Agenda packet — Sonora City Council, June 2, 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

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting
Agenda
Monday, June 02, 2025
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on June 2, 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
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 – Anticipated Litigation - Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Gov. Code, § 54956.9(b): Two (2) Potential Cases; Douglas White, City Attorney, Tyler Summersett, Community Development 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 the President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce, Katie Dunn; Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer/City Clerk.

B. Receive a Presentation from Visit Tuolumne County Regarding the Quarterly Marketing Update, Lisa Mayo, President & CEO, and Jen Lopez, Marketing Director, Visit Tuolumne County. 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
C. Receive a Presentation Regarding Defensible Space Awareness, Sonora Fire Department Services, Frequently Asked Questions, and Best Practices for Preparing Your Home Before the Upcoming Wildland Fire Season; Brittan Gregory, Sonora Fire Captain, Grant Miller, Sonora Relief Fire Engineer.

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 the City of Sonora Meeting Minutes from May 19, 2025; Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk.

B. Consider the Re-Appointment of Curtis Wicks to the Tuolumne County Transportation Council (TCTC) Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) as a Representative for the City of Sonora with a Term to Expire in May of 2029; Tamera Blankenship, Tuolumne County Transportation Council Executive Director.

C. Receive an Update on the Removal of Trees on Mono Way by PG&E; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.

D. Review and Discuss Adding to a Future Agenda a Proclamation Recognizing the Month of June as Pride Month in the City of Sonora, Andy Merrill, Vice Mayor.

14. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Waive the First Reading, Read by Title Only, and Introduce Ordinance No. 906, Approval and Adoption of the 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map as Recommended by the California State Fire Marshal; Gary Carlson, Interim Fire Chief.

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: June 2, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer/City Clerk SUBJECT: Receive an Update from the President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce Katie Dunn.

RECOMMENDATION:

Receive an Update from the President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce Katie Dunn.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce Katie Dunn will Present an Update on the Chamber Activities to the City Council.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact on the General Fund.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

There are no Core Council Priorities.
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: June 2, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Lisa Mayo, President & CEO, and Jen Lopez, Marketing Manager, Visit Tuolumne County SUBJECT: Receive a Presentation from Visit Tuolumne County Regarding the Quarterly Marketing Update
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive a Presentation from Visit Tuolumne County Regarding 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 Marketing Highlights
for the City of Sonora
Quarter 3
Jan-March 2025INFLUENCER & MEDIA VISITS VISITORS
Visits to Sonora
*Includes domestic visitors who traveled from more
than 50 miles away and stayed at least 90 minutes.

Top 5 Visitor Origins
Livermore
Pleasant Hill
Castro Valley
Stockton
San Jose

95.6K
@AlexKhachigian
(532K Instagram followers) for Visit
California Hidden Gems Campaign
May 7-9. Stayed at Berkshire Inn Bed
& Breakfast in Groveland and Mi-Wuk
Village Inn in Mi-Wuk Village. Visited
Downtown Sonora on May 9th.

Irish Familiarization Tour
for Black Diamond
May 14-18. Stayed at The Inn on Knowles Hill
and explored and dined in Downtown Sonora.

Craig Hughes, Irish Daily Mail
Monthly readership: 205,000
Sandra Mallon, Irish Daily Star
Monthly readership: 20,000
Catherine Murphy, freelance journalist
Monthly readership: 465,000
+2% YOY
Average days in Sonora: 2.2

TRAVEL IMPACTS
With new numbers just released from Visit
California (via Dean Runyan Associates), 2023
travel spending numbers for Tuolumne County
were updated from $287 million to $306.8
million! 2024 is showing a modest .3% growth in
travel spending to $307.8 million. The general
outlook for tourism in California (and across
the country), faces challenges. For Tuolumne
County this year’s uncertainty regarding Yosemite
has created obstacles for travelers, especially
international travelers, and the current political
and economic conditions have also negatively
influenced tourism.

