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, August 18, 2025
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on August 18, 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
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 10/06/2025
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 4:01 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 Government Code Section §54956.9, Paragraph (2) of Subdivision (d): One (1) Potential Case; Rachel Rappaport, City Attorney, Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
2. Public Employee Appointment (Government Code Section §54957(b)(1).) Title: Fire Chief. Doug White, City Attorney, Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator, Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
3. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Gov.
Code, § 54956.9(d)(2): One (1) Potential Matter; 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, Assistant City Administrator; Employee Organization: Sonora Fire Fighters Association (SFFA); Sonora Employees Association (SEA).
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
Called to order at 5:00 PM.
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Ann Segerstrom stated direction was given to staff.
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, August 15, 2025, at 1:17 PM.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Mark Plummer. 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.
PRESENTATIONS
5. Consider Acceptance of a Donation of a Canine Ballistic Vest Valued at $1,220 from Friends of Sonora Police Department; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.
Turu VanderWiel Police Chief recognized Cathy and Mike for their donation; presented Ridge to the Council, wearing his Canine Ballistic Vest; and gave a brief explanation of the need for the Ballistic Vest.
Councilmembers made comments an thanked Friends of Sonora Police Department.
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
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.
6. Consider Acceptance of an Informational Report for July Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator
7. Consider Approval of Disbursements in the Amount of $327,395.68, and $249,207.10 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.
8. Consider Approval of the Reclassification of One (1) Full-time Public Works Assistant Position to a Public Works Specialist Position, Effective July 1, 2025, With the Associated Fiscal Impact to be Absorbed Within the Approved FY25/26 Budget; Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer/City Clerk.
9. Consider Appointment of a City Negotiation Team for Sonora Fire Fighters Association (SFFA) Negotiations; Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
10. Consider Approval of a Letter of Support Sent to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Wildland Prevention Program; Andy Merrill, Vice Mayor.
Councilmember Mark Plummer requested to pull Item 10.
Councilmembers discussed and made comments.
Melissa Eads City Administrator made comments.
No public comment.
Motion made by Councilmember Mark Plummer for the Council to retroactively support the Letter of Support Sent to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Wildland Prevention Program, Seconded by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill. Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
11. Review and Discuss Adding to a Future Agenda a Proclamation Recognizing National Suicide Prevention Week and National Suicide Prevention Month in Observance of 988 Day; Andy Merrill, Vice Mayor.
Motion made by Councilmember Mark Plummer to Approve Items 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11, Seconded by Councilmember Stephen Opie. Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Any Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer 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
PUBLIC HEARINGS
12. Waive the First Reading, Read By Title Only, and Introduce for Consideration, Approval, and Adoption of the Updated Defensible Space Ordinance No. 907, Modifying and Updating Chapter 8.12.010-8.12.090 of the Sonora Municipal Code; Gary Carlson, Interim Fire Chief.
Gary Carlson Interim Fire Chief reviewed the Updated Defensible Space Ordinance.
Councilmembers made comments and discussed with the Interim Fire Chief.
Rocky Rozadilla owner Rocky's Tree Care addressed the Interim Fire Chief and Council.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom made additional comments.
Motion made by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Mark Plummer. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
NEW BUSINESS
13. Consider Approval of the Dewberry Engineers Inc. (Dewberry) Team to Provide Project Oversight Services in the Amount of $35,000 for the North-South Connector Project Initiation Document (PID) Project; Mike Pugh, Dewberry Engineers Inc./City Engineer.
Mike Pugh Dewberry Engineers Inc./City Engineer presented Task Order 25-3 to Provide Project Oversight for the North-South Connector Project Initiation Document Project.
No public comment.
Councilmembers discussed and made comments.
Motion made by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Mark Plummer. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
14. Consider Discussion and Direction to Dissolve Four (4) City Commissions/Committees; Melissa Eads, City Administrator, Josh Varinsky, City Attorney.
Josh Varinsky City Attorney explained the four Commissions/Committees to formally be dissolved.
Melissa Eads City Administrator made additional comments.
Councilmembers shared comments and concerns.
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
Sharon Maravich made comments and shared her concerns.
Council members made additional comments.
Melissa Eads City Administrator made additional comments.
Motion made by Councilmember Stephen Opie, Seconded by Vice Mayor Merrill.
Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
15. Consider the Mayor’s Appointment of Curtis Wicks to Serve as a City of Sonora Planning Commissioner for a Four-Year Term Expiring on July 1, 2029; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
Consider the Mayor’s Re-Appointment of Nathan Morales to Serve as a City of Sonora Planning Commissioner for a Four-Year Term Expiring on July 1, 2029; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director presented the appointment of Curtis Wicks to the Planning Commission for a four-year term.
No public comment.
Councilmembers thanked Mr. Wicks.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director presented the re-appointment of Nathan Morales to the Planning Commission for a four-year term.
Councilmembers are happy with the re-appointment.
Motion made by Councilmember Stephen Opie, Seconded by Councilmember Bess Levine. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer.
16. Consider Approval of the (Low) Bid Award to Baldwin Construction for the Public Works Maintenance Yard Structure Project in the Amount of $210,000 and Authorize the City Administrator to Sign the Construction Agreement and all Related Project Documents; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director presented the (Low) Bid Award too Baldwin Construction for the Public Works Maintenance Yard Structure Project.
No public comment.
Councilmembers made comments.
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 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
COMMUNICATIONS
17. Receive Communications from the California Department of Transportation to the Tuolumne County Transportation Council (TCTC) Regarding Maintenance Updates, Traffic Operations Updates, and Project Program Updates.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Stephen Opie attended YES Council.
Councilmember Bess Levine had nothing to report.
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill informed those in attendance the Committee on Homelessness is looking for a District 1 representative, and ATCAA is looking for a representative from the private sector or lived experience; shared information on the Homelessness Committee; TCTC (Tuolumne County Transportation Council); and ATCAA (Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency).
Councilmember Mark Plummer attended TCTC.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom attended National Night Out; the Sierra Business Council gathering and mixer; met the President of Columbia College Chad Redwing; and attended the League of California Cities.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 6:40 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.