Agenda packet — Sonora City Council, October 5, 2026

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
Agenda
Monday, October 05, 2026
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on October 5, 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___________________________________________________________________ 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
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2. ROLL CALL

3. CITY CLERK’S REPORT ON AGENDA POSTING

4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

5. 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.

6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Receive the 2026 Annual Recycling and Solid Waste Service Presentation from Cal-Waste Recovery Systems and Information Regarding the 2026 Annual Contractual Rate Adjustment Effective November 1, 2026. (This item is informational; no City Council action is required.); Chris Gorsky, City Administrator.

7. 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 September 21, 2026; Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk.

B. Review and Discuss Adding to a Future Agenda a Proclamation Recognizing October 23, 2026, as Civil Aviation Appreciation Day in the City of Sonora; Ann Segerstrom, City of Sonora Mayor.

8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Consider Approval of Resolution Number 10-05-2026-A, Authorizing the Closure of State Route 49 (Washington Street) and Certain City Streets and Designating Temporary “No Parking” Zones for the 43rd Annual Historic Downtown Christmas Parade; Release the Three-hour Parking Restrictions from Monday, November 16, 2026, Through Friday, January 1, 2027, Within the Downtown Corridor; and Request the Mayor or Vice Mayor Represent the City in the Christmas Parade; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief. 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

9. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS

10. 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.
3 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: October 5, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Chris Gorsky, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Cal-Waste Recovery Systems 2026 Annual Service Update and Contractual Rate Adjustment.

RECOMMENDATION:

Receive the 2026 Annual Recycling and Solid Waste Service Presentation from Cal-Waste Recovery Systems and Information Regarding the 2026 Annual Contractual Rate Adjustment Effective November 1, 2026. (This item is informational; no City Council action is required.) BACKGROUND:

Effective solid waste collection is essential for maintaining public health, preventing pollution, and ensuring a clean and attractive environment. The average household generates between 60-90 gallons of trash, 30-60 gallons of recyclables, and 30-90 gallons of green waste per week. A well-managed waste collection system reduces illegal dumping, minimizes fire hazards, and controls pests, all of which contribute to a safer community.

Cal-Waste Recovery Systems serves as the City of Sonora's exclusive recycling and solid waste service provider. As part of its annual update to the City Council, Cal-Waste has provided information regarding residential and commercial collection services, annual collection volumes, customer accounts, additional services provided to the community, and the annual service rate adjustment.

Residential collection currently includes trash service utilizing 35-, 65-, or 95-gallon carts, along with 95-gallon recycling and 65-gallon organics carts. Recycling and organics collection are provided biweekly.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

Cal-Waste is serving a total of 1,618 customers within the City of Sonora, consisting of 1,336 residential customers and 282 commercial customers. The annual update reports a total of 3,348 tons collected, consisting of:

Material Tons Collected
Trash 2,708
Recycling 435
Mixed Organics 205
Total 3,348
4 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 In addition to regular collection services, Cal-Waste reports providing 67 Handy Hauler services and 32 bulky-item pickups year to date.

Annual Service Rate Adjustment
Pursuant to the City's agreement with Cal-Waste, the contractor has calculated a 4.87% CPI annual rate adjustment, for the service period beginning November 1, 2026, and ending October 31, 2027. The proposed Residential monthly rates are as follows:

Cart Size Current Monthly Rate New Monthly Rate Monthly Increase 35 Gallon $33.26 $34.88 $1.62
65 Gallon $50.96 $53.44 $2.48
95 Gallon $66.80 $70.05 $3.25
The proposed Commercial monthly rates are as follows:

Cart Size Current Monthly Rates New Monthly Rate Monthly Increase 35 Gallon $49.49 $51.88 $2.41
65 Gallon $65.94 $69.15 $3.21
95 Gallon $77.71 $81.49 $3.78
Rate increases are built into the City’s contract with Cal Waste and take effect annually in November.

