2600 Fresno Street  
Fresno, CA 93721  
www.fresno.gov  
City of Fresno  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
City Council  
President - Tyler Maxwell  
Vice President - Annalisa Perea  
Councilmembers:  
Mike Karbassi, Miguel Angel Arias, Luis Chavez,  
Garry Bredefeld, Nelson Esparza  
City Manager - Georgeanne A. White  
City Attorney - Andrew Janz  
City Clerk - Todd Stermer, CMC  
9:00 AM  
Thursday, November 2, 2023  
Council Chambers (In  
Person and/or Electronic)  
The City Council met in regular session in the Council Chamber, City Hall, on the  
date and time above written.  
9:14 A.M. ROLL CALL  
Present: 7 -  
Councilmember Nelson Esparza  
Council President Tyler Maxwell  
Vice President Annalisa Perea  
Councilmember Mike Karbassi  
Councilmember Miguel Angel Arias  
Councilmember Luis Chavez  
Councilmember Garry Bredefeld  
Invocation by Senior Pastor, DJ Criner from Saint Rest Baptist Church  
Senior Pastor, DJ Criner gave the invocation.  
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag  
Councilmember Bredefeld led the Pledge of Allegiance.  
APPROVE AGENDA  
Assistant City Clerk Parra announced the following changes to the agenda:  
There was a special meeting notice posted for November 2, 2023, 9:00 a.m.  
or thereafter for Closed Session A (ID 23-1620) regarding Conference with  
Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation regarding Letter on behalf of  
Lance-Kashian Company.  
THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS WERE MOVED TO  
CONTESTED CONSENT FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION:  
1-B (ID 23-1554) regarding the Measure P Expanded Access to Arts and  
Culture Grant guidelines.- was moved to contested consent by Council  
President Maxwell and Councilmember Arias.  
1-E (ID 23-1530) regarding an agreement for professional architectural  
engineering services with NJA Architecture - was moved to contested  
consent by Councilmember Arias.  
1-I (ID 23-1559) regarding the first amendment to a service contract with  
Holloway Environmental Solutions, LLC.- was moved to contested consent  
by Councilmember Arias.  
1-J ( ID 23-1543) regarding BILL - (For introduction) Amending the  
uncodified ordinance to adopt changes and additions to the official list of  
designated special speed zones for various streets within the City of Fresno  
pursuant to Section 14-1501 of the Fresno Municipal Code - was moved to  
contested consent by Councilmember Arias.  
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA  
Consent Calendar item 1-D (ID 23-1425) regarding the HOME Investment  
Partnerships Program, Community Housing Development Organization  
Agreement with Habitat for Humanity Fresno County, Inc. – was removed  
from the agenda by staff and tabled to November 16, 2023.  
Consent Calendar item 1-O (ID 23-1607) regarding resolution directing the  
City Manager or Designee to notify the Council of any delays to existing  
citywide and district projects caused by new Public Works or Capital  
Projects, Acceptance of Grant Funds for the reprogramming of funds – was  
removed from the agenda by Council President Maxwell and tabled to  
November 16, 2023.  
On motion of Councilmember Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Esparza, the above agenda was APPROVED AS AMENDED. The  
motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 -  
Esparza, Maxwell, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Chavez and  
Bredefeld  
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS  
Celebrating EPU’s Gala of Light Honorees  
ID 23-1608  
PRESENTED  
Proclamation for “Poverello House 50th Anniversary”  
Proclamation for “World Day of Remembrance”  
Proclamation for “Honoring Sikh Heritage Month”  
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week  
ID 23-1593  
PRESENTED  
ID 23-1582  
PRESENTED  
ID 23-1517  
PRESENTED  
ID 23-1520  
PRESENTED  
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS  
Councilmember Karbassi Reports and Comments: Wished everyone a  
Happy Halloween and announced there was a “Trunk or Treat” event at  
Gibson Elementary and a Haunted House event at Pinedale Community  
Center. Attended the International Transportation Innovations Summit  
PEDAL event held at the Convention Center. Congratulated Fresno  
Teachers Association on their negotiations. Announced the upcoming  
second annual California Pickleball Classic and registration.  
