May 5, 2026 Page 1 of 8
*The City of Red Bluff is an Equal Opportunity Employer*
CITY OF RED BLUFF
555 Washington Street, Red Bluff, California 96080
(530) 527-2605; Fax (530) 529-6878
www.cityofredbluff.org
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Council Chambers, City Hall
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Cassie Pope Councilmember Present 5:15 PM
Patrick Hurton Councilmember Present 5:20 PM
Kris Deiters Councilmember Present 5:16 PM
Mark Clement Mayor Pro Tem Present 5:24 PM
Jr Gonzales Mayor Present 5:15 PM
STAFF PRESENT
Tom Westbrook, City Manager
Sophia Meyer, City Attorney
Paul Young, Finance Director
Scott Garrison, HR Administrator
Beth Lindauer, Community Development Director
Scott Miller, Public Works Director
Quintan Ortega, Police Chief
Michael Bachmeyer, Fire Chief Robin
Anita Rice, Deputy City Clerk
Cassidy DeRego, City Clerk
Donna Gordy, Treasurer (remote)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Gonzales led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
Pastor Scott Camp, a community member, led a prayer. There will be a National Day of Prayer celebration held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the old Courthouse.
Ken Boone, a community member, read biblical scripture.
May 5, 2026 Page 2 of 8
*The City of Red Bluff is an Equal Opportunity Employer* David Burke, with One Seed at a Time and The Fig Hunter, stated that in conjunction with several other businesses, they were able to plant some fruit trees at the PATH Navigation Center.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF AGENDA CORRECTIONS
No agenda corrections were received.
STAFF ITEMS
➢ City Manager Tom Westbrook
Mr. Westbrook gave an update on several community events. ➢ HR Administrator Scott Garrison
Mr. Garrison reported that they are currently recruiting for positions within the Police Department.
➢ Community Development Director Beth Lindauer
Ms. Lindauer reported that the Code Enforcement Officer completed his next code enforcement module training.
➢ Public Works Director Scott Miller
Mr. Miller thanked staff for their hard work in completing much needed projects to keep the water running for the community.
➢ Fire Chief Mike Bachmeyer
Chief Bachmeyer reported that the outlook is dry and warmer from June through August 2026. This increases the local fire risk. They will soon be starting fire reduction enforcement in the community.
➢ Finance Director Paul Young
Nothing to report.
➢ Police Chief Quintan Ortega
Chief Ortega reported that on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 7:00 p.m, the 32nd Annual Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony will be held at High Point Assembly.
He also thanked staff for their hard work in making arrests related to two murders within the community.
➢ City Engineer Robin Kampmann
Was not present.
COMMISSION(S) REPORTS: None
May 5, 2026 Page 3 of 8
*The City of Red Bluff is an Equal Opportunity Employer* PRESENTATIONS: None
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
No conflict of interest was declared.
CONSENT AGENDA / APPROVAL OF DRAFT MINUTES
These items include routine financial and administrative actions and are usually approved by a single majority vote. Any City Councilmember, staff member or interested person may request that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda and those items are usually considered following approval of the remaining Consent Agenda.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Clement, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Patrick Hurton, Councilmember
AYES: Pope, Hurton, Deiters, Clement, Gonzales
1. City Council - Regular Meeting/Closed Session - Apr 7, 2026 5:30 PM
2. City Council - Regular Meeting/Closed Session - Apr 21, 2026 5:30 PM
3. Public Works Monthly Activity Summary, April
4. An Ordinance of the Red Bluff City Council Amending Section 25.239 and
25.197 of the Municipal Code Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) Ensuring Consistency with State Law
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
REGULAR AGENDA
These items include significant financial and administrative actions of special interest that are usually approved individually by a majority vote. The Regular Agenda also includes noticed hearings and public hearings. The times on the agenda are approximate.
The deadline for items to be placed on the City’s agenda is 5:00 p.m. on the preceding Tuesday, unless a holiday intervenes. Items not listed on the Agenda can only be considered by the City Council if they qualify under Government Code Section 54954.2(b) (typically this applies to items meeting the criteria as an off-agenda emergency).
May 5, 2026 Page 4 of 8
*The City of Red Bluff is an Equal Opportunity Employer*
5. Draft Ordinance Adding Section 2.8 - Public Records Request, to Chapter 2:
Administration, Article I: General Provisions of the Red Bluff Municipal Code Establishing Procedures for Public Records Requests and Appointing the Deputy City Clerk as the Public Records Act Coordinator.
Beth Lindauer, Community Development Director, presented the Staff's recommendation that the City Council:
1. Introduce the first reading of Ordinance No. 1095 and conduct a public hearing regarding an Ordinance of the City of Red Bluff.
2. Add Section 2.8 to Chapter 2 of the Red Bluff Municipal Code, establishing procedures for responding to Public Records Requests; and appointing the Deputy City Clerk as the designated Public Records Coordinator.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing at 5:49 p.m. There being no comment, the Public Hearing was closed at 5:50 p.m.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Patrick Hurton, Councilmember
SECONDER: Cassie Pope, Councilmember
AYES: Pope, Hurton, Deiters, Clement, Gonzales
6. Military Equipment Annual Report 2025
Ruben Murgia, Police Captain, presented the staff's recommendation that the City Council:
1. Conduct the Public Hearing.
2. Approve the Military Equipment Annual Report 2025.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing at 5:53 p.m. There being no comment, the Public Hearing was closed at 5:54 p.m.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Clement, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Patrick Hurton, Councilmember
AYES: Pope, Hurton, Deiters, Clement, Gonzales
7. Miscellaneous Bargaining Unit Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 7/1/2026 - 6/30/2029
Scott Garrison, HR Administrator, presented the staff's recommendation that the City Council approve the proposed new Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Red Bluff and the Operating Engineers No. 3 representing the Miscellaneous Unit for the set term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Clement, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Cassie Pope, Councilmember
AYES: Pope, Hurton, Deiters, Clement, Gonzales
8. 2025/26 Budget Update
Paul Young Finance Director gave a budget update for FY 2024/2025 and 2025/2026.