Good news: Visitors still come to Tuolumne
County because they see it as a place where they
can escape and disconnect from all the “noise”
in our world. Even as there are challenges, we
are actively inviting aspiring visitors every day.
6 Item B.

Quarterly Marketing Highlights for the City of Sonora - page 2

PROMOS & SPONSORSHIPS

TRAVEL SHOWS

SOCIAL MEDIA

IN THE NEWS & MORE
Quarter 3
Jan-March 2025
Check-Ins YTD
74 Sonora Selfie Trail
Remarkable Rooftops in California:

Visit California Media Pitch Mentions
The Armory
Sonora Inn
The Perch at Chicken Ranch Casino Resort
In the News
The VTC Team has begun working on the Scope of Work for the City of Sonora per our Marketing Agreement. The scope of work will include a city highlights video, Paranormal Trail for fall, a social media influencer visit among other projects.

Scope of Work
VTC and partners received a presentation on the Gold Rush Path from Tamera Blankenship of Tuolumne County Transit at the April Marketing Meeting. The presentation was well-received, and we look forward to promoting the trail, which will be a great asset to the community.

Gold Rush Path Presentation
El Campo de Sonora:
$500 sponsorship,
and a VTC team
member sits on the
planning committee.

Sponsorships
Visit Tuolumne County was excited to celebrate
the 5th annual Tuolumne County Art Week,
April 12–20, 2025! VTC proudly supported the
Mother Lode Art Association’s annual Art Show
by helping cover part
of the Sonora Opera
Hall rental—allowing
the show to run even
longer this year.

Downtown Sonora also
featured a creative art
installation by Unicorn
Tattoo at Pence Farms
Sourdough, and
exciting displays and
activities popped up all
across the County.

Visit Tuolumne Tuolumne County Art Week
County team
members, along
with First Light
Resorts team
members, had a
booth at the Bay
Area Travel &
Adventure Show
in Santa Clara in
March. The show
was very well
attended with
13,000 attendees,
a 38% increase over the previous year’s event.

The show provides an opportunity to engage
with individuals in our drive market who have a
demonstrated interest in travel and adventure,
thereby increasing the likelihood of converting
interest into actual visits.

A VTC team member attended the Home
& Garden Show in April with the mobile
visitors center. The team member was
available for the entire weekend to answer
questions about the area and distribute
the Tuolumne County Travel Guide.

Home & Garden Show
Mother Lode Round-Up
Parade and Rodeo
Kick Off the Farmers Market
We encourage our partner businesses and organizations to submit their tourism-oriented events to our website at visittuolumne.com/event-submission.

Social Media
Reminder to Submit Your Events
VTC continues
to sponsor 2nd
Saturday Art Nights.

Top 8 Check-In Locations
7 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: June 2, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Brittan Gregory, Fire Captain
Grant Miller, Relief Fire Engineer
SUBJECT: Defensible Space Awareness, Sonora Fire Department Services, Frequently Asked Questions, and Best Practices for Preparing Your Home Before the Upcoming Wildland Fire Season.

RECOMMENDATION:

Receive a Presentation Regarding Defensible Space Awareness, Sonora Fire Department Services, Frequently Asked Questions, and Best Practices for Preparing Your Home Before the Upcoming Wildland Fire Season.

BACKGROUND:

Wildland fire season is rapidly approaching, and many citizens may not be fully aware of what regulations are their responsibility. In addition, many people may not know what services are available to assist with making their property more fire safe.

This presentation will focus on defensible space awareness and other services that are provided by the Sonora Fire Department, as well as contact information regarding many other local programs.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness
8 Item C.

Defensible Space
9 Item C.

Defensible Space: A Smart Strategy
• Reduces Fuels: Minimizes flammable
materials around your property
• Protects Homes: Creates a buffer
zone that helps prevent wildfire spread
• Promotes Healthy Vegetation:

Encourages growth of fire-resistant,
well-maintained plants
10 Item C.

Zones
Zone 0
Immediate Zone 0-5’
Zone 1
Intermediate Zone 5-30’
Zone 2
Extended Zone 30-100’
11 Item C.

Zone 0 (0–5 Feet from Structures)
Goal: Eliminate all flammable materials immediately
around the home.
• No Flammable Vegetation
• Use Hardscape Features:
• Rocks
• Gravel
• Bare dirt
• Concrete or stone pathways
• Clear Roofs and Gutters:
• Remove all leaves, pine needles, and plant debris
Create a fire-resistant buffer to protect your home
from embers and direct flame contact.
12 Item C.

Zone 1 (5–30 Feet from Structures)
Goal: Reduce fire intensity and prevent flames from
reaching your home.
• Avoid Continuous Planting:
• Space out plants to prevent fire spread
• Use Hardscape to Separate Vegetation:
• Paths, gravel, or non-combustible materials
• Prune Trees and Shrubs:
• Remove branches within 10 feet of structures
• Eliminate Dead or Dying Materials:
• Clear away dry grass, leaves, and branches
• Maintain Grass Height:
• Keep trimmed to 2 inches or less
Create a well-maintained, fire-smart landscape to
slow fire spread and protect your home.
13 Item C.

Zone 2 (30–100+ Feet from Structures)
Goal: Reduce fuel loads to slow fire spread and
lower fire intensity.
• Maintain Grass at 2” or Less
• Remove All Dead and Dying Fuels
• Including leaves, branches, and dry vegetation
• Create Horizontal Spacing Between Plants
• Prevent fire from jumping plant to plant
• Remove Stumps, Logs, and Large Debris
• Trim Tree Branches Up to 6 Feet
• Eliminate ladder fuels that allow fire to climb
into tree canopies
A well-managed Zone 2 increases your property's
resilience to wildfire.
14 Item C.

Key Requirements for All Zones
• Remove vegetation 10’ around
propane tank.
• Address numbers to be displayed
and minimum of 4” in size.
• Store wood piles as far away from
structures as possible.
• Do not store flammable material
under decks.
• Remove all trash and debris.
15 Item C.

Vacant Properties & Means of Egress
Required Clearance for Safety:

All property owners must maintain a 10-foot reduced fuel zone along property lines that:
• Border or are adjacent to buildings, structures, or dwellings • Are next to evacuation routes or means of egress, such as driveways, roads, or access paths
Purpose:

To reduce fire risk and ensure safe exit routes during
emergencies.
16 Item C.

City of Sonora Burn Permit Information
• Location: 201 S. Shepherd St, Sonora,
CA (During business hours)
• Availability: Issued after burn ban is
lifted
• Fee: $60 (Valid for 1 year)
• Process:
• Request permit at the fire station
• Firefighters inspect the burn area for
compliance
• Permit issued upon approval
• Before Burning: Contact Air Pollution
Control to confirm it's a burn day
17 Item C.

Green Waste Program
Green Waste Disposal Options – City of Sonora
• Free Drop-Off Events
In partnership with Waste Management, the city
offers free green waste drop-off at Cal Sierra Earth
Resource Facility (East Sonora)
(Typically held in November and April)
• Curbside Pick-Up Service
Green waste pick-up available year-round for a fee
Visit the City of Sonora website for details and
application https://sonoraca.com/
18 Item C.

Defensible Space Project for Seniors & Disabled
• The Tuolumne Fire Safe Council received a $879,000 CAL FIRE Climate Investment Grant (2024–2029) to create
defensible space for low-income seniors (65+) and
disabled residents in Tuolumne County.
• Countywide project
• Focused on those unable to afford or perform the work • Estimated impact: 425 structures / 302 acres over 4 years Protecting vulnerable residents and reducing wildfire risk.

For more information and how to apply please visit (TFSC) website @ https://tuolumnefiresafe.org/
19 Item C.

