September 15, 2026 City Council Minutes Page|1
ADJOURNED REGULAR CHICO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - September 15, 2026 Minutes
1. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Reynolds called the September 15, 2026, Adjourned Regular Council meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico, CA.
1.1. Invocation - Chaplain Bud Chauvin
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. September 15, 2026, Closed Session Announcements - City Attorney Ryan Jones City Attorney Ryan Jones announced that Council met with staff on the Closed Session matters on September 15, 2026.
2.1 Existing Litigation - Eddie Sanchez v. City of Chico et al - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.2 Anticipated Litigation - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.3 Labor Negotiations - This item was not heard.
1.5. Recognition of the Chico Police Officers who responded to the active shooter at the Butte County Library, Chico Branch, on June 22, 2026
1.6. America the Entrepreneurial Proclamation - Heather Ugie, ChicoSTART
1.7. Presentation by Jarett Beaudoin, Butte County Public Health Officer - Big Chico Creek Water Quality
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. SEWER IN LIEU RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions authorizing sewer assessments 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)
RESOLUTION NO. 62-26 - 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 - 1385 EAST 10th STREET ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NO. 004-371-020
RESOLUTION NO. 63-26 - 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 - 1618 NORD AVENUE ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NO. 043-190-027
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2.2. CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE RESOLUTION
The City is required to biennially review, and amend as necessary, the City's Conflict of Interest Code. This was a "housekeeping" resolution which amends the portion of the Code which lists the required disclosure categories of designated City officials and employees pursuant to the requirements of the Political Reform Act. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director) RESOLUTION NO. 64-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AMENDING SECTION 2R.04.180 ENTITLED, "CONFILICT OF INTEREST CODE" OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE
2.3. SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT - INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS A side letter agreement between the City of Chico and the International Association of Fire Fighters amended the Memorandum of Understanding for July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2027. The agreement updated Sections
2.4 and 2.6 regarding overtime and compensating time off (CTO) for employees assigned to emergency incidents or pre-positioned for reimbursable emergency response outside City jurisdiction. The agreement provided for portal-to-portal compensation for qualifying assignments and clarified the accrual, use, and payment of CTO earned for reimbursable response. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
2.4. FINAL MAP PENDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S APPROVAL: S20-04, Hicks Lane Subdivision Phase 4 Final Map (Webb)
Pursuant to CMC 18.05.010.A, final maps shall be noticed on the City Council agenda within 10 days of action by the Community Development Director. Final maps are administrative actions that confirm compliance with an approved tentative map. Once approved, the final map is recorded with Butte County, completing the legal recording process. The subject final map subdivides an approximately 9.52-acre parcel into 38 parcels located at the southwest corner of Hicks Lane and Sycamore Drive and represents Phase 4 of the Hicks Lane Subdivision.
2.5. RESPONSE TO 2025-2026 GRAND JURY REPORT
Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933, the City Council was required to provide a written response to the 2025-2026 Final Report of the Butte County Grand Jury within 90 days of its release. The Final Report was released on June 15, 2026, and received in the City Clerk's office on June 22, 2026; therefore, the response was due on or before September 22, 2026. (Gillian Haen, City Manager)
2.6. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 9/1/26 SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION AND 9/1/26
REGULAR MEETING
2.7. 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.
Addressing the Council were Julie Threet, Ronald Fowens Jr, Bo Powell, and Adam Fedeli.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.1. SEWER RATE ADJUSTMENT
On June 16, 2026, Council made a motion directing staff to initiate the Proposition 218 process, including preparation and distribution of a public hearing notice. This was the final public hearing to satisfy the requirements of Proposition 218. However, during the protest period staff have continued to receive significant concerns over the proposed rates and are recommending opening the public hearing and receive public comment, with a continuation of the public hearing to the November 17, 2026, City Council meeting.
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Addressing the Council were Leasa Hill, Jeff Hill, Eric Danielli, Bo Powell, David Whyte, Molly Kopta, Kenneth Richards, and Analise Uhlrig.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to continue the public hearing to the City Council meeting of November 17, 2026, to allow staff additional time to evaluate current billing methodology.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
4.2. PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 2025-2026 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION
REPORT (CAPER) FOR THE FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND
THE HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS (HOME) PROGRAMS
A condition for receipt of federal funding for the CDBG and HOME programs required that the City of Chico (City) prepare and submit a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) regarding the use of such funds. This report was prepared at the conclusion of each program year and made available for a 15-day public comment period. The City was required to hold a public hearing on the report at the conclusion of the public comment period. (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 Vice Mayor Bennett and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to authorize staff to submit the CAPER to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
The Council took a ten-minute break at 7:43 p.m. The meeting was reconvened and all members were present.
