City Council Meeting Minutes
Monday, July 06, 2026 at 6:00 PM
33 Church Street, Sutter Creek, CA 95685
The Agenda can be found on the City’s Website: www.cityofsuttercreek.org The City of Sutter Creek City Council Meeting is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@CityofSutterCreek.
Unless stated otherwise on the agenda, every item on the agenda is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) per CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c), 15061(b)(3), 15273, 15378, 15301, 15323 and/or Public Resources Code Section 21065. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Call to Order and Establish a Quorum for Regular Meeting Roll Call
Present: Mayor Claire Gunselman, Vice Mayor Julia Sierk, Councilmember Susan Feist, Councilmember Dan Riordan, Councilmember James Swift
Staff: Tom DuBois, City Manager; Derek Cole, City Attorney; Erin Ventura, Contract City Planner; Jim O'Connell, Police Chief; Mason Peters, Finance Supervisor; Dan Lafontaine, Public Works Director Mayor Gunselman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. A quorum was established.
2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Mayor Gunselman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Public Forum
One (1) member of the public addressed the Council.
Sheri Curtis, an Amador County resident, spoke in opposition to cannabis retail within the community. She shared information regarding potential health impacts associated with cannabis use, including cardiovascular and mental health concerns, referenced studies regarding THC potency, and urged the Council to consider those impacts.
Public comment was closed.
4. City Manager’s Report
City Manager DuBois provided an update on City business. The presentation is included with the meeting materials.
5. Presentations
A. Proclamation Recognizing Ms. Lisa Klosowski for Her Work on Behalf of the City of Sutter Creek and the Sutter Creek Visitor Center
This item was continued due to Ms. Klosowski's unavailability.
6. Approval of Minutes
A. City Council Minutes of June 15, 2026
Motion made by Councilmember Riordan to approve the June 15, 2026, City Council meeting minutes, seconded by Councilmember Swift.
AYES: Gunselman, Feist, Riordan, Swift
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Sierk
ABSENT: None
MOTION CARRIED (4-0-1)
7. Consent Agenda
A. Support County Supervisors putting the continuation of the Countywide Abandoned Vehicle Fee on the Ballot
Motion made by Vice Mayor Sierk to approve the resolution supporting the County's placement of the continuation of the Countywide Abandoned Vehicle Fee on the ballot, seconded by Councilmember Swift.
AYES: Gunselman, Sierk, Feist, Riordan, Swift
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION CARRIED (5-0)
8. Ordinances and Public Hearing
None.
9. Administrative Agenda
A. Presentation by Amador County Assessor, Jim Rooney
County Assessor Jim Rooney presented the latest property assessment data and answered questions from the City Council and City Manager. He also discussed the title to Sutter Creek City Hall and indicated he had spoken with County staff regarding the matter. City Attorney Cole will follow up with the County Recorder.
10. Mayor and Council Member Reports
Councilmember Feist reported that she would like to resume the Marketing Committee in September.
Councilmember Swift reported that he had initially believed the Native Sons would not consider the Monteverde grant application until September but has since learned it may be considered in July.
Mayor Gunselman announced that the Sutter Creek Community Benefit Foundation will donate $15,000 toward the Monteverde Store restoration project, consisting of $10,000 from the 2026 Duck Race proceeds and $5,000 from a private donation.
Vice Mayor Sierk reported that the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee is requesting funding from ACTC for the Sutter Creek-Amador City route.
Councilmember Riordan reported that ACTC is continuing its paving pilot program, including completed paving projects on French Bar Road in Amador County and within the City of Jackson. He stated that ACTC's attorney will provide an update regarding the legal limitations of in-house paving and may propose a framework for the County to provide paving services to the cities. Councilmember Riordan requested that the pilot program analysis, including complete accounting and cost information, be completed before proceeding further.
11. City Attorney’s Report
No report.
12. Information and Correspondence
The City Council received all public correspondence submitted for the meeting.
13. Closed Session
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at approximately 7:30 p.m.
A. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - City Manager
14. Report from Closed Session
City Attorney Cole reported there was no reportable action.
15. Adjournment
Mayor Gunselman adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is July 20, 2026
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Alejandra Zambrano, Interim City Clerk