HomeMy WebLinkAboutM10.28.25
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MINUTES
OCTOBER 28, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER
Pledge of Allegiance
Observation of a Moment of Silence
2. INTRODUCTORY ITEMS
Rules of Decorum
The Board of Supervisors welcomes the public to its meetings and encourages and appreciates
public engagement. The Board of Supervisors expects members of the public to act in a courteous,
civil, and respectful manner, and not make personal, impertinent, slanderous, or profane remarks to
any member of the Board, staff, or the general public. The Board of Supervisors will not tolerate
loud, threatening, personal, or abusive language, or disorderly conduct, which disrupts, disturbs, or
otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of Board meetings. Violation of these rules of decorum will
result in the meeting being recessed.
2.1 Corrections and/or Changes to the Agenda
Item 4.3 - An application for the Assessment Appeals Board was not attached to
the agenda packet. Copies were distributed to the Board and made available to
the public.
2.2 Announcement(s) of Recusal
3. CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda will begin with any Supervisor Comments on the Consent Agenda Items, then
proceed with the Adoption of the Consent Agenda. Items can be removed for further discussion at the
request of a Supervisor.
The following members of the public submitted Public Comment: John Stonebraker
for items 3.1.g (Electronically) and 3.8.a (In person).
Action: ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA.
Motion: Supervisor Durfee
Second: Supervisor Ritter
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
Motion passed unanimously.
3.1. County Administration
3.1.a Approval of Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes
Submitted for approval are the October 14, 2025 Board of Supervisors Meeting
Minutes. (COUNTY ADMINISTRATION)
Action Requested - APPROVE THE OCTOBER 14, 2025 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MEETING MINUTES.
3.1.b Contract with Tetra Tech to Update the Butte County Operational Area Flood Emergency
Response Plan
On April 23, 2024, the Board of Supervisors authorized staff to submit an application to
DWR for a Flood Emergency Response Plan for the Butte County Operational Area. The
application included updating current flood safety and emergency flood response plans,
mapping productions, and communications protocols across the county. The application
also included a Flood Safety Plan for the City of Oroville which currently does not have a
comprehensive flood preparedness plan to address levee concerns. The updates across
all plans ensure consistency, align with current standards and requirements, and provide
standardized training and testing for the Operational Area.
DWR awarded Butte County $110,250 to update these plans and in April of 2025 County
Administration published an RFP for a Flood Safety Plan Development Consultant. No
proposals were received, so the RFP was released again in June of 2025 and two qualified
proposals were received: Tetra Tech, Maitland, FL; and GFT, Roseville, CA. Tetra Tech
was selected as the most qualified respondent. Staff recommend the Board approve a
contract with Tetra Tech for a Flood Safety Plan Development Consultant. The term of the
contract is from October 28, 2025, through June 30, 2027, not-to-exceed
$110,250. (COUNTY ADMINISTRATION)
Action Requested - APPROVE CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
3.1.c Fiscal Year 2024-25 Year End Budget Amendments
Each year, as part of the year-end process, an analysis is completed to identify deficit
budget balances from the previous year. For fiscal year 2024-25, the deficits were due to
unanticipated labor for the DA Access Control System Project; higher than anticipated
costs for CSA 31, CSA 34, and the Thermalito Drain Impact Fee Fund; refunds for the
development impact fees in several impact fee funds; and payment of hiring bonuses for
Correctional Deputies in the Sheriff’s Office from the 2011 Local Innovation Fund. The
recommended budget amendments result in a net increase in appropriations of $71,375,
offset by the use of fund balances. (COUNTY ADMINISTRATION)
Action Requested - APPROVE FY 2024-25 YEAR-END BUDGET AMENDMENTS (4/5
VOTE REQUIRED).
3.1.d Fiscal Year 2025-26 Consolidated Budget Amendments
Each fall, County Administration coordinates a consolidated budget amendment for
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
multiple departments to allow for the transition to the new fiscal year. Staff have updated
revenue estimates, more precise cost estimates for projects and purchases spanning fiscal
years that need to be rebudgeted in FY 2025-26, and have identified a number of
recommended budget clean-up actions. The amendments are a net total of $290,335
increase in appropriations. The amendments include an increase of $109,516 to General
Fund Appropriation for Contingencies which will increase the balance to $10,252,059. The
remaining amendments are offset by the use of fund balances or increased revenue. All
ARPA related and PG&E Settlement Fund rebudgets are for previous Board approved
programs. (COUNTY ADMINISTRATION)
Action Requested - APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENTS INCLUDING TRANSFER TO
GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATION FOR CONTINGENCIES (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED);
AND AUTHORIZE CAPITAL ASSET AUTHORITY FOR 1 PIECE OF EQUIPMENT AND
11 CAPITAL PROJECTS AS DETAILED IN THE STAFF REPORT.
3.1.e Resolution Terminating the Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to the Park Fire and
Thompson Fire
Andy Pickett, the Chief Administrative Officer, proclaimed a local emergency on July 2,
2024, due to the Thompson fire. The fire burned a portion of the community with a high
concentration of access and functional needs population and ultimately destroyed 34
structures. On July 25, 2024, the Chief Administrative Officer proclaimed a local
emergency for the Park Fire. The Park Fire started the afternoon of July 24, 2024, in Upper
Bidwell Park on the edge of Chico and grew quickly, requiring evacuations in North Chico,
Richardson Springs, Cohasset, Butte Meadows, and Forest Ranch. The Park Fire
destroyed 428 structures. The magnitude of the Thompson and Park Fires quickly
outpaced local capacity and each was declared a local emergency due to wildfire.
Per California Health and Safety Code section 101080, the Board of Supervisors shall
proclaim the termination of the local emergency once the conditions of extreme peril to the
public’s health, safety, and environment are deemed to be within the control of the normal
protective services, personnel, equipment, and facilities within the County of Butte. With
the completion of state run debris removal the Department recommends the Board of
Supervisors terminate the local emergency declaration for the Park and Thompson
Fires. (COUNTY ADMINISTRATION)
Action Requested - ADOPT RESOLUTION AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
3.1.f Contracts (2) for County Administrative Hearing Officer Program (Program)
County Administration contracts with attorneys for the Program, which provides hearing
officers to County Departments for a variety of administrative hearings related primarily to
nuisance abatement, vehicle abatement, cannabis cultivation, disaster recovery and animal
control seizures. On January 14, 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved contracts with
Michael Gallert; Jackson Glick; Andrew Morrissey; Sara Knowles; D. Marc Lyde; and Maria
Lathrop Winter to support the Program. The term of each contract is January 14, 2025,
through January 14, 2028, not to exceed $50,000. On October 25, 2022, the Board
approved contracts with Christopher Q. Heckman and Stephan R. Wattenberg for a term of
November 1, 2022, through October 31, 2025, not-to-exceed $33,333.
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
County Administration recommends entering into new hearing officer contracts with
Christopher Q. Heckman and Stephan R. Wattenberg. The term of each contract is
November 1, 2025, through January 14, 2028, not-to-exceed $50,000. The expense for the
contracts is budgeted and paid by the department requesting the hearing. (COUNTY
ADMINISTRATION)
Action Requested - APPROVE CONTRACTS (2) AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO
SIGN.
3.1.g Letter Regarding PG&E Camp Fire Payments
At the October 14, 2025 meeting, the Board of Supervisors requested a letter to PG&E and
the PG&E bankruptcy judge to advocate for Camp Fire victims to be made whole from their
losses. The Camp Fire, for which PG&E was found responsible, devastated and caused
great harm to Butte County residents. Due to PG&E’s bankruptcy process, fire victims only
received 70% of their determination notices. (COUNTY ADMINISTRATION)
Action Requested - APPROVE LETTER AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
3.1.h Letter of Support for Expanded Public Defense Services (Holistic Defense) Grant from the
Office of the State Public Defender
Butte County is eligible to apply for Expanded Public Defense Services (Holistic Defense)
grant funding from the Office of the State Public Defender. These funds are intended to
expand public defense services to include social workers, mental health professionals,
housing specialists or other support staff to address non-legal issues such as mental
illness, substance abuse, and housing instability. The goal of the grant is to increase
access to holistic services to reduce recidivism and assist with better legal outcomes. The
grant provides up to $450,000 in funding for a two-year grant program.
The Public Defender Consortium has developed a proposal to embed licensed clinical
social workers and reentry case managers to work with defense attorneys; provide ongoing
training; and implement a structured intake and case management process to identify
client needs early in the representation. The proposed grant program would prioritize
individuals with identified behavioral health conditions, housing insecurity, or high
recidivism risk who have been sentenced for lower-level offenses such as petty theft and
simple drug possession and integrate access to social work and supportive services within
the indigent defense model. The Public Defender Consortium recommends the Board of
Supervisors approve a letter of support for the Holistic Defense Grant
application. (COUNTY ADMINISTRATION)
Action Requested - APPROVE THE LETTER OF SUPPORT AND AUTHORIZE THE
CHAIR TO SIGN.
3.2. County Counsel's Office
3.2.a Contract with Rosa E. Valles, Attorney at Law for Legal Services
County Counsel contracts with one full-time and one 75% part-time attorney for specialized
legal services provided to the Department of Employment and Social Services, Children's
Services Division (CSD). Contract attorneys provide legal representation and consultation
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
on matters such as juvenile dependency, guardianship issues, and termination of parental
rights. The current contract with Sophia R. Meyer Law P.C., which provides both attorneys,
expires November 30, 2025. The Board of Supervisors approved a contract with Tamara L.
Solano, Attorney at Law, on September 30, 2025, for full-time specialized legal services
with a term ending September 30, 2028. The Department recommends entering into a
contract with Rosa E. Valles, Attorney at Law, for 75% part-time specialized legal services.
The term of the contract is November 3, 2025, through November 2, 2028, not-to-exceed
$450,000. (COUNTY COUNSEL)
Action Requested - APPROVE CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
3.3. Department of Behavioral Health
3.3.a Behavioral Health Managed Care Atypical Payments for Inpatient Hospitalization Services
The State requires that counties allow mental health clients residing in their county to be
placed in an inpatient hospital setting outside the county when necessary for acute or crisis
situations. The financial responsibility for those clients who do not have Medi-Cal or other
insurance provisions is that of the county where the client resides. The State requires
counties to attempt to contract with those out-of-county facilities when billing amounts
exceed the State-set threshold, which for fiscal year 2024-25 is $60,000. Managed care
hospitals have up to one year after services are provided to submit claims to counties.
The Department of Behavioral Health received claims from five hospitals whose claims
either exceed the State threshold or exceed the contracted amount for out-of-county
inpatient placement for fiscal year 2024-25. The County currently has accrued invoices for
a total amount of $331,363; Heritage Oaks ($71,876); Sierra Vista ($7,566); Sutter Center
for Psychiatry ($125,152); San Jose Behavioral Health ($65,016); and Fremont Hospital
($61,753). The Department recommends the Board of Supervisors approve atypical
payments to all five hospitals. (DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH)
Action Requested - APPROVE ATYPICAL PAYMENTS.
3.3.b Budget Amendment and Grant Agreement with Tulare County Office of Education for the
California Friday Night Lights Partnership Grant
Tulare County Office of Education is administering the California Friday Night Lights
Partnership Grant. The Department of Behavioral Health has been awarded $40,000 in
grant funding across two fiscal years. The grant is intended to facilitate prevention
activities, mentoring programs and school events which focus on providing school-aged
youth with tools, education, and outreach to create a youth development framework that
supports young people as decision makers and change agents.
The Department will use these funds to engage students from diverse peer groups on
campus, provide opportunities to build relationships outside their peer groups, engage in
youth skill-building activities in mental and emotional health, and provide substance-use
prevention strategies. The Department recommends the Board of Supervisors approve the
grant agreement with Tulare County Office of Education and approve a budget amendment
for $20,000 for FY 2024-25 expenses related to the grant. (DEPARTMENT OF
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH)
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
Action Requested - 1) APPROVE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN;
AND 2) APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENT (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED).
3.4. Department of Development Services
3.4.a Land Conservation (Williamson) Act Contract with Kay Marie Nelms Family Trust
The Williamson Act Advisory Committee recommends entering into a contract to enroll
approximately 243.74 acres owned by Kay Marie Nelms Family Trust, in the Williamson
Act. The enrollment consists of one parcel (APN: 041-060-085) located on Flag Creek
Road, approximately 1.6 miles northeast of the intersection of Highway 70 and Flag Creek
Road, north of Oroville. The parcel will be enrolled in the Williamson Act under a contract
for dry grazing. The application meets all requirements of the Williamson Act program. The
Williamson Act Advisory Committee reviewed the application (LCA-25-0003) on September
22, 2025, and recommended enrollment of the parcel subject to the applicant’s payment of
any outstanding fees. The estimated reduction in property tax revenue is $3,790 annually.
The creation of Williamson Act contracts is exempt from review under the California
Environmental Quality Act per Categorical Exemption 15317 Open Space Contracts or
Easements. (DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES)
Action Requested - APPROVE CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
3.4.b Ordinance Amending Butte County Code, Chapter 26 "Buildings" to Adopt the 2025
California Building Standards Code
On October 14, 2025, the Board of Supervisors waived the first reading of the ordinance
amending Chapter 26 of the Butte County Code to adopt the 2025 California Building
Standards Code including amendments. This item is for the Board to consider final
adoption of the ordinance. Upon adoption by the Board, the ordinance would become
effective on January 1, 2026. (DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES)
Action Requested - ADOPT ORDINANCE AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
3.5. Department of Employment & Social Services
3.5.a Resolution Recognizing November as National Adoption Awareness Month
National Adoption Awareness Month is a time to raise public awareness about adoption
and bring attention to the 100,000 children waiting for a permanent family connection in the
United States. It is a month to encourage others to learn about adoption, hold adoption-
related events, highlight the importance of helping youth build positive relationships, and
promote family, community, and cultural connections that provide a sense of belonging and
long-term stability.
Since 1995, National Adoption Awareness Month has been celebrated by families who
have grown through adoptions, and honors every youth still waiting for a permanent
placement. A total of 51 children will have finalized adoptions in Butte County by the end of
2025. Butte County recognizes that all children deserve a home that provides support,
security, kindness, and love.
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
The Department of Employment and Social Services recommends adopting a resolution
recognizing November 2025 as National Adoption Awareness Month in Butte
County. (DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT & SOCIAL SERVICES)
Action Requested - ADOPT RESOLUTION AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
3.5.b Resolution Authorizing Application and Acceptance of the Transitional Housing Program
(THP) R7 and the Housing Navigation and Maintenance Program (HNMP) R4 Allocation
Awards
The California Department of Housing and Community Development made $25.3 million
available for the expansion of the THP and $8.7 million for the expansion of the HNMP
within the THP. Butte County's allocation for the THP is $239,808 and $110,723 was
allocated for the HNMP.
The purpose of the THP is to provide stable housing to former foster care and probation
youth from ages 21 to 25 years old. Use of funds may include, but is not limited to,
improving coordination and linkages to community resources within the child welfare
system and Homeless Continuum of Care; providing a safe living environment for up to 36
months; identifying and assisting young adults with housing services in the community; and
assisting young adults with the transition to independent adulthood, through educational
support, and teaching job and life skills.
The purpose of the Housing Navigator within the THP is to find suitable, stable, safe, and
affordable housing for the young adults participating in the program. The Housing
Navigator provides housing case management, such as ongoing financial management
training, to teach the participants how to budget for monthly rent, utility costs, and living
expenses.
The allocations will provide services to 26 youth during FY 2026-27. The Department of
Employment and Social Services recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution
authorizing the application and acceptance of the allocations. (DEPARTMENT OF
EMPLOYMENT & SOCIAL SERVICES)
Action Requested - ADOPT RESOLUTION AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
3.6. Department of General Services
3.6.a Resolution Updating the Source of In-Kind Match Funding for the Jail Capacity and
Replacement Housing Project Under the SB 863 Financing Program
In 2016, the County received a $40 million grant award from the Board of State and
Community Corrections (BSCC) under SB 863 for the Jail Capacity and Replacement
Housing Project. As part of the agreement with the BSCC, the County is required to
provide a 10 percent local project match of $4,445,000, consisting of both In-Kind and
Cash Match contributions. The original match included $500,000 in land value and
$580,000 in staff time as In-Kind Match, totaling $1,080,000, and a Cash Match of
$3,365,000. In 2023, the Board approved a revision to the In-Kind Match to include staff
time only, totaling $1,080,000. Staff have since determined the County will not meet the full
In-Kind Match solely through staff time. To address this, staff recommend reinstating the
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
land value component of $500,000, based on the 2015 appraised value of the project site.
The California Department of Finance approved the inclusion of the appraised land value
as part of the revised In-Kind Match. The revised In-Kind Match totals $1,360,000,
consisting of $500,000 in land value and $860,000 in estimated staff time through project
completion. The total Project Match is now $4,725,000, which exceeds the required
$4,445,000 match by $280,000. The BSCC has recommended the County include the total
estimated staff time in the SB 863 Project Match Budget to ensure flexibility should the
County fall short of the Cash Match commitment. The Department of General Services
recommends adopting a resolution to update the source of In-Kind Match funding for the
Jail Capacity and Replacement Housing Project under the SB 863 Financing
Program. (DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES)
Action Requested - ADOPT RESOLUTION AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
3.7. Department of Human Resources
3.7.a Resolution to Amend the Salary Ordinance
The Department of Human Resources recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt a
resolution amending the Salary Ordinance for the following departments:
Child Support: Add 2 Accounting Technician positions, 1 flexibly staffed Administrative
Analyst I/II/III position, 1 Fiscal Manager position, and 1 Information Technology
Supervisor position. Delete 2 vacant flexibly staffed Child Support Specialist I/II or Senior
Child Support Specialist positions and 1 vacant Child Support Supervisor position. Upon
completion of an internal recruitment, the Department will return to delete 2 of the resulting
vacancies. These changes will better suit the current and future operational needs of the
department. This will result in additional costs of $20,000 for the department, with no
General Fund impact. Total allocations temporarily increase by 2.
General Services: Delete 1 vacant flexibly staffed Administrative Assistant/Senior
Administrative Assistant position. During the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget, the Department
of General Services added 1 Facilities Maintenance Coordinator position while the
Department conducted an internal recruitment. After a successful recruitment, the
Department is now returning to the Board to delete the resulting vacancy. Total allocations
to decrease by 1.
Human Resources: Amend Section 28E of Salary Ordinance No. 4258 of the County of
Butte entitled “Teamsters Mid Management” by adding a new classification titled "Sheriff's
Administrative Division Manager" set at Range 120, with a bi-weekly rate of $4,221.60 at
Step 1 of the Salary Schedule and $5,657.60 at Step 7 of the Salary Schedule.
Sheriff's Office: To better suit current and future needs of the department, the Sheriff's
Office recommends adding 1 Sheriff's Administrative Services Division Manager and 1
Department Public Information Officer. Upon completion of an internal recruitment, the
department will return to delete the resulting vacancies. The new positions will increase
salary and benefit costs approximately $40,000. No additional appropriations are
required. (DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES)
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
Action Requested - ADOPT RESOLUTION AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
3.8. Sheriff-Coroner's Office
3.8.a Contract with TruLeo, Inc. for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistant Software for Law
Enforcement
TruLeo, Inc. offers a patented software that includes a comprehensive suite of AI powered
tools designed for ethical, unbiased, and evidence-based use by law enforcement officers
to improve efficiency, enhance accountability, and increase positive outcomes. The
Sheriff's Office has been using the software on a trial basis for the last two months and has
found it helps increase productivity by reducing the time deputies spend on administrative
tasks, such as drafting reports, transcribing witness statements, summarizing and
redacting body-worn camera footage, and researching applicable laws and policies. The AI
tools also assist by identifying prior incidents involving specified subjects and generating
investigative case summaries and insights. The Sheriff's Office recommends entering into
a contract with TruLeo, Inc. for AI Assistant Software for Law Enforcement. The term of the
contract is November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2030, not-to-exceed
$500,000. (SHERIFF-CORONER'S OFFICE)
Action Requested - APPROVE CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
3.9. Other
3.9.a District Priorities Fund Application - Pioneer Elementary School District
Supervisor Connelly recommends approval of $1,745.10 in District 1 Priorities Funds to the
Pioneer Union Elementary School District for permit fees associated with the installation of
an electronic marquee sign to be placed at the Berry Creek Post Office to disseminate
information to families. The project aims to improve real-time communication between the
district families, first responders and the broader community. (DISTRICT 1 SUPERVISOR)
Action Requested - APPROVE DISTRICT PRIORITIES FUND APPLICATION.
3.9.b District Priorities Fund Application - Paradise Chapter 106, Disabled American Veterans
Supervisor Teeter recommends approval of $1,519.81 in District 5 Priorities Funds to the
Paradise Chapter 106, Disabled American Veterans for permit fees associated with repairs
at the Paradise Veterans Memorial Hall. (DISTRICT 5 SUPERVISOR)
Action Requested - APPROVE DISTRICT PRIORITIES FUND APPLICATION.
4. REGULAR AGENDA
4.1 Board Member/Committee Reports and Board Member Comment
Supervisor Connelly - Attended Butte County Farm Bureau Awards event;
meeting with Sheriff and Code Enforcement; he stated that though he could not
attend, he heard good things about the Palermo Drainage Master Plan meeting;
he attended the Wyandotte GSA meeting; Oroville Citizen Advisory Commission
meeting; BCAG meeting; Butte County Air Quality Management District
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
meeting; and spoke with constituents regarding local issues.
Supervisor Durfee - Attended Investment Pool Oversight meeting; met with
local CALfire 2881; met with the District 2 Butte County Housing Authority
Board Member; met with the District 2 Planning Commissioner; spoke with
constituents regarding local issues, and urged everyone to vote.
Supervisor Ritter - Attended First 5 Executive Committee meeting; Passages
Advisory Council meeting; Behavioral Health Advisory Board meeting; NACo
West meeting; Senior Leadership event; Online Training hosted by California
Association of Local Behavioral Health Boards and Commissions; Ribbon
Cutting for the E Center, met with a contractor regarding a fire contract;
attended the Continuum of Care meeting; NAACP meeting; Rural Local Master
Plan on Aging Advisory Committee meeting; Butte County Air Quality
Management District meeting; BCAG meeting; and was a Panelist for League of
Women Voters Fall Forum. She further stated that she will be attending a
training hosted by DESS for foster families later this evening, stated the Howard
Slater Navigation Center is opening Thursday, October 30, 2025; and will be
attending the Local Government Committee meeting on Wednesday, November
5, 2025, at 11 am in Chico, and she reminds everyone to vote.
Supervisor Kimmelshue - Attended several meeting and the Grand Opening of
CSU, Chico Farm Store.
Supervisor Teeter - Attended meeting with Sheriff and Code Enforcement.
4.2 Public Comment
Comments to the Board on issues and items not listed on the agenda. Pursuant to
California State law, the Board of Supervisors is prohibited from taking action on any item
not listed on the agenda. Please note that Public Comment is in two separate sections.
One, at the beginning of the regular agenda, which will last a maximum of 15 minutes, with
another to follow as the last item on the regular agenda with no time limits.
The following members of the public submitted Public Comment: Diana Dreiss,
John Stonebraker (electronically and in-person), Julie Threet, Rori Summers,
and The Cameraman.
4.3 Appointment to the Butte County Assessment Appeals Board (AAB)
The AAB is an independent entity provided for by the Constitution of the State of California,
as well as Chapter 21, Article IV of the Butte County Code, whose function is to resolve
disagreements between the County Assessor and taxpayers over values of locally
assessed property. The AAB consists of three Regular Board Members, and as many
Alternate Members as needed, all of which are appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
Members must have at least five years of experience as either a lawyer, Certified Public
Accountant, licensed real estate broker, or a property appraiser.
There is currently one vacant Board Member seat resulting from an unexpected vacancy,
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
and three applications have been received requesting to serve in this seat. The three
qualified applicants who applied are Scott Nolind, Auriel Hernandez, and Justin Hancock,
who was recently appointed as an Alternate Member at the September 30, 2025 Board of
Supervisors meeting. Each applicant has indicated that they would be interested in serving
as an Alternate Member if they are not appointed to the Regular Board Member seat.
Staff requests the Board appoint one Regular Board Member to serve the remainder of a
vacant unexpired term ending July 25, 2026, and appoint one or more Alternate Members
to a three-year term ending October 27, 2028, if needed. (OTHER)
Action Requested - 1) APPOINT ONE REGULAR MEMBER TO THE BUTTE COUNTY
ASSESSMENT APPEALS BOARD TO SERVE THE REMAINDER OF A VACANT
UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING JULY 25, 2026; AND 2) APPOINT ONE OR MORE
ALTERNATE MEMBERS TO A THREE-YEAR TERM ENDING OCTOBER 27, 2028, IF
NEEDED.
Melissa Kitts, Assistant Clerk of the Board, presented this item to the Board.
There was no public comment received for this item.
Action: 1) APPOINT JUSTIN HANCOCK AS REGULAR MEMBER TO THE BUTTE
COUNTY ASSESSMENT APPEALS BOARD TO SERVE THE REMAINDER OF A
VACANT UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING JULY 25, 2026; AND 2) APPOINT SCOTT
NOLIND AND AURIEL HERNANDEZ AS ALTERNATE MEMBERS TO SERVE A
THREE-YEAR TERM ENDING OCTOBER 27, 2028.
Motioned: Supervisor Connelly
Second: Supervisor Durfee
Motion passed unanimously.
4.4 Appointment to Reclamation District 833
In Reclamation District 833, the number of qualified candidates filing did not exceed the
number of trustees to be elected and no petition calling for election was submitted.
Pursuant to California Water Code section 50742, the Butte County Board of Supervisors
shall appoint nominees to the positions of trustees in lieu of election. Reclamation District
833 requests that the Board of Supervisors appoint Jerry Davis, and Ralph Wilderson,
each to a four-year term in lieu of an election. (OTHER)
Action Requested - APPOINT JERRY DAVIS AND RALPH WILDERSON EACH TO A
FOUR-YEAR TERM ON THE RECLAMATION DISTRICT 833 BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
Melissa Kitts, Assistant Clerk of the Board, presented this item to the Board.
There was no public comment received for this item.
Action: APPOINT JERRY DAVIS AND RALPH WILDERSON EACH TO SERVE A
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
FOUR-YEAR TERM ON THE RECLAMATION DISTRICT 833 BOARD OF
TRUSTEES IN LIEU OF ELECTION.
Motioned: Supervisor Durfee
Second: Supervisor Connelly
Motion passed unanimously.
4.5 Approval of the 2026 Public Works Infrastructure Master Plan (IMP) and Authorization to
Advertise Projects for Bid
The 2026 IMP represents a five-year, $107 million investment to address and prioritize
infrastructure needs and improve transparency and accountability. Upon approval by the
Board of Supervisors, the 2026 IMP will be utilized for future operating budget
implementation efforts and will be available on the County's website.
Under the Government and Public Contract Codes, the Department of Public Works
traditionally requests authorization from the Board to advertise projects for bid and to adopt
the project plans and specifications on a project-by-project basis. In order to improve
efficiency in delivering Public Works projects, the Department recommends the Board of
Supervisors authorizes the Department to advertise for projects included in the 2026 IMP
and appoint the Director of Public Works as officer of the projects. Construction contracts
and project plans and specifications will return to the Board per the Public Contract
Code. (DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS)
Action Requested - 1) APPROVE THE 2026 PUBLIC WORKS IMP; 2) AUTHORIZE THE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS TO ADVERTISE AND SOLICIT BIDS FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECTS INCLUDED IN THE 2026 IMP; AND 3) APPOINT THE
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AS THE OFFICER OF THE PROJECTS.
Joshua Pack, Director of Public Works, presented this item to the Board.
The following members of the public submitted Public Comment: John
Stonebraker.
Action: 1) APPROVE THE 2026 PUBLIC WORKS IMP TO INCLUDE THE
MAGALIA DAM PROJECT; 2) AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
WORKS TO ADVERTISE AND SOLICIT BIDS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF
PROJECTS INCLUDED IN THE 2026 IMP; AND 3) APPOINT THE DIRECTOR OF
PUBLIC WORKS AS THE OFFICER OF THE PROJECTS.
Motion: Supervisor Teeter
Second: Supervisor Connelly
Motion passed unanimously.
4.6 Resolution for CEQA Notice of Exemption and Letter of Agreement to Amend Contract with
DWR for the Modification of Water Conveyance Point of Diversion and Measurement for
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
Delivery of PG&E Non-Project Water to California Water Service (CWS)
CWS currently purchases 3,000 acre-feet of its water supply from PG&E. In 2014, the
County entered into a letter agreement with DWR to allow the PG&E non-project water,
which is not part of the State Water Project, to be conveyed through the Miocene Canal to
the Lime Saddle Powerhouse and Lake Oroville for delivery to the CWS treatment plant on
an annual basis. The 2018 Camp Fire destroyed portions of the Miocene Canal, which
prevented water from being delivered to the Lime Saddle Powerhouse. The Department of
Water and Resource Conservation worked with DWR to amend the agreement to allow the
conveyance of PG&E non-project water to an alternative point of diversion for
measurement and delivery. The term of the amended agreement is through December 31,
2027.
PG&E is proposing to discontinue use of the Upper Miocene Canal for the conveyance and
measurement of this PG&E non-project water and is requesting that the water be allowed
to remain in the West Branch of the Feather River continuing past the Miocene Canal Head
Dam and down into Lake Oroville. The PG&E non-project water would be measured by an
existing California Data Exchange Center stream gauge for delivery to the CWS treatment
plant. As a State Water Project contractor, the County is eligible to convey non-project
water through Article 55 of the Water Supply Contract with DWR. The Department
recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution approving a Notice of Exemption
for CEQA requirements and approve a letter to DWR requesting an amendment to the
existing contract to modify the point of diversion and extend the term of the agreement ten
years, through December 31, 2037. (DEPARTMENT OF WATER & RESOURCE
CONSERVATION)
Action Requested - 1) ADOPT RESOLUTION AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN;
AND 2) AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF WATER AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION
TO SIGN AND SUBMIT A LETTER OF AGREEMENT TO DWR TO AMEND CONTRACT.
Kamie Loeser, Director of Water and Resource Conservation, presented this
item to the Board.
There was no public comment received for this item.
Action: 1) ADOPT RESOLUTION AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN; AND 2)
AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF WATER AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION TO
SIGN AND SUBMIT A LETTER OF AGREEMENT TO DWR TO AMEND
CONTRACT.
Motion: Supervisor Teeter
Second: Supervisor Connelly
Motion passed unimously.
4.7 Williamson Act Direct Charge
On August 12, 2025, the Butte County Assessor presented information on the Williamson
Act and AB1265 in response to a request by the Board of Supervisors. At the meeting, the
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
Board requested additional information regarding the financial impact of the AB1265 direct-
charge program. AB1265 allows counties to collect 10% of the taxpayers’ savings through
the program. This direct-charge is collected to minimize the financial impact on the County
while continuing benefits to those participating in the Williamson Act program, who retain
90% of the savings. Ending the AB1265 direct charge would mean an immediate loss of
approximately $700,000 annually in General Purpose, or Discretionary Revenue going
forward. General Purpose Revenue (GPR) supports critical local priorities, including public
safety and the library, and a reduction in GPR would require cuts in these
programs. (COUNTY ADMINISTRATION)
Action Requested - PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF.
Andy Pickett, Chief Administrative Officer, presented this item to the Board.
Comments received by Kevin Taggart, Deputy Administrative Officer, Alyssa
Douglas, Assessor, and Kamie Loeser, Director of Water and Resource
Conservation.
The following members of the public submitted Public Comment: Colleen Cecil
(electronically), and Ryan Schorh.
Action: DIRECTED STAFF TO RETURN TO THE BOARD AS PART OF THE
BUDGET PROCESS.
4.8 Resolution Approving an Additional Allocation of Funding for the Community Development
Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Multifamily Housing Program
At the direction of the Board of Supervisors, County staff are implementing a number of
projects using CDBG-DR funding as a result of the 2018 Camp Fire. In May, the California
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) approached the County about
identifying additional shovel-ready projects that may be funded if additional CDBG-DR
funds become available. On June 24, 2025, the Board of Supervisors authorized County
staff to qualify additional projects. One of those projects was the Humboldt Senior Housing
Project which would construct 80 cottage-style housing units in the City of Chico,
specifically for older adults. HCD has qualified this project and is allocating approximately
$36,735,000 in additional CDBG-DR funds to Butte County, bringing the total allocation in
the Master Standard Agreement for the Multifamily Housing Program to $155M. Staff
recommends the Board authorize a resolution increasing the County's allocation to $155M
to fund construction of the Humboldt Senior Housing Project. (COUNTY
ADMINISTRATION)
Action Requested - ADOPT RESOLUTION AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
Supervisor Durfee left the Board Chambers at 11:50 am.
Katie Simmons, Deputy Administrative Officer of Economic Development, presented
this item to the Board.
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
Comments received by Cynthia Alvarez.
There was no public comment received for this item.
Action: ADOPT RESOLUTION AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
Motion: Supervisor Ritter
Second: Chair Kimmelshue
Motion passed 4-0-1 (Ayes: Supervisors Connelly, Ritter, Teeter, and Chair
Kimmelshue; Nays: None; Absent: Supervisor Durfee).
Supervisor Durfee rejoined the session and was seated at 11:55 am.
4.9 Update of Budget, Legislative, and other Current Issues by the Chief Administrative Officer
Andy Pickett, Chief Administrative Officer, presented this item to the Board.
Comments received by Tiffany Rowe, Director of Employment and Social
Services.
4.10 Board of Supervisors Public Comment (Continuation as needed)
4.11 Items Removed from the Consent Agenda for Board Consideration and Action
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND TIMED ITEMS
5.1 10:00 am - Timed Item - Update on Five-Mile Basin Stream Action for Flood Emergency
(SAFE) Project and Direction for Long-Term Project Strategies
On August 12, 2025, the Board of Supervisors directed the Department of Public Works to
complete the Five-Mile Basin SAFE Project. This urgent initiative focused on targeted
vegetation management and channel improvements in the Five-Mile Basin to address
short-term flood concerns affecting the City of Chico and surrounding communities. The
project reduces flood risks, protects homes and infrastructure, and improves public safety
ahead of the winter storm season while demonstrating the County’s commitment to
environmental stewardship by balancing community safety with care for natural resources.
The Department is developing a long-term plan for site monitoring and future maintenance.
The Director of Public Works will present a summary of the completed work and options for
long-term project strategies for the Five-Mile Basin. (DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS)
Action Requested - PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF.
Joshua Pack, Director of Public Works, presented this item to the Board.
The following members of the public submitted Public Comment: Tom Van
Overbeek, Les Heringer, Dale Bennett, and John Stonebraker.
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
Action: DIRECTION GIVEN TO STAFF TO MOVE FORWARD TO COMPLETE A
LONG TERM FIX AND WORK WITH THE CITY OF CHICO WITH THE LONG TERM
GOAL OF TRANSFERRING THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO THEM.
5.2 10:30 am - Public Hearing - Maidu Mountain Lion Housing Development General Plan
Amendment (GPA24-0001), Rezone (PUD24-0001), and Tentative Parcel Map (TPM25-
0001)
The Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority proposes to develop a grant-funded, two-
phase housing project to build 22 single-family and duplex housing units for the Berry
Creek Rancheria of Tyme Maidu Indians of California. The property is not in a tribal trust.
The proposal amends the General Plan land use designation of the site from Medium
Density Residential (MDR) to Planned Unit Development, rezones the site from MDR to
Planned Development, and subdivides the parcel into two lots in line with the proposed
phasing. Development of Phase 1 includes 12 single-family residential units and
infrastructure improvements on 4.5 acres of the 7.76-acre property. Development of Phase
2 includes 10 units, consisting of five duplexes, and related improvements on 2.8 acres.
The project site encompasses 7.76 acres at 4001 Hildale Avenue, north of the intersection
of Mountain View Drive and Hildale Avenue, in the Oroville Sphere of Influence,
approximately 0.8 miles east of the City of Oroville; APN: 068-341-010.
The project is exempt from further environmental review under Section 15183 of CEQA
Guidelines, as it is consistent with the land uses and density analyzed in the certified EIR
(State Clearinghouse no. 2022100151) for Butte County General Plan 2040.
The Planning Commission considered this item at a public hearing held on September 25,
2025, and voted 5-0 to recommend the Board of Supervisors adopt the CEQA exemption
and approve the General Plan Amendment, Planned Development Rezone, Development
Plan, and Tentative Parcel Map. (DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES)
Action Requested - 1) ADOPT RESOLUTION AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN;
AND 2) ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
Paula Daneluk, Director of Development Services, and Rowland Hickel, Senior
Planner, presented this item to the Board.
The following members of the public submitted Public Comment: Mike Nelson.
Action: 1) ADOPT RESOLUTION AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN; AND 2)
ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO SIGN.
Motion: Supervisor Connelly
Second: Supervisor Durfee
Motion passed unimously.
6. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CLOSED SESSION
BUTTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES – OCTOBER 28, 2025
6.1 Public Employee Employment, Appointment, Recruitment, Performance Evaluations,
Including Goals, Discipline/Dismissal/Release, Pursuant to Government Code Section
54957
A. Agricultural Commissioner
B. Behavioral Health Director
C. Chief Administrative Officer
D. Chief Probation Officer
E. Child Support Services Director
F. County Counsel
G. Development Services Director
H. Employment and Social Services Director
I. General Services Director
J. Human Resources Director
K. Information Systems Director
L. Library Director
M. Public Health Director
N. Public Works Director
O. Water & Resource Conservation Director
6.2 Workers’ Compensation Liability Claims Pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.95 (a) - One
Claim.
Mitchel Graves; Workers’ Compensation Claim, Claim Number: 2397110069
(DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES)
6.3 Closed Session Public Comment
There being no further business before the Board, the
meeting adjourned. The Butte County Board of Supervisors
will reconvene at the next regular meeting, scheduled for
November 18, 2025.
ATTEST:
Andy Pickett, Chief Administrative Officer and
Clerk of the Board
Tod Kimmelshue, Chair
Butte County Board of Supervisors
Deputy
Assistant Clerk of the Board