Councilmember Arias Reports and Comments: Announced upcoming bike  
and helmet giveaway in Tower District. Acknowledged PARCS staff for the  
resurfacing of tennis courts at Roading Park. Acknowledged Public Works  
staff for the street resurfacing and reconstruction including area in the Van  
Ness, Olive, and Blackstone area. Invited everyone to attend Saturday's Día  
de Muertos event. Discussed his concerns with outdoor fires on Santa Clara  
Street in front of Poverello.  
Councilmember Chavez Reports and Comments: Acknowledged staff for  
attending the park/community garden project in the Jackson / Huntington  
neighborhood. Acknowledged those who provided assistance in the  
Roosevelt incident and acknowledged Dr. Jack who volunteered dental work  
for the injured children. Acknowledged Public Works staff for the completion  
of street projects from Cedar to Sixth Street, complete with sidewalks, bike  
lanes, pedestrian paths, lighting, and improved bus stops. Attended Roselyn  
'Roz' Clark’s Services and thanked those who coordinated the service.  
Councilmember Esparza Reports and Comments: Acknowledged staff for a  
successful “Trunk or Treat” event at Manchester Center. Attended the Taco  
Truck Throwdown. Acknowledged the Public Works department for the  
Fresno / Clinton repaving. Attended the Trinity Development Center Ribbon  
Cutting ceremony.  
Vice President Perea Reports and Comments: Attended the ribbon-cutting  
for Cen Cal Sports for their kickoff of the Palm and Shields Little League.  
Participated and co-hosted the Domestic Violence Committee Hearing with  
Assembly Member Blanca Rubio. Celebrated two district 1 centenarians,  
Aldina Lehman, 100 years old and Mary Tanaka, 101 years old. Partnered  
with District 3 on the bike and helmet Giveaway.  
Council President Maxwell Reports and Comments: Acknowledged those  
who attended the third annual Fall Fest. Discussed the upcoming Senior  
Center Preliminary Designs. Invited those interested in viewing and adding  
their input into the preliminary designs to attend this coming Tuesday.  
MAYOR/MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS  
City Manager White Reports and Comments: Acknowledged Ros Clark and  
her Funeral Services. Announced the third quarter Economic Development  
report was released by the Economic Development Department and noted  
that the department is making significant progress. Discussed the  
delinquent utility billing accounts.  
CITY CLERK AND CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS AND COMMENTS  
Assistant City Clerk Parra Reports and Comments: Announced the City  
Council meeting now offer American Sign Language (ASL) services through  
Zoom.  
UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATION  
The following members of the public addressed Council: Jaidaa Hussein;  
Camille Russell; Raneem Al-Almed; Hugo Morales (1-B); Linda Merson;  
Samai Munoz; Layla; Yasir Amirech; Brandi Nuse-Villegas; Yusuf Robinson;  
Hanan Elmasry; Rex Hime (10:00 a.m.); Kim Sands; David Willis; Raymond  
Juarez; Faisal Elhadad; Steven Diddy; Jermaine; Haya Qutob; Moses Khan;  
Lisa Flores; Robert McCloskey; Salam Alloh; Deep Singh; Shoukat Khan;  
Amber Kausin; Sohaib Qadri, and Israa Qutob.  
Public Comment  
ID 23-1650  
1. CONSENT CALENDAR  
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
On motion of Councilmember Karbassi, seconded by Councilmember  
Esparza, the CONSENT CALENDAR was hereby adopted by the  
following vote:  
Aye: 7 -  
Esparza, Maxwell, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Chavez and  
Bredefeld  
Approval of Minutes for October 19, 2023, Regular Meeting  
1.-A.  
1.-C.  
ID 23-1574  
APPROVED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
***RESOLUTION - Adopting the Sixth Amendment to Fiscal Year 2024  
ID 23-1592  
Salary Resolution No. 2023-183, amending Exhibit 14, Unit 14,  
Management Classes (CFMEA) by adding the new classification and  
providing a monthly salary step plan range for Clinic Manager, effective  
November 6, 2023 (Subject to Mayor’s Veto).  
