Mike O'Brien

election information

This is all about getting your vote in, not about your wallet.

Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Program Transparency

The program involves initial equipment and multi-year subscription costs totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, plus an additional $6,000 annual fee for audit software.

Vina Groundwater Sustainability Plan Review

Failure to address aquifer protections could lead to long-term tree decline and high supplemental watering costs.

Public Nuisance Enforcement & Post-Warren v. Chico Preparation

Potential impacts on state grant funding eligibility depending on notice periods and enforcement protocols.

city council elections

We'll have to wait and see if these new faces mean big changes for your wallet or city spending.

Police Accountability and Oversight

Your tax dollars could be going to police toys or to help people in need.

Downtown Revitalization and Economic Development

Estimated $100,000 revenue impact on the parking enterprise fund over three months.

Downtown 'Park & Go' Free Parking Pilot

The parking fund has faced deficits, and covering credit card transaction fees has cost approximately $170,000 annually.

Lindo Channel Wildfire Risk and Encampment Mitigation

Utilizes existing public works and fire prevention funds allocated for fuel reduction in the channel.

Big Chico Creek Water Quality and Watershed Health

Potential costs associated with expanded water testing or future sanitary surveys remain undetermined.

Residential Readiness Program Phase III Code and General Plan Amendments

Potential long-term impacts on municipal housing production grants and development fee structures.

Bidwell Park E-Bike and Motorized Recreation Device Regulations

Minor costs associated with new metal signage and staff training for radar units.

Downtown Revitalization Project

Project implementation will rely heavily on competitive state grant funding such as the Active Transportation Program.

Commercial Cooling Standards and Downtown Business Heat Challenges

Staff time for legal research and website updates.

Autumn Leaf Estates Assessment District Modification

Assessments will be redistributed among remaining property owners within the maintenance district.

City Manager Recruitment

The new city manager contract provides an annual base salary of $285,000, a $15,000 relocation allowance, and monthly vehicle and phone allowances.

Proposed Sewer Rate Increases and Commercial Impacts

Proposed rate hikes would significantly increase monthly utility bills for residents and commercial businesses over a multi-year period.

city council priorities

This could mean your tax dollars get steered towards what the council deems most vital, so expect shifts in where money goes.

Public Records Act Unit Staffing Expansion

Cost-neutral in the short term through the reallocation of existing salary savings, with an annual software cost of $15,500.

Park Ranger Staffing Reform

Switching positions will result in a minor salary and benefits increase, estimated at roughly $7,000 for a senior ranger role and $25,000 for a standard ranger.

Consent Agenda Approval

Autumn Leaf Estates Subdivision Assessment Modification

Park Rules and Regulations Amendment (CMC 12.18)

Camping on Public Property Ordinance (CMC 9.20)

Camping in Parks Ordinance (CMC 12R)

Public Records Act Unit Staffing and Budget Amendment

AMENDMENTS TO POLICY ON GIFTS TO THE CITY

COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTS - Pursuant to AP&P 10-10, Councilmembers may verbally request an item to be agendized at a future meeting. After stating what the item would be, a majority vote of Council is needed in order for staff to agendize.

Consent Agenda Approval

City Manager Staffing Enhancements (Item 2.3)

Autumn Leaf CMD Modification Initial Hearing (Item 4.1)

Downtown Park and Go Program Extension (Item 5.2)

Downtown Parking Fee and Tiered Rate Direction (Item 5.2)

Vina GSA Periodic Evaluation Letter (Item 5.4)

CHICO POLICE MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES MOU RESOLUTION RATIFICATION RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING "MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHICO AND CHICO POLICE MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES (CPM), REGARDING PAY,…

APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 9/15/26 AND 9/21/26

Approval of ALPR Policy Review, Audit Enhancements, and Community Meetings

Denial of Second Substitute Motion to Restrict In-State Sharing and Downsize System

AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READER (ALPR) REPORT - PROGRAM REVIEW

Approval of Minutes for August 20, 2026

Park Rules and Regulations Amendment (CMC 12.18)

Camping on Public Property Ordinance (CMC 9.20)

Camping in Parks Ordinance (CMC 12R)

Proposed Loitering Ordinance Referral Back to Staff

Public Records Act Unit Staffing and Budget Amendment

Public Nuisance Ordinance Overview (Item 5.1)

Downtown Park and Go Program Extension (Item 5.2)

Downtown Parking Fee and Tiered Rate Direction (Item 5.2)

Councilmember O'Brien made a substitute motion seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to direct the City Attorney to review the current policy and draft a new policy that protects the City and protect

A second substitute motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein that the City keep the current ALPR system but cease all data sharing with in-state California agenc

Approval of ALPR Policy Review, Audit Enhancements, and Community Meetings

Denial of Second Substitute Motion to Restrict In-State Sharing and Downsize System

to agendize a discussion on Section 14.50 of the Chico Municipal Code on requirements for street closures and requirements for insurance and fees for small block parties.

Agendization of Street Closure Requirements for Block Parties

to adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION NO. 61-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO AUTHORIZING LIMITED RAPID REFUELING OPERATIONS AT CHICO REGIONAL AIRPORT AND ADOPTING AN A

to agendize a discussion regarding directing staff to reach out to Chico Area Recreation District (CARD) regarding Teichert Ponds development.

to direct 1) the City Attorney return with a brief presentation on what is already existing in California State codes regarding commercial cooling standards and lease agreements, including gaps that c

to approve the Consent Agenda as read.

to accept a discussion on conserving some portion of Measure H funds for maintaining capital improvement infrastructure.

to agendize a discussion to form an ad hoc committee consisting of Councilmembers O’Brien and Winslow to select a third party to review the report from Chico Police Department in regard to its Automat

to agendize a discussion on rent stabilization in mobile home parks.

Discussion on Conserving Measure H Funds for Infrastructure

direct staff to: 1. Begin enforcement of rules that do not violate the Warren agreement; and 2. Continue to look at and thoroughly review City codes and bring back staff recommendations for Council co

approve the Consent Agenda as read, with Item 2.5 removed for further discussion.

A motion was made by Councilmember van Overbeek and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to appoint Mayor Reynolds as the City of Chico voting delegate for the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Con

A motion was made by Mayor Reynolds and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to agendize a discussion about the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program to be brought back at the same time as w

A motion was made by Mayor Reynolds and seconded by Councilmember van Overbeek to accept the following Finance recommendations and allow staff to determine how it will be implemented:

adopt the resolution as follows and direct staff from the Police Department and from Public Works - Engineering to return with a brief presentation of the plan and any areas they would like to highlig

accept all of staff's recommendations except for converting infractions to misdemeanors.

A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Winslow to discuss exploring sending an official letter to the Vina Groundwater Sustainability Agency regarding the upcoming Vin

Approval of Consent Agenda (Items 2.1-2.4, 2.6-2.12)

Adoption of Local Road Safety Plan

Direction on Public Nuisance Enforcement and Municipal Code Amendments

Designation of Voting Delegates for League of California Cities Conference

Acceptance of Finance Committee Minutes and Recommendations

Agendize Automated License Plate Reader Program Discussion

Agendize Discussion on Vina Groundwater Sustainability Program Letter

Adoption of Local Fire Emergency Resolution for Lindo Channel

Approval of Grant Agreement Authorization for City Manager

Consent Agenda Approval

A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to agendize a discussion with Bidwell Park & Playground to discuss ways to improve the water quality of the Big Chico

A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to introduce the following ordinance by reading of title only and to also include an annual reiew: ORDINANCE OF THE CI

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Bennett and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION 51-26 - RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO ORDERING ABANDONMEN

A substitute motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to send only Option 2 to the Internal Affairs Committee to have staff come back with recommendations and key

A motion was made by Councilmember Winslow and seconded by Councilmember Hawley to approve the Consent Agenda as read, with Item 2.6 removed for further discussion.

The original motion, to refer this matter to Closed Session for further discussion

A substitute motion was made by Councilmember O'Brien and seconded by Mayor Reynolds to adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO APPROVING "MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTA

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Bennett and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to move the three options to the Internal Affairs Committee to explore any issues with existing haulers and for more discu

A motion was made by Councilmember Hawley and seconded by Councilmember Goldstein to have a discussion regarding existing cooling standards for residential and commercial properties.

A motion was made by Councilmember Goldstein and seconded by Councilmember O'Brien to introduce the following ordinance by reading of title only, and approve Amendment No. 1 to the Cooperative Agreeme