Agenda packet — Sonora City Council, September 3, 2024

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting
Agenda
Tuesday, September 03, 2024
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on September 3, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the City of Sonora Council Chambers located at 94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370.

This meeting is physically open to the Public and citizens who wish to provide public comment during the meeting will be invited to do so by the Mayor.

Public Access Audio and Video Live Streaming
The Public will not have access to give public comments via public access audio and video live streaming; they are available for audio and visual only; and can be accessed via our website at .

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 Ann Segerstrom
Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz
Council Members Bess Levine, Andy Merrill, Stephen Opie City Administrator Melissa Eads
City Attorney Douglas White
_________________________________________________________________ 1 Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
CLOSED SESSION - 4:00 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. PUBLIC COMMENTS

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

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

6. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION

7. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

8. ROLL CALL

9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT ON AGENDA POSTING

10. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

11. PUBLIC COMMENT (NON-AGENDA ITEMS)
The public may address the Council on any item of public interest not otherwise on the agenda that is within the jurisdiction of the City. No action may be taken. Matters to be addressed may be referred to City Staff or placed on a subsequent meeting Agenda. Speakers are limited to a three (3) minute presentation.

12. PRESENTATIONS
A. Receive an Update from Tuolumne County District 1 Supervisor David Goldemberg; Melissa Eads, City Administrator. (10 min.)
B. Receive a Presentation from Visit Tuolumne County on the Quarterly Marketing Update; Lisa Mayo, President & CEO and Jen Lopez, Programs & Project Manager Visit Tuolumne County. (20 min.) 2 Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation

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 $189,402.77 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 December 4, 2023; December 12, 2023; December 18, 2023; and June 3, 2024; Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk.

14. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Receive a Letter to Quincy Yaley, Executive Director of Tuolumne County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Regarding the August 26, 2024, Press Release on LAFCO Staffing Transition and the City of Sonora's Response to the June 2024 Grand Jury Report on LAFCO.

15. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS

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

35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).

Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Administrator’s Office at 94 N. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370 during normal business hours (8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). The agenda and supporting public documents are also available on our City website www.sonoraca.com listed under the agenda/minutes link on the Government page.
3 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: September 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Melissa Eads, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Supervisor David Goldemberg County Update
RECOMMENDATION:

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

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

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

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan, Homelessness Issues. 4 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 DATE: September 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Melissa Eads, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Receive a Presentation from Visit Tuolumne County on the Quarterly Marketing Update RECOMMENDATION:

Receive a Presentation from Visit Tuolumne County on the Quarterly Marketing Update.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

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

Visit Tuolumne County
Quarterly Report to City
of Sonora
September 3, 2024
6 Item B.

About Visit Tuolumne County
Visit Tuolumne County is the official Destination
Marketing Organization (DMO) for Tuolumne County. As
a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation, Visit Tuolumne
County promotes tourism to Tuolumne County by
inspiring visitors to choose the County for their vacation and meetings destination. This is done through strategic marketing initiatives carried out on a variety of marketing and promotional platforms.
7 Item B.

About Visit Tuolumne County
VTC is an economic development organization that is
currently funded through a portion of the transient
occupancy tax (TOT) that visitors pay when they stay at lodging properties throughout Tuolumne County. We
reinvest those dollars to further promote Tuolumne County to visitors which results in greater visitation, travel spending, sales tax and TOT.

Visit Tuolumne County is a partnership organization. We invite businesses in the community, whether or not they are directly related to tourism, to be a part of Tuolumne
County’s number one private sector industry— tourism.
8 Item B.

Tourism Marketing Agreement
2023-2024
• Visit Sonora logo
• Sonora Selfie Trail
• Photo Shoot
• Awards Submissions
• Community Investment Project
• Newsletter Template
• Social Media Optimization
• Advertising
• Familiarization Tours
• Shared Marketing Costs
9 Item B.

Highlights of the Year
Lowe's Commercial
Sunset Travel Award
Sonora Selfie Trail
National Geographic
Traveller
10 Item B.

Quarterly Report
April-June 2024
11 Item B.

