Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community RNI that enhances the quality of life for all
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CITY OF SONORA Sonora City Council
City Council Regular Meeting Approved Meeting Minutes
Minutes April 6, 2026
Monday, March 16, 2026
5:00 PM
Nicole Mccutchen 4/4/260
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on March 16, 2026, 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 Christopher Gorsky
City Attorney Douglas White
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
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CLOSED SESSION - 4:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Called to order at 4:00 pm.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Ann Segerstrom
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill
Councilmember Bess Levine
Councilmember Stephen Opie
Councilmember Mark Plummer
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comment.
ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section § 54956.9: One (1) Potential Case; Doug White, City Attorney, Chris Gorsky, City Administrator.
2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Liability Claim - Pursuant to Gov. Code, § 54956.95: One (1) Potential Case, Claimant: McCoy; Agency Claimed Against: City of Sonora; Chris Gorsky, City Administrator.
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
Called to order at 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.
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community RNI that enhances the quality of life for all
I CORPORATED 1A51
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, March 13, 2026, at 12:41 pm.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Bess Levine. 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.
Katie Dunn President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce informed those in attendance the next mixer is March 17th at the Vintage Hideaway, and there will also be a ribbon cutting; the New Rural Business Program will have workshops on April 21st and April 28th; and the Spring/Summer edition of the Sonora Chamber Magazine is now out.
PRESENTATIONS
3. Recognize and Thank Police Dispatcher-Records Specialist I! Tammy Gillespie for Her Service to the City of Sonora Police Department and Join Staff and Community For a Break and Celebration of her Retirement; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.
Turu VanderWiel Police Chief recognized and thanked Tammy Gillespie for her service; and presented her with a Retired Dispatcher Badge.
Tammy Gillespie Police Dispatcher-Records Specialist I addressed the Council.
Turu VanderWiel Police Chief invited Tammy's family to the podium and presented her with two Certificate's of Recognition.
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
SO
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Mayor Ann Segerstrom called for a short break to honor Tammy Gillespie.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom called the meeting back to order.
4. Receive a Presentation Regarding an Update to Sonora Police Department Policy 1022, Personal Appearance Standards, Specifically Relating to Beards and Visible Tattoos, and Give Direction to Staff; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.
Turu VanderWiel Police Chief presented the update to the Sonora Police Department Policy 1022, Personal Appearance Standards, Specifically Relating to Beards and Visible Tattoos.
Councilmembers made comments and discussed with the Chief.
No Public comment.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom stated the Council is united in going forward with the one year pilot program.
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.
5. Consider Approval of the Meeting Minutes from March 2, 2026; Stacy EnosODel Razo, Deputy City Clerk.
6. Consider Acceptance of an Informational Report for February 2026 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report; Chris Gorsky, City Administrator
7. Consider Acceptance of Disbursements in the Amount of $184,714.67 and $234,066.87 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. Waive Second Reading, by Title Only and Adopt Ordinance No. 908, Which Finalizes the Rezoning of Assessor Parcel Number (APN) 044-430-055 to the Regional Housing Needs Overlay Zone and Adds Chapter 17.21 Entitled Regional Housing Needs Overlay Zone (RHNO) to Title 17 of the City of Sonora Municipal Code as Adopted by the City Council on March 2, 2026; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
9. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 03-16-2026-A Establishing the Job Description for Dispatcher-Records Specialist - Temporary/Extra Help/Annuitant and Dispatcher-Records Specialist - Part-Time/Limited Term; Chris Gorsky, City Administrator, Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer.
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
U
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
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10. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 03-16-2026-B Approving the Updated Salary Range Tables for Sonora Part-Time/Relief/Unrepresented Employees to Include the Dispatcher-Records Specialist Part-Time/Limited Term Classification; Chris Gorsky, City Administrator, Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer.
11. Consider Approval of the Interim/Extra Help/Retired Annuitant Dispatcher-Records Specialist Employment Agreement with Deborah Dills and Authorize the City Administrator to Execute the Agreements on Behalf of the City; Chris Gorsky, City Administrator, Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer.
12. Review and Discuss Adding to a Future Agenda a Proclamation Recognizing March 7-14, 2026, as California Arbor Week in the City of Sonora; Ann Segerstrom, Mayor.
Sharon Marovich Tuolumne Heritage Committee addressed the Council on Arbor Week.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom made a clarification.
Councilmembers made additional comments.
Motion made by Councilmember Mark Plummer, Seconded by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
NEW BUSINESS
13. Consider Approval of Task Order 26-10 in the Amount Not to Exceed $50,000 for Dewberry Engineers, Inc. to Provide Oversight of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Federal Discretionary Grant; Matt Schmitz, City Engineer.
Matt Schmitz City Engineer presented Task Order #26-9 to provide oversight of the Safe Trees and Roads for all (SS4A) Federal Discretionary Grant.
Councilmembers asked questions and made comments.
No public comment.
Councilmembers made additional comments and asked questions.
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
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community R. that enhances the quality of life for all
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Consider Acceptance of the City of Sonora's Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025, Prepared by Harshwal & Company, Certified Public Accountants, Chris Gorsky, City Administrator.
Chris Gorsky City Administrator presented the audited financial statements for fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, prepared by Harshwal & Company, Certified Public Accountants.
Garima Jha Harshwal & Company addressed the Council.
Councilmembers made comments and thanked Chris Gorsky and Harshwal & Company.
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
15. Consider Adopting Resolution 03-16-2026-C Supporting the Closure of Stewart Street Between Lyons and Theall During the Sonora Farmers Market Season; and
Consider Extending the Farmers Market Season by Three (3) Weekends, from Mid-October Through the End of October with a Holiday Market Ahead of Thanksgiving; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director addressed the Council on the closure of Stewart Street between Lyons and Theall during the Sonora Farmers Market season; and extending the Farmers Market season by three weekends with a Holiday Market ahead of Thanksgiving.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director invited Kristi Conforti to the podium to share the results of the Farmers Market survey.
Councilmembers made comments.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director continued to discuss with the Council.
Katie Dunn addressed the the Council.
Motion made by Councilmember Bess Levine, Seconded by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill. Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community R
that enhances the quality of life for all
NIA
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16. Consider Approval to Add Red Curbs in Each of the Locations as Identified, Including Elkin Street, Washington Street and Green Street; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.
Tyler Summersett Community Development Director presented the addition of red curbs at Elkin Street, Washington Street and Green Street.
Councilmembers asked questions and discussed.
A member of the public addressed the Council.
Councilmembers made additional comments.
Motion made by Councilmember Stephen Opie, Seconded by Councilmember Bess Levine. Voting Yea:
Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie, Councilmember Mark Plummer
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Stephen Opie had nothing to report.
Councilmember Bess Levine had nothing to report.
Councilmember Mark Plummer attended Tuolumne County Transportation Council (TCTC); and the Tuolumne County Alliance for Resources (TCAR) meetings.
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill attended the TCT meeting.
Mayor Ann Segerstrom attended the Living with Fire workshop; Cal Cities Mayor and Councilmember roundtable; and spoke with the Cal State Retirees (CSR).
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 6:58 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.
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation