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Redding City Council, Regular Meeting
Civic Center Council Chambers
777 Cypress Avenue
Redding, CA 96001
January 20, 2026, 6:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Mayor Mike Littau with the following Council Members present: Tenessa Audette, Dr. Paul Dhanuka, Jack Munns, and Erin Resner.
Also present: City Attorney Christian M. Curtis, Interim City Manager Kari Kibler , Interim Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Michael Webb , City Clerk Sharlene Tipton, and Executive Assistant II Erin Barnhart.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Munns.
The Invocation was provided by Patrick A. Blewett, PhD., Executive Dean, Simpson University.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Pro Tempore Resner noted that no one in the audience wished to speak regarding the Shasta Public Libraries (Libraries), however, she wanted to publicly state that there are no plans at this time for the City Council to shutter the Libraries contrary to what has been published by citizens on social media platforms.
Robert Sid : (1) thanked Council regarding Bechelli Lane and Alta Mesa homeless issues. (2) opined that staff report attachments should be separate; (3) opposed Vice Mayor Dr. Dhanuka’s involvement with championing a medical school in Shasta County ; and (4) requested an update regarding changing the policy to allow the City Council to consult with the City Manager to avoid another issue like the previous one with Police Chief Brian Barner.
In response to Mr. Sid, Vice Mayor Dr. Dhanuka explained how to get both the Agenda and Agenda Packet separately on the website, and shared that there will be a request for a policy change at a future Council meeting.
Paula Montgomery and Cona Erving opined their support for the City of Redding to adopt a rent stabilization ordinance for mobile homes to limit overcharging to senior citizens living on a fixed income.
Nick Gardner expressed his support for better financial oversite in government organizations.
Leslie Sawyer requested a restructuring of the City Council and expressed her frustration with the Mayor’s leadership qualities.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The following matters were considered inclusively under the Consent Calendar and each Report to City Council (staff report) is incorporated herein by reference:
4(b). Accept the following City of Redding Accounts Payable and Payroll Registers: Accounts Payable Register No. 6 for the period of December 1, 2025, through, December 31, 2025, in the amount of $30,948,648.13; (2) Payroll Register No. 12 for the period of November 23, 2025, through December 6 , 2025, in the amount of $3,875,933.50; and (3) Payroll Register No. 13 for the period of December 7, 2025, thr ough December 20, 2025, in the amount of $3,615,060.37; for a summary total of $ 38,439,642.
4.1(a). Authorize and approve the following: (1) adopt Resolution No. 2026-001, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding, terminating the Emergency repair work at Nur Pon Open Space, City of Redding Parks and Trails, and the Sundial Bridge; and (2) Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 25050(c)(1), make a determination by a four - fifths vote that the emergency conditions necessitating the waiver of competitive bidding in order to procure immediate repairs at Nur Pon Open Space, City of Redding Parks and Trails, and the Sundial Bridge has concluded.
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4.5(a). Authorize and approve the following actions relative to RFP Schedule No. 5633, Redding Electric Utility Whiskeytown Unit 9 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Relicense: (1) award to HDR Engineering, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 for consultation services; (2) adopt Resolution No. 2026-002, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding, approving and adopting the 20 th Amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 2025 -049 appropriating an additional $425,000 for the Unit 9 FERC Relicense project; and (3) a uthorize the City Manager, or designee, to sign any documentation and execute change orders up to the total amount of the project contingency ($208,471) to address unforeseen work items discovered during the relicense process in order to finalize the project.
4.6(a). Approve and authorize a change in use for the U.S. Depa rtment of Energy’s Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program grant funds, moving from focusing on zero emissions vehicles to an energy efficiency project to replace lighting at the Redding Sports Park.
4.6(b). Adopt Resolution No. 2026-003, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding, naming the designed plaza adjacent to Diestelhorst to Downtown Trail “P hurus Topi” (Heart Reflection Place). Phurus pronounced (Pood-uus) has a dual meaning of heart and reflection, Topi pronounced (Toe-pee) means place.
Anne Wallach Thomas, Executive Director of Shasta Living Streets, commended the City of Redding for their work on this project and provided Council with a handout , incorporated herein by reference.
Gary Rickert, Chairman of the Wintu Tribe of Northern California , expressed his appreciation to the Council.
4.11(a).Accept Bid Schedule No. 5531 (Job No. 2700), Liberty Sidewalk Improvement Project, as satisfactorily complete, with a final cost of $713,896.02.
4.11(b).Adopt Resolution No. 2026-004, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding, approving reimbursement of expenditures associated with the City of Redding Pump Station 1 Replacement with monies provided by the State of California, acting by and through the State Water Resources Control Board and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
4.11(c).Adopt Resolution 2026 -005, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding, authorizing the D irector of Public Works, or designee, to: (1) Prepare and file a g rant application for approximately $5,000,000 with the State of California Department of Water Resources, and take other actions necessary to obtain grant funding; (2) Sign and execute all documentation, including a funding agreement and any future amendments; and (3) Facilitate the grant should it be awarded; and authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to submit any required documents to obtain grant funding.
On behalf of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe, Rebekah Olstead expressed their support.
4.15(a). This item was moved to the Regular Calendar as Item No. 9.15(a) at the request of Council Member Munns.
Updated Nepotism Policy.
Robert Sid’s comment is included under item no. 9.15(a).
A MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Munns, seconded by Council Member Resner, that the foregoing items on the Consent Calendar be accepted, acknowledged, adopted, approved, and/or authorized as recommended.
The Vote:
AYES: Council Members – Audette, Dr. Dhanuka, Munns, Resner, and Littau NOES: Council Members – None
ABSTAIN: Council Members – None
ABSENT: Council Members – None
Resolution Nos. 2026-001 through 2026-005 are all on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
6.1. Public Hearing to consider Resolution approving the City of Redding's Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-25 to 2029-30.
Interim Assistant City Manager /Public Works Director Michael Webb summarized the Report to the City Council (staff repor t), and provided a PowerPoint presentation, both incorporated herein by reference.
The hour of 6:49 p.m. having arrived, Mayor Littau opened the Public Hearing.
Mike Mitchell, property owner in the Churn Creek Bottom area, shared his research that began with a letter sent to the City of Redding on November 11, 2010, and a response from former City of Redding Planning Manager Doug DeMallie, stating that the Churn Creek, Victor, Rancho Road Roundabout will be constructed when traffic levels dictate a need for such substantial improvement. Mr. Mitchell stated that the City has approved four projects that are substantial enough that any one of them individually triggers a requirement for implementing a roundabout (Shastina Ranch subdivision, Palomar Homes, Stone Fair subdivision, Palomar, and Churn Creek and Bonnyview, and Rancho Road/Shasta View shopping centers). Mr. Mitchell opined that even though not all of these projects have been completed, they were approved by the City and those approvals remain valid. He stated that the City has encouraged these project developers and other benefitting property owners to consider joint efforts in funding the construction of the $2.5 million roundabout. He noted that even though discussions have lost impetus during economic uncertainties, he wants to be clear that when these projects listed proceed, a roundabout will be constructed.
A discussion amongst the Council ensued.
Mayor Littau determined that no one else present wished to address this matter and closed the Public Hearing.
The Affidavit of Publication – Notice of Public Hearing is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
In response to concerns raised by Mayor Littau and Vice Mayor Dr. Dhanuka , Mr. Webb explained that while the City is actively trying to accumulate as much revenue as possible to reinvest in pavement replacement, current funding levels are still not sufficient to meaningfully improve overall pavement conditions.
A discussion amongst Council and staff ensued.
A MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Audette, second ed by Council Member Resner, to adopt Resolution 2026 -006, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding, approving the City of Redding’s Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2024−25 to 2029−30.
The Vote:
AYES: Council Members – Audette, Dhanuka, Munns, Resner, and Littau NOES: Council Members – None
ABSTAIN: Council Members – None
ABSENT: Council Members – None
Resolution No. 2026-006 is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
Council Member Munns left Chambers at 7:53 p.m. and returned at 7:54 p.m.
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REGULAR CALENDAR: RE PORTS & COMMUNICATIO NS OF DEPARTMENTS,
BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
A consensus of the City Council directed staff to consolidate agenda items 9A and 9.6(c) by providing a single recommended action.
9A./9.6(c)Consider oral report from Ad Hoc Committee regarding funding for the Civic Auditorium/ Options to provide additional lease deferments and provide direction to staff for Advance Redding's operation of the Civic Auditorium located at 700 Auditorium Drive.
Ad Hoc Committee Members Council Members Erin Resner and Tenessa Audette provided an update related to their efforts to secure funding from various community sources which has been unsuccessful and opined that without knowing what the City’s revenues and expenditures are, the City is not currently in a position to recommend funding the $1.4 million gap currently needed by Advance Redding.
