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, April 21, 2025
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on April 21, 2025, 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 Andy Merrill
Council Members Bess Levine, Stephen Opie, Mark Plummer City Administrator Melissa Eads
City Attorney Douglas White
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 05/05/2025
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 4:01 PM.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Ann Segerstrom
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill
Councilmember Bess Levine
Councilmember Mark Plummer
ARRIVING LATE
Councilmember Stephen Opie
PUBLIC COMMENTS
A member of the public addressed the Council on the Interim Fire Chief.
ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
Adjourned at 4:04 PM.
1. Conference Regarding Public Employment Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b), Title: Interim Fire Chief; Douglas White, City Attorney.
2. Conference Regarding Potential Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(3); Douglas White, City Attorney.
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.
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
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Stephen Opie led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Ann Segerstrom
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill
Councilmember Bess Levine
Councilmember Stephen Opie
Councilmember Mark Plummer
CITY CLERK’S REPORT ON AGENDA POSTING
The Agenda was posted on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 1:30 PM.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Stephen Opie. Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
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.
Elena Linehan updated those in attendance on the CERI Grant (California Equitable Recovery Initiation), and the Tay House.
A member of the public informed those in attendance the Armory is hosting a public health event; and shared concerns with the Council.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom on behalf of a member of the community informed those in attendance there is a Parkinson's event this weekend.
PRESENTATIONS
3. Receive an Introduction of Aubrey Self, Fire Department Office Assistant; Aimee New, Fire Chief. (10 Minutes) Fire Chief Aimee New introduced Aubrey Self to the Council.
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
4. Receive a Presentation on the 2025 City of Sonora Draft Emergency Operations Plan for Council Review, for Subsequent Approval of a Resolution, Adoption of an Ordinance, and Authorization of the Mayor to Sign the Letter of Promulgation; Melissa Eads, City Administrator, Paul Bockrath, Preparative Consulting, Inc.
Paul Bockrath Preparative Consulting presented to the Council the Draft Emergency Operations Plan.
Fire Chief Aimee New added additional comments.
Sharon Marovich Tuolumne Heritage Committee made a recommendation.
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 of Sonora Meeting Minutes from April 7, 2025; Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk.
6. Consider Approval of Disbursements in the Amount of $191,352.89 and $252,374.89 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 March 2025 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator.
8. Receive the Dragoon Gulch Fuels Reduction Project Update; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
9. Receive the 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
A member of the public made comments on the General Plan.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director addressed the public comments.
10. Consider Approval of Resolution 04-21-2025-B, Updating the Job Description and Education Requirements for the Fire Chief; Christopher Gorsky, Assistant 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
11. Consider Approval of the Interim Fire Chief Employment Agreement with Gary Carlson to Serve as Interim Fire Chief for the City of Sonora and Authorize the Mayor to Execute the Agreement on Behalf of the City; Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
Gary Carlson Interim Fire Chief was introduced to those in attendance.
Melissa Eads City Administrator acknowledged Gary Carlson's work history.
Melissa Eads City Administrator asked for clarification from White Brenner to include Interim/Acting to the Fire Chief's Agreement.
William Creger White Brenner confirmed the Agreement should include Interim/Acting.
A Motion was made to Approve the Consent Calendar with changes to include Interim/Acting to the Fire Chief's Agreement.
Motion made by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Bess Levine. Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
PUBLIC HEARINGS
12. Waive First Reading, Read by Title Only, and Introduce Ordinance No. 904, an Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Amending Chapter 12.16, Use of Sidewalks for Business, of Title 12, Streets and Sidewalks, of the Sonora Municipal Code Establishing Regulations to Allow Limited Dining and Commercial Displays in City Public Rights-of-Way; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director introduced Ordinance 904.
Councilmembers asked questions and made comments.
The owners of the Tap Room addressed the Council with comments and concerns.
A member of the public made a suggestion for the sign boards.
Sharon Marovich Tuolumne Heritage Committee shared concerns and offered suggestions.
Frank Uzzardo owner of the Diamond Back Grill shared concerns over fees.
A member of the public shared concerns about the Ordinance.
Thad Waterbury Planning Commissioner made comments on public right of way.
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
Councilmembers and Tyler Summersett Community Development Director discussed the Ordinance in detail.
Melissa Eads City Administrator added additional comments.
The owner of Little Roots and co-owner of The Thirsty Prospector shared concerns and made suggestions.
Josh owner of the Tap Room made comments on ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control).
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director and the Council continued to discuss.
A Motion was made to Waive the First Reading, Read by Title Only and Introduce Ordinance 904 with the exclusion of fees and negotiations with the businesses on Linoberg.
Motion made by Councilmember Mark Plummer, Seconded by Councilmember Bess Levine. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie Abstaining: Vice Mayor Andy Merrill
Consider Approval of Resolution No. 04-21-2025-A, Adopting the City of Sonora Outdoor Use Encroachment Permit Development Standards and Design Guidelines and License Agreement; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
No public comment.
Motion made by Councilmember Bess Levine, Seconded by Councilmember Stephan Opie. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Stephen Opie attended YES Council.
Councilmember Bess Levine attended the retirement luncheon for Fire Chief Aimee New; and the Mother Lode Art Show at the Opera Hall.
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill attended the Solid Waste Committee meeting; TCTC and TCTA (Tuolumne Transportation Council and Tuolumne County Transit Agency); Tuolumne County Homelessness Committee meeting; and ATCAA (Amador Tuolumne Calaveras Action Agency).
Councilmember Mark Plummer attended LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission); and the retirement luncheon for Fire Chief Aimee New.
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
Mayor Ann Segerstrom attended the El Campo de Sonora meeting; the retirement luncheon for Fire Chief Aimee new; LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission); and Volunteer Weekend is coming up for Love Tuolumne County.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 7:40 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).
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.