ADJOURNED REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - May 19, 2026 Minutes
1. BUDGET SESSION
1.1. Call to Order - Mayor Reynolds called the May 19, 2026, Budget Session meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA.
1.4. Roll Call
Present: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds
Absent:
1.5. BUDGET PRESENTATIONS
A. DEPARTMENT BUDGET PRESENTATIONS
1. Introduction and Financial Overview
2. Administrative Services Department - Vision & Goals
3. City Clerk
4. City Manager
5. Fire
6. Police
7. Community Development
8. Operations & Maintenance
9. Engineering
Council took a 10-minute break at 2:07 p.m. The meeting was reconvened and all members were present.
Addressing the Council was Diane Suzuki.
A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to adopt a Budget policy to dedicate 51% of Measure H funds to streets, roads and sidewalks.
The motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
NOES: O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds
B. RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE FY2026-27 PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET The 2026-2027 Proposed Budget was presented and discussed by the City Manager and Department Directors with the City Council. At this meeting, the City Council was asked to approve the Proposed Budget for the City of Chico and the Successor Agency to the Chico Redevelopment Agency. (Report - Mark Sorensen, City Manager)
A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to adopt the resolution.
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Vice Mayor Bennett made a friendly amendment to add $100,000 to the budget for the wildfire vegetative management plan in addition to the already budgeted funds available. This friendly amendment was accepted.
RESOLUTION NO. 35-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO ADOPTING THE 2026-2027 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF CHICO AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
CHICO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: Winslow
1.6. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION - The Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:17 p.m.
1.1. RECONVENE AND CALL MEETING TO ORDER - Mayor Reynolds called the May 19, 2026, Adjourned Regular Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA Invocation - Chaplain Eileen Brownell
1.9. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
1.10. MAY 19, 2026, CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT - City Attorney Ryan R. Jones City Attorney Ryan Jones announced that Council met with staff on the Closed Session matters on May 19, Item 2.1 Labor Negotiations - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
Item 2.2 Property Negotiations - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
Item 2.3 Potential Litigation - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
CONSENT AGENDA - Item 2.2 was removed from the agenda for further discussion by Council.
A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to accept the Consent Agenda as read, with Item 2.2 removed for further discussion.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
2.1. RESOLUTION NO. 36-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING "MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHICO AND STATIONARY ENGINEERS, LOCAL 39, REGARDING PAY, HOURS, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2025 - JUNE 30, 2027 (2025 LOCAL 39 MOU) The Administrative Services Director recommended the City Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Chico and the Stationary Engineers, Local 39 (Local 39) for July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2027, approving modifications to Local 39 pay and benefit provisions following recent negotiations. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director) May 19, 2026 City Council Minutes Page|2
2.2. AP&P 10-2- ROOM RESERVATION POLICY CANCELLATION
The Council was asked to cancel AP&P 10-2 which governs the outside use of City facilities specifically related to the Council Chamber building and Conference Rooms, along with the use of the rooms located in the Old Municipal Building. An internal policy will be created addressing the room reservation process currently used by Council and staff that will continue to use the City Clerk's office to reserve space when needed. Due to the safety needs of the audio/video equipment and metal detector installed in the Chamber along with all the City's infrastructure housed in the Old Municipal Building, staff believed it was prudent to eliminate the outside use of these City's facilities especially due to security concerns. Over time, the policy has evolved into a highly administrative and resource-intensive process. The existing policy permitted use by outside organizations, requiring staff coordination from a myriad of departments with reservations, determination and collection of fees, set up of equipment, insurance verification, custodial oversight, compliance monitoring, along with needing to address security concerns for use without staff being present. (Deborah R. Presson, City Clerk & Elections Official) This item was removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of Councilmember Winslow for further discussion.
