Chico, CA

11/3/26 City Council Meeting

11/3/26 City Council Meeting

The City Council will consider three ordinances regulating camping on public property and in parks. The body is also reviewing budget modifications and the acquisition of utility easements for the North Esplanade Reconstruction Project.

• Ordinances amending Municipal Code Titles 9 and 12 to regulate camping on public property and in parks
• Supplemental appropriation of $15,500 for Police Department Veritone redaction software
• Acquisition of public utility easements along the Esplanade for the North Esplanade Reconstruction Project
• Final map for Autumn Leaf Estates Phase 2 subdividing 9.95 acres into 34 residential lots
• Final map for Wisconsin Street Parcel Map subdividing 1.3 acres into four residential lots

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider an appeal of the Community Development Director's decision to approve an Administrative Use Permit for a workshop building and fencing. Staff recommends denying the appeal and upholding the original approval.

• Appeal of Administrative Use Permit 26-08 for a workshop and fencing at 528 Oak Mill Court

Bidwell Park and Playground Commission

The Bidwell Park and Playground Commission will review a proposed application and permit process for scattering human cremains in the park. The body will also receive an introduction to the new City Manager, Gillian Haen.

• Proposed special use application and permit for scattering ashes in Bidwell Park

Bidwell Park and Playground Commission

The Bidwell Park and Playground Commission will discuss a proposed application and permit process for scattering human cremains in the park. The body will also introduce the new City Manager, Gillian Haen.

• Proposed special use application and permit for scattering ashes in Bidwell Park

City Council Meeting

The City Council will discuss amending municipal codes regarding camping on public property and in parks, as well as introducing a new loitering ordinance. The body will also hold a final protest hearing for a maintenance district modification and consider new police staffing for public records requests.

• Final protest hearing for modification of CMD A55 Autumn Leaf Estates Subdivision to reduce lots from 68 to 67
• Proposed ordinances to regulate camping on public property and in parks (CMC 9.20, 12.18, and 12R)
• Introduction of a proposed loitering ordinance for Title 9
• Proposed addition of an Evidence Technician, Records Technician, and part-time Senior Information Analyst to the Police Department
• Amendments to policy on City Council rules of procedure and gifts to the city

City Council Meeting

The City Council will discuss introducing ordinances to regulate camping on public property and in parks, as well as a new loitering ordinance. The body will also hold a final protest hearing regarding a maintenance district modification for the Autumn Leaf Estates subdivision.

• Proposed ordinances to regulate camping on public property and in parks (CMC 9.20, 12.18, and 12R)
• Proposed ordinance adding a loitering chapter to Title 9
• Final protest hearing for modification of Chico Maintenance District (CMD) A55 - Autumn Leaf Estates Subdivision
• Proposed budget amendment to add an Evidence Technician, Records Technician, and part-time Senior Information Analyst to the Police Department
• Amendment to policy on gifts to the city to reference State law and FPPC regulation

10/6/26 Council Meeting

The City Council will discuss amending municipal codes regarding public nuisances and camping. The body is also considering a maintenance district modification for Autumn Leaf Estates and a new labor agreement for police management.

• Proposed ordinance amending Titles 9, 12, and 12R to regulate camping on public property
• Initial public hearing for modification of maintenance district CMD A55 - Autumn Leaf Estates Subdivision
• Ratification of Memorandum of Understanding for Chico Police Management Employees (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2030)
• Budget amendment to add one Public Information Officer and one Administrative Specialist to the City Manager’s Office
• Acquisition of public utility easements for the North Esplanade Reconstruction Project CIP #50067

10/6/26 Council Meeting

The Chico City Council meets October 6, 2026 to consider a range of items, including an ordinance amending the city's camping and park rules, a new police management labor agreement, and a public hearing on a maintenance district modification. The council will also hear updates on the Downtown Park & Go parking program and a groundwater sustainability presentation. Several items are on the consent agenda, including utility easement acquisitions and sewer assessment resolutions.

• Public nuisance ordinance overview: proposed amendments to Title 9 Ch. 9.20 (Camping) and Title 12 Ch. 12.18 and 12R park rules, following City of Grants Pass v. Johnson (2024) and expiration of Warren v. City of Chico settlement
• Chico Police Management Employees MOU for July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2030, covering pay and benefits
• Public utility easement acquisitions along The Esplanade for North Esplanade Reconstruction Project CIP #50067 (APNs 006-190-010 and 006-210-106)
• Sewer in-lieu assessment resolution for 1677 E 8th Street (APN 002-030-027) to collect connection fees on the tax roll
• Public hearing on Autumn Leaf CMD A55 modification; protest hearing scheduled October 20, 2026

9/21/26 Special City Council Meeting

The Chico City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program, including an internal review report, a supplemental report, and a request to form an ad hoc committee for a third-party review. The council will also hold a closed session to confer with legal counsel on existing and anticipated litigation. No other business will be considered at this meeting.

• Discussion of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program review and supplemental report
• Councilmember van Overbeek request for third-party review of ALPR program via ad hoc committee
• Closed session: conference with legal counsel on existing litigation (Believe in Chico v. City of Chico, Thai Thao v. City of Chico, John Brunk v. City of Chico)
• Closed session: conference with legal counsel on anticipated litigation (two cases)

9/21/26 Special City Council Meeting

The Chico City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program. The agenda includes a staff report on the program's history, administration, data sharing, and legal considerations, plus requests from Mayor Reynolds and Councilmember van Overbeek for discussion and a possible third-party review. A separate closed session will address existing and anticipated litigation.

• Discussion of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program
• Staff report on ALPR history, administration, data sharing, and legal considerations
• Councilmember van Overbeek request for third-party review of Chico Police Department ALPR report
• Closed session: litigation in Believe in Chico v. City of Chico (Case No. 25CV01135)
• Closed session: litigation in Thai Thao v. City of Chico (Case No. 23CV02465) and John Brunk v. City of Chico (Case No. 23CV02301)

Planning Commission Meeting

The Chico Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Residential Readiness Program Phase III, a city-initiated package of code, General Plan, and zoning amendments aimed at streamlining residential development and aligning with state housing laws. The commission is expected to vote on a resolution recommending City Council adoption of the amendments, which include text changes, land use diagram updates, and rezonings. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Public hearing on Residential Readiness Phase III (CA/GPA/RZ 26-01)
• Amendments to Chico Municipal Code Titles 2, 18, and 19
• General Plan text amendments to Table LU-2 and Appendix B
• Redesignation of properties in the Pomona Avenue Opportunity Site
• Rezoning to add -COS overlay district and changes within Pomona Avenue Opportunity Site

9/15/26 Council Meeting

The Chico City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed sewer rate adjustments, with staff recommending continuation to November 17, 2026, to address concerns. The council will also consider side letter agreements with firefighter and management unions, approve a final subdivision map, and discuss forming an ad hoc committee to review the police Automated License Plate Reader program.

• Public hearing on sewer rate adjustment (Proposition 218), recommended continuation to Nov 17
• Side letter agreements with IAFF (overtime/CTO) and UPEC/CME (animal services classifications)
• Final map for Hicks Lane Subdivision Phase 4 (38 parcels, 9.52 acres)
• Councilmember van Overbeek request: third-party review of ALPR program
• Response to 2025-2026 Grand Jury Report due Sept 22

9/15/26 Council Meeting

The Chico City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed sewer rate adjustments, but staff recommend continuing it to November 17, 2026, to address concerns. The council will also consider several routine consent items, including sewer connection fee resolutions, a conflict of interest code update, a firefighter side letter, and a final map. Regular agenda items include side letters for employee unions, a request to send a letter to the Vina Groundwater Sustainability Agency, and a discussion on forming a committee to review the police license plate reader program.

• Public hearing on sewer rate adjustment, continued to Nov. 17, 2026
• Sewer in lieu resolutions for 1385 East 10th Street and 1618 Nord Avenue
• Side letter with Fire Fighters on overtime and comp time for emergency response
• Final map for Hicks Lane Subdivision Phase 4 (38 parcels)
• Side letters adding animal services classifications to UPEC and CME units

Planning Commission Meeting

The Chico Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Residential Readiness Program Phase III, a city-initiated package of code, General Plan, and zoning amendments aimed at streamlining residential development and aligning with state housing laws. The commission is asked to adopt a resolution recommending City Council approval of the amendments, including changes to the Pomona Avenue Opportunity Site. The agenda also includes consent items (minutes approval) and public comments, with no other regular agenda items.

• Public hearing on Residential Readiness Program Phase III (CA/GPA/RZ 26-01)
• Proposed amendments to Chico Municipal Code Titles 2, 18, and 19
• General Plan text amendments to Table LU-2 and Appendix B
• Redesignation of properties in the Pomona Avenue Opportunity Site
• Rezoning to add -COS overlay district and changes within Pomona Avenue Opportunity Site

9/1/26 City Council - Special Closed Session Meeting

This is a special closed session meeting where the City Council will discuss one potential litigation case with legal counsel. No other business will be considered, and the meeting is limited to closed session items. The council will then adjourn to a later closed session and regular meeting.

• Closed session conference with legal counsel on potential litigation (one case)
• Public comments or council disqualifications for closed session
• Meeting held at Chico Municipal Center, 421 Main Street

9/1/26 Council Meeting

The Chico City Council will consider a resolution to amend Municipal Code Section 11R.32.010 to permit limited rapid refueling (hot fueling) at Chico Regional Airport during authorized military operations and emergency response, subject to safety requirements. The council will also discuss cooling standards for residential and commercial properties, as requested by Councilmember Hawley. The agenda includes routine consent items, public comments, and a closed session on labor negotiations.

• Resolution to amend Chico Municipal Code Section 11R.32.010 to allow limited hot fueling at Chico Regional Airport
• Discussion on existing cooling standards for residential and commercial properties (Councilmember Hawley request)
• Approval of council meeting minutes from 8/18/26
• Closed session: conference with labor negotiator for multiple employee organizations
• Presentation by Pioneer Community Energy CCA

Bidwell Park and Playground Commission

The Bidwell Park and Playground Commission will review a staff proposal to amend the Chico Municipal Code to allow only Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes on natural-surface trails in Bidwell Park while restricting Class 2, Class 3, and all other motorized devices to roads and motor-vehicle-accessible trails. The meeting also includes an informational presentation on the Vina Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan’s first five-year evaluation, focusing on the Chico Management Area. No formal actions are scheduled beyond routine minutes approval.

• Amend Chico Municipal Code to permit only Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes on natural-surface trails in Bidwell Park
• Restrict Class 2, Class 3 e-bikes, e-motos, and other motorized devices to roads and motor-vehicle-accessible trails in Bidwell Park
• Informational presentation on Vina Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan’s first five-year evaluation (Chico Management Area)
• Approval of BPPC draft meeting minutes from 6/29/26
• Parks Division and Street Tree Division verbal reports

The Commission recommended that City Council update the municipal code to limit natural-surface trails to Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes. It also decided to forward comments to City Council regarding the Vina Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan's impact on Chico's Urban Forest.

• Recommended City Council approve municipal code amendments regulating e-bikes and motorized devices in Bidwell Park (4-3)
• Denied motion to send groundwater sustainability recommendations directly to Vina GSA (2-4)
• Approved forwarding comments on the Vina Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan to City Council (6-0)
• Approved June 29, 2026 meeting minutes (7-0)

8/20/26 Planning Commission

The Chico Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider approving a new gas station, convenience store, and carwash at 2495 Carmichael Drive, and will also decide whether to send a letter to the school district stating that the proposed Blue Oak Charter School site at 2485 Apodaca Place is consistent with the General Plan. The agenda also includes routine consent items like approving minutes from February 19, 2026, and public comments.

• Use Permit 25-06 & Architectural Review 25-08 for Skyway Travel Center: 6-pump gas station, 3,600 sq ft convenience store, carwash on 0.93-acre parcel in CR zone
• General Plan Consistency Finding for Blue Oak Charter School (TK-8) at 2485 Apodaca Place
• Approval of minutes from February 19, 2026
• Public comments period

8/18/26 Council Meeting

The Chico City Council will hold final readings on ordinances creating entertainment zones with alcohol consumption and amending a development agreement, plus adopt resolutions on road safety, police union pay, and property conveyances. They will also discuss public nuisance enforcement and potential code amendments, and designate a voting delegate for the League of California Cities conference.

