Agenda packet — Sonora City Council, November 3, 2025

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting
Agenda
Monday, November 03, 2025
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on November 3, 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 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).

B. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Gov. Code Section § 54957.6): Agency Designated Representatives:

Doug White, City Attorney; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator; Employee Organization: City Administrator.

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. 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

12. PRESENTATIONS
A. Receive a Presentation Regarding Tobacco Retailer Licensing Within the City of Sonora. Provide Direction to Staff, in Coordination With Tuolumne County and the Blue Zones Project Team, to Return With Draft Materials Outlining a Potential Tobacco Retailer Licensing Ordinance for the City, Including an Analysis of the Number of Local Businesses That Would Be Affected; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director, Dr. Kimberly Freeman, Tuolumne County Public Health Officer, Kristi Conforti, Blue Zones Project Tuolumne County Public Policy Advocate, and Katie Johnson, Public Health Program Supervisor.

B. Receive a Presentation from the Central Sierra Economic Development District (CSEDD) Regarding the Sierra Jobs First Program Update; Alex Bloom, Economic Development Manager, Mother Lode Job Training and Central Sierra Economic Development District.

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 Meeting Minutes from October 6, 2025; Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk.

B. Waive the Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt an Ordinance 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.

14. NEW BUSINESS
A. Consider Authorization for the City of Sonora Police Department to Accept an Award From the State of California Office of Traffic Safety, (OTS), in an Amount Not to Exceed $55,000, and Approve Associated Budget Adjustments for the Use of the Funding; Jennifer Hannula, Police Lieutenant.

B. Consider Approval of Task Order 2A, an Amendment of Task Order 2, for Dewberry Engineers Inc. (Dewberry) to Perform the Additional Environmental and Geotechnical Services for the Snell Street Reconstruction and Drainage Improvements Project Needed to Accommodate the Preferred and Approved Realigned Road Alternative, Approved by City Council on February 18, 2025; Melissa Eads, City Administrator.

15. MONTHLY REPORTS
A. Receive the Administrative Services Department Report for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 25/26; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator.
3 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

16. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS

17. 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.
4 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: November 3, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director
Dr. Kimberly Freeman, Public Health Officer (Tuolumne County) Kristi Conforti, Blue Zones Project Tuolumne County, Public Policy Advocate Katie Johnson, Public Health Program Supervisor
SUBJECT: Receive a Presentation and Information on Tobacco Retailer Licensing in the City of Sonora RECOMMENDATION:

Receive a Presentation Regarding Tobacco Retailer Licensing Within the City of Sonora. Provide Direction to Staff, in Coordination With Tuolumne County and the Blue Zones Project Team, to Return With Draft Materials Outlining a Potential Tobacco Retailer Licensing Ordinance for the City, Including an Analysis of the Number of Local Businesses That Would Be Affected.

BACKGROUND:

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States. Tobacco use is a major public health concern, with an estimated cost of smoking in the United States of more than $600 billion a year, including healthcare costs and lost productivity costs. In California alone, an estimated 40,000 people die of tobacco-related diseases each year. While tobacco use is a problem throughout the United States, it is especially prevalent in rural areas, including the City of Sonora and Tuolumne County. According to the 2019 Adventist Health Sonora Community Health Needs Assessment, Tuolumne County has a higher percentage of adults who are current smokers (12.3%) compared to the state (11%). Sadly, Tuolumne County also exceeds the state averages with regards to youth tobacco use, including smoking and vaping. According to the 2021 California Healthy Kids Survey, 7% of Tuolumne County 7th grade students regularly vape; by 11th grade, around 21 % of local students regularly vape. These local rates are nearly twice as high as the average for California (4% for 7th grade and 11 % for 11th grade).

The goal is to reduce health disparities and reduce tobacco use by educating the public, discouraging youth uptake of tobacco products, and providing technical assistance to businesses and organizations to help keep tobacco out of our community's shared spaces. 5 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 DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The purpose of this presentation is to provide information on a Tobacco Retail License (TRL) ordinance. Currently, retailers of cigarettes and tobacco products in California must have a Cigarette and Tobacco Products Retailer's License. None of the funds from the state license fee are distributed back to local jurisdictions to support enforcement. If the City of Sonora enacted a local TRL ordinance, store owners would be required to have a local license to sell tobacco. The license fees would cover the cost of surveillance and enforcement of tobacco laws, including the age of 21 to purchase. Local youth access is still widespread, despite Tobacco 21 (California Health and Safety Code 104599.5) and the flavored tobacco ban.

County Public Health and Blue Zones Project Tuolumne County staff have offered information on TRLs for consideration by the City Council in determining if requiring a local retailer license is supported.

If there is support and interest in favor of further exploring a TRL, Public Health staff will work on drafting an ordinance inclusive of program fees, City departmental responsibilities and retailer requirements to bring back to the City Council for review and consideration.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact, this project is being funded by Tuolumne County Public Health and the Blue Zones Project.

ATTACHMENTS:
 Presentation on Tobacco Retail Licensing
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability
6 Item A.

Tobacco Retail Licensing
November 3, 2025
Dr. Kimberly Freeman, MD, MBA, CPE, FACEP, Paramedic –
Tuolumne County Public Health Officer & EMS Agency Medical Director
Kristi Conforti – Blue Zones Project Tuolumne County, Public Policy Advocate
Katie Johnson, MPH – Tuolumne County Public Health, Program Supervisor
7 Item A.

Respecting Culture
–
Keeping Tobacco Sacred • Tribal communities have used
traditional or sacred tobacco for
thousands of years • to heal and connect
• Commercial tobacco products are not
the same • filled with chemicals and additives • harmful (carcinogens, poisons) • addictive • destroy integrity of sacred medicine 8 Item A.

Commercial tobacco remains the
leading PREVENTABLE cause of
death & disease
-521,000 deaths/y in USA
- includes 41,000 secondhand exposure deaths
9 Item A.
15%
10%
3%
5%
11th
Grade
9th Grade
7th Grade
5th Grade
Local Youth Vaping Rates
2023-2024 California Healthy Kids Survey:

Current Vaping by Grade (%) in Tuolumne County
https://calschls.org/about/the-surveys/#chks
10 Item A.

Mental Health Impacts of
Youth Tobacco Use
• According to the Centers for
Disease Control & Prevention (CDC):
• "Using nicotine in adolescence can
harm the parts of the brain that control
attention, learning, mood, and impulse
control."
• "Using nicotine in adolescence may
also increase risk for future addiction
to other drugs."
• "Youth e-cigarette and cigarette use
have been associated with mental
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e health symptoms such as-cigarettes/Quick depression." - Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-YoungAdults.html "Studies show
that quitting nicotine
may have as strong an
impact on your mental
health as taking
antidepressants.“ https://www.thetrut
h.com/article/me
ntal-healthresources
11 Item A.

Source: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EnDgPbKjYD7lj0O4b5XV3ocQQAGyalR-/view How many cigarettes worth of nicotine in this vape?
Image Source: https://mipod.com/collections/elf-bar-disposablevapes 12 Item A.
590 cigarettes worth of nicotine in this vape (29.5 packs) Image Source: https://7starliquor.com/flum-float-rainbowskittle/ Source: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EnDgPbKjYD7lj0O4b5XV3ocQQAGyalR-/view 13 Item A.

Tobacco Retail License (TRL)
A law that requires store owners to have a local
license to sell tobacco. The license fees would cover
the cost of surveillance and enforcement of tobacco
laws, including making sure they don’t sell to people
under 21.
• Ordinance fee designed to fund enforcement of existing tobacco laws
• Comparable to local licenses required for alcohol
• Enforcement can be achieved through code compliance,
without burdening law enforcement
• Tuolumne County recently passed a TRL for
unincorporated areas, with Environmental Health
enforcing
14 Item A.

When asked whether they would be in favor or against the possible law described above, 337/398 (85%) of
Tuolumne County adults responded, “In
Favor.”
Question on 2022-2023 Commercial Tobacco Campaign Public Opinion Survey, administered on paper by Tuolumne County Public Health Tobacco Prevention Program to Tuolumne County residents at local events and public spaces 15 Item A.

Tobacco Retail License (TRL)
• There are approximately 59 businesses with tobacco
retail licenses from the State of California in Tuolumne County.
• 46 in Tuolumne County unincorporated areas
• 13 in the City of Sonora
• None of the funds from the state license fee are
distributed back to local jurisdictions to support
enforcement. Image Credit: https://www.tecc.org/tobacco-products-photo-gallery/ More information: https://cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/cigarette-licensees.htm 16 Item A.

Tobacco Retail License (TRL)
• Tuolumne County
(unincorporated)
• Plumas County
• Siskiyou County
• Mendocino County
• Humboldt County
• Kern County
• Ukiah
• Willits
• Oroville
• Riverbank
• Winters
• Auburn
• Nevada City
• Grass Valley
• Alturas
• Gilroy
• Fort Bragg, etc.

More Information: https://pets.tcspartners.org/files/List%20of%20TRL%20Fees_October%202024.pdf Currently, approximately 237 jurisdictions in California have a local TRL, including many small or rural counties:

Tuolumne County TRL Ordinance Code: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/28659/Chapter-890---Tobacco-RetailLicensing 17 Item A.

Tobacco 21
A TRL provides funding to enforce
existing laws designed to protect
youth
• Local youth access is still
widespread, despite Tobacco
21 and the flavored tobacco
ban
• A 2021 purchase survey found
2 of 12 retailers in the City of
Sonora approached by youth
were willing to sell them the
tobacco products pictured.

