REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 5, 2026
Chico Municipal Center, Council Chamber, 421 Main Street
1. CALL TO ORDER
05/05/26 Agenda
05/05/26 Closed Session - Posted Addendum
05/05/26 Agenda - Amended
1.1. Invocation - Carol Raner, Christian Science Church
1.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.3. Roll Call
1.4. May 5, 2026, Closed Session Announcement - City Attorney Ryan Jones
2. CONSENT AGENDA - All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are to be considered routine in nature.
2.1. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO LEVYING ASSESSMENT INSTALLMENTS IN LIEU OF THE PAYMENT OF SEWER SYSTEM CONNECTION FEES INCIDENT TO THE CONNECTION OF PREMISES TO THE CITY SEWER SYSTEM 1569 E. 8TH STREET - ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NO. 002-010-023 Adopt - a resolution authorizing sewer assessment to be collected on the tax roll, in lieu of full and immediate payment of the sewer system connection fees. (Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works, Engineering)
2.1. Staff Report
2.2. RESOLUTION OF INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO TO ABANDON AND VACATE A PORTION OF EATON ROAD PUBLIC RIGHT-OF WAY PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC STREETS, HIGHWAYS, AND SERVICE EASEMENTS VACATION LAW (APN: 016-360-116) Adopt - Sycamore Plaza 3, Limited Partnership, L.P. is requesting the City of Chico abandon and vacate a portion of the public right-of-way along Eaton Road to accommodate proposed commercial development and to address existing private improvements located within the public right-of-way. Local utility companies have no objections. The Director of Public Works - Engineering recommends adoption of the resolution scheduling a public hearing on June 2, 2026. (Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works - Engineering)
2.2. Staff Report
2.3. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO INITIATING PROCEEDINGS AND ORDERING THE PRELIMINARY ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE HUSA RANCH/NOB HILL NEIGHBORHOOD PARK LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. LLD 001-08 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO PRELIMINARILY APPROVING THE ANNUAL ENGINEER’S REPORT AND DECLARING THE CITY’S INTENTION TO LEVY ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE HUSA RANCH/NOB HILL NEIGHBORHOOD PARK LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. LLD 001-08 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 AND APPOINTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING Adopt - two resolutions to initiate proceedings and declare the Council’s intent to levy and collect the annual assessments for the Husa Ranch/Nob Hill Neighborhood Park Landscaping and Lighting District No. LLD 001-08 for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, and to set a public hearing on June 2, 2026, regarding this proposed assessment. (Skyler Lipski, Public Works Director - Operations & Maintenance)
2.3. Staff Report
2.4. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION/BUDGET MODIFICATION NO. 2026-ASD-004.
The Administrative Services Director requests consideration and approval of a Supplemental Appropriation/Budget Modification to the FY 2025-26 Budget. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.4. Staff Report
2.5. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO DECLARING PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54221 THAT REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY LOCATED AT 1550 MARAUDER STREET CHICO, CALIFORNIA (APN 047-560-137), IS EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND - Requires an affirmative vote of at least five members of the City Council RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS FOR THE DISPOSITION OF 1550 MARAUDER STREET CHICO, CALIFORNIA (APN 047-560-137), TO INCLUDE THE SALE OF THE PROPERTY TO CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE Adopt - resolutions declaring real property owned by the City is exempt surplus land and authorizing the City Manager to execute documents for the disposition and sale of the property to California Water Service. (Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works - Engineering)
2.5. Staff Report
2.6. SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT - CHICO POLICE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION A side letter agreement between the City of Chico and the Chico Police Officers’ Association (CPOA), modifying the Memorandum of Understanding effective July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026, relative to the update of MOU Section 6.7, Retiree Medical Trust (RMT). (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.6. Staff Report
2.7. SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT - CHICO POLICE MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES (CPM) A side letter agreement between the City of Chico and the Chico Police Management Employees ("CPM"), modifying the Memorandum of Understanding effective July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026, relative to the update of MOU Section 4.8.D., Retiree Medical Trust (RMT). (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.7. Staff Report
