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, December 16, 2024
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on December 16, 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 Ann Segerstrom
Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz
Council Members Bess Levine, Andy Merrill, Stephen Opie City Administrator Melissa Eads
City Attorney Douglas White
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 01/06/2025
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
CLOSED SESSION - 4:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Called to order at 4:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Ann Segerstrom
Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz
Councilmember Stephen Opie
ARRIVING LATE
Councilmember Bess Levine
ABSENT
Councilmember Andy Merrill
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments.
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: Crummey, Claimant: Krista; Agency Claimed Against: City of Sonora; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
Called to order at 5:00 PM.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Ann Segerstrom stated direction was given to staff.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz 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
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Ann Segerstrom
Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz
Councilmember Bess Levine
Councilmember Stephen Opie
ABSENT
Councilmember Andy Merrill
CITY CLERK’S REPORT ON AGENDA POSTING
The Agenda was posted on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 2:39 PM.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz, Seconded by Councilmember Bess Levine. Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie
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.
Mark Plummer wished the Council and Staff a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year; and shared his support for the parade.
City Administrator Melissa Eads gave an update on the parade.
PRESENTATIONS
2. Receive a Presentation on the Results of the Impact Assessment Study Related to Joining Pioneer Community Energy; Lisa DeLaby, Pioneer Community Outreach Manager, Gina Stassi-Vanacore, Pioneer Director of Communications; and Robbie Bergstrom, Tuolumne County Economic Development. (20 minutes)
3. Receive an Update from the President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce Katie Dunn; Tracy Skelly; Administrative Services Officer/City Clerk. (10 minutes) 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
Katie Dunn President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce updated those in attendance on the marketing efforts for Christmas Town Sonora; Christmas Town Sonora events; the Community Mixer is Tuesday at the Opera Hall from 5:00 - 8:00 PM; and the office is closed from December 24th - January 2nd.
4. Receive a Presentation on How the City’s New Online Permit Management System Works for Our Residents, Contractors and Businesses Pulling Permits in the City of Sonora; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director. (15 minutes)
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.
5. Consider Approval of the City Council Meeting Minutes from June 9, 2023; October 1, 2024; and November 18, 2024; Stacy Enos-Del Razo; Deputy City Clerk.
6. Consider Approval of Disbursements in the Amount of $204,663.21 and $177,609.99 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/City Clerk.
7. Consider Acceptance of an Informational Report for the November 2024 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director
8. Consider Approval of the City of Sonora’s Traffic Impact Mitigation Fund Report as Presented for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024; Carlye Buchholz, PE, PLS, City Engineer; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director.
Motion made by Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz, Seconded by Councilmember Stephen Opie. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie
NEW BUSINESS
9. Consider Approval of Dewberry’s Task Order 25-4 in the Amount of $20,000.00 to Conduct Investigations, Land Surveying, and Preliminary Design of Drainage Improvements to Correct the Failure of a 12” CMP Storm Drainpipe Located between the Properties of 191 and 207 Elk Drive; Mike Pugh, City Engineer; and Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
Mike Pugh City Engineer explained the scope of work for Task Order 25-4.
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
Motion made by Councilmember Stephen Opie, Seconded by Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie
10. Consider Approval of Dewberry’s Task Order 25-5 in the Amount of $36,333.00 to Perform the Design and Engineering Services for the New Public Works Maintenance Building; Mike Pugh, City Engineer; and Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
Mike Pugh City Engineer explained the scope of work for Task Order 25-5.
No public comment.
Motion made by Councilmember Stephen Opie, Seconded by Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie
11. Consider Approval of Dewberry’s Task Order 25-6 in the Amount of $24,919.00 to Perform the Design and Engineering Services for the New Pickleball Court at Woods Creek Rotary Park; Mike Pugh, City Engineer; and Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
Mike Pugh City Engineer explained the scope of work for Task Order 25-6.
Melissa Eads City Administrator explained the use of the grant funds for this project.
No public comment.
Motion made by Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz, Seconded by Councilmember Bess Levine. Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie
12. Consider Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Habitat for Humanity to Rehabilitate the Structure Located at 290 S. Stewart Street from a Multi-Use Building with Commercial Zoning into a 4-Unit Rental; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director explained the vision and future of the property located at 290 S Stewart Street.
Mike Lemke Habitat for Humanity Board Member explained Habitat for Humanity's perspective on this project; the work they do in the community; and the opportunity they see with this project.
Sharon Marovich shared Tuolumne Heritage Committee would like to see this project move forward; and gave a brief history of the property.
Jeff Hollis shared this is the best idea for the property.
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
Motion made by Councilmember Stephen Opie, Seconded by Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie
MONTHLY REPORTS
13. Receive the City of Sonora Administrative Services Department Report for October 2024 (FY24/25); Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director
14. Receive the City of Sonora Community Development Departments Monthly Report for November 2024; Tyler Summersett; Community Development Director.
15. Receive the City of Sonora Fire Department Monthly Report for November 2024; Aimee New, Fire Chief.
16. Receive the City of Sonora Police Department Monthly Report for November 2024; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.
17. Receive the City of Sonora Public Works Monthly report for November 2024; Mike Lagomarsino, Public Works Supervisor.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Stephen Opie attended the parade.
Councilmember Bess Levine attended the Collaborative Housing meeting; Visit Tuolumne County; and attended the downtown night walking tour for side walk safety.
Vice Mayor Suzanne Cruz attended the League of California Cities Christmas Dinner; toured Christmas Tree Lane; attended the Tuolumne County Transit Council Retirement of Darin Grossi; and read a Christmas Salutation.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom attended the Christmas Town lighting ceremony; helped with the parade set up and Christmas Tree Lane; listened to the Weather Webinar; welcomed Senator Alvarado-Gil's Team to City Hall for a Team building exercise; attended Access Tuolumne and the Christmas Dinner at the League of California Cities; and wished everyone the Merriest of Holidays.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 6:45 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 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
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.