More information: https://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/1691273/sonora-pd-conducts-tobacco-sting.html 18 Item A.

Tobacco 21
A TRL provides funding to
enforce existing laws designed
to protect youth • A 2024 purchase survey
found 9 of 31 retailers in
Tuolumne County
unincorporated areas
approached by youth were
willing to sell them the
tobacco products pictured.
19 Item A.

Flavored Tobacco Sales Ban
A TRL provides funding to
enforce existing laws
designed to protect youth
• Local youth access is still
widespread,
despite Tobacco 21 and
the flavored tobacco ban
• Examples of vapes
confiscated at schools
over the past year include
many flavored products.

While this may be
improving, consistent
enforcement is needed to
reduce access.

Photo by: Tuolumne County Public Health Tobacco Prevention Program staff. Pictured: Vapes and tobacco products confiscated at a Sonora area high school (2023-24). 20 Item A.

Blue Zones Project
Support
• BZP Tobacco Policy Work • Advocate for policy changes to protect community health
• Sonora Chamber of
Commerce • 2023 Board Resolution
• City of Sonora • Linoberg signage 2025
21 Item A.

Tobacco Retail License (TRL)
"I got started as a freshman, it seemed interesting. It became less occasional and more regular. It's like an added intrusive thought - like a tick biting you to hit the vape.

Everyone I know wants to quit and they try cold turkey. Intrusive thoughts tell you to vape, you feel better for two seconds then 30 minutes later you have to do it again. It's not an enjoyable cycle - It's the definition of insanity. "
- Jack Conforti
22 Item A.

Questions?
23 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: November 3, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Alex Bloom, Economic Development Manager, Mother Lode Job Training and Central Sierra Economic Development District
SUBJECT: Receive a Presentation from the Central Sierra Economic Development District (CSEDD) Regarding the Sierra Jobs First Program Update
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive a Presentation from the Central Sierra Economic Development District (CSEDD) Regarding the Sierra Jobs First Program Update.

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
24 Item B.

November 3
2025
Sonora
City Council
Central Sierra Economic Development District
Regional Update
25 Item B.

Agenda:
• California Jobs First Initiative Update
• CASF Grant Update
• Funding Sources & Sustainability
• CEDS Annual Report
• Regional Activities
• Discussion / Q & A
26 Item B.

CA Jobs First Update
Transition to the Implementation Phase
27 Item B.
4 Planning Phase
Mar 2023-Sep 2024
Community Outreach
14 Focus Groups
11 Community Workshops
59 Organizational Surveys
Formed Governing Council
Convened Committees
Local Government, Workforce & Education,
Tribal, Business, Project Identification
Created Regional Summary and
Strategic Plan
Industry Sector Coordination
Community Healthcare
Agriculture, Natural & Working
Lands
Recreation & Tourism
Developed Activation Plans
Facilitated Working Groups
Supported Projects with
Industry Expertise
Catalyst Projects
$9M in Grant Funding
47 applications
39 projects funded to date
Catalyst Phase
Jun 2024-Sep 2026
Transition Phase - Preparing for What’s Next
Sep 2025-2026
Sierra Jobs First
Our work to date as a region
28 Item B.
5 Ongoing Support for Regionalism at the State Level
New funding opportunities using CJF regions/priorities
29 Item B.

MLJT & CSEDD’s Roles
• Providing Technical Assistance – Build Capacity, Expand Access • Aligning projects with regional and state criteria for funding (CA Economic Blueprint)
• Moving projects towards execution – Contracting & Collaboration • Funding and logistical challenges, act as a solution architect • Sector Navigation – Driving Regional Coordination and Workforce Alignment
• Serve as a credible, consistent, and culturally competent source of information for stakeholders
• Serve as a bridge for relationship management between Eastside and Westside stakeholders, translating projects for meaningful impact across the region 30 Item B.
• Facilitation of Working Groups – Focus on Collaboration • Convene cross-sector stakeholders using the “Next-Gen” Model • Industry, Workforce Boards, Government, Education, CBOs • Focus on regional needs, promotion of local voice – Lived experience of stakeholders • Sector Partnership Initiatives
• Healthcare 8/1/25, 9/11/25
• Natural and Working Lands/Agriculture 11/13/25
• Sector Activation Plans – Advancing Regional ‘Readiness’ • Develop sector specific plans to guide workforce and economic development efforts • Establish clear goals, strategies, and actionable steps tailored to our communities • Built alignment with state priorities, ensuring equity amongst disinvested populations MLJT & CSEDD’s Roles
31 Item B.

CSEDD’s Project
• CSEDD’s Project Submission ‘Sierra
Founder’s Academy’
• Approved for partial funding - $176,000
for entrepreneurship training
• Working to align with existing
programming and educational pathways
• Will be implemented in partnership
Sierra Commons
• Work to complement
entrepreneurship programs in
regional HS & Community Colleges
• Creation of a ‘Youth Chamber of
Commerce’ to foster sustainability
and community
32 Item B.

