2024-2029 Housing Element City of Sonora
Response to Comments September 15, 2025
1-3 Do all City of Sonora residential zones allow Very Low Income and Extremely Low-Income Housing? Response: The City does not have an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance thereby requiring a certain percentage of residential units to be restricted affordable units. For clarity, “Affordable” means not spending more than 30% of their gross monthly income on housing (including rent/mortgage and utilities). Accordingly, affordability in the City of Sonora is based upon product type, square footage, and quality of the construction. For example, single family dwellings may be considered moderate (80 to 120 percent AMI) or above moderate income (120 plus AMI) based upon the square footage, quality of the construction and product valuation.
Multi-family dwelling units, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) may be considered very low (30 to 50 percent AMI), lower income (50 to 80 percent AMI), or moderate income (80 to 120 percent AMI), based upon square footage, quality of the construction, and product valuation.
1-4 Will ADU’s be recognized and counted as satisfying Low Income for RHNA? Response: As noted above, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), based upon square footage, quality of construction and product valuation are recognized and may be counted as satisfying Low Income for RHNA purposes. This is represented in the City’s Annual Housing Element Progress Report due to HCD by April 1st of each year.
1-5 Does the proposed Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone require a developer to build a project with 20% of the units reserved for lower income or will a developer still have the right to develop a market rate project under the existing R-3 zone guidelines? (This is an extremely important question related to housing development feasibility).
Response: The Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone does not require a developer to build deed restricted affordable housing. A developer shall adhere to the High Density Residential (HDR) General Plan designation with respect to product type and density and shall be required to comply with the principally permitted and accessory uses, and zoning standards listed in the City’s R3 Zone. The Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone does not alter or otherwise change the Lemke Property General Plan and R3 Zone criteria.
1-6 Please confirm Housing Element, Ordinance 908 is not restricting current/existing R3 Zoning rights?
Response: The Regional Housing Overlay Zone does not restrict the current/existing R3 Zoning land uses and standards in any manner.
1-8 Why is there a 20% Demand Take of homes when our City of Sonora RHNA # is a total of two? Why is that considered an affordable solution when the Government Solution cost for affordable 425
Item B.
2024-2029 Housing Element City of Sonora
Response to Comments September 15, 2025
housing is carried by the Taxpayer or spread to the next-door neighbors in a new home neighborhood.
Response: There are no provisions that demand a 20% take of homes. Based upon HCD’s June 9, 2025, letter requiring a rezone of the Lemke property (See Attachment 3), HCD is citing Section 65583.2 c, which states:
…….A nonvacant site identified pursuant to paragraph (3) or (4) of subdivision (a) in a prior housing element and a vacant site that has been included in two or more consecutive planning periods that was not approved to develop a portion of the locality’s housing need shall not be deemed adequate to accommodate a portion of the housing need for lower income households that must be accommodate in the current housing need for lower income households that must be accommodated in the current housing element planning period unless the site is zoned at residential densities consistent with paragraph (3) of this subdivision and the site is subject to a program in the housing element requiring rezoning within three years of the beginning of the planning period to allow residential by-right for housing developments in which at least 20 percent of the units are affordable to lower income households.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for a local government that fails to adopt a housing element that the department has found to be in substantial compliance with state law within 120 days of the statutory deadline in Section 65588 for adoption of the housing element, rezoning pursuant to this subdivision shall be completed no later than one year form the statutory deadline in Section 65588 for adoption of the housing element.
Given that the Lemke site was identified in prior City of Sonora Housing Elements, Section 65583.2 c requires the site to be rezoned to allow residential by-right for housing developments in which at least 20 percent of the units are affordable to lower income households. 1-9 Real solutions are organic and local. Can a builder utilize other properties to satisfy Low Income Housing, or will the City deny that solution?
Response: As noted, the City does not have an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance thereby requiring a certain percentage of residential units to be deed restricted affordable units. Accordingly, affordability in the City of Sonora is based upon product type, square footage, and quality of the construction. The various residential zoning districts with various zoning standards in the City of Sonora are aimed at providing a variety of housing for all income segments of the community. 1-10 California Code Section 65583.2 is operative until December 31,2028 and as of that date is repealed. Is the proposed RHNAOZD to be repealed as well? 426
Item B.
2024-2029 Housing Element City of Sonora
Response to Comments September 15, 2025
Response: According to California Legislative Information website Section 65583.2 is to be repealed and replaced by December 31, 2028: (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/selectFromMultiples.xhtml), Section 65583.2 is therefore to remain in effect only until December 31, 2028, and as of that date is repealed (Amended (as amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 5) by Stats. 2024, Ch. 282, Sec. 6.5. (AB 3093) Effective January 1, 2025. Repealed as of December 31, 2028, by its own provisions. See later operative version, as amended by Sec. 7.5 of Stats. 2024, Ch. 282.) However, a new section 65583.2 is to become operative on December 31, 2028 (Amended (as amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 6) by Stats. 2024, Ch. 282, Sec. 7.5. (AB 3093) Effective January 1, 2025. Section operative December 31, 2028, by its own provisions.)
