REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 6, 2025
Chico Municipal Center, Council Chamber, 421 Main Street
1. STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
5/6/25 Agenda
1.1. Call to order – Mayor Reynolds called the May 6, 2025 - Regular City Council meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA 95928.
Roll Call
1.2. Strategic Planning Session Follow Up – Jeff Boian of Morrison Co.
2. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION - Council recessed at 4:35 p.m. to Closed Session, in Conference Room 2 after Mayor Reynolds announced each item listed on the agenda. There were no speakers on any of these items. 5/6/25 Agenda
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS RELATED TO STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION - None
1.1. Call to Order - Mayor Reynolds reconvened the May 6, 2025 Regular City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m.
1.2. Invocation – Alan Harris, Co-Director of Come and See Ministry
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.4. Roll Call - All Councilmembers were noted as present.
1.5. May 06, 2025, Closed Session Announcement - City Attorney John Lam
2. CONSENT AGENDA
2.1. ORDINANCE NO. 2610 - ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING CODE AMENDMENT 25-01 AMENDING TITLE 19 OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE TO SUPPORT RESIDENTIAL READINESS (CITY OF CHICO) - Final reading and adoption by reading of title only
2.1. Ordinance - Code Amendment 25-01 Residential Readiness
2.2. RESOLUTION NO. 14-25 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO INITIATING PROCEEDINGS AND ORDERING THE PRELIMINARY ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE HUSA RANCH/NOB HILL NEIGHBORHOOD PARK LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. LLD 001-08 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 RESOLUTION NO. 15-25 - RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO PRELIMINARILY APPROVING THE ANNUAL ENGINEER'S REPORT AND DECLARING THE CITY'S INTENTION TO LEVY ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE HUSA RANCH/NOB HILL NEIGHBORHOOD PARK LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. LLD 001-08 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 AND APPOINTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING Adopted two resolutions to initiate proceedings and declare the Council's intent to levy and collect the annual assessments for the Husa Ranch/Nob Hill Neighborhood Park Landscaping and Lighting District No. LLD 001-08 for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, and to set a public hearing on June 4, 2024, regarding this proposed assessment. (Erik Gustafson, Public Works Director - Operations & Maintenance)
2.2. Staff Report
2.3. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION/BUDGET MODIFICATION NO. 2025-PD-002 The Chico Police Department requested consideration and approval from City Council of a Supplemental Appropriation/Budget Modification to the FY2024-25 Budget to appropriate funding for the acquisition of two vehicles for the TARGET team, facilitating the re-assignment of the unit's current vehicle to more appropriate needs. (Billy Aldridge, Chief of Police)
2.3. Staff Report
2.4. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION/BUDGET MODIFICATION NO. 2025-ASD-005 The Administrative Services Director requested consideration and approval of a Supplemental Appropriation/Budget Modification to the FY 2024-25 Budget. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.4. Staff Report
2.5. MINUTE ORDER NO. 02-25 - MINUTE ORDER AUTHORIZATION FOR THE DONATION OF A SURPLUS TYPE-1 FIRE ENGINE TO THE BUTTE COLLEGE FIRE ACADEMY Approve Minute Order 02-25 that 1) authorized the donation of the surplus fire engine to Butte College Fire Academy, which has an estimated value of $11,000; and 2) authorized the Public Works Director O&M to execute the necessary documents for the transfer. (Erik Gustafson, Public Works Director - Operations & Maintenance and Steve Standridge, Fire Chief)
2.5. Staff Report
2.6. CONSIDERATION OF COUNCIL LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR AB 1000 (CEQA EXEMPTION FOR THE 5 MILE SEDIMENTATION REMOVAL PROJECT)
2.6. Staff Report
2.7. ASSIGNMENT OF A NEW AUDITING FIRM