A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to approve the cancellation of AP&P 10-2.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: Winslow
2.3. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYST JOB DESCRIPTION AMENDMENT This City Council was asked to consider an amendment to the Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst job description to accurately reflect the responsibilities of the GIS Analyst position. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.4. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 4/16/26, 4/21/26 AND 5/5/26
2.5. PROPOSITION 64, PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTH GRANT OPPORTUNITY The Chico Police Department along with Chico Code Enforcement were seeking a $4.5 million grant opportunity to fund Cannabis education, enforcement, and compliance within the schools, parks, and requirements. (Billy Aldridge, Chief of Police)
2.6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA - Item 2.2 was removed by Councilmember Winslow for further discussion.
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 Sharon Johnson, Anne Perry, Olivia Henderson, Marie Patterson, Adam Fedeli, Carol Wallen, Johnathan Milos, Jesse Horgan, LaDona Knigge, and Ann Polivka.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
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4.1. HEARING TO REVIEW AND APPROVE THE 2026-2027 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE USE OF
FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIP GRANT (HOME) FUNDS
The City receives an annual award of community development and housing funds from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 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 AAP has been made available for public comment since April 4th, with the initial public hearing held on April 21st. At that meeting, the City Council conducted a hearing on the draft 2026-27 Annual Plan and directed staff to schedule a second hearing for adoption of the Final AAP at its meeting on May 19, 2026. (Report - MaryJo Alonzo, Housing Program Manager)
Mayor Reynolds opened the hearing to the public. No one spoke and the hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to approve the 2026-2027 Final Annual Action Plan, as revised or amended, and authorize its submittal to HUD; and authorize the City Manager to execute any and all agreements and documents necessary to implement the Annual Action Plan.
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 HAWLEY REQUEST - SEWER RATE PROGRAM FOR LOW INCOME - Continued from 5/5/26 Council Meeting.
At its meeting of 4/7/26, the Council voted to agendize a discussion regarding a sewer rate program for people with low incomes.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to direct staff to bring back more information regarding a need-based program for sewer fees and to research eligibility criteria for low-income individuals. This item is to be brought back at the June 16th meeting.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, Winslow, Reynolds
NOES: van Overbeek, Bennett
5.2. COUNCILMEMBER VAN OVERBEEK REQUEST - BIDWELL MANSION - Continued from 5/5/26 Council Meeting.
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.
A motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to request a presentation by California State Parks for an update on the status of the Bidwell Mansion.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: Hawley
Council took a ten-minute break at 7:21 p.m. The meeting reconvened with all members present.
May 19, 2026 City Council Minutes Pagel4
5.3. INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 15.36.072 OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE
I he proposed ordinance amends Chico Municipal Code (CMC) Section 15.36.072 to clarify and update the procedures for collecting delinquent sewer service charges through placement on the Butte County property tax roll. The amendments ensure consistency with California Health and Safety Code sections 5473 through 5473.4. (Report - Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director) A motion was made by Vice Mayor Bennett and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to introduce the following ordinance by reading of title only:
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING SECTION 15.36.072 OF THE
CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO COLLECTION OF DELINQUENT SEWER FEES The motion carried by the following vote:
Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
CONSIDERATION OF AN INTERFUND LOAN FROM THE WORKERS COMPENSATION RESERVE FUND
TO THE FIBER UTILITY FUND
The City Council considered approval of a $500,000 interfund loan from the Workers Compensation Reserve Fund to the Fiber Utility Fund to support the startup costs of the Fiber Utility. (Report - Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 37-26 - RESOLUTION OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING AN
INTERFUND LOAN FROM THE WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE RESERVE FUND TO THE
FIBER UTILITY FUND
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.5. CONSIDERATION OF THREE HERITAGE TREE APPLICATIONS
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)
A motion was made by Councilmember Goldstein and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to approve the designation of the three heritage tree applications.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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5.6. POLICY ON DISRUPTION OF TELEPHONIC OR INTERNET SERVICE DURING COUNCIL MEETING California Senate Bill 707 (2025) was signed into law on October 3, 2025, updating requirements of the Brown Act. Among its provisions, SB 707 requires all qualified legislative bodies to offer hybrid meetings through a two-way phone or video platform by July 1, 2026. The City will be utilizing Zoom to facilitate these hybrid meetings. SB 707 also requires the City to formally adopt a policy outlining procedures for recessing and reconvening a meeting in the event of disruption, as well as the efforts the City Council and staff will make to restore service. (Report - Deborah R. Presson, City Clerk & Elections Official) A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to adopt the updates to AP&P 10-10 as required by SB 707.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.7. CONSIDERATION OF POST WARREN VERSUS THE CITY OF CHICO OPTIONS REGARDING THE
ALTERNATE SITE, GENESIS, AND ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS
This report provided the City Council with some discussion points and staff's recommended approach for transitioning services, enforcement, and shelter operations following the expiration of the Warren vs. City of Chico Settlement Agreement on January 14, 2027. This report was the initial in likely several City Council discussions that focused on the future of the Genesis emergency shelter, the closure of the Alternate Site, proposed operational rule changes, and enforcement strategies to address unsheltered individuals including the service resistant in a post Warren Vs. Chico Settlement Agreement environment. (Report - Erik Gustatson, Assistant City Manager)
Addressing the Council on this item were Brandon Slater, Robin McCollum, Charles Withuhn, Greg Scott, Tom Bond, Lynne Overholtzer, Loree Monroe, Adam Fedeli, and Rob Berry.
Council took a five-minute break. at 9:17 p.m. The meeting was reconvened and all members were present.
A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to (1) direct staff to close the Alternate Site upon expiration of the Settlement Agreement; (2) direct staff to continue operation of Genesis emergency shelter with updated rules; (3) direct staff to continue pursuit of grant funding to offset Genesis operational costs; (4) direct the City Attorney to review Chico Municipal Code Sections and return with recommendations at a future meeting; (5) direct staff to deploy a phased enforcement approach working from the center of the City outwardly using an Outreach and Engagement (O&E) model; (6) direct staff to develop a High Utilizer/Service Resistant Team to address repeated service resistant individuals.
Councilmember O'Brien made a friendly amendment to bring back Item 4 as soon as the City Attorney can get it back on the agenda. This friendly amendment was accepted.
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.8. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION TO ALLOW ALCOHOL SERVICE AND CONSUMPTION AT THE
CHICO CREEK NATURE CENTER (CCNC)
The Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) requested authorization to permit the service and consumption of alcoholic beverages during rentals and community events at the Chico Creek Nature Center (CCNC). At its April 27, 2026 meeting, the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission (BPPC) reviewed the proposal, received public input, and recommended that the City Council amend Chapter 12R.04 of the Chico Municipal Code accordingly, subject to applicable licensing and conditions. (Report - Skyler Lipski, Public Works Director - Operations & Maintenance)
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A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 38-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO ADDING SECTION 12R.04.057 TO THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT THE CHICO
CREEK NATURE CENTER
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.9. ACCEPTANCE OF DOWNTOWN CHICO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (DCBA) FINAL REPORT ON
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
The Downtown Chico Business Association (DCBA) submitted its Final Report for the Downtown Business District Enhancement Program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered under the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) executed March 22, 2023. The Final Report summarized program activities, outcomes, and financial performance over the duration of the agreement. In addition, and per staffs request, DCBA has committed to allocate $15,000 of its final $32,500 payment toward a Downtown Chico video marketing initiative. This effort was intended to enhance regional visibility and directly supports Objective #4 (Marketing & Communication) included in the PSA scope of services. (Report - Erik Gustafson, Assistant City Manager)
Nicholle Hill addressed the Council on this item.
