Redding City Council Report – April 21, 2026 Meeting

The Redding City Council convened for its regular meeting on April 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The session was notably short, with limited open-session business before the council returned to closed session. Mayor Mike Littau presided, with all council members present following roll call.

Redding City Hall

Closed Session Outcome

Early in the proceedings, the council recessed into closed session. Upon returning briefly to open session, Interim City Attorney Mary reported the sole reportable action from the closed session items considered so far. The council unanimously authorized staff to opt into the National Opioid Settlement with the six remaining defendants. This entitles the City of Redding to a percentage share of an approximately $95 million nationwide settlement pool. Any funds received must be used exclusively for programs designed to reduce the impacts of opioids on the community. The council then returned to closed session for the remaining items, with any additional reportable actions to be announced later.

Presentation Postponed

The scheduled presentation from Shasta County Arts Council’s Youth Poet Angela Ekezie (2026 Poetry Out Loud finalist) was postponed to a future meeting as the speaker was unable to attend.

Public Comment Highlights

Five residents spoke during the public comment period for non-agendized matters. The mayor noted that the Brown Act prevents the council from taking action on these items, though staff may follow up.

• Darlene Waltman, who has lived on Alfreda Way for 48 years, raised two main concerns. First, she objected to the location of the methadone clinic on Hartnell Avenue, noting it is within a mile of three schools with associated homeless activity impacting nearby neighborhoods and children walking to school. She emphasized that while the clinic is needed, its current placement on a major road near homes and schools is problematic. Second, she highlighted ongoing traffic and safety issues on Alfreda Way, a narrow street with a unique S-curve that has become a cut-through route (exacerbated by nearby Lowe’s and apartments). She reported property damage and near-misses and requested a new traffic count, increased police presence, and further evaluation. Council directed her to speak with Police Chief Barber afterward.

• Mark Monroe briefly addressed damages to facilities at the Redding Motorsports Park (go-kart track), noting that costs had been submitted to the city and inquiring about follow-up.

• Shannon Poulsen (Westwood Village/Westwood Matter Subdivision) described safety challenges in the large subdivision, which includes many businesses, a church, and schools, and has only one entrance and exit despite housing roughly 1,800 people. She cited repeated flooding and concerns about fire evacuations. Citing California zoning regulations (Title VIII, Section 3228) requiring two points of access for subdivisions with more than 50 units, she urged completion of a partially paved second road started in 1978 but never finished.

• Hawk Mazzotta (owner of Hawk Mazzotta Motocamp and the Golden State Championship Series) spoke in support of hosting a supermoto and road race event at Redding Motorsports Park on June 5-7, 2026. The event, part of a state championship series sanctioned by MotoAmerica and the AMA, would feature kids’ road racing as a qualifier for national events. He described the track as a local “gem” in good condition that could benefit from events to generate revenue, attract 100-120 riders and 500-1,000 spectators, and support local clubs like Shasta Moto. He emphasized the economic and community value of keeping the facility active.

• Chris Brooks (representing the go-kart club) responded to the track proposal, expressing frustration over ongoing issues. He confirmed the council’s prior unanimous vote to return the track to the kart club and noted that insurance is now secured. However, he highlighted unpaid damages from prior events, criticized what he called “backdooring” by city staff member Andrew, and stated he would not support additional events until damages are paid and issues with the kart club’s assets are resolved. He requested the new city manager’s involvement. Council members acknowledged the concerns while urging respectful dialogue.

Consent Calendar Approved

With no public comments or requests for removals on consent items, the council unanimously approved the entire Consent Calendar. Key actions included:

• Approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Acceptance of accounts payable, payroll, cash reports, and treasurer’s report for February 2026.

• Award of Bid Schedule No. 5682 for electrical utility switches and retrofit kits.

• Acceptance of a $42,000 Cal Boating Aquatic Center Grant and related budget amendment.

• Proclamations for Arbor Day/Community Tree Planting Day (April 24) and Peace Officer Memorial Days (May 4, 14, and 15).

• Acquisition of public service easements, summary vacation of a portion of Court Street, purchase of one Tiger Bengal Series Boom Mower mounted on a 2026 John Deere 6M 105 Tractor for the Streets Division at a net delivered cost of $261,319.56, and continuation of emergency work on the Tarmac Road Storm Drain Project.

Other Business

There were no reports from departments, boards, or commissions, no council travel reports, and no suggestions for future agenda items. The meeting adjourned quickly after consent approval.

The April 21 session underscored ongoing community concerns about public safety, infrastructure, traffic, and recreational facilities, while advancing routine city business and participation in significant nationwide opioid litigation. Full video of the meeting is available on the City of Redding’s website and YouTube channel.