Community Services Director Travis Menne summarized the Report to the City Council (staff report), and provided a PowerPoint presentation, both incorporated herein by reference.
A discussion amongst the Council ensued.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Resner, Advance Redding’s General Manager Julie Dyer and Board President Eric Hiatt confirmed with Council that they are open to changes in how the Civic is currently funded and are open to exploring additional funding solutions and partnerships with the City of Redding.
Mayor Pro Tempore Resner stated that the Ad Hoc Committee will begin the long -term discussions with Advance Redding.
A discussion amongst the Council ensued.
A MOTION WAS MADE by Council M ember Audette, second by Council Member Resner, to: (1) accept an oral report from Ad hoc committee members Mayor Pro Tempore Erin Resner and Council Member Tenessa Audette, regarding funding for the City of Redding Civic Auditorium located at 700 Auditorium Drive; (2) d irect staff to defer collecting the $5,000 monthly lease payments from Advance Redding for the next six months relative to the Redding Civic Auditorium (C-5682); and (2) direct staff to return to Council for consideration at its Council Meeting on February 3, 2026, with a presentation regarding feasible short -term options and long -term discussion topics to maintain the operational terms to keep the Redding Civic Auditorium open. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
A consensus of the Council directed staff to consolidate agenda items 9B and 9.1(b) by providing a single recommended action.
9B/9.1(b)City of Redding Biennial Budget Revenue Discussion for FY 26 & FY 27/Scheduling a special meeting of the City Council to discuss City of Redding budget revenue projections.
Council Member Audette stated that the Council needs to hear what the City’s revenues are to even begin to discuss what expenditures can be made.
A discussion amongst the Council ensued.
Council Member Munns, Mayor Littau, and Vice Mayor Dr. Dhanuka suggested moving this item to February 17, 2026, to allow the new City Manager to be present, and that it be a separate special meeting of the City Council.
Mayor Pro Tempore Resner and Council Member Audette expressed their frustration with the Council for more delays , when a consensus of the Council agreed to hold a revenue assumption discussion before the end of January 2026.
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Interim City Manager Kibler relayed that the Finance Director’s role is to provide data and statistics, not recommendations to Council, as typically this is the City Manager’s role.
However, she noted that currently she is the Interim City Manager and Personnel Director, who does not have a financial background and will not be makin g financial recommendations. She noted that Finance Director Greg Robinett is prepared to provide three options that he reviewed with the previous City Manager from the December 18, 2025, Council meeting.
A discussion amongst the Council ensued.
In response to Mayor Littau’s question, City Attorney Curtis confirmed that procedurally, the Council can take whatever alternative direction that it wants, notwithstanding prior motions, Council does have the ability to table an item. He also noted that matters of order are also up to the Council, so Council can rule on any procedural question.
A MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Munns, seconded by Council Member Dr.
Dhanuka, to schedule a Special Meeting on February 17, 2026 , at 3:00 p.m. to discuss budget revenue projections.
The Vote:
AYES: Council Members – Dr. Dhanuka, Munns, and Littau NOES: Council Members – Audette and Resner
ABSTAIN: Council Members – None
ABSENT: Council Members – None
A SECOND MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Audette, seconded by Council Member Resner, to schedule a Special Meeting on January 26, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. to discuss budget revenue projections.
The Vote:
AYES: Council Members – Audette and Resner
NOES: Council Members – Dr. Dhanuka, Munns, and Littau ABSTAIN: Council Members – None
ABSENT: Council Members – None
Motion failed.
A THIRD MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Audette to schedule a Special Meeting on January 29, 2026.
Motion failed due to lack of a second.
9.1(c). Resolutions for establishment of an Audit Committee and Financial Advisory Committee for the City of Redding.
Finance Director/City Treasurer Greg Robinett summarized the Report to the City Council (staff report), incorporated herein by reference , and provided background information relative to external and internal audit functions of the City of Redding, and how .
Director Robinett requested that the Council approve adding Mayor Pro Tempore as an alternate member to the Audit Committee should the Mayor or Vice Mayor be unable to attend.
A robust discussion amongst the Council and Director Robinett ensued relative to the composition of both Committees.
A MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Resner, seconded by Council Member Munns, to direct staff to return to Council f or consideration at a future Council meeting with the following changes: (1) a Resolution establishing the City of Redding Audit Committee to provide structured oversight of internal and external audit activities that includes: (a) adding Mayor Pro Tempore as an alternate member; (b) committee member applications identified by the Mayor and Vice Mayor to be brought back to Council for consideration, with staggered committee terms. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
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A MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Audette, seconded by Council Member Resner, to: (1) appoint committee members to the Financial Advisory Committee for two- year staggered terms by a vote of the Council, not appointed by the Mayor, beginning with one-year terms, and then two-year terms beyond the first year; and (2) the full Council has the ability to approve and remove committee members.
Motion failed.
A MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Dr. Dhanuka, seconded by Council Member Munns, to direct staff to return to Council for consideration at a fu ture Council meeting with the following changes: (1) a Resolution establishing the City of Redding Financial Advisory Committee to provide community -informed advisory input on budget development, financial priorities, and long-term sustainability with the following changes:
(1) the Mayor will appoint two Council members to the committee for a two-year term, and then confirmed by the Council ; and (2) the Council will appoint the five community members with each Council member appointing one person. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
9.1(d). Memorandum of Understanding with Redding Tourism Marking Group, Inc.
Management Assistant to City Manager Jason Gibilisco summarized the Report to the City Council (staff report), incorporated herein by reference.
In respons e to Council Member questions, Finance Director Greg Robinett and Mr.
Gibilisco confirmed that delaying this item to the end of March to receive the second quarter financial reports would not provide enough time for planning of the IRONMAN70.3 event to be held in August 2026.
In response to Council Member Resner, Community Services Director Menne and Interim Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Webb confirmed that funding for this event was not budgeted, and each provided a brief overview of what could be funded , and what would not, should this agreement be approved.
Council Member Audette expressed concerns about not having an expenditure plan in place.
Director Robinett noted that the budget resolu tion is for two years, and f unding for this event would be put into a specific special events project account dedicated to the IRONMAN event.
A discussion amongst the Council ensued.
A consensus of the Council agreed on support for the event overall.
A MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Munns, seconded by Council Member Dr.
Dhanuka, to: (1) a uthorize the Mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Redding Tourism Marketing Group, Inc., outlining the cooperating framework to support the Ironman 7 0.3 branded endurance triathlon to take place in the City of Redding on August 16, 2026, August 15, 2027, and August 13, 2028; and (2) adopt Resolution approving and adopting the 23 rd Amendment to City Budget Resolution No. 2025 -049 appropriating $95,000 for Fiscal Year 2025 -26 & $128,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 -27 to support the Ironman 70.3 event.
Motion failed.
A SECOND MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Audette to delay this item to March 17, 2026, for reconsideration.
Motion failed due to lack of a second.
A THIRD MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Resner, seconded by Council Member Littau, to direct staff to return to Council for consideration at its meeting on February 17, 2026.
The Vote:
AYES: Council Members – Dr. Dhanuka, Munns, and Littau NOES: Council Members – Audette and Resner
ABSTAIN: Council Members – None
ABSENT: Council Members – None
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9.4(a). Budget resolution regarding Nuisance Abatement for 825 Industrial Street, by the City of Redding.
Development Services Director Jeremy Pagan and Code Enforcement Supervisor Seth Dressler summarized the Report to the City Council (staff report), and provided a PowerPoint presentation, both incorporated herein by reference.
In response to Council Memb er Audette, Finance Director Greg Robinette informed Council that a budget amendment utilizing salary savings from the department can be brought forth at a future Council meeting for consideration to proceed with demolition.
A discussion amongst the Council ensued.
A MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Audette, second ed by Council Member Resner, to direct staff to return to Council at its next Council meeting on February 3, 2026, to consider a budget resolution to utilize salary savings and Code Enforcement Department funds for demolition and associated fees for 825 Industrial Street.
The Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
Council Member Munns left the chambers at 9:53 p.m. and returned at 9:55 p.m.
9.6(d). Second Amendment to the design contract (C -9544) for Panorama Park in the City of Redding.
Community Services Director Travis Menne summarized the Report to the City Council (staff report), and provided a PowerPoint presentation, both incorporated herein by reference.
A discussion amongst the Council ensued.
A MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Audette, seconded by Council Member Resner, to: (1) authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Second Amendment to the Contract (C-9544) with NJ Associates, Inc., DBA NJA Architecture and NJA adding $186,050 to the contract for a revised total amount not to exceed $1,275,250; (2) authorize the City Manager, or designee, to approve any amendments up to $127,500; and (3) adopt Resolution 2026-007, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Red ding, approving and adopting the 22 nd Amendment to Budget Resolution No. 2025 -049 appropriating $75,250 funds for the Panorama Park Project for Fiscal Years 2026; all related to City of Redding Panorama Park Project.
The Vote:
AYES: Council Members – Audette, Dhanuka, Munns, Resner, and Littau NOES: Council Members – None
ABSTAIN: Council Members – None
ABSENT: Council Members – None
Resolution No. 2026-007 is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
9.6(e). Update regarding the Redding Motorsports Park Lease with the City of Redding (City) on Redding Regional Airport property.
Airport Manager Andrew Solsvig and Community Services Director Travis Menne summarized the Report to the City Council (staff report), incorporated herein by reference.
The following spoke in favor of a lease agreement: Jeremy McNealy, Mark Monroe, Chris Brooks, Rex Bauer, and Doug Teeter.
A discussion amongst the Council ensued.
A consensus of Council accepted the report regarding the Redding Motorsports Park lease with the City for use of City-owned property located at the Redding Regional Airport; and (2) directed staff to return to Council a soon as possible with options for Council’s consideration for the three operators that utilize the kart track to have their own lease agreement to be able to operate as a nonprofit, separate from the drag strip.
Mayor Littau left the chambers at 10:23 p.m. and returned at 10:25 p.m. 174
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9.11(d). Mitigation Fee Act Report Update and adopt Resolution making findings concerning unexpended funds.
Interim Assistant City Man ager/Public Works Director Michael Webb highlighted the Report to the City Council (staff report), incorporated herein by reference.
A MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Dr. Dhanuka, second ed by Council Member Audette, to: (1) accept the City of Redding Mitigation Fee Act Report Update , including an accounting of development fees; and (2) adopt Resolution 2026 -008, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redding , making findings concerning unexpended funds.
The Vote:
AYES: Council Members – Audette, Dhanuka, Munns, Resner, and Littau NOES: Council Members – None
ABSTAIN: Council Members – None
ABSENT: Council Members – None
Resolution No. 2026-008 is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
9.15(a).Item 4.15(a) was moved from the Consent Calendar at the request of Council Member Munns.
Updated Nepotism Policy.
Interim City Manager Kari Kibler summarized the Report to the City Council (staff report), incorporated herein by reference.
In response to Robert Sid’s concerns relative to nepotism and cronyism, Council Member Audette noted that her spouse’s service as a member of the City of Redding Tree Management Ordinance Update Committee concluded prior to her being elected to City Council in 2024.
Council Member Munns explained that currently there are four different nepotism policies within the organization, and opined that to avoid discrimination, all of the policies should be the same.
Interim City Manager/Personnel Director Kibler explained that Fire and Police have different shifts, so there are exceptions to those policies. The main change is that this policy includes language regarding romantic relationships which the City had been silent on previously.
Redding Police Chief Barner explained that it is standard practice withi n public safety agencies to have a Nepotism Policy, with immediate relatives not allowed to be supervised by a relative.
A discussion amongst the Council ensued.
A MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Munns , seconded by Council Member Littau, to not approve the updates to City of Redding Personnel Policy No. 2021 (Nepotism Policy) and return to Council for more discussion.
Motion failed.
A SECOND MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Audette, to approve updates to City of Redding Personnel Policy No. 2 021 (Nepotism Policy) to improve clarity and consistency, strengthen disclosure requirements, address romantic relationships, and prevent conflicts of interest, preferential treatment, and improper influence in City employment practices.
Motion failed due to lack of a second.
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A THIRD MOTION WAS MADE by Council Member Dr. Dhanuka, seconded by Council Member Littau, to: (1) approve updates to City of Redding Personnel Policy No. 2021 (Nepotism Policy) to improve clarity and consistency, strengthen disclosu re requirements, address romantic relationships, and prevent conflicts of interest, preferential treatment, and improper influence in City employment practices; and (2) directed staff to return to Council during a Closed Session meeting to discuss additional changes to Personnel Policy No. 2021 (Nepotism Policy). The Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business at the hour of 11:24 p.m., Mayor Littau declared the m eeting adjourned.
APPROVED:
______________________________
Mike Littau, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Sharlene Tipton, City Clerk