TOWN COUNCIL
Meeting Minutes
6:00 PM – October 14, 2025
1. OPENING
The Regular meeting of the Paradise Town Council was called to order by Mayor Crowder at 6:05 p.m. in the Town Council Chamber located at 5555 Skyway, Paradise, California who led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. An invocation was offered by Council Member Bolin.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Greg Bolin, Steve “Woody” Culleton, Heidi Lange, Ronald Lassonde and Steve Crowder, Mayor
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Interim Town Manager Michael O’Brien, Town Attorney Scott E.
Huber, Town Clerk/Elections Official Melanie Elvis, Community Development Director Susan Hartman, Public Works Director/Town Engineer Marc Mattox, Recovery and Economic Development Director Colette Curtis, Police Chief Eric Reinbold, Fire Chief Jason Finney and Information Systems Director Luis Marquez. 1a. Community Development Director Susan Hartman and Northern Recycling and Waste Services General Manager Doug Speicher presented on statemandated organics collection. (940-10-029) 1b. Camp Fire Recovery Updates - Written reports are included in the agenda packet. (110-60-061)
Colette Curtis, Recovery and Economic Development Director - recovery projects, advocacy, economic recovery and development, communications, emergency operations and Housing updates.
Marc Mattox, Public Works Director/Town Engineer -infrastructure and sewer updates.
1c. Town Engineer Marc Mattox provided an update on the Paradise Sewer Project. (960-70-009)
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION by Bolin, seconded by Lassonde, approved consent calendar items 2a through 2h. Roll call vote was unanimous.
2a. Approved minutes of the September 9, 2025 Special and Regular Town Council meetings.
2b. Approved September 2025 Cash Disbursements in the amount of $5,072,626.32. (310-10-035)
2c. 1. Waived second reading of the entire Town Ordinance No. 649 and approve reading by title only; and, 2. Adopted Town Ordinance No. 649, "An Ordinance Amending Text Regulations within Paradise Municipal Code Title 17 of the Paradise Municipal Code Relative to Temporary Storage Yards for Work in Public and Private Rights-of-Way”. This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after the date of its publication. (540-16-218) 2d. Accepted the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant award for $45,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety. (480-20-013) 2e. Concurred with staff recommendation to file a CEQA Notice of Exemption for the Pentz Road Widening Project. (950-40-043)
2f. 1. Approved the revised Program Supplement Agreement No. F020 Rev. 2 to the Administering Agency-State Agreement for Federal-Aid Projects, Agreement No. 03-5425F15 for the Go Paradise: Neal Gateway Project - CML 5425(043); and, 2. Adopted Resolution 2025-68 “A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Paradise authorizing the Town Manager of the Town of Paradise or their designee to sign the revised Program Supplement Agreement No. F020 Rev. 2 to the Administering Agency-State Agreement for Federal-Aid Projects, Agreement No. 03-5425F15 for the Go Paradise:
Neal Gateway Project - CML 5425(043).” (510-20-379) (950-40-044) 2g. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-69 “A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Paradise to submit a main and sub HOME Investment Partnerships Program Income only applications to the California State Department of Housing and Community Development in order to commit HOME Program Income funds to eligible HOME program activities, and if approved, to execute a standard agreement, any amendments thereto and of any related documents necessary to participate in the home program.” (710-10-108) 2h. 1. Concurred with staff’s recommendation to extend the HQE Systems contract for construction of the town Emergency Warning Sirens to January 15, 2026; and, 2. Approved the sixth amendment to the Agreement between Town of Paradise and HQE Systems; and, 3. Authorized the Town Manager to execute the contract extension. (510-20-349) (420-30-009)
3. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR - None
4. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
1. Tommy Slattery spoke on challenges with the new permitting software, GovWell, praised staff members Anne Verra and Amber DePaola and shared positive experiences with the Town’s building inspectors.
2. Ken Klassen asked for the town to send a letter of support to the Fire Victim’s Trust on behalf of its recipients.
3. Melissa Schuster provided an update on the construction of Hope Plaza.
4. Jon Remalia spoke on bad builds due to settling and bad dirt; the need for engineers to certify sites and shared his support for the building division staff.
5. Serra Blaine asked for follow-up on a comment made at a previous meeting regarding the building division.
6. Brenda Narayan shared an update on PG&E’s undergrounding efforts.
7. Amanda Clark shared her support for a policy requiring contractors to be licensed when preforming weed abatement for the Town.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
5a. Recovery and Economic Development Director Colette Curtis presented the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for public comment.