The City concluded the Request for Proposal process to contract with a new auditing firm to audit the financial statements for the City of Chico, the Chico Urban Area Joint Powers Financing Authority, provide a report on the City's compliance with the Gann appropriations limit, and to perform the audit of the City's federal expenditures (Single Audit). At its meeting of 04/16/2025, the Finance Committee voted 3-0 to recommend CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) and requested that the Council approve CLA to audit the financial statements for the City of Chico, the Chico Urban Area Joint Powers Financing Authority, the Passenger Facilities Charge (PFC) audit, and to perform the audit of the City's federal expenditures (Single Audit) under a three-year agreement with the option of two additional years. (Heather Childs, Accounting Manager)
2.7. Staff Report
2.8. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 3/19/25 & 4/15/25
2.8. 3/19/25 Minutes
2.8. 4/15/25 Minutes
2.9. 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 were within the jurisdiction’s authority. The Council was precluded from taking any action at this meeting on requests made under this section of the agenda.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.1. HEARING ON RESOLUTION DECLARING WEEDS, RUBBISH, REFUSE, AND DEBRIS TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE - ORDERING ABATEMENT AND REMOVAL, SETTING A DEADLINE FOR ABATEMENT, AND PROVIDING ASSESSMENT OF THE COST OF ABATEMENT Hearing to consider all objections to a resolution adopted 4/15/25, which declared a public nuisance relating to the abatement of weeds, rubbish, refuse and/or debris. (Report - Charlene Durkin, Code Enforcement Supervisor) Recommendation : The Code Enforcement Supervisor recommends adoption of the resolution which will: (1) overrule any objections to the previously adopted resolution; (2) establish 6/01/25 as the last day for voluntary abatement; and direct the Community Development Director to: (3) abate any item(s) not voluntarily removed; (4) maintain an accounting of costs associated with the abatement; and (5) provide the Council with a report of the costs to be recovered from property owners.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO OVERRULING OBJECTIONS TO RESOLUTION DECLARING WEEDS, RUBBISH, REFUSE, AND DEBRIS TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING ABATEMENT AND REMOVAL OF THE WEEDS, RUBBISH, REFUSE, AND DEBRIS, AND PROVIDING FOR AN ASSESSMENT OF THE COST OF SUCH ABATEMENT AND REMOVAL
4.1. Staff Report
4.2. HEARING ON RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY'S FEE SCHEDULE In accordance with Budget Policy E.5, changes in the City's Fee Schedule are to be brought to City Council annually. At this meeting, the City Council was asked to consider fee changes to be incorporated in the City's Fee Schedule. A public hearing was conducted specifically to address proposed cost of living increases to Development Impact Fees. (Report - Heather Childs, Accounting Manager)
Recommendation : The City Manager recommends adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING THE CITY'S FEE SCHEDULE (AMENDMENT NO. 355 - FEE SCHEDULES: 11.010, 11.030, 21.010, 21.025, 21.035, 21.040, 40.010, 40.030, 50.010, 50.020, 50.030, 50.040, 50.050, 50.060, 60.110, 80.020, 90.010 )
4.2. Staff Report
5. REGULAR AGENDA
5.1. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES AS DETERMINED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION §51178 Under state law (Government Code Section §51178), the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) is responsible for creating Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps designating moderate, high and very high fire hazard areas within Local Responsibility Areas (LRA). The Fire Chief requested the City Council to accept the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map designating moderate, high and very high fire hazard zones within Local Responsibility Areas by adopting the ordinance. (Report - Steve Standridge, Fire Chief)
Recommendation : The Fire Chief recommends introduction of the following ordinance, by reading of title only:
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO DESIGNATING FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES AS DETERMINED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION §51178
5.1. Staff Report
5.2. CONSIDERATION OF AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AND INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE REGARDING OUTDOOR WARMING APPLIANCES WITH AN OPEN FLAME AND OUTDOOR BARBEQUES The Fire Chief requested to the City Council amend Title 9 of the Chico Municipal Code adding Chapters 9.35 - Outdoor Warming Appliances with Open Flame and 9.36 - Outdoor Barbeques and amending Chapter 16R.42.070 prohibiting, restricting, or regulating open flame burning devices, equipment, and appliances that include, but not limited to, fireplaces, barbeques, and fabricated or homemade fire pits. (Report - Steve Standridge, Fire
Chief)
City Clerk Presson read the proposed emergency order into the record in its entirety.
