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, Brandon Vang,  
Nick Richardson, Nelson Esparza  
City Manager - Georgeanne A. White  
City Attorney - Andrew Janz  
Interim City Clerk - Amy K. Aller  
9:00 AM  
Thursday, December 4, 2025  
Council Chambers  
The City Council met in regular session in the Council Chamber, City Hall, on the  
date and time above written.  
9:11 A.M. ROLL CALL  
Present: 6 -  
Council President Mike Karbassi  
Vice President Miguel Angel Arias  
Councilmember Annalisa Perea  
Councilmember Brandon Vang  
Councilmember Nick Richardson  
Councilmember Nelson Esparza  
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Tyler Maxwell  
Invocation by Sarbjit Singh of the Sikh Institute Fresno  
Sarbjit Singh gave the invocation.  
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag  
Mayor Dyer led the Pledge of Allegiance.  
APPROVE AGENDA  
THE AGENDA WAS APPROVED WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGES  
2-E (ID 25-1580) regarding the contract change Order No. 4 with American  
Paving Company Incorporated of Fresno - The staff report under Fiscal  
Impact currently reads “the overall cost of the project is $4,018,500 and the  
amount should read $4,259,000.  
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA  
5-D (ID 25-1639) regarding conference with legal counsel-existing litigation  
government code section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1) Case Name: City of  
Fresno, et al. v. Scott Turner, et al. – was removed from the agenda by the  
City Attorney’s Office.  
10:00 A.M. (ID 25-1585) regarding Appearance by Dr. Eimear O’Brien  
“Shaping the Future of Education” - was removed from the agenda by the  
requestor.  
THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS WERE MOVED TO THE  
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION  
2-L (ID 25-1488) regarding authorizing submission of an application for and  
acceptance of funding from the California Department of Housing and  
Community Development Prohousing Incentive Program - was moved to the  
contested by Vice President Arias  
2-P (ID 25-1541) regarding the emergency shelter operations provided by  
Elevate Community Services (Elevate) under the Homeless Housing,  
Assistance and Prevention - was moved to the contested by Vice President  
Arias  
2-V (ID 25-1640) regarding BILL B-54 Adding Chapter 10 of Article 28 of the  
Fresno Municipal Code, relating to the regulation of the sale and  
distribution of kratom products – was moved to the contested by  
Councilmember Esparza  
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Vang, the AGENDA was APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 - Karbassi, Arias, Vang, Richardson and Esparza  
Absent: 2 - Perea and Maxwell  
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS  
Proclamation of “Central High Schools Men’s Water Polo Team Day’’  
ID 25-1575  
PRESENTED  
Proclamation of “California Apartment Association Day”  
Proclamation of the 75th Anniversary of the Bulldog Foundation  
APWA Project of the Year Award  
ID 25-1651  
PRESENTED  
ID 25-1546  
PRESENTED  
ID 25-1612  
PRESENTED  
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS  
Councilmember Perea Reports and Comments. Announced the recent  
Operation Gobble event was a success, with over 80 volunteers  
participating, more than 2,000 turkeys were distributed, along with  
groceries, vegetables, fruits, and other food items. Appreciation was  
expressed to all who contributed to making the event impactful.  
Councilmember Vang Reports and Comments. Welcomed Interim City Clerk  
Amy Aller. Shared that it was a pleasure to meet local residents and ensure  
they had a proper Thanksgiving meal, emphasizing the importance of  
supporting seniors during the holiday season. The public was encouraged to  
reach out to senior citizens with simple gestures of kindness. Attended the  
first Neighborhood Blitz as a Councilmember in the Aynesworth Elementary  
School neighborhood on Saturday, and invited the public to participate in  
beautifying District 5. Announced the first-ever celebration of General Vang  
Pao’s birthday, to be held at City Hall. The event will honor General Pao’s  
legacy as a leader of the Hmong who fought against communism during the  
Secret War in Laos from 1961 to 1975, and is open to the public.  
Councilmember Richardson Reports and Comments. Thanked the  
Southeast property owners for hosting at a meeting last week.  
Congratulated Wake Me Up Bakery for their grand opening and ribbon  
cutting in District 6.A special thank you was extended to Woodward Park  
Church of Christ for their outstanding service to the community. The church  
had been serving hundreds of families each week by distributing free food.  
Their efforts included providing mentorship, guidance, and essential items.  
The team worked closely with the food bank and arrived early to ensure  
families in District 6 and surrounding communities received the support they  
needed, especially during the holiday season. A correction was made to a  
previous announcement regarding the next District 6 quarterly Town Hall. It  
was clarified that the event would be held at Clovis Community College, not  
Mountain View Elementary School, on Monday. Residents were encouraged  
to follow social media or reach out via email for more information.  
Councilmember Esparza Reports and Comments. Attended and  
congratulated the newest members of the Fresno Police Department who  
were sworn in this past Tuesday. Extended an invitation to the public to join  
the Central Police Department for a holiday event at Manchester, scheduled  
for Saturday, December 20. Announced that the federal courts dismissed the  
lawsuit filed against the City regarding the Smoke Shop Ordinance. This  
resolution allowed the City to move forward with enforcement of the  
ordinance, which was welcomed as positive news for residents and  
neighborhoods affected by the issue. Appreciation was expressed to U.A.  
Local 246 representing plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, and HVAC  
professionals for the invitation to serve as keynote speaker at their recent  
apprenticeship graduation ceremony. Shared that it was an honor to  
celebrate the graduates as they completed their program and entered the  
next phase of their careers.  
Vice President Arias Reports and Comments. Announcement the downtown  
ice rink event, noting that the event was fully insured and attendees were  
welcome to bring their own skates. Invited members of the leadership team  
and the public to attend the event, encouraging participation regardless of  
skating experience. Expressed appreciation to the Public Works Department  
for their outstanding efforts in transforming a City street into a festive  
downtown ice rink. Praised the setup for creating a beautiful backdrop in the  
heart of the Central Valley, offering families and children a unique  
opportunity to skate among the tall buildings of downtown.  
Council President Karbassi Reports and Comments. Expressed  
appreciation to Ryan Howeth, Andrew Kloose, and Alyssa Stevens for their  
outstanding work on Operation Gobble. Noted that while the event often  
feels like a challenge due to the many moving parts, this year’s effort was  
especially successful. The impact of the event was seen across a wide  
range of recipients, from members of the National Guard to residents in  
Pinedale and the Clovis Unified community. The experience was rewarding  
and a meaningful way to begin the holiday season. Thanked the Assistance  
League, Kim Shehadey, and the many volunteers who contributed to the  
event’s success. Acknowledged District 2 staff for their continued  
dedication, and enthusiasm for beginning planning for next year’s event.  
MAYOR/MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS  
Mayor Dyer Reports and Comments. Attended the ribbon cutting for  
Mariposa Plaza with Councilmember Arias and Councilmember Richardson.  
Announced Bulldog basketball played a game downtown at Selland Arena.  
Reported opening night of the trolley service to Christmas Tree Lane was a  
success, with 151 riders participating. Santa Claus joined the trolley, and it  
was beautifully lit. The trolley service will continue nightly through  
Christmas. Announced the start of the Holiday Hop with stops at Mariposa  
Village Ice Rink and the Illumi Nature event at the zoo. These events offer  
opportunities for ice skating in Downtown Fresno and viewing holiday lights.  
The trolley will operate every Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 12:00  
a.m., and every Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., through December 28.  
Expressed appreciation to the Council for its support and invited members  
to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony.  
1. SCHEDULED COUNCIL HEARINGS AND MATTERS  
9:10 A.M.  
HEARING to adopt resolutions and ordinance to annex territory and levy a  
special tax regarding City of Fresno Community Facilities District No. 9,  
Annexation No. 72 (Territory known as Assessor’s Parcel No. 310-132-43)  
(north side of East Belmont Avenue, east of North Laverne Avenue):  
(Council District 5)  
ID 25-1598  
1. ***RESOLUTION  
-
to Annex Territory to Community Facilities  
District No. 9 and Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax for  
Annexation No. 72 (Subject to Mayor’s Veto);  
2. ***RESOLUTION - Calling Special Mailed-Ballot Election (Subject  
to Mayor’s Veto);  
3. ***RESOLUTION - Declaring Election Results (Subject to Mayor’s  
Veto);  
4. ***BILL - (For Introduction and Adoption) - Levying a Special Tax for  
the Property Tax Year 2025-2026 and Future Tax Years Within and  
Relating to Community Facilities District No. 9, Annexation No. 72  
(Subject to Mayor’s Veto).  
The above item was called to order at 10:05 A.M. and there was no  
presentation to Council. Upon call, no members of the public addressed  
Council: Public comment closed at 10:06 A.M.  
There was no Council Discussion.  
RESOLUTION 2025-338 ADOPTED  
RESOLUTION 2025-339 ADOPTED  
RESOLUTION 2025-340 ADOPTED  
BILL B-55 INTRODUCED / ORDINANCE 2025-55 ADOPTED  
On motion of Councilmember Vang, seconded by Vice President  
Arias, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried by  
the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Vang, Richardson and Esparza  
Absent: 1 - Maxwell  
9:15 A.M.  
HEARING to obtain public comments regarding community needs for  
consideration in the development of the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan for  
federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban  
Development’s Office of Community Planning and Development (HUD  
CPD).  
ID 25-1346  
The above item was called to order at 10:06 A.M. and was presented to  
Council by Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Manager Jenks. Upon  
call, the following members of the public addressed Council: Dez Martinez,  
Nikki Real, and Brandi N. Public comment closed at 10:16 A.M.  
Council discussion was held.  
PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED  
9:20 A.M. (CONTINUED TO DECEMBER 18, 2025, MEETING AT 9:20  
A.M.)  
HEARING to consider the adoption of the Southeast Development Area  
Specific Plan and related Final Environmental Impact Report, State  
Clearinghouse (SCH No. 2022020486). The following applications have  
been filed by the City of Fresno and pertain to approximately 9,000 acres  
in the Development Area-3 Southeast and Development Area-4 East:  
1. RESOLUTION - Certifying Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR  
SCH No. 2022020486), for the Southeast Development Area  
Specific Plan.  
ID 25-1247  
a. ADOPT Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding  
Considerations prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines  
Section 15091; and  
b. APPROVE a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program  
(MMRP) as required by Public Resources Code Section  
21081.6 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15097 (See Exhibit  
S).  
2. RESOLUTION - to Adopt the Southeast Development Area Specific  
Plan and accompanying Proposed Land Use Map (see Exhibits J  
and K) (Plan Amendment Application No. P23-03090).  
3. RESOLUTION - Updating the Land Use Map (Figure LU-1), the  
Dual Designation Map (Figure LU-2) and text of the Fresno General  
Plan to incorporate the Southeast Development Area Specific Plan  
(see Exhibits I and N) (Plan Amendment Application No. P23-  
03091).  
4. RESOLUTION  
-
Authorizing the Planning and Development  
Department Director or their designee to update the text, policies,  
maps, tables, and exhibits contained in the Southeast Development  
Area Specific Plan document to reflect final action taken by Council,  
to the extent that such updates are necessary to maintain  
consistency. (see Exhibit G).  
CONTINUED AS NOTED  
10:00 A.M.  
Appearance by Dr. Eimear O’Brien “Shaping the Future of Education”  
ID 25-1585  
During approval of the agenda Interim City Clerk Aller announced this item  
was removed from the agenda by the requestor.  
REMOVED  
10:03 A.M.  
Appearance by Daniel / Nykkynn regarding “Fresno's developing Arts and  
Music Scene”  
ID 25-1586  
APPEARED  
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: Sting, Eyes, Brandi Nuse Villegas, Justin Wolf, Rich Greves, Sean  
Zweifler, Kimberly Sanchez Quintero, Aaron Hightower, Enrique Little, Nikki  
Real, and Dez Martinez.  
During approval of the Consent Calendar, Councilmember Richardson  
reregistered a NO vote for agenda item 2-B (ID 25-1625).  
During approval of the Consent Calendar, Councilmembers Richardson and  
Esparza reregistered a NO vote for agenda item 2-U (ID 25-1637).  
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
1st Consent vote taken prior to receiving public comment:  
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember Perea, the  
CONSENT CALENDAR was hereby adopted by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 - Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang, Esparza  
Absent: 2 - Maxwell, Richardson  
The Consent Calendar vote was re-conducted following the receipt of public  
comment subsequent to the initial vote. The final recorded vote is as  
follows:  
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Perea, the CONSENT CALENDAR was hereby adopted by the  
following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Vang, Richardson and Esparza  
Absent: 1 - Maxwell  
Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes for November 6, 2025, and  
November 20, 2025  
2.-A.  
2.-B.  
ID 25-1631  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
ID 25-1625  
Actions pertaining to the amendment of various ordinances:  
1. BILL - (For Introduction) - Amending Chapter 9 Article 31 Section  
9-3104 of the Fresno Municipal Code, relating unlawful possession and  
abandonment of carts  
2. BILL - (For Introduction) - Amending Chapter 9 Article 25 Section  
9-2507 of the Fresno Municipal Code relating to exposure of minors to  
tobacco products  
3. BILL - (For Introduction) - Amending Sections 10-2101 of the Fresno  
Municipal Code relating to the prohibition of camping in public places  
4. BILL - (For Introduction) -Adding Chapter 9, Article 37 of the Fresno  
Municipal Code, Relating to unauthorized possession and use of a City, an  
Authorized Cart/Bin Collection Agent, or Authorized Roll-Off Collector  
owned trash containers  
5. BILL - (For Introduction) - Adding Chapter 9, Article 38 of the Fresno  
Municipal Code, Relating to criminal prosecution of wage theft  
During approval of the Consent Calendar, Councilmember Richardson  
reregistered a NO vote for the above item. As such, this item was approved  
5-1 by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 - Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang, Esparza  
No: 1 - Richardson  
Absent: 1 - Maxwell  
BILL B-56 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER  
BILL B-57 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER  
BILL B-58 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER  
BILL B-59 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER  
BILL B-60 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the reappointment of Lydia Zabrycki to the Fresno Regional  
ID 25-1618  
2.-C.  
