REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 19, 2025
Chico Municipal Center, Council Chamber, 421 Main Street
1.1. Call to order – Mayor Reynolds called the August 19, 2025 - Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located at 421 Main Street, Chico, CA 95928. 8/19/25 Agenda
1.2. Invocation - Pastor Gabe Ruhl, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.4. Roll Call
1.5. August 19, 2025, Closed Session Announcement - City Attorney John Lam
1.6. Sales Tax Presentation by HdL Companies – Ken Nordhoff, Principal
2. CONSENT AGENDA - Item 2.1. and 2.2. were removed from the agenda for further discussion by Council.
2.1. RESOLUTION NO. 39-25 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO DENYING AN APPEAL AND UPHOLDING THE AIRPORT COMMISSION'S APPROVAL OF THE LEASE OF AIRPORT HANGAR SPACE KNOWN AS 100 LOCKHEED TO AERO-FLITE, INC. - This item was removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of Councilmember O'Brien.
The Council considered adoption of a resolution denying 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)
2.1. Staff Report
2.2. RESOLUTION NO. 40-25 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CHICO CITY COUNCIL SUPPORTING BUTTE COUNTY'S EFFORTS TO IMPLEMENT AN EXPEDITED SEDIMENT REMOVAL AND FLOOD PROTECTION PROJECT AT THE FIVE-MILE BASIN - This item was removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of Councilmember van Overbeek for a quick staff update.
Adopted a resolution supporting the County's expedited sediment removal and flood protection project at Five-Mile Basin. (Brendan Ottoboni, Public Works Director - Engineering)
2.2. Staff Report
2.3. RESOLUTION NO. 41-25 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG THE ESPLANADE (PORTION OF 006-220-017 AND 006-220-018) - KAREN ELAINE ROBINETTE, AS SOLE TRUSTEE OF THE WILLIAM LEWIS AND JOAN LEWIS JOINT LIVING TRUST DATED APRIL 16, 2008 RESOLUTION NO. 42.25 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG THE ESPLANADE (PORTION OF 006-220-020)- DANA WARD AND LOUISE WARD, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS RESOLUTION NO. 43-25 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR DONATIONS AGREEMENT AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG THE ESPLANADE (PORTION OF 006-190-005) - AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAND CONSULTANTS, LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Adopted resolutions authorizing the City Manager to execute the purchase agreement and any related documents necessary to acquire real property in order to construct the North Esplanade Reconstruction Project. (Brendan Ottoboni, Public Works Director - Engineering)
2.3. Staff Report
2.4. RESOLUTION 44-25 - 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 901 W. 12TH AVENUE - ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NO. 043-051-032 Adopted 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)
2.4. Staff Report
2.5. RESOLUTION NO. 45-25 - RESOLUTON OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG BRUCE ROAD (PORTION OF 002-610-049) - CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE COMPANY Adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the purchase agreement and any related documents necessary to acquire real property in order to construct the 2025 Road Rehabilitation Project. (Brendan Ottoboni, Public Works Director-Engineering)
2.5. Staff Report
2.6. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION/BUDGET MODIFICATION NO. 2025-PWE-006 Approved a Supplemental Appropriation/Budget Modification to the FY 2024-25 Budget to transfer unused grant funds from Phase 1to Phase 2 of the Bruce Road Reconstruction Project. The Public Works Director-Engineering recommended approval of Supplemental Appropriation/Budget Modification No. 2025-PWE-006. (Brendan Ottoboni, Public Works Director - Engineering)
2.6. Staff Report
2.7. ACCEPTANCE OF ANNUAL REPORT ON THE DISPOSITION OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AND BICYCLE DONATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 Accepted the annual report for Fiscal Year 2024-25 showing disposition of all lost, stolen, or unclaimed property during the preceding fiscal year as required by Section 3.28.130 of the Chico Municipal Code. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.7. Staff Report
2.8. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 7/8/25
2.8. Draft Minutes
2.9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA - 2.1. and 2.2.
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 cannot take any action at this meeting on requests made under this section of the agenda.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.1. TEFRA HEARING FOR CONDUIT FINANCING FOR THE GREENFIELD FAMILY APARTMENTS PROJECT (135 GREENFIELD DR.) Conducted a public hearing under the Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act ("TEFRA") on August 19, 2025 in connection with the proposed issuance of revenue bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority (the "CMFA"), a joint exercise of powers authority and public entity of the State of California, in an amount not to exceed $30,000,000, (the "Bonds"), to finance and refinance the acquisition, construction, development and equipping of a 64-unit qualified residential rental project (the "Project") to be owned and operated by the Borrower and located at 135 Greenfield Drive within the City of Chico, California (the "City").
Recommendation : 1) Conduct the public hearing under the requirements of TEFRA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"); and 2) Adopt the resolution approving the issuance of the Bonds by the CMFA for the benefit of Greenfield Apartments Associates, L.P. (the "Borrower"), to provide for the financing of the Project, such adoption is solely for the purposes of satisfying the requirements of TEFRA, the Code and the California Government Code Section 6500 (and following).
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING A PLAN OF FINANCE OF THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY TO ISSUE AND REISSUE REVENUE BONDS FOR A QUALIFIED RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROJECT FOR THE BENEFIT OF GREENFIELD APARTMENTS ASSOCIATES, L.P., AND CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO
4.1. Staff Report
4.2. INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE REGULATING MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS (CMC CHAPTER 5.44) At its November 19, 2024 meeting, Council directed staff to prepare a massage establishment ordinance incorporating California Massage Therapy Council requirements and guidelines. Staff recommended that the City Council introduce an ordinance amending Title 5 of the Chico Municipal Code to add Chapter 5.44 to establish basic operational standards for the conduct of massage establishments in the City including time, place and manner regulations (e.g., hours of operation), as well as establishing basic health, hygiene, safety and advertising practices. The proposed amendments do not propose any construction, demolition, or other activity that has the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment and are therefore exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). (Report - Charlene Durkin, Code Enforcement Supervisor) Recommendation : The Community Development Director recommends that the City Council 1) hold a public hearing regarding the proposed ordinance; and 2) introduce an ordinance to add Chapter 5.44 to Title 5 of the Chico Municipal Code by reading its title only:
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHICO ADDING CHAPTER 5.44 TO THE CITY OF CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE TO REGULATE MASSAGE THERAPY ESTABLISHMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF CHICO
4.2. Staff Report
5. REGULAR AGENDA
5.1. INTRODUCTORY READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AMENDING TITLES 10, 14, 16, 16R & 18R OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE The Public Works - Engineering Department is proposing updates to several titles of the Chico Municipal Code (CMC). The proposed amendments to the CMC are to adhere to regulatory changes, follow City Council Directives, implement process enhancements, promote modern engineering practices, and provide long-term sustainability to City infrastructure. (Report - Brendan Ottoboni, Public Works Director
-Engineering)
Addressing the Council on this item were Ann Bykerk-Kauffman, Keith Doglio, and Richard Roth.
Recommendation : The Public Works - Engineering Director recommends the introduction of the following ordinances by reading the title only, with two additional codified resolutions as follows:.
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING TITLE 10 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING TITLE 14 STREETS AND SIDEWALKS OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING TITLE 16 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING TITLE 16R BUILDING STANDARDS OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING TITLE 18R DESIGN CRITERIA AND IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE
5.1. Staff Report
5.2. COUNCILMEMBER VAN OVERBEEK'S REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF THE ACTION TAKEN ON SOUTH PARK DRIVE DESIGN OPTIONS At the July 8, 2025 Council meeting, under Reports and Communications, due to being on the prevailing side of the action, Councilmember van Overbeek requested a reconsideration of June 17, 2025 Agenda Item 5.1. related to the conceptual South Park Drive design options where "Option 2" was selected in a 4-3 vote, with O'Brien, Bennett, and Reynolds opposed. Based on a 6-0-1 vote, (with Winslow absent), this matter has been agendized for reconsideration pursuant to the process as outlined in AP&P 10-10. (Report - Deborah R. Presson, City Clerk)
Recommendation : Consider the request for reconsideration and provide direction to staff.
5.2. Staff Report
5.3. INFORMATIONAL UPDATE - DISCUSSIONS WITH CARD REGARDING LEASE, OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF SELECT CITY PARKS At its March 18, 2025, meeting, the City Council directed staff to meet with representatives from the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) to begin discussions regarding a potential partnership for the operation, maintenance, and enhancement of several City parks, including City Plaza, Children's Park, the Comanche Creek area, Teichert Ponds, and Depot Park. Due to potential property restrictions, staff focused specifically on Children's Park, City Plaza, Depot Park & 9th & Hazel greenway at this time.
