Following the lead of other local communities in restricting the possession and purchase of butane cans, Chico is expected to follow suit at a council meeting this evening.
The cans, about the same size and shape of a spray paint can, have been used to extract concentrated THC from essentially worthless marijuana leaves.
A lucrative but dangerous cottage industry has developed. The heavier-than-air gas is extremely flammable. Amateur chemists attempting to refine so-called butane honey oil have mistakenly set off explosions, some fatal.
City officials will also weigh raising the cost of hundreds of different permits, licenses and fees. According to City Manager Mark Orme, the increases reflect inflation and the cost of providing services.
The city’s budget is also up for consideration. Orme is urging elected officials remain fiscally frugal and is recommending against increasing spending or restoring cut programs.
The council is also scheduled to finish rescinding its vote allowing Chico Scrap Metal to remain. The action is prompted by an earlier bookkeeping error. The fate of the controversial scrapyard will then return to the planning commission and then council.
The council is also expected to overturn a planning commission ruling banning the new Chico Children’s Museum from being painted bright yellow. The commission had sought a more muted color.