,599.35 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. Consider Approval of the City Council Meeting Minutes from July 03, 2023; July 17; 2023; March 20, 2023; and March 12, 2024; Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom asked for clarification for Minutes from March 20, 2023. Minutes were voted on with consent Calendar Items.
Clarification for Minutes from March 20, 2023: A couple who worked at the Grammer School were given the bell upon their retirement. The couple were neighbors of Betty Castle’s parents. The neighbors gave the bell to Betty Castle’s parents, Betty found the bell when cleaning after her parents had passed.
C. Consider Approval of Resolution 07-01-2024-A Designating the Assistant City Administrator to Sign Documents on Behalf of the City Administrator; Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer.
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
Melissa Eads City Administrator provided clarification for Resolution 07-01-2024-A.
D. Consider Approval of Dewberry Engineers Inc. Task Order #25-1 Scope and Fee to Continue to Provide City Engineer Services for Fiscal Year 24/25; Mike Pugh, City Engineer, Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
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
14. NEW BUSINESS
A. Receive the Administration of the Oath of Office for Elected City Officials; Judge Donald Segerstrom.
1. Ann Segerstrom - Councilmember
2. Bess Levine - Councilmember
3. Stephen Opie - Councilmember
Oath of Office was given to the new Mayor and Councilmembers by retired Judge Donald Segerstrom.
15. BREAK
A 15-minute break was called.
16. RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION - SEATING OF NEW COUNCIL
17. CALL TO ORDER
Called to order at 5:55 PM.
18. ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz
Councilmember Bess Levine
Councilmember Andy Merrill
Councilmember Stephen Opie
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
19. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Barbara Dressler addressed the Council with concerns.
Richard Todd addressed the Council with comments.
20. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Councilmember Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea:
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz Councilmember, Bess Levine, Councilmember Andy Merrill, Councilmember Stephen Opie
21. PRESENTATIONS
A. Receive a Presentation from Pioneer Community Energy, a Community Choice Aggregator, About the Benefits of Joining and Authorizing the City Administrator to Commission an Impact Assessment Study; Robbie Bergstrom, Tuolumne County Economic Development Senior Administrative Analyst, Melissa Eads, City Administrator. (15 minutes)
Several members of the public addressed Pioneer with comments, questions and concerns.
Councilmembers and Staff discussed the presentation with Pioneer representatives.
Motion made by Councilmember Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea:
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Andy Merrill, Councilmember Stephen Opie
B. Receive an Update from Tuolumne County District 1 Supervisor David Goldemberg.
Tuolumne County District 1 Supervisor David Goldemberg welcomed the new Councilmembers; appreciated the presentation from Pioneer to the City and the County; informed those in attendance there is a second meeting for the proposed Sales Tax; and Solid Waste is working on extra allotment of tonnage with Waste Management.
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom asked Supervisor Goldemberg about cooling centers during the warm weather.
Supervisor David Goldemberg discussed with OES possible cooling centers at the Senior Center and the Enrichment Center/Behavioral Health.
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
22. NEW BUSINESS
A. Appointment of Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tempore; Tracy Skelly, City Clerk.
Tracy Skelly City Clerk read the duties and powers for the Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem.
Motion made by Councilmember Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea:
Mayor Pro Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Andy Merrill, Councilmember Stephen Opie
Several members of the public spoke in support of Councilmember Andy Merrill.
Several members of the public spoke in support of Councilmember Suzanne Cruz.
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom addressed the Council and public on the selection of the new Mayor ProTem.
Motion made by Councilmember Stephen Opie, Seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea:
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Andy Merrill, Councilmember Stephen Opie
B. Receive Proclamations Honoring Councilmember Mark Plummer, Councilmember Matt Hawkins, and City Engineer Gerard Fuccillo; Tracy Skelly, City Clerk.
Tracy Skelly City Clerk read a Proclamation for Mark Plummer, Matt Hawkins and Gerard Fuccillo.
Mark Plummer thanked and addressed the Council and public.
Matt Hawkins thanked and addressed the Council and public.
Gerard Fuccillo thanked the Council and public and shared a funny story.
Fire Chief Aimee New thanked Mark Plummer, Matt Hawkins and Gerard Fuccillo.
C. Receive the State of the City Address Report from the Newly Appointed Mayor.
No public comment.
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
D. Consider Mayor's Appointment of Commission/Committee Assignments; Tracy Skelly, City Clerk.
Mayor and Councilmembers discussed the LAFCO Appointment and moved Commission/Committee Assignments to the end of New Business.
Mayor and Councilmembers did not change the the Appointments.
Motion made by Mayor Pro-Tem Suzanne Cruz, Seconded by Councilmember Bess Levine. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Mayor Pro-Tem Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Andy Merrill, Councilmember Stephen Opie
E. Consider the Mayor’s Appointment of Thad Waterbury to Serve as a City of Sonora Planning Commissioner for a One-Year Term Expiring on July 1, 2025; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
Consider the Mayor’s Appointment of Linda Emerson to Serve as a City of Sonora Planning Commissioner for a Two-Year Term Expiring on July 1, 2026; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
Consider the Mayor’s Appointment of Thomas Miller to Serve as a City of Sonora Planning Commissioner for a Four-Year Term Expiring on July 1, 2028; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
A member of the public asked the pay rate for a Planning Commissioner.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director confirmed the amount.
A member of the public asked what is the role of a Planning Commissioner.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director explained the role.
No public comment on the appointment of Thad Waterbury.
Appointment of Thad Waterbury was confirmed.
Motion made by Councilmember Andy Merrill, Seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Mayor Pro-Tem Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Andy Merrill, Councilmember Stephen Opie
No public comment on the appointment of Linda Emerson.
Appointment of Linda Emerson was confirmed.
Motion made by Mayor Pro-Tem Suzanne Cruz, Seconded by Councilmember Bess Levine. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Mayor Pro-Tem Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Andy Merrill, Councilmember Stephen Opie
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
No public comment on the appointment of Thomas Miller.
Appointment of Thomas Miller was confirmed.
Motion made by Councilmember Stephen Opie, Seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Mayor Pro-Tem Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Andy Merrill, Councilmember Stephen Opie
23. MONTHLY REPORTS
A. Receive the City of Sonora Administrative Services Department Monthly Report for April 2024 (FY23/24); Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.
B. Receive the City of Sonora Community Development Department Monthly Report for May 2024; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
C. Receive the City of Sonora Fire Department Monthly Report for May 2024; Aimee New, Fire Chief.
Fire Chief Aimee New reminded everyone in attendance that all fireworks are illegal in the City limits for the Fourth of July.
D. Receive the City of Sonora Police Department Monthly Report for May 2024; Turu VanderWiel, Chief of Police.
E. Receive the City of Sonora Public Works Department Monthly Report for May 2024; Mike Lagomarsino, Public Works Supervisor
24.COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Andy Merrill had nothing to report.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom attended the Chamber mixer; reviewed the Planning Commission applications; read the Juneteenth Proclamation at the Juneteenth Celebration; attended the Heartland Art reception; and worked on the Commission/Committees Appointments.
Mayor Pro-Tem Suzanne Cruz addressed the public.
25. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 8:29 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.