4/7/26 Council Meeting
REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 7, 2026
Chico Municipal Center, Council Chamber, 421 Main Street
1.1. Call to order - 6:00 p.m. -
Mayor Reynolds called the April 7, 2026, Regular Council meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA. 4/7/26 Agenda
1.2. Invocation - Pastor Heath Jarrett, Living Hope Fellowship
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.4. Roll Call
1.5. April 7, 2026, Closed Session Announcement - City Attorney Ryan Jones City Attorney Ryan Jones announced that Council met with staff on the Closed Session matters on April 7, 2026.
2.1 Pending Litigation - L.R., a minor v. City of Chico - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.2 Pending Litigation - Bryan Hagan v. City of Chico and Carlos Juaregui v. City of Chico - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.3 Labor Negotiations -
Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.4 Public Employment - City Manager -
This item was not finished at the time of the report by City Attorney Ryan Jones.
2.5 Item Added After Posting of Agenda - Existing Litigation - Warren v. Chico - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
2.1. RESOLUTION NO. 20-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE EASEMENT AGREEMENT AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG THE ESPLANADE (PORTION OF APN: 006-190-007) - PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION Adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the easement agreement and any related documents necessary to acquire real property in order to construct the North Esplanade Reconstruction Project. (Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works Engineering)
2.1. Staff Report
2.2. RESOLUTION NO. 21-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING "MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHICO AND CONFIDENTIALS (CNF) REGARDING PAY, HOURS, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2026 - DECEMBER 31, 2027 (2026 MOU - CNF)" Adopted a resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Chico and the Confidentials (CNF) Unit for January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027, approving modifications to CNF pay and benefit provisions following recent negotiations. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.2. Staff Report
2.3. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 3/16/26 & 3/17/26 3/16/26 Minutes
3/17/26 Minutes
2.4. 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.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS -
None
5. REGULAR AGENDA
5.1. JESUS CENTER TREATMENT CENTER PROJECT FUNDING
Consideration to provide grant match funding of $651,376.00 from Opioid Settlement Funds to help fund the construction of the Jesus Center Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Project. (Report - Mark Sorensen, City Manager)
Recommendation : The City Manager recommends Council consideration of and approval of the following resolution and Budget Supplemental 2026-CM-001 to provide the specified project funding of the Jesus Center Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Project:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE JESUS CENTER TO ALLOCATE OPIOID CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FUNDS FOR A LOCAL TREATMENT PROJECT
5.1. Staff Report
5.2. RESOLUTION ADOPTING PROCEDURES FOR THE CONDUCT OF PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MAJORITY PROTEST PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO PROPOSED INCREASES TO THE CITY'S PROPERTY RELATED CHARGES AND ASSESSMENTS AND FOR OBJECTIONS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 53759.1 AND 53759.2 The City Council is asked to consider the approval and adoption of procedures for the conduct of a public hearing and majority protest proceedings related to proposed increases to the City's property-related charges and assessments pursuant to Article XIII D of the California Constitution, the Proposition 218 Omnibus Implementation Act, and Objections under Government Code Sections 53759.1 and 53759.2 (Report - Heather Childs, Accounting Manager)
Recommendation : The Administrative Services Director recommends adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO ADOPTING REVISED PROCEDURES FOR THE CONDUCT OF A PUBLIC HEARING AND MAJORITY PROTEST PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO PROPOSED INCREASES TO THE CITY'S PROPERTY RELATED CHARGES AND ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XIII D OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION, THE PROPOSITION 218 OMNIBUS IMPLEMENTATION ACT, AND OBJECTIONS UNDER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 53759.1 AND 53759.2
5.2. Staff Report
5.2. Resolution
5.3. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROJECT - ALTERNATIVES
The Downtown Revitalization Project is a comprehensive planning effort to address access, mobility and infrastructure improvements in downtown Chico while enhancing safety for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians, improving connectivity for all modes of travel and maintaining the vitality and character of the downtown area. Through a multi-phase process, several alternatives were developed and presented for consideration. (Report - Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works, Engineering) Recommendation : The Director of Public Works - Engineering recommends that the City Council discuss the downtown scoping concepts and adopt one of the following alternatives:
Alternative 1 - Protected One-Way Bikeways on Main St and Broadway Alternative 2 - Protected Two-Way Bikeway on Main and widened sidewalks on Broadway Alternative 3 - Bikeway improvements to Wall Street and Flume Street
5.3. Staff Report
5.4. CONSIDERATION OF PLAZA FOUNTAIN REPAIR OPTIONS
The City Plaza fountain, a central feature of the downtown gathering space constructed in 2006, has experienced widespread system failures, including subsurface leaks affecting most if not all of the 19 fountain units. The extent of the damage was identified during recent repair efforts, and the underlying cause remains unknown. Given the condition of the infrastructure, and the cost of the repairs, the City is at a decision point regarding repair, redesign, or removal of the fountain system. Staff is presenting several options for Council consideration and requesting direction on how to proceed. (Report - Skyler Lipski, Public Works Director - Operations & Maintenance) Recommendation : The Public Works Director - Operations & Maintenance recommends that the City Council consider the following options for the City Plaza fountain and provide direction to staff:
Option 1: Repair 19 fountain units and re-pour the concrete surface to match the existing "bowl" configuration.
Option 2: Repair 19 fountain units and re-pour the concrete surface to be flatter, with a slight slope toward the exterior, similar to a pool deck-style drain system.
Option 3: Abandon the fountain system.
Option 4: Provide alternative direction to staff.
5.4. Staff Report
5.5. PARKLET ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
At the November 3, 2025, Internal Affairs Committee meeting, Public Works - Engineering staff was directed to research the feasibility of developing a parklet program for Chico. The report provides a summary of those findings which includes a timeline of previous Chico parklet activities, examples of other cities programs, critical issues to consider and potential costs that would be incurred. This information is intended to assist Council in determining how to best proceed with the implementation of a parklet program. (Report - Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works, Engineering) Recommendation : The Director of Public Works - Engineering recommends that Council review the report details and provide direction on next steps.
5.5. Staff Report
5.6. COUNCILMEMBER WINSLOW REQUEST - OROVILLE ELECTRIC UTILITY At its meeting of 1/6/26, the Council voted to agendize a discussion on public power proposals in Oroville.
5.6. Councilmember Winslow request
5.7. COUNCILMEMBER HAWLEY REQUEST - REGULATIONS ON COMMERCIAL CANNABIS At its meeting of 2/17/26, Council voted to agendize a discussion on regulations related to commercial cannabis operations.
5.7. Councilmember Hawley request
5.8. ITEMS ADDED AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA
6. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS - The following reports and communication items are provided for the Council’s information. No action can 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. 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 - Adjourn to Closed Session Meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 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 MEETING OF THE CHICO CITY COUNCIL
Closed Session Meeting Agenda
April 7, 2026
1:30 p.m.
Chico Municipal Center, 3rd Floor Conference Room
411 Main Street, Chico, CA
4/7/26 Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 421 MAIN STREET, CHICO, CA.
1.1. ROLL CALL
ITEM THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA
Recommendation
By a 2/3rds vote, the Council will consider adding Existing Litigation - Warren vs. City of Chico to the agenda as Item 2.5.
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 Posted Addendum Closed Session - Item that arose after the posting of the agenda.
2. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - Members of the public may address the Council at this time on any item on the Closed Session agenda, with comments being limited to three minutes or as determined by the Mayor based on the number of speakers.
2.1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - Pending Litigation: Pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(1). Case No.: 2:23-cv-01072-JAM-DMC. L.R. a minor v. City of Chico, et al.
2.2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - Pending Litigation: Pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(1). Two cases.
Case: Bryan Hagan vs. City of Chico: (WC Claim No. 196087369-001 & 196087507-001) Case: Carlos Jauregui vs. City of Chico: (WC Claim No. 196087520-001 & 196087433-001)
2.3. 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 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. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957(b). Title: City Manager Recruitment
2.5. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA 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
3. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourn to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.