CHICO — The Chico City Council is set to consider options for outsourcing public works jobs at its Tuesday meeting.
The council directed city staff to look for affordable options that don’t “compromise quality of services, specifically, the Public Works and Community Development Departments,” according to the meeting’s agenda. Public works directors Brendan Ottoboni and Brendan Vieg will present on the options.
This comes after Councilor Tom van Overbeek expressed concerns over the city’s $181 million unfunded pension liability during a November council meeting. He suggested looking at ways to outsource jobs to address this issue.
Both councilors Katie Hawley and Bryce Goldstein expressed concerns over outsourcing jobs, with Goldstein saying, “Outsourcing jobs is expensive too.” Public works employees have also expressed concerns about outsourcing.
The council will also consider setting a 15-mph speed limit for e-bikes and bikes in areas of Bidwell Park. Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge will present on the proposed limits, seeking direction from council regarding the municipal code.
Bidwell Park does have rules and regulations regarding bike and vehicle speed, but they are not consistent, which Aldridge’s staff report says is “confusing.” Lower park has a 15 mph speed limit, while areas of upper park have a 25-mph speed limit.
The council meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the City Council Chambers at 421 Main St. Meetings are free and open to the public. The council agenda and links to live feeds can be found at chicoca.gov