CASF Grant Update
Procedural and Work
Plan Based Activities
• Marketing and Outreach efforts in
collaboration w/ CSUF
• Working in collaboration w/ RCRC • 4th Iteration of subject matter panel 8/29/25, 5th 12/5/25
• FFA awards coming to the region • GSCA bringing open access model to benefit constituents and ISPs
33 Item B.

FFA Grant Activity
34 Item B.

CSEDD Awareness Campaign
35 Item B.

Funding Sources and
Sustainability
• CASF - $595,600
• SJF Planning - $350,000
• SJF Convenor Partner - $175,000
• Sierra Founders - $176,00
• CLERE / LCI - $100,000
• DOL Healthcare – $240,000
• Rural EV Chargers – Pending
• Prop 4 Funding - $4M - $6M (SNC)
• Implementation – Pending Submission
36 Item B.

CSEDD & MLJT – Trusted Messengers, Impactful Partners
37 Item B.

Pathways. Partnerships.

Regional Prosperity
38 Item B.

Greater Sierra Forestry Corps
• Hands-on Training for Fuels Reduction, Chainsaw Operation, and Heavy Equipment Use • Graduates Transition into Forestry, Conservation, and Fire Protection Careers • High Demand, Industry Driven Career Paths Supporting Regional Partners • Developed in Partnership w/ MLJT and Regional Employers 39 Item B.
40 Item B.
• Converts Underutilized Biomass into Value-Added Products • Hires Graduates from the Greater Sierra Forestry Corps • General Manager Sits on Workforce Development Board
• Engages MLJT for Business Services (Upskilling) 41
Item B.

Adventist Hospital – Community Partners and Industry Leaders 42 Item B.

Workforce Partnerships:
• Partners with Columbia College and
Sonora High School to provide internship
sites for healthcare students.
• Actively hires program graduates,
strengthening local healthcare career
ladders
• Operates a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF),
expanding workforce demand.

Leadership Role:
• Operations Manager serves as Board
Chair for the Mother Lode WDB
43 Item B.
44 Item B.

Primary Operations:
• 10 Acre Regenerative Farm and
Orchard in Bishop, CA
• Blue Heron Farm is the Largest
Production Farm in Inyo County
• Produced over 200,00 lbs. of
Produce in 2025
Regional Impact:
• Project Goal is to Drive YearRound Agricultural Production • Produce a Feasibility Study
Identifying Residents Served
• Community-Driven, Sustainable
Agriculture in the High Desert 45
Item B.

Bishop Paiute Food
Sovereignty Program
46 Item B.
• Working to Restore Traditional Food Systems, Improve Community Health and Food Access
• Addresses Health Disparities of Indigenous Populations • Community Gardens and Farmers Markets
• Engenders Cultural Revitalization through Traditional Plants and Farming Practices
47 Item B.

DEVELOPER PITCH DECK

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF

THE CENTRAL SIERRAS
48 Item B.

TOURISM AND RECREATION
The Central Sierras are home to world-class
recreation destinations that attract millions
of visitors each year.

Destinations Include: • Yosemite National Park (4M+ Visitors/yr) • Stanislaus National Forest • Dodge Ridge and Bear Valley Ski Resorts • Calaveras Big Trees State Park • Lake Don Pedro and New Melones Lake Where Natural Beauty Meets
Economic Opportunity
49 Item B.
• Housing is consistently cited as a
top barrier to recruitment and
retention across industry
• Production lags far behind
demand, exacerbating the
shortage of affordable housing
• Average home costs rising faster
than regional wage growth
• Outmigration of working-age
residents and inbound
retirees/second home buyers
creates a structural imbalance

WORKFORCE HOUSING
A Critical Regional Barrier and Opportunity
50 Item B.

FROM POLICY TO POSSIBILITY
Zoning reforms, supportive governance,
streamlined policies, and regional coordination • Prioritization of housing as a workforce and economic development strategy
• Streamlined zoning updates act as incentives
to support workforce housing and mixed-use
projects
• Reduced permit burdens for commercial
projects alleviate delays and uncertainty for
developers
• Priority access to utilities ensures affordable
housing projects can expedite timelines
A Region Ready for Development
51 Item B.
• Ready to build infill sites are mapped,
pinpointing parcels suitable for immediate
development
• Policies align zoning for MDR, HDR, and MU
expand developable land for workforce
housing
• Regional Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy (CEDS) highlights
available land as a regional strength
• Available parcels are strategically located
near employment centers, schools, and high- traffic visitor areas • Several sites in the Central Sierras fall within
Opportunity Zones, offering federal tax
incentives M
LAND IS READY: OPPORTUNITY AWAITS
With abundant acreage, identified growth
parcels, and proactive planning the Central
Sierras offer an abundance of opportunities for
workforce and mixed-use development.
52 Item B.