Specifically, Section 65583.2 c therefore will remain in effect beyond December 31, 2028. The City’s draft Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone is consistent with Section 65583.2 c as reviewed and informally approved by HCD.
1-11 Lemke Property is a 16.05-acre site. The Housing element identifies this site as only 9.19 acres due to site constraints and topography. Please provide the analysis that the Housing Element is using? Response: The 2024-2029 Housing Element used the analysis of the previous Housing Element for the purpose of showing a realistic development potential considering site constraints, topography, and prior City approved subdivision densities. This analysis is merely to show projected housing numbers to meet with City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment. However, the true density and type of product will be determined once an application for development has been prepared and site constraint analysis conducted as part of the application process. Until that time, the unit density is merely theoretical and used for theoretical purposes to satisfy Housing Element law and HCD review requirements. 1-12 The planning commission packet only included (2) comment letters on the Initial Study/Negative Declaration which were from the California Water Board and Caltrans. Were there any comment letters from the local utility companies or other local interests? Response: Two letters in addition to Mr. Lemke’s comment letter were received. No further comments have been received on the 2024-2029 Housing Element and Initial Study/Negative Declaration prepared for the 2024-2029 Housing Element. Note that public outreach and engagement was provided during the preparation of the 2024-2029 Housing Element update. It is expected that the public outreach and engagement limited comment on the 2024-2029 Housing Element Update. 1-13 Ordinance 908 is written in a way that streamlined cost saving efficiency to non-local bloated taxpayer funded entities. Why are these streamlined cost savings not available to the competitive cost effective market rate neighborhoods? The market rate competitive neighborhood is where the taxpayer and housing consumer can benefit from cost savings instead of increased government expense?
Response: Ordinance 908 allows a bi-right option should 20% of the units be deeded restricted for affordable housing. Ordinance 908 does not require this option, and the property can and will be 427
Item B.
2024-2029 Housing Element City of Sonora
Response to Comments September 15, 2025
developed in accordance with the City’s HDR General Plan designation and R3 Zone. Ordinance 908 is the minimum to comply with Section 65583.2 c as required of HCD and is necessary to acquire housing element certification by HCD.
Letter 2 – Correspondence from Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board dated August 12, 2025.
2-1 The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board memorializes the permitting authority and requirements germane to their permitting authority.
Response: The City of Sonora is aware of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board’s permitting requirements as applicable. Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Permits will be obtained as required.
Letter 3 – Correspondence from Caltrans dated August 11, 2025.
3-1 Caltrans notes that the City should consult with Caltrans regarding developments in the City that may affect Caltrans highways.
Response: The City of Sonora coordinates with Caltrans regarding projects which may affect Caltrans Highways.
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Housing Element Update
City Council Hearing October 20, 2025
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Item B.
Introduction & Purpose
State Mandate: Since 1969, California law requires all local governments to include a housing element in their general plans.
Purpose: Ensures cities and counties plan to meet the housing needs of current and future residents, including low-income and special needs populations
Update Cycle: Must be updated every 5 years.
Compliance: California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review and approval.
Impact: Influences zoning, land use, and funding eligibility for housing projects
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A housing element in California is
fundamentally an exercise in
analyzing HOUSING
CAPACITY and CONSTRAINTS, which
then informs future planning, policy, and
programmatic action.
Introduction & Purpose
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Housing Element
Table of Contents
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Housing Needs Assessment
3.3 Site Inventory Analysis and Zoning
3.4 Constraints
3.5 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
3.6 Housing Plan – Goals, Policies and Programs
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Item B.
Demographics & Needs
Assessment
Population stable around 5,000
Median age decreased from 43.5 to 38.3 (2010-
2021)
Increase in children under 18 and seniors over 65
Higher renter occupancy in Sonora (51%) vs
County (23%)
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Item B.
Housing Stock & Affordability
77% of housing units over 30 years old
51% of units over 50 years old
Average home price:
• $356K (2-bed)
• $314K (3-bed)
Average rent:
• $1,500 (1-bed)
• $2,700 (4-bed)
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Item B.
Special Needs & Homelessness
20% of population has a disability
6.7% of households are large (5+ persons)
8% are single-parent households
92 unsheltered individuals in 2022 PIT count
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Item B.
Regional Housing Needs
Allocation
What is RHNA?
• RHNA is a process required by California law to ensure cities and counties plan for enough housing to meet the needs of all income levels
How is RHNA Determined?
• The California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) calculates the total number of housing units required statewide per cycle (eight years).
• Distributes housing need to Councils of Governments,
Counties, and Cities
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Item B.
Regional Housing Needs
Allocation
RHNA allocation: 2 units (1 very low, 1 low)
• Same allocation as Tuolumne County
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Item B.