Mayor Crowder opened the public hearing at 6:54 p.m.
1. Jared Kramer asked if some of the funds could be reallocated to support a small business retention grant.
Mayor Crowder closed the public hearing at 6:59 p.m.
MOTION by Bolin, seconded by Culleton 1. Conducted a public hearing to receive comment on the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. 2. Authorized the Town Manager to submit the CAPER to the Department of Housing and Urban Development with the public comments received. Roll call vote was unanimous. (710-10-105) 5b. Recovery and Economic Development Director Colette Curtis presented proposed a Substantial Amendment to the 2020, 2022, and 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Plans.
Mayor Crowder opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m.
1. Christine Poje asked if this was the best staff could come up with.
Mayor Crowder closed the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.
MOTION by Culleton, seconded by Bolin 1. Conducted a public hearing to solicit comments regarding a proposed Substantial Amendment to the 2020, 2022, and 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Plans; and 2. Adopted the Substantial Amendment to the 2020, 2022, and 2023 Annual Plans; and 3. Authorized staff to submit the Substantial Amendment to the 2020, 2022, and 2023 Annual Plans to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, including any comments received during the 30-day public comment period. Roll call vote was unanimous. (710-10-097)
5c. Community Development Director Susan Hartman introduced a proposed ordinance related to an amendment to the Land Use Map of the 1994 Paradise General Plan.
Mayor Crowder opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m.
1. There were no public comments.
Mayor Crowder closed the public hearing at 7:10 p.m.
MOTION by Culleton, seconded by Lassonde 1. Conducted duly noticed public hearing; and, Concur with the project “CEQA determination” finding embodied within Planning Commission Resolution No. 2025-07; and,
2. Concurred with the project recommended General Plan Land Use Map amendment and rezone action adopted by the Planning Commission on September 16, 2025, and embodied within Planning Commission Resolution No. 2025-07; and, 3. Adopted Town of Paradise Resolution No. 2025-70, “A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Paradise Amending the Land Use Map of the 1994 Paradise General Plan (Mahoney Capital LP: PL25-00056)” 4. Waived the first reading of the entire Town Ordinance No. 650 and read by title only; and, 5. Introduced Town of Paradise Ordinance No. 650 “An Ordinance Rezoning Certain Real Property From “TR-1/2” (Town Residential 1/2-acre minimum) to the “M-F” (Multiple-Family Residential) Zone Pursuant to Paradise Municipal Code Sections 17.45.500 Et. Seq. (Mahoney Capital LP: PL25-00056)”. Roll call vote was unanimous. (750-85-008) (540-16-219)
6. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
6a. Town Clerk Melanie Elvis provided an overview of the Measure V Oversight Committee vacancy and the steps necessary to appoint a new member.
MOTION by Bolin, seconded by Lange 1. Approved the Notice of Vacancy created by a Committee Member’s resignation; and, 2. Approved the Measure V application and authorized staff to advertise the Measure V Committee vacancy; and, 3. Designated Council Members Culleton and Lassonde to serve on an interview panel for the Measure V interview process; and, 4. Scheduled appointment to the vacancy for the December 9, 2025 Regular Town Council meeting with appointment to become effective immediately. Roll call vote was unanimous. (395-70-019) 6b. Rebuild Paradise Foundation Executive Director Jen Goodlin presented an overview of the insurance advocacy work the foundation has done in the last 7 years and stated that the Foundation would not be requesting the funds proposed in the Memorandum of Understanding. Recovery and Economic Development Director Colette Curtis presented recommended parameters for an insurance advocacy committee.
1. Joseph Cordoza spoke in favor of Rebuild Paradise Foundation and their work within the town.
2. Serra Blaine promoted an application process for this kind of proposed MOU and supports an insurance advocacy committee.
3. Christine Poje praised the Rebuild Paradise Foundation but said this item caught some off-guard.
4. Dawn Foster supports the idea of an insurance advocacy committee but warns that rates will still increase.
MOTION by Culleton, seconded by Lassonde 1. Provided direction to staff to create an ad hoc Insurance Committee to further Insurance Advocacy for the Town with the following stakeholders: two appointed Councilmembers, a representative from Rebuild Paradise Foundation, a representative from Chamber of Commerce, a local insurance industry (broker or agent), a local realtor, 2 (two) local residents, 2 (two) local business owners, the Town Manager or his or her designee, and the Town Recovery and Economic Development Director. Roll call vote was unanimous. (120-10-10)
Mayor Crowder recessed the meeting for a five-minute break at 7:57 p.m.