5. REGULAR AGENDA
5.1. SIDE LETTER AGREEMENTS - UPEC LOCAL 792 AND CHICO MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES Side letter agreements between the City of Chico and United Public Employees of California, Local 792 (UPEC), and Chico Management Employees (CME) modify their respective Memoranda of Understanding effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. The UPEC Side Letter added the Animal Services Associate, Animal Services Technician, and Registered Veterinary Technician classifications, covering five employees, to the Certified Professional & Technical Unit. The CME Side Letter added the Animal Services Manager classification to the CME bargaining unit and transitions the position from an individual employment agreement to coverage under the 2026 CME MOU. (Report - Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to approve the UPEC Side Letter as submitted.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Mayor Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
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5.2. SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT - CHICO MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES A side letter agreement between the City of Chico and Chico Management Employees (CME) modified the CME Memorandum of Understanding effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. The CME Side Letter established the new Risk Manager classification within the CME bargaining unit and allocated the position to Administrative Services, specifically the Human Resources and Risk Management Division, to provide dedicated managerial oversight of the City's risk and safety functions. (Report - Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to approve the CME Side Letter as submitted.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.3. COUNCILMEMBER HAWLEY REQUEST - VINA GSA
At its meeting of 8/18/26, Council voted to agendize a discussion exploring sending an official letter to the Vina Groundwater Sustainability Agency regarding the upcoming Vina GSA Water Sustainability program outlining how the final plan could affect the City of Chico.
Addressing the Council was Marianne Paiva.
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to direct Director Ottoboni and Director Lipsky to identify any applicable staff to come back for a presentation on the status of the Vina GSA Water Sustainability Program and how it impacts the City of Chico.
Councilmember O'Brien made a friendly amendment requesting that the presentation includes a Vina GSA representative. This friendly amendment was accepted.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.4. COUNCILMEMBER VAN OVERBEEK REQUEST - Review of Automated License Plate Reader Program At its meeting of 9/1/26, the Council voted to agendize a discussion on forming an ad hoc committee to have a third party review the report from the Chico Police Department in regard to their Automated License Plate Reader Program and to waive the rules and bring it back at the meeting on September 15, 2026.
Addressing the Council on this matter were Julie Threet and Julian Zener.
A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to continue this item until the meeting on September 21, 2026, and heard after the ALPR presentation occurs.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, van Overbeek, Winslow, Bennett, Reynolds NOES: None
5.5. ITEMS ADDED AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA - None September 15, 2026 City Council Minutes Page|5
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 Gillian Haen
6.2. SUNSHINING OF DRAFT MOU - CHICO POLICE MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES (CPM) - 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 Chico Police Management Employees' (CPM) 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 October 6, 2026. (Barbara Martin, Administrative Services Director)
6.3. 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.
REQUIREMENTS FOR STREET CLOSURES FOR BLOCK PARTIES – Councilmember Winslow A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to agendize a discussion on Section 14.50 of the Chico Municipal Code on requirements for street closures and requirements for insurance and fees for small block parties.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goldstein, Hawley, O'Brien, Winslow, Reynolds
NOES: van Overbeek, Bennett
7. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 8:39 p.m. to the September 21, 2026, Special Closed Session meeting at 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. followed by the Special City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 421 Main Street, Chico.
Date Approved: /drp 10/6/26
____________________________
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk
September 15, 2026 City Council Minutes Page|6
CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE CHICO CITY COUNCIL – September 15, 2026 Minutes
1. CALL TO ORDER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 421 MAIN STREET, CHICO, CA. – Mayor Reynolds called the Closed Session meeting of September 15, 2026, to order at 5:30 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 LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a): Case No.: 2:22-cv-01654-JDP G.I.S.E. by and through his guardian ad litem, Eddie Sanchez vs. City of Chico, Chico Police Department, Mark Bass, David Bailey - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(4): One (1) case. - Council was briefed and direction was provided; no formal action was taken.
2.3 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR: Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957.6 - This item was not heard.
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. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA – None
3. ADJOURNMENT - Adjourned at 6:02 p.m. to the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Date Approved: /drp 10/6/26
_______________________________
Deborah R. Presson, MMC, City Clerk