Site Inventory
Sites identified: Lemke (106 units), Cuesta Heights (48 units) • Included in both 6th and 5th cycle Housing Elements at same affordability levels
Surplus capacity: 152 units
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Item B.
CUESTA HEIGHTS
LEMKE
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Constraints to Housing
Governmental:
• zoning, fees, permit procedures
Non-Governmental:
• land & construction costs
Environmental:
• wildfire risk, aging infrastructure
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Item B.
Affirmatively Furthering
Fair Housing
• No Racially/Ethnically
Concentrated Areas of
Poverty
• AFFH analysis shows
equitable RHNA site
distribution
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Item B.
Housing Plan Goals
• Housing Conservation
• Housing Production
•Provision of Adequate Housing Sites
•Future Annexation for Future Housing Cycles
• Removal of Governmental Constraints
• Regional Coordination
•Equal Housing Opportunity
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Item B.
Key Programs & Objectives
•Quantified objectives: 2 new units, 20 rehab,
260 preserved
• Goals:
• Broad, aspirational statements to reflect long-term housing vision. • Policies:
• Specific directives that guide decisions and achieve goals. • Housing Programs:
• Actions to implement the policies.
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Item B.
Housing Program Summary
Topical Area Key Actions Who/What is Helped Example
Neighborhood &
Housing Quality
Historic code, upgrades,
weatherization
Older neighborhoods,
homeowners
Storm drain upgrades,
energy audits
Affordable & Special
Needs Housing
Monitor units, fee waivers,
shelter support
Low-income, seniors,
disabled, homeless
Support for ATCAA
shelter, fee waivers
Infill & Housing
Diversity
Promote infill, ADUs,
vacant land inventory
Renters, workforce,
families
Apartments above
shops, ADU permits
Regulatory & Zoning
Updates
Zoning amendments,
streamline permitting
Developers, special
needs, group homes
Reduced parking,
allow SROs
Fair Housing &
Outreach
Education, partnerships,
accessibility
All residents, protected
classes
Brochures, fair
housing info
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Item B.
Example Housing Programs
PROGRAM 1.2
• Pursue Projects Promoting Neighborhood Improvements in Conjunction with Housing Rehabilitation and New Construction PROGRAM 1.3
• Monitor the Status of At-Risk Units, and Inform Agencies Able to Pursue Purchase and Support Acquisition Efforts
PROGRAM 1.4
• Coordinate with the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA) to Promote Energy Conservation for Housing Rehabilitation Projects
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Item B.
Example Housing Programs
PROGRAM 2.1
• Pursue Grant Funding for New Housing Production and Housing Rehabilitation
PROGRAM 2.3
• Support Infill Development to Facilitate Housing Development Across all Income Categories
PROGRAM 3.1
• Ensure adequate sites to meet the RHNA are provided throughout the 7th RHNA cycle
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Item B.
Example Housing Programs
PROGRAM 5.3 Zoning Code Amendments
• Revise Chapter 17.42.06 to reduce the required parking for studios from 1.5 to 1 per unit.
• Revise Chapter 17.56 to comply with current state density bonus law. • Revise Chapter 17.20 to increase the maximum number of stories in the R3 zone from 2 to 3.
• Revise Chapter 17 to comply with state emergency shelter law. • Add specific definitions of Low Barrier Navigation Centers, Emergency Shelters, Transitional Housing ,and Supportive Housing.
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Item B.
Example Housing Programs
PROGRAM 5.3 Zoning Code Amendments
• Revise the Zoning Code to allow supportive housing and LBNCs by-right in all zones where multifamily and mixed uses are permitted, including nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses, to ensure consistency with procedurals and requirements as provided in Government Code Sections 65662 and 65664. • Revise the zoning code to allow transitional and supportive housing in all zones allowing residential uses subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone. • Revise Zoning Code and Permit Procedures to ensure compliance with all provisions of Government Code section 65651 regarding allowing supportive housing as a use by-right in all multifamily and mixed-use zones. 448
Item B.
Community Outreach
Three Virtual Stakeholder Interviews, December 2024
• Representatives from:
• Area 12 Agency on Aging
• Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency
• Habitat for Humanity
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Item B.
Community Outreach
Stakeholder Feedback:
• Perceived needs for funding to rehabilitate
substandard housing stock
• Perceived lack of community support for multifamily
or lower-income housing
• High cost of housing construction
• Perceived lack of middle-income / workforce housing
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Item B.
HCD Consultation
• Based upon HCD’s June 9, 2025, review letter, CSG staff worked with HCD on the Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone to be applied to the Lemke Property (Attachment 3).
• HCD staff has reviewed the draft Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone and has confirmed that the City’s draft is consistent with State law and satisfies Program 3.1 (Attachment 4).
• Program 3.1 requires the City to rezone the Lemke Property by June 30, 2025, to permit a by-right (i.e. without discretionary review) use for development where at least 20 percent of the units are affordable to lower income households.
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Item B.