Recommendation : The Fire Chief recommends the City Council:
1. Introduce by reading in full and adopt:
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING TITLE 9 PUBLIC PEACE, SAFETY AND MORALS BY ADDING SECTION 9.35 - "OUTDOOR WARMING APPLIANCES WITH OPEN FLAME" AND SECTION 9.36 - "OUTDOOR BARBEQUES" AND AMENDING SECTION 16R.42.070 OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE
2. Introduce and waive first reading of:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING TITLE 9 - PUBLIC PEACE, SAFETY AND MORALS BY ADDING SECTION 9.35 - "OUTDOOR WARMING APPLIANCES WITH OPEN FLAME" AND SECTION 9.36 - "OUTDOOR BARBEQUES" AND AMENDING SECTION 16R.42.070 OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE
5.2. Staff Report
5.3. INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION - STREET LIGHTING REPORT At its meeting of 04/07/25, the Committee received a report prepared by the Development Engineering staff on the current street lighting program outlining the City’s existing street lighting infrastructure, the process for installing new streetlights and plans for street lighting improvements.
Recommendation : The Committee voted (2-0-1, Bennett absent) to recommend to Council to receive the report and to direct staff to continue to take advantage of opportunities to increase street lighting on existing or new power poles and seek out ways to increase public outreach and education regarding how to report lighting issues and outages for maintenance.
5.3. Staff Report
5.4. UPDATE ON JACKSON POLLOCK ART REQUEST
At its meeting of 09/17/24, the Council directed the Arts Commission to consider ways to honor Jackson Pollock and bring it back to the Council for approval. (Report - Deborah R. Presson, City Clerk & Elections Official) Recommendation : It is recommended that this item be removed from consideration.
5.4. Staff Report
5.5. COUNCILMEMBER WINSLOW REQUEST - AIRPORT/HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE At its meeting of 4/1/25, the Council voted to agendize a discussion regarding the Airport/Housing overlay zone.
5.5. Councilmember Winslow request
5.6. COUNCILMEMBER WINSLOW REQUEST - WEST AVENUES SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS At its meeting of 4/1/25, the Council voted to agendize a discussion regarding West Avenues street safety improvements.
5.6. Councilmember Winslow request
5.7. ITEMS ADDED AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None
6. 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. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT AND BUDGET MONITORING REPORTS - Information Only
Financial Reports and Budget Monitoring Reports through March 31, 2025. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Service Director)
6.2. Monthly Financial Report - March
6.3. FINAL MAP PENDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S APPROVAL: S22-01 Orchard Creek Estates Subdivision (Tatreau Construction, Inc.) - Receive and File
6.4. COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTS - None
7. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 8:39 p.m. to the FY 2025/2026 Budget Workshop on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., the Closed Session meeting at 5:00 p.m., or 5:30 p.m. followed by the Adjourned Regular City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico.
CLOSED SESSION MEETING MINUTES
May 06, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
The Mayor called the Closed Session segment to order at 4:38 p.m. and announced the items as listed on the agenda that included evaluations for the City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney; conference with the City's Labor Negotiator regarding CPSA, Local 39, and Chico Fire Management Employees; Believe in Chico v City of Chico existing litigation; and Warren v. Chico existing litigation.
There were no speakers on these items but there was one recusal for Councilmember van Overbeek who was disqualified on Item 2.3.
1.1. ROLL CALL - All Members were present.
2. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - There were no speakers.
2.1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957(b). Title: City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager
2.2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957.6 Negotiator: Laura Izon (Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud and Romo law firm (AALRR)) & Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director Employee Organizations: Chico Public Safety Association, Stationary Engineers Local 39, Chico Fire Management Employees
2.3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a): BCSC: Case No. 25CV01135 – Believe in Chico v. City of Chico
2.4. 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
2.5. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA
3. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 5:59 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on May 06, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA.