2600 Fresno Street  
Fresno, CA 93721  
www.fresno.gov  
City of Fresno  
Meeting Minutes  
City Council  
President - Mike Karbassi  
Vice President - Miguel Angel Arias  
Councilmembers:  
Annalisa Perea, Tyler Maxwell, District 5 - Vacant,  
Nick Richardson, Nelson Esparza  
City Manager - Georgeanne A. White  
City Attorney - Andrew Janz  
City Clerk - Todd Stermer, MMC  
9:00 AM  
Thursday, March 27, 2025  
Council Chambers  
The City Council met in regular session in the Council Chamber, City Hall, on the  
date and time above written.  
9:09 A.M. ROLL CALL  
Council District 5 is vacant pending a March 18, 2025, special election.  
Present: 6 -  
Council President Mike Karbassi  
Vice President Miguel Angel Arias  
Councilmember Annalisa Perea  
Councilmember Tyler Maxwell  
Councilmember Nick Richardson  
Councilmember Nelson Esparza  
Invocation by Pastor Brad Liebe, Executive Pastor of Peoples Church  
Pastor Marcus Marshall of Peoples Church gave the invocation.  
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag  
Councilmember Esparza led the Pledge of Allegiance.  
APPROVE AGENDA  
CITY CLERK STERMER ANNOUNCED THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO  
THE AGENDA:  
The invocation was given by Pastor Marcus Marshall of Peoples Church.  
2-S (ID 25-1) regarding the Parkview Apartments affordable rental housing  
project located along the Parkway Drive Corridor, Fresno, CA (Council  
District 3) - On the staff report, under RECOMMENDATION, there will be a  
change to the wording since the item is not subject to CEQA at this time.  
The following sentence shall be removed "adopt a Categorical Exemption  
pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1) and Section 15332 (Class 32) of the  
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and a"….And will  
be replaced with " Staff recommends City Council Approve a Resolution in  
support of a $6,000,000 contribution of City funds..."  
Council President Karbassi would like to adjourn the meeting in memory of  
Fresno Police Officer Ryan Torres who passed away March 21, 2025 after a  
valiant battle with cancer.  
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA:  
2-Q (ID 25-312) regarding the lease of city-owned agricultural land at the  
Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Bid File  
#101824DN) (District 3) - tabled to April 10, 2025 by Vice President Arias.  
5:30 P.M. (ID 25-294) Previously Scheduled for 9:15 A.M. regarding  
consideration of text amendment application no. P24-00794 and related  
environmental finding for environmental assessment No. P24-00794 - tabled  
to April 24, 2025, at 5:30 P.M. by Councilmember Perea.  
THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS WERE MOVED TO THE  
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION:  
2-F (ID 25-345) regarding the declaration of surplus personal property in  
support of the Blackstone McKinley BNSF Grade Separation Project - was  
moved to the contested consent by Vice President Arias.  
2-L (ID 25-325) regarding the disposition of City owned, undeveloped right  
of way situated on the west side of South Golden State Boulevard, north of  
East Jensen Avenue - was moved to the contested consent by Vice  
President Arias.  
2-T (ID 25-144) regarding the South Central Community Benefits Fund and  
Expenditure Plan (related to the development project located at 971 E.  
North Avenue, Fresno CA 93725) - was moved to the contested consent by  
Vice President Arias.  
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Maxwell, the Agenda was APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Maxwell, Richardson and Esparza  
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS  
Proclamation for “Cesar Chavez” Day presented to El Concilio de Fresno  
Proclamation for “National Crime Victims' Right Week”  
Proclamation for “Women’s History Month”  
ID 25-185  
PRESENTED  
ID 25-200  
PRESENTED  
ID 25-339  
PRESENTED  
Fresno Animal Center presents “Pet of the Month”  
ID 25-45  
PRESENTED  
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS  
Councilmember Richardson Reports and Comments: Acknowledged the  
great turnouts at neighborhood meetings and roundtables in District 6.  
Announced the next neighborhood meeting in the Riverview neighborhood.  
Announced the application period for speed bumps is now open, and invited  
residents who want speed bumps to submit applications as soon as  
possible.  
Councilmember Maxwell Reports and Comments: Announced the upcoming  
Spring Fest at Einstein Park, and encouraged families, with children to  
attend.  
Vice President Arias Reports and Comments: Announced the Measure “P”  
Parks Initiative is accepting applications for Arts and Culture grants.  
Acknowledged PARCS staff and the Council for funding the new cricket  
courts at JSK Park. Announced the annual community budget meetings at  
various locations in District 3, and invited residents to attend.  
Councilmember Esparza Reports and Comments: Announced the Clean  
California Community Day, with a focus on community service, and invited  
volunteers to participate.  
Council President Karbassi Reports and Comments: Attended the wedding  
of Councilmember Maxwell. Announced the first Finance and Audit  
Committee meeting of the year was held, and expressed gratitude to staff for  
their work. Announced the opening of Wildwood Native Park on the Madera  
side of the San Joaquin River highlighting its accessibility and serene  
environment. Acknowledged the Women of the Year event honoring  
executive assistants Marisol Sanchez and Adrienne Kinney, as well as  
Melinda Marks Mehlhoff for her contributions and collaborative leadership.  
Acknowledged District 2, and District 1 staff for their hard work in organizing  
the event. Announced adjourning the meeting in honor of Fresno Police  
Officer Ryan Torres and requested thoughts and prayers for his family.  
Councilmember Perea Reports and Comments: Acknowledged Adrienne  
Kinney, and Marisol Sanchez for their contributions to Councilmembers,  
staff, the Mayor's office, and the City Manager's office. Acknowledged  
Livingstone Restaurant, Tower District, and Tower District Business  
Association for hosting a pop-up event to help local restaurants apply for the  
Energy Efficiency Grant Program (in partnership with the Mayor’s office and  
PG&E). Recognized Mary with Neighborhood Watch for organizing a series  
of neighborhood watch events in District 1. Acknowledged Easterseals  
Central California in District 1 as Business of the Month for its work  
supporting individuals with autism and disabilities. Announced the annual  
series of Town Hall Meetings in District 1, and encouraged residents to  
contact District 1 for questions about upcoming Town Hall events.  
ID 25-478  
Photos Shared During Council Reports and Comments  
MAYOR/MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS  
Mayor Dyer Reports and Comments: Acknowledged the Women of the Year  
event. Attended Councilmember Maxwell’s wedding. Attended the Fire  
Symposium, which drew over 500 firefighters from across California.  
Announced the groundbreaking for Fresno’s first pickle ball courts at Rotary  
East expected to be completed by mid-June with additional courts coming to  
Woodward Park and Roding Park. Announced the groundbreaking of new  
cricket pitch fields will be built at JSK Park, and the Regional Sports  
Complex. Announced the Energy Efficiency Grants launched in partnership  
with PG&E for small restaurants to upgrade appliances. Recognized  
Councilmember Perea for spearheading PG&E's generous $100,000  
contribution toward acquiring chest compression devices for firefighters.  
City Manager White Reports and Comments: Attended the Finance and  
Audit Committee Meeting and acknowledged the exceptional work of the  
City’s Finance team, including City Controller Santino Denisi, Assistant  
Controller Kaleb Neufeld, and Assistant City Manager Ruthie Quinto.  
1. SCHEDULED COUNCIL HEARINGS AND MATTERS  
9:10 A.M.  
Hearing to consider Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 6397 for  
approximately 4.72 acres of property located on the east side of North  
Cornelia Avenue, between West McKinley and West Hedges Avenues  
(Council District 3) - Planning and Development Department.  
1. DENY the appeal and UPHOLD the action of the Planning  
Commission in the approval of Vesting Tentative Tract Map No.  
6397, proposing to subdivide approximately 4.72 acres of property  
into a 26-lot single-family residential development, subject to the  
following:  
ID 25-282  
a. Development shall take place in accordance with the  
Conditions of Approval for Vesting Tentative Tract Map No.  
6397 dated February 5, 2025.  
The above item was called to order at 10:08 A.M. and was presented to  
Council by Planning Manager Trejo. Upon call, no members of the public  
addressed Council. Public comment closed at 10:18 A.M.  
Council discussion included: Traffic infrastructure issues in new  
development areas. Conditions for infrastructure improvements in new  
housing developments. Challenges in traffic planning and funding. Future  
housing development in the area. City’s need for better infrastructure  
planning.  
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Perea, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Maxwell, Richardson and Esparza  
9:15 A.M. ID 25-294 (CONTINUED - WILL BE HEARD AT 5:30 P.M.)  
9:20 A.M.  
HEARING to receive public comment on the 2024 Housing Element Annual  
Progress Report  
ID 25-247  
The above item was called to order at 10:19 A.M. and was presented to  
Council by Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Manager Cambron.  
