BIGGS, CA (MPG) – Multiple items were presented, including the affordable housing project proposed by Realtor Kory Hamman, during the June 24 regular Biggs City Council meeting.  

The Hamman project includes a 42-unit apartment complex, 18 single-dwelling units and a mini storage facility. The agenda’s action items were the next steps to go forward with the construction and involved map revisions and rezoning. 

To recap, City Planner Bob Summerville announced at a May City Council meeting that under the parameters of Assembly Bill 430, the Campfire Housing Assistance Act of 2019, Hamman’s project could not be denied if it complies to design standards. 

Advocates of the project have maintained that the state has mandated affordable housing to be built in all California cities, with stiff penalties for those who don’t comply. However, city residents who oppose the development have argued that other cities in California have managed to regain local control over building.                   

Community members, both those for and against the project, addressed the council. Hamman spoke of the positive benefits to the city, including increased revenue for the community and schools. 

Again, Hamman emphasized that the project is a high-quality development to be built and maintained like unto the Ford Avenue apartments in Gridley and by the same builder. A playground, dog park and basketball court will be part of it. According to Hamman, city administrators, the city planner and the school superintendent are in support of the project.

Resident Amanda Mattos voiced strong opposition to the project, claiming that Hamman wanted to develop the seven-acre property into apartments and that “our town can’t handle it.” 

Another resident reminded everyone that Assembly Bill 430 will sunset at the end of this year and encouraged the council to “let it (the project) go.” 

More than one resident voiced concerns about the impact of the increase in traffic to arterial roads maintained by Butte County, concerned with the county’s reduced budget for repairs. 

Then Interim City Administrator Cliff Wagner pointed to Measure H funds that can be used for those purposes. One person requested that the city have a conversation with the county about its ability to repair the roads. 

Mayor Bo Sheppard assured the resident that “we will get you an answer.” Summerville indicated he has previously met with the planner and engineer at Butte County Association of Governments (BCAG) and “they had no problems with it.”

In answer to concerns that the original 42 apartments planned would blossom to a higher number of units, Summerville gave his assurance that changes could not happen without another building permit.

“That would be illegal,” Summerville said.             

Mattos commented that Hamman and Wagner did not live in Biggs and would be unaffected by the outcome of the project. Wagner clarified that he lives in the county on Pryde Avenue, which is a major artery directly into Sixth Street.

“I am an impacted and affected party to this question,” Wagner said.              

Hamman rebutted the arguments and concluded by saying “Biggs is lucky to get this. 

Councilmember Doug Arnold and Mayor Sheppard commented in favor of Biggs needing growth.

“We need more people in the city,” Arnold said. 

City attorney Greg Einhorn advised the council that there was not a legal basis to deny the project. 

City Council put the item to vote, with Councilmember Jerome Squires recusing himself from voting due to the proximity of his property to the project. Subsequently, all four of the actions that were needed to advance the project failed by lack of a second motion to bring the item to a vote or by no initial motion on the actions. 

Moving on, other action items included adopting policies regarding delinquent property taxes, as well as renewing a contract with Butte County for animal control services 

Public comment was made indicating dissatisfaction with present animal control services, especially the lack of response to calls. Wagner suggested inviting county representatives to a council meeting for public input concerning areas of needed improvement. 

Councilmember Anita Wilks pointed out that according to county reports, there have been animal control responses within the city. If residents get no response, they should contact the city, Wilks said. 

Another contract renewal with CalFire was approved for the coming fiscal year. The cost of the contract increased by $131,737, from last year due to the future hiring of an additional firefighter and the work week also was raised to 66 hours. 

Department reports included Public Works Superintendent Paul Pratt reporting that a guard rail was damaged by a hit-and-run driver on West Biggs-Gridley Road. Preliminary estimates on the cost of repairing the rail are more than $2,000, plus labor. Anyone with information on the driver’s identity is encouraged to call the City of Biggs at 530-868-5493.