City of Red Bluff
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 5:30 PM
City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes
555 Washington Street
Red Bluff, CA 96080
(530) 527-2605
Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER
COUNCIL PRESENT
J.R. Gonzales, Mayor
Mark Clement, Mayor Pro Tem
Cassie Pope, Councilmember
Patrick Hurton, Councilmember
Kris Deiters, Councilmember
STAFF PRESENT
Tom Westbrook, City Manager
Sophia Meyer, City Attorney
Paul Young, Finance Director
Scott Garrison, HR Administrator
Scott Miller, Public Works Director
Beth Lindauer, Community Development Director
Quintan Ortega, Police Chief
Michael Bachmeyer, Fire Chief
Anita Rice, Deputy City Clerk/Executive Assistant to the City Manager Cassidy DeRego, City Clerk
Donna Gordy, Treasurer
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Gonzales led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
Ken Boone, a community member, read biblical scripture and led a prayer.
Robin Morris, a community member, lives at Senior Oaks Mobile Home Park on Gilmore Road. She requested guidance and explanation about a red curb that the park painted due to safety concerns with visibility while leaving the park when vehicles are parked in the area.
They have been given a vandalism notice. They would like to appeal this decision and have the City of Red Bluff paint the curb red in this area.
David Maung, the PG&E Local Government Affairs Representative, reported that they are working on a Wildfire Victims First Coalition. They are looking to protect citizens under multiple pillars. They are looking for local support from the Council. More information can be
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 21, 2026
found at wildfirevictimsfirst.com.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF AGENDA CORRECTIONS
No corrections were announced.
STAFF ITEMS
Mr. Westbrook gave an update on community events. The filing period for Council seats is open from Monday, July 13, 2026 through Friday, August 7, 2026. If an incumbent does not file for a seat, the deadline will extend to Tuesday, August 12, 2026.
Mr. Garrison thanked staff for their hard work during the MOU changeover for payroll.
Ms. Lindauer announced the approval of 28 new business licenses. Several new businesses also opened recently.
Mr. Miller gave an update on several projects that are being completed throughout the City of Red Bluff. This included vandalism repair at the River Park. Bids will be due tomorrow for the Splash Park. The new route for Madison Street should be completed this week.
Chief Bachmeyer gave a staffing update.
Mr. Young reported that they are working on closing the year end and beginning the Audit.
The recent sales tax projections are more favorable than expected.
Chief Ortega reported on several upcoming community events.
Ms. Kampmann reported that approval to submit another grant application was received. They are hoping if approved, this will help cover costs that had to be cut from the Splash Pad Project.
COMMISSIONS REPORTS - N/A
PRESENTATION
1. Employee Length of Service Recognition 0232
The following employees were recognized for their length of service:
Brandon Stewart, Sr. Wastewater Collections Operator, for 5 years of service.
Randy Raglin, Sr. Wastewater Collections Operator, for five years of service.
Tristin Dunn, Sr. Water Operator, for five years of service.
Jeffrey Mayberry, Police Officer, for five years of service.
Zack DeRego, Police Communications Dispatcher, for five years of service.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 21, 2026
Richard Miller, Public Works Director, for 10 years of service.
Justin Kingsley, Fire Division Chief, for 10 years of service.
Rick Lara, Public Works Maintenance Supervisor, for 20 years of service.
Ken Garner, Public Works Electrician, for 30 years of service.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
No conflict of interest was declared.
CONSENT AGENDA / APPROVAL OF DRAFT MINUTES
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Clement, seconded by Council Member Hurton, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
RESULT: APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA
MOVER: Mark Clement
SECONDER: Patrick Hurton
Mayor Pro Tem Clement, Council Member Deiters, Mayor Gonzales, Council Member Hurton, and Council Member Pope
Aye:
2. Approve Minutes: June 2nd, June16th, and July 9th 0257 The Minutes were approved.
4. Open Market Purchases of $2,000 or More & Contract Awards 0241 The Report was approved.
5. Approval of Warrant List 0240
The Report was approved.
6. Quarterly Settlement Report: Workers’ Compensation Claims Against the City.
0233
The Report was approved.
7. Quarterly Report: Liability Claims Against the City 0258 The Report was approved.
8. Public Works Monthly Activity Summary, June 0250
The Report was approved.
9. Code Enforcement Activity Report - June 2026 0254
The Report was approved.
10. Grants Management Update-2nd Quarter of 2026 0256
The Report was approved.
11. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 1099, an amendment to 1099
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 21, 2026
Chapter 24, Section 24.23 relating to the water system
cross-connection control.
The Ordinance was approved.
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
3. Resolution to Accept the Department of California Highway Patrol’s Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program Award
20-2026
Ken Boone, a community member, asked and received clarification that this grant if for local law enforcement activities, community education, and a new motorcycle.
William Ellis, a community member, asked and received clarification that the reimbursement will be for overtime costs associated with the outlined police operations.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Clement, seconded by Council Member Pope, that this Resolution be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Mark Clement
SECONDER: Cassie Pope
Mayor Pro Tem Clement, Council Member Pope, Council Member Hurton, Mayor Gonzales, and Council Member Deiters
Aye:
REGULAR AGENDA
12. Annual Status Report on Vacancies for compliance with AB 2561 0234 Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing at 6:13 p.m. There being no comment, the Public Hearing was closed at 6:14 p.m.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Clement, seconded by Council Member Pope, that this Public Hearing be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Mark Clement
SECONDER: Cassie Pope
Mayor Pro Tem Clement, Council Member Pope, Council Member Hurton, Mayor Gonzales, and Council Member Deiters
Aye:
13. Direction to Staff Regarding Draft Measure S Oversight Committee Ordinance, Bylaws, and Application Materials
0247
The Council had an in-depth discussion, and all questions were asked and answered adequately. It was explained that the one-year term is to help stagger the appointments. All terms, once established, would be three-year terms. It will be expected that after each meeting there will be updates provided to the Council the same as the other commissions.
There was a discussion surrounding the pros and cons of term limits. It could be a benefit not to have term limits, and it would be equivalent to the other commissions. It was explained that the soonest taxes will start being collected will be on Thursday, October 1, 2026. There is time for the committee creation.
The Council reached a consensus on a three-week time frame for the application process.
The open period for applications will begin on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. They would like
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 21, 2026
this to be brought to a future Council meeting to discuss drafting the Ordinance and the bylaws.
Daniele Eyestone, a community member, inquired about when the applications will be available. It was explained that they will be available once direction is given from Council.
A community member asked who would oversee which roads are completed first. It was explained that the Committee would oversee the order of the roads and ensure proper spending of the funds.
14. Request for Council input and consideration on the proposed water and sewer rate study
0252
Sophia Mills, LT Municipal Consultants, gave a presentation on the water and sewer rate study. She explained each option in-depth.
The Council had an in-depth discussion, and all questions were asked and answered adequately. It was explained that the increased costs reflect capital improvement projects and the increasing operating costs. Each scenario includes different rates and different year to year increases. It was explained that all three scenarios do satisfy the minimum requirements from the State of California. The lowest fee option is the minimum that can be charged to still satisfy the requirement and still qualify for future grants. The Council expressed concern with how these rate increases could affect the citizens and businesses within the community. It was explained that the customer classes are industry standard and not necessarily about the amount and more about the type of waste being produced.
The consensus from Council is to move forward with option 3 for both sewer and water.
They want this brought to the next scheduled City Council meeting for a formal vote to start the necessary process.
Daniele Eyestone, a community member, expressed concern that Tehama County is also looking at groundwater fees. She is concerned that increasing the rates will be difficult for community members.
Ken Boone, a community member, asked if the $6 Million grant that can be applied for when fees are charged appropriately has a sunset time frame. It was explained that this would be something available when the State of California has funding. He also expressed concern with how these increases will affect the community.
A community member who lives in a local mobile home park expressed concern about the large potential fee increase. It was explained that the new rates do take the multi-family communities into consideration. They will have a rate increase, but it will be within the same range as other customers.
Diane Davidson, a community member, expressed confusion about if these fee increases are different than what Tehama County is considering. It was explained that this would affect Red Bluff residents who are currently using City sewer and water services. This does not apply to private well and septic users.
Robin Morris, with the River Oaks Homeowners Association, thanked the Council for their time and efforts.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 21, 2026
A community member asked and received clarification on why this is a five-year program.
Five years is the maximum that is legally allowed. This process will be done again in year four so that small increases are built in to cover the operating costs moving forward.
15. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Red Bluff Confirming an Emergency that Required Immediate Repair of a Sewer Main Located Behind the Thai House Restaurant, 248 South Main Street. 19-2026
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Clement, seconded by Council Member Hurton, that this Resolution be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Mark Clement
SECONDER: Patrick Hurton
Mayor Pro Tem Clement, Council Member Pope, Council Member Hurton, Mayor Gonzales, and Council Member Deiters
Aye:
16. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Red Bluff (1) Calling for an Election on a Ballot Measure to Ask the Voters of the City of Red Bluff, California, Whether the Offices of City Clerk and City Treasurer Shall be Appointive; (2) Requesting the Board of Supervisors of Tehama County to Consolidate a Municipal Election on a Local Measure with Other Elections to be Held on the November 3, 2026, Consolidated Election Date; (3) Requesting the Tehama County Board of Supervisors Permit the Tehama County Elections Official to Render Election Services to the City; and (4) Approving the Proposed Measure 21-2026
A motion was made by Council Member Hurton, seconded by Council Member Pope, that this Resolution be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Patrick Hurton
SECONDER: Cassie Pope
Mayor Pro Tem Clement, Council Member Pope, Council Member Hurton, and Mayor Gonzales
Aye:
Nay: Council Member Deiters
COMMITTEE REPORTS / COUNCIL COMMENTS
*Antelope Water/Sewer Project JPA - All Councilmembers
Mr. Westbrook reported that no meeting was scheduled.
*Chamber of Commerce - Gonzales & Pope
Mayor Gonzales gave an update on community events.
*City/County Ad Hoc Committee - Deiters and Gonzales
Councilmember Deiters reported that no meeting was scheduled.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 21, 2026
*Community Action Agency - Deiters
Councilmember Deiters reported that no meeting was scheduled. *Downtown Red Bluff Business Association - Clement & Pope Councilmember Pope reported that no meeting was scheduled. *Executive Committee - Tehama County Solid Waste Management Agency - Deiters & Hurton
Councilmember Hurton reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.
*Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) - All Councilmembers Mayor Gonzales reported that no meeting was scheduled.
*Red Bluff Community Center Commission - Gonzales & Hurton Mr. Westbrook reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026.
*Tehama County Air Pollution District Review Committee - Gonzales & Pope
Mayor Gonzales reported that no meeting was scheduled.
*Tehama County Continuum of Care Executive Council - Deiters & Clement
Councilmember Deiters reported that no meeting was scheduled. *Tehama County Solid Waste Management Agency (JPA) - All Councilmembers
Councilmember Pope reported that the last meeting was held on Monday, July 6, 2026. They discussed the FY 2024/2025 Audit. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
*Tehama County Transportation Commission - Hurton & Pope Councilmember Hurton reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2026.
ADDITIONAL COUNCIL COMMENTS AND OTHER MEETINGS ATTENDED Councilmember Pope stated that she participated in a ride along with the Public Works Department and she received a lot of good information.
Mayor Gonzales reported that he has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. He asserted that nothing will change with regard to his Council position.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS BY CONSENSUS OF COUNCIL
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 21, 2026
Councilmember Pope asked if the request from Citizen comments about the red curb could be investigated. Staff will review and will reach out with pertinent information. This will come back to Council if necessary in the future.
CITIZEN COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION - N/A
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION - N/A
REPORTABLE ACTIONS FROM CLOSED SESSION - N/A
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business Mayor Gonzales adjourned the meeting at 8:21 p.m. The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Red Bluff Council Chambers.
__________________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
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DEPUTY CITY CLERK