Upon call, the following members of the public addressed Council: Marisa  
Moraza, Jovana Morales, and Brandi N. Public comment closed at 10:48  
A.M.  
Council discussion included: Housing element compliance, and updates.  
Affordable housing initiatives. Homeless shelters transition. Mobile home  
park inspections, sustainability, and improvement program. ADU (Accessory  
Dwelling Units) development. Public engagement and challenges. Progress  
and action on housing element. Councilmember accountability. Ministerial  
approval and housing crisis. Public participation and notification.  
Inconsistencies within development policies. Down payment assistance  
program. Availability of funds. Restrictions and parameters on funding.  
State and federal funding for housing. General fund allocation for housing.  
Caution regarding state relations.  
PRESENTED  
9:35 A.M.  
HEARING for consideration of Text Amendment Application No.  
P23-03472 and related environmental determination, amending Section  
15-6703 and Article 68 of the Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) relating to  
Hospitals and Sub-Acute Care Facilities and Terms and Definitions.  
ID 25-369  
1.  
ADOPTION of the environmental determination that Text  
Amendment Application No. P23-03472 is exempt from the  
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section  
15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines.  
2. BILL (for introduction) amending Section 15-6703 and Article 68 of  
the FMC to define a Sub-Acute Care Facility and to include  
Sub-Acute Care Facilities in the description for Hospitals.  
The above item was called to order at 10:54 A.M. and was presented to  
Council by Planning Manager Siegrist. Upon call, no members of the public  
addressed Council. Public comment closed at 11:22 A.M.  
Council discussion included: Text amendment initiated by private citizens.  
Definition of subacute care facility. Purpose of the amendment. Zoning and  
land use concerns. Potential unintended consequences. Comparison to  
other cities. Regulations and restrictions. Alternative solutions. Public and  
council concerns. Applicant’s justification.  
BILL B-9 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER  
On motion of Councilmember Perea, seconded by Councilmember  
Maxwell, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Maxwell, Richardson and Esparza  
10:00 A.M.  
Appearance by Brian Calhoun regarding “Audubon Avenue traffic safety  
study and Republic Services garbage trucks” (District 2 Resident)  
ID 25-331  
Council President Karbassi provide a brief response.  
APPEARED  
10:03 A.M.  
Appearance by Amilca Sandoval regarding “Nonprofit organization for  
ID 25-378  
citizens with disabilities” (District 7 Resident)  
APPEARED  
10:06 A.M.  
Appearance by Lori Wiley regarding “Nonprofit organization for citizens  
with disabilities” (District 7 Resident)  
ID 25-379  
DID NOT APPEARED  
10:09 A.M.  
Appearance by America E Cabrales Garcia regarding “New Property  
Owner Concerns” (District 1 Resident)  
ID 25-405  
DID NOT APPEARED  
5:30 P.M. (PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED FOR 9:15 A.M.)  
Consideration of Text Amendment Application No. P24-00794 and related  
ID 25-294  
Environmental Finding for Environmental Assessment No. P24-00794,  
amending Sections 15-1302, 15-4907, 15-5102, 15-6702, 15-6802 of the  
Fresno Municipal Code, repealing Section 15-1106 of the Fresno  
Municipal Code, and establishing Section 15-2742.5 of the Fresno  
Municipal Code, to permit ministerial approval of housing projects.  
1. ADOPTION of Mitigated Negative Declaration Sch No.  
2024110662 for Text Amendment Application No. P24-00794.  
2. BILL (for introduction), amending Sections 15-1302, 15-4907,  
15-5102, 15-6702, 15-6802 of the Fresno Municipal Code,  
repealing Section 15-1106 of the Fresno Municipal Code, and  
establishing Section 15-2742.5 of the Fresno Municipal Code,  
to permit ministerial approval of housing projects in the following  
instances as noted below:  
a. Ministerial approval of office to dwelling conversions in  
the Office zone district; and  
b. Ministerial approval of multi-unit residential development  
in the RM-1, RM-2, and RM-3 zone districts on parcels  
within one-half mile of an existing bus stop; and  
c. Ministerial approval of multi-unit residential uses in the  
NMX, CMX, RMX, CMS and CR zone districts on parcels  
within the City’s Infill Priority Area; and  
d. Ministerial  
approval  
of  
new  
multi-unit  
residential  
development in the Office zone district.  
During approval of the agenda, City Clerk Stermer announced this item was  
tabled to April 24, 2025, at 5:30 P.M. by Councilmember Perea.  
2. CONSENT CALENDAR  
Upon call, for public comment on all Consent, Contested Consent and  
Closed Session items, the following members of the public addressed  
Council: Ivanka Sanders (2-V, 2-W).  
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
On motion of Councilmember Maxwell, seconded by Councilmember  
Richardson, the CONSENT CALENDAR was hereby adopted by the  
following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Maxwell, Richardson and Esparza  
Approval of the minutes for March 13, 2025  
2.-A.  
2.-B.  
ID 25-406  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the Fresno Regional  
Workforce Development Board’s (FRWDB’s) application through the  
California Workforce Development Board (State Board) for Local Board  
Certification for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.  
ID 25-368  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the First Amendment to Consultant Services Agreement with  
Group Delta, Inc. for Environmental Consulting Services for unspecified  
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Fresno Chandler  
Executive Airport (FCH) Non-Federal and Federal Funded Capital Projects  
in an amount not to exceed $172,000 and authorize the Director of Aviation  
or designee to execute the Amendment on behalf of the City (Council  
Districts 3 and 4).  
2.-C.  
ID 25-303  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions related to the Third Amendment to the Consultant Services  
2.-D.  
ID 25-302  
Agreement with Landry Consulting LLC:  
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section  
15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environment Quality  
Act Guidelines.  
2. Approve the Third Amendment to the Consultant Services  
Agreement for an additional $100,000 with Laundry Consulting,  
LLC., for the implementation of the Airport Safety Management  
Systems (SMS) program at Fresno Yosemite International Airport  
(FAT). The total contract value is not to exceed $480,000. (Council  
District 4)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions pertaining to professional On-Call Right of Way Consultant (Bid  
2.-E.  
ID 25-374  
File 12501020) and Appraisal Services (Bid File 12500832) for the  
Capital Projects Department on City of Fresno capital improvement  
projects (Citywide):  
1.  
2.  
Approve an On-Call Right of Way Consultant Agreement with  
Continental Acquisition Services, Inc., a California corporation DBA  
Continental Field Services of Fresno, California in the amount of  
$1,500,000.00;  
Approve an On-Call Right of Way Consultant Agreement with  
Beacon Integrated Professional Resources, Inc.,  
a
California  
S-Corporation, DBA Hamner, Jewell & Associates of San Luis  
Obispo, California in the amount of $1,500,000.00;  
3.  
4.  
Approve an On-Call Right of Way Consultant Agreement with  
Paragon Partners Consultants, Inc., a Delaware corporation of  
Cypress, California in the amount of $1,500,000.00;  
Approve an On-Call Right of Way Consultant Agreement with  
Universal Field Services, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation of Fresno,  
California in the amount of $1,500,000.00;  
5. Approve an On-Call Appraisal Consultant Agreement with CBRE,  
Inc., a Delaware corporation of Fresno, California in the amount of  
$1,500,000.00;  
6. Approve an On-Call Appraisal Consultant Agreement with James G.  
Palmer Appraisals, Inc.,  
a
California corporation of Fresno,  
California in the amount of $1,500,000.00;  
7.  
Approve an On-Call Appraisal Consultant Agreement with RPA  
Wakefield & Hopper, Inc., a California corporation DBA Real  
Property Analysts of Fresno, California in the amount of  
$1,500,000.00;  
8. Approve an On-Call Appraisal Consultant Agreement with The Dore  
Group, Inc., a California corporation of San Diego, California in the  
amount of $1,500,000.00.  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve Contract Change Order No. 01 for Year No. 3 in the amount of  
$189,820.50, with no additional working days, for adjustments of all bid  
item unit costs to compensate for additional traffic control requirements  
with National Plant Services Incorporated, of Long Beach, California, for  
the Requirements Contract for Closed Captioned Television Inspection  
Services of Large Sewer Mains - Year No. 3. (Bid File 9602) (Council  
Districts - Various, City Wide)  
2.-G.  
2.-H.  
2.-I.  
ID 25-182  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the First Amendment to the Consultant Services Agreement with  
ID 25-358  
Electrical Power Systems, Inc., of Fresno, California, to increase the total  
contract by an amount not to exceed $57,310.00, paid on a time and  
materials basis for a revised total contract amount not to exceed  
$106,760.00, for the Emergency Backup Generators at the B-Side  
Switchgear and Headworks Buildings at the Fresno-Clovis Regional  
Wastewater Reclamation Facility Project. (Council District 3)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property and  
Escrow Instructions to acquire fee interest of a 0.43-acre (18,730 square  
feet) improved parcel, identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number  
ID 25-330  
451-134-05, owned by Joseph E. Alanis, Trustee of the Joseph E. Alanis  
Revocable Trust dated April 8, 2009, for an amount of $2,027,950.00, for  
the construction of the Blackstone McKinley BNSF Grade Separation  
Project (Council Districts 1 and 7).  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve Amendment No. 3 to Measure C Cooperative Project Agreement  
2.-J.  
ID 25-352  
for the widening of the Herndon Avenue Burlington Northern Sante Fe  
overpass between Polk Avenue and Milburn Avenue (Urban Project, K-11),  
in the amount of $4,055,000.00, with the Fresno County Transportation  
Authority; and authorize the Public Works Director or designee to execute  
the amendment on behalf of the City (Council District 2).  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions pertaining to the Southbound Polk Avenue Widening Project from  
Gettysburg Avenue to Shaw Avenue (Council District 1):  
2.-K.  
ID 25-357  
1. Adopt Environmental Assessment No. P18-02753, an addendum to  
the Negative Declaration for Environmental Assessment No. P18-  
02753, prepared in accordance with Section 15164 of the  
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;  
2. Approve a Facilities Maintenance Agreement between the City of  
Fresno and the Fresno Irrigation District, and authorize the Director  
of Public Works or designee to sign the Facilities Maintenance  
Agreement on behalf of the City.  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve banking services agreement with Wells Fargo in the amount of  
$173,915 per year for five years for a total contract value of $869,575 (Bid  
File 12500077).  
2.-M.  
2.-N.  
ID 25-397  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 49th Amendment to the Annual  
ID 25-423  
Appropriation Resolution No.2024-122 Appropriating $250,000 from  
HHAP State Grant to City Attorney/Code Department. (Requires Five  
Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
RESOLUTION 2025-76 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Submission and Acceptance of the City of Fresno Annual Comprehensive  
Financial Report (ACFR) and Annual Comprehensive Dept Report (ACDR)  
for Fiscal Year 2024  
2.-O.  
2.-P.  
ID 25-402  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the First Amendment to the Consultant Agreement with Provost &  
ID 25-272  
Pritchard Engineering Group, Inc. expanding services to incorporate the  
Santa Fe Phase II ADA Parking Lot and Path of Travel Upgrades, for an  
increased contract amount of $177,500 plus a contingency amount not to  
exceed $15,000, revising the total contract amount to $310,000 plus a  
revised contingency amount not to exceed $30,000 and authorize the  
General Servies Director or designee to execute all related documents  
(Council District 3)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions pertaining to the lease of city-owned agricultural land at the  
2.-Q.  
ID 25-312  
Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Bid File  
#101824DN) (District 3):  
1.  
Adopt  
determination  
a
finding of Categorical Exemption per staff  
pursuant to Sections 15301/Class and  
1
15304/Class 4 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)  
Guidelines  
2.  
Approve a Lease Agreement between the City of Fresno  
and James F. Cook in the amount of $243,200 annually for lease of  
approximately 400 acres of City-owned agricultural land at the  
Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (RWRF)  
for an initial term through December 31, 2028, plus one optional  
four-year extension; and authorize the Director of General Services  
or designee to execute the Lease Agreement and subsequent  
extensions on the City’s behalf  
During approval of the agenda, City Clerk Stermer announced this item was  
tabled to April 10, 2025 by Vice President Arias.  
TABLED  
Actions pertaining to the substantial rehabilitation of the former Parkside  
ID 25-361  
2.-R.  
Inn Motel site, located at 1075 N. Warren Avenue, into a 63-unit affordable  
multifamily housing project (District 3):  
1. Approve a First Amendment to the Community Development Block  
Grant (CDBG) Agreement - Exhibit B: II Project Schedule, with  
Silvercrest, Inc. (Silvercrest), to extend the Commencement of  
Construction, Completion of Construction, and Lease Up Schedule  
dates; and  
2. ***RESOLUTION - To support Silvercrest, Inc. Non-Profit Public  
Benefit Corporation’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)  
application and/or Homekey+ application for the substantial  
rehabilitation of the Parkside Inn Motel site; and provide  
a
conditional commitment of available housing loan funding to the  
project in an amount not to exceed $3,858,000 for eligible  
rehabilitation costs (Subject to Mayor’s Veto).  
RESOLUTION 2025-77 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions pertaining to the Parkview Apartments affordable rental housing  
2.-S.  
ID 25-1  
project located along the Parkway Drive Corridor, Fresno, CA (Council  
District 3):  
1. ***RESOLUTION - Adopt a Resolution in support of a contribution of  
City funds in the amount of $6,000,000 and a contribution of three  
City-owned parcels along the Parkway Drive Corridor to Cesar  
Chavez Foundation for the development of the Parkview Apartments  
affordable rental housing project, and authorizing the City Manager,  
or designee, to execute all necessary documents on behalf of the  
City (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
During approval of the agenda, City Clerk Stermer announced - on the staff  
report, under RECOMMENDATION, there will be a change to the wording  
since the item is not subject to CEQA at this time. The following sentence  
shall be removed "adopt a Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section  
15301 (Class 1) and Section 15332 (Class 32) of the California  
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and a"….And will be  
replaced with "Staff recommends City Council Approve a Resolution in  
support of a $6,000,000 contribution of City funds..."  
RESOLUTION 2025-78 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve a Service Agreement with Marjaree Mason Center (MMC) to  
ID 25-235  
2.-U.  
operate a homeless emergency shelter, offering 12-beds serving families  
and individuals experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of  
homelessness, located at Fresno Safe House, through June 30, 2026, in  
the total amount of $140,000.00 funded with Homeless Housing,  
Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) dollars. (Bid File No.12500851)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions pertaining to the Orange and Central Avenues Homes Community  
ID 25-337  
2.-V.  
Sewer Consolidation Project (Unincorporated Fresno County):  
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination  
pursuant to Class 1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the  
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;  
2. ***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the Director of Public Utilities or  
designee(s) to prepare and submit grant applications, accept funds,  
and execute any financial assistance agreements and amendments  
with the California State Water Resources Control Board on behalf  
of the City of Fresno for the planning, design, and construction of the  
Orange  
and  
Central  
Avenues  
Homes  
Community  
Sewer  
Consolidation Project. (Subject to Mayor’s veto)  
RESOLUTION 2025-80 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions pertaining to the Orange and Central Avenues Water  
Consolidation Project (Unincorporated Fresno County):  
2.-W.  
ID 25-338  
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination  
pursuant to Class 1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the  
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;  
2. ***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the Director of Public Utilities or  
designee(s) to prepare and submit grant applications, accept funds,  
and execute any financial assistance agreements and amendments  
with the California State Water Resources Control Board on behalf  
of the City of Fresno for the planning, design, and construction of the  
Orange and Central Avenues Water Consolidation Project. (Subject  
to Mayor’s veto)  
RESOLUTION 2025-81 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Action pertaining to the summary vacation of a portion of the relinquishment  
2.-X.  
ID 25-359  
of direct access rights on the southeast corner of East Belmont Avenue  
and North Fowler Avenue (Council District 5):  
1. RESOLUTION - Approving the summary vacation of a portion of the  
relinquishment of direct access rights on the southeast corner of  
East Belmont Avenue and North Fowler Avenue.  
RESOLUTION 2025-82 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
RESOLUTION - Of Intention to Annex Final Parcel Map Number 2019-12  
2.-Y.  
ID 25-389  
as Annexation Number 68 to the City of Fresno Community Facilities  
District Number 9 and to Authorize the Levy of Special Taxes; and setting  
the Public Hearing for Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 9:30 am (West side of  
North Harrison Avenue and West Alluvial Avenue) (Council District 2).  
RESOLUTION 2025-83 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
RESOLUTION - Of Intention to Annex Final Tract Map Number 6384 as  
2.-Z.  
ID 25-333  
Annexation Number 154 to the City of Fresno Community Facilities District  
Number 11 and to Authorize the Levy of Special Taxes; and setting the  
public hearing for Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 9:20 am (Southeast corner of  
East McKinley Avenue and North McKelvey Avenue) (Council District 7).  
RESOLUTION 2025-84 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
RESOLUTION - Of Intention to Annex Final Tract Map Number 6463 as  
2.-AA.  
ID 25-334  
Annexation Number 155 to the City of Fresno Community Facilities District  
Number 11 and to Authorize the Levy of Special Taxes; and setting the  
public hearing for Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 9:15 am (Northeast corner of  
East McKinley Avenue and North Redhaven Drive) (Council District 7).  
RESOLUTION 2025-85 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
RESOLUTION - of Intention to annex Final Parcel Map Number 2022-03 as  
2.-BB.  