Cal-Waste also participates in and supports a variety of Sonora-area community events and organizations. The 2026 presentation identifies activities including Trick or Treat Street, America Recycles Day, the Historic Downtown Christmas Parade, Christmas Tree Lane, the Children's Holiday Party, Sonora Softball League, Tuolumne County Recreation Department's Touch-a-Truck, Sierra Repertory Theatre, and the Mother Lode Fair.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The adjustment increases rates paid directly by residential and commercial customers to Cal-Waste. The City receives a franchise fee equal to 6% of gross revenue collected by Cal-Waste. If customer counts, service levels, and collections remain consistent, the rate adjustment is expected to produce a corresponding increase in franchise fee revenue.
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 ATTACHMENTS:

Presentation of 2026 Annual Recycling and Solid Waste Service Update and Annual Rate Adjustment CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering 6 Item A.

City of Sonora
Exclusive Service Provider
2026 Recycling and Solid Waste Update
and Annual Rate Adjustment
7 Item A.

TRASH
35g
65g
95g
Residential Collection Service

RECYCLE
95g
Collection bi/weekly

ORGANICS
65g
Collection bi/weekly
8 Item A.

TOTAL TONS COLLECTED
TRASH RECYCLE Mixed
Organics TOTAL
2708 435 205 3348
Residential Customers: 1,336
Commercial Customers: 282
Total Customers: 1,618
9 Item A.

Annual Service Rate Adjustment
All other rates: Commercial, Roll Off, Handy Hauler and Misc. shall increase by 4.87% per agreement.

Cart Size
Current Monthly
Rates; 11/1/25-
10/31/26
New Monthly Rates for
11/1/26- 10/31/27 after

4.87% CPI Adjustment
$ Change
35 Gallon $33.26 $34.88 $1.62
65 Gallon $50.96 $53.44 $2.48
95 Gallon $66.80 $70.05 $3.25
Cart Size
Current Monthly
Rates; 11/1/25-
10/31/26
New Monthly Rates for
11/1/26- 10/31/27 after

4.87% CPI Adjustment
$ Change
35 Gallon $49.47 $51.88 $2.41
65 Gallon $65.94 $69.15 $3.21
95 Gallon $77.71 $81.49 $3.78
Residential Commercial
10 Item A.

City of Sonora Additional Services
Year to Date Service
Handy Hauler 67
Bulky Pick Up 32
11 Item A.

Giving More
Than We Take
Sonora Community Events &
Organizations We Support
• Trick or Treat Street
• America Recycles Day
• Historic Downtown Christmas Parade
• Christmas Tree Lane
• 42nd Annual Children’s Holiday Party
• Sonora Softball League
• Tuolumne County Recreation Dept. Touch-a-Truck
• Sierra Repertory Theater
• Mother Lode Fair
12 Item A.

Proud to Service the Community of Sonora
Download the FREE
“Cal-Waste Recycles Right” Mobile App
• Calendar and service
notifications
• Request a large item pickup
• Search the “What Goes Where”
tool to improve recycling at home
13 Item A.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: October 5, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk
SUBJECT: Meeting Minutes from September 21, 2026.

RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of the Meeting Minutes from September 21, 2026.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

Staff Recommends the City Council Approve the Meeting Minutes from September 21, 2026.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact on the General Fund.

ATTACHMENTS:

Meeting Minutes from September 21, 2026.

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
14 Item A.

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
Monday, September 21, 2026
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on September 21, 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.

CITY COUNCIL appreciates your interest and encourages participation. Regularly scheduled meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) - In the Matter of the Abatement at 277 N. Shepherd Street (Superior Court of Tuolumne County; Case No. CV68716)

2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2): 1 potential case

3. Liability Claims - Pursuant to Gov. Code, § 54956.95: Two (2) Claims, Claimants: Hang; Deir; Agency Claimed Against: City of Sonora; Chris Gorsky, City Administrator.

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PRESENT
Mayor Ann Segerstrom
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill
Councilmember Bess Levine
Councilmember Stephen Opie
Councilmember Mark Plummer

PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments.

ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION

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
Councilmember Stephen Opie led the Pledge of Allegiance. 16 Item A.

