Chico, CA

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

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

9/15/26 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

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

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

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

Bidwell Park and Playground Commission

The Bidwell Park and Playground Commission will consider a request from the Chico Area Recreation District (CARD) to allow alcohol service and consumption at the Chico Creek Nature Center, which would require a change to the city code. The commission may recommend the change to the City Council. A presentation on fuel loading in Middle Bidwell Park will also be given for information only.

• Consideration of CARD request to allow alcohol at Chico Creek Nature Center under Ordinance 2587
• Presentation on fuel loading and hazard tree assessment in Middle Bidwell Park by CSU, Chico students
• Approval of draft meeting minutes from March 30, 2026
• Reports from Parks Division and Street Tree Division (verbal)
• Public comment period for items not on the agenda

The Bidwell Park and Playground Commission approved the consent agenda, including prior meeting minutes, and heard a presentation on fuel loading in Middle Park. The Commission also voted to recommend that the City Council allow alcohol service and consumption at the Chico Creek Nature Center during rentals and community events.

• Approved Consent Agenda including 3/30/26 draft meeting minutes (6-0)
• Recommended CARD's proposal to allow alcohol service at Chico Creek Nature Center to the City Council (6-0)

4/21/26 Council Meeting

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the draft 2026-2027 HUD Annual Action Plan for CDBG and HOME funds. Among regular agenda items, the council will discuss and potentially adopt one of three alternatives for the Downtown Revitalization Project's bike and pedestrian improvements. Other items include reconsideration of a previously approved five-year sewer rate increase, designation of three heritage trees, and confirmation of a deputy director.

• Public hearing on 2026-2027 HUD Annual Action Plan for CDBG and HOME funds
• Discussion and possible adoption of downtown bikeway/sidewalk alternatives (Main St, Broadway, Wall/Flume)
• Reconsideration of 5-year sewer rate adjustment approved on 3/17/26
• Designation of three heritage trees: Southern magnolia at 525 Esplanade, American elm at 488 E 3rd St, Valley oak at 2090 Amanda Way
• Confirmation of Jacques Vos as Deputy Director - Public Works Operations and Maintenance at $145,000 annual salary

The Council approved the consent agenda, including resolutions for weed abatement, property acquisition, and redevelopment agency property transfers. They also accepted the draft 2026-2027 HUD Annual Action Plan and directed staff to schedule a final public hearing for May 19, 2026.

• Approved Consent Agenda (6-0)
• Adopted weed abatement resolution (6-0)
• Authorized property acquisition for North Esplanade (6-0)
• Approved transfer of four redevelopment properties to City (6-0)
• Accepted draft 2026-2027 HUD Annual Action Plan (6-0)
• Directed staff to schedule final HUD hearing for May 19, 2026 (6-0)
• Directed staff to request Oroville representatives to present on electric utility (6-0)
• Directed staff to present on feasibility of indoor/outdoor cannabis cultivation (5-2)

4/7/26 Council Meeting

The Chico City Council will consider allocating $651,376 in opioid settlement funds to match grant funding for the Jesus Center's Substance Use Disorder Treatment Project. They will also discuss and potentially adopt one of three alternatives for downtown bikeway improvements, options for repairing or removing the City Plaza fountain, and a possible parklet program. Additional discussions include regulations on commercial cannabis and public power proposals in Oroville.

• Jesus Center Treatment Center funding: $651,376 from opioid settlement funds
• Downtown Revitalization Project: choose between protected one-way bikeways on Main St and Broadway, two-way bikeway on Main with widened sidewalks on Broadway, or improvements to Wall and Flume Streets
• Plaza fountain repair: options to repair 19 units, redesign with flatter surface, or abandon fountain
• Parklet program analysis and discussion for possible implementation
• Council member requests: discussion on public power in Oroville and commercial cannabis regulations

Bidwell Park and Playground Commission

The Bidwell Park and Playground Commission will consider an application from California State Parks to designate a 92-foot-tall Southern Magnolia at 525 Esplanade as a Heritage Tree. The tree was planted by John Bidwell and is the state champion. The Urban Forest Manager recommends approval, which would then go to the City Council for final decision. The rest of the agenda is routine, including approval of prior minutes and verbal reports from park and street tree divisions.

• Heritage tree application for 92-ft Southern Magnolia at 525 Esplanade, planted by John Bidwell
• Urban Forest Manager recommends approval and forwarding to City Council
• Approval of draft meeting minutes from January 26, 2026
• Verbal reports from Parks Division and Street Tree Division

The Commission approved a Heritage Tree application for a Southern Magnolia located at 525 Esplanade and forwarded the recommendation to the City Council. The Commission also approved the amended meeting minutes from January 26, 2026.

• Approved Heritage Tree application for Southern Magnolia at 525 Esplanade (5-0)
• Approved amended 1/26/26 meeting minutes (5-0)

3/17/26 Council Meeting

The City Council will consider a Sewer Enterprise Study proposing a five-year rate adjustment to address financial and infrastructure needs, and direct staff to begin the Proposition 218 public hearing process. Other items include authorizing property acquisitions for the Fair Street Rehabilitation Project, confirming a new Deputy Director of Public Works Engineering, discussing downtown revitalization and PBID opportunity zones, and authorizing loan documents for a 66-unit affordable housing rehabilitation.

• Five-year sewer rate adjustment study with direction to initiate Proposition 218 process
• Resolutions to acquire three properties (2329, 2255, 2049 Fair Street) for Fair Street Rehabilitation Project
• Confirmation of David Kehn as Deputy Director - Public Works Engineering at $185,377.50 annual salary
• $40,000 signing bonus for a lateral Public Safety Dispatcher via side letter with Chico Public Safety Association
• Authorization for City Manager to execute loan documents for Turning Point Commons affordable housing rehabilitation (66 units)

3/3/26 Council Meeting & Posted Addendum

The Chico City Council voted 6-0 to allow virtual participation and approved a new two-year labor contract with United Public Employees of California Local 792 covering pay and benefits. The council also received the AB 481 annual military equipment report, approved a development impact fee ordinance allowing decreases, and considered exempting the CARD Aquatic Center from tree preservation rules. A letter of support for California Water Service's PFAS compliance program was agendized and discussed but no final vote is recorded.

• Approved Resolution 15-26: MOU with UPEC for Jan 2026 – Dec 2027, modifying pay and benefits.
• Adopted Ordinance 2620 allowing development impact fees to decrease when construction cost indices decline.
• Received AB 481 annual military equipment use report; approved policy and proposed 2026 acquisitions.
• Agendized (6-1 vote) and considered letter of support for CAL Water's PFAS Compliance Program (proceeding A2506001).
• Discussed exempting CARD Aquatic Center from tree preservation regulations and amending code to add CARD as exempt entity.