ID 25-393  
Annexation Number 003 to the City of Fresno Community Facilities District  
Number 18 and to authorize the levy of Special Taxes; and setting the  
public hearing for Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 9:25 am (Located on the south  
side of West Bullard Avenue, west of North Maroa Avenue) (Council  
District 4).  
RESOLUTION 2025-86 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the award of a Cooperative Purchase Agreement to Complete  
Coach Works for the purchase of eleven (11) 40’ refurbished compressed  
natural gas buses in the amount of $3,939,787.39 (Bid File 12501922)  
2.-CC.  
2.-DD.  
ID 25-370  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
RESOLUTION - to Support Assembly Bill (AB) 394 (Wilson), a bill to  
ID 25-371  
enhance and expand the safety and security of FAX and other California  
public transit systems employees, passengers and contractors against  
assaults.  
RESOLUTION 2025-74 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
***Bill B-8 (Introduce March 13, 2025) (For Adoption) - Amending Sidewalk  
Vending Ordinance Violations, section 10-2606, to provide for immediate  
monetary citations in the Tower District (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
2.-EE.  
2.-FF.  
ID 25-398  
ORDINANCE 2025-8 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the appointment of Christina Garza to the Fresno Regional  
ID 25-408  
Workforce Development Board with a term ending November 1, 2025.  
Approve the reappointment of Amy Fuentes to the Women’s Commission  
with a term ending March 30, 2027.  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR  
Action pertaining to the declaration of surplus personal property in support  
2.-F.  
ID 25-345  
of the Blackstone McKinley BNSF Grade Separation Project (Council  
Districts 1 and 7):  
1. ***RESOLUTION  
-
Declaring certain City-owned materials and  
equipment as surplus personal property and authorizing their sale at  
public auction to the highest bidder (Subject to Mayor’s Veto).  
Vice President Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent to get  
clarification on the public auction.  
Council discussion included: City auction for excess property. City  
participation in the auction. Budget considerations. Funding source  
restrictions. Interdepartmental coordination. Procurement compliance.  
Heavy equipment acquisition. Auction date & notification. Post-auction  
report.  
RESOLUTION 2025-73 ADOPTED  
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Perea, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried by  
the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Maxwell, Richardson and Esparza  
Actions pertaining to the disposition of City owned, undeveloped right of  
ID 25-325  
2.-L.  
way situated on the west side of South Golden State Boulevard, north of  
East Jensen Avenue (Council District 3):  
1. Adopt  
a
finding of Categorical Exemption per Environmental  
Assessment Number TPM 2021-15, pursuant to Section 15315 of  
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines,  
Environmental Assessment Number TPM 2021-15 for Tentative  
Parcel Map No. 2021-15;  
2. RESOLUTION - Adopt the attached Resolution of Intention Number  
1157-D to vacate a portion of the public street right of way located  
on the west side of South Golden State Boulevard, north of East  
Jensen Avenue;  
3. ***RESOLUTION  
-
Adopt the attached Resolution declaring  
a
9,650.1 square foot portion of public street right of way located on  
the west side of South Golden State Boulevard, north of East  
Jensen Avenue, Fresno, California to be exempt surplus land  
(Council District 3) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto);  
4. Approve the execution of the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of  
Real Property and Escrow Instructions to sell a 0.22-acre (9,650.1  
square feet) City owned, undeveloped portion of land contiguous to  
Assessor’s Parcel Number 479-071-36, located on the west side of  
South Golden State Boulevard, north of East Jensen Avenue in the  
amount of $500.00 to California-Fresno Investment Company, a  
California corporation, and authorize the City Manager or designee  
to execute the purchase and Sale Agreement and associated Grant  
Deed for the transfer of the subject property;  
5. Set the required public hearing at 9:15 a.m. on April 24, 2025.  
Vice President Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent to get  
clarification on the surplus properties.  
Council discussion included: Proposed street vacation. Surplus Land Act  
compliance. Concerns about property use. Property ownership transfer.  
Planned improvements. Subdivision plan. Owner details. Project timeline.  
City control over transfer. Encampment & dumping concerns.  
RESOLUTION 2025-75 ADOPTED  
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Council President  
Karbassi, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Maxwell, Richardson and Esparza  
Actions pertaining to amending the South Central Community Benefits  
ID 25-144  
2.-T.  
Fund and Expenditure Plan (related to the development project located at  
971 E. North Avenue, Fresno CA 93725):  
1. RESOLUTION - Amending the Community Benefits Fund and  
Expenditure Plan  
Vice President Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent to get  
clarification on the project.  