Mayor Crowder reconvened the meeting at 8:02 p.m.
6c. Recovery and Economic Development Director Colette Curtis introduced Bill Bullard and Dr. David Ghilarducci from the Abaris Group, who presented the Strategic Healthcare Recovery Plan.
1. Jon Remalia shared concern over the lack of ambulances at night on the ridge; shared that Glenn County’s hospital closing prompted free EMT training to anyone who was qualified; and suggested medics be put on fire engines.
2. Don asked why EMS doesn’t have mutual aid.
3. Jared Kramer believes ambulances are spread too thin with no coverage when enroute with patients to Enloe.
4. Autumn Field asked if Measure V funds could be used to help fund the health care needs in Paradise.
5. Melissa Crick suggested tabling the item.
MOTION by Bolin, seconded by Culleton concurred tabling the item until the consultants could return with an updated draft and corrected data. Roll call vote was unanimous. (460-10-002)
6d. Town Engineer Marc Mattox presented proposed security upgrades to Town Hall and establishing a long-range facilities fund and creating a Facilities Master Plan.
MOTION by Culleton, seconded by Lassonde 1. Received and filed the progress report of the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee. 2. Authorized $50,000 for immediate security upgrades at Town Hall (controlled access, counter glass, and Clerk’s Office escape route). 3. Provided direction that the Corporation Yard and Fire Station 82 projects should proceed sequentially with the Facilities Master Plan or in parallel; and, 4. Established a LongRange Facilities Fund in the amount of $9,339,742 (inclusive of $2,774,292 previously received and $6,565,450 received in 2024/2025). Roll call vote was unanimous. (280-05-006)
6e. Town Attorney Scott E. Huber presented the proposed amendment to the Town’s purchasing policy.
MOTION by Bolin, seconded by Crowder 1. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-71 “A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Paradise Adopting a Town Purchasing Policy”; and, 2. Directed staff to return with an amendment to Paradise Municipal Code Chapter 2.45 to ensure consistency with the Purchasing Policy. Roll call vote was unanimous. (110- 10-032) (380-05-010)
6f. Town Attorney Scott E. Huber provided an overview of the agreement with Michael O’Brien for Interim Town Manager Services.
MOTION by Crowder, seconded by Culleton ratified the Agreement with Michael O’Brien for Interim Town Manager Services. Roll call vote was unanimous. (510-20-488)
6g. Town Attorney Scott E. Huber provided an overview of the adjustment to compensation for Eric Reinbold for Acting Town Manager services.
MOTION by Culleton, seconded by Crowder ratified the Adjustment to Compensation for Eric Reinbold for Acting Town Manager services. Roll call vote was unanimous. (510-20-489)
7. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS AND REPORTS
7a. Council initiated agenda items:
7a1. Council discussed the use of unlicensed contractors for weed abatement in the Town of Paradise and the previous year’s weed abatement program’s procedure on assigning contractors by quadrant. Council provided direction to staff to bring back a revised process to the weed abatement program.
1. Jon Remalia spoke on a job he was asked to bid in another contractor’s quadrant during the program last year.
2. Amanda Clark shared that licensed contractors are required to hold a bond and creating quadrants doesn’t protect public funds. 7b. Council reports on committee representation:
Council Member Bolin attended the monthly LAFCo meeting, TOP/PID Liaison Committee meeting and the Solid Waste Committee meeting.
Council Member Lange attended multiple Sewer Ad Hoc Committee meetings, and a Downtown Working Group meeting.
Council Member Lassonde attended a ribbon cutting for a local business; the monthly BCAG and BCAQM meetings; attended the Downtown Working Group meeting; the TOP/PID Liaison Committee meeting; and a Town Manager Selection Committee meeting.
Council Member Culleton attended the Cypress Apartments Grand Opening; the Solid Waste Committee meeting; and the TOP/PRPD Liaison Committee meeting.
Mayor Crowder attended several Sewer Ad Hoc Committee meetings and participated in an interview for a docuseries on wildfire. 7c. Future Agenda Items – None
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
8a. Interim Town Manager Michael O’Brien praised staff and the community and is proud to serve the Town as the Interim Town Manager.
9. CLOSED SESSION - None
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Crowder adjourned the meeting at 10:16 p.m.
Date approved: November 12, 2025
By: Attest:
__________/s/_____________ ___________/s/______________ Steve Crowder, Mayor Melanie Elvis, Town Clerk