• Final adoption of ordinance adding Chapter 5.45 'Entertainment Zones' and allowing alcohol in designated areas per SB 969
• Final adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Development Agreement 18-01 with JP Real Estate Investments, LLC (Courtesy Motors)
• Resolution approving 2026-2030 MOU with Chico Police Officers' Association regarding pay and benefits
• Resolution adopting updated Local Road Safety Plan to maintain eligibility for Highway Safety Improvement funds
• Discussion on public nuisance enforcement and potential Chico Municipal Code amendments

07/29/26 City Council - Special Closed Session

The Chico City Council is meeting in a special closed session solely to discuss the recruitment of a City Manager, a public employment matter. The agenda is limited to this single item, with no other business permitted by law. Public comments or council disqualifications are taken before the closed session begins.

• Closed session on City Manager recruitment under Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 54957(b)
• Closed session public comments or council disqualifications
• Meeting held at 411 Main Street, third floor Municipal Building

08-03-26 Special City Council Meeting - Via Zoom Only

7/14/26 Council Meeting

The Chico City Council will hold a public hearing and consider several routine consent items, including easement abandonments, budget modifications, and a police union agreement. The main regular agenda items include introducing an ordinance to create entertainment zones in Downtown and Meriam Park, directing the future structure of solid waste collection, and discussing water quality and parking access.

• Ordinance to establish Entertainment Zones in Downtown and Meriam Park (SB 969)
• Solid waste franchise agreement direction: extensions, RFP, or open market
• Supplemental appropriation for Animal Shelter van (FY2026-27)
• Supplemental appropriation for Council Chambers air handler (emergency)
• CPOA MOU for July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2030

7/7/26 Council Meeting

The Chico City Council will consider confirming Gillian Haen as the new City Manager with a $285,000 annual salary, and designating Assistant City Manager Erik Gustafson as Interim City Manager starting July 11, 2026. The council will also vote on three FEMA firefighter grant applications totaling $872,789, and hold a closed session on the City Manager position.

• Confirm Gillian Haen as City Manager; salary $285,000, $15,000 relocation, $400/month vehicle, $75/month phone
• Designate Erik Gustafson as Interim City Manager effective July 11, 2026
• Approve three FEMA AFG grant applications totaling $872,789; 10% match required
• Retirement proclamation for City Manager Mark Sorensen
• Closed session: public employment (City Manager)

7/7/26 Council Meeting

The Chico City Council will decide on appointing Gillian Haen as the new City Manager with a $285,000 salary and benefits, and designate an Interim City Manager for the transition period. The council will also approve applications for three FEMA firefighter grants totaling $872,789, requiring a 10% city match. A closed session is scheduled for discussion of the City Manager appointment.

• Confirm Gillian Haen as City Manager: $285,000 salary, $15,000 relocation, $400/month vehicle, $75/month cell phone allowances
• Designate Assistant City Manager Erik Gustafson as Interim City Manager effective July 11, 2026
• Approve three FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant applications totaling $872,789 with 10% match from city funds
• Consent agenda includes fire equipment grants for fire apparatus, Mobile Fire Investigation Unit, and water tender
• Closed session for public employment related to City Manager position

Bidwell Park and Playground Commission

The commission will hear two informational items: a proposal to convert park ranger positions to police officers supplemented by community service officers, and a request from the Chico Rod and Gun Club to amend its lease to remove prevailing wage provisions. No action will be taken on these items. The consent agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Presentation on proposed park ranger position reform: convert rangers to police officers with community service officers
• Informational item: Chico Rod and Gun Club requests lease amendment to remove prevailing wage provisions
• Consent agenda: approval of draft meeting minutes from April 27, 2026
• No public hearings scheduled

The Commission approved the draft meeting minutes from April 27, 2026. The remainder of the meeting consisted of informational reports regarding park ranger staffing and a lease amendment request.

• Approved April 27, 2026 draft meeting minutes (5-0)

06/16/26 Council Meeting

The council will deliberate on a sewer rate increase to fund infrastructure needs, with two reduced scenarios presented. They will also consider whether to permit commercial cannabis cultivation within city limits, a significant policy shift. Additionally, the council will discuss extending the sobering center funding agreement and approving an encampment resolution grant application for homelessness. Several consent items include sewer assessment, road projects, firefighter positions, and vehicle donation.

• Sewer rate study: Council to adopt a rate schedule and initiate Prop 218 process for a five-year increase (5.1)
• Commercial cannabis cultivation: Council to decide whether to permit and regulate cultivation within city limits (5.4)
• Sobering center funding extension: Council to authorize amending MOU to extend funding three more years through June 2030 (5.3)
• Encampment Resolution Funding grant: Staff propose seeking $4.1 million for homeless encampment resolution and housing (2.4)
• Interim Deputy Chief appointment: Council to confirm Shane Lauderdale as Interim Deputy Chief - Fire at $184,218.58 annual salary (5.5)

6/2/26 Council Meeting

The City Council will hold a final adoption of the 2026-27 city budget, confirm a new Fire Chief with a $200,000 salary, and discuss a proposed free parking program downtown. The consent agenda includes amendments to sewer fee collection, an election resolution, and other routine items. Public hearings are scheduled for vacating a portion of Eaton Road and approving a landscaping district assessment increase.

• Adoption of 2026-27 final budget for City of Chico and Successor Agency to Redevelopment Agency
• Confirmation of Wesley Metroka as Fire Chief with annual salary of $200,000
• Public hearing on ordering abandonment of portion of Eaton Road right-of-way (APN 016-360-116)
• Public hearing on Husa Ranch/Nob Hill landscaping district assessment of $87.10 per parcel (increase of $1.04)
• Discussion of Internal Affairs Committee recommendation to implement 'Park & Go' free parking program downtown through December 2026

5/19/26 Council Meeting - Budget Session Begins at 1:00 p.m.

The City Council will hold a budget session to adopt the FY2026-27 proposed annual budget for the City and Successor Agency. Later in the regular meeting, they will discuss a sewer rate program for low-income residents, a $500,000 interfund loan for the Fiber Utility, and options for the post-Warren settlement regarding the Alternate Site and Genesis shelter. Other items include a Prop 64 grant application, heritage tree designations, and an ordinance on delinquent sewer fees.

• Adoption of FY2026-27 proposed annual budget for the City and Successor Agency
• $500,000 interfund loan from Workers Compensation Reserve Fund to Fiber Utility Fund
• Discussion on post-Warren settlement options: closure of Alternate Site, continued Genesis shelter operation
• Proposition 64 grant application for $4.5 million for cannabis education, enforcement, and compliance
• Ordinance amending Chico Municipal Code Section 15.36.072 to update collection of delinquent sewer fees

3/16/26 City Council - Special Closed Session (No video)

This is a special closed session of the Chico City Council. The only business is a closed session conference with legal counsel on the pending lawsuit Believe in Chico v. City of Chico (Case No. 25CV01135) and a closed session discussion on recruiting a new city manager. No public decisions or other items are on the agenda.

• Closed session conference with legal counsel on existing litigation: Believe in Chico v. City of Chico (BCSC Case No. 25CV01135)
• Closed session on public employment: City Manager Recruitment

Planning Commission

5/5/26 Council Meeting

The City Council will consider resolutions to declare a city-owned property at 1550 Marauder Street as exempt surplus land and authorize its sale to California Water Service. Other items include public hearings on nuisance abatement, workforce vacancies, and fee schedule amendments with cost-of-living increases to development impact fees. The regular agenda features a reconsideration of a five-year sewer rate adjustment, confirmation of a new deputy director with an annual salary of $145,000, and discussions on a shared micromobility program and a downtown free parking pilot.

• Sale of 1550 Marauder Street to California Water Service (APN 047-560-137)
• Confirmation of Jacques Vos as Deputy Director - Operations & Maintenance at $145,000/year
• Reconsideration of sewer enterprise study rate adjustment (Option 1 previously selected 4-3)
• Amendment to City Fee Schedule including cost-of-living increases to Development Impact Fees
• Shared micromobility program implementation plan discussion