7/7/26 Council Meeting — Recap

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Good evening. I'm going to call to order our city council meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday. First, we will start with our... Oh, we don't have it. We'll start with our Pledge of Allegiance. All right. Rise for the pledge. Salute. And pledge. Thank you. Thank you. Madam Clerk, can you take our roll? All right. Council Member Goldstein. Here. Council Member Hawley. Here. Council Member O'Brien. Here. Council Member van Overbeek. Here. Council Member Winslow. Here. Vice Mayor Bennett. Here. Mayor Reynolds. Here. And I just want to note it for the record that Council Member van Overbeek is zooming in from Switzerland.

All right. Speaker card and remote participation announcement. July is here, so here we go. There are some new rules on addressing the council on matters listed on the agenda. If you are in person, you should first complete the speaker card found at the back of the chamber. Once completed, turn the cards into the city clerk, and the speakers are taken in the order the cards are received. In addition, due to changes in state law, citizen participation is now available via Zoom. Yay. Please note that the city clerk will ask those of you who wish to speak via Zoom to raise your hand when it's time for public comment for that specific item. Once the first speaker begins, no additional cards will be accepted, or additional Zoom speakers will be allowed to raise their hand to comment on that item.

Persons demonstrating rude, boisterous speaking on matters outside the jurisdiction of the city council or engaging in otherwise disruptive behavior will be called to order. If such conduct continues, I may call a recess requesting the removal of such persons from the council chambers or from participating via Zoom. adjourn the meeting or take other necessary appropriate action. And it's my understanding we will not have video of Zoom, so we don't have to worry about crazy things happening on video, but audio will be there and you'll be able to hear everybody via Zoom. So closed session announcement. Mr. Ryan Jones via Zoom also. Do you have a closed session announcement for us? Yes, Madam Mayor.

There was direction was given to staff and to legal counsel regarding the city manager recruitment, and that is my report. All right. Consent agenda. All matters listed under the consent agenda are considered routine in nature, can therefore be enacted with one motion. Are there any no votes or disqualifications? No. All right. Do we have any speakers on consent agenda? I don't have any cards in, but can we check to see if there's anyone on Zoom who would like to raise their hand to speak on the one consent agenda item? Anyone on Zoom? Now's your chance. No. No? Okay. And then, is there one that does want to speak on? Okay. I think we're okay, right? All right. Okay. Okay. I'll consider a motion.

Move to approve. Second. Second. Motion and second by Council Member O'Brien. Okay. Sorry. All right. It was a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda as read. Council Member Goldstein. Yes. Council Member Hawley. Yes. Council Member O'Brien. Yes. Council Member van Overbeek. Yes. Council Member Winslow. Yes. Vice Mayor Bennett. Yes. Mayor Reynolds. Aye. Motion carried 7-0. All right. Public comment. Members of the public may address the council at this time on any matters not already listed on the agenda agenda and are within the jurisdictions authority. For those of you who are participating via Zoom, raise your hand now if you would like to speak. Please note that the council cannot take any action at this meeting on requests made under this section of the agenda.

How many speakers do we have? And I beg forgiveness in advance because this is the first time we're integrating this. I know that for we have five in-person comments. And if there are there's anyone on Zoom that would like to raise their hand for this item for public comment. That can be on anything that is not already listed on the agenda. And then I. Going once. Going twice. Okay. Nobody. So we have five. Three minutes each. Okay. I'm going to name. I'll call the first three speakers. And if you can line up in the middle aisle. Vic will be our first speaker. Followed by Sam Barber. And then Annabelle Grimm. So Vic. Hello. My name is Vic. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Actually we've been very fortunate with our weather.

I'm going to be talking on two topics. One now and then one on another topic. The first one is safety should be a number one consideration on our streets. And I know I've spoke about this several times. Motorists are continuing to roll through stop signs. They are continuously speeding on Sheridan Avenue and Palmetto as well as side streets. And they are continuously on their phones. Many of them while driving. Once again recall two years ago where somebody rolled to the stop sign. I had to pull over two houses in front. On their cell phone. Hit my car. Totaled it. I was on my way to volunteer for a reading palace at Citrus Elementary. But I did call them to say I wasn't going to be there. I would highly encourage surveillance cameras.

The red light cameras we so much need on these streets as well as speed bumps. Note. There have been two car accidents on Palmetto near Sheridan in the last couple of months. Residents on these streets would like to see more police enforcement. Thank you. Thank you, Vic. Sam Barber followed by Annabelle Grimm and then Bo Powell. Hello. Hello. I'm here today just because I have concerns of the council's disregard for constitutional rights of the public when they're at the council meetings. Particularly when it comes to criticism of the council members themselves. So on quite a few occasions I've noticed Mayor Reynolds and Mayor Coolidge did this a lot too. We'll say we don't use names here. That's a blatant violation of our constitutional right as your constituents.

We are allowed to come in here and critique you and say things that you maybe think aren't very nice to you. That's just part of your job. We're not electing kings and queens to our council. We're electing public representatives to the council. So it's just unappreciated when you're trying to interrupt people whom are critiquing you. It discourages public participation. And I would like to see a bit more respect for everyone's constitutional rights here. My other concern was Mr. van Overbeek recently made a Facebook post where he decided to use the deaths of unhoused members of our society as a little political gotcha, I guess, on Facebook. He said, I think it was a moral failing or something to that effect.

You know? Which is funny because he's on the council right now. You're allowing the deaths to happen. And you're using that Warren v. Chico settlement as a, oh, we can't do anything. The Warren v. Chico settlement, we can't do anything. This is someone who voted against giving elderly unhoused women homes, lecturing us on morality. This is someone who has denied the ongoing genocide in Palestine, lecturing us on morality. When I asked him in person, did you care about those children when they came in here in tears? You know what he told me? No. At least he was honest. You know, I had a feeling that he was morally bankrupt. But it was good to have someone at least be honest with me. Dale Bennett, I remember seeing you in public.

I asked you if you'd condemn the genocide. Do you remember what you told me? Go away. Really strong moral leadership from the Republicans here. Nice to see. When there was sexual misconduct, when there was the Michael Vincent getting blowjobs in church parking lots, did any of you do anything to hold him accountable? No. You gave him a hot stone massage. You gave him whatever tanks, whatever weapons they want. No accountability. No accountability for the other sexual predator, Michael Williams, either, whom Mike O'Brien was the police chief at the time. So it's my right to call you jerks. It's my right to call you assholes. It's my right to call you fucking idiots. It is not okay to use some foul language.

It actually is. Have you heard of Cohen versus California? Have you heard about the Supreme Court ruling? It's your time. Thank you. Okay. So you have it. Annabelle Grime, followed by Bo Powell and then Molly Copta. Mayor and council members, I'm Annabelle Grime, and I am the general manager with Chico Area Recreation and Park District. I promise I'll be quick. My heels are fabulous, but they are not built for long-winded speeches. I'm here tonight because Mark Sorensen is leaving, and frankly, I'm not thrilled about it. In the Navy, we had a saying about not leaving anyone behind, but Mark didn't get that memo. In all seriousness, Mark, partnering with you the last few years has been one of my genuine highlights of my time at CARD.

When we came to the city with a $40 million dream for an aquatic center, you didn't blink. You helped us turn decades-old wish list item into steel and concrete on Garner Lane. When Chico Valo and CARD needed land for a world-class bike park, the city handed over the Humboldt Road site and got out of our way to let us do the things that we do the best in this town. And when we floated, pun intended, the idea of shutting down Main Street for a parade, you didn't just permit it. You showed up with your red volunteer shirt. Three years later, 10,000 people lined the streets for something that is now just what Chico does on the 4th. That's not a small thing. That's a legacy. You made a partnership look easy even when projects were anything but.

You brought patience when we brought big asks, which was often. Humor when we brought bad news, and then follow through when we needed it the most. That's a rare combination in this line of work, and Chico is better for it because of you. So on behalf of CARD, our staff, and the thousands of kids and families who will swim, ride, and wave flags on the things that you helped make possible, thank you. We are going to miss you. I am going to miss you. And I wish you congratulations on your next chapter. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, I'm allowed cheering one time. I've been here eight times in the last 12 months. This month, March, 12 years ago, the first time I came to a city council meeting and told the council that the farmers were spraying the children in my neighborhood.

He chose to do nothing about it. You know, it's not your problem. Even though the kids are going to your schools. You know, you got 750 school teachers. Not one of them respects you enough to say, stop spraying your children. You'll stop spraying our students. They have to betray their own children to let farmers spray them. Last time I was here, I went home and I seen Mr. O'Brien on TV. Oh, yeah, about the marijuana. You know, we found marijuana in the pot sold in dispensaries. Probably true. Those people have a choice to buy that. We don't have a choice. Butte County just refused to enforce the law. Chico PD is hand in hand with them. Drive out Dayton Road. Count the telephone poles in between Chico and the Farm Bureau.

90% of them are sprayed by farmers. Count the ones in between the Farm Bureau and Durham. 100% of them are sprayed by farmers. We have these politicians like Gallagher saying that they're going to cut back on our PG&E bill. PG&E will sue his ass for letting them spray them. I sat right over here when Chief Topsail left, got out of here. Remember, Counting the city paid $400 to settle his abusive force? This is embarrassing. This man right here, the whole weight of your corruption depends on him deceiving the new city manager. There hasn't been a city manager, interim city manager, or a retired city manager in Butte County for over 20 years that had the nerve to speak the truth to farmers. That's why they had a Butte County administrator as interim and a big city manager.

It's embarrassing. Thank you. Molly Kopt is our last speaker. I mean, from who's in person. Thank you. Good evening, members of city council and city staff. On behalf of the Chico Chamber of Commerce and myself, I would like to thank you, Mark Sorensen, for your many years of dedicated public service to the community. Although I've only had the opportunity to work with you for a relatively short time, I have been genuinely impressed by your steady leadership, your professionalism, and your ability to remain calm and guide your team through both the challenges and the successes that come with serving this community. As you begin this next chapter, we hope that your retirement is filled with joy, fulfillment, and a well-deserved time to enjoy people and experiences that matter the most to you.

On behalf of the Chamber, thank you for your service, and we all wish you the best. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Are we good? Now we got it. So Mr. Sorensen thought he was going to get out of here without this, but he's not. It is my pleasure, as the city manager, or city mayor, on behalf of the city council, I do not want that position to honor Mr. Mark Sorensen's retirement. Whereas Mark Sorensen has devoted more than two decades of extraordinary service to the city of Chico, answering the call to public service, beginning with his appointment to the planning commission, followed by two four-year terms on the city council, including serving as vice mayor and mayor, and culminating in his leadership as city manager.

As a lifelong Chicoan, Mark's love for his hometown, his unmatched knowledge of history, and that's no joke, and his unwavering commitment to his future has guided every decision he has made on behalf of the community he has proudly called home. Whereas throughout his years of public service, Mark earned a reputation for thoughtful leadership, careful preparation, and quiet determination. He never asked a question that he did not already know the answer, and his remarkable institutional knowledge and photographic memory made him an invaluable resource to colleagues, employees, and elected officials alike, earning him the unofficial title of Chico's historian extraordinaire. And whereas during his tenure on the city council, Mark championed fiscal transparency, accountability, courageously raising concerns regarding city financial condition at a time when those who were not always well received.

His steadfast commitment to responsible governments helped expose financial crisis that threatened the city's future, and his leadership helped establish sound budget policies designed to ensure that such circumstances would never again happen again to a place like Chico or put us at risk. Whereas Mark answered the calls to serve as city manager, he continued to bring stability, integrity, and decisive leadership during another pivotal period in Chico's history. Brick by brick, he strengthened the organization, restored confidence, fostered collaboration, and among departments, and building a long-lasting foundation upon which future leaders can continue to serve the community. And whereas Mark consistently demonstrated the courage to make difficult decisions, the professionalism to keep the city council fully informed, and even when delivering difficult news, and the wisdom to place long-term interests of the community above short-term popularity.

And whereas colleagues, employees, and members of the city council have recognized that whenever Chico faced its greatest challenges, Mark has always stepped forward without hesitation. As has been fittingly, he stood up to help the city when the city needed him most, providing calm, principled leadership through some of the city's most defining moments. Mark's legacy extends far beyond the office he held. His leadership, integrity, institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication have left an enduring mark on the city of Chico and those who had the privilege to serve alongside him. Now, therefore, let it be resolved that I, Casey Reynolds, the mayor of the city of Chico, on behalf of the entire city council, do hereby express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to you, Mark, for more than 21 years of distinguished public service and congratulate him on his retirement and wish him and his family continued health, happiness, and success in the years ahead.

And I will add to that, if I'm not mistaken, in that 21 years, I don't think Mark has ever missed one single meeting. A planning commission, city council, city manager, ever, I think, is one meeting. And I don't know that that will ever happen again. So, congratulations. Thank you. Thank you, mayor, and thank you, council, for four fantastic years as your city manager. Special thank you to all the department heads. It's been absolutely fantastic working with you all for the last four years and many of you have worked with years previous when I was on council. And all of our city employees, I see at least a couple out in the audience. It's just been an absolute pleasure and an honor to work with all of you.

But I am looking forward to retirement. Thank you. Thank you. I have one more thing. I have one more, because you can't get out of here with the pretty black plaque. The City of Chico Achievement Award. Mark Sorensen, City Manager, July 22nd to July 26th. In recognition for the City Manager Mark Sorensen's combined total of over 21 years and of exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment, and distinguished service to the City of Chico, a lifelong Chicoan, Mark's service to the community has included serving on the Planning Commission, eight years of the City Council, two years of service as mayor, and his return to the City as City Manager for four years. Drawing upon his deep institutional knowledge, financial acumen, and steady leadership, Mark played a pivotal role in restoring transparency, accountability, and confidence in the City's financial operations.

As City Manager, Mark brought a clear operational understanding, steady and decisive leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the best interests of the City. His leadership inspired employees and elected officials alike to strengthen the organization and helped establish a solid foundation upon which Chico can continue to be built. His dedication to public service and to the people of Chico will have a long-lasting impact for generations to come. So, and it's just a beautiful black plaque that will get to hang on the wall. Congratulations, Mark. Thank you. Wishing to adjust the, on this matter, on Zoom, please raise your hand at this time. And this will be coming from Mark Sorensen, our City Manager.

Thank you, Mayor and Council. Over the past seven and a half months, the City Council has conducted an extensive recruitment process to select the City's next City Manager. Following that process, the Council selected Jillian Hain. Ms. Haen brings many years of local government experience and currently serves as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Vallejo. The Council has presented with the employment agreement with Jillian Hain to serve as the City Manager. And as required by the California Government Code, I'll state for the public record that the City of Chico is proposing to enter into an employment agreement with Jillian Hain to serve as the City Manager with an annual salary of $285,000, a one-time relocation allowance of $15,000, $400 per month vehicle allowance, as well as other employee benefits specified in the agreement.

And tonight we are seeking Council approval on the employment agreement and to authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement. That concludes my introduction. All right. Vice Mayor Bennett, I see you in the queue. Do you want to speak now or after speakers? Okay. Just making sure. All right. How many speakers do we have? Excuse me. I just closed up. No problem. I'll just hold on one second. I know we have five speakers in the chamber, and I believe we have one speaker on Zoom. So we'll take the speakers first. Yeah. And I'll call the first three names, Elizabeth Griffin, followed by Vic, and then Kim Knott. If you could go ahead and line up in the middle aisle, Elizabeth Griffin, Vic, and then Kim Knott.

So Elizabeth? Elizabeth Griffin, go ahead. Good evening, Councillors. I'm here to discuss the appointment of Ms. Hine, is it? To the position as City Manager. What I wanted to know is the answer to a few questions. Prior to offering her this job, did you know about her prior history, the complaints against her, the case, the lawsuit, which had been settled in which she had apparently yelled and... I don't know exactly what she did, but she made somebody feel very uncomfortable by harassing her, which the city had to settle for $130,000. So it was her bad behavior which caused that to happen. Was any discussion of that made with the attorney for the city? I'm asking that because when somebody has a propensity to something like that and they do it again in the future, attorneys can use that to say the city knew about it and they hired her anyway, and so you're going to be on the hook for liability for anything she does in that way.

As far as asking other questions, they made a big deal in the Vallejo newspaper about a project that apparently she had been in charge of. However, she went out on a leave, a medical leave. I wondered if you had spoken to her at all about whatever this serious medical condition was. Is this something that she's going to have again? Are we going to be on the hook for her medical expenses? Is she going to be absent because of that? Were any inquiries made about that? Having been on the school board for 12 years, I had to vet a lot of different employee contracts and go through this process. And to me, this just sounds like this person was not adequately vetted. And particularly to offer her the type of obscene package that you have offered her, just because the prior person had that amount of money does not mean you have to offer it to the other person who takes this place.

And just because you offered her a job, you can still back out of it. You know, she hasn't been confirmed. So you're not on the hook. And I would suggest that you do that. Don't offer her the job. Thank you, Vic. Followed by Kim Knott. Hello again. Long time no see. I have talked with several people from the Safeway and in my neighborhood and encouraged them to come down to the city council meeting. Many of these individuals wanted to know regarding setting the salary for the new city manager and why are we, the public, not able to vote regarding what is acceptable or not. Unfortunately, there were a couple of negative comments from residents who live on Sheridan Avenue, Palmetto, and related side streets regarding the new city manager.

My question is regarding her contract, which includes $285,000 annual salary, a relocation allowance, $15,000, monthly vehicle allowance, $400, a monthly call phone allowance, $75, and other employee benefits. How did the city council come up with these extravagant dollars? I'm retired now, but I want you to note that I have a doctorate degree in education, a master's degree in Department of Recreation and Parks Management, three community college credentials in personal health, allied health, emergency care, adaptive physical education, a single subject teaching credential. I have taught over several thousand students throughout my career, and it would take me several years to have earned $285,000.

I thank you for your time. Thank you. Kim Knott, followed by Julian Zenner. Oh, I'm sorry. One more time. Are you not? I'm done. Okay. You can sit down. Oh, I thought you were asking me a question. No. Oh, okay. No, thank you. Kim Knott, followed by Julian Zenner. Good evening, council. I'm just here to welcome Ms. Haen to the city. I think you've made a fine decision. I spoke to one of the council members this morning, and they expressed that they had looked into all of these issues that were just expressed regarding the Broadway project, the miniature, the city golf project, and they were satisfied with the answers that she gave. And I'd also like to say one other thing that maybe a lot of people don't know is Gillian.

Gillian has a real local connection. I'm sitting with a couple of her aunts and uncle who are longtime Chico citizens, and she spent a lot of time up here in her youth with her cousins, and she has a real great local knowledge already. And I'd also like to thank Mr. Winslow. I thought he did a great job today and in the past few days of dealing with a lot of the concerns that were expressed by the first speaker. I think that it was over the top, what they were saying about Gillian online, a lot of keyboard warrior sort of stuff. And, you know, regarding lawsuits, for example, Ms. Presson was just named in a lawsuit against the city. We made a settlement with a ex-cop who we had fired, and we gave him some more money just so he wouldn't try to get his job back and he would just go away.

So settlements happen, people get named in lawsuits, and all the rest. And once again, I'd like to welcome her to the city, and I really hope you approve this contract. Thank you. Okay, Julian Zenner, followed by Dave Garcia. Good evening, city council members here and in Wagen, Switzerland. The city of Vallejo is recognized as the worst-run city in Northern California. There has been absolute chaos. Six temporary or permanent city managers in the past five years. Rapid turnover of police and fire chiefs. Because the Vallejo Police Department has had the highest rate of fatal police shootings without discipline, the state has taken over control with a settlement agreement in April of 2024. For some years, the officers had actually marked fatal shootings by bending the tip of their badges.

Gillian Haen was hired in 2019 as the Planning and Development Services Director, then appointed Assistant City Manager in April 2021. The management of a large housing and urban development grant for supportive housing was so bungled that the city of Vallejo was required to reimburse HUD $2.6 million. In September of 2025, Vallejo had to pay $130,000 to settle claims of a March 2023 accusation of harassment of an employee. Another lawsuit is pending in that regard. Our departing city manager had a salary of $207,000 base pay. The city council is now hiring Ms. Hagan as our city manager for $285,000 with generous, quite generous benefits. It's inconceivable to me that Chico could not find someone more qualified and with less baggage to be our next city manager.

Thank you. Thank you, Dave Garcia. And then we do have one speaker on Zoom. So we'll call Dave. Good evening. Thank you for letting me speak. So leadership sets the tone and transparency should be a critical issue in city government, especially in developing public trust. Gillian Haen has been with the city of Vallejo for seven years. The California Department of Justice opened a review of Vallejo police in 2020, citing number and nature of shootings by officers. Vallejo police shot someone, on average, every four months between 2000 and 2020, often fatally. A volunteer reform effort stalled and in 2023, Attorney General Rob Bonta had to sue the city, alleging a pattern of excessive force. Vallejo agreed to court and force reforms after the lawsuit.

In 2020, Vallejo announced its own investigation but refused to release the report after completion. The American Civil Liberties Union sued under California transparency laws. In 2025, a state appeals court ordered the report disclosed. Finally, in June of 2026, Vallejo released its long, secret police badge bending report. Vallejo and its insurers have faced some $50 million in police-related liabilities. Will this police secrecy problem continue with the city of Chico? Chico's sole journalist had to sue Chico PD to comply with the California Department Records Act. Transparency must be our city manager's number one priority in building public trust. I hope Gillian Haen was thoroughly vetted in regards to Vallejo Police Department's liabilities.

Thank you. Thank you. And our next speaker is on Zoom and it's a Vallejo City Councilwoman Gordon. Or Jordan, I apologize. You said right, Gordon. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening, City Council and to the mayor and to the staff and the residents of Chico. I am honored to speak in support of Gillian Haen as a Chico next city manager. I have worked with Gillian for nearly seven years as a community advocate first, housing commissioner second, and now the honors as a Vallejo City Council member district six. And now as City Councilwoman, I must tell you transparently throughout the time she has consistently demonstrated integrity, professorship, and collaboration and leadership, not only with the community, but also amongst her peers.

Gillian listens and built trust and bring people together to solve complex challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. She helped lead Vallejo's housing and homeless responses, advancing projects and provide shelters and permanent housing for most of vulnerable residents. She has also played a key role in major academic, I mean, economic development and infrastructure projects, always focusing on transparency, long-term and community benefits. while we are saddened to see her leave Vallejo, which is not the worst city. It is a growing city that has issues. But however, people like Gillian has improved what that looks like. Chico is gaining an experience through thoughtful and dedicated public servant.

I have every confidence that she will serve your community with the same excellence she has brought to ours. I offer Gillian Haynes my highest recommendation. I want to say thank you. And let me let you know, not everything you see or read is factual. We, as a city of Vallejo, have had our ups and downs. But it is never with her abandoning us. Even in the most critical moments when we had uncertainties, she showed up and stood up for us. I have had people tell me and hire elected officials say, Gillian, do not play when it comes to Vallejo. She will advocate for us. Is she perfect? Of course not. If you find that person, let me know. But she will give her best as long as you, the city council, got her back.

You, Mayor, have her back. Her staff have her back. You will get more than you would expect. And yes, I'm a little jealous, but I'm grateful that she's moving forward. Thank you. It's time. Thank you. Thank you. All right. That is it. Thank you. All right. Vice Mayor Bennett, you're first in the queue. Thank you, Mayor. For the records, city clerk. Okay. At the outset, I want to express my utmost respect for the council and its decisions, even when I may disagree with some of them. The process must be respected and upheld in every instance. Our system must prevail. Otherwise, we risk moving towards an undemocratic and flawed outcome. First, there was another candidate who I believe would serve our community well as city manager.

A person familiar with our citizens and the unique personality Chico definitely has. He has been a member of the city team for decades and knows our city department employees and department heads, a responsible leader, and a very challenging leader of a very difficult department, the chief of police. I truly believe Billy Aldridge would have been an extraordinary, successful, very responsive, and truly forthright city manager. A person I know well, a person of unquestionable integrity and commitment, a person with decades of experience in making decisions. I am a firm believer in the concept and importance of value of experience in life, experience in work, and family to build a person to be a leader and make sound decisions.

One of my favorite comments that he makes quite often, doing the right thing the right way every time. For that reason, I am going to maintain my loyalty and support for Billy Aldridge, and my vote will be not in support of the new city manager, and I apologize for that. All right. Anybody else? No? I would make a... Okay. Council Member Goldstein. Thank you, Mayor. Well, I'm excited about this. I'm excited to be able to bring Gillian Haen on board. I am grateful that my community members are doing their digging about any candidate that we bring forward to lead this entire city and this community, especially for quite an immense paycheck and benefits. I will always be critical of whoever we pick, and I think that's good, but I want to push back on some of the negativity here, and I want to make sure that people are digging deep enough and considering, you know, the multiple sides to every story.

For example, I mean, sure, the press has reported that I have an FPPC complaint against me. Does that mean that I should be thrown out of every consideration? Anyway, just throwing that out there, but I also, besides that, I want to note some speakers brought up some things that concern me, like one person asked if we'd considered medical conditions. I believe that would be completely illegal for us to consider, so I just want to clarify that. But yes, we have considered carefully the pros and cons of all candidates, and when you're at a very high level, why I brought up the FPPC complaint against me is I want to show that everybody at a high level is going to be vetted, criticized by the public for better and for worse, and those are things that we absolutely considered in our search.

So I just want to assuage the fears here and to say that I support our candidate and I support our community in its thorough looking into anybody that we hire. Council Member O'Brien. Thank you, Mayor. So I want to first echo the comments that the Vice Mayor made about Chief Aldridge. Of course, I feel that way. I promoted him and I cannot speak highly enough about him. But really, what this vote will be for me is process, and I don't want to call it a failure in process. I think it's an incomplete process. I'm used to being a department head and being in a position of hiring numerous people to have all the information at my disposal so I can make an informed decision. I don't think we have that, and that's no fault of the candidate, Ms. Haen at all.

That's a failure in the process. So my vote will be no, not because they don't support Gillian. I will support her with every fiber of my body if that's the direction that council goes. I want her to know that. But I'm not and have not been a fan of our process. It's been incomplete. So with that, I am going to vote no, not against the candidate necessarily, but against our process because it's been incomplete. And I need to know what I don't know. All right. Seeing no further speakers, I would make a motion to execute a conditional offer of employment upon successful background check of which the city does on all its employees. And I would direct the city manager and city attorney to modify the contract with the following amendments.

That the CalPERS and the Medicare pickup offset and the financial offset would mirror what the current city manager contract does. That we would eliminate any Me Too language or the Me Too language that is in there currently. And that the severance language other than the term that is already agreed to would mirror the current city manager language as well. And to offer that potentially we change the start date to as early as July 27th if that was so inclined for Ms. Haen to be available by then. That would be my motion. And I would second that motion.

Okay. There was a motion and a second. And do you want me to read back the motion or do you want you're good with that? Everybody good? Okay. I think everybody knows what they're voting. Council Member Goldstein? Yes. Council Member Hawley? Yes. Council Member O'Brien? No. Council Member van Overbeek? Enthusiastically yes. Council Member Winslow? Yes. And welcome to Chico. Vice Mayor Bennett? No. Mayor Reynolds? Yes. And welcome. Carries 5-2. All right. Item sorry 4.2. Appointment of interim city manager. If there are any speakers wishing to address this matter on Zoom please raise your hand at this time. And we will have a report from city manager Mark Sorensen. Thank you Mayor and Council.

Your last report. Get ready for it. That's right. As noted in the previous agenda item Gillian Haen is expected to begin as city manager in the coming weeks. My retirement date is set for July 10th so council is asked to designate assistant city manager Eric Gustafson as the interim city manager effective July 11th to serve until the permanent city manager begins employment with the city of Chico. All right. Consider a motion. Oh do we oh well do we have any public comment? We don't. Did anybody raise their hand on Zoom? No? All right. We have no public comment. Any council member comments? I'll just say that if it's two weeks that's great. If it was longer I think that'd be okay too. Yeah. Always happy working with you.

All right. I'll move to approve. I'll move to approve. Second. Debbie I'll let you take which one you want. I will. So the delay from Switzerland apparently I beat you Tom because the delay in Switzerland cost you a couple seconds buddy. Okay. Council member Goldstein? Yes. Council member Hawley? Yes. Council member O'Brien? Yes. Council member van Overbeek? Yes. Council member Winslow? Yes. Vice mayor Bennett? Absolutely. Yes. Mayor Reynolds? Aye. Carry 7-0. All right. We are going to adjourn to the July 14th closed session meeting at 5 or 530 followed by our regular city council meeting at 6 p.m. Here at 421 Main. Good night. Thank you.