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, September 18, 2026, at 1:37 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.

Sabrina Biehl addressed the Council.

Amariah Richards Visit Tuolumne Business Development Manager extended an invitation to their Annual Tourism Summit & Awards Partner Showcase, October 15, 2026.

Mike Lemke gave an update to the Council.

Mayor Ann Segerstrom informed those in attendance Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is having a Coffee Talk on October 8, 2026.

PRESENTATIONS

4. Receive the Ceremonial Swearing-In of the City’s New Administrative Services Director Elizabeth Peterson; Nicole McCutchen, Administrative Services Officer/City Clerk.

Mayor Ann Segerstrom introduced Elizabeth Peterson Administrative Services Director.

Nicole McCutchen City Clerk officiated the Oath of Office. 17 Item A.

5. Receive a Presentation of the Proposed Scope of Work from Visit Tuolumne County for Tourism Marketing Services Effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027; Lisa Mayo, President and CEO; Myrka Cringle Marketing and Communications Manager, Visit Tuolumne County.

Lisa Mayo President and CEO Visit Tuolumne addressed the Council and introduced Myrka Cringle Marketing and Communications Manager.

Myrka Cringle Marketing and Communications Manager presented the Scope of Work for the City of Sonora including, Advertising; Familiarization Tours; Program Co-Ops; and Shared Marketing Costs.

Lisa Mayo President and CEO Visit Tuolumne made final comments.

Councilmembers made comments.

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 September 8, 2026; Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk.

7. Consider Acceptance of Disbursements in the Amount of $207,940.11 and $203,903.98 for Payroll, Including Employee Salaries, Employer and Employee Taxes, Retirement Contributions, Miscellaneous Voluntary Employee Deductions, Holiday Pay, and Other Adjustments, Including Retro-Pay; Nicole McCutchen, Administrative Services Officer/City Clerk.

8. Consider Giving Direction to Staff to Submit a Notice of Exemption, Utilizing Class 1 and 11 Exemptions, with the Office of Planning and Research and the County Clerk as the Appropriate Level of Environmental Document for the City of Sonora Parking Lots Improvement Project; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.

9. Amendment No. 1 to the Tourism Marketing Agreement with Visit Tuolumne County, Removal of the $150,000 Compensation Cap and Restoration of Compensation at 25% of Transient Occupancy Tax; Chris Gorsky, City Administrator
No public comment.

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
18 Item A.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

10. Consider Adoption of the following:

City Council Resolution 09-21-2026-A to Approve the Formal Vacation of the Right-of-Way Area at the Intersection of Old Wards Ferry Road and Sanguinetti Road; and City Council Resolution 09-21-2026-B to Approve an Agreement to Transfer the Land to the Adjacent Landowner and Subject to the Provisions Contained Therein; and Introduce City Council Ordinance No. 917 to Rezone a Portion of the Area from Open Space to General Commercial.

Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.

Tyler Summersett Community Development Director introduced each item of the Public Hearing individually beginning with, approve the formal vacation of the right-of-way area at the intersection of Old Wards Ferry Road and Sanguinertti Road; approve an agreement to transfer the land to the adjacent landowner and subject to the provisions contained therein; and rezone a portion of the area from open space to general commercial.

Councilmembers made comments.

Scot Patterson California Gold Development and Crossroads Enterprise addressed the Council.

Barbara Dresslar addressed the Council.

Jerry Fuccillo addressed the Council.

Sharon Marovich addressed the Council.

Mike Lemke addressed the Council.

Scot Peterson, Jerry Fuccillo and Sharon Marovich made additional comments.

Josh Varinsky City Attorney shared additional information.

Councilmembers shared their 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
19 Item A.

COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Stephen Opie attended YES Council and Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) meetings.

Councilmember Bess Levine attended the Visit Tuolumne County Board meeting.

Vice Mayor Andy Merrill attended Solid Waste Committee; Tuolumne County Transportation Council (TCTC); and the Commission on Homelessness meetings.

Councilmember Mark Plummer attended the Tuolumne County Transportation Council (TCTC) meeting.

Mayor Ann Segerstrom attended the Cal Cities Division meeting and Election of Officers.

ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 6:31 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 DATE: October 5, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ann Segerstrom, City of Sonora Mayor
SUBJECT: Review and Discuss Adding to a Future Agenda a Proclamation Recognizing October 23, 2026, as Civil Aviation Appreciation Day in the City of Sonora.

RECOMMENDATION:

Review and Discuss Adding to a Future Agenda a Proclamation Recognizing October 23, 2026, as Civil Aviation Appreciation Day in the City of Sonora.

BACKGROUND:

Civil aviation has played an important role in the history and development of Sonora and Tuolumne County by connecting the region with the rest of California and supporting transportation, commerce, recreation, tourism, emergency response, and public service. On May 30, 1936, the Aviation Country Club of California made a historic flight to Sonora, marking an early and memorable chapter in the City's aviation history. The year 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of that flight.

The proclamation also recognizes the regional aviation heritage associated with Columbia Airport, which was constructed in 1934 and dedicated in 1935 as Ralph Field. For more than nine decades, the airport has served as a general aviation facility and gateway to the Sierra Nevada foothills and historic Gold Rush communities, while also supporting public safety and emergency response, including aerial firefighting efforts.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

Recognizing Civil Aviation Appreciation Day provides the City an opportunity to acknowledge the generations of pilots, aircraft owners, mechanics, flight instructors, airport personnel, firefighters, first responders, aviation businesses, volunteers, and enthusiasts who have contributed to aviation in Sonora and Tuolumne County. Civil aviation continues to provide educational, economic, recreational, and public-service opportunities and helps inspire interest in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and related careers.

The proposed proclamation designates October 23, 2026, as Civil Aviation Appreciation Day in the City of Sonora and encourages residents to recognize and celebrate the history, contributions, and continuing importance of civil aviation to the community.
21 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 FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact on the General Fund.

ATTACHMENTS:
 Proclamation Recognizing October 23, 2026, as Civil Aviation Appreciation Day.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Community Engagement
22 Item B.

CITY OF SONORA

MAYORAL PROCLAMATION

CIVIL AVIATION APPRECIATION DAY
OCTOBER 23, 2026
Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the 1936 Historic Flight to Sonora WHEREAS, aviation has been an important part of the history and development of Sonora and Tuolumne County, connecting our mountain communities with the rest of California and providing opportunities for transportation, commerce, recreation, tourism, emergency response, and public service; and
WHEREAS, on May 30, 1936, the Aviation Country Club of California made a historic flight to Sonora, marking an early and memorable chapter in the City's aviation history and its connection to the growing world of civilian flight; and
WHEREAS, the year 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of that historic 1936 flight, providing an opportunity for the City of Sonora to recognize and celebrate the long and continuing relationship between our community and civil aviation; and
WHEREAS, Columbia Airport, located near the historic community of Columbia, has been an important part of our region's aviation heritage since its construction in 1934 and dedication in 1935 as Ralph Field, with significant early work performed by the Civilian Conservation Corps under the supervision of the Sonora Ranger Unit; and
WHEREAS, for more than nine decades, Columbia Airport has served as a general aviation facility and gateway to the Sierra Nevada foothills and historic Gold Rush communities, providing an important resource for residents, visitors, pilots, and aviation enthusiasts; and WHEREAS, Columbia Airport has also played an important role in public safety and emergency response, including supporting aerial firefighting efforts that have helped protect the forests, communities, and natural resources of Tuolumne County; and WHEREAS, the history and continued success of aviation in our community reflect the dedication of pilots, aircraft owners, mechanics, flight instructors, airport personnel, firefighters, first responders, aviation businesses, volunteers, and enthusiasts who have contributed to the growth and safety of aviation throughout the region; and
WHEREAS, civil aviation continues to provide valuable educational, economic, recreational, and public-service opportunities while inspiring future generations to pursue interests and careers in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and related fields; and WHEREAS, the City of Sonora recognizes the enduring relationship between our community and aviation and appreciates the generations of individuals whose passion, service, and dedication have made civil aviation an important part of the history, character, and future of Sonora and Tuolumne County;
23 Item B.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, the Mayor of the City of Sonora, California, do hereby proclaim October 23, 2026, as CIVIL AVIATION APPRECIATION DAY in recognition of the 90th anniversary of the historic 1936 flight to Sonora in the City of Sonora, and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the rich history, contributions, and continuing importance of civil aviation to our community.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the official seal of the City of Sonora to be affixed this 19th day of October, 2026.

Ann Segerstrom
Mayor, City of Sonora
Nicole McCutchen
City Clerk, City of Sonora
24 Item B.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: October 5, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Turu VanderWiel, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Resolution Number 10-05-2026-A, to Establish Road Closures and Temporary Parking Modifications Along State Route 49 for the 43rd Annual Historic Downtown Sonora Christmas Parade.

RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of Resolution Number 10-05-2026-A, Authorizing the Closure of State Route 49 (Washington Street) and Certain City Streets and Designating Temporary “No Parking” Zones for the 43rd Annual Historic Downtown Christmas Parade; Release the Three-hour Parking Restrictions from Monday, November 16, 2026 Through Friday, January 1, 2027, Within the Downtown Corridor; and Request the Mayor or Vice Mayor Represent the City in the Christmas Parade.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The City of Sonora’s 43rd Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Friday, November 27, 2026. The City has organized and staffed this community event since 1996. This City event has become an annual tradition for our community and thousands of visitors to Sonora. The number of entries typically ranges from 65 to 100, and the parade lasts approximately one and a half hours, beginning at 6:00 pm.

The parade will start on School Street, then turn south (left) onto Snell Street. It will travel south on Snell Street to State Route 49 (Washington Street). The parade will then enter southbound State Route 49 (Washington Street) and will travel to the intersection of S. Washington Street and Restano Way, where participants will disembark and disperse.

Due to the size and duration of the parade, and the interruption of a State Highway for the parade, a resolution is required from the City Council authorizing the temporary closure of State Route 49 (Washington Street) and specific City streets. Parking along the parade route will be restricted starting at 4:00 pm to safely accommodate parade entries and pedestrians. Tuolumne County Transit will provide trolley service from the Junction Shopping Center to Lyons Street at Steward Street from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, free to the public.

Three-hour parking restrictions are historically lifted to encourage and accommodate holiday shopping in the downtown corridor. These temporary parking enforcement changes are reflected in the attached resolution. 25 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 FISCAL IMPACT:

Costs associated with the Christmas Parade are included in the respective 2026/2027 departmental budgets.

ATTACHMENTS:

Resolution 10-05-2026-A
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan
26 Item A.

RESOLUTION 10-05-2026-A

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HIGHWAY 49 AND CERTAIN CITY STREETS AND PARKING LOTS TO

ACCOMMODATE THE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SONORA CHRISTMAS PARADE AND OTHER RELATED

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
WHEREAS, the City will be holding the Historic Downtown Sonora Christmas Parade on Friday, November 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. sharp; and
WHEREAS, the parade route will start at Washington Street/Highway 49 and Elkin Street and continue along Washington Street, ending at Restano Way; and
WHEREAS, several streets and other city facilities will need to be closed for the event; and WHEREAS, the City must obtain an encroachment permit from Caltrans; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Sonora that the following streets and parking lots will be closed on Friday, November 27, 2026, as indicated below:

The following street closures shall commence at 2:00 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., or until the parade is finished.

1. School Street between North Washington and Snell Street.

The following street closures shall commence at 3:00 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., or until the parade is finished.

1. Snell Street between N. Green Street and Bonanza Street between N. Washington and N. Green Street.

2. Wyckoff Street between N. Washington Street (SR-49) and Snell Street.

The following parking lot closures and no parking locations shall commence at 3:00 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., or until the parade is finished.

1. The Sonora High School parking lots located on School Street.

2. City Parking Lot at Snell/Wyckoff Streets, including the bus parking spaces on Snell Street.

3. School Street, between Snell Street and N. Washington Street/ SR 49.

4. Wyckoff Street, between Snell Street and SR49.

5. East side of Snell Street, between Wyckoff Street and N. Washington Street/ SR 49.

The following parking lot closures shall commence at 4:00 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., or until the parade is finished.

1. The Fire Museum parking lot on N. Washington Street.

2. The Fountain Parking Lot, across from the Sonora Opera Hall to be used for ADA accessible parking only.

3. The first floor of the Terzich Parking Lot to be closed. 27 Item A.

4. The second floor of the Terzich Parking Lot to be used for ADA accessible parking and viewing only.

5. The Green Street Parking lot, located at Green Street and Linoberg Street.

The following street closures shall commence at 5:30 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., or until the parade is finished.

1. N. Washington Street/ SR 49 between Elkin and Stockton Road.

2. S. Washington St. between Stockton Road and Hospital Road.

3. State Route 49/Stockton Road between S. Washington Street/SR 49 and 70 W. Stockton Street (Yoshoku Restaurant).

4. The following streets between Washington Street/ SR 49 and Stewart Street:

Dodge Street, Jackson Street, Bradford Street, Theall Street, Church Street, Gold Street, William Street, Lytton Street, and Restano Way.

5. The following streets between Washington Street/ SR 49 and Green Street: Dodge Street, Yaney Street, Jackson Street, Bradford Street, Linoberg Street and Church Street. Toby Street between S. Washington Street and McGowan Street.

6. Lytton and Bulwer Streets between S. Washington Street and Olive Street.

7. June Street between S. Washington and Church Street.

8. The left turn lane from SR 49 (Stockton Road) to eastbound Hwy 108.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no parking will be allowed at the following locations on Friday, November 27, 2026, as indicated below:

The following no-parking locations shall commence at 4:00 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., or until the parade is finished.

1. N. Washington Street/SR 49 between Elkin Street and Toby Street.

2. State Route 49/Stockton Street between Washington Street and 70 W. Stockton Street (Yoshoku Restaurant).

3. Elkin Street between N. Washington Street/ SR 49 and Shepherd Street.

4. Stewart Street between Elkin Street and Dodge Street.

5. Church Street between N. Washington Street/ SR 49 and June Street.

6. The following streets between N. Washington Street/ SR 49 and Stewart Street:

Elkin Street, Dodge Street, Jackson Street, Bradford Street, Linoberg Street, Theall Street.

7. The following streets between S. Washington Street and Stewart Street:

Church Street, Gold Street, William Street and Lytton Street.

8. The following streets between N. Washington Street/ SR 49 and Green Street:

Dodge Street, Yaney Street, Jackson Street, Bradford Street, Linoberg Street, and Toby Street between S. Washington Street/ SR 49 and McGowan Street.

9. Lytton and Bulwer Streets between S. Washington Street and Olive Street.

10. June Street, commencing at Church Street and extending south 100 yards. 28 Item A.

The following no-parking location shall commence at 3:00 p.m. and continue until 9:00 p.m. (For trolley stop location)

1. North side of Lyons Street between Stewart and Shepherd Street. (2 spaces) The three-hour parking restrictions within the downtown corridor shall be released from Monday, November 16, 2026, through Friday, January 1, 2027.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Sonora, that all of the above is hereby approved, subject to all conditions as required by the California Department of Transportation.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED as a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonora, California, at a regular meeting of said City Council held on October 5, 2026, by the following:

AYES: ________________________________________
NOES: ________________________________________
ABSENT: ________________________________________
ABSENT: ________________________________________
___________________________________
Ann Segerstrom, Mayor City of Sonora
ATTEST: ____________________________________
Nicole McCutchen, City Clerk, City of Sonora
Resolution Number: 10-05-2026-A
29 Item A.

Sonora City CouncilOctober 5, 2026

Sonora City Council
October 5, 2026