ADJOURNED REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - June 3, 2025 Minutes
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.
1.2. Invocation - Derrick Sanders
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.4. Roll Call
Present: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds
Absent:
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 - These items were 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
A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein 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. 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)
2.2. 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) June 3. 2025 City Council Minutes Page| 1
2.3. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA - None
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 prohibited from taking any action at this meeting on requests made under this section of the agenda.
Addressing the Council were Sam Barber, James Hutchinson, Connie La Croix, Andrew Merkel, Cynthia Perrine, and Tammie Harvey.
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 conducted 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)
Mayor Reynolds opened the hearing to the public. No one spoke and the hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Bennett and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 30-25 - 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 The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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 - Mary Jo Alonzo, Housing Program Manager)
June 3, 2025 City Council Minutes Page 2
Mayor Reynolds opened the hearing to the public. No one spoke and the hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Bennett and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to approve the 2025- 2029 Consolidated Plan, as revised or amended, and authorize its submittal to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5. REGULAR AGENDA
5.4. COUNCILMEMBER O'BRIEN REQUEST - CANCER SCREENING - This item was heard before Item 5.1.
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.
Addressing the Council were James Hutchinson and Loree Monroe.
A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to direct staff to add funding to this program and extend free testing to all police officers and for all fire fighters.
Councilmember Hawley asked for a friendly amendment that within the next six months staff bring back a review of the statistics for Public Works employees to consider if they should also be included in this action. That amendment was accepted.
Councilmember Goldstein stated for the record that she would like to see more data related to this and exactly where the funding will come from before making this decision.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: Winslow
The Council recessed at 7:00 p.m. for a five-minute break. The meeting was reconvened, and all members were present.
5.1. RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE FY2025-26 PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET At its meeting of May 20, 2025, the Council considered the 2025-2026 Proposed Budget with the City Manager and Department Directors. Action was delayed on this matter in order for staff to return with funding options for possible changes to the budget. At this meeting, the City Council was provided with the requested information and 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.
Addressing the Council were Patricia Hironimus, Ken Smith, Lucia Vanert, Jordan Gaernter, and Cynthia Perrine.
June 3, 2025 City Council Minutes Page|3
A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to adopt 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, including Option 2 as proposed by the Fire Chief for 3 New Firefighters (FFs) + promotions, with the funding to come from Measure H projects that are delayed, and to have staff come back in October or November to see if the other three positions can be funded, which would then be the fulfilling of Option 1.
Friendly Amendment Request - Councilmember Winslow asked that rather than approving it right now that Council direct staff to bring back potential options to review at the next meeting. Councilmember O'Brien didn't accept the amendment.
A substitute motion was then made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to direct the Police Department to come back with a proposal to fund 70% of the costs to fund Engine 1 out of the Police Department budget, with Council to figure out how to get the other 30%.
The substitute motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
NOES: O'Brien, Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds
Due to the failure of the substitute motion, the original motion carried with the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 31-25 - 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, including Option 2 as proposed by the Fire Chief for 3 New Firefighters (FFs) + promotions, with the funding to come from Measure H projects that are delayed, and to have staff come back in October or November to see if the other three positions can be funded, which would then be the fulfilling of Option 1.
The original motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds
NOES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
5.2. CONFIRMATION OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR - HUMAN RESOURCES AND RISK MANAGEMENT Section 605 of the City Charter requires 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 an employment agreement for the Deputy Director - Human Resources and Risk Management. (Report - Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to confirm the appointment of Tiana Gray as the Deputy Director - Human Resources and Risk Management with an annual salary of $135,000."
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
June 3, 2025 City Council Minutes Page|4
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 met twice monthly. The Committee now submits its findings and recommendations to Council. (Report - Councilmember Winslow)
The Council recessed at 7:53 p.m. for a five-minute break. The meeting was reconvened, and all Councilmembers were present.
Addressing the Council were Brandon Slater, David Welch, Rob Berry, Patricia Hironimus, Adam Fedeli, Mark Lance, James Hutchinson, Brian Kress, Elizabeth Devereaux, Julian Zener, Grace Marvin, Jacquelyn Chase, Gabrielle Broche, Ann Bykerk-Kauffman, Derrick Sanderson, Eric Nilsson, Pamela Posey, Chris Giampaoli, Marty Dunlap, Bill Brouhard, Austin Barron, and Beth Sisk.
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to refer the list included in the report to staff for review and analysis, with Councilmembers Winslow and van Overbeek meeting with them to work through the items to prioritize. Once this additional work is completed, the report will come back to Council for further discussion.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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.
Addressing the Council were Eric Nilsson, Elizabeth Devereaux, Adam Fedeli, and Austin Barron.
A motion was made by Councilmember Goldstein and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to direct staff and the Park Avenue work group to meet and discuss the group's ideas.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
6. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS - The following reports and communication items were provided for the Council's information. No action can 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. 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.
June 3, 2025 City Council Minutes Page|5
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 would be needed in order for staff to agendize.
Councilmember Hawley - Development Fee Decreases
A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Winslow to agendize a discussion regarding the formula used for impact fees and whether there are decreases when the index decreases. If they don't, would that be just a policy decision? The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
Date Approved: /drp 7/8/25
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
June 3, 2025 City Council Minutes Page 6
CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE CHICO CITY COUNCIL
June 3, 2025 Minutes
1. CLOSED SESSION
At 5:00 p.m., Mayor Reynolds called Closed Session to order in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, and announced each of the following items would be discussed in Conference Room 2 with staff.
There were no speakers, no Council disqualifications and Council recessed at 5:02 p.m. to Conference Room 2.
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
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.
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.
Date Approved: /drp 7/8/25
lebrank, lesson
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
June 3, 2025 City Council Minutes Page|7