REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 6, 2026
Chico Municipal Center, Council Chamber, 421 Main Street
1.1. Call to order -
Mayor Reynolds call the January 6, 2026 Regular Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA. 01/06/26 Agenda
1.2. Invocation - Pastor Bryan Meyers, Grace Community Church
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.4. Roll Call
1.5. January 6, 2026, Closed Session Announcement - City Attorney Ryan Jones
1.5. January 6, 2026, Closed Session Announcement - City Attorney Ryan Jones City Attorney Ryan Jones announced that Council met with staff on the Closed Session matters.
2.1 Labor Negotiations -
Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.2 Public Employment - City Manager -
Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.3 Existing Litigation - Warren v. Chico -
Council was briefed; no formal action was taken.
2. CONSENT AGENDA -
Item 2.4 was removed from the agenda for further discussion by Council.
2.1. ORDINANCE NO. 2619 - ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO, AMENDING TITLE 16R OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE ADOPTION BY REFERENCE OF THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, INCLUDING THE 2025 EDITIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE, BUILDING, REFERENCED STANDARDS, ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING, RESIDENTIAL, ENERGY, HISTORICAL, EXISTING, GREEN BUILDING, WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE, AND FIRE CODES AND STANDARDS; AS WELL AS THE ADOPTION BY REFERENCE OF THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE; 1997 UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS AND AMENDING, ADDING OR REPEALING PROVISIONS IN TITLE 16R OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT BY THE CITY’S BUILDING DIVISION AND FIRE DEPARTMENT – Final reading and adoption by reading of title only
2.1. Ordinance - Building and Fire Code Updates
2.2. RESOLUTION NO. 01-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING "MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHICO AND CHICO MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES REGARDING PAY, HOURS, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2026 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2027 (2026 CME - MOU)" Adopted a resolution which modifies the pay and benefits provisions applicable to the Chico Management Employees resulting from recently concluded negotiations. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.2. Staff Report
2.3. RESOLUTION NO. 02-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING THE CITY'S FEE SCHEDULE (AMENDMENT NO. 357 - FEE SCHEDULE: 21.050) At its 11/04/2025 meeting, City Council considered and approved an ordinance amending Title 5 of the Chico Municipal Code to add Chapter 5.44 pertaining to the regulations of massage establishments in the City. The City Council was asked to consider incorporating Massage Establishment Permit, Renewal, and Violation fees in line with CMC Chapter 5.44 into the City's Fee Schedule. (Heather Childs, Accounting Manager)
2.3. Staff Report
2.4. RESOLUTION NO. 03-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING TITLE 18R DESIGN CRITERIA AND IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE - Codified
Councilmember Bennett determined that he did not mean to pull this item, rather he wanted to pull 2.5 from the Consent Agenda.
Adopted a codified resolution to Title 18R Design Criteria and Improvement Standards of the Chico Municipal Code. (Brendan Ottoboni, Public Works Director - Engineering)
2.4. Staff Report
2.5. RESOLUTION NO. 04-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT, A SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT DEED, AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF A SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT FROM 3ZM LAND & CATTLE COMPANY, LLC, FOR A PORTION OF APN 040-400-092, IN SUPPORT OF THE P-18 SEWER TRUNKLINE PHASE 2 PROJECT Following the vote on the Consent Agenda, Councilmember Bennett had questions on this item as he had pulled Item 2.4 by mistake.
Adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the purchase agreement and any related documents necessary to acquire a sanitary sewer easement deed in order to construct the P-18 Sewer Trunkline Phase 2 Project. (Brendan Ottoboni, Public Works Director - Engineering)
2.5. Staff Report
2.6. FINAL MAP PENDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S APPROVAL: S09-01, Meriam Park Subdivision, Phase B-2 Final Map (MPH Company LLC) - Information only
2.7. SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT - INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS A side letter agreement between the City of Chico and the International Association of Fire Fighters modifies the Memorandum of Understanding for July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2027. The agreement increases the employee contribution by $25 per pay period into the Retiree Medical Trust (RMT), for a total contribution of $75 per pay period per active employee member. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.7. Staff Report
2.8. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 12/02/25
2.8. Draft Minutes
2.9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA -
Item 2.4
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 any action at this meeting on requests made under this section of the agenda.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
5.1. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING A TEMPORARY WAIVER OF CITY STANDARD FRONTAGE IMPROVEMENTS ALONG PARCEL 1 FOR PARCEL MAP 24-04 Staff has determined there is no immediate public need for the frontage improvements and recommends the approval of the temporary waiver under Chico Municipal Code 18.11.050. (Report - Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works - Engineering) Recommendation : The Director of Public Works - Engineering recommends City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO GRANTING A TEMPORARY WAIVER OF CITY STANDARD FRONTAGE IMPROVEMENTS ALONG PARCEL 1 FOR PARCEL MAP 24-04 FOR 2280 NORD AVENUE (APN 042-140-177)
5.1. Staff Report
4.1. HEARING ON AN APPEAL OF THE MAP ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP PM 24-04; 2280 NORD AVENUE At the November 13, 2025 Map Advisory Committee meeting, the Committee approved Vesting Tentative Parcel Map 24-04, a proposal to subdivide one 5.9 acre parcel into three parcels. The applicant appealed the Committee's decision contesting a condition of approval requiring all existing overhead electrical utilities adjacent to the subdivision be placed underground. (Report - Madison Driscoll, Associate Planner)
Recommendation : The Community Development Director and Public Works-Engineering Director recommend that the City Council deny the appeal and uphold the Map Advisory Committee's approval by adopting the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO DENYING AN APPEAL AND UPHOLDING THE MAP ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP PM 24-04 (2280 Nord Avenue)
4.1. Staff Report
4.2. HEARING ON AN APPEAL OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 25-07 (SECOND COUSIN) AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 25-12 (SLODOCO) CONDITION OF APPROVAL REQUIRING THE APPLICANT BRING BACK THE PROPOSED MURALS FOR REVIEW BY THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD; 119 AND 101 MAIN STREET At the November 19, 2025 Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board (ARHPB) meeting, the ARHPB approved both projects, each with an added condition of approval that requires the applicant bring back the proposed mural on each building for review by the ARHPB. The applicant filed two appeals, one for each project, requesting removal of the condition to bring back the proposed murals for review and approval by the ARHPB. (Report - Madison Driscoll, Associate Planner)
Recommendation : The Community Development Director recommends that the City Council approve the appeals by adopting the following resolutions:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING AN APPEAL AND REMOVING CONDITION #9 OF APPROVAL OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 25-07 (SECOND COUSIN) (119 MAIN STREET) RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING AN APPEAL AND REMOVING CONDITION #9 OF APPROVAL OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 25-12 (SLODOCO) (101 MAIN STREET)
4.2. Staff Report
5. REGULAR AGENDA
5.2. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION DEDICATING ELEVEN PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENTS TO PG&E LOCATED WITHIN APNs 063-290-011, 063-290-016 & 063-290-062 PG&E requested eleven public utility easements on City-owned parcels along Highway 32 to install anchor supports following damage and safety concerns identified after the Park Fire. The easements do not conflict with current or planned City uses. (Report - Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works - Engineering) Recommendation : The Director of Public Works - Engineering recommends City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO DEDICATING ELEVEN PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENTS TO PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY (PG&E) LOCATED WITHIN APNs 063-290-011, 063-290-016 & 063-290-062
5.2. Staff Report
5.3. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTON TO CONVEY DEPOT PARK TO CHICO AREA RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT The City Council will consider authorizing the conveyance of the existing Depot Park to the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD). (Report - Skyler Lipski, Public Works Director - Operations & Maintenance) Recommendation - The Public Works Director - Operations and Maintenance recommends approval of the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF DEPOT PARK TO THE CHICO AREA RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT (ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NO. 004-113-006)
5.3. Staff Report
5.4. COUNCILMEMBER VAN OVERBEEK REQUEST - ELECTRIC BIKE POLICY At its 12/2/25 meeting, the Council voted to agendize a discussion regarding making the City safer from electric bikes.
5.4. Councilmember van Overbeek Request
5.5. 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. FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE FINANCIAL REPORT REVIEW - Information only
Pursuant to California Government Code §66006(b), Staff is submitting to Council the 2024-2025 City of Chico Development Impact Fee Report, which contains financial information pertaining to the collection and use of development impact fees imposed by the City for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This report provides information only and does not increase or decrease the fees. The statute requires the Council to review the report, but no particular findings or actions are required. (Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works - Engineering)
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 9:56 p.m. to Closed Session Meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., or 5:30 p.m. followed by the Adjourned Regular City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
01/06/26 Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER-
Mayor Reynolds called the Closed Session meeting of January 6, 2026, to order at 5:00 in the Council Chamber, located at 421 Main Street. She announced all items on the agenda.
1.1. ROLL CALL
2. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA -
There were no speakers and no Council disqualifications.
2.1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957.6 - Council was briefed and 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:
Confidentials, Stationary Engineers Local 39, Service Employees International Union - Trades & Crafts, United Public Employees of California - Local 792
2.2. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT:
Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957(b). Title: City Manager Recruitment - Council was briefed and 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; no formal action was taken.
2.4. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None
3. ADJOURNMENT -
The meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA.