Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
Monday, November 17, 2025
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on November 17, 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
12/15/2025
Digitally signed by Tracy L.
Skelly
Date: 2026.01.26 15:40:11
-08'00'
Tracy L. Skelly
Minutes Approved by Sonora City
Council on _________________
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
CLOSED SESSION - 4:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Called to order at 4:00 pm.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Ann Segerstrom
Councilmember Bess Levine
Councilmember Stephen Opie
Councilmember Mark Plummer
ARRIVING IN CLOSED SESSION
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comment.
ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference Regarding Potential Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(3); William Creger, Deputy City Attorney, Douglas White, City Attorney.
2. 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.
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Ann Segerstrom stated direction was given to staff.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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
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, November 14, 2025, at 10:03 am.
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.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom read a remembrance of Colette Such.
Councilmembers shared their thoughts and memories of Colette Such.
Katie Dunn President Sonora Chamber of Commerce gave an update on the Parade entries; the Sonora Chamber surveys; and the Holiday Community Mixer is December 16th at the Opera Hall and is co-hosted with Visit Tuolumne County.
Jerry Woodward Board Member Foothill Pregnancy Center addressed the Council.
Elizabeth Marum paid tribute to Colette Such.
Mike Lemke gave an update to the Council.
Darlene Baumgarten paid tribute to Colette Such.
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
PRESENTATIONS
3. 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.
Alex Bloom Economic Development Manager and Sophia Kaufman Project Manager presented the California Jobs First Initiative update; CASF Grant (California Advanced Services Fund) update; Funding Sources and Sustainability; CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) annual report; and Regional Activities.
Councilmembers made comments and asked questions.
4. Receive a Presentation on Visit Tuolumne County’s Quarterly Report; Lisa Mayo, Visit Tuolumne County President & CEO, Jen Lopez, Visit Tuolumne County Marketing Manager, Amariah Richards, Visit Tuolumne County Business Development Manager.
Lisa Mayo President Visit Tuolumne County introduced Jen Lopez Marketing Manager and Amariah Richards Business Development Manager, they presented the County Quarterly Report including, Print Ads, Digital Ads, Social Ads, Digital Billboards and Web Views; Tuolumne County Veterans Memorial Trail; FAM (Familiarization Trip) Highlights; Influencer Partnerships with Visit California, Visit Tuolumne County and Visit Gold County.
Councilmembers made comments.
5. Receive a Presentation from Przybyla Advisors to Share the Economic Development Strategy Outline Recommended for the City of Sonora; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director, Cole Przybyla, Przybyla Advisors.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director introduced Cole Przybyla who presented the Economic Development Strategic Plan update, including the following Objectives, Business Attraction; Business Retention; Policy and Incentives; Tourism and Niche Marketing; Infill Development and Housing Activation; Community Vitality; TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) Growth; Workforce; City Growth; and Sustained Economic Development Funding.
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.
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
6. Consider Approval of the Meeting Minutes from October 20, 2025; Stacy Enos-Delrazo, Deputy City Clerk.
7. Consider Approval of Disbursements in the Amount of $196,839.37 and $195,846.64 for Payroll, Including Employee Salaries, Employer and Employee Taxes, Retirement Contributions, Miscellaneous Voluntary Employee Deductions, Holiday Pay, and Other Adjustments, Including Retro-Pay; Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer/City Clerk.
8. Consider Acceptance of an Informational Report for October 2025 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator
9. Consider Acceptance of the Quarterly Investment Report for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025/26; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator
10. Consider Approval of Resolution 11-17-2025-B, Updating the Job Description and Education Requirements for the Police Corporal; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom made a comment on the Quarterly Investment Report.
Motion made by Councilmember Bess Levine, Seconded by Councilmember Mark Plummer Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
NEW BUSINESS
11. Recognize and Thank City Administrator Melissa Eads for Her Service to the City of Sonora and Join Staff and Community Members for a Brief Break and Celebration in Her Honor; Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer/City Clerk.
Councilmembers complemented and thanked Melissa Eads City Administrator.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom adjourned the meeting for a short break.
12. Consider and Approve the Proposed Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) with Christopher J. Gorsky for the City Administrator Position, Authorize the Mayor to Execute the Agreement on Behalf of the City of Sonora, and Approve Resolution No. 11-17-2025-A; Doug White, City Attorney.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom stated we will continue with New Business.
Douglas White City Attorney gave a brief background on Christopher J. Gorsky and introduced his contract.
Councilmembers made comments.
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
No public comment.
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
Christopher J. Gorsky addressed the Council.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Stephen Opie attended YES Council.
Councilmember Bess Levine had nothing to report.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom shared Christmas Town is coming; the Parade is November 28th; and the Tree Lighting Ceremony is November 26th.
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill gave an update on TCTC (Tuolumne County Transportation Council); Solid Waste Committee; Homelessness Committee, Navigation Center and Camp Justice.
Councilmember Mark Plummer added additional information from the TCTC meeting.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom wished everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 7:36 pm.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at City Hall (209) 532-4541, [email protected]. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR
35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Administrator’s Office at 94 N. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370 during normal business hours (8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). The agenda and supporting public documents are also available on our City website www.sonoraca.com listed under the agenda/minutes link on the Government page.