REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 16, 2025
Chico Municipal Center, Council Chamber, 421 Main Street
1.1. Call to order – Mayor Reynolds called the September 16, 2025 - Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located at 421 Main Street, Chico, CA 95928. 9/16/25 Agenda
1.2. Invocation - Police Chaplain Michael Boyle
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.4. Roll Call
1.5. September 16, 2025, Closed Session Announcement - City Attorney John Lam City Attorney Lam announced that Council met in Closed Session regarding the following items:
2.1 Labor Negotiations -
Council was briefed and direction was provided, no final action was taken.
2.2 Existing Litigation -
Believe in Chico v. Chico -
Councilmember van Overbeek recused himself due to living within 500 feet of project area. Council was briefed and direction was provided; no action was taken.
2.3 Existing Litigation - Warren v. Chico -
Mayor Reynolds requested this item be
continued to October 7, 2025 meeting.
2.4 Existing Litigation - California Automobile Insurance Co. v. Chico - Council was briefed and direction was provided, no final action was taken.
2.5 Existing Litigation - Turner v. Chico -
Mayor Reynolds requested this item be continued to the October 7, 2025 meeting.
2.6 Anticipated Litigation -
Council voted 7-0 authorizing the City Attorney's Office to file a lawsuit seeking monetary damages, information to the public will be provided upon request once the case filing has been finalized and commenced.
2. CONSENT AGENDA - All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are to be considered routine in nature.
2.1. APPROVAL OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION/BUDGET MODIFICATION NO. 2025-ASD-008 The Administrative Services Director requests consideration and approval of a Supplemental Appropriation/Budget Modification to the FY 2024-25 Budget. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.1. Staff Report
2.2. CONFIRMATION OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE APPROVAL REQUEST
Pursuant to the policy set forth in AP&P 13-24 pertaining to leave of absences, the City Manager has the authority to approve a leave of absence with pay when warranted. A Chico Police Department employee needs additional time to complete 160 hours of consecutive time off, totaling one month due to an extraordinary personal circumstance. The City Manager has approved this request, and it is now being presented for Council confirmation. (Billy Aldridge, Chief of Police)
2.2. Staff Report
2.3. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 9/2/25
2.3. 9/2/25 Draft Minutes
2.4. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
2. CONSENT AGENDA - All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are to be considered routine in nature.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Members of the public may address the Council at this time on any matter not already listed on the agenda and within the jurisdiction’s authority. Comments will be limited to three minutes or as determined by the Mayor based on the number of speakers. The Council cannot take any action at this meeting on requests made under this section of the agenda.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing Guidelines
1. Staff report (up to15 minutes)
2. Council discussion and/or questions of staff (10 minutes)
3. Open hearing for public input (no more than 50 minutes):
• Appellant/Applicant- 15 minutes
• Additional Speakers- 30 minutes
• Appellant/Applicant Rebuttal- 3 minutes, if granted
4. Close the hearing to the public
5. Council discussion, motion and vote (20 minutes or longer, or as determined by Council)
4.1. HEARING ON AN APPEAL OF PROTEST DENIAL - PRIMARY CLARIFIERS REHABILITATION PROJECT This is an appeal by Lorang Brothers Construction, Inc. of a determination made by the Director of Public Works - Engineering - regarding the bid submitted by Lorang Brothers Construction, Inc. that was deemed non-responsive. (Report - Brendan Ottoboni, Public Works Director - Engineering) Recommendation The Director of Public Works - Engineering recommends that the City Council deny the appeal submitted by Lorang Brothers Construction, Inc. due to a non-responsive bid and adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO DENYING AN APPEAL AND UPHOLDING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR - OF ENGINEERING'S DETERMINATION THAT LORANG BROTHER'S BID FOR THE PRIMARY CLARIFIERS BID WAS NON-RESPONSIVE
4.1. Staff Report
4.2. PUBLIC HEARING OF THE 2024-2025 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) FOR THE FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND THE HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS (HOME) PROGRAMS A condition for receipt of federal funding for the CDBG program and HOME requires that the City of Chico prepare and submit a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) regarding the use of such funds. This report is prepared at the conclusion of each program year and made available for a 15-day public comment period. The City of Chico must hold a public hearing on the report at the conclusion of the public comment period. (Report - MaryJo Alonzo, Housing Program Manager) Recommendation : The Community Development Director recommends that City Council hold a public hearing, accept public comment and authorize staff to submit the CAPER to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
4.2. Staff Report
5. REGULAR AGENDA
5.1. PETERSEN MEMORIAL DRIVE SIX-MONTH REVIEW
At its February 18, 2025, meeting, the City Council approved motions directing staff to implement weekend and holiday closures of vehicular access on South Park Drive and Petersen Memorial Drive in Lower Bidwell Park. Council further requested that staff return in six months with findings and recommendations. This report summarizes observed circulation and safety outcomes, user feedback, and operational impacts from the six-month trial period. Staff is providing three different options for Council consideration.(Report - Erik Gustafson, Public Works Director Operations & Maintenance) Recommendation : Staff recommend that the City Council:
1. Receive this report as the six-month review of weekend/holiday vehicle closures.
2. Direct staff to:
a. Return to the way it was, both roads open to vehicles 7 days/week, 11AM-9PM (Summer Months), 11AM-7PM (Winter Months), or
b. Allow vehicles on South Park Drive 7 days/week from Woodland to Caper Acres. Prohibit vehicles on South Park Drive 7 days/week from Caper Acres to Centennial. Leave Petersen Drive open to vehicles 7 days/week, 11AM-9PM (Summer Months), 11AM-7PM (Winter Months), or
c. Petersen Drive and South Park Drive closed to vehicles Monday-Friday, open on weekends and holidays 11AM-9PM (Summer Months), 11AM-7PM (Winter Months). This is the opposite of the trial period.
5.1. Staff Report
5.2. STREET LIGHTING SURVEY RESULTS
Public Works - Engineering staff have completed analysis of public survey of street lighting. Street Lighting Survey Results Report detailing the results is provided to City Council. This information is intended to clarify the current status of streetlighting and allow Council to provide further direction as needed. (Report -Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works - Engineering) Recommendation : The Director of Public Works - Engineering recommends that the City Council consider the survey information and provide guidance on next steps.
5.2. Staff Report
5.3. Staff Report
5.3. WAYFINDING SIGNAGE REPORT
The report presents information on Wayfinding and Signage Master Plan initiated by Butte County and presented to the Internal Affairs Committee on April 1, 2024. (Report - Deborah R. Presson, City Clerk & Elections Official and Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works - Engineering ) Recommendation : The City Clerk and the Director of Public Works - Engineering recommend the Council give directions as to next steps.
5.4. INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT APPROVAL AND ACTION At its meeting of 09/08/2025 the Internal Affairs Committee discussed the items listed on the agenda and made the following recommendations:
5.4. Internal Affairs Committee Recommendations
1)
AMENDMENTS TO TITLES 10, 14, 16, 16R, & 18R OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE The Committee discussed the proposed changes and made the following recommendations:
Recommendation : The Committee recommends (2-1, Winslow opposed), that Council direct staff to review the four main areas of concern brought up by the Chico Builders Association regarding proposed amendments in 1) rainfall intensity calculations, 2) pavement design standards, 3) street lighting, and 4) traffic analysis requirements. In addition, direct staff further review the other proposed code amendments to see if there could be any additional flexibility to allow for some building cost saving without compromising public safety or infrastructure durability, with the goal of striking a balance between affordable housing and public safety. 2)
CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.44 AMENDMENTS - MASSAGE ORDINANCE (WAIVERS) The Committee discussed the proposed changes and made the following recommendations: that the Council direct staff to continue to receive public feedback regarding the proposed ordinance and report back at the October Internal Affairs Committee meeting with any additional proposed changes to the ordinance for further discussion.
Recommendation : The Committee recommends (3-0), that the Council direct staff to continue to receive public feedback regarding the proposed ordinance and report back at the October Internal Affairs Committee meeting with any additional proposed changes to the ordinance for further discussion. 3)
2027 ROAD REHABILITATION PROJECT - FLORAL AVENUE - PARKING RESTRICTION The Committee discussed the proposed project and took the following action:
The Committee voted (3-0) to approve Traffic Regulation Amendment (TRA) #872 which will eliminate parking on the east side of Floral Avenue between Manzanita Avenue and East Avenue.
Recommendation : The Committee recommends (3-0), that Council direct staff to consider adding traffic calming measures, crosswalks, curb & gutter, and lowering the speed limit as the budget allows when the 2027 Road Rehabilitation project is constructed. 4)
LOWERING THE SPEED LIMITS IN SPECIFIED CORRIDORS (Information Only) Director Ottoboni reported that there was no legal justification to lower the speed limits in the identified corridors.
5.5. COUNCILMEMBER O’BRIEN REQUEST - ALTERNATE SITE
At its meeting of 9/2/25, the Council voted to agendize a discussion regarding the Alternate Site and the Warren Settlement Agreement, detailing the current status 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.
5.5. Councilmember O’Brien Request
5.6. ITEMS ADDED AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA
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. FINAL MAP PENDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S APPROVAL: PM24-02, 2018 Forest Avenue Final Map (Tommy’s Car Wash) - 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 is needed in order for staff to agendize.
7. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourn to Closed Session Meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 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 Agenda
September 16, 2025
5:00 p.m.
Chico Municipal Center, Conference Room 2
421 Main Street, Chico, CA
9/16/25 Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M.
1.1. ROLL CALL
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 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 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 - Council was briefed and direction was provided, no final action was taken.
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 recused himself due to living within 500 feet of project area. Council was briefed and direction was provided; no 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 - Mayor Reynolds requested this item be continued to October 7, 2025 meeting.
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 and direction was provided, no final action was taken.
2.5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a): BCSC Case No. 22CV00190 - Turner v. City of Chico - Mayor Reynolds requested this item be continued to the October 7, 2025 meeting.
2.6. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(4): One (1) case.
Council voted 7-0 authorizing the City Attorney's Office to file a lawsuit seeking monetary damages, information to the public will be provided upon request once the case filing has been finalized and commenced.
2.7. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA
3. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourn to the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.