Program 3.1 – APN: 044-430-055
• The Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone attaches to the underlying R-3 Zone for the Lemke Property (APN: 044-430-055). • The rezone to the RHNAOZ does not authorize land uses not otherwise permitted currently, it merely provides full disclosure via zoning that a bi-right process is afforded a developer should 20 percent of the units be reserved for lower income households.
• Together with adoption of the 2024-2029 Housing Element, the Lemke Property is to be rezoned with a Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone in addition to the R3 Zone (Program 3.1).
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Item B.
Program 3.1 – APN: 044-430-055
• Comments and questions regarding the Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone are in Attachment 6 – Comments on Initial Study and Negative Declaration.
• Specific responses to the questions posed are in Attachment 7. • The Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone does not in any manner require deed restricted affordable housing or otherwise prevent Mr. Lemke from developing his property as he has intended in accordance with the City’s current High Density Residential (HDR) General Plan and R3 Zoning. 453
Item B.
CEQA
• Public Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration and Notice of Public Hearing for the project as prepared and posted pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines and State law.
• The Negative Declaration was circulated through the Office of Planning & Research for a 30-day public review period commencing on period from July 11, 2025, through close of business on August 11, 2025 (Attachment 5 – Initial Study/Negative Declaration).
• Comment letters on the project at in Attachment 6 – Comments on Initial Study/Negative Declaration.
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Item B.
Planning Commission:
• The Planning Commission considered the 2024-2029 Housing Element at its August 25, 2025, Planning Commission meeting.
• After receiving public comment, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt the Final Draft 2024-2029, City of Sonora Housing Element as presented (Attachment 2 – Final Draft 2024-2029 City of Sonora Housing Element).
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Item B.
Planning Commission:
• The Planning Commission’s decision was seemingly based upon concerns expressed by the property owner Mr. Lemke that the Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone in Attachment 4 would in some manner encumber the property from being developed with other than affordable housing or otherwise reduce his ability to develop his property as he intended.
• The Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone does not in any manner require deed restricted affordable housing or otherwise prevent Mr. Lemke from developing his property as he has intended in accordance with the City’s current High Density Residential (HDR) General Plan and R3 Zoning.
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Item B.
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 10-20-2025-C - Amending the City’s General Plan Adopting the 2024-2029 Housing Element, which includes the following actions (Attachment 1):
a. Adoption of the Initial Study and Negative Declaration as the appropriate level of environmental review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Guidelines; b. Adoption of Findings of Fact for approval of the 2024-2029 Housing Element as presented in the Staff Report; and, c. Approval of the 2024-2029 Housing Element as presented in the Staff Report.
RECOMMENDATION
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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: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Receive the Community Development Department Quarterly Report for July, August, and September of 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
Receive the Community Development Department Quarterly Report for July, August, and September of 2025.
DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:
The following activities were undertaken by the Community Development Department:
DAILY ACTIVITIES
Answer phones.
Staff Office hours.
Issue Permits—Construction, Solar, Special Event, Banner, Planning, Encroachment, etc. Conduct Inspections (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS
Special Event Permits/Film Permits for the following Community Events:
Film Permit: Wildwood Entertainment, September 23, 2025 (Thirsty Prospector) Sonora Christmas Town, Sonora Chamber of Commerce; Nov. 26 – Dec. 24 458
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
FARMERS MARKET
This market season has seen several changes. These market modifications include a $5 increase in booth fees from $35 to $40 per vendor space. This allowed the Market to hire an additional market staff person so that two (2) individuals would set up, manage and support the market and break down at the end of market each Saturday. This has been a huge benefit to the market—offering more support to market vendors, offer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and provide market info from the booth. Implementation of Stewart Street closure. This season has seen the closure of Stewart Street from Linoberg to Theall. This allows for the market to expand to both the north and south bound lanes for additional vendors. To this point, market surveys reveal that this has been a popular change.
Additionally, market goers have commented on the benefit of having more food vendors present. A second Market Assistant Manager was also hired this year. This allowed for more resiliency, flexibility and sustainability in market management. Having 2 stewards of the market on each Saturday makes the workload much more manageable. This allows the market information booth to be staffed at all times, which is particularly important now that the market is in its second year of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) acceptance. This decision brings anywhere from $350-$700 additional dollars to the Market on any given Saturday.
LINOBERG STREET
Crosswalk enhancements were delivered at the three crosswalks surrounding the Farmers Market parking lot, including: Linoberg and Stewart; Stewart and Theall; Shepherd and Theall. Curbs were painted red, and planters were donated by Blue Zones Project to get trash cans off the sidewalk.
Agreements for use of Linoberg are pending for both Sonora Tap Room and Diamondback Grill.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Code enforcement is helping to lead implementation efforts of the shopping cart ordinance which was adopted over the summer and it is now being implemented in partnership with Sonora businesses (that have 15 carts or more).
Abandoned vehicles (supporting police department), permits, wildfire clearance (supporting fire department) and addressing concerns from the community has been a focus for our code enforcement officer.
