During a recent city council meeting, discussions centered on the proposed rent stabilization ordinance aimed at assisting mobile home park residents. A motion was made to draft the ordinance, which would potentially include a monthly maintenance fee linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, concerns were raised about the implications for mobile park owners, particularly regarding the likelihood of annual rent increases, which could limit their ability to adjust rents significantly in the future. The motion ultimately failed with a vote of 4-2 against it.

In a related discussion, Council Member Morgan suggested prioritizing communication with mobile park owners before pursuing rent control measures. He emphasized the importance of dialogue to reach a fair agreement on rent increases, highlighting a letter from a community member expressing openness to discussions.

The council also addressed the application for the California Department of Housing and Community Development's (HCD) pro housing designation program. This program offers incentives for jurisdictions that demonstrate a commitment to housing development. The council unanimously approved a resolution to apply for this designation, with staff reporting positive feedback from other jurisdictions that have participated.

Additionally, the council approved the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, which included amendments for library funding and airport revenue guarantees. A request for $110,000 to keep the Chico library open an additional day was incorporated into the budget, alongside a proposal to allocate funds for airport facility upgrades contingent on securing airline service.

Lastly, the council discussed the formation of an ad hoc committee to explore future development strategies in the city. The committee aims to address growth and community development, with plans to report back to the council next month. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for housing solutions in response to population growth in the area.