REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 8, 2025
Chico Municipal Center, Council Chamber, 421 Main Street
1.1. Call to order – Mayor Reynolds called the July 8, 2025 - Regular City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, California. 7/8/25 Agenda
1.2. Invocation - Chaplain MaryAnn Hawkins
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.4. Roll Call
1.5. July 8, 2025, Closed Session Announcement - City Attorney John Lam City Attorney Lam announced that Council met with staff in Closed Session regarding the following items:
2.1. Labor Negotiations -
Council was briefed and direction was provided; no final action taken.
2.2. Existing Litigation - Warren v Chico -
Council was briefed; no action was taken.
2.3. Existing Litigation - Workers Compensation Claim - Council was briefed; direction was provided.
2.4. Existing Litigation - Believe in Chico v. Chico -
Council was briefed; no action was taken.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
2.1. RESOLUTION NO. 34-25 - 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 1735 MEADOW ROAD - ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NO. 043-070-053 The Public Works Director-Engineering recommended adoption of a resolution authorizing sewer assessments 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. ACCEPTANCE OF COST REPORT FOR THE 2025 WEED ABATEMENT AND LOT CLEARING PROGRAM At its 5/6/25 meeting, the City Council adopted a resolution which required the Community Development Department to abate those properties not in compliance with the requirement to abate weeds as of 6/01/25, and to keep an account of the work done by the City contractor to submit to the City Council for confirmation. The cost report for the 2025 Weed Abatement and Lot Clearing program was submitted for the Council's approval. If approved, the owners of the parcels will be given 30 days to pay for the cost of the abatement. Property owners who do not pay will have a lien placed on their property. (Charlene Durkin, Code Enforcement Supervisor)
2.2. Staff Report
2.3. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING AN APPEAL AND REVERSING THE AIRPORT COMMISSION'S APPROVAL OF THE LEASE OF AIRPORT HANGAR SPACE KNOWN AS 100 LOCKHEED TO AERO-FLITE, INC.
Council was asked to adopt a resolution upholding Mark Spelts appeal of the Airport Commission's approval of the hangar lease to Aero-Flite, Inc. at 100 Lockheed. (Erik Gustafson, Public Works Director - Operations & Maintenance) This item was removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of Councilmember Hawley for further discussion.
2.3. Staff Report
2.4. APPROVAL OF THE 2025/26 BUTTE INTERAGENCY NARCOTICS TASK FORCE (BINTF) PROPOSED GENERAL BUDGET Approval of the 2025/26 Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) Proposed General Budget. In 2002, the City Council approved consolidation of the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) and Butte Anti-Drug and Gang Special Supervision (BASS) Unit. The Memorandum of Understanding provides that each participating agency shall approve or disapprove the BINTF budget no later than June 30th of each year. (Billy Aldridge, Chief of Police)
2.4. Staff Report
2.5. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION/BUDGET MODIFICATION NO. 2025-FD-002 The City Council was asked to consider a Supplemental Appropriation/Budget Modification that, will decrease fund balance from Private Development-Fire (Fund 874) budget by $8,178 and appropriate funds to Fire Prevention Staff Vehicle (Capital Project 50508) to align with actual costs of the emergency lights/siren/speaker upfit package. (Steve Standridge, Fire Chief)
2.5. Staff Report
2.6. AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF CHICO BUDGET, APPENDICES B-1 AND B-3, AND AN UPDATE TO THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION An amendment to the City of Chico's 2025/26 Fiscal Year Budget Appendix B-1 and B-3, modifying the full-time position allocations for the City Manager's Office and amending the Assistant City Manager job description and pay scale. (Mark Sorensen, City Manager)
2.6. Staff Report
2.7. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 5/20/25, 6/3/25, AND 6/17/25
2.7. Draft Minutes
2.8. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA - Item 2.3.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Members of the public addressed the Council on any 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 ORDERING THE ABANDONMENT AND VACATION OF PORTIONS OF WEST FIRST STREET, WEST SECOND STREET AND CEDAR STREET PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY At its meeting of June 3, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 29-25 stating its intent to abandon the public right-of-way and adjacent alley/public utility easements and set the public hearing for this meeting. (Report - Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works - Engineering) The Mayor opened the hearing to the public. No one spoke and the hearing was closed.
Recommendation : The Public Works Director - Engineering recommends adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO ORDERING ABANDONMENT AND VACATION OF THE WEST FIRST STREET, WEST SECOND STREET, AND CEDAR STREET PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY PUBLIC STREET PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC STREETS, HIGHWAYS AND SERVICE EASEMENTS VACATION LAW (APN: 004-033-005)
4.1. Staff Report
4.2. HEARING ORDERING FORMATION OF MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT A54 - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SUBDIVISION A condition of approval of a final subdivision map required property owner, Habitat for Humanity of Butte County, to provide a means for funding the future replacement and ongoing operation and maintenance costs of stormwater facilities, street trees, and landscaping, which are of special benefit to the subdivision. The new subdivision is located on Wisconsin Street, APN 005-391-014. (Report - Brendan Ottoboni, Public Works Director - Engineering) Recommendation : The Public Works Director - Engineering recommends adoption of the following resolution.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO ORDERING FORMATION OF A MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT AND APPROVING A DECLARATION OF CONDITIONS, COVENANTS, AND RESTRICTIONS RELATING THERETO - CITY OF CHICO MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. A54 - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SUBDIVISION
4.2. Staff Report
5. REGULAR AGENDA
5.1. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION TO RESCIND RESOLUTION NO. 07-25, APPROVE REVISED PBID BUDGET, APPROVE REVISED ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 AND APPROVE CITY GENERAL BENEFIT PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,738.15 The Downtown Chico Property Based Improvement District ("Downtown Chico PBID") is the organization that provides enhanced maintenance for the downtown area in addition to otherwise generally improving the downtown area. This organization is funded through an annual assessment of properties within the area serviced by the Downtown Chico PBID. On March 18, 2025, the City Council approved the PBID's request for a 5% assessment increase for 2026. Since that time, the PBID has determined that an increase is not necessary and is withdrawing their previous request for an assessment increase.
Recommendation the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 37-25 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 07-25; APPROVING THE DOWNTOWN CHICO PROPERTY BASED IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT'S REVISED FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET AND LEVYING ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO THE PROPERTY AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT LAW OF 1994
5.1. Staff Report
5.2. INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT APPROVAL AND ACTION At its meeting of 06/02/2025 the Internal Affairs Committee discussed the items listed on the agenda and made the following recommendations:
5.2. IAC Recommendations
A.
FEASIBILITY OF ONE-HOUR FREE PARKING
The Committee discussed the feasibility report and made the following recommendation on the proposed one-hour free parking concept.
Recommendation
: The Committee recommends that the Council stop pursuing avenues to offer one-hour free parking and direct staff to focus on improving the overall parking experience downtown by 1) increasing educational outreach regarding the parking kiosks, parking pass program, and parking mobile app; 2) creating clear, consistent, color-coordinated parking signage, adding additional directions on parking kiosks; 3) update and sync the parking portal and website to create a single source for downtown vendor data entry and current updated parking information-including educational resources; 4) research feasibility of tiered parking rates; and 5) collaborate with the police department parking enforcement specialists to reduce the cycle time for enforcement in the premium zones to discourage parking violations. The Committee recommends a follow-up in six months to determine the success of the efforts.
B.
SPEED SURVEY RECOMMENDATIONS - VARIOUS LOCATIONS
The Committee discussed the speed surveys and reviewed Traffic Regulation Amendment (TRA) #869 with the various proposed speed limits related to each location. Adoption of Traffic Regulation Amendments involving speed limits required adoption of a resolution of the City Council.
Recommendation
: The Committee recommends (3-0) that the Council:
1) Approve and adopt the following resolution adopting Traffic Regulation Amendment (TRA) #869 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO ADOPTING TRAFFIC REGULATION AMENDMENT NO. 869 2) Direct staff to review the following corridors to determine if lowering the speed limit could be justified and report their findings back to the Committee: a) Cohasset Road between Esplanade & Mangrove; b) Park Avenue between Humboldt Avenue & E. 20th Street; and c) W. East Avenue between Hwy 99 & Esplanade
5.2. INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT APPROVAL AND ACTION At its meeting of 06/02/2025 the Internal Affairs Committee discussed the items listed on the agenda and made the following recommendations:
B. SPEED SURVEY RECOMMENDATIONS - VARIOUS LOCATIONS
The Committee discussed the speed surveys and reviewed Traffic Regulation Amendment (TRA) #869 with the various proposed speed limits related to each location. Adoption of Traffic Regulation Amendments involving speed limits require approval of a resolution of the City Council.
5.3. COUNCILMEMBER HAWLEY REQUEST - DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES FORMULA At its meeting of 6/3/25, the Council voted to agendize a discussion regarding the formula used for impact fees and whether there are decreases when the index decreases. If they don’t, is that just a policy decision.
5.3. Councilmember Hawley Request
5.4. ITEMS ADDED AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None
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. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT AND BUDGET MONITORING REPORTS - Information Only Financial Reports and Budget Monitoring Reports through May 31, 2025.
6.2. Staff Report
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 is needed in order for staff to agendize.
7. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 7:20 p.m. to Closed Session Meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 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.
CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE CHICO CITY COUNCIL
Minutes
July 8, 2025
7/8/25 Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER - Mayor Reynolds called the Closed Session to order at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the matters listed on the agenda that included the following items: Labor Negotiations, Existing Litigation Warren v Chico, Pending Litigation item related to a Workers Comp Claim; and Existing Litigation related to Believe in Chico v City of Chico.
2. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - There were no speakers on any of the items. Councilmember van Overbeek recused himself on Item 2.4. related to Believe in Chico v Chico due to residing within 500 ft of the area being discussed. He did not attend that portion of the Closed Session.
2.1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957.6 - Council was briefed; 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
2.2. 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 on this matter.
2.3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - PENDING LITIGATION: Pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(1). Case: XXXXX vs. City of Chico: (WC Claim No. 196087069-001) - Council was briefed; direction was provided.
2.4. 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 - Council was provided an update on this matter.
2.5. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None
3. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on July 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA.