Chico Council to resume after break

CHICO » After a month long break in council sessions, Chico council will resume this Tuesday with one main talking point back on the agenda for a final reading: amending city code.

The amendments drew division amongst the audience at the last council meeting with the changes introduced as “urgent.” After a revision, were reintroduced tot he council as a first reading and passed for a final reading and adoption at the next council meeting, 5-2 without support from Vice Mayor Kasey Reynolds or Councilor Alex Brown.

Of the potential changes: redefining “shelter space” and “camp,” altering the rules to storage of personal property on public space, clearer definitions of how police interact with the unhoused, and decisive guidelines on what qualifies as an open shelter.

The council will also consider adopting a resolution declaring a portion of city-owned property east of Estes Road and southwest of Ivy Street as exempt surplus.

Due to changes with the Surplus Land Act regulations, the property meets the definition of “Exempt” under Government Code Section 54221 which reads: “Surplus land that is a former street, right of way, or easement, and is conveyed to the owner of an adjacent property. The property is exempt surplus if it is con

veyed to the owner of an adjacent property.”

The property property located along the Comanche Creek Greenway was purchased in 2018 as part of the Comanche Creek Greenway Improvement Project with the Linear Parks and Greenways Fund. The city said the site is no longer needed for the project and is not under consideration for city use.

Supplemental appropriation and budget modification will also be presented by Public Works-Engineering for the transfer of funds from an existing capital project to a newly created City Recreation Fund.

The changes are in preparation for the Downtown Chico Ice Skating Rink. Public Works-Engineering said in its report the modification will allow financing staff to track revenues from sponsorships, rink admissions, rink rentals and special events, as well as the operating budget costs. The rink is expected to open Nov. 19 and continue operations for eight weeks.

Supplemental appropriation and budget modification is also being requested by the Chico Fire Department in response to the Park Fire. The fire which began June 17 in Upper Bidwell Park reportedly cost $86,884.

The location of the Park Fire was within an identified “Mutual Threat Zone” and covered under an agreement between the Chico Fire Department and Cal Fire Butte County. The agreement between the city and Cal Fire assures there are adequate resources deployed to contain the fire as quickly as possible. Also in the agreement is a stipulation if the incident extends beyond the initial 12 hours of operation, the city will share in the costs associated with response.

Director of Human Resources & Risk Management Jamie Cannon will also present the city with a request for modifying the salary range for park rangers. Currently the max hourly salary for a sworn park ranger is $26.13 an hour with the new recommended max salary being $37.77. For a sworn senior park ranger, currently salary per hour is $30.52 with the new recommended max salary being $44.19.

The council will also consider:

• Zoning changes to a property located on the southwest corner of Esplanade and Eaton Road for an Arco AMPM.

• Rescinding the pension obligation bonds scheduled to be issued. Adoption gives bond counsel to the city authority to cease any further action after the judicial validation process was dismissed in July 2021.

• An update to Mayor Coolidge’s committee appointments following two councilor resignations.

• A request from the Deputy Director of Finance for consideration and approval of a Supplemental Appropriation and Budget modification for budgetary adjustments to the Revenue, Transfers, Operating and Capital expenditures.

• Amendments and reassignments of property leases at the Chico Municipal Airport.

• Minute approval for the July 20, July 27 and Aug. 3 sessions.

• The formation of a maintenance assessment district for the Amber Lynn subdivision on the south side of Eaton Road between Morseman

Avenue and Burnap Avenue.

• The formation of a maintenance assessment district for the Boeger subdivision at 2932 Morseman Avenue.

• A review of the proposed American Rescue Plan youth grant program. Council will approve or revise the program for final allocation of the American Rescue Plan funds for youth.

• A Joint Public Safety Agreement between the city and Chico State.

• Consideration to appointments on the city’s Airport Commission, Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board. The city will also consider filling two unscheduled vacancies occurring on the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission.

• Authorization of a pylon sign for Skypark Plaza, adjacent to the property on the northeast corner of Notre Dame Boulevard and Skyway.

• Internal Affairs Committee meeting minutes from May 17 and June 21.

The regular meeting will begin at 6p.m. Tuesday in the City Council Chambers at 421 Main Street.