REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - March 3, 2026
Minutes
1.1. Call to order - 6:00 p.m. - Mayor Reynolds called the March 3, 2026, Regular Council meeting to order at 5:02 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 as he had "just cause" to do so, as required by the Brown Act.
1.2. Invocation - Director Alan Harris, Come and See Chico
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. 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.
Councilmember van Overbeek was disqualified from this discussion due to owning property within 500 feet of the area being discussed. He left the room during the discussion.
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.
CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE'S
PFAS COMPLIANCE PROGRAM CURRENTLY BEFORE THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILTIES
COMMISSION
This item arose after the posting of the agenda. It required a 2/3 majority vote to be added to the agenda. If approved this would be heard as Item 5.3.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: Goldstein
2. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley 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
March 3, 2026 City Council Minutes Page|1
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
2.2. 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 recommended 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)
2.3. 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)
2.4. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 2/17/26
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 was 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)
Mayor Reynolds opened the hearing to the public. Addressing the Council were Margaret Swick, Laurel Yorks, Madeline Manning, Diane Susuki, Ann Polivka, Dave Garcia, Sheryl Sanchez, Julian Zener, Lynn Gonzalez, Mike Schultz, Charles Withuhn, William Bynum, and Rachel Wallace. Mayor Reynolds closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to approve the receipt of 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, with the exception of the 7 automatic military rifles.
March 3, 2026 City Council Minutes Page 2
A substitute motion was made by Councilmember Goldstein to accept Hawley's motion but include only approving one command vehicle. Councilmember Winslow seconded the motion.
Councilmember Goldstein then amended her motion to allow for the purchases of command vehicles that are grant funded.
Councilmember Winslow withdrew his second. This substitute motion died for a lack of a second.
Councilmember Hawley's original motion was voted on and failed by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley
NOES: O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds A motion was made by Vice Mayor Bennett and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to approve 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.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds
NOES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
Council took a ten-minute break at 7:40.
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 considered 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 considered 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)
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Bennett and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to introduce the following ordinance by reading of title only:
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
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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 March 3, 2026 City Council Minutes Page|3
Addressing the Council was Bo Powell.
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett to have the Police Chief do an annual presentation on hiring practices and training of police officers and crime statistics.
The Police Department will discuss with the City Manager as to when to bring the presentation forward.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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 considered 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.
Evan Markey from Cal Water addressed questions by the Council and provided more information related to the request for a letter of support.
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett to 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 submit a formal letter of support to the California Public Utilities Commission encouraging approval of the PFAS Compliance Program.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds
NOES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
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. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT AND BUDGET MONITORING REPORTS - Information Only Financial Reports and Budget Monitoring Reports through December 31, 2025.
6.3. COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTS - Pursuant to AP&P 10-10, Councilmembers could 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.
ENTERTAINMENT ZONE IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA - Mayor Reynolds A motion was made by Mayor Reynolds and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to suspend the 30-day rule and bring back a discussion item at the next meeting for an entertainment zone for the downtown area.
March 3, 2026 City Council Minutes Pagel4
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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.
Date Approved: /drp 3/17/26
Jebrake Hisson
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
March 3, 2026 City Council Minutes Page 5
CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE CHICO CITY COUNCIL - March 3, 2026 Minutes
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.
1.1. ROLL CALL - 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 as he had just cause to do so.
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. Councilmember van Overbeek was disqualified from this discussion due to owning property within 500 feet of the area being discussed. He left the room during the discussion.
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.
Date Approved: /drp 3/17/26
librar Pesson
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
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