REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 3, 2025
Chico Municipal Center, Council Chamber, 421 Main Street
1.1. Call to order – Mayor Reynolds called the June 3, 2025 - Regular City Council meeting to order 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA 95928. 6/3/25 Agenda
1.2. Invocation - Derrick Sanders
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.4. Roll Call
1.5. June 3, 2025, Closed Session Announcement - City Clerk Deborah Presson City Clerk Presson announced that Council met with staff in Closed Session regarding the following items:
Items 2.1. Property Negotiations; 2.2. Conference with Labor Negotiator; and 2.3. Public Employee Performance Evaluations for City Manager, City Clerk and City Attorney - not heard at this meeting.
Under Item 2.4., Public Employee Appointment – City Attorney, a motion was made by Mayor Reynolds and seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett to change legal representation for the Warren v. City of Chico existing litigation to Cole/Huber Attorneys, LLP., with the City Manager to process the contract. The motion carried 4 – 3, with Goldstein, Hawley, and Winslow opposed.
Item 2.5. Warren v. City of Chico –
The Council was provided with an update; no formal action was taken.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
2.1. RESOLUTION NO. 28-25 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO LEVYING ASSESSMENT INSTALLMENTS IN LIEU OF THE PAYMENT OF SEWER SYSTEM CONNECTION FEES INCIDENT TO THE CONNECTION OF PREMISES TO THE CITY SEWER SYSTEM 1634 OAK WAY - ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NO. 042-750-019 Adopted a resolution authorizing sewer assessment to be collected on the tax roll, in lieu of full and immediate payment of the sewer system connection fees. (Brendan Ottoboni, Public Works Director -Engineering)
2.1. Staff Report
2.2. RESOLUTION NO. 29-25 - RESOLUTION OF INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO TO ABANDON AND VACATE PORTIONS OF THE WEST FIRST STREET, WEST SECOND STREET, AND CEDAR STREET PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC STREETS, HIGHWAYS, AND SERVICE EASEMENTS VACATION LAW (APN: 004-033-005) Adopted a resolution of intention to abandon and vacate portions of the public right-of-way along West First Street, West Second Street and Cedar Street to accommodate planned campus development and scheduling a public hearing on July 8, 2025. (Brendan Ottoboni, Public Works Director - Engineering)
2.2. Staff Report
2.3. 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 at this meeting on requests made under this section of the agenda.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.1. HEARING TO CONSIDER THE FINAL ANNUAL ENGINEER'S REPORT AND THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF THE 2025-26 ASSESSMENTS FOR THE HUSA RANCH/NOB HILL NEIGHBORHOOD PARK LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. LLD 001-08 On 5/06/25, the City Council adopted resolutions approving the preliminary Annual Engineer's Report ("Report") and declaring its intention to levy and collect the annual assessments for the Husa Ranch/Nob Hill Neighborhood Park Landscape and Lighting District No. LLD 001-08 ("LLD") for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The Council also scheduled this public hearing to consider approval of the final Report and the proposed annual levy of $86.07/parcel, a $1.95 increase from the 2024-25 assessment. (Report - Erik Gustafson, Public Works Director - Operations & Maintenance) Recommendation : The Public Works Director - Operations & Maintenance recommends adoption of the resolution.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING THE FINAL ANNUAL ENGINEER'S REPORT AND ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE HUSA RANCH/NOB HILL NEIGHBORHOOD PARK LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. LLD 001-08 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026
4.1. Staff Report
4.2. HEARING TO REVIEW AND APPROVE THE 2025-2029 CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND 2025-2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN, INCLUDING THE ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING, FOR THE USE OF FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP GRANT (HOME) FUNDS The City of Chico is an entitlement grantee for the receipt of federal funds through two programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD): Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Grant (HOME). As an entitlement grantee, the City's ongoing receipt of funds is contingent upon City compliance with a range of planning and administrative requirements. One requirement was the development and submission of a five-year "Consolidated Plan," which included the first year Annual Action Plan, a review of the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing and update of the City's Citizen Participation Plan. The draft Consolidated Plan and associated documents were made available for public review for a 30-day period following a public hearing held at Council's April 15th meeting. At that meeting, the City Council conducted a hearing on the draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025-26 Annual Action Plan and directed staff to schedule a second hearing for formal adoption of the final plan at its June 3, 2025 meeting. (Report - MaryJo Alonzo, Housing Program Manager)
Recommendation : The Community Development Director recommends that City Council, 1) hold a public hearing on the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, including the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, Citizen Participation Plan, 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan and budget; 2) consider any public comment received during the hearing; and 3) approve the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, as revised or amended, and authorize its submittal to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
4.2. Staff Report
5. REGULAR AGENDA
5.4. COUNCILMEMBER O'BRIEN REQUEST - CANCER SCREENING
At its meeting of 5/20/25, the Council voted to waive its rules, and agendize a request for this meeting to have a discussion on cancer screening for Fire and Police personnel.