Council discussion included: Community benefit fund overview. Extension  
of the fund's coverage. Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling Company project.  
Prioritization of city residences. Tax implications for recipients. Issuance of  
1099 forms. Clear communication to participants.  
RESOLUTION 2025-79 ADOPTED  
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Perea, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried by  
the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Maxwell, Richardson and Esparza  
3. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION  
WORKSHOP - Progress of the Eviction Protection Program  
3.-A.  
ID 25-403  
The above item was presented to Council by Chief Assistant City Attorney  
Camarena, Inna Shankar, Ashley Emerzian from Emerzian Shankar Legal  
Inc, and Kristine Pfister from Borton Petrini.  
Council discussion included: Tenant protection and eviction prevention.  
Housing choice voucher (Section 8) loss. Program effectiveness and budget  
justification. Increasing case complexity. Landlord retaliation and  
discrimination. Program funding in the city budget. Preventing  
homelessness vs. shelter costs. Rent increases and affordability crisis.  
Code enforcement and habitability issues. Past vs. present code  
enforcement strategies. Cost of eviction prevention cases. Slumlords and  
repeat offenders. Rental inspection program. Tenant rights and protections.  
Budget considerations. Accountability for landlords. Receivership for  
problematic properties. City Council’s role in housing enforcement.  
PRESENTED  
RESOLUTION - Approve three (3) street corridors for thirty percent (30%)  
ID 25-375  
3.-B.  
preliminary conceptual design as part of the Active Transportation Plan  
Update currently being developed (Citywide).  
The above item was presented to Council by Chief Engineering Technician  
Aguilar.  
Council discussion included: Time sensitivity of decision. Bike lane  
destinations. Route change concerns. Clinton Avenue as a truck route.  
Downtown loop considerations. Public opinions on bike lanes. First Street  
facilities & business impact. Friant Avenue safety issues. Inconsistency in  
bike lane types. Real estate & right-of-way limitations. Safety impact of bike  
facilities. Potential for custom bike lane standards. Ashlan Avenue bike lane  
design. Historical commitment to Palm Avenue. River access priority.  
On motion of Council President Karbassi, seconded by Vice  
President Arias, that the above Action Item be CONTINUED to April 10,  
2024. The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Maxwell, Richardson and Esparza  
UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATION  
Upon call, the following people addressed Council with unscheduled  
communication: Hester Hensley, and Shelia Scott.  
4. CITY COUNCIL  
5. CLOSED SESSION  
During open session, City Attorney Janz announced each of the items that  
would be discussed in closed session.  
Council withdrew to closed session at 11:25 A.M. and again at 3:21 P.M.  
5.-A.  
ID 25-354  
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Government Code  
Section 54957.6  
City Negotiators: Jennifer Misner; Sumeet Malhi  
Employee Organization(s): 1. International Union of Operating Engineers,  
Stationary Engineers, Local 39 (Local 39); 2. Fresno City Employees  
Association (FCEA); 3. Fresno Police Officers Association (FPOA Basic),  
Unit 4; 4. International Association of Firefighters, Local 202, Unit 5 (Fire  
Basic); 5. Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 1027 (ATU); 6. International  
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 100 (IBEW); 7. Fresno Police  
Officers Association (FPOA Management); 8. International Association of  
Firefighters, Local 202, Unit 10 (Fire Management); 9. City of Fresno  
Professional Employees Association (CFPEA); 10. City of Fresno  
Management Employees Association (CFMEA).  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
5.-B.  
5.-C.  
5.-D.  
ID 25-394  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
CMG Construction Management, Inc. v. City of Fresno, et al., Fresno  
Superior Court Case No. 22CECG00271  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
ID 25-400  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
Park 7, LLC., and LandValue Management LLC., v. City of Fresno; Fresno  
Superior Court Case No. 24CECG04298  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
ID 25-437  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
City of Fresno v. Fresno Building Healthy Communities Court of Appeal  
Case No.: F084662; and Fresno Building Healthy Communities v. City of  
Fresno Court of Appeal Case No.: F084666 (PARCS Department)  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
5.-E.  
ID 25-401  
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 for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
5.-F.  
ID 25-443  
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 for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
ADJOURNMENT  
The Council meeting adjourned from closed session at 4:27 P.M. in memory  
of Fresno Police Officer Ryan Torres who passed away March 21, 2025  
after a valiant battle with cancer.  
The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the City Council during the  
April 10, 2025, regular meeting.