ADJOURNED REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - January 28, 2025 Minutes
1.1. Call to Order - Mayor Reynolds called the January 28, 2025 - Adjourned Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, California.
1.2. Invocation - Chaplain Tony Stover
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.4. Roll Call
Present: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds
Absent: None
1.5. Presentation - Winter Flood Preparations by Josh Pack, Butte County Public Works Director
1.6. January 28, 2025, Closed Session Announcement - City Attorney John Lam The City Attorney announced that the Council met in Closed Session with designated staff to discuss the matters as listed on the agenda.
On Item 2.1., Sutton v. City of Chico, an update was provided; no formal action was taken; direction was provided On Item 2.2., Warren v. City of Chico, an update was provided; no formal action taken.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to approve the Consent Agenda, as read
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
2.1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 1/7/25
2.2. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA - None
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Members of the public addressed the Council on matters not already listed on the agenda and within the jurisdiction's authority. The Council was prohibited from taking any action on requests made under this section of the agenda.
Addressing Council under Public Comment were Anne Perry, James Hutchinson, Dave Donnan, Stephen Hazel, Robin McCollum, and Steve Depa.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
5. REGULAR AGENDA
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5.1. CONSIDERATION OF COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
At its meeting on January 7, 2025, the City Council heard from citizens interested in serving as members of the Arts Commission, Bidwell Park & Playground Commission, Climate Action Commission, and Planning Commission. At that time, the Council was provided with a nomination form that was due by Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The City Clerk's Office compiled the individual nominations made by Councilmembers for the four 4- year positions on the Arts Commission, Bidwell Park & Playground Commission, Climate Action Commission, confirmation of these nominations. The Council also considered two appointments to the Airport Commission and to fill an unscheduled vacancy on the Climate Action Commission. A balloting process was used to fill these positions. (Report - Deborah R. Presson, City Clerk & Elections Official) Addressing the Council was Stephen Hazel.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Bennett and seconded by Councilmember Winslow to confirm the individual nominations made by Councilmembers Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien and Vice Mayor Bennett for citizens to serve for four-years on the following Commissions:
Arts Commission
Dustin Vaught
Olivia Gomez Cerullo
Marquita Goodman
Ciara Barsotti
Bidwell Park and Playground Commission
Marianne Paiva
Megan Thomas Petty
Martin Nichols
Frank Willis, Jr.
Climate Action Commission
Jared Geiser
Anna Alexander
JoAna Brooks
Grace Hoopingarner
lanning Commissio
yan Sharp
Ann Bykerk-Kauffman
Larry Wahl
Toni Scott
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
Using a balloting process, the Council voted to appoint the following Commission members:
Airport Commission
Lynda Gizzi
Marc Breckenridge
Climate Action Commission - 2-Year Term
Brian Kress
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The Council recessed at 7:04 p.m. for a five-minute break. The meeting was reconvened, and all members were present.
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION TERMINATING BUTTE CHOICE ENERGY JOINT POWERS
AGREEMENT (JPA)
City Council considered adoption of a resolution terminating the City's membership in the Butte Choice Energy joining Pioneer Community Energy as a follow up agenda item. (Report - Erik Gustafson, Public Works Director-Operations & Maintenance)
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to adopt the following resolution to terminate the Butte Choice Energy JPA:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-25 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CHICO CITY COUNCIL TERMINATING THE
BUTTE CHOICE ENERGY JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.3. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO JOIN PIONEER ENERGY CCA In 2024 representatives from Pioneer Community Energy engaged staff to advise of their expansion efforts and discuss the advantages of joining an existing Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. Pioneer Energy is a well-established CCA offering 10% savings to their customers in 2024 compared to PG&E rates. After lengthy consideration, staff believed joining Pioneer Energy is the best path forward to giving Chico customers a choice in their energy purchased and offer savings for both residential and commercial customers. Joining an existing CCA program is much more cost effective than attempting to launch a startup in unfavorable market conditions. (Report-Erik Gustafson, Public Works Director-O&M) Addressing the Council on this item was James Hutchinson.
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AUTHORIZING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
A COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION PROGRAM WITH PIONEER ENERGY AND AMENDING CHAPTER 15.60 OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE - Introductory Reading The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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5.4. STORM WATER MASTER PLAN
The Storm Water Master Plan (SWMP) was updated to provide a comprehensive report of the City of Chico's (City) drainage systems within its Sphere of Influence and included recommendations for necessary improvements. (Report - Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works - Engineering) Addressing the Council on this matter was Katy Thoma.
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember Winslow to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 02-25 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO ADOPTING AN
INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE CITY OF CHICO STORM WATER MASTER PLAN
AND ADOPTING THE CITY OF CHICO STORM WATER MASTER PLAN
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.5. CONSIDERATION OF TIMELINE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET City of Chico's annual budget process begins in January, culminating in City Council adoption by June 30 each year. The goal is to establish programs, projects, personnel, and funding levels for the coming fiscal year. In recent years, there have been two approaches to the timeline and presentation of information to the City Council. (Report - Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director) Council asked staff to bring this item back to the next meeting, along with ideas for scheduling a strategic planning session for setting priorities prior to the budget discussion to be held in May.
5.6. CONSIDERATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT
DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION
The City Manager recommended the reorganization of the Human Resources & Risk Management Department to a division of the Administrative Services Department, a reclassification of the Human Resources & Risk Management Director to a Deputy Director, and a one-time salary adjustment for the Administrative Services Director. (Report - Mark Sorensen, City Manager)
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to approve the reorganization of the Human Resources and Risk Management Department as a division under the Administrative Services Department; authorize the reclassification of the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management to Deputy Director - Human Resources and Risk Management; and approve a one-time off-cycle 3% salary increase, effective January 26, 2025, for the Administrative Services Director to account for the expanded responsibilities.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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5.7. COUNCILMEMBER WINSLOW REQUEST - TENANT PROTECTIONS At its meeting of 10/1/24, the Council voted to agendize a discussion regarding City enforcement of tenant protections.
Addressing the Council were James Hutchinson, Alisha Ake, Adam Fedeli, Austin Barron, Dave Donnan, Shan Conry, Steve Depa, Greg Wietbrock, Jennifer Morris, and Analise Ulrig.
A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember Winslow to direct staff to update the City's webpage with additional resources for tenants and to refer this matter to Internal Affairs for further discussion.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
Council recessed at 8:54 p.m. for a five-minute break. The meeting was reconvened, and all members were present.
5.8. COUNCILMEMBER GOLDSTEIN REQUEST - ELECTION REFORMS At its meeting of 12/17/24, the Council voted to agendize a discussion regarding election reforms, such as a formal redistricting commission.
James Hutchinson addressed the Council on this item.
A motion was made by Councilmember Goldstein and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to direct staff to return with information regarding the application of the following election reforms in the City of Chico including the creation of an Independent Redistricting Commission, ranked choice voting, and direct Mayoral elections.
The motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
NOES: O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds
Councilmember Winslow made a motion to table the discussion on the redistricting commission to September 2028. After discussion with the City Attorney, this item was not seconded nor acted on by Council.
5.9. COUNCILMEMBER HAWLEY REQUEST - STREET LIGHTING
At its meeting of 12/17/24, the Council voted to agendize a discussion regarding streetlight master planning for standardization of lighting utilities installed by both the City and outside agencies.
Addressing the Council on this item was Jared Geiser.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to refer this matter to the Internal Affairs Committee for further discussion, with Councilmembers identifying areas of concern within January 28, 2025 City Council Minutes Page|5
their own districts.
A friendly amendment was requested by Councilmember O'Brien and accepted to instead have staff present a status report to Internal Affairs for discussion and possible recommendations on this matter. At the time Council takes up the Internal Affairs Committee discussion and recommendations, Council could then provide updates on any areas of "lighting" concerns within their respective districts.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.10. STATUS OF THE AD HOC GROWTH & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Councilmembers Winslow and van Overbeek provided the Council with an update on this committee's work to date.
Addressing the Council on this item was Jared Geiser.
5.11. ITEMS ADDED AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS - The following reports and communication items were provided for the Council's information. No action could be taken on items under this section unless the Council agreed to include it on a subsequent agenda.
6.1. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT - Verbal Report, City Manager Sorensen
6.2. CITY CLERK'S OFFICE - 2024 ANNUAL REPORT - Information Only
6.3. COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTS - Pursuant to AP&P 10-10, Councilmembers may verbally request an item to be agendized at a future meeting. After stating what the item will be, a majority vote of Council was needed to agendize.
Emergency Declaration - Councilmember van Overbeek
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to agendize a once the vegetation dries out.
By approving this motion, the Council waived its own rule regarding a 30-day delay to bring back a Councilmember's request and will consider this matter at the February 4, 2025, meeting.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES:
Wildfire Readiness Presentation - Mayor Reynolds
A motion was made by Mayor Reynolds and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to agendize a presentation by the Fire Chief to address fire readiness and to have it come back as soon as possible.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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Street Sweeping and Leaf Pickup - Councilmember Winslow A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to agendize a discussion regarding the City's street sweeping and leaf pickup programs and ways to improve these services.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
7. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 10:06 p.m. to the City Council Closed Session meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., or 5:30 p.m. followed by the Regular City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico.
Date Approved: drp 2/18/25
Nutant husson
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
January 28, 2025 City Council Minutes Page / 7
Closed Session
Minutes
January 28, 2025
CALL TO ORDER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER - Mayor Reynolds called the January 28, 2025, Closed Session to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, California
1.1. ROLL CALL - All members were present.
2.1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a): Leigh Ann Sutton v. City of Chico, Case No. 23CV01870 - Update was provided; no formal action was taken; direction was provided.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a): USDC (ED) Case No. 2:21-cv-00640 - MCE-DMC: Warren v. Chico - Update was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.3. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None
3. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 5:48 p.m. to the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting on January 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA.
Date Approved: drp 2/18/25
Nitrand. Presson
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
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