This report provided an update on those discussions, summarized the feedback received from the CARD Board of Directors, and seeks Council discussion and any additional direction. The proposal builds upon the existing 2020 Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreement between the City and CARD, which already establishes a framework for cooperation and potential leasing or transfer of park facilities. (Report - Erik Gustafson, Public Works Director Operations & Maintenance) Recommendation : Staff recommends that the City Council 1) receive this report as an informational update; and 2) provide additional direction regarding the scope (which parks to prioritize), process, and any other considerations for ongoing discussions with CARD.
5.3. Staff Report
5.4. CONSIDERATION OF DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATES FOR THE 2025 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Continued to the 9/2/25 Council Meeting
The League's 2025 Annual Conference is scheduled for October 8-10, 2025, in Long Beach. In order to participate in the League Annual Business Meeting where League policy is established, the Council must first designate an attendee as a voting delegate. Each city may also appoint up to two alternate voting delegates, one of whom may vote in the event that the designated voting delegate is unable to serve in that capacity. (Report - Deborah R. Presson, City Clerk & Elections Official) Recommendation : The City Clerk recommends that should the Council wish to participate, that it designates a Councilmember as the City of Chico voting delegate for the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference.
5.4. Staff Report
5.5. COUNCILMEMBER VAN OVERBEEK REQUEST - AD HOC COMMITTEE ON WAYFINDING SIGNS - Continued to the 9/2/25 Council Meeting
At its meeting of 6/17/25, the Council voted to agendize a discussion about Council approving the creation of an ad hoc committee to discuss the report on Wayfinding Signs with the committee to be comprised of Councilmember van Overbeek, a member of the Public Work's staff, a member representing the University, a member from the cycling community and lastly, a member from DCBA.
5.5. Councilmember van Overbeek Request
5.6. 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. 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.
7. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 10:12 p.m. to Closed Session Meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 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 - August 19, 2025 Closed Session Minutes
8/19/25 Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER
Mayor Reynolds called the Closed Session Meeting of August 19, 2025 to order at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located at 421 Main Street, Chico, CA. She announced all items on the agenda, including the Item 2.8. that was added to the agenda by a 2/3rds vote due to the matter arising after the posting of the agenda.
2. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA -
There were no speakers. Councilmember van Overbeek was disqualified on Item 2.8., Believe in Chico, LLC v. City of Chico due to owing property within 500 feet of the area being discussed. He left the room during that discussion.
2.1. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957(b). Title: City Attorney - Council was briefed; direction was provided. No formal action was taken.
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, Service Employees International Union – Trades & Crafts - Council was briefed; direction was provided. No formal action was taken.
2.3. 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; direction was provided. No formal action was taken.
2.4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION:
Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a):
BCSC Case No. 22CV01263 - California Automobile Insurance Co. v. City of Chico - Council was briefed; direction was provided. No formal action was taken.
2.5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a):
Aldrich v. City of Chico - Case No.: 2:25-cv-00414-DC-DMC - Council was briefed; direction was provided. No formal action was taken.
2.6. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION:
Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a):
In re: Purdue Pharma L.P., et al
,
Case No. 19-23649, pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York. - This item was continued to the next meeting and not heard.
2.7. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION:
Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a):
In Re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation
,
Case No. 1:17-md-02804-DAP, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
2.8. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - Council voted 7-0 to add one additional item that arose after the posting of the Agenda.
Believe in Chico v. City of Chico.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION:
Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a):
Believe in Chico, LLC. v. City of Chico -
Councilmember van Overbeek was disqualified on this item due to the owning property within 500 ft. of the area being discussed. He left the Conference Room during the discussion.
Council was briefed; no action was taken.
2.1. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957(b). Title: City Attorney
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, Service Employees International Union - Trades & Crafts
2.3. 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
2.4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a): BCSC Case No. 22CV01263 - California Automobile Insurance Co. v. City of Chico
2.5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a): Aldrich v. City of Chico - Case No.: 2:25-cv-00414-DC-DMC
2.6. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a): In re: Purdue Pharma L.P., et al, Case No. 19-23649, pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York.
2.7. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a): In Re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, Case No. 1:17-md-02804-DAP, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
2.8. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA
3. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned to the Regular City Council Meeting on August 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA at 5:58 p.m.