Board appoints new public‑works director and approves $5.15 million Safe Routes project

The Butte County Board of Supervisors on April 28 approved an employment contract for the county’s next Director of Public Works and authorized a construction contract for a South Oroville Safe Routes to School project.

Administration presented an employment contract for "Colt Essenwein" as the incoming Public Works director with a start date of May 29, 2026, and multi‑year salary provisions; the candidate addressed the board and the board approved the contract unanimously. The transcript records the staff‑read name as "Colt Essenwein"; the person who spoke and stated readiness to work identified himself as "Cole Testerlein". The board and staff indicated they will clarify the candidate’s preferred name and finalize onboarding details.

Public Works described the South Oroville Safe Routes to School project, which includes upgraded sidewalks, drainage improvements, flashing beacons, pedestrian signalization and full‑depth reclamation of roadway on Monte Vista Avenue, Autry Lane and Lower Wyandotte Road. The department reported the project was advertised in March and received three bids; the lowest responsive, responsible bidder was Knife River Construction of Chico at $5,146,876. Funding was identified as included in the department’s 2025–26 road fund budget and paid with Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant funds. After brief public comment in support, the board unanimously approved the contract and authorized the director of public works to sign contract documents and change orders within public-contracting code limits.

Both votes were unanimous; the board welcomed the new director and directed staff to proceed with contract execution and required preconstruction coordination.