ADJOURNED REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - April 21, 2026 Minutes
CALL TO ORDER- Mayor Reynolds called the April 21, 2026, Adjourned Regular Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA.
1.1. Invocation - MaryAnn Hawkins, Chaplain
1.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.3. Roll Call
Present: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds
Absent: None
1.4. Arbor Day Proclamation
1.5. April 21, 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 21, 2026.
2.1 Labor Negotiations - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.2 Pending Litigation - This item was postponed until the meeting on 5/5/26.
2.3 Public Employment - City Manager - 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. 23-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO
DECLARING PUBLIC NUISANCE AND SETTING TIME FOR HEARING ON OBJECTIONS TO
ABATEMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF COSTS RELATED TO THE ABATEMENT OF WEEDS, RUBBISH,
REFUSE AND/OR DEBRIS
The lot clearing and weed abatement program is conducted each year under the provisions of the California Government Code. Adopted a resolution that: (1) requires the abatement of weeds, rubbish, refuse and/or debris; (2) sets a public hearing for 5/05/26; and (3) directed the City Clerk to mail notices of the public hearing to all owners of affected parcels. (Charlene Durkin, Code Enforcement Supervisor)
2.2. RESOLUTION NO. 24-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION
WITH THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG THE ESPLANADE (PORTION OF 006-190-027) - ALLEGIANCE PROPERTIES, LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 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) April 21, 2026 City Council Minutes Page|l
2.3. CONSIDERATION OF THE TRANSFER OF SUCCESSOR AGENCY OWNED PROPERTIES TO THE CITY
OF CHICO
The City Council was asked to act in both its capacity as governing board of the Successor Agency to the Chico Redevelopment Agency and the City of Chico to consider approval of the transfer of four former redevelopment agency properties to the City of Chico. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director Successor Agency
RESOLUTION NO. 01-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CHICO
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING AND GRANTING THE TRANSFER OF PROPERTIES (APNs 002-180-087, 002-180-088, 002-180-089, AND 002-180-095) TO THE CITY OF
CHICO AND DIRECTING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THE GRANT DEED AND ALL
RELATED DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO TRANSFER THE PROPERTIES TO THE CITY OF CHICO Council Action
RESOLUTION NO. 25-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING
AND ACCEPTING THE TRANSFER OF PROPERTIES TO THE CITY OF CHICO AND DIRECTING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE AND ALL RELATED DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO TRANSFER THE PROPERTIES (APNs 002-180-087, 002-180-088, 002-180-089, AND 002-180-095) TO THE CITY OF CHICO
2.4. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 4/7/26
2.5. 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.
Nichole Nava was called to speak.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.1. HEARING TO CONSIDER THE DRAFT 2026-2027 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE USE OF FEDERAL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP
GRANT (HOME) FUNDS
The City of Chico is an entitlement grantee for the receipt of federal funds through two programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD): Community Development Block Grant 1090) (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Grant (HOME). As an entitlement grantee, the City's receipt of funds is contingent upon City compliance with a variety of planning and administrative requirements. Each year, the City must submit an Annual Action Plan (AAP) to HUD describing the City's plans for using these funds in the upcoming year. The City receives an annual award of community development and housing funds from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (Report - MaryJo Alonzo, Housing Program Manager)
Mayor Reynolds opened the hearing to the public. Addressing the Council was Kim Dietz. Mayor Reynolds closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Bennett and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to accept the Draft 2026-2027 HUD Annual Action Plan and proposed budget; and schedule a final public hearing on the final Annual Action Plan at the end of the 30-day public comment period to be held May 19, 2026.
April 21, 2026 City Council Minutes Page 2
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5. REGULAR AGENDA
5.1. COUNCILMEMBER WINSLOW REQUEST - OROVILLE ELECTRIC UTILITY - Continued from 4/7/26 Council Meeting
At its meeting of 1/6/26, the Council voted to agendize a discussion on public power proposals in Oroville.
Addressing the Council on this matter were Tracy Vincent and Brenda Narayan.
A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to request staff to reach out to the City of Oroville representatives to request they attend a future meeting and present what ney are doing in their city related to their own electric utility and a discuss a possible partnership. Staff wil reach out after Oroville has their information back from their consultant.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.2. COUNCILMEMBER HAWLEY REQUEST - REGULATIONS ON COMMERCIAL CANNABIS - Continued from 4/7/26 Council Meeting.
At its meeting of 2/17/26, Council voted to agendize a discussion on regulations related to commercial cannabis operations.
Addressing the Council Tracy Vincent, Marc Breckenridge, Josh Lewis, Tim Dodd, David Petersen, and Charles Burton.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Winslow to direct staff to present on the feasibility on both indoor and outdoor cultivation options.
A substitute motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to expand the original motion and add on expanding retail
The substitute motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
NOES: O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds
The original motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds
NOES: O'Brien, van Overbeek
Council took a break at 7:17 p.m. The meeting was reconvened and all members were present.
April 21, 2026 City Council Minutes Page|3
5.3. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROJECT - ALTERNATIVES - Continued from 4/7/26 Council Meeting The Downtown Revitalization Project was 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 recused himself on this item and left the dais and chamber.
Addressing the Council on this item were Carey Daves, Marc Kessler, Julie Keener, Anton Carrio, Alan Tochterman, Yesenia Moretti, Marlene Merlo, Don Jones, Loree Monroe, Celeste Bailey Pace, Bob Fortino, Connie Apostolakos, Anika Rodriguez, Kathy Squyres, Jacquelyn Chase, Carol Munson, Jillian Leach, Tyson Henry, Sheng Vang, John Gunel, Tracy Vincent, Sean Todd, Rob Anderson, Elizabeth Devereaux, Greg Scott, Jackson Privett, Molly Shewey, Mat Bacior, Annette Heinemeyer, Nichole Farley, Carol, Chris Daniels, Julia Sidman, Linda Juanapena, Mattie Hinkley, Muir Hughes, Leann Powell, Nichole Nava, Marie Patterson, Matthew Knoell, Matt Thiede, Kacie Bounds Celeste Bailey-Pace, Dave Drewett, Reese Muster, Erica Mohar, Jesse Horgan, Duncan Lee, Robert Snoberger, Ann Bykerk-Kauffman, Logan Underwood, Kathyleen Cordy, Eric Booth, Kathryn Harrigan, Will Furr, Rob Berry, Peter Washington, Kascha Wilson, Kimberlee Michl LaDonna Knigge, Gennesis Ospina, Kelsey Simmen, Ryan Green, Suzie Lawry-Hall, Lili, Jon Tyler, Nelson Anthoine, RM Alexander, Wendy Mulcahy and Cara Cannon.
Council took a ten-minute break at 9:17 p.m. The meeting reconvened and all members were present.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to move forward with Alternative 1.
Councilmember Winslow made a friendly amendment to direct staff to partner with 3Core and local financial institutions to ensure downtown businesses can weather construction impacts. This friendly amendment was not accepted.
The motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
NOES: O'Brien, Bennett, Reynolds
DISQ: van Overbeek
5.4. 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 - Continued from 4/7/26 Council Meeting. This item was not heard and will be heard at the next regular meeting.
The City Council was 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)
5.5. VICE MAYOR BENNETT REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF THE ACTION TAKEN ON SEWER ENTERPRISE STUDY - This item was not heard and will be heard at the next regular meeting.
At the 4/7/26 Council meeting, under Reports and Communications, due to being on the prevailing side of the action, Vice Mayor Bennet requested a reconsideration of 3/17/26 Agenda Item 5.1. related to the Sewer Enterprise Study proposing a five-year sewer rate adjustment, where "Option 1" was selected in a 4-3 vote, with O'Brien, van Overbeek, and Reynolds opposed. Based on a 5-2 vote, with Goldstein and Hawley April 21, 2026 City Council Minutes Page 4
opposed, this matter has been agendized for reconsideration pursuant to the process as outlined in AP&P 10-10. (Report - Deborah R. Presson, City Clerk & Elections Official)
5.6. CONSIDERATION OF THREE HERITAGE TREE APPLICATIONS - This item was not heard and will be heard at the next regular meeting.
The Chico Municipal Code (CMC Section 16.68.010) establishes a Voluntary Heritage Tree Program in which property owners can submit applications to nominate trees as a Heritage Tree. In the past fifteen months, staff received three applications from property owners and state agencies to nominate a tree on their property.
A Southern Magnolia at 525 Esplanade (Bidwell Mansion), An American elm at 488 E 3rd St (Enloe Mansion) and a Valley oak at Little Chico Creek Elementary, 2090 Amanda Way. All three trees qualify and meet the criteria of a Heritage Tree under the CMC 16.68 regulations. (Report - Richie Bamlet, Urban Forest Manager)
5.7. CONFIRMATION OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR - OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE - This item was not heard and will be heard at the next regular meeting.
Section 605 of the City Charter states that the appointment of department heads is subject to confirmation by the City Council. In order to meet this requirement, City Council is being presented with the employment agreement for the Deputy Director - Public Works Operations and Maintenance. (Report - Mark Sorensen, City Manager)
5.8. MAYOR REYNOLDS REQUEST - OPPORTUNITIES TO MITIGATE PUBLIC NUISANCES - This item was not heard and will be heard at the next regular meeting.
At its meeting of 3/17/26, the Council voted to agendize a discussion for opportunities to mitigate public nuisances without invalidating the Warren Settlement.
5.9. 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. COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTS - None
7. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 10:20 p.m. to Closed Session Meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 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 5/19/26
Netrank Pissen
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
April 21, 2026 City Council Minutes Page 5
CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE CHICO CITY COUNCIL - April 21, 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 21, 2026, to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 421 Main Street, Chico, CA.
1.1. ROLL CALL - All members were present.
2. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - There were no speakers.
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. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - Potential Litigation: Pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(4). One case - This item was postponed until the meeting on 5/5/26.
2.3. 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.
2.4. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None
3. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 5:55 to the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Date Approved: /drp 5/19/26
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
April 21, 2026 City Council Minutes Page|6