2.8. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Members of the public may address the Council at this time on any matter not already listed on the agenda and within the jurisdiction’s authority. Comments will be limited to three minutes or as determined by the Mayor based on the number of speakers. The Council cannot take any action at this meeting on requests made under this section of the agenda.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.1. HEARING ON RESOLUTION DECLARING WEEDS, RUBBISH, REFUSE, AND DEBRIS TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE - ORDERING ABATEMENT AND REMOVAL, SETTING A DEADLINE FOR ABATEMENT, AND PROVIDING ASSESSMENT OF THE COST OF ABATEMENT Hearing to consider all objections to a resolution adopted 4/21/26, which declared a public nuisance relating to the abatement of weeds, rubbish, refuse and/or debris. (Report - Charlene Durkin, Code Enforcement Supervisor) Recommendation : The Code Enforcement Supervisor recommends adoption of the resolution which will: (1) overrule any objections to the previously adopted resolution; (2) establish 6/01/26 as the last day for voluntary abatement; and direct the Community Development Director to: (3) abate any item(s) not voluntarily removed; (4) maintain an accounting of costs associated with the abatement; and (5) provide the Council with a report of the costs to be recovered from property owners.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO OVERRULING OBJECTIONS TO RESOLUTION DECLARING WEEDS, RUBBISH, REFUSE, AND DEBRIS TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING ABATEMENT AND REMOVAL OF THE WEEDS, RUBBISH, REFUSE, AND DEBRIS, AND PROVIDING FOR AN ASSESSMENT OF THE COST OF SUCH ABATEMENT AND REMOVAL
4.1. Staff Report
4.2. PUBLIC HEARING ON WORKFORCE VACANCIES AND RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION EFFORTS IN COMPLIANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 2561/GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 3502.3 Hearing to consider a report and presentation regarding workforce vacancies and the City of Chico’s recruitment and retention efforts. (Report - Tiana Gray, Deputy Director, Human Resources & Risk Management) Recommendation : The Deputy Director of Human Resources & Risk Management recommends acceptance of the report.
4.2. Staff Report
4.2. PUBLIC HEARING ON WORKFORCE VACANCIES AND RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION EFFORTS IN COMPLIANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 2561/GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 3502.3 Hearing to consider a report and presentation regarding workforce vacancies and the City of Chico’s recruitment and retention efforts. (Report - Tiana Gray, Deputy Director, Human Resources & Risk Management) Recommendation : The Deputy Director of Human Resources & Risk Management recommends acceptance of the report.
4.3. HEARING ON RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY’S FEE SCHEDULE In accordance with Budget Policy E.5, changes in the City’s Fee Schedule will be brought to City Council annually. At this meeting, the City Council is asked to consider fee changes to be incorporated in the City’s Fee Schedule as well as recommendations of the Finance Committee. A public hearing will be conducted specifically to address proposed cost of living increases to Development Impact Fees. (Report - Heather Childs, Accounting Manager) Recommendation : The City Manager recommends consideration of a modification in the increase to the fees subject to the Highway Cost Index inflator as recommended by the Finance Committee and adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING THE CITY'S FEE SCHEDULE (AMENDMENT NO. 359 - FEE SCHEDULES: 11.010, 15.090, 15.094, 17.010, 17.020, 21.010, 21.025, 21.035, 30.010, 30.020, 40.030, 50.010, 50.020, 50.030, 50.040, 50.050, 50.060, 60.020, 60.110, 60.140, 80.020)
4.3. Staff Report
5. REGULAR AGENDA
5.1. 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 and 4/21/26 Council Meetings 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
5.1. Staff Report
5.2. VICE MAYOR BENNETT REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF THE ACTION TAKEN ON SEWER ENTERPRISE STUDY – Continued from 4/21/26 Council 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 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) Recommendation : Consider the request for reconsideration and provide direction to staff.
5.2. Staff Report
5.3. CONFIRMATION OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR - OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE - Continued from 4/21/26 Council 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) Recommendation : A. In compliance with Government Code Section 54953(c)(3), the City Manager shall first orally report a summary of the recommendation for final action related to the Deputy Director - Public Works Operations and Maintenance employment agreement as follows:
"The City Manager is proposing to enter into an employment agreement with Jacques Vos as the Deputy Director - Public Works Operations and Maintenance; and the City Manager is proposing to appoint Jacques Vos with an annual salary of $145,000."
B. The City Manager recommends Council Confirmation of the appointment of Jacques Vos as the Deputy Director - Public Works Operations and Maintenance.
5.3. Staff Report
5.4. MAYOR REYNOLDS REQUEST - OPPORTUNITIES TO MITIGATE PUBLIC NUISANCES - Continued from 4/21/26 Council 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.