RESOLUTION 2023-288 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve a $253,673 HOME Investment Partnerships Program, Community  
1.-D.  
ID 23-1425  
Housing Development Organization Agreement with Habitat for Humanity  
Fresno County, Inc., for the construction of a single-family house at 64 E.  
Atchison Street in southwest Fresno (Council District 3).  
The above item was removed from the agenda and table to November 16,  
2023.  
TABLED  
Actions pertaining to the Concrete Liner Installation at the Northeast  
ID 23-1472  
1.-F.  
Surface Water Treatment Facility Sludge Drying Beds 1 and 2 (Bid File  
12400215) (Council District 6):  
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections  
15301/Class 1 and 15302/Class 2 of the California Environmental  
Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines  
2. Award a construction contract to Unified Field Services Corporation  
of Bakersfield, California, in the amount of $3,533,654  
APPROVED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the First Amendment to Service Contract with Partners in Control  
Inc., dba Enterprise Automation, to increase the value of the Service  
1.-G.  
ID 23-1518  
Contract by $97,754, for  
a
revised fee of $247,673, to complete  
operational programming at Pump Station 117 (Fresno County island near  
Council Districts 4 and 6).  
APPROVED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
Reject the bid for the Bridge Preventive Maintenance Program Phase II  
Project at Various Locations - Bid File Number 12400024 (Council District  
4 and 7)  
1.-H.  
1.-K.  
ID 23-1539  
APPROVED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
***RESOLUTION- Authorizing the submission of grant applications to  
California Air Resource Board (CARB) Sustainable Transportation Equity  
Project (STEP) Grant Program for Environmental Justice and  
ID 23-1545  
Transportation Equity in West Fresno Projects totaling up to $12 million in  
requests of grant application funding and authorizing the execution of grant  
application and accepting the grant and completing grant agreement  
documents by the Department of Transportation Director or Designee(s).  
(Subject to Mayor’s Veto).  
RESOLUTION 2023-289 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the reappointment of Dr. Carole Goldsmith to the Regional  
Workforce Development Board for a term ending November 1, 2025.  
1.-L.  
ID 23-1586  
APPROVED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
Resolution renaming the Roeding Dog Park Run to “Puppy Love” Dog Park  
1.-M.  
ID 23-1588  
RESOLUTION 2023-290 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
***RESOLUTION - Establishing the City of Fresno CHIPS  
Incentive Program (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
1.-N.  
ID 23-1589  
RESOLUTION 2023-291 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
***Resolution - Directing the City Manager or Designee to Notify the  
Council of Any Delays to Existing Citywide and District Projects Caused by  
New Public Works or Capital Projects, Acceptance of Grant Funds or the  
Reprograming of Funds (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
1.-O.  
ID 23-1607  
The above item was removed from the agenda and table to November 16,  
2023.  
TABLED  
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR  
RESOLUTION - Adopting the Measure P Expanded Access to Arts and  
Culture Grant guidelines.  
1.-B.  
ID 23-1554  
Councilmember Arias moved this item to Contested Consent to request the  
matter be continued to November 16, 2023.  
TABLED  
On motion of Councilmember Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Esparza, that the above Action Item be TABLED to November 16, 2023.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Esparza, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Chavez and Bredefeld  
Absent: 1 - Maxwell  
Approve an agreement for professional architectural engineering services  
ID 23-1530  
1.-E.  
with NJA Architecture, of Lodi, CA for $1,072,670, with an $80,000  
contingency, for community outreach, infrastructure assessment, master  
planning, and schematic development services for the West Fresno  
Community Centers Rehabilitation Planning Project (Council District 3).  
Councilmember Arias moved this item to Contested Consent to discuss  
using Measure P funds for community center renovations and addresses  
concerns about the impact on warming centers during the winter.  
APPROVED  
On motion of Councilmember Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Esparza, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Esparza, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Chavez and Bredefeld  
Absent: 1 - Maxwell  
Approve  
a
first amendment to  
a
service contract with Holloway  
1.-I.  
ID 23-1559  
Environmental Solutions, LLC., to increase the contract not-to-exceed  
amount for Biosolids reuse and disposal services in the amount of  
$2,826,866.69, for a total contract value of $9,198,866.69 (Bid File No.  
9468) (Citywide)  
Councilmember Arias moved this item to Contested Consent to discuss the  
contract increase, why the proposed increase is only for one of the two  
vendors, and preparing for an RFP for new contractors.  
APPROVED  
On motion of Councilmember Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Bredefeld, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Esparza, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Chavez and Bredefeld  
Absent: 1 - Maxwell  
BILL - (For introduction) Amending the uncodified ordinance to adopt  
ID 23-1543  
1.-J.  
changes and additions to the official list of designated special speed  
zones for various streets within the City of Fresno pursuant to Section  
14-1501 of the Fresno Municipal Code (Citywide).  
Councilmember Arias moved this item to Contested Consent to discuss  
speed limits on various streets in the city.  
Council discussion on this item included: Acknowledgement of Public  
Works Department and Assistant Director Gormley for their recent awards;  
the request of speed reduction in neighborhoods for safety, and the state's  
process for setting speed limits.  
BILL B-34 APPROVED, INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER  
On motion of Councilmember Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Karbassi, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Esparza, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Chavez and Bredefeld  
Absent: 1 - Maxwell  
2. SCHEDULED COUNCIL HEARINGS AND MATTERS  
10:00 A.M.  
HEARING to consider Environmental Assessment No. P22-04122  
ID 23-1506  
pertaining to approximately 8.0 acres of property located on the east side  
of North Abby Street, between East Minarets/East Alluvial and East Spruce  
Avenues (Council District 6) - Planning & Development Department.  
1. DENY the appeal and ADOPT Environmental Assessment P22-  
04122, dated May 5, 2023, a Mitigated Negative Declaration for  
the proposed project pursuant to California Environmental  
Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.  
The above hearing was called to order at 11:36 a.m. and was introduced to  
Council by Supervising Planner Holt, Applicant Brian Saltikov, and  
Appellant Victoria Yundt. Upon call, there was no public comment. The  
public comment period closed at 11:51 a.m.  
Council discussion on this item included: the council's role in permitting the  
project following a CEQA appeal. If the CEQA appeal is denied, and  
whether the council can approve the project later.  
APPROVED STAFF RECOMMENDATION  
On motion of Councilmember Bredefeld, seconded by  
Councilmember Esparza, that the above Action Item be APPROVED.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 -  
Esparza, Maxwell, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Chavez and  
Bredefeld  
10:05 A.M.  
Appearance by Camilla Sutherland to discuss Roading Park resurface of  
the tennis courts start date. (District 3 Resident)  
ID 23-1594  
Upon call, Camilla Sutherland did not appear.  
3. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION  
4. CITY COUNCIL  
5. CLOSED SESSION  
During open session, City Attorney Janz announced the items that would be  
discussed in closed session.  
Council withdrew to closed session at 2:02 p.m.  
5.-A.  
ID 23-1489  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
Case Name: Leonard Lujan v. City of Fresno, PSI, Admin by Tristar Risk  
Management; Tristar Claim No.: 1010103818-ADR-1  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements regarding this item.  
DISCUSSED  
5.-B.  
ID 23-1510  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
Case Name: Michael Brogdon v. City of Fresno, PSI, Admin by Tristar  
Risk Management; Tristar Claim No.: 1010104473-ADR-1  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements regarding this item.  
DISCUSSED  
5.-C.  
ID 23-1513  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(4): 1 potential case  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements regarding this item.  
DISCUSSED  
5.-D.  
ID 23-1488  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(4): 1 potential case  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements regarding this item.  
DISCUSSED  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION  
ID 23-1601  
5.-E.  
5.-F.  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(4): 1 potential case  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements regarding this item.  
DISCUSSED  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION  
ID 23-1603  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(2): 2 potential cases  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements regarding this item.  
DISCUSSED  
ADJOURNMENT  
City Council adjourned from the Special Closed Session at 3:44 p.m.  
The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the City Council during the  
November 16, 2023, regular meeting.