ADJOURNED REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - September 2, 2025 Minutes
1.1. Call to order - Mayor Reynolds called the September 2, 2025 - Regular City Council meeting to order in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA at 6:02 p.m.
1.2. Invocation - Pastor Bryan Meyers - Grace Community Church
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.4. Roll Call
Present: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds
Absent: None
1.5. September 2, 2025, Closed Session Announcement - City Attorney John Lam City Attorney Lam announced that Council met in Closed Session at 3:30 p.m. with staff to discuss the following items:
2.1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957.6 - Council was briefed; direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
Negotiator: Laura Izon (Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud and Romo law firm (AALRR)) & Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director
Employee Organizations: Chico Management Employees, Chico Public Safety Association, Stationary Engineers Local 39, Chico Fire Management Employees, Service Employees International Union - Trades & Crafts, United Public Employees of California - Local 792
2.2. 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 - Councilmember van Overbeek was disqualified on this item due to owning property within 500 ft. of the area being discussed. He left the room and did not participate in the discussion. 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): In re: Purdue Pharma L.P., et al, Case No. 19-23649, pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York. - 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): 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. - Council was briefed; direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.6. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR - Pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.8. - Council was briefed; direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
Negotiating Parties: Mark Sorensen, City Manager and Christine Adele Rowe Trust and Simmons Family Trust Property: APN 017-080-030
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Purchase
September 2, 2025 City Council Minutes Page|l
2.7. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957. Title: City Prosecutor - Council was briefed on this matter and then voted 7-0 to contract with Civica Law for code enforcement cases; authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the firm.
2.8. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957(b). Title: City Attorney - Council was briefed and will continue this discussion at the end of the regular session.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Bennett and seconded by Councilmember O Brien 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. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 8/19/25
2.2. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA - None
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Members of the public addressed the Council at this time on matters not already listed on the agenda and within the jurisdiction's authority. The Council was prohibited from taking action at this meeting on requests made under this section of the agenda.
Addressing the Council were Kari Sorrenti, Misty Wright, Lynn Overholtze, and Loree Monroe.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
5. REGULAR AGENDA
5.1. CONSIDERATION OF DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATES FOR THE 2025 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Continued from 8/19/25 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 A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to designate Mayor Reynolds as the City of Chico voting delegate for the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference, Councilmember Goldstein designated as an alternate.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.2. COUNCILMEMBER VAN OVERBEEK REQUEST - AD HOC COMMITTEE ON WAYFINDING SIGNS - Continued from 8/19/25 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 September 2, 2025 City Council Minutes Page|2
Addressing the Council was Jesse Horgan.
It was requested by Council that the City Clerk bring back the original report and presentation made at the Internal Affairs Committee in April 2024 so all Councilmembers can review the information before setting up an ad hoc committee.
5.3. CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION INTERVIEWS & APPOINTMENT TO FILL A VACANCY Due to the resignation of Jared Geiser, there was an unscheduled vacancy on the Climate Action Commission (CAC). The vacancy was posted in accordance with state law and a recruitment for this position was held in order to allow for additional applications to be submitted by citizens interested in serving on this commission along with any remaining applicants still interested in serving who applied during the 2024 Biennial Recruitment. At this meeting, the Council heard from the applicants directly and then Councilmember Goldstein would need to nominate a replacement. Following that selection, a majority vote of the Council was needed to confirm the appointment. (Report - Deborah Presson, City Clerk & Elections Official) Applicants included Bryce Ingersoll, Sarah Lanum, Cecelia Lore-Ramsey, and Natalie Norton who all addressed the Council about their interest in serving on the Climate Action Commission.
A motion was made by Councilmember Goldstein and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to confirm Bryce Ingersoll, as Councilmember Goldstein's nominee to complete the remaining three-year term of office.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.4. 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. FINAL MAP PENDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S APPROVAL: S20-04 Hicks Lane Subdivision, Phase 3 Final Map (Webb) - Information Only
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.
Alternative Site - Councilmember O'Brien
A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember Winslow to agendize a discussion on the Alternate Site and the Warren Settlement Agreement, that would detail the current status details relating to this site pursuant to the agreement at the next meeting. Councilmember O'Brien also made a friendly request to waive the Council's policy and bring this discussion back in two weeks instead of waiting the established 30-days.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
September 2, 2025 City Council Minutes Page|3
Tiny Homes Placed on Church Lots - Mayor Reynolds
A motion was made by Mayor Reynolds and seconded by Councilmember Winslow to agendize a discussion with staff bringing back information on the requirements of having tiny homes placed on church lots.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: van Overbeek
The Council announced that it would adjourn back into Closed Session at 6:52 p.m. to continue its discussion of Item 2.8.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:58 p.m. and the City Clerk announced that Council had adjourned into Closed Session to continue its discussion of Item 2.8. No action was taken; direction was provided
7. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 7:58 p.m. to Closed Session Meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 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.
Date Approved: /drp 9/16/25
Veland Pessn
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
September 2, 2025 City Council Minutes Page 4
Special Closed Session Minutes
September 2, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Reynolds called the Special Closed Session to order at 3:30 p.m. to discuss the items listed on the agenda. There were no speakers and one Council disqualification.
1.1. ROLL CALL
2. SPECIAL AGENDA - Pursuant to Government Code § 54954.3(a), the City Council was prohibited by law from considering any other business at this meeting.
2.1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957.6 - Council was briefed; direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
Negotiator: Laura Izon (Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud and Romo law firm (AALRR)) & Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director
Employee Organizations: Chico Management Employees, Chico Public Safety Association, Stationary Engineers Local 39, Chico Fire Management Employees, Service Employees International Union - Trades & Crafts, United Public Employees of California - Local 792
2.2. 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 - Councilmember van Overbeek was disqualified on this item due to owning property within 500 ft. of the area being discussed. He left the room and did not participate in the discussion. 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): In re: Purdue Pharma L.P., et al, Case No. 19-23649, pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York. - Council was briefed; direction was provided; no
2.5. 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. - Council was briefed; direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.6. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR - Pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.8. - Council was briefed; direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
Negotiating Parties: Mark Sorensen, City Manager and Christine Adele Rowe Trust and Simmons Family Trust Property: APN 017-080-030
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Purchase
2.7. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957. Title: City Prosecutor - Council was briefed on this matter and voted 7-0 to contract with Civica Law for code enforcement cases. The City Manager was also authorized to enter into an agreement with the firm.
2.8. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957(b). Title: City Attorney - Council was briefed and will continue this discussion at the end of the regular session.
2.9. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None September 2, 2025 City Council Minutes Page|5
ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 5:55 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
Date Approved: /drp 9/16/25
bank fessen
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
September 2, 2025 City Council Minutes Page 6