Sonora Visitors
April-June 2024
43,800 This number includes domestic visitors who traveled from more than 50 miles away and stayed at least 90 minutes.

TOP ORIGIN METROS
(CALIFORNIA)

TOP STATES OF ORIGIN TOP STATES AND COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN (of Visitors in the Visitors Center Quarter Four)
Sacramento
San Francisco/Oakland/Berkeley
San Jose/Santa Clara
Modesto
Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
Georgia
Washington
Nevada
Arizona
Texas
Minnesota
New York
Ohio
Oregon
Tennessee
Australia
Canada
France
Germany
Netherlands
12 Item B.

Media Features & Visits
Visits
Lalit Kumar, June 13-15:

Writer for India Currents. Lalit spent time exploring Sonora among other locations in Tuolumne County.
“The next day I drove to Sonora, the county seat of
Tuolumne County. I wanted to get up close and
personal with the Gold Rush heartlands. Sonora
downtown has a charming eclectic mix of vintage and
modern art houses, hipster coffee shops, and
establishments of bygone Gold Rush history.
-indiacurrents.com
13 Item B.

Media Features & Visits
Film
In June, a virtual reality production shot still footage inside the old jail, which the County has designated a filming location.
14 Item B.

Web & Social Media
VisitSonoraCA.com
Web visits 33% increase year-over-year for quarter four 15 Item B.

Events
Visit Tuolumne County is proud to sponsor
these Sonora events:
•Christmas Town Sonora (November-December)
•Holly Jolly Wagon (December)
•Opera & Broadway at the Sonora Opera Hall (May)
•The Mother Lode Round-Up and Rodeo (May)
•El Campo de Sonora (June)
•2nd Saturday Art Night Concerts at Coffill Park
(June-October)
16 Item B.

Travel Shows
VTC Team Attended Largest Travel Show, IPW
IPW is the largest travel show on US soil. We met with 50 travel journalists and influencers and 70 travel trade representatives such as tour operators and travel agents.
17 Item B.

Thank You
18 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: September 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer
SUBJECT: Disbursements in the Amount of $189,402.77 for Payroll RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of Disbursements in the Amount of $189,402.77 for Payroll, Including Employee Salaries, Employer and Employee Taxes, Retirement Contributions, Miscellaneous Voluntary Employee Deductions, Holiday Pay, and Other Adjustments, Including Retro-Pay.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

This payroll was the second (2
nd) payroll of the month, which was an expected amount.

This was the 4
th payroll of 26 for FY24-25, we would have expected to expend 15.38% of the budgeted amount. In total, we have expended 13.11% of the Salaries and Wages for the FY24-25 budget.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Disbursements are part of the approved FY24-25 Budget.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Staffing - Salary, Benefits, Training, and Retention 19 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 DATE: September 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk
SUBJECT: Meeting Minutes from December 4, 2023; December 12, 2023; December 18, 2023; and June 3, 2024.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve City Council Meeting Minutes from December 4, 2023; December 12, 2023; December 18, 2023; and June 3, 2024.

BACKGROUND:

Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve Meeting Minutes from December 4, 2023; December 12, 2023; December 18, 2023; and June 3, 2024.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

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

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 04, 2023
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on Monday, December 4, 2023, at 5:00 PM in the City of Sonora Council Chambers located at 94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370.

This meeting is physically open to the Public and citizens who wish to provide public comment during the meeting will be invited to do so by the Mayor.

Remote viewing of the meeting via live streaming is provided to members of the public as a courtesy. If the livestreaming connection malfunctions for any reason and no Council Members are attending via teleconference, the City Council will continue the public meeting in Chambers without remote access.

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

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

ROLL CALL

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comment.

ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
Adjourned at 4:01 PM.

1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation - Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section § 54956.9: One (1) Potential Case; Doug White, City Attorney, Melissa Eads, City Administrator.

2. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Gov. Code Section § 54957.6): Agency designated representatives:

Melissa Eads, City Administrator; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director; Employee Organization: Sonora Police Officers' Association (SPOA).

3. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation - Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section § 54956.9: One (1) Potential Case; Doug White, City Attorney, Melissa Eads, City Administrator.

4. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Gov. Code Section § 54957.6): Agency designated representatives:

Melissa Eads, City Administrator; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director; Unrepresented Employee: Community Development Director.
22 Item B.

RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
Called to order at 5:06 PM.

REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Mark Plummer stated the Council and Staff will be meeting further on item #1 after this meeting concludes. Direction was given to staff on other three (3) items.

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

ROLL CALL

PRESENT
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz
Councilmember Matt Hawkins
Councilmember Andy Merrill
CITY CLERK’S REPORT ON AGENDA POSTING
The Agenda was posted on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 3:00 PM.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT (NON-AGENDA ITEMS)
The public may address the Council on any item of public interest not otherwise on the agenda that is within the jurisdiction of the City. No action may be taken. Matters to be addressed may be referred to City Staff or placed on a subsequent meeting Agenda. Speakers are limited to a three (3) minute presentation. 23 Item B.

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
Lisa Mayo, President and CEO Visit Tuolumne County read a letter on behalf of Katie Dunn, President Sonora Chamber of Commerce informing those in attendance of the Chamber's vision to turn downtown Sonora into a nationally recognized Christmas Town; and the Holiday Mixer is on December 14th from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

PRESENTATIONS

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

Tuolumne County District 1 Supervisor David Goldemberg informed those in attendance the Fire Safety Advisory Committee is still meeting; attended the California State Association of Counties Annual meeting; encouraged the City Councilmembers to attend the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs meetings; and the original undergrounding plans with PG&E to start work in Tuolumne County is discouraging.

6. Receive a presentation on the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS); Rob Egger, Director II Superintendent of Schools.

Director II Superintendent of Schools Robert Egger and the Councilmembers discussed after the presentation.

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.

7. Consider approval of disbursements in the amount of $173,276.08 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.

8. Consider approval of Administrative Policy #50 establishing a new procedure and amount for compensating Community Service Officers and Reserve Officers for the annual uniform allowance; Christopher Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.

9. Consider acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2023 Traffic Impact Mitigation Report; Gerard Fuccillo, City Engineer; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.

10. Consider adoption of Resolution 12-04-2023-A, calling and giving notice for the holding of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, for the election of certain officers, as required by provisions of the laws of the State of California related to general law cities; requesting the Board of Supervisors of Tuolumne County permit the County Registrar of Voters to render election services; and requesting the consolidation of said election with the statewide Presidential primary election held on the same date; Douglas White, City Attorney.
24 Item B.

Motion made by Councilmember Andy Merrill, Councilmember Suzanne Cruz.

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

NEW BUSINESS

11. Consider adoption of a Resolution formally requesting Tuolumne County (“County”) consider the burden placed on the City of Sonora (“City”) in its decision to purchase property for transitional and permanent housing for the County’s unhoused population within City limits; Douglas White, City Attorney.

A member of the public stated the County sprang this on us without clarification and no one reached out.

Tuolumne County District 1 Supervisor David Goldemberg discussed with the Councilmembers the tentative transition for a homeless person from Rafferty Court to housing in the City; and reviewed the letter the City sent to the County.

Gerry Lewis informed those in attendance he had worked with the homeless community for many years, their needs have not changed, their needs have only grown in different ways.

A member of the public asked the City Council what the City was going to do with the property at 269 S Stewart Street.

Stephen Opie stated the City and the County have collaborated for years on different projects, we are meant to work in good faith; and it seems the City is being railroaded.

Patricia Ramirez informed those in attendance we are being railroaded in a very short time, not everyone in Sonora Knolls knows what is going on; there hasn't been good collaboration between the City and County; and there are a lot of concerns that need to be looked at.

A member of the public stated this is surprising, it is too fast, and not enough information.

Councilmembers discussed their concerns and opinions.

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

MONTHLY REPORTS

12. Receive the Sonora Administrative Services Department monthly report for September 2023 (FY23/24); Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.

13. Receive the Sonora Fire Department monthly report for October 2023; Aimee New, Fire Chief.

14. Receive the Sonora Police Department monthly report for October 2023; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.

15. Receive the Sonora Public Works Department monthly report for October 2023; Michael Lagomarsino, Public Works Supervisor.

COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Matt Hawkins appreciated the public being in attendance and Supervisor Goldemberg; and offered the two prospective Councilmembers words of advice.

Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom attended the lighting ceremony; helped with parade organization and Christmas Tree Lane; participated in giving a Key to the City to Rachelle Kellogg; watched the Drought Webinar and Climate Outlook; and thanked everyone in the audience.

Councilmember Andy Merrill shared a personal philosophy; and the Columbia College Community Orchestra is performing Friday at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 3;00 PM.

Councilmember Suzanne Cruz attended many of the same events as Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom; and the Sounds of the Season.

Mayor Mark Plummer attended Las Posadas in Columbia and the Christmas Parade; thanked Supervisor Goldemberg, the Chamber and Councilmembers; and encouraged everyone to shop local.

ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 6:52 PM.

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

35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).

Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
agenda and supporting public documents are also available on our City website www.sonoraca.com listed under the agenda/minutes link on the Government page.
27 Item B.

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
3:30 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have a special meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 3:30 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.

Remote viewing of the meeting via live streaming is provided to members of the public as a courtesy. If the livestreaming connection malfunctions for any reason and no Council Members are attending via teleconference, the City Council will continue the public meeting in Chambers without remote access.

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

ROLL CALL

PRESENT
Mayor Mark Plummer
Mayor Pro Tem Ann Segerstrom
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz
Councilmember Matt Hawkins
ABSENT
Councilmember Andy Merrill

PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment.

ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
Adjourned at 3:31 PM.

1. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Gov. Code Section § 54957.6): Agency designated representatives:

Melissa Eads, City Administrator; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director; Employee Organization: Sonora Police Officers' Association (SPOA).

RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION [City Council Chambers]
Mayor Mark Plummer stated direction was given to staff.

ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 8:05 PM.

35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).

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
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.
30 Item B.

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 18, 2023
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 5:00 PM in the City of Sonora Council Chambers located at 94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370.

This meeting is physically open to the Public and citizens who wish to provide public comment during the meeting will be invited to do so by the Mayor.

Remote viewing of the meeting via live streaming is provided to members of the public as a courtesy. If the livestreaming connection malfunctions for any reason and no Council Members are attending via teleconference, the City Council will continue the public meeting in Chambers without remote access.

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

CALL TO ORDER
Called to order at 4:00 PM

ROLL CALL

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS

ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION

1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Gov. Code Section §54957); Douglas White, City Attorney.

RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
Called to order at 5:06 PM.

REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Mark Plummer stated Council and Staff will continue with closed session after the regular meeting.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz led the Pledge of Allegiance. 32 Item B.

ROLL CALL

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom, Seconded by Councilmember Matt Hawkins. Voting Yea:

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

Elena Linehan from the Aronos Research Club informed those in attendance they are hosting their New Years Barn Dance.

Jen Lopez Project and Program Manager Visit Tuolumne County shared with those in attendance the Sonora Selfie Trail has launched.

PRESENTATIONS

2. Receive a presentation on the retirement of Fire Captain Kurt Rhoades; Aimee New, Fire Chief.

3. Receive a presentation on the retirement of Community Development Director Rachelle Kellogg; Melissa Eads, City Administrator.

4. Receive a presentation on the introduction of City of Sonora Homeless Outreach Coordinator Chris Neves; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.

5. Receive a presentation on the introduction of the Homeless Outreach Support Team (HOST); Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.
33 Item B.

6. Receive a presentation to recognize Rebecca Bell for her support and contributions; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.

7. Consider approval of disbursements in the amount of $160,428.52 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.

8. Consider adoption of Resolution 12-18-2023-B, updating the job description for Fire Captain; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.

No public comment.

Motion made by Councilmember Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Matt Hawkins. Voting Yea:

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

NEW BUSINESS

9. Consider waiving the first reading, read by title only, and introduce Ordinance No. 894, Adding Chapter

1.25, Appeal of Administrative Decisions, to Title 1, General Provisions, of the Sonora Municipal Code to establish a procedure for the appeal of administrative decisions that otherwise lack an appeal process; Douglas White, City Attorney.

No public comment.

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

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

10. Consider approval of the City of Sonora Housing Successor Annual Report for 2023; Rachelle Kellogg, Community Development Director.

No public comment.

Mayor Plummer and the Councilmembers accepted the report, a vote was not required. 34 Item B.

11. Consider adoption of Resolution 12-18-2023-A, awarding the On-Call Professional Engineering Services Agreement to Dewberry Engineering, Inc. and authorizing the City Administrator to execute the agreement and all related contract documents; Rachelle Kellogg, 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

12. Consider adoption of Resolution 12-18-2023-C establishing the City of Sonora’s Recruitment and Retention Incentive Plan; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.

Chief VanderWiel informed those in attendance of the need for the Incentive Plan.

Colette Such is hopeful the new hires stay for a specific time period once they have received the funds.

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. Consider adoption of Resolution 12-18-2023-D amending the SPOA salary schedules for the Police Officer, Corporal, and Sergeant positions; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.

Corporal Brickley thanked the Council for sitting down, talking to and listening to the SPOA.

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

MONTHLY REPORTS

14. Receive the Sonora Administrative Services Department monthly report for October 2023 (FY23/24); Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.

15. Receive the Sonora Fire Department monthly report for November 2023; Aimee New, Fire Chief.

16. Receive the Sonora Police Department monthly report for November 2023; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief. 35 Item B.

17. Receive the Sonora Public Works Department monthly report for November 2023; Michael Lagomarsino, Public Works Supervisor.

Mayor Mark Plummer thanked Public Works for all their work getting ready for Christmas.

COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mayor Pro-Tem Ann Segerstrom wished Happy Holidays to all; finished filing candidates paperwork for reelection; attended the Columbia College Concert; YES Partnership; the Chamber and Visit Tuolumne County Mixer; City Employee Holiday Party; Pop Hudson Sing Along; Christmas Town Christmas Concert at the Red Church; and stated it has been a great Christmas Season.

Councilmember Andy Merrill attended the Tuolumne County Transportation Council (TCTC); Homelessness Committee; and had a great time completing first semester teaching at Columbia College.

Councilmember Suzanne Cruz thanked Ann for filling in at the YES Partnership meeting; attended 2nd Saturday; Christmas Musicale-Make Room; and encouraged everyone to remember the meaning and purpose of Christmas and our great nation.

Mayor Mark Plummer attended 2nd Saturday; Tuolumne County Transportation Council (TCTC); Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO); the Staff Party; and wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

ADJOURNMENT
Re-adjourned into closed session 6:43 PM and took a 5 (five) minute break.

Returned to open session at 7:41 PM.

Mayor Mark Plummer stated direction was given to staff.

Adjourned at 7:42 PM.

35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).

Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
agenda and supporting public documents are also available on our City website www.sonoraca.com listed under the agenda/minutes link on the Government page.
37 Item B.

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 03, 2024
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on June 03, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the City of Sonora Council Chambers located at 94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370.

This meeting is physically open to the Public and citizens who wish to provide public comment during the meeting will be invited to do so by the Mayor.

Written comments can be submitted to be included as part of the administrative record; they will not be read during the meeting. All comments must be received by 3:00 pm on the day of the noticed meeting and can be submitted to the City Clerk at 94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370, or via email to [email protected] Public Access Audio and Video Live Streaming
The Public will not have access to give public comments via public access audio and video live streaming; they are available for audio and visual only; and can be accessed via our website at www.sonoraca.com.

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

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

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

ROLL CALL

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comment.

ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
Adjourned at 4:01 PM.

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

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

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Suzanne Cruz led the Pledge of Allegiance. 39 Item B.

ROLL CALL

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRESENTATIONS

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

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

4. Consider Approval of a Proclamation Acknowledging Work Activities for Tuolumne/Calaveras Handicapped (WATCH), Tuolumne County Arts Council, and Diane Stearns in Appreciation and Recognition of Their Efforts to Make the Mosaic Art Project; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.

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

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

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

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

No public comment.

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

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

8. Consider Adoption of Resolution 06-03-2024-B Establishing a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan in Accordance with California Senate Bill 553 (SB553); Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer. 41 Item B.

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

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

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

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

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

NEW BUSINESS

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

No public comment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MONTHLY REPORTS

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

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

Sent:

To:

Subject:

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

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

Thank you,
Lee Pagni
45 Item B.

15. Receive the City of Sonora Fire Department Monthly Report for April 2024; Aimee New, Fire Chief.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 8:58 PM.

35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).

Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
agenda and supporting public documents are also available on our City website www.sonoraca.com listed under the agenda/minutes link on the Government page.
47 Item B.

CITY ADMINISTRATON
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541 August 30, 2024
Quincy Yaley, AICP
Executive Officer

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP Tuolumne County Local Agency Formation Commission
2 South Green Street
Sonora, CA 95370
RE: August 26, 2024, Press Release on Local Agency Formation Commission Staffing Transition and the City of Sonora's Response to the June 2024 Grand Jury Report on LAFCO Dear Ms. Yaley:

With the County ofTuolumne's ("County") announcement on August 26, 2024, that the County will no longer provide staffing services to the Tuolumne Local Agency Formation Commission ("LAFCO") effective January 1, 2025, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you, and all County staff that have provided service to LAFCO since its establishment. As LAFCO Commissioners and City of Sonora ("City") City Council members, we look forward to continuing to work with the County and its Commissioners through an independently staffed LAFCO. The City supports this new approach to LAFCO staffing to ensure that LAFCO achieves its goals as set forth in the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (the "Act")1 and as defined by the LAFCO Commissioners.

In addition to sincerely thanking the County and its staff for their years of service, this letter also serves as the City's supplementary responses to the June 2024 Tuolumne Grand Jury Report, related to LAFCO ("Grand Jury Report"). The items highlighted below remain concerns that the City would like to see addressed, especially as LAFCO transitions to being an independently staffed agency. The City seeks to continue the conversation about the ways LAFCO can provide services to all of the agencies that benefit from the orderly development, and efficient extension of government services in an equitable and organized manner.

Municipal Service Reviews
Grand Jury Report Finding 4 and Recommendation 3
The Grand Jury report recommends that LAFCO update the Municipal Service Reviews ("MSRs") and Spheres of Influence for all districts that have not been updated within the last five (5) years. LAFCO partially disagrees with this recommendation. The City also partially disagrees with this recommendation. With the unique circumstance in the County of the City being the only incorporated city, the update of MSRs should be addressed and financed by the agencies that benefit from the update of that report. This ensures that the City is not unduly burdened by LAFCO actions that do not benefit it.
1 Gov't. Code, § 56000 et seq.
{CW141183.5}
48 Item A.

CITY ADMINISTRATON
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP Government Code section 56430 provides that LAFCO conduct MSRs in order "to prepare and to update spheres of influence." Nowhere in Government Code section 56430 is LAFCO authorized to compel local agencies to complete an MSR nor is there a deadline for the completion or update of that study. The only timeline associated with MSRs, and spheres of influence is included in Government Code section 56425. That section provides that spheres of influence are reviewed and updated as necessary on a five (5) year cycle after January 1, 2008.

Consequently, MSRs and spheres of influence need not be updated every five (5) years, unless necessary. LAFCO staff agree with this interpretation of Government Code section 56425 and further support it by relying on Government Code section 56106 which identifies the timelines within the Act as "directory, rather than mandatory".

However, the current response to the Grand Jury Report indicates that LAFCO has proposed an annual work plan and "significantly increased budget in 2024-2025 in order to complete additional MSRs"2 , without finding that
these MSRs are necessary at this time or that they must be funded through the LAFCO budget. By proceeding without finding that the MSRs are necessary, LAFCO is proposing a work plan and budget that contradicts its conclusion that MSRs need only be updated when necessary. By relying on the budget LAFCO adopts each year as required under Government Code section 56381 to fund the MSRs, the burden of financing the work to complete MSRs, that are not clearly required at this time, is shifted to agencies, including the City, that do not benefit from that work being done.

Government Code section 56381 establishes LAFCO's budgetary powers and assigns the funding of that budget to the county, cities, and special districts that are represented on the LAFCO commission. Reliance on the budget established under Government Code section 56381 to fund the update of MS Rs, ignores LAFCO's power to impose fees under Government Code section 56383. Government Code section 56383 allows LAFCO to "establish a schedule of fees and a schedule of service charges" for the activities LAFCO undertakes through the Act, including "amending and updating a sphere of influence." Rather than burdening agencies that are not benefited with the costs of MSRs and spheres of influence determinations, LAFCO should adopt a fee schedule that includes fees for MSRs and spheres of influence updates. Other LAFCOs have taken this approach, including, for example, Fresno LAFCO3 and San Joaquin LAFCO.4 Following this approach ensures that the agencies that are benefited by any MSR and sphere of influence update bear the cost of that work and is consistent with LAFCO's own interpretation of Government Code section 56428's requirements.

LAFCO Budget Recommendations
Grand Jury Report Finding 3 and Recommendation 6
The Grand Jury Report recommends that the LAFCO budget include a reserve fund and where estimated budget contributions are not fully expended, those remaining contributions rollover to the reserve fund. LAFCO's 2 LAFCO Proposed response to Grand Jury Report, August 12, 2024, Response to Finding 4. 3 Fresno LAFCO Fee Schedule, effective July I, 2011, available at:
https://www.fresnolafco.org/fi !es/ I 085 8ccc6/LA FCo+ Fee+Schedule. pdf. 4 San Joaquin LAFCO Fee Schedule, effective July I, 2024, available at:
https://www.sjlafco.org/fi les/6 7243 f6c3/Schedu le+o f+Fees+FY + 2024-2025. pd f. {CW141183.5}
49 Item A.

CITY ADMINISTRATON
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP proposed response indicates it is considering the recommendation but has not determined whether it will be implemented. The City wholly disagrees with this recommendation.

Implementing a reserve fund for LAFCO is unnecessary. There is no legal requirement that LAFCO budgets include a reserve component. Instead, the County is authorized to loan LAFCO funds that can then be appropriated into the next year's LAFCO budget to repay the loan.5 This provision anticipates the need for additional funding without a reserve and is the appropriate vehicle to respond to any funding shortfalls as established under the Act.

Additionally, any funding approach that equally apportions the funding obligations between the County, the City, and the many special districts in Tuolumne County is fundamentally unfair and should be rejected. The language of Government Code section 56381 that provides for the equal apportionment of costs contemplates that there are cities, not a singular city, that would share in the costs of funding a LAFCO budget. Here, the City is the only entity that would bear the funding obligation for the cities component of the LAFCO budget funding, where it is apportioned equally among the three entity types. The unique circumstances of the County call for a unique solution to funding, which Government Code section 56381, subdivision (b)(4) provides for, allowing "any alternative method of apportionment of the net operating expenses of the commission".

LAFCO Policies and Procedures
Grand Jury Report Findings 2 & 7 and Recommendation 7
The Grand Jury Report and the proposed LAFCO response indicate that LAFCO should and is considering revisions to its Policies and Procedures. That document has been provided to LAFCO Commissioners for review and comment. The City agrees that updates and revisions to the Policies and Procedures should be a priority as LAFCO transitions to an independent staffing model. Included below are the City's comments on the proposed changes to facilitate the process of review and adoption of the revisions.

Policies and Procedures Section

Page 11 ends

Subdivision B, Staffing

Page 12 ends

Subdivision C, Budget Requirements and
Procedures
5 Gov't. Code,§ 56381, subd. (c).
{CW141183.5}
Comment
Currently, the only staffing option given is for
County staff to provide LAFCO staffing. This
provision should be revised to reflect that LAFCO
will be an independently staff agency after
January 1, 2025.