A second day for our Code Enforcement Officer (Thomas Mlady) has been secured, and he will begin reporting twice a week this Fall.
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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
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) MANAGEMENT
Final project close out of this grant (purchase of two fire engines and equipment) is in process. Staff is preparing to apply for the upcoming CDBG funding cycle that a Notice of Funding Availability was recently released for. Applications are due in December. The City will be applying to fund the rehabilitation of a structure it owns at 290 S. Stewart Street, into a four-unit apartment.
CALOES PROJECT
Project has been bid and awarded. Construction permit has been pulled. Work will begin on this project by late October or early November.
PER CAPITA (STATE PARKS) GRANT
Ribbon Cutting for the recently completed Pickleball court is planned for Friday, October 24, 2025; 3pm, Woods Creek Park.
STOCKTON-WASHINGTON CORRIDOR PROJECT
Project Closed Out!!
ORDINANCE UPDATE(S)
The sidewalk encroachment ordinance has been adopted. The ordinance is successfully addressing some issues that have been affecting the public right of way in downtown.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for October 27th 2025.
Projects being reviewed:
1. (New) Canopy for Adventist Health—Design Review
2. Parcel Map Review—City Council recommendation
3. Art (proposed) for a Downtown Building—Design Review
4. 290 S. Stewart street—Design Review
USE PERMIT
N/A
HOUSING/SAFETY ELEMENT
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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 Housing Element went to the Planning Commission on August 25, 2025, with a Resolution adopted recommending the City Council amend to the General Plan to reflect the updated Housing Element. The Housing Element will be considered by City Council at its October 20, 2025, meeting. Ordinance 908, which addresses a rezone of a single parcel in the City will be heard by the Planning Commission before coming before the City Council again. This rezone is part of the Housing Element update and is captured under Program 3.1 and is a requirement of the State Housing and Community Development Department.
Safety Element is currently being reviewed by CalFire. After comments have been addressed the Element will go to Planning Commission for review.
ENCROACHMENT PERMITS (Caltrans)
Sonora High School Homecoming Parade, October 10, 2025. Sonora Christmas Parade. November 28, 2025.
SO BEAUTIFUL (Community Beautification Program)
The first artwork in downtown Sonora has been placed as part of this new program. The location is the old court administrative office (owned by the County) located at 61 N. Washington Street. Additional art will be added to locations around town. The next piece will be at El Arroyo on Main Street.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Przybyla Advisors has a draft plan for presentation to City Council in November. With input from City Council the plan will be finalized in December, and staff will have direction for which programs are the highest priority for the City staff to begin working on.
AD HOC ARTS COMMITTEE
Staff has had an initial meeting with the Mayor and Andy Merrill to discuss composition of this Ad Hoc committee. Applications to apply for the committee have been developed, staff needs to make public notice regarding the opportunity and begin selecting participants.
GOLD RUSH PATH
30% Design documents for the 1.5-mile multi-use path have been issued. Staff is currently in the process of reaching out to property owners to set us meetings to discuss the project and work through questions and potential impact to properties.
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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 Development (Planning and conceptual design only) of Phase 2 and 3 is currently moving forward under the leadership of the Tuolumne County Transportation Council. City staff is participating in the planning efforts and utilizing outreach efforts to talk about Phase 1 (City project).
BUILDING UPDATE (Brian Odom)
See attached Quarterly report
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact, for City Council information purposes only.
ATTACHMENTS:
Building Quarterly Report.
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:
Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan.
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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: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Mike Pugh / Carlye Buchholz, City Engineer
SUBJECT: Receive the City of Sonora Engineering Department Quarterly Report for July, August, and September 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the City of Sonora Engineering Department Quarterly Report for July, August, and September 2025.
DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:
The City of Sonora Public Works Department, Engineering Division, performed the following activities:
General Business
Authorized the NTP for the construction of the Public Works Maintenance Building – 8/20/2025. The project is scheduled for completion in early December 2025 Authorized the NTP for the construction of the Woods Creek Pickleball Court – 6/23/2025. The project construction was substantially completed on 10/10/2025
The On-Call Contracting contracts were prepared and routed of approval and execution Provided the services needed to select and get under contract a new solid waste removal company - Solid Waste Franchise Agreement to California Waste Recovery Systems, LLC (Cal-Waste) o Meeting and site visit with Cal-Recycle
o RFP prepared and advertised
o Proposals evaluated
o Contract negotiated with Cal-Waste
o Contract reviewed and submitted to the City Council for approval – 10/06/2025 City Council Meeting (Rates to be approved at the 10/20/2025 City Council Meeting) Assisted TCTC with a CalFire Grant
Created an AutoCAD file of Sonora City Streets for an update to iWorQ Provided letters and safety visits to residents
Prepare a draft Speed Bump Policy
Prepared a Linoberg and Stewart Street Loading Zone exhibit Facilitate the Parking and Traffic Commission Meeting Reviewed encroachment permits
Performed plan check reviews
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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 Determined preliminary Right of Way limits at various locations in the City Federal Compliance:
Submitted the quarterly ATP update for the Gold Rush Path project to Caltrans – Submitted 10/13/25 Submitted the final invoice and project closeout document for the Transit Center project to Caltrans – Submitted 9/19/25
Submitted updated language for the FHWA SS4A Grant to FHWA – Submitted 10/8/25.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:
Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan
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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: October 21, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Gary Carlson, Interim Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Receive the Sonora Fire Department Quarterly Report for July, August, and September 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the Sonora Fire Department Quarterly Report for July, August, and September 2025.
DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:
1. The City of Sonora Fire Department responded to 471 calls for service.
Start Date: 07/01/2025 | End Date: 09/30/2025
2. Sonora City units responded to emergency calls as follows:
100 - Fire, other 1
131 - Passenger vehicle fire 1
137 - Camper or recreational vehicle (RV) fire 2
141 - Forest, woods, or wildland fire 3
142 - Brush or brush-and-grass mixture fire 5
143 - Grass fire 5
161 - Outside storage fire 1
251 - Excessive heat, scorch burns with no ignition 1
321 - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury 306 322 - Motor vehicle accident with injuries 15
323 - Motor vehicle/pedestrian accident (MV Ped) 4
324 - Motor vehicle accident with no injuries. 9
441 - Heat from short circuit (wiring), defective/worn 3 511 - Lock-out 3
520 - Water problem, other 1
541 - Animal problem 1
550 - Public service assistance, other 5
551 - Assist police or other governmental agency 8
553 - Public service 6
554 - Assist invalid 17
470
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 600 - Good intent call, other 1
611 - Dispatched & cancelled en route 42
622 - No incident found on arrival at dispatch address 1 631 - Authorized controlled burning 1
651 - Smoke scare, odor of smoke 4
730 - System malfunction, other 12
731 - Sprinkler activation due to malfunction 1
735 - Alarm system sounded due to malfunction 5
736 - CO detector activation due to malfunction 1
740 - Unintentional transmission of alarm, other 1
741 - Sprinkler activation, no fire - unintentional 1
743 - Smoke detector activation, no fire - unintentional 2 745 - Alarm system activation, no fire - unintentional 2 Total 471
3. Monthly dollar loss in the city, resulting from fire: 0
4. The average response time during the month: 5:09
5. Automatic or mutual aid given: 281
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:
Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan
471
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: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Turu VanderWiel, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Receive the Sonora Police Departments Quarterly Report for July, August, and September 2025.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the Sonora Police Departments Quarterly Report for July, August, and September 2025.
BACKGROUND:
Each Quarter, the Sonora Police Department reports on general police activity for the previous quarter. This list is not all-inclusive and is guided by the interests of the City Council. The reporting format allows for a comparison of activity with the same period during the previous year.
The City is divided into two areas of responsibility, each monitored by our two Police Sergeants. The Sergeants monitor their assigned areas and proactively apply problem-solving community policing principles to address a range of issues, from property crime trends to public nuisance concerns, all with the goal of enhancing public safety.
Most categories in our report reflect criminal case investigation reporting, providing a comprehensive view of our law enforcement efforts. However, it's important to note that these categories primarily indicate the number of criminal case investigations rather than the actual number of incidents occurring in the City. Select categories, such as Larceny and Homeless Activity, have dual reporting numbers, reflecting the number of reported occurrences and the number of criminal case investigations. Similarly, the Total Phone Calls / 911 Calls category reflects the number of 911 calls included in the total number of incoming calls to the Sonora Police Department in a given reporting period, offering a more nuanced understanding of our emergency response.
DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:
The chart below summarizes activities for February 2025.
Activity Jul-Sep
2025
Jul-Sep
2024
Total Incidents 3,262 3,605
472
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 Calls for Service 2,359 2,542
Officer Initiated Activity 903 1,099
Total Arrests 87 102
Felony Arrests 24 31
Misdemeanor Arrests 63 86
Case Investigations 269 353
Parking Citations 30 76
Moving Citations 40 59
Domestic Violence 16 11
Total Larcenies/Larceny Investigations 54/24 60/---
Total Collisions/Collision Investigations 80/33 81/23
Homeless Activity/Case Reports 399/35 475/66
Animal Control Calls 130 83
Public Intoxication and Drug Influence 14 21
DUI Arrests (alcohol and/or drugs) 9 11
Total Phone Calls / 911 Calls 5,819/937 6,793/---
Average Per Day / 911 Average Per Day 63/10 73 / ---
Vehicle Tow/Storage Releases 11 19
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact on the General Fund.
473
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 ATTACHMENTS (3):
Crimes by Area Report
Area 1 Supervisor Report
Area 2 Supervisor Report
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:
Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Homelessness Issues, Training, and Retention 474
Item D.
