ADJOURNED REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - April 7, 2026 Minutes
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.
1.2. Invocation - Pastor Heath Jarrett, Living Hope Fellowship
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. 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
A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein 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. 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) 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)" April 7, 2026 City Council Minutes Page|l
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)
2.3. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 3/16/26 & 3/17/26
2.4. 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 Ashleigh Olausen, Bill Sequine, Kendall Ross, Kim Dietz, Suzie Lawry-Hall, Molly Kopta and Brandon Slater.
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)
A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 22-26 - 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
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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 was asked to consider the approval and adoption of procedures for the conduct of a public nearing 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 Omnibu Implementation Act, and Obiections under Government Code Sections 53759.1 and 53759.2 (Report - Heather Childs, Accounting Manager)
Addressing the Council were Katy Thoma, Matt Depa, Austin Barron, Emily Martin, Christine Sesnon, Richard Roth, Analise Uhlrig, Jennifer Morris, and Lisa Sanchez.
A motion was made by Mayor Reynolds and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to continue this item to the next meeting so it could be agendized properly, with the resolution included.
April 7, 2026 City Council Minutes Pagel2
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
Council took a 15-minute break at 7:03 p.m. and reconvened to Closed Session to continue the final item. All members were present when they reconvened.
City Attorney Ryan Jones announced that Council met in closed session on Item 2.4 - City Manager Recruitment - Direction was provided; no final action was taken.
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) Councilmember van Overbeek was disqualified from this discussion due to owning property within 500 feet of the area being discussed. He left the dais and the Council Chambers.
Addressing the Council were Carol Munson, Austin Barron, Valerie Reddemann, Megan Kurtz, Priya Tuvell, Nichole Nava, Matthe Knoell, Rob Berry, Kathy Squyers, Kathleen Gabriel, Anika Rodriguez, Irene Galvan, Linda Juanapena, Jillian Leach, Ann Bykerk-Kauffman, Dave Drewett, Leann Powell, Logan Underwood, Alan Tochterman, Adam Fedeli, LaDonna Knigge, Jacquelyn Chase, Hayden Viola, Nichole Hill, Richard Roth, Jesse Horgan, Kacie Bounds, and Griffin Rhoads Albert.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to approve Alternative 1 - Protected One-Way Bikeways on Main St and Broadway.
The motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
NOES: O'Brien, Bennett, Reynolds
DISQ: van Overbeek
A motion was made by Mayor Reynolds and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to have staff and the consultant hold another stakeholder meeting and address the specific concerns of the business owners around Alternative 1 and come back to Council at their meeting on April 21, 2026.
Councilmember O'Brien made a friendly amendment to leave it open-ended. This friendly amendment was accepted.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, O'Brien, Bennett, Reynolds
NOES: Hawley, Winslow
DISQ: van Overbeek
Council took a five minute break at 9:32 p.m. All members were present when they reconvened April 7, 2026 City Council Minutes Page 3
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)
Nichole Nava was called to speak
A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to approve 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.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
DISQ: van Overbeek
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 provided a summary of those findings which included 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 was 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)
Councilmember van Overbeek rejoined the meeting.
Addressing the Council on this matter were Jesse Horgan and Anika Rodriguez.
A motion was made by Councilmember Goldstein and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to direct staff come back with a draft ordinance, to amend the CMC.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: van Overbeek
5.6. COUNCILMEMBER WINSLOW REQUEST - OROVILLE ELECTRIC UTILITY - This item was not heard and will be heard at the next regular meeting.
At its meeting of 1/6/26, the Council voted to agendize a discussion on public power proposals in Oroville.
5.7. COUNCILMEMBER HAWLEY REQUEST - REGULATIONS ON COMMERCIAL CANNABIS - This item was not heard and will be heard at the next regular meeting.
At its meeting of 2/17/26, Council voted to agendize a discussion on regulations related to commercial cannabis operations.
5.8. ITEMS ADDED AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None April 7, 2026 City Council Minutes Page|4
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. 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.
SEWER RATE PROGRAM FOR LOW INCOME - Councilmember Hawley A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to agendize discussion regarding a sewer rate program for people with low incomes.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, Winslow, Mayor Bennett, Reynolds NOES: van Overbeek
BIDWELL MANSION DISCUSSION - Councilmember van Overbeek A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember Winslow to agendize a discussion on the Bidwell Mansion and what Council would like to see there.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: Hawley
RECONSIDERATION OF VOTE ON SEWER RATE INCREASE - Councilmember Bennett At the request of Councilmember Bennett, who had voted in the majority (4-3) on this matter, a motion was made by Councilmember Bennett and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to agendize the reconsideration of the Council's action to adopt Option 1 of the proposed sewer rate schedule and initiate the Proposition 218 process from the meeting of March 17, 2026.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: Goldstein, Hawley
7. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 10:20 p.m. 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.
Date Approved: Idrp 4/21/26
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
April 7, 2026 City Council Minutes Page|5
CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE CHICO CITY COUNCIL - April 7, 2026 Minutes
1. CALL TO ORDER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 421 MAIN STREET, CHICO, CA. - Mayor Reynolds called the Closed Session meeting of April 7, 2026, to order at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 421 Main Street, Chico, CA.
1.1. ROLL CALL
ITEM THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - Item 2.5 Existing Litigation - Warren v.
Chico
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - There were no 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. - Counci was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken
2.2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - Pending Litigation: Pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(1). Two cases. - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
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 - 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. 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.
2.5. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - This item arose after the posting of the agenda. It required a 2/3 majority vote to be added to the agenda. The Council voted 7-0 to add this item to the Closed Session 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 - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 6:00 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Date Approved: /drp 4/21/26
esseu
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
April 7, 2026 City Council Minutes Pagel6