CHICO — The Chico City Council began a postponed, agenda-packed meeting Tuesday night as a “die-in” style protest by housing advocates took place on the steps outside.
It was the first time live public comment had been allowed since Butte County entered the Purple Tier, with real-time online participation via Zoom offered for the first time.
Protest
Before the meeting, over 30 protestors arrived at 5 p.m. to gather on the chambers steps. The goal was to criticize city staff and the council for a series of enforcement operations which have moved unsheltered people from camps in lower Bidwell Park and other sites in Chico. Activist Robyn Engel urged people to “be kind” to one another and to unhoused individuals, while calling for a change of action from city staff.
Then, more and more protestors began to volunteer to lay down on the steps of the building, as a crowd of about 50 circled to the side entrance, awaiting the councilors and staff entering the chambers.
Some lay down in sleeping bags, in front of the stairs and on the next level near the entrance of the chambers.
Nine police officers, including Chief Matt Madden, arrived and ordered protestors to move away from the steps as city staff and councilors walked around the group to enter the building.
Bob Van Fleet peacefully refused to move from his place on the ground and was taken away by two Chico police officers, Officers William Page and Austin Jones. Chris Nelson was also told by Commander Michael Williams she would be cited if she would not move from the walkway. She agreed to move when the meeting began at 6 p.m.
Tonight’s Chico City Council will begin at 6, but already a protest of at least 35 has formed outside, speaking out against the city’s enforcement sweeps. @ChicoER pic.twitter.com/kr0ST75edX
— Natalie Hanson (@nhanson_reports) March 3, 2021
The protest also continued via Zoom in the council meeting, as six people chastised the council for directing the city to carry out enforcement sweeps. Nichole Nava spoke in agreement with the sweeps.
Bringing back the issue of homelessness, Councilor Kami Denlay said considering “the current state of relationships around the community” she wants more diverse voices and accountability by making the Greater Chico Homeless Task Force committee a commission.
Fiscals
The five-year financial update and suggestions for pension obligation bonds from Administrative Director Scott Dowell were put together.
“The city is doing the best it’s done financially in several years,” Dowell said, even if there is room for growing healthier. He added a positive cash flow will be seen in the next few years if all is kept status quo.
While there was some consternation about considering models for using pension obligation bonds for the city’s debt to California Public Employees’ Retirement System, the council approved the report and for staff to move forward exploring options for using such bonds.
The council also approved Mayor Andrew Coolidge’s request for discussing how to use the sales tax measure and bond for road improvements for police, fire and roads, or any variation of those models, as options to send back to the Finances Committee to come back to council.
City Manager Mark Orme also asked the council for direction on commercial cannabis fee structures for regulation in the city. After hearing multiple speakers asking for a solution to move forward to bring new revenue to the city, a vote of 6-1 solidified bringing back an update which will be under the new attorney.
City attorney
The council moved to retain Alvarez-Glasman & Colvin for City Attorney services, leaving the Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC agreement and signing a contract with former city attorney Vincent Ewing. The vote was 5-2 with Alex Brown and Scott Huber against. Andrew Jarden was removed from his role as city attorney in closed session Feb. 2.
Other business
The council also approved all items on the consent agenda:
- A required Caltrans agreement to maintain certain landscape improvements placed within the Highway 32 right of way, between Fir Street and Yosemite Drive.
- Dissolve Chico Parking Authority and Public Financing Authority;
- Deny appeal of Greenfield and Esplanade project allowing it to move forward;
- A meeting 6 p.m. March 9 to interview candidates for several city commission appointments and considering calling for more applications;
- Approval of moving forward on final map for Meriam Park Development project;
- Approval of moving forward on the Courtesy Automotive development.
The next regular council meeting will take place 6 p.m. March 16 in the council chambers at 421 Main Street in Chico.
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March 03, 2021 at 04:54PM
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Homeless advocates stage ‘die-in’ style protest before lively Chico council meeting - Chico Enterprise-Record
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