REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 3, 2026
Chico Municipal Center, Council Chamber, 421 Main Street
1.1. Call to order - 6:00 p.m. -
Mayor Reynolds called the March 3, 2026 Regular Council meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA. All members were present with Councilmember O'Brien being present via Zoom. The Council voted 6-0 to allow Councilmember O'Brien to participate virtually. 03/03/26 Posted Addendum - Item that arose after the posting of the agenda 3/3/26 Agenda
1.2. Invocation - Director Alan Harris, Come and See Chico
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.4. Roll Call
1.5. March 3, 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 Public Employment -
Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.2 Existing Litigation - Believe in Chico v. Chico - Council was briefed; no formal action was taken.
2.3 Real Property Negotiations - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.4 Existing Litigation - Stephanie Lewis v. City of Chico - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting - Posted Addendum
A letter was received from CAL Water, after the posting of the March 3, 2026 agenda, asking Council to consider endorsing a letter of support from the City of Chico related to CAL Water’s PFAS Compliance Program application. This matter requires a 2/3’rds vote to agendize this matter pursuant to the following Brown Act requirements:
Government Code § 54954.2(b)(2)
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the legislative body may take action on items of business not appearing on the posted agenda under any of the conditions stated below:
(2) Upon a determination by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative body present at the meeting, or if less than two-thirds of the members are present, a unanimous vote of those members present, that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the local agency subsequent to the agenda being posted as specified in subdivision (a).
If agendized, this will be heard as Item 5.3.
CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE’S PFAS COMPLIANCE PROGRAM CURRENTLY BEFORE THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILTIES COMMISSION The City Council will consider authorizing submission of a letter of support addressed to the California Public Utilities Commission regarding California Water Service’s application for an order approving their PFAS Compliance Program application and adopting other related rulings and relief necessary to implement the Commission’s ratemaking policies.
Recommendation: It is the recommendation of (RELEVANT CITY DEPARTMENT) that the Council supports California Water Service in the matter of the application for an order approving PFAS Compliance Program (proceeding A2506001), and submits a formal letter of support to the California Public Utilities Commission encouraging approval of the PFAS Compliance Program.
Posted Addendum - 3.3.26
CAL Water Notice of Application Filed by CAL Water Service to Increase Rates in 2027 for the North Valley Region - Chico Area (Application 25-06-001) Proposed Letter of Support for CAL Water
2. CONSENT AGENDA
2.1. ORDINANCE NO. 2620 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING SECTIONS 3.85.320, 3.85.420, 3.85.520, AND 3.85.620 OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ANNUAL ADJUSTMENTS OF DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES TO ALLOW FOR FEE DECREASES WHEN APPLICABLE CONSTRUCTION COST INDICES DECLINE - Final reading and adoption, by reading of title only
2.1. Ordinance - DIF Formula
2.2. RESOLUTION NO. 15-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING "MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHICO AND UNITED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES OF CALIFORNIA, LOCAL 792, REGARDING PAY, HOURS, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2026 - DECEMBER 31, 2027 (2026 MOU - UPEC)" The Administrative Services Director recommends the City Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Chico and the United Public Employees of California, Local 792 (UPEC) for January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027, approving modifications to UPEC pay and benefit provisions following recent negotiations. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.2. Staff Report
2.3. CONFIRMATION OF COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND AGENCY APPOINTMENTS The Mayor's Committee and Agency Representatives appointments have been amended to reflect a change in representative to the Property Based Improvement District from Councilmember van Overbeek to Councilmember O'Brien. (Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk & Elections Official)
2.3. Staff Report
2.4. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 2/17/26
2.4. 2/17/26 Draft Minutes
2.5. 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 any action at this meeting on requests made under this section of the agenda.