May 5, 2026 Page 5 of 8
*The City of Red Bluff is an Equal Opportunity Employer* RESULT: NO ACTION NEEDED
9. Presentation and Acceptance of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Development Act Financial Statements and Single Audit Act Reports for the Fiscal Year Ended 6-30-25
Paul Young, Finance Director, presented the staff's recommendation that the City Council accept the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Fund Financial Statements, and Single Audit Act Reports for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kris Deiters, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Clement, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Pope, Hurton, Deiters, Clement, Gonzales
10. FAA Weather Camera Installation at Red Bluff Municipal Airport Agreement Scott Miller, Public Works Director/Airport Manager, presented the staff's recommendation that the City Council authorize the Public Works Director to sign the Weather Camera Agreement and direct staff to coordinate the installation of the weather camera system.
William Ellis, a community member, asked and received clarification on the camera performance when there is a large load on the system.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Clement, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Cassie Pope, Councilmember
AYES: Pope, Hurton, Deiters, Clement, Gonzales
11. Consideration and Direction Regarding Elected Versus Appointed City Clerk and City Treasurer Positions
Tom Westbrook, City Manager, presented the staff's recommendations that the City Council provide direction to staff regarding whether to:
1. Maintain the current structure of elected City Clerk and City Treasurer, or
2. Transition to an appointed City Clerk and/or City Treasurer, subject to applicable legal procedures, including voter approval.
An in-depth discussion was had by the City Council, and all questions asked were answered adequately. It was explained that if this goes to the ballot in November 2026, this would not take effect until the elected officials' terms are up in November 2028.
Councilmember Deiters felt strongly that this would be better suited for the November 2028 Ballot. She feels that there would be a different Council in place, and they could make the determination at that time.
Mayor Gonzales made the recommendation to staff to transition to an appointed City Clerk and/or City Treasurer, subject to applicable legal procedures, including voter approval. The Council agreed by consensus.
May 5, 2026 Page 6 of 8
*The City of Red Bluff is an Equal Opportunity Employer* RESULT: NO ACTION NEEDED
12. A Resolution of the Red Bluff City Council Adopting the May 2026 Update to the City Council Policy Manual
Tom Westbrook, City Manager, presented the staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 6-2026 for the May 2026 update to the City of Red Bluff City Council Policy Manual.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Clement, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Cassie Pope, Councilmember
AYES: Pope, Hurton, Deiters, Clement, Gonzales
COMMITTEE REPORTS / COUNCIL COMMENTS
➢ Antelope Water/Sewer Project JPA: Westbrook - All Councilmembers Tom Westbrook, City Manager, reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026.
➢ Chamber of Commerce: Gonzales & Pope
Mayor Gonzales gave an update on several upcoming community events. ➢ City of Red Bluff/Tehama County Ad Hoc Committee: Deiters & Gonzales Councilmember Deiters reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026.
➢ Community Action Agency: Deiters
Councilmember Deiters reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026.
➢ Downtown Red Bluff Business Association: Clement & Pope Mayor Pro Tem Clement reported that no meeting was scheduled. ➢ Executive Committee - Tehama County Solid Waste Management Agency:
Deiters & Hurton
Councilmember Deiters reported that no meeting was scheduled. ➢ Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO): Gonzales & Hurton Mayor Gonzales reported that no meeting was scheduled.
➢ Red Bluff Community Center Commission: Gonzales & Hurton Tom reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026. ➢ Tehama County Continuum of Care Executive Council: Deiters & Clement Councilmember Deiters reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
May 5, 2026 Page 7 of 8
*The City of Red Bluff is an Equal Opportunity Employer* ➢ Tehama County Solid Waste Management Agency (JPA): All Councilmembers Councilmember Hurton reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2026.
➢ Tehama County Transportation Commission: Hurton & Pope Councilmember Hurton reported that the last meeting was held on Monday, April 27, 2026. They approved an agreement for grant writing services. ➢ Tehama County Air Pollution District Review Committee: Deiters & Pope Councilmember Pope reported that no meeting was scheduled.
ADDITIONAL COUNCIL COMMENTS AND OTHER MEETINGS ATTENDED Councilmember Deiters stated that budget meetings are underway. She stated that there are subcommittees of the Continuum of Care that meet frequently. She also attended the spring regional coordination meeting that was held in Corning. They discussed a homeless encampment policy that will be required by the State of California for funding.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS BY CONSENSUS OF COUNCIL
None received.
CITIZEN COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION
None received.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
13. Closed Executive Session - Labor Negotiations
RESULT: NO ACTION NEEDED
14. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - California Government Code Section 54957 (B)(1) - City Manager.
RESULT: NO ACTION NEEDED
REPORTABLE ACTIONS FROM CLOSED SESSION
No reportable action was received for either item discussed in Closed Session.
ADJOURNMENT
May 5, 2026 Page 8 of 8
*The City of Red Bluff is an Equal Opportunity Employer* There being no further business Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting at 6:54 p.m. to a Closed Session. The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Red Bluff City Council Chambers.
Mayor
ATTEST:
Anita Rice, Deputy City Clerk