City of Red Bluff
Tuesday, August 18, 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 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
Jessica Clark, a community member, stated that Mr. Fox, a community member, passed away recently. She asked for a moment of silence in his memory.
Ken Boone, a community member, led a prayer and read biblical scripture.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF AGENDA CORRECTIONS
No corrections were announced.
STAFF ITEMS
Mr. Westbrook gave an update on several community events.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 18, 2026
Mr. Miller gave an update on several community events held at the Red Bluff Airport. He reported on several projects in progress throughout the community. A surplus equipment auction will start on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Chief Bachmeyer reported that several personnel members were sent out to assist on the Timber Fire.
Mr. Young reported that the Audit is scheduled to start on Monday, September 21, 2026. He also gave an update on the FY 2024/2025 Budget.
Ms. Kampmann reported on several projects moving forward within the community. They have met with the design team for the South Jackson Lift Station Project, and it is moving forward.
COMMISSIONS REPORTS - Parks and Recreation Commission
Mr. Westbrook reported that a meeting was held last Tuesday, August 11, 2026. They received updates on the 2026 pool season, and the Splash Pad Project.
PRESENTATION - n/a
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 Pope, Council Member Hurton, Mayor Gonzales, and Council Member Deiters
Aye:
1. Approval of Minutes 0339
The Minutes was approved.
2. Open Market Purchases of $2,000 or More & Contract Awards 0319 The Report was approved.
3. Approval of Warrant List 0320
The Report was approved.
4. Code Enforcement Activities Report - July 0322
The Report was approved.
5. Approval of the Urban Greening Grant Application for the Natural Resources Agency’s Urban Greening Grant Program
24-2026
The Resolution was approved.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 18, 2026
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
REGULAR AGENDA
6. Appointment of Members to the Measure S Citizens Oversight Committee
0335
Applicant Comment:
Johnna Jones, applicant, stated that the roads the most in need of repair are around the local schools and parental input is important. Her children utilize many of these streets that are in poor condition.
Richard Hardin, applicant, asserted that the roads are in significant disarray, especially around the high school. The budget will drastically increase from this new tax. He feels he has a lot to offer.
Kenn Reider, applicant, stated that he is well known in the community and he has an accounting background. He knows the initiative very well, and he wants to ensure the funds are spent appropriately. The road conditions are rough on vehicles.
Susan Messler, applicant, stated that she wants to serve on this committee and have the opportunity utilize her 40 years of accounting experience.
Lesa Harris, applicant, stated that she has an education in finance and business law. She has been part of the community for 40 years. She would like to assist with this committee and help the City and community work together.
Bill Byron, applicant, stated that he is good at asking questions, upholding accountability, and being transparent with the community. He would like to know what this committee would best look like a year from now when it is most needed.
Ronald Mclver, applicant, stated that he is retired and he has the time to devote to this committee.
Citizen comment:
Daniele Eyestone, a community member, voiced concern that with the proposed term limits it will leave 4 terms up at one time every 6 years. She also wanted to ensure that the applicants who could not attend this meeting will still be equally considered for a position on the committee.
Councilmember Hurton asked and received clarification that Ms. Harris is not a current business owner; however, she is a current property owner.
Nominations:
Councilmember Deiters nominated Lesa Harris for a 3-year term.
Councilmember Hurton nominated Ronald McIver for a 2-year term.
Councilmember Pope nominated Colleen Tobin for a 1-year term.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 18, 2026
Mayor Pro Tem Clement nominated Richard Hardin for a 3- year term.
Mayor Gonzales nominated Jennifer Torres for a 2-year term.
7. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance No.1101 Adding Article XIII to Chapter 2.102 through 2.111 of the Red Bluff Municipal Code Establishing the Measure S Citizens Oversight Committee 0338
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing at 6:20 p.m. There being no comment the Public Hearing was closed at 6:21 p.m.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Clement, seconded by Council Member Deiters, that this Ordinance be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Mark Clement
SECONDER: Kris Deiters
Mayor Pro Tem Clement, Council Member Pope, Council Member Hurton, Mayor Gonzales, and Council Member Deiters
Aye:
8. Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance 1096 adding Sections
25.255 through 25.272 (Tobacco Retailer Permit) to Chapter 25 of the Red Bluff Municipal Code.
0287
The Council had an in-depth discussion, and all questions were asked and answered adequately. It was explained that there are complaints received by the local schools and the Police Department regularly. This would allow the City of Red Bluff to temporarily suspend a permit and immediately stop sales while they investigate a complaint. This also needs to be in place to qualify for this grant funding which will help fund additional decoy operations throughout the community.
Tobacco sales do not have the same requirements as alcohol sales. This would give the opportunity for more local mandates about ID verification and enforcement. They have received letters of support from the District Attorney and several of the local schools. As this ordinance is written, it would not limit the number of retailers allowed within the City of Red Bluff.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing at 6:38 p.m.
A community member who manages a local business that offers tobacco sales asserted that any business who sells tobacco products must have a tobacco license from the State of California to sell legally. She feels strongly that legal age adults should have access to tobacco projects within the community. They require ID from everyone purchasing tobacco products.
She asked for no government overreach.
A community member asked and received confirmation that cash registers flag tobacco sales the same as they do for alcohol sales.
A Shasta County resident who is a retired educator stated that this has been a large issue. It was asserted that high school age kids are sold tobacco products regularly. Their understanding is that the regulatory agency for the State of California only inspects businesses once per year. They feel this proposal would allow local agencies to revoke a license for a business that is not being compliant. This would also allow for the possibility of limiting retailers within the community.
The Tehama County Department of Public Health stated that they would be willing to provide
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 18, 2026
an educational presentation about the local prevalence of tobacco use in minors within the community.
The Public Hearing was closed at 6:46 p.m.
The Council voiced concern with the harshness surrounding the penalty when a business is found to be in violation.
A motion was made by Council Member Deiters, seconded by Council Member Pope, that this Report be approved as amended to remove section 25.266 and revise the violation penalty. This will come back to the City Council at a future scheduled meeting.
The motion carried by the following vote:
RESULT: APPROVED AS AMENDED
MOVER: Kris Deiters
SECONDER: Cassie Pope
Council Member Pope, Council Member Hurton, Council Member Deiters, Mayor Pro Tem Clement, and Mayor Gonzales
Aye:
9. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 13, Article III, Section 13.13 of the Red Bluff Municipal Code to Increase the General Parking Limit from 24 hours to 72 hours.
0340
The Council had an in-depth discussion, and all questions were asked and answered adequately.
They would like to discuss later an option for residents who do not have off street parking available.
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing at 7:03 p.m. There being no comment the Public Hearing was closed at 7:04 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Hurton, seconded by Council Member Pope, that this Ordinance be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Patrick Hurton
SECONDER: Cassie Pope
Mayor Pro Tem Clement, Council Member Pope, Council Member Hurton, Mayor Gonzales, and Council Member Deiters
Aye:
10. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 15 (Nuisances) of the Red Bluff Municipal Code by Adding Article II Establishing Judicial Receivership Proceedings for Chronic Nuisance Properties.
0318
Mayor Gonzales opened the Public Hearing at 7:08 p.m. There being no comment the Public Hearing was closed at 7:09 p.m.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Clement, seconded by Council Member Deiters, that this Ordinance be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Mark Clement
SECONDER: Kris Deiters
Mayor Pro Tem Clement, Council Member Pope, Council Member Hurton, Mayor Gonzales, and Council Member Deiters
Aye:
11. Discussion Regarding Ownership and Operational Alternatives for 0291
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 18, 2026
Municipal Water and Wastewater Utilities
The Council had an in-depth discussion, and all questions were asked and answered adequately. It was explained that an operations manager for the Wastewater Treatment plant is more cost affective and helps ensure all regulations are met. At this time, the water systems can be handled in-house; however, if a water treatment facility becomes necessary in the future an operations manager would be required. It was explained that the increased fees for sewer and water are necessary and give the best option for this infrastructure moving forward. There will also be small fee increases built in so that large increases do not happen again.
William Ellis, a community member, emphasized that the City of Red Bluff needs to keep control of their water and sewer infrastructure.
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. *Community Action Agency - Deiters
Councilmember Deiters reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
*Executive Committee - Tehama County Solid Waste Management Agency - Deiters & Hurton
Councilmember Deiters reported that no meeting was scheduled. *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, November 19, 2026.
*Tehama County Air Pollution District Review Committee - Gonzales & Pope
Councilmember Pope reported that no meeting was scheduled. *Tehama County Continuum of Care Executive Council - Deiters & Clement
Councilmember Deiters reported that no meeting was scheduled.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 18, 2026
*Tehama County Solid Waste Management Agency (JPA) - All Councilmembers
Councilmember Deiters reported that a special meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2026.
*Tehama County Transportation Commission - Hurton & Pope Councilmember Hurton reported that next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2026.
ADDITIONAL COUNCIL COMMENTS AND OTHER MEETINGS ATTENDED Mayor Gonzales reported that a memorial service will be held for Joe Cagel at High Point Church.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS BY CONSENSUS OF COUNCIL
The Council asked by consensus to have the Tehama County Department of Public Health come back to a future City Council meeting to give their offered presentation about tobacco use among the youth in the community.
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 7:28 p.m. The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Red Bluff Council Chambers.
__________________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
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DEPUTY CITY CLERK