Thank you!
Questions?
53 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: November 3, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk
SUBJECT: Meeting Minutes from October 6, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of the Meeting Minutes from October 6, 2025.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

Staff Recommends the City Council Approve the Meeting Minutes from October 6, 2025.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

ATTACHMENTS:

Meeting Minutes from October 6, 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
54 Item A.

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.

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 4:01 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
56 Item A.

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.
57 Item A.

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.
58 Item A.

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. 59 Item A.

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
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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.
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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
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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).

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

RECOMMENDATION
Waive the Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt an Ordinance No. 909 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.

BACKGROUND
During the City of Sonora (“City”) Council meeting on July 21, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution 07- 21-2025-C, which adopted the City’s updated 2025 Emergency Operations Plan. The Resolution’s recitals indicate that Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services, will replace Chapter 8.30, Emergency Services, of the Sonora Municipal Code.

During the same City Council meeting on July 21, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 905. The recitals of Ordinance No. 905 state, “[T]he City Council wishes to adopt the updated Emergency Operations Plan by replacing 8.30 and adding Chapter 2.28 of the Sonora Municipal Code to reflect current standards, procedures, and organizational structures for emergency management.” The proposed text for Chapter 2.28 was included as Appendix 2 in the agenda packet for the City Council meeting on July 21, 2025.

DISCUSSION
The proposed Ordinance provides clarification about the changes that Ordinance No. 905 intended for the Sonora Municipal Code. First, the proposed Ordinance repeals Chapter 8.30, Emergency Services, of the Sonora Municipal Code. Second, the proposed Ordinance repeals the current Chapter 2.28, Emergency DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Douglas L. White, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Waive the Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt an Ordinance 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
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Services (Reserved), and replaces the current Chapter 2.28 with a new Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services. The proposed Ordinance also provides the language for the new Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the proposed Ordinance. Resolution 07-21-2025-C already adopted the City’s updated 2025 Emergency Operations Plan, and the proposed Ordinance updates the Sonora Municipal Code to align with the City’s updated 2025 Emergency Operations Plan.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Ordinance No. 909

2. Resolution 07-21-2025-C

3. Ordinance No. 905

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness.
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ORDINANCE NO. 909
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA 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 WHEREAS, during the City of Sonora (“City”) Council meeting on July 21, 2025, the City Council approved Resolution 07-21-2025-C adopting the City’s updated 2025 Emergency Operations Plan; and
WHEREAS, during the City Council meeting on July 21, 2025, the City Council also adopted Ordinance No. 905; and
WHEREAS, the recitals for Ordinance No. 905 state, “[T]he City Council wishes to adopt the updated Emergency Operations Plan by replacing 8.30 and adding Chapter 2.28 of the Sonora Municipal Code to reflect current standards, procedures, and organizational structures for emergency management;” and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 905 does not explicitly state that Chapter 8.30 should be repealed; and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance repeals Chapter 8.30, Emergency Services, of the Sonora Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 905 states that Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services, is “hereby added,” but Chapter 2.28 already exists in the Sonora Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance repeals the current Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services (Reserved), and replaces the repealed chapter with the new Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services; and
WHEREAS, the text of the new Chapter 2.28 is not included in Ordinance No. 905; WHEREAS, this Ordinance provides the language for the new Chapter 2.28 that was not included in Ordinance No. 905.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 8.30, Emergency Services, of Title 8, Health and Safety, of the Sonora Municipal Code, shall be repealed in its entirety.
66 Item B.

SECTION2. Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services (Reserved), of Title 2, Administration and Personnel, of the Sonora Municipal Code shall be repealed in its entirety and replaced to read as follows:

Chapter 2.28 Emergency Services
Sections:

2.28.010 Purposes.

2.28.020 Definitions.

2.28.030 Disaster Council Membership.

2.28.040 Disaster Council Powers and Duties.

2.28.050 Director and Assistant Director of Emergency Services.

2.28.060 Powers and Duties of the Director and Assistant Director of Emergency Services.

2.28.070 Emergency Organization.

2.28.080 Compliance with the California Emergency Services Act.

2.28.090 Emergency Operations Plan.

2.28.100 Expenditures.

2.28.110 Violations; Penalty.

2.28.120 Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances.

2.28.010 Purposes.

The declared purposes of this section are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within the City in the event of any emergency; the direction and form of the City's emergency organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions of this City with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons.