1 July – September 2025 - Crimes by Area
AREA 1 REPORTS:
Violent Crimes:
3 – Felony Domestic Violence (one with Felony violation of Parole and misdemeanor vandalism; one with misdemeanor violation of a domestic violence restraining order) 1 – Felony Criminal Threats
2 – Misdemeanor Violation of Domestic Violence Restraining Order 1 – Misdemeanor Brandishing of a Weapon, other than a firearm 1 – Misdemeanor Domestic Battery (with felony illegal possession of an assault weapon and misdemeanor possession of a large capacity magazine)
1 – Misdemeanor Battery on a Person
Burglaries / Other Larceny:
5 – Felony Petty Theft with 2 or more Priors (one with misdemeanor trespassing and vandalism; one with felony conspiracy; one with felony grand theft) 1 – Felony Burglary from a Residence Location
1 – Felony Identity Theft (with misdemeanor petty theft) 4 – Misdemeanor Business Burglaries (Shoplifting) (one with felony burglary and felony make/pass fictitious check with intent to defraud)
7 – Misdemeanor Petty Theft from a Business Location
1 – Misdemeanor Possess or Manufacture Fictitious Check/Bill (with misdemeanor theft by use of access card)
AREA 2 REPORTS:
Violent Crimes:
4 – Felony Domestic Violence (one with felony strangulation and misdemeanor damage to a wireless communication device; one with felony rape by use of drugs and felony false imprisonment; one with felony rape of an unconscious person and misdemeanor damage to a wireless communication device)
1 – Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon, other than a firearm 6 – Misdemeanor Domestic Battery (one with misdemeanor violation of a domestic violence restraining order)
2 – Misdemeanor Sexual Battery
Burglaries / Other Larceny:
1 – Felony Burglary from a Residence Location
475
Item D.
2 1 – Felony Burglary from a Business Location
2 – Misdemeanor Petty Theft from a Business Location
1 – Misdemeanor Petty Theft from a Residence (with misdemeanor vandalism) 476
Item D.
Area 1 Supervisor Report
July-September 2025
Neighborhood Watch:
ELKS HILL:
No updated activity
SONORA KNOWLES:
No updated activity.
Case(s) for discussion:
Officers responded to a report of a domestic dispute, and the victim stated the suspect grabbed her backpack and prevented her from leaving. During their investigation, a rifle was located inside the residence. The officers located an unserialized AR-15 style rifle, one loaded 30-round magazine, one loaded 10-round magazine, and miscellaneous firearm parts. The suspect was booked on weapons charges and domestic violence charges.
Officers were dispatched to Walmart on a report of a male subject stealing a full shopping cart of merchandise valued at more than $950.00. The male subject loaded the stolen goods into a truck and left the area. Officers arrived in the area, located the vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop. The suspect was booked on theft charges, and items were recovered and returned to Walmart.
Investigations:
The department is currently looking to fill the open Detective position. Sergeant Nygard attended the ICI course dedicated to investigating officer-involved shootings.
Range:
Firearms qualifications were completed on June 25th and September. Officers also received training on less-lethal shotguns.
Range Instructor, Officer Figueroa, attended the Rifle instructor course.
Fleet:
A new Polaris ATV was purchased and delivered. Officers are currently being trained in the operation and deployment of the vehicle.
Six outdated fleet vehicles have been surplused and sent to auction.
Property and Evidence:
No updated activity
Respectfully submitted,
Sergeant Eric Nygard
477
Item D.
Area 2 Monthly Supervisor Report
July-September 2025
Neighborhood Watch:
MYERS HILL:
No updated activity.
NORTH STEWART:
No updated activity.
HIGHLAND VIEW:
No updated activity
Case(s) for discussion:
Officers responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon. Upon arrival, Officers contacted a male who had been cut with a knife on the forearms. The Victim stated that an unknown male along the creek contacted him, and the male then pulled a knife and slashed at him. The Victim was able to provide a possible clothing description but stated he had never seen the male before. The Victim was later transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers canvased the area but were unable to locate a male matching the description given. There were no cameras in the area that could assist officers in the investigation.
Officers conducted a traffic stop, and in the vehicle was a subject on searchable county probation. The Sonora police Department's K-9 was utilized for an exterior sniff of the vehicle, and the dog alerted its handler to narcotics inside. Officers conducted an interior search of the vehicle and located a white crystal-like substance that was consistent with Methamphetamine. The subject admitted to the substance being hers and was later booked into the Tuolumne County Jail for possession of a controlled substance.
K-9:
The Sonora PD K-9 Handler has continued to utilize his partner for narcotics and has had positive results.
The K-9 team is actively training twice a month and consistently showing progress. In August, our K-9 team was recertified with the Peace Officers Standards and Training qualifications.
K-9 Ridge received a ballistic vest, which was purchased by donations through the Friends of Sonora Police Department non-profit organization.