The funding percentages and financial
responsibilities for all entities are not clearly
defined. This should be clarified, especially where
a penalty provision associated with the payment
of fees and costs is being introduced.
50 Item A.

CITY ADMINISTRATON
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP

Page 14 ends

Rule 2 removed. It should be retained as emergency
meetings are allowed under the Brown Act.

Page 17 ends

Rule 24 questions of law. Outside Counsel, of the
Commission's choosing, should be retained to
provide answers to questions of law. This is
especially true where LAFCO will be
independently staff beginning January 1, 2025.

Page 18 ends

Rule 26 not be required. Rosenberg's Rules of Order
provide a more flexible procedure for public
agency meetings and the Policies and Procedures
should provide that any failure to follow
parliamentary procedure should not result in a
waiver of any action taken.

Page 19 ends

Procedures, Subdivision A, Item #3 fees for services such as sphere of influence reviews and MSR reviews. The use of fees for
these activities would remove them from
inclusion in the LAFCO budget which all agencies
are responsible for funding.

Page 21 ends

Procedures, Subdivision A, Item #6 options beyond just the approval or disapproval of a project. The additional options, including
conditionally approving a project, should be
addressed.

Page 26 ends

Procedures, Subdivision F, Item #1 Exceptions to address ongoing negotiations among the interested parties need to be added
to ensure that applications are not unduly
dismissed based on factors outside of the
applicant's control.

Page 32 ends

Factors of Consideration, Item #5 Government Code section 56425, adding the citation to Government Code section 56425
before "subdivision (g)" would improve the
clarity of that language.

LAFCO Staffing
Grand Jury Report Findings 5, 6, & 8 and Recommendations 1 & 4 {CW141183.5}
51 Item A.

CITY ADMINISTRATON
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP The Grand Jury Report finds that the current LAFCO staffing approach does not provide consistent, reliable support for LAFCO, does not operate according to state law, and recommends that the proposed shift to a contract with an outside agency or firm to provide LAFCO staffing be expedited. Initially, LAFCO's proposed response indicated that the recommendation required additional analysis, but the County's August 26, 2024, press release indicates that the analysis is complete, and LAFCO will be implementing the Grand Jury Report's recommendation, with the County's staffing of LAFCO set to cease on January 1, 2025. The City wholly supports the implementation of the move to a contractual relationship with an outside agency or firm to provide LAFCO staffing. This will ensure that LAFCO proceedings have a greater measure of transparency through separate staff providing services and establish true independence for LAFCO as a separate, statutorily established agency from the County.

In implementing the recommendation to provide LAFCO staffing, the City would like to explore all procurement methods, beyond the issuance of a request for proposals ("RFP"). As the proposed LAFCO response to the Grand Jury Report notes, LAFCO has previously issued RFPs for both an Executive Officer and Legal Counsel with only one response for Legal Counsel received. Alternative approaches for securing LAFCO staff could include sole sourcing the needed assistance, using a subcommittee of LAFCO commissioners to reach out to potential candidates or firms, using a recruiting agency, as well as many other possibilities, all of which the City is open to exploring. The City looks forward to discussing this with the other LAFCO commissioners and determining the best path to securing staffing for LAFCO.

In closing, the City would once again like to thank the County and its staff for all of its service to LAFCO. We look forward to cooperating with all local agencies in the County to help guide future development in an orderly, efficient manner through LAFCO in the years to come.

Sincerely,
Anf!;;st� 4tf A��
Mayor, City of Sonora
LAFCO Commissioner
g Recoverable Signature
X Suzanne Cruz
Signed by: 996dacl-a76d-4500-b5d3-0fl bbd6041 de
Suzanne Cruz
Mayor Pro-Tern, City of Sonora
LAFCO Commissioner
{CW141183.S}
52 Item A.

Sonora City CouncilSeptember 3, 2024

Sonora City Council
September 3, 2024