ADJOURNED REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - September 16, 2025 Minutes
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.
1.2. Invocation - Police Chaplain Michael Boyle
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 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 - This item was 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 - This item was 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
A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember Winslow 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 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION/BUDGET MODIFICATION NO. 2025-ASD-008 Approved Supplemental Appropriation/Budget Modification to the FY 2024-25 Budget. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.2. CONFIRMATION OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE APPROVAL REQUEST
Approved a leave of absence with pay when warranted. A Chico Police Department employee needed additional time to complete 160 hours of consecutive time off, totaling one month due to an extraordinary personal circumstance. (Billy Aldridge, Chief of Police)
2.3. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 9/2/25
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2.4. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA - None
PUBLIC COMMENTS - Members of the public addressed the Council at this time on any matter 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.
Addressing the Council were Nichole Nava, Sam Barber, and a letter read into the record from Andrew Merkel.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.1. HEARING ON AN APPEAL OF PROTEST DENIAL - PRIMARY CLARIFIERS REHABILITATION PROJECT Conducted a public hearing on 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)
The Mayor opened the hearing to the public. Carol Lorang was called to speak. The hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Goldstein and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to adopt the following resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 47-25 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 The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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 required 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 held a public hearing on the report at the conclusion of the public comment period. (Report - MaryJo Alonzo, Housing Program Manager) Mayor Reynolds opened the hearing to the public. No one spoke and the hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to authorize staff to submit the CAPER to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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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 summarized 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) Addressing the Council were Larry Willis, Nichole Nava, and Ann Bykerk-Kauffman.
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to direct staff to return to the way it was, with both roads open to vehicles 7 days/week, 11AM-9PM (Summer Months), 11AM-7PM (Winter Months) with the road between Caper Acres and Cedar Grove to remain closed to traffic.
A substitute motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to implement a trial period of Option C, with Petersen Drive and South Park Drive closed to vehicles Monday- Friday, open on weekends and holidays 11AM-9PM (Summer Months), 11AM-7PM (Winter Months).
The substitute motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
NOES: O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds
The original motion to direct staff to return to the way it was, with both roads open to vehicles 7 days/week, 11AM-9PM (Summer Months), 11AM-7PM (Winter Months) with the road between Caper Acres and Cedar Grove to remain closed to traffic carried by the following vote:
AYES: O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds
NOES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
5.2. STREET LIGHTING SURVEY RESULTS
At the request of Council, Public Works - Engineering staff completed an analysis of public survey of street lighting with those results now being provided for Council discussion. This information was 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)
Council discussed the survey results, which were found very helpful. No formal action was taken; staff indicated that they would prioritize areas of high traffic intersections, arterials, and major collectors so those type of thoroughfares that carry higher volumes, with pedestrians, cyclists, and cars are all safer.
5.3. WAYFINDING SIGNAGE REPORT
The report presented 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) Councilmember van Overbeek recused himself due to owning property in the downtown area.
Nichole Farley addressed the Council on this item.
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A motion was made by Mayor Reynolds and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to approve the creation of a seven-member ad hoc committee to address the needs for the City of Chico, with members to be determined by the Mayor, with it noted that there would be limited staff support in charge of the City's signage program.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
DISQ: van Overbeek
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:
Addressing the Council were Ann Bykerk-Kauffman, Bill Webb, and Chris Giampaoli. 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:
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett to accept the IAC recommendation to direct staff to review the four main areas of concern brought up by the Chico Builders IAC meeting in October. In addition, direct staff to bring the other items back separately to Council so they can be acted on and implemented
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds
NOES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
2) CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.44 AMENDMENTS - MASSAGE ORDINANCE (WAIVERS) A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to accept the Committees recommendation 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.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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. 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 September 16, 2025 City Council Minutes Page 4
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.
Addressing the Council were Steve Lotti, Brenda Sallee, Charles Whithuhn, Liz Brooke, Lynn Overholtzer, Robin McCollum, Nichole Nava, Loree Monroe, Grace Marvin, Ann Bykerk-Kaufmann, and Adam Fedeli.
A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to direct staff to come back with options for the alternate site that might include additional locations at the next meeting as well as any options for collaboration with other entities.
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
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: 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 was needed in order for staff to agendize.
SCOOTER OR BIKE SHARING PROGRAM - Councilmember Winslow A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to agendize a discussion of the creation of a bike or scooter share program and policies that might limit it.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 10:06 p.m. 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.
Date Approved: /drp 10/07/25
Natan Presen
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
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CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE CHICO COUNCIL - September 16, 2025 Minutes
1. CALL TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M.
Mayor Reynolds called the Closed Session Meeting of September 16, 2025. She announced all the items on the agenda and noted that items 2.3 and 2.5 were being continued to the October 7, 2025, meeting.
1.1 ROLL CALL
Present: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds
Absent: None
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.
direction was provided; no action was taken.
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 - This item was continued to the 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 - This item was 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, and 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 - None
3. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 5:55 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Date Approved: /drp 10/07/25
brank Benion
Déborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
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