5.4. Councilmember O’Brien request - Cancer Screening
5.1. RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE FY2025-26 PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET The 2025-2026 Proposed Budget was presented and discussed by the City Manager and Department Directors with the City Council. At this meeting, the City Council was asked to approve the Proposed Budget for the City of Chico and the Successor Agency to the Chico Redevelopment Agency. (Report - Mark Sorensen, City Manager)
*The Fire Chief provided Staffing Cost Estimates for Engine 1 with two funding options.
Recommendation : The City Manager recommends adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO ADOPTING THE 2025-26 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF CHICO AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CHICO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
5.1. Staff Report
5.1. Fire Department Funding Options
5.2. CONFIRMATION OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR - HUMAN RESOURCES AND RISK MANAGEMENT Section 605 of the City Charter states that the appointment of department heads is subject to confirmation by the City Council. In order to meet this requirement, City Council was presented with the employment agreement for the Deputy Director - Human Resources and Risk Management. (Report - Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director) Recommendation : In compliance with Government Code Section 54953(c)(3), the City Manager shall first orally report a summary of the recommendation for final action related to the Deputy Director - Human Resources and Risk Management employment agreement as follows:
"The City Manager is proposing to enter into an employment agreement with Tiana Gray as the Deputy Director - Human Resources and Risk Management with an annual salary of $135,000" and the City Manager recommends City Council confirmation of the appointment.
5.2. Staff Report
5.5. GROWTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORT At its meeting of 6/18/24, Council authorized the formation of an ad hoc committee to discuss growth and future development in the City of Chico. Beginning in August 2024, the Committee has met twice monthly. The Committee is submitting its findings and recommendations to Council. (Report - Councilmember Winslow)
Recommendation : The Growth and Community Development Ad Hoc Committee recommends Council receive the report and provide direction.
5.5. Report - Growth & Community Development Ad Hoc Committee
5.6. ITEMS ADDED AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None
5.3. COUNCILMEMBER GOLDSTEIN REQUEST - PARK AVENUE CORRIDOR At its meeting of 4/15/25, the Council voted to agendize a discussion regarding a study to revitalize the Park Avenue corridor, zoning, infrastructure, etc.
5.3. Councilmember Goldstein request - Park Ave. Corridor
6. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS - The following reports and communication items are provided for the Council’s information. No action can be taken on items under this section unless the Council agrees to include it on a subsequent agenda.
6.1. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT - Verbal Report, City Manager Sorensen
6.2. 2025 STRATEGIC PLAN - Receive and file
At its meeting on May 6, 2025, the City Council worked to finalize the 2025 Strategic Plan with consultant Jeff Boian of Morrison. Through these efforts, a final list of outcomes was refined and completed.
6.2. 2025 Strategic Plan
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 would be, a majority vote of Council was needed in order for staff to agendize.
CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE CHICO CITY COUNCIL
Closed Session Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2025
6/3/25 Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
At 5:00 p.m., Mayor Reynolds called Closed Session to order in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street and announced the following items would be discussed in Conference Room 2 with staff. There were no speakers and no Council disqualifications and Council recessed at 5:02 p.m. to Conference Room 2.
2. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - Members of the public may address the Council at this time on any item on the Closed Session agenda, with comments being limited to three minutes or as determined by the Mayor based on the number of speakers.
2.1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR - Pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.8. - Council was briefed. No action was taken; direction was provided.
Agency Negotiator: Mark Sorensen, City Manager
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment, in association with the 2026 Road Rehabilitation Project - Ceanothus Party Negotiating with APN Address A. Jose V. Guzman and Hidy Rose Guzman 015-460-005 2233 Ceanothus Avenue B. Maplewood Series 2 LLC 015-460-003 2245 Ceanothus Avenue C. Dietz Rentals, LLC 015-480-095 2244/2246 Ceanothus Avenue D. The Cavaness Revocable Trust 015-490-002 2280 Ceanothus Avenue E. Chico Unified School District 015-490-001 1475 East Avenue
2.2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957.6 - Council was briefed. No formal action was taken; direction was provided.
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, Service Employees International Union - Trades & Crafts
2.3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957(b). Title: City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager - Council was briefed; no formal action was taken.
2.4. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT: (Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957 - Title: City Attorney) - Council was briefed. No formal action was taken; direction was provided.
2.5. 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 - Council was briefed. No formal action was taken; direction was provided.
2.6. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None
3. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on June 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA.