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, October 06, 2025
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on October 6, 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
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 11/11/2025
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 Mark Plummer
ARRIVING AFTER THE GAVEL
Councilmember Stephen Opie
ABSENT
Councilmember Bess Levine
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comment.
ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
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).
2. Threat to Public Services or Facilities (Gov. Code, § 54957): Consultation with: Douglas L. White, City Attorney; Melissa Eads, City Administrator; and Turu VanderWiel, Chief of Police.
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 Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Paragrah (2) of Subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: 1 Potential Case. Rachel Rappaport, City Attorney, Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 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 Closed Session has not been completed. We will go back into Closed Session after this meeting.
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, October 3, 2025, at 12:38 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.
Nathan Alonzo Government Affairs Representative for PG&E would like to be added to a future Agenda to give an update.
Katie Dunn President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce gave a recap of the Sidewalk Sale; and passed out a poster for Trick or Treat Street and Spooky Town Park.
Thad Waterbury shared a concern with 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
Gabriel Perales Information Officer with the United States Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster, Recovery and Resilience addressed the Council.
Tim with Tuolumne County Transit Agency informed those in attendance of their survey that is now available for residents to complete.
PRESENTATIONS
5. Receive an Update from Tuolumne County District 1 Supervisor Mike Holland; Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
Mike Holland Tuolumne County District 1 Supervisor presented the County's adopted Budget for 2025/2026; and discussed "What's Next".
Councilmembers asked questions and discussed.
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 Approval of the Meeting Minutes from August 18, 2025, and September 2, 2025; Stacy Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk.
7. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 10-06-2025-A Approving Side Letters to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with the Sonora Employees Association (SEA) and the Sonora Police Officers Association (SPOA) to Comply with California Code of Regulations (CCR) sections 571 and 571.1, and Resolution No. 10-06-2025-B Approving Updated Salary Range Tables for Each Group Reflecting Accurate Reporting of Compensation to CalPERS; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator, Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer/City Clerk.
8. Authorize Placement of a Proclamation Condemning Violence and Promoting Respectful Dialogue to the October 20, 2025, City Council Agenda; Stephen Opie, Councilmember.
Councilmember Stephen Opie commented on Item #8 and requested the second paragraph of the Proclamation include the words life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom asked a question on Item #7.
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
Chris Gorsky Assistant City Administrator confirmed.
No public comment.
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 HEARINGS
9. Waive First Reading, Read by Title Only, and Introduce Ordinance 909 of the Sonora City Council Clarifying Ordinance No. 905; Repealing Chapter 8.30, Emergency Services; and Repealing and Replacing Chapter
2.28, Emergency Services (Reserved) of the Sonora Municipal Code; Doug White, City Attorney, Tracy Skelly, City Clerk.
Josh Varinsky City Attorney recommended a continuance of this Item to the next meeting to ensure the changes have been made.
Councilmembers were in agreement.
10. Waive First Reading, Read by Title Only, and Introduce an Ordinance No. 910 of the Sonora City Council Repealing and Replacing Section 8.40.010, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, of Section 8.40, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, of Title 8, Health and Safety, of the Sonora Municipal Code to Align with Ordinance No. 906; Doug White, City Attorney, Tracy Skelly, City Clerk.
Josh Varinsky City Attorney explained the update to Ordinance #910.
No public comment.
Motion made by Councilmember Mark Plummer, Seconded by Councilmember Bess Levine. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
11. Consider Recommendation to Formally Dissolve Four (4) City Commissions/Committees; Josh Varinsky, City Attorney, Melissa Eads, City Administrator.
1. Waive First Reading, Read by Title Only, and Introduce Ordinance No. 911 of the Sonora City Council Amending Chapter 12.20, Shade Trees and Shrubs, of Title 12, Streets and Sidewalks, of the Sonora Municipal Code to Dissolve the City Tree and Landscaping Board.
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
2. Waive First Reading, Read by Title Only, and Introduce Ordinance No. 912 of the Sonora City Council Amending Sections 2.36.040, Management and Supervision, 2.36.060, Superintendent – Purchases; City Council Approval, and 2.36.130, Grave Markers – Requirements, of Chapter 2.36, Cemeteries, Of Title 2, Administration and Personnel, of the Sonora Municipal Code to Dissolve the Cemetery Committee.
3. Waive First Reading, Read by Title Only, and Introduce Ordinance No. 913 of the Sonora City Council Repealing Chapter 10.24, Parking and Traffic Commission, of Title 10, Vehicles and Traffic, of the Sonora Municipal Code to Dissolve the Parking and Traffic Commission.
4. Adopt Resolution 10-06-2025-C Dissolving the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee.
5. Waive First Reading, Read by Title Only, and Introduce Ordinance No. 914 of the Sonora City Council Amending Sections 17.33.050 Administration, and 17.33.030, Land Use Plan, of Chapter 17.33, Commercial Specific Plan, of Title 17, Zoning, of the Sonora Municipal Code.
Councilmember Mark Plummer asked to set aside the Parking and Traffic Commission.
Josh Varinsky City Attorney reviewed the Commissions and Committees that are to be dissolved.
Councilmembers made comments and discussed.
Sharon Marovich Tuolumne Heritage Committee shared concerns and addressed the Council.
Shelly Stewart with the Aronos Club addressed the Council.
Larry Coombes addressed the Council.
Charles Segerstrom addressed the Council.
Councilmembers continued to discuss.
Motion made by Councilmember Mark Plummer to Eliminate all Standing Committees Except Item #3 the Parking and Traffic Commission, Seconded by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill. Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
Motion made by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill to Consider Formally Dissolving the Parking and Traffic Commission, Seconded by Councilmember Stephen Opie. Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie.
Voting Nay: 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
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12. Consider Approval of the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement to California Waste Recovery Systems, LLC (CalWaste) for Subscription-Based Solid Waste, Recycling, and Green Waste Collection and Management Services; Carlye Buchholz, P.E., P.L.S., City Engineer
Carlye Buchholz City Engineer reviewed the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement with Cal-Waste for solid waste, recycling and green waste collections; Proposition 218 and solid waste rates.
Josh Varinsky City Attorney discussed Proposition 218, which requires local government to obtain voter or property owner approval before imposing or increasing taxes or fees.
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill revisited having a dedicated fund for recycling revenue and franchisee fees.
Chris Gorsky Assistant City Administrator confirmed there will be separate line items.
A public comment was made by, Mike Holland Tuolumne County District 1 Supervisor who thanked the Council.
Councilmember Mark Plummer thanked the current Franchisee.
Josh Varinsky City Attorney advised the Council to Approve the Contract, and Staff to bring back Exhibit A (the current rate schedule) at the next meeting.
Motion made by Councilmember Mark Plummer to Approve the Contract and bring back the Rate Schedule at the next meeting, Seconded by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill. Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
13. Receive a Presentation on the Gold Rush Path Phase 1 Project Progress Update; Mike Pugh, City Engineer.
Mike Pugh City Engineer gave an update on the Gold Rush Path Phase 1 Project Progress; and introduced Derek Kirkland a Design Consultant with Wood Rogers who presented the details of the project with a power point.
Councilmembers asked questions and made comments. No formal action was required or taken.
No public comment.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom thanked Derek.
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
NEW BUSINESS
14. Consider Approval of $55,528 for the Repair of the Known Storm Drain Between 191 Elk Drive and 207 Elk Drive Utilizing on On-Call Contractor Njirich and Sons, with the Ability to Authorize Additional Funds to Replace Unidentified Damage, as Necessary. Carlye Buchholz, City Engineer.
Carlye Buchholz City Engineer reviewed the proposed repair of the Storm Drain between 191 Elk Drive and 207 Elk Drive.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom made comments and asked questions.
No public comment.
Councilmembers made additional comments and discussed with Caryle Buchholz City Engineer.
Motion made by Councilmember Mark Plummer, Seconded by Councilmember Stephen Opie. Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
15. Receive a Presentation on Three (3) Potential Grant Opportunities for the City of Sonora: an Evacuation Route Improvement Plan, the Sonora Creek Restoration and Parking Lot Removal & Replacement Plan, and the Downtown Walkability Plan, with Direction to Support Grant Writing Efforts, Including a Budget Amendment and Task Order in the Amount of $75,000. Rebecca Neilon, Grant Writer and Funding Specialist.
Rebecca Neilon Grant Writer and Funding Specialist presented the Three Potential Grant Opportunities; Sonora City Wide Evacuation Route Improvement Plan, Sonora Creek Restoration and River Walk, and Downtown Sonora Walkability Improvements.
Councilmembers made comments and discussed with Rebecca Neilson Grant Writer and Funding Specialist.
No public comment.
Motion made by Councilmember Stephen Opie, Seconded by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy 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
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Stephen Opie gave an update on IRWM (Integrated Regional Water Management).
Councilmember Bess Levine attended the League of California Cities Event in Modesto; Sidewalk Sale; and Coffee with a Cop at the Aronos Club.
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill attended and performed at the Nancy's Hope Music Festival.
Councilmember Mark Plummer attended Coffee with a Cop; the Tuolumne County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) postponed their meeting; and Cable 8 Access Tuolumne is going well.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom was at Meet the Mayor with the Interim Fire Chief and new Fire Chief; attended the Board of Supervisors meeting; the State of the College at MJC (Modesto Junior College); the stakeholder call with the County CAO Recruiter; Sidewalk Sale; and Coffee with a Cop.
Councilmember Mark Plummer reminded everyone there is one remaining Farmers Market.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned into Closed Session at 7:31 PM.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom stated direction was given to staff.
Adjourned at 7:53 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.