2.28.020 Definitions
As used in this section, the following terms shall mean:
a. COUNCIL – Shall means the City of Sonora City Council. b. EMERGENCY or LOCAL EMERGENCY – Shall mean the actual or threatened existence of conditions of disaster or of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within this City caused by such conditions as air pollution, toxic release, fire, flood, storm, epidemic, riot, earthquake, cyberterrorism, or other conditions, including conditions resulting from war or imminent threat of war, but other than conditions resulting from a labor controversy, or other acts of civil unrest which are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of this City, requiring the combined forces of other political subdivisions to resolve.
c. DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES – Shall mean the City Administrator, and if 67 Item B.
unavailable or unable to respond, the Director of Emergency Services will be either the Police or Fire Chief. The Director of Emergency Services reports directly to the City Council and is over the Director of the Emergency Operations Center. d. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES – At the discretion of the Director of Emergency Services, an Assistant Director of Emergency Services may be appointed. The employee shall be from the Fire Chief, or the Police Chief, or Administration Departments, or other City employees as determined suitable by the Director of Emergency Services. e. EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR – The Director of Emergency Services shall appoint an Emergency Services Coordinator to be responsible for the Emergency Operations Plan described in section 2.28.090.
f. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER – Shall mean the primary facility for directing and responding to situations of an emergency nature as described above or similar in nature, including communications and the allocations of personnel and equipment needed to respond to the situation.
g. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER DIRECTOR – Shall mean the individual responsible for the City's coordinated operational efforts to respond to the emergency situation. The Director of the Emergency Operations Center is in charge of the functional response divisions and reports to the Director of Emergency Services.

2.28.030 Disaster Council Membership
The City of Sonora Disaster Council is hereby created and shall consist of the following:
a. The Director of Emergency Services, who shall be chair. b. The Assistant Director of Emergency Services, who shall be vice chair. c. The Emergency Services Coordinator.
d. Such chiefs of emergency services as are provided for in a current emergency plan of this jurisdiction, adopted pursuant to this ordinance.
e. Such representatives of civic, business, labor, veterans, professional, or other organizations having an official emergency responsibility, as may be appointed by the Director of Emergency Services with the advice and consent of the governing body.

2.28.040 Disaster Council Powers and Duties
It shall be the duty of the City of Sonora Disaster Council, and it is hereby empowered, to develop and recommend for adoption by the governing body, emergency and mutual aid plans and agreements and such ordinances and resolutions and rules and regulations as are necessary to implement such plans and agreements. The Disaster Council shall meet at least once per year, upon call of the chair or, upon call of the vice chair (in the absence of the chair). 68 Item B.

2.28.050 Director and Assistant Director of Emergency Services.

The City Administrator shall be the Director of Emergency Services, and has the discretion, in periods of declared disasters, to create and staff the position of Assistant Director of Emergency Services. The Director of Emergency Services may also, at the discretion of the City Council, staff the position of Assistant Director in non-emergency periods to continue to assist the City in emergency preparedness, as well as the recovery and reconstruction efforts following an emergency.

2.28.060 Powers and Duties of the Director and Assistant Director of Emergency Services. a. The Director of Emergency Services is hereby empowered to:

1. Request, within ten (10) days after the actual occurrence of a disaster if assistance will be requested, that the City Council proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency, if the City Council is in session, or to issue such proclamation if the City Council is not in session. Whenever a local emergency is proclaimed by the Director of Emergency Services, the City Council shall take action to ratify the proclamation within seven (7) days thereafter or the proclamation shall have no further force or effect. The City Council shall take action to review the need to continue the proclamation at least once every sixty (60) days until terminated.

2. Request that the Governor proclaim a state of emergency when, in the opinion of the Director of Emergency Services, the locally available resources are inadequate to cope with the emergency situation.

3. Supervise and direct the City emergency organization and efforts to respond to the emergency situation, as provided for in this chapter and the City's Emergency Operations Plan.

4. Supervise and direct the cooperation between the coordination of services, resources and staff of the City's emergency organization; and resolve questions of authority and responsibility that may arise between them.

5. Represent the City in all dealings with public or private agencies on matters pertaining to the City's preparedness planning, response, and recovery from an emergency. b. In the event of a proclamation of a local emergency as provided in this chapter, the proclamation of a state of emergency by the Governor or the Director of the State Office of Emergency Services, or the existence of a state of war emergency, the Director of Emergency Services is hereby empowered to:
a. Appoint the Director of Emergency Operations Center, based on available personnel and the nature of the declared emergency;
b. Make and issue rules and regulations on matters related to the protection of life and property as affected by the emergency, or other actions that would assist in the City's 69 Item B.
response to the situation. These actions must be approved by the City Council at the earliest practicable time, but no later than thirty (30) days, or the actions will be considered invalid;
c. Procure vital supplies, equipment and other materials and property deemed necessary for the protection of life and property; to bind the City for the fair value of such materials, and if required, commandeer those materials for public use; d. Require the emergency services of any City officer or employee and, in the event of a proclamation of a state of emergency in Tuolumne County, or the existence of a state of war emergency, to command the aid of as many citizens of this community as deemed necessary in directing the City response efforts. Such persons shall be entitled to all privileges, benefits, and immunities as are provided by State law for registered disaster service workers;
e. Requisition of any necessary personnel, equipment, or resources from any City department or agency as deemed necessary and appropriate for the direction of the City's response efforts; and
f. Direct and implement actions as requested by the City Council, whose superseding authority remains in effect.
c. The Director of Emergency Services shall designate the order of succession to that office, to take effect in the event the Director of Emergency Services is unavailable to perform the duties of that office in the event of an emergency. The order of succession shall be approved by the City Council.
d. The Assistant Director of Emergency Services shall, if the position is staffed in periods where there is no emergency proclamation in effect, under the supervision of the Director of Emergency Services and with the assistance of emergency personnel, develop emergency plans and manage the emergency programs of this City; and shall have such other powers and duties as may be assigned by the Director of Emergency Services.

