MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BIGGS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING May 13, 2025
COUNTY OF BUTTE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
The regular council meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Sheppard. Staff present:
Interim City Administrator Cliff Wagner, City Attorney Greg Einhorn, City Planner Bob Summerville, City Engineer Dave Harden, and City Clerk Roben Benish.
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Mayor Sheppard
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
3. ROLL CALL:
Present: Squires, Wilks, and Sheppard
Absent: Arnold
4. PUBLIC COMMENT: Resident James Wilson wished to thank the Biggs Fire Department for assisting him with a burn permit.
5. PRESENTATIONS:
A. Mayor Sheppard recognized the City of Biggs retiring contract accountant, Roy Seiler, for his 15 years of service with the City of Biggs.
B. NCPA General Manager, Randy Howard, provided an informational update regarding electricity in the City of Biggs.
Resident James Wilson asked who is restricting him from installing a battery for his solar system. Interim City Administrator Cliff Wagner responded that the City Council sets policy for solar and they are currently working on a draft policy for solar plus battery.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. Approve warrants 39210 – 39274, 4150252, 9303400 – 9303426 in the amount of $559,627.16 for the month of April 2025.
B. Approve the minutes for the Regular Meeting of April 22, 2025.
C. Acknowledge receipt of the Animal Control Reports for April 2025.
Motion/Second to approve the consent calendar. (Wilks/Squires, MCU; Absent: Arnold)
7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A. Adoption of the 2025 Butte County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Fire Chief Mike Conaty presented the CWPP to the Council.
Councilmember Wilks asked if the risks for the City of Biggs had been identified such as haystack fires. She was informed it was not.
Motion/Second to approve the 2025 Community Wildfire Protection Plan and authorize the mayor to sign. (Squires/Wilks, MCU; Absent: Arnold)
MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BIGGS
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING May 13, 2025
COUNTY OF BUTTE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
B. Extension of Revised Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map 2021-01 City Planner Bob Summerville stated the applicant was requesting to extend the term of the previously approved vesting tentative subdivision map, which expires June 13, 2025.
Planning staff is recommending that the subject tentative map be extended for an additional five years by approving Resolution No. 2025-16.
Resident Mandy Mattos questioned why this map needed to be approved when it would change in two weeks. She pleaded with the Council to gain back local control.
Residents James Wilson and Melody Thomas added their comments and concerns regarding apartments and single-family homes that would be included with the tentative subdivision map.
Councilmember Squires recused himself from voting on this item due to the proximity of his home to this project. Due to lack of quorum on this issue, this item will be brought back in June when Vice Mayor Arnold is present.
C. SB1 Project List to California Transportation Commission (CTC) for FY 2025-26 City Engineer Dave Harden stated this is a routine action taken by the Council for the City of Biggs to submit a list of projects for street pavement, maintenance and repairs.
Motion/Second to adopt Resolution No. 2025-13, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BIGGS ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017.” (Wilks/Squires, MCU; Absent: Arnold)
D. Mr. Wagner wished to inform the Council and the public that a Budget Study Session will be held during the next regular meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025.
E. City of Biggs Electric Rate Policy
Mr. Wagner stated the City of Biggs owns and operates a municipal electric utility that provides electric service to residents, businesses, and public agencies within the city limits.
Motion/Second to approve Resolution No. 2025-14, “RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BIGGS ADOPTING ELECTRIC UTILITY RATE
POLICIES TO GUIDE RATE STRUCTURE, REVENUE ADEQUACY, EQUITY, COST ALIGNMENT, AND STABILITY.” (Wilks/Squires, MCU; Absent: Arnold) F. City of Biggs Water and Wastewater Rates Policy
Mr. Wagner stated the City of Biggs provides water and wastewater services as essential municipal utilities to residents and businesses. To ensure that rates for these services are equitable, legally compliant, and financially sustainable, staff have prepared a formal Water and Wastewater Rates Policy
MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BIGGS
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING May 13, 2025
COUNTY OF BUTTE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Motion/Second to adopt Resolution No. 2025-15, “RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BIGGS ADOPTING A WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES POLICY.” (Squires/Wilks, MCU; Absent: Arnold)
8. DEPARMENT UPDATE REPORTS
City Planner Bob Summerville reviewed the planning update report provided in the agenda.
City Engineer Dave Harden provided an update on the upcoming Second Street sidewalk project.
9. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor Sheppard attended Mosquito Abatement and Flood Control Meetings. He attended a conference in Washington D.C. Mayor Sheppard will be attending another conference June 6 – 11, 2025.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS
11. ADJOURNMENT: Council adjourned the Regular Meeting 8:20 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Roben Benish, CITY CLERK James T. Sheppard, MAYOR