Firewise USA® Community
Neighbors Working Together for Wildfire
Safety
• Organize to clear vegetation and reduce
fire risk
• Eligible for home insurance discounts
• Strengthens community bonds
• Currently, only 2 communities within city
limits are Firewise recognized
Join the effort to make your neighborhood
safer!
20 Item C.

How to Report a Fire Safety Concern

1. Talk to the Property Owner First
• Politely discuss the concern and allow time for correction

2. If the Hazard Remains
• Contact the Sonora Fire Department:
📞 (209) 532-7432

3. What to Expect
• Your name and address will be collected (kept confidential) • Provide the address of the hazard
• Both properties (yours and the reported one) will be inspected • Ensures a fair and equitable process
Working together for a safer community!
21 Item C.

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: June 2, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk
SUBJECT: Meeting Minutes from May 19, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of the City of Sonora Meeting Minutes from May 19, 2025.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve Meeting Minutes from May 19, 2025.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact on the General Fund.

ATTACHMENTS:

Meeting Minutes from May 19, 2025.

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
22 Item A.

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
Monday, May 19, 2025
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on May 19, 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.

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

CALL TO ORDER
Called to order at 4:02 PM.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT
Mayor Ann Segerstrom
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill
Councilmember Bess Levine
Councilmember Stephen Opie
Councilmember Mark Plummer

PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comment.

ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION

1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation - Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Gov.

Code, § 54956.9(b): Two (2) Potential Cases; Douglas White, City Attorney, Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator.

2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation - Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Gov.

Code, § 54956.9(b): Two (2) Potential Cases; Douglas White, City Attorney, Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator, Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director, Carlye Buchholz, City Engineer.

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 Andy Merrill led the Pledge of Allegiance.
24 Item A.

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 May 16, 2025, at 8:17 AM.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Councilmember Mark Plummer, Seconded by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill. 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.

Mayor Ann Segerstrom thanked the Community Development Department for a fabulous first Farmers Market; and the Fire Safe Council and Office of Emergency Service (OES) has defensible space funding for low-income seniors and disabled residents, there is more information on their websites.

Councilmember Mark Plummer liked enlarging the footprint of the Farmers Market; and thanked the Community Development Department.

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.

3. Consider Approval of the City of Sonora Meeting Minutes from May 5, 2025; Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk.

4. Consider Acceptance of an Informational Report for April 2025 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator. 25 Item A.

5. Consider Approval of Disbursements in the Amount of $208,482.47 and $197,882.39 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.

6. Consider Adoption of Resolution 05-19-2025-A, Authorizing Temporary “No Parking” Zones Along Certain City Streets During the 2025 Mother Lode Fair; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.

7. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 05-19-2025-B Approving a List of Projects to Receive Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funding (RMRA); Carlye Buchholz, City Engineer.

Motion made by Councilmember Bess Levine, Seconded by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill. Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer

COMMUNICATIONS

8. California State Treasurer Fiona Ma to Visit Sonora for Economic Town Hall.

9. PG&E Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS).

COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Stephen Opie discussed the YES Council meeting; and the IRWM (Integrated Regional Water Management) meeting is cancelled for May.

Councilmember Bess Levine attended the Visit Tuolumne County Board meeting; and the Farmers Market.

Councilmember Mark Plummer attended the CalPride Sierra community forum; and TCTC (Tuolumne County Transportation Council).

Vice Mayor Andy Merrill attended TCTC (Tuolumne County Transportation Council); Solid Waste Committee meeting; the CalPride Sierra community forum; and the Farmers Market.

Mayor Ann Segerstrom attended the Peace Officer Memorial; and the Central Sierra Economic Development District Board meeting.

Lieutenant Hannula read a statement from the Police Department thanking the community and partnering agencies for a successful Mother Lode Round-UP Parade.
26 Item A.

ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 5:17 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).

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: June 2, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Mono Way Tree Removal Update
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive an Update on the Removal of Trees on Mono Way by PG&E.

BACKGROUND:

PG&E is offering to perform tree removal and trimming work at its own expense along Mono Way. PG&E would prefer that all the trees (including those identified for trimming) be removed. Regardless of which option is selected (trimming vs removal), PG&E is offering that all work be completed at their cost. The trees to be removed are native oaks.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

City staff, including Mike Lagomarsino, Mike Pugh, and Gary Carlson, met with PG&E crews in the field to review the offer for tree trimming and removal. In evaluating the trees identified to be trimmed, the root structure on the downhill side of these trees have been undermined. Trimming the trees away from the power lines would result in the trees being imbalanced with a tendency to lean away from the Mono Way retaining wall (downhill) and would make them prone to falling downhill in the future. In light of this, the consensus among staff present at the meeting is to support the PG&E recommendation that all of the trees (trees identified for removal and trees identified for trimming) be removed.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact, this Project is being Funded by PG&E.

ATTACHMENTS:
 Mono Way Tree Removal Map
 Pictures
30 Item C.

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 CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness 31 Item C.
1 Mono Way / Hospital Road PG&E Tree Removal
1 2 3 4 1 - Mandatory Tree Removal - One large oak tree, one large pine tree, one dying pine tree (Reference Pictures 7993 (Second Tree on Left), 7994, and 7996) 2 - Optional Tree Removal - Mandatory Trimming (Reference Pictures 7988, 7992, and 7993 (First Tree on Left))3 - Mandatory Tree Removal - Seven oak trees (Reference Picture 7989 and 7990)4- Mandatory Tree Removal - Six to Eight oak trees (Reverence Picture 7991) 32 Item C.
33 Item C.
34 Item C.
35 Item C.
36 Item C.
37 Item C.
38 Item C.
39 Item C.
40 Item C.

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: June 2, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Andy Merrill, City of Sonora Vice Mayor
SUBJECT: Review and Discuss Adding to a Future Agenda a Proclamation Recognizing the Month of June as Pride Month in the City of Sonora
RECOMMENDATION:

Review and Discuss Adding to a Future Agenda a Proclamation Recognizing the Month of June as Pride Month in the City of Sonora.

BACKGROUND:

Each year, the month of June is recognized across the United States as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, a pivotal event in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights. Pride Month is both a celebration of the progress made toward equality and a continued call to action to ensure the protection and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in all aspects of civic life.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

By proclaiming June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the City Council acknowledges the historical and ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community and affirms its commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment for all.

The proclamation outlines the values of unity, respect, and equality, and encourages public recognition of the social and economic contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in Sonora. Furthermore, it supports the rights of community members to peacefully assemble and celebrate through Pride-related events that contribute to the city’s vibrant civic life.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

ATTACHMENTS:
 Proclamation Recognizing the Month of June as Pride Month. 41 Item D.

A PROCLAMATION

OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA

CELEBRATING THE MONTH OF JUNE
AS LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH
WHEREAS, the members of the City Council of Sonora do hereby unite in solidarity and common goals to recognize, represent, honor, and celebrate the diversity, culture, civil rights, and liberties of ALL residents of the City of Sonora; and
WHEREAS, this nation was founded on the principle that every individual has infinite dignity and worth, and the City of Sonora calls upon the people of this municipality to embrace this principle and work to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists; and
WHEREAS, every person should be able to live without fear of prejudice, discrimination, violence, or hatred based on one’s race, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation; and WHEREAS, the City of Sonora recognizes community members of all ages and races who may identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and/or Queer as a vital part of our society; and who must be protected by the same inalienable rights enshrined in our nation’s Constitution that are enjoyed and shared by all; and
WHEREAS, embracing and respecting our individual expressions of identity as Americans furthers the belief of “E Pluribus Unum,” of standing together with our friends, family, neighbors, community members, and visitors as a united people; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Sonora hereby recognizes the month of June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month so that we may further our goals of inclusivity, diversity, equity, and unity in our community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of Sonora encourages and supports the First Amendment rights of our community, and the social and economic benefits of annual Pride events within the City.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City to be affixed this 16th day of June of the year two thousand and twenty-five.

Signed ___________ Attest ___
Ann Segerstrom, Mayor Tracy Skelly, City Clerk
42 Item D.

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: June 2, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Gary Carlson, Interim/Acting Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 906- Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map RECOMMENDATION:

Waive the First Reading, Read by Title Only, and Introduce Ordinance No. 906, Approval and Adoption of the 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map as Recommended by the California State Fire Marshal.

BACKGROUND:

Government Code Section 51178 requires the California State Fire Marshal to identify and recommend areas within the state as moderate, high, or very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria. On March 10, 2025, the City received the 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Map from the State Fire Marshal, identifying designated zones within the City’s jurisdiction.

Government Code Section 51179 requires local agencies to adopt the fire hazard severity zone map designations by ordinance within 120 days of receiving the recommendations from the State Fire Marshal.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The City has not reduced or altered the fire hazard severity designations established by the State Fire Marshal, and this adoption is consistent with the model ordinance requirements by the State Fire Marshal. The City finds that the adoption of the map is in the interest of public safety, supports fire prevention and mitigation efforts, and ensures compliance with applicable state law.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with the Fire Hazard Severity Zone designation (FHSZ). However, these changes may result in future costs to the city as it evaluates and implements compliance measures aligned with state regulations and fire safety best practices. The scope and scale of the costs will depend on future Council direction, regulatory requirements, and implementation strategies.

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment A- Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for the City of Sonora 43 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 Below is the Cal Fire Hazard Severity Zones Website with additional information:
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severityzones CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness
44 Item A.

ORDINANCE NO. 906
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA ADOPTING THE 2025 FIRE HAZARD

SEVERITY ZONE MAP AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE FIRE MARSHAL WHEREAS, Government Code Section 51178 requires the California State Fire Marshal to identify and recommend areas within the state as moderate, high, or very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 51179, local agencies are required to adopt the fire hazard severity zone designations within 120 days of receiving the recommendations from the State Fire Marshal; and
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2025, the Sonora Fire Department received the 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Map from the State Fire Marshal, identifying designated zones within the city’s jurisdiction; and WHEREAS, information regarding the 2025 FHSZ Maps on a state-wide and county-by-county basis is available on the public website of the State Fire Marshal at https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-wedo/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones ; and WHEREAS, the specific map for the City of Sonora is attached and incorporated herein as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the city finds that adoption of the map is in the interest of public safety, supports fire prevention and mitigation efforts, and ensures compliance with applicable state law; and WHEREAS, the city has not reduced or altered the fire hazard severity designations established by the State Fire Marshal, and this adoption is consistent with the model ordinance requirements by the State Fire Marshal.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SONORA CITY COUNCIL DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. ADOPTION of 2025 FHSZ Maps. The 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for the City of Sonora, recommended by the California State Fire Marshal for the City’s service area, is adopted without change and incorporated herein as Exhibit A.

SECTION 2. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof.

SECTION 3. PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from and after its final passage and adoption, provided it is published in a newspaper of general circulation at least within fifteen (15) days after its passage or a summary of the Ordinance is published in a newspaper of general circulation at least five (5) days prior to adoption and again at least within fifteen (15) days after its passage.
45 Item A.

SECTION 4. CERTIFICATION OF COUNCIL ADOPTION AND APPROVAL. This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council held on June 2, 2025, and passed and adopted as Ordinance No. 906 at a regular meeting of the City Council held on June 16, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES: ____________________________________________________________________ NOES: ____________________________________________________________________ ABSENT OR ABSTAIN: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________
Ann Segerstrom, Mayor, City of Sonora
ATTEST:

Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
Approved as to Form:
__________________________________
Douglas L. White, City Attorney
Publish: The Union Democrat, Sonora
____________________, 2025
46 Item A.
47 Item A.

Sonora City CouncilJune 2, 2025

Sonora City Council
June 2, 2025