ADJOURNED REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - January 20, 2026 Minutes
1.1. Call to order - Mayor Reynolds call the January 20, 2026, Adjourned Regular Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA.
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. January 20, 2026, Closed Session Announcement - City Attorney Ryan Jones City Attorney Ryan Jones announced that Council met with staff in Conference Room 1 with staft regarding the following Closed Session matters:
2.1 Labor Negotiations - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek 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. RESOLUTION NO. 10-26 - 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 3549 ESPLANADE - ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NO. 006-170-032 Adopted a resolution authorizing sewer assessment 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)
2.2. RESOLUTION NO. 11-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO
ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF THE FIRE MARSHAL'S ANNUAL REPORT REGARDING THE
CHICO FIRE DEPARTMENT'S INSPECTION OF SPECIFIC BUILDINGS AND OCCUPANCIES PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13146.2 AND 13146.3 OF THE CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
Adopted a resolution acknowledging receipt of the Fire Marshal's report detailing the Chico Fire Department's compliance with State-mandated inspections pursuant to Sections 13146.2 and 13146.3 of the California Health and Safety Code. This report summarizes the Department's effort:
o meet required annual inspections of designated educational and residential occupancies. (Pau Ricketts, Fire Marshal)
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2.3. 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 updates the Monthly HSA Contribution formula in Exhibit D.II.B to reflect a two-tier contribution rate. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.4. AMENDMENT TO THE CITY MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION
This amendment updated the City Manager job description to accurately reflect the responsibilities of the City Manager position. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.5. INFORMATION SYSTEMS POSITION RECLASSIFICATION & AMENDMENT TO THE
INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION
The City Council was presented with a request to reclassify 1.0 FTE Senior Communications Analyst to 1.0 FTE Information Systems Manager. This amendment updated the Information Systems Manager job description to accurately reflect the responsibilities of the Information Systems Manager position. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.6. APPROVAL OF LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH JONES MAYER FOR CITY ATTORNEY
SERVICES
After an extensive recruitment process, which included multiple rounds of interviews, the Jones Mayer firm and in particular Ryan Jones of that firm was selected as the next City Attorney for Chico. (Mark Sorensen, City Manager)
2.7. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 1/6/26
2.8. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA - None
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.
Addressing the Council were Catherine Riley, Sam Barber, Bill Monroe, Lynne Overholtzer, and Sharon Fritsch.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
REGULAR AGENDA
5.1. INTERVIEWS & APPOINTMENT TO FILL A VACANCY ON THE ARTS COMMISSION Due to the resignation of Ciara Barsotti, there was an unscheduled vacancy on the Arts Commission, with three years remaining in the term. The vacancy was posted in accordance with state law and recruitment for this position was held 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. Attendance at this meeting was not required to be considered for appointment. (Report - Deborah R. Presson, City Clerk & Elections Official) Applicants who were in attendance and addressed the Council included Valeria Cisneros and Natalie Norton.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to confirm Vice Mayor Bennett's nomination of Benjamin Matray to fill the unscheduled vacancy on the Arts Commission for the remaining three-years of the term.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.2. CONSIDERATION TO GIVE STAFF DIRECTION TO INCLUDE THE GALLERI CANCER SCREENING TEST FOR PUBLIC WORKS O&M EMPLOYEES THROUGH THE FY26-27 BUDGET
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Public Works Operations and Maintenance (PW O&M) employees routinely perform work that exposes them to known and suspected carcinogens, including materials and by-products associated with asphalt maintenance, painting, thermoplastic street marking, diesel equipment operation, and cleanup of homeless encampments. While cancer incidence rates for Public Works employees have not been quantified through large national studies, federal occupational health agencies recognize many of these exposures as carcinogenic or potentially carcinogenic, causing those that are commonly exposed to have a higher risk of cancer. Providing PW O&M employees access to the Galler multi-cancer early detection blood test would support early cancer detection, promote equitable employee wellness practices, and align with the City's existing preventive health efforts for other employees with recognized occupational exposure risks. Staff believe a three-year interval for PW 0&M employees is the most effective approach considering costs and early detection objectives. (Report - Erik Gustafson, Assistant City Manager) Addressing the Council on this matter were Loree Monroe and Jason Anderson.
A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to move the discussion of cancer screenings into labor negotiations and ask for a recommendation from Human Resources and consultation from experts.
A substitute motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to include the Galleri cancer screening test for Public Works Operations and Maintenance employees in the 2026/27 Budget.
The substitute motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds
NOES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
Due to the passing of the substitute motion, the first motion was not acted on.
5.3. CONFIRMATION OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR - OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE Section 605 of the City Charter states that the appointment of department heads is subject to confirmation by the City Council. To meet this requirement, City Council was presented with the employment agreement for the Public Works Director - Operations & Maintenance. (Report - Mark Sorensen, City Manager)
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to confirm the City Manager's appointment of Skyler Lipski as the Public Works Director - Operations & Maintenance - with an annual salary of $169,000.
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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. CITY CLERK'S OFFICE - 2025 ANNUAL REPORT - Information only
6.3. CODE ENFORCEMENT PENALTIES UPDATE - Information only At its April 15, 2025, meeting, City Council held a discussion with staff regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of existing nuisance abatement penalties for addressing code violations. Council requested to revisit the discussion at a future Council meeting. Since the April 15th Council meeting, City Council approved the appointment of Civica Law Firm (Civica) to support Code Enforcement staff with key abatement efforts. In addition, Civica has performed a full evaluation of the Municipal Code's code enforcement policies and procedures. (Charlene Durkin, Code Enforcement Supervisor)
6.4. COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTS - None
7. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 7:11 p.m. to Closed Session Meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 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 2/17/26
brand Messen
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
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CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE CHICO CITY COUNCIL - January 20, 2026 Minutes
CALL TO ORDER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER- Mayor Reynolds call the Closed Session meeting of January 20, 2026, to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located at 421 Main Street, Chico, CA. She announced all the items on the agenda.
1.1. ROLL CALL - All members were present. There were no Council disqualifications and no speakers.
2. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
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: Chico Fire Management Employees, Chico Management Employees, Chico Police Management, Chico Police Officers Association, Chico Public Safety Association, Confidentials, International Association of Fire Fighters, Service Employees International Union - Trades & Crafts, Stationary Engineers Local 39, United Public Employees of California - Local 792
2.2. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 5:50 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Date Approved: /drp 2/17/26
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
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