City of Red Bluff
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 5:30 PM
City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes
555 Washington Street
Red Bluff, CA 96080
(530) 527-2605
Council Chambers
AMENDED TO INCLUDE: URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
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
William Ellis, a community member, announced the passing of a local resident, Joe Cagel. They are planning a celebration of life for him.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF AGENDA CORRECTIONS
Mr. Westbrook reported that the agenda was amended to add the Urban Water Management Plan as item #4 on the Regular Agenda.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 4, 2026
STAFF ITEMS
Mr. Westbrook updated the council on several community events. The filing period is open for the City Council seats. Applications for the Measure S Citizens Oversight Committee are being accepted.
Ms. Lindauer provided an update on the Palm Villas Community Housing Project.
Mr. Miller reported on several projects, including a repaired water main break that occurred under the pump house slab for the city pool. It was announced that the Red Bluff Airport will be receiving a $125,000.00 grant for the apron expansion.
Chief Bachmeyer gave a staffing and equipment update.
Mr. Young reported that CalPERS announced a 14.9% return. This will likely give a positive return; however, the effect of this will not be seen until 2027/2028.
Chief Ortega reported that the National Night Out event is being held at the Red Bluff Community Center from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. tonight.
Ms. Kampmann reported that the Splash Pad Project received three bids that are currently being reviewed.
COMMISSIONS REPORTS: Planning Commission
Greg Latourell, Chairperson for the Planning Commission, gave an update on the last meeting. They heard one item that failed due to lack of a vote regarding vacant buildings. This is something they would like to revisit in the future. The other two items heard were passed. There was also interest voiced in a food truck court within the community.
PRESENTATION N/A
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
No conflict of interest declared
CONSENT AGENDA / APPROVAL OF DRAFT MINUTES
1. Public Works Monthly Activity Summary, July 0283
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT: N/A
REGULAR AGENDA
2. Proposition 218 Final Water and Sewer Rate Study 0280 Sophia Mills, with LT Municipal Consultants, gave a presentation on the proposed water and sewer rate increase.
The Council had an in-depth discussion, and all questions were asked and answered adequately. The Council voiced concern that churches are placed in a higher category than gyms. It was explained that many churches do not have full kitchens. Low volume users would pay less regardless of category. The City can evaluate concerned businesses on a case-by-case basis. Option three for the sewer and water rates are the options that would offer the least amount of increase to meet the minimum requirements to qualify for grants.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 4, 2026
William Ellis, a community member, stated that he is concerned about the churches being in a high category. Many of them do not have kitchens that are used for food preparation. He feels that churches should not be in a higher category than gyms.
Rob Schmid, a community member, explained that he served on the City Council when the last rate increases were implemented in 2012. He always thought there were built in rate increases.
He is glad that this is being addressed now; however, he is concerned with how much the increase would be. He emphasized that there needs to be communication about the requirement for grants and State of California requirements.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Clement, seconded by Council Member Hurton, that this Report be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Mark Clement
SECONDER: Patrick Hurton
Mayor Pro Tem Clement, Council Member Pope, Council Member Hurton, Mayor Gonzales, and Council Member Deiters
Aye:
3. Award Professional Airport Services Contract, 2026 0275 Ken Moen, with LJA Engineering, introduced himself and outlined that they have a history with the City and look forward to continuing the relationship.
The Council asked if there will be a local representative. He explained that there will be a large team with vast knowledge available to the City. He expects aviation to continue to grow. He sees the Red Bluff Airport serving a large emergency need to the community.
Rob Schmid, Airport Commissioner, explained that this was a difficult call on who to go with but they feel confident in this decision.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Clement, seconded by Council Member Pope, that this contract award 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:
4. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Red Bluff Adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
23-2026
AMENDED Added the Urban Water Mgmt. Plan
Brianna Barton, with Carollo Engineers, gave a presentation on the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan.
The Council had an in-depth discussion, and all questions were asked and answered adequately. It was explained that the eight un-metered properties are owned by the City of Red Bluff. This also outlines that if the State of California implements more conservation measures that the City of Red Bluff would implement them accordingly.
Mayor Gonzales opened a Public Hearing at 6:59 p.m. There being no comment the Public
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 4, 2026
Hearing was closed at 7:00 p.m.
This was approved with the amended Resolution that was provided to the Council and the Public.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Clement, seconded by Council Member Pope, that this Resolution be adopted as amended. The motion carried by the following vote:
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED
MOVER: Mark Clement
SECONDER: Cassie Pope
Mayor Pro Tem Clement, Council Member Pope, Council Member Hurton, Mayor Gonzales, and Council Member Deiters
Aye:
5. Direction to Staff Regarding a Proposed Vacant Commercial Property Registration and Maintenance Ordinance.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
1. Provide direction to staff regarding whether to proceed with the preparation and formal introduction of a Vacant Commercial Property Registration and Maintenance Ordinance.
0284
The Council had an in-depth discussion, and all questions were asked and answered adequately. This would allow them to closely monitor long-term vacant properties that are not being maintained or protected against vandalism. This would also require contact information to be placed in the window of the vacant property to help emergency personnel contact a responsible party when necessary. A monthly inspection sheet and compliance from the property owner would be required. If property owners were non-complaint fees would be levied; however, if a property was sold and improvements were made, those fees could be reversed accordingly.
William Ellis, a community member, appreciates that this is coming forward. feels it will be a benefit to the community.
Council agreed by consensus to have this brought back to an upcoming Council meeting for further discussion.
6. Argument for Measure____ to be Published in the November 4, 2026, Voter Guide
0282
A motion was made by Council Member Pope, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clement, that this Report be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Cassie Pope
SECONDER: Mark Clement
Mayor Pro Tem Clement, Council Member Pope, Council Member Hurton, and Mayor Gonzales
Aye:
Nay: Council Member Deiters
7. A Resolution of the Red Bluff City Council Amending the Hourly Pay Schedule for All Extra Help, Part-Time & Seasonal Employees 22-2026
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 4, 2026
A motion was made by Council Member Deiters, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clement, that this Resolution be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Kris Deiters
SECONDER: Mark Clement
Mayor Pro Tem Clement, Council Member Pope, Council Member Hurton, Mayor Gonzales, and Council Member Deiters
Aye:
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 reported on several 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 Thursday, August 20, 2026.
*Executive Committee - Tehama County Solid Waste Management Agency - Deiters & Hurton
Councilmember Deiters reported that the last meeting was canceled. *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
Councilmember Pope reported that no meeting was scheduled. *Tehama County Continuum of Care Executive Council - Deiters & Clement
Councilmember Deiters reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
*Tehama County Solid Waste Management Agency (JPA) - All Councilmembers
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 4, 2026
Councilmember Deiters reported that no meeting is scheduled. *Tehama County Transportation Commission - Hurton & Pope Councilmember Hurton reported that the last meeting was scheduled on Monday, July 27, 2026. They received an informational presentation.
ADDITIONAL COUNCIL COMMENTS AND OTHER MEETINGS ATTENDED None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS BY CONSENSUS OF COUNCIL
Councilmember Pope propose bringing back a discussion surrounding eliminating the shut off service fee for first time offenders when the new water and sewer rates go into effect. The Council agreed to bring this back by consensus.
Councilmember Deiters asked if a preemptive discussion surrounding what options there would be if the increased sewer and water rates are protested 50% plus one. The Council agreed by consensus to bring this to a future Council meeting.
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 7:27 p.m. The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Red Bluff Council Chambers.
__________________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
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DEPUTY CITY CLERK