Reserves/Volunteers/Explorers:
Volunteers and Explorers have been holding meetings and training twice a month. They have also started doing the parking details at Sonora High School football games. The Explorers are receiving $5 donations per vehicle to help support their program, which helps cover the cost of training and supplies. We have gained new Volunteers and Explorers and continue to receive applications for the programs.
478
Item D.
Recruitment:
We have received multiple applications for Dispatcher and Officer positions. We will be holding interviews in October.
Training:
We have sent Officers to Driver Awareness Training, Field Training Officer training, Officer Involved Shooting Investigations, Women in Leadership Roles in Law Enforcement Conference, Dispatcher Academy, Reserve Training Conference, and Range Instructor for multiple firearm platforms.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sgt. Dominic Bertalotto
479
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: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Mike Lagomarsino, Public Works Supervisor
SUBJECT: Receive the Sonora Public Works Department Quarterly Report for July, August, and September 2025.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the Sonora Public Works Department Quarterly Report for July, August, and September 2025.
DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:
For July, August, and September 2025, the City of Sonora Public Works Department performed the following activities:
Events
Staged traffic signs for the Farmers Market weekly.
Staged road closed signs for the Poppy Event on Green Street on the Second Saturday of the month.
Streets
Loaded and hauled one pay pile.
Conducted weed abatement along numerous city ROWS.
Repaired a trip hazard on both sides of the crosswalk on Hospital Rd. Painted directional dots in the intersection of Mono Way and Greenley Rd. Pressure-washed trash cans and sidewalks in the downtown area. Performed roadside trash pickup.
Test patched trip hazards on sidewalks with several different materials. Replaced a burnt-out traffic signal on Restano Way.
Replaced the photocell and converted the streetlight on Ponderosa Way to LED. Repaired a handrail damaged by a vehicle on Mono Way. Performed clearance tree pruning on Saratoga Rd and Ridge Rd. Winterized Linoberg Street by tarping the past failure and adding sandbags to the edge of the road. Installed new directional (MORE SHOPS) signs on Linoberg St. Assisted the Police Department with the removal of debris from a homeless camp on Stockton Rd. Loaded and disposed of four deceased deer along city streets. Pressure-washed the bus stops on Stockton Rd.
Performed painting of street markings throughout the city. Made repairs to the dog waste bag dispensers throughout the city. 480
Item E.
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 Made repairs to the hand railing on Stewart St.
Repaired damaged street signs on Washington St and Cielo Vista Way. Loaded and hauled eight pay piles from the City streets. Spent several days pot-holing City Streets.
Continued with the annual weed-spraying program throughout the City streets. Returned numerous shopping carts to businesses that have been abandoned on City streets. Trimmed vegetation around numerous City street signs. Spent several days picking up leaf piles around the City.
Facilities
Picked up a desk from the homeless shelter and delivered it to City Hall. Made repairs to a rain gutter on the Public Works facility. Made repairs to the sliding door on the storage building on Southgate Dr. Installed a window blind on the front door at the wellness center. Made repairs to a toilet in the Opera Hall restroom.
Installed a stair closure strap at City Hall.
Pruned trees and shrubs in the Public Works yard.
Welded locking mechanism on a Conex box for the Police Department.
Parks/Landscapes/Parking Lots
Removed a large area of graffiti in the Terzich Parking Structure. Removed a damaged BBQ in Rotary Park.
Pruned trees and shrubs at the Old Senior Lounge lot and the Ed Center lot. Made numerous irrigation repairs in several City landscapes. Replaced a damaged swing in the playground at Rotary Park. Removed downed tree from the roadway on Woods Creek Dr. Installed a streetlight deflector requested by a resident on Elks Dr. Installed automatic air fresheners in the public restrooms. Removed the (PUBLIC PARKING) letters on the Terzich Parking Structure. Installed an ADA ramp in Coffill Park.
Monthly inspection of playground equipment at Rotary Park. Performed weekly debris removal from City lots.
Removed graffiti from walls in the Farmers Market restrooms.
Storm Drains
Assisted a contractor with the flushing of a plugged store culvert on Highland View Dr. Made repairs to a collapsed storm drain on Gold Street.
Cemeteries
Conducted weed abatement around headstones.
Daily check of messages and return calls as needed at Mountain Shadow. Daily cleaning of irrigation filters during the irrigation season. Marked out plots as requested by the Funeral Home as needed. Set headstones as requested by the Funeral Home.
481
Item E.
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 Continued with weed abatement.
Fleet
Installed a scanner, decals, and tiedown hooks on the new Public Works dump truck. Installed a new hose system on the street painting rig. Made repairs to the exhaust system on the portable welder rig.
Miscellaneous
Daily - unlocked and serviced of all public restrooms. Put up weekly event banners downtown.
Garbage collection twice a week in all City parking lots, Landscapes, and Parks. Monthly fleet vehicle inspections.
Twice weekly - ran the Street sweeper early morning on a rotating street schedule throughout the city.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:
Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan
482
Item E.