Addressing the Council were Barbara Steinberg, Sam Barber, Kelly Leser, George Boeck, Bo Powell, Robin K. and Sharon Fritsch.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.1. ASSEMBLY BILL 481 (AB 481) - ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE REPORT A Chico Police Department Annual Military Equipment Use Report has been prepared for the 2025 calendar year. The report contains a summary and quantity of Chico PD's military equipment, its use, a summary of complaints or concerns and internal audits, fiscal impact, training summary and projected acquisitions for 2026. (Report - Billy Aldridge, Chief of Police)
Recommendation : It is the recommendation of the Chief of Police that the Council receive the annual Military Equipment Use report, review the Ordinance to adopt the Military Equipment Use Policy, approve the Military Equipment Use Policy, and approve the purchase of the additional proposed acquisitions for 2026.
4.1. Staff Report
5. REGULAR AGENDA
5.1. EXEMPTION OF THE CHICO AREA RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT (CARD) AQUATIC CENTER FROM CHAPTER 16.66 (TREE PRESERVATION REGULATIONS) AND MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT TO ADD CARD AS AN EXEMPT PUBLIC ENTITY The City Council will consider actions related to the applicability of the City's Tree Preservation Regulations (Chico Municipal Code Chapter 16.66) to facilities owned and operated by the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD). Specifically, Council will consider exempting the CARD Aquatic Center from the requirements of Chapter 16.66 and initiating a Municipal Code amendment to add CARD to the list of exempt entities in Section 16.66.040(A). (Report - Skyler Lipski, Public Works Director - Operations & Maintenance) Recommendation : The Public Works Director - Operations and Maintenance recommends that the City Council consider taking the following actions: 1) Exempt the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) Aquatic Center from the requirements of Chico Municipal Code Chapter 16.66 (Tree Preservation Regulations); and 2) introduce the following ordinance amending Chico Municipal Code Section 16.66.040(A) by reading its title only, to add the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) to the list of entities exempt from Chapter 16.66:
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING SECTION 16.66.040(A) OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD THE CHICO AREA RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT AS AN EXEMPT ENTITY FROM TREE PRESERVATION REGULATIONS
5.1. Staff Report
5.2. COUNCILMEMBER VAN OVERBEEK REQUEST - Police Department Presentation At its meeting of 2/3/26, Council voted to agendize a request from Councilmember van Overbeek to hold a discussion to consider having the Police Chief do a presentation on hiring practices and training of police officers.
5.2. Councilmember van Overbeek Request
5.3. ITEMS ADDED AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA (6-1 vote to agendize)
CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE'S PFAS COMPLIANCE PROGRAM CURRENTLY BEFORE THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION The City Council will consider authorizing submission of a letter of support addressed to the California Public Utilities Commission regarding California Water Service's application for an order approving their PFAS Compliance Program application and adopting other related rulings and relief necessary to implement the Commission's ratemaking policies.
Recommendation authorize the Mayor to submit a letter of support on behalf of the City supporting California Water Service in the matter of the application for an order approving PFAS Compliance Program (proceeding A2506001), and submits a formal letter of support to the California Public Utilities Commission encouraging approval of the PFAS Compliance Program.
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 agrees to include it on a subsequent agenda.
6.1. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT -
Verbal Report, City Manager Sorensen
6.2. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT AND BUDGET MONITORING REPORTS - Information Only
Financial Reports and Budget Monitoring Reports through December 31, 2025.
6.2. Monthly Financial Report - December
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.
7. ADJOURNMENT -
Adjourned at 8:26 p.m. to Closed Session Meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 2:00 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 MEETING OF THE CHICO CITY COUNCIL - March 3, 2026 Minutes
03/03/26 Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 421 MAIN STREET, CHICO, CA. - Mayor Reynolds called the Closed Session meeting of March 3, 2026 to order at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 421 Main Street, Chico, CA. All members were present with Councilmember O'Brien being present via Zoom. The Council voted 6-0 to allow Councilmember O'Brien to participate virtually.
1.1. ROLL CALL
2. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA -
There were no speakers.
2.1. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957(b). Title: City Manager Recruitment
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 - Council was briefed; no formal action was taken.
2.3. 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
2.4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a): Stephanie Lewis v. City of Chico, et al. Case No.: 22CV02120 - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.5. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None
3. ADJOURNMENT -
Adjourned at 5:54 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. 3/3/26 Agenda