5.4. Mayor Reynolds’ Request
5.5. SHARED MICROMOBILITY PROGRAM
At the October 21, 2025, City Council meeting, Public Works - Engineering staff was directed to develop an implementation plan that would allow for shared micromobility devices in Chico. This report provides an overview of the steps required to allow shared micromobility businesses to operate in Chico, as well as impacts to existing infrastructure within the City’s right of way. (Report - Brendan Ottoboni, Director of Public Works - Engineering) Recommendation : Director of Public Works - Engineering recommends Council provide direction on the next steps.
5.5. Staff Report
5.6. DOWNTOWN CHICO PROPERTY AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT - PARK & GO INITIATIVE The Downtown Chico Property and Business Improvement District (PBID) has requested that the City of Chico participate in and support a three?month Park & Go Initiative pilot program providing free 2-hour parking in Downtown Chico with no kiosk registration required during the summer 2026. This report outlines the operational and financial implications to the City of the Park & Go Initiative pilot program. (Report - Erik Gustafson, Assistant City Manager) Recommendation : Staff recommends that City Council provide direction to staff regarding whether to proceed with development and implementation of the program.
5.6. Staff Report
5.7. CONSIDERATION OF 4/15/26 FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS A. FEE SCHEDULE UPDATE
The Committee discussed the proposed Fee Schedule Update and made the following recommendations:
Recommendation: The Committee voted (2-1, Hawley opposed) to recommend Council increase the HCI fees by 3% until the Nexus Study comes out and look at it again when the Nexus Study is completed.
Recommendation: The Committee voted (2-1, Hawley opposed) to recommend Council direct the Building Department to go back and look at its processes to see if it can get the fees down to the range of inflation at 3% instead of 8%, with it clarified that those processes be more efficient.
Recommendation: The Committee voted (3-0) to recommend Council to approve all the other fees outlined in the fee schedule.
B. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS AND 26-27 BUDGET PREVIEW - Information only Recommendation Accept the 4/15/26 Finance Committee Report
5.7. Finance Committee Report
5.8. COUNCILMEMBER HAWLEY REQUEST - SEWER RATE PROGRAM FOR LOW INCOME At its meeting of 4/7/26, the Council voted to agendize a discussion regarding a sewer rate program for people with low incomes.
5.8. Councilmember Hawley Request
5.9. COUNCILMEMBER VAN OVERBEEK REQUEST - BIDWELL MANSION At its meeting of 4/7/26, the Council voted to agendize a discussion on the Bidwell Mansion and what Council would like to see there.
5.9. Councilmember van Overbeek Request
5.10. 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. CHICO POLICE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT - Information only The Chico Police Department is pleased to submit our 2025 Annual Report. Our goal is to provide quality customer service to the community we serve daily. Within this report you will see how your police department is achieving this goal. (Billy Aldridge, Chief of Police)
6.2. Staff Report
6.3. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT AND BUDGET MONITORING REPORTS - Information Only Financial Reports and Budget Monitoring Reports through February 28, 2026. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
6.3. Staff Report
6.4. SUNSHINING OF DRAFT MOU - STATIONARY ENGINEERS, LOCAL 39 - Information only Pursuant to the "Sunshine and Transparency" requirements of the negotiation process, the City Council is provided a draft copy of the Memorandum of Understanding applicable to the Stationary Engineers, Local 39 bargaining group. This initiates the two week "sunshining" period for City Council and community members to review the draft document. A final presentation will be brought forward to City Council for consideration at its meeting on May 19, 2026. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
6.4. Staff Report
6.5. 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 the FY 2026/2027 Budget Workshop on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., the Closed Session meeting 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
May 5, 2026 - 4:30 p.m.
Chico Municipal Center, Conference Room 2, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA 05/05/26 Agenda
05/05/26 Closed Session - Posted Addendum
05/05/26 Agenda - Amended
1. CALL TO ORDER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 421 MAIN STREET, CHICO, CA.
1.1. ROLL CALL
2.5. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA "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)." Council is being asked to first make two determinations by a two-thirds vote:
1. That there is an immediate need to take action; and
2. That the need 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: Todd Mino vs. City of Chico: (WC Claim No. 196087286 & 196087550) Case: Ryon Mitchell vs. City of Chico: (WC Claim No. 196087447, 19608727, 196087256)
2.2. 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
2.3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - Potential Litigation: Pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(4). One case
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 - Potential Litigation: Pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(4). One additional case
3. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourn to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.