2.28.070 Emergency Organization.

All officers and employees of this City, together with those volunteers enrolled to aid them during an emergency, and all groups, organizations, and persons who may by agreement or operation of law, including persons impressed into service under the provisions of this section, charged with duties incident to the protection of life and property in this City during such emergency, shall constitute the emergency organization of the City of Sonora.

2.28.080 Compliance with the California Emergency Services Act.

This City of Sonora Disaster Council shall comply with the California Emergency Services Act.

2.28.090 Emergency Operations Plan.
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The City of Sonora Emergency Services Coordinator shall be responsible for the development of the Emergency Plan, which plan shall provide for the effective mobilization of all of the resources of this jurisdiction, both public and private, to meet any condition constituting a local emergency, state of emergency, or state of war emergency; and shall provide for the organization, powers and duties, services, and staff of the emergency organization. Such a plan shall take effect upon adoption by resolution of the governing body.

2.28.100 Expenditures.

Any expenditures made in connection with emergency activities, including mutual aid activities, shall be deemed conclusively to be for the direct protection and benefit of the inhabitants and property of the City.

2.28.110 Violations; Penalty.

It shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months, or both, for any person, during an emergency, to:
a. Willfully obstruct, hinder, or delay any member of the emergency organization in the enforcement of any lawful rule or regulation issued pursuant to this chapter, or in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by virtue of this chapter. b. Do any act forbidden by any lawful rule or regulation issued pursuant to this chapter, if such act is of such a nature as to give or be likely to give assistance to the enemy or imperil the lives or property of inhabitants of this city, or to prevent, hinder, or delay the defense or protection thereof.
c. Wear, carry, or display, without authority, any means of identification specified by the emergency agency of the State.

2.28.120 Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances.

It is the intent of the City Council in enacting this chapter that it shall be considered a revision and continuation of the chapter repealed by this chapter, and the status of volunteers shall not be affected by such repeal; nor shall plans and agreements, rules and regulations, or resolutions adopted pursuant to such repealed chapter be affected by such repeal until amended, modified or superseded as provided in this chapter.

SECTION 3. 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. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted the ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
71 Item B.

SECTION 4. 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 leastfive (5) days priorto adoption and again at least within fifteen (15) days after its passage. 72 Item B.

SECTION 5. CERTIFICATION OF COUNCIL ADOPTION AND APPROVAL. This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council held on October 20, 2025, and passed and adopted as Ordinance No. 909 at a regular meeting of the City Council held on November XX, 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
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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: November 3, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Jennifer Hannula, Police Lieutenant
SUBJECT: Accept the California Office of Traffic Safety Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant Award.

RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Authorization for the City of Sonora Police Department to Accept an Award From the State of California Office of Traffic Safety, (OTS), in an Amount Not to Exceed $55,000, and Approve Associated Budget Adjustments for the Use of the Funding.

BACKGROUND:

In January of this year, the Sonora Police Department submitted an application to the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) aimed at preventing serious injury and death resulting from motor vehicle crashes.

A grant in the amount of $55,000 was awarded to The City of Sonora Police Department by OTS. If authorized by Council, the Sonora Police Department intends to use the funding to implement specialized traffic enforcement strategies, which include DUI enforcement, distracted driving enforcement, and seatbelt enforcement. Funds will also be used to enhance officer training in DUI and drug recognition, as well as the purchase of radar speed equipment and DUI Checkpoint supplies.

FISCAL IMPACT:

To recognize unanticipated revenues of $55,000 and to increase appropriation for FY 25/26. There is no required local match contribution.

ATTACHMENTS:
 Office of Traffic Safety Grant Agreement
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Staffing - Salary, Benefits, Training, and Retention.
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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: November 3, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Melissa Eads, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Approval of Taks Order 2A for Additional Environmental and Geotechnical Services for the Snell Street Reconstruction and Drainage Improvements Project.

RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of Task Order 2A, an Amendment of Task Order 2, for Dewberry Engineers Inc. (Dewberry) to Perform the Additional Environmental and Geotechnical Services for the Snell Street Reconstruction and Drainage Improvements Project Needed to Accommodate the Preferred and Approved Realigned Road Alternative, Approved by City Council on February 18, 2025.