A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett to accept the Downtown Chico Business Association Final Report for the Downtown Business District Enhancement Program; and acknowledge DCBA's commitment to utilize $15,000 of the final $32,500 payment for a Downtown Chico video marketing effort consistent with the PSA scope of services.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
COUNCILMEMBER WINSLOW - REQUEST TO ALLOW FOR COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTS A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to set aside the Council's rule that no items are to be started after 10:00 p.m. and allow for councilmember requests.
The motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, Winslow
NOES: O'Brien, van Overbeek, Bennett, Reynolds
5.10. 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 May 19, 2026 City Council Minutes Page|7
6.2. CHICO FIRE DEPARTMENT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT - Information Only The Chico Fire Department was pleased to submit their 2025 Annual Report, which reflects the dedication, professionalism, and service commitment of the women and men who proudly serve this community. This report provided an opportunity to share their accomplishments, highlight the challenges they have faced, and demonstrate the progress they continue to make in protecting the lives, property, and environment of our residents and visitors. (Bill Hack, Interim Fire Chief)
6.3. SUNSHINING OF DRAFT MOU - SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION TRADES AND CRAFTS UNIT (SEIU) - Information only
Pursuant to the "Sunshine and Transparency" requirements of the negotiation process, the City Council was provided a draft copy of the Memorandum of Understanding applicable to the Service Employees International Union, Local 1021 (SEIU) bargaining group. This initiated the two-week "sunshining" period for City Council and community members to review the draft document. Final consideration of the MOU will be presented to the City Council at its meeting on June 2, 2026. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
6.4. AUDIT AND CLOSEOUT OF UCEF AGREEMENT - RECEIVE AND FILE In 2014, the City entered into an agreement with the Upstate Community Enhancement Foundation (UCEF) to operate and maintain Channel 11. Under the agreement, UCEF received Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) funds, which were restricted for PEG-related purposes only, and was required to maintain records subject to City inspection and audit. Following termination of the agreement, the City resumed control of Channel 11 operations, and UCEF was required to return all PEG-funded equipment and remaining PEG funds to the City. As part of the agreement close-out process, the City initiated an audit of UCEF's use of PEG funds; however, UCEF did not provide sufficient documentation for the auditor to complete the audit. (Deborah R. Presson, City Clerk & Elections Official)
6.5. COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTS - This item was not heard due to the meeting ending after 10:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 10:05 p.m. to the 6/2/26 Closed Session meeting 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 6/2/26
Nebrake Presson
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
May 19, 2026 City Council Minutes Page 8
CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE CHICO CITY COUNCIL - May 19, 2026 Minutes
1. CALL TO ORDER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 421 MAIN STREET, CHICO, CA. - Mayor Reynolds called the Adjourned Closed Session meeting of May 19, 2026, to order at 4:30 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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR - Pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.8. - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
Agency Negotiator: Mark Sorensen, City Manager
Party Negotiating with Portion of APN Address
A. Nella Enterprises, Inc. 006-190-010 3355 Esplanade
B. Lewis and Marilyn Everett 006-190-012 3337 Esplanade C. Lewis and Marilyn Everett 006-190-021 116 & 128 Innsbrook Way D. Jason and Tami Smith 006-210-106 3268 Esplanade
E. Guzman Susana Ramirez 006-220-013 3332 Esplanade
F. Chico Area Recreation and Park District 006-220-014 3400 Esplanade G. Karen and George Robinette 006-220-017 3328 Esplanade H. Karen and George Robinette 006-220-018 3326 Esplanade
1. Premier Solano LLC 006-550-015 Leora Court (Vacant Land) J. Merle Webb and Sons, LP 006-840-001 101 Risa Way
K. Merle Webb and Sons, LP 006-840-003 100 Risa Way
L. CAA North Pointe Chico, LP 006-840-005 3432 Esplanade CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - Potential Litigation: Pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(4). One case - 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 5:45 to the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Date Approved: /drp 6/2/26
neksand Pressen
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
May 19, 2026 City Council Minutes Page 9