BACKGROUND:

Under existing Task Order 2, Dewberry is preparing the construction documents (Plans, Specifications, and Engineer’s Estimate) for the construction of a new storm drain system and pipeline and the reconstruction of the roadway on Snell Street from the intersection of Bonanza Road to the City of Sonora / Tuolumne County line.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The original scope of work assumed the improvements to the road and new storm drainage system would all be contained within the existing road alignment and right of way. As part of the development of the project design it was discovered that there are numerous underground TUD water and sewer pipelines making the installation of a new storm drainpipe extremely difficult and costly. As a result, it has been determined that realigning the road slightly towards the north would allow for a corridor for the new storm drainpipe and reduce the overall project costs. To realign the road, however, additional right-of-way will need to be secured, and a new retaining wall will need to be constructed on Snell Street near the intersection of Spring Hill Road.

Concurrently with the design development, the City has secured Carbon Reduction funds to pay for a portion of the sidewalk construction on this project. Additional grant money is needed to fully construct the project with the high likelihood of additional federal funds being secured. Because of the existing and potential future federal funds and the need to secure additional right-of-way, the environmental documents will need to comply with both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The original scope of work only addresses CEQA.
97 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 Approval of Task Order 2A will authorize Dewberry to start the additional environmental services needed to satisfy NEPA and perform the additional geotechnical services needed to provide design parameters for the new retaining wall.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The estimated cost of the additional services is a total of $85,000 (Environmental: $57,592, Geotechnical $27,408). These additional funds are included in the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Proposed Budget approved by the City Council at the June 5, 2025, meeting. No additional funding is necessary.

ATTACHMENTS:

Task Order 2A – Snell Street Reconstruction and Drainage Improvements Project 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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November 3, 2025
City of Sonora
Attn: Melissa Eads, City Administrator
94 N. Washington Street
Sonora, CA 95370
Subject: Task Order 2A - Snell Street Reconstruction and Drainage Improvements Dear Ms. Eads,
Dewberry is requesting approval of Task Order 2A authorizing Dewberry to provide the necessary additional environmental and geotechnical services to the Snell Street Reconstruction and Drainage Improvements Project.

Under existing the existing Task Order 2, Dewberry is preparing the construction documents (Plans, Specifications, and Engineer’s Estimate) for the construction of a new storm drain system and pipeline and the reconstruction of the roadway on Snell Street from the intersection of Bonanza Road to the City of Sonora / Tuolumne County line.

Because of the existing and potential future federal funds and the need to secure additional right-of-way, the environmental documents will need to comply with both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The original scope of work only addresses CEQA.

Approval of Task Order 2A will authorize Dewberry to start the additional environmental services needed to satisfy NEPA and perform the additional geotechnical services needed to provide design parameters for the new retaining wall.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The estimated cost of the additional services under this amendment is $85,000 (Environmental:
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$57,592, Geotechnical $27,408). This was included in the Fiscal Year 25/26 Proposed Budget approved by the City Council at the June 5, 2025, meeting.

PROJECT UNDERSTANDING:

Under Dewberry Engineers City Engineering Services Contract for the City of Sonora, Dewberry will provide the engineering services needed to prepare the design and construction documents (Plans, Specifications, and Engineer’s Estimate) in Caltrans format, for the Snell Road Reconstruction and Storm Drain Improvements project.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The following is a summary of duties to be provided to the City for this project. Management of this task order will require regular communication between the Dewberry Team and the City to ensure priority tasks are being delivered within the fiscal constraints of this task order.

The scope of services for Task Order 2A remains the same as Taks Order 2 with the inclusion of the additional environmental and geotechnical services described above. The scope outline below remains lists the tasks that will be performed to complete this project.

1. Project Management, Quality Control / Quality Assurance, Existing Document Review, Property Owner Outreach

2. Surveying and Mapping

3. Preliminary Engineering (35% PS&E)

4. Geotechnical Field Exploration and Engineering

5. CEQA/NEPA Environmental Studies and Consultation with Resource Agencies

6. Final Design and Utility Coordination

7. Assistance During Bidding

8. Construction Support Services
Fee:

Task Order 2 original fee: $204,440.21
Amendment: $ 85,000.00
Total of Task Order 2A not to exceed: $289,440.21
The estimated cost to provide the additional services is $85,000:
1) Task 4 Geotechnical Field Exploration & Engineering: $27,408 2) Task 5 Environmental Studies: $57,592

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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

CITY HALL
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP

DATE: November 03, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Administrative Services Department Report for the 1st Quarter of FY25/26 RECOMMENDATION:

Receive the Administrative Services Department Report for the 1st Quarter of FY25/26 DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

CITY HALL
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan, Staffing - Salary, Benefits, Training, and Retention
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Sonora City CouncilNovember 3, 2025

Sonora City Council
November 3, 2025