2.-D.  
2.-E.  
Workforce Development Board to a term expiring on November 1, 2027.  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Reject all bids for the Merced Street Reconnection Project (Bid File No.  
ID 25-1532  
12501885). (Council District 3)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve Contract Change Order No. 4 with American Paving Company  
ID 25-1580  
Incorporated of Fresno, California in the amount of $37,935.87 with one  
hundred and eighteen (118) additional working days for the Mariposa  
Plaza Reconstruction Project. (Bid File 12302138-12468) (Council District  
3)  
During approval of the agenda, Interim City Clerk Aller announced the staff  
report under Fiscal Impact currently reads “the overall cost of the project is  
$4,018,500 and the amount should read $4,259,000.  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
2.-F.  
2.-G.  
ID 25-1589  
Approve the Agreement between the City and Forward Fresno Foundation  
allocating $75,000 to support the augmentation of the Fresno Young  
Leaders Academy.  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions related to amending agreement #A211006364 with the California  
ID 25-1535  
Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES):  
1. Approve acceptance of Cal OES Amendment Nine (9) for an  
additional $75,000 for Haz Mat training agreement #A211006364,  
and authorize the Fire Chief to compensate Fire personnel to staff  
vacancies caused by training attendance  
2. ***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 24th Amendment to the  
Annual  
Appropriation  
Resolution  
No.  
2025-179  
to  
appropriate $75,000 for Amendment Nine for Haz Mat  
training agreement A211006364 (Requires Five Affirmative  
Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
RESOLUTION 2025-341 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
2.-H.  
ID 25-1608  
Approve the award of  
a
Cooperative Purchase Agreement to Fire  
Apparatus Solutions of Rialto, California, for the purchase of two Smeal  
heavy fire apparatuses in the amount of $2,948,458 for the Fire  
Department  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
2.-I.  
ID 25-1609  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions pertaining to the International Union of Operating Engineers,  
2.-J.  
ID 25-1614  
Stationary Engineers, Local 39 for Unit 1  
1. ***Adopt a successor Memorandum of Understanding between the  
City of Fresno and International Union of Operating Engineers,  
Stationary Engineers, Local 39 (Local 39), Non-Supervisory Blue  
Collar - Unit 1 (Subject to Mayor’s veto)  
2. ***RESOLUTION: Adopt the Fourteenth Amendment to FY 2026  
Salary Resolution No. 2025-177, amending Exhibit 1, Unit 1 -  
Non-Supervisory Blue Collar (Local 39), to provide a salary increase  
for respective classes as required by the Memorandum of  
Understanding between the City of Fresno and International Union of  
Operating Engineers, Stationary Engineers, Local 39 (Local 39)  
(Subject to Mayor’s veto)  
RESOLUTION 2025-342 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
***RESOLUTION - Adopt the Fifteenth Amendment to the FY 2026 Salary  
2.-K.  
ID 25-1623  
Resolution No. 2025-177 amending Exhibit 2, Unit 2, Non-Represented  
Management and Confidential Classes, by adding the new classification of  
Special Assistant City Attorney and the respective E5 salary range; and  
amending Exhibit 3, Unit 3, Non-Supervisory White Collar (FCEA), by  
retitling the Environmental Control Officer classification to Environmental  
Compliance Inspector, effective December 1, 2025. (Subject to Mayor’s  
Veto)  
RESOLUTION 2025-343 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve a Consultant Services Agreement between the City of Fresno and  
2.-M.  
ID 25-1517  
Stantec Consulting Services Inc., a corporation based in Albany, New York,  
in an amount not to exceed $387,515 to provide professional  
environmental consultant services for Environmental Protection Agency  
(EPA) Brownfields Assessment grant activities through October 31, 2029;  
and authorize the City Manager or designee to sign the agreement on  
behalf of the City.  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
***RESOLUTION - Approving the submission of the Permanent Local  
Housing Allocation (PLHA) 5-Year Plan amendment to the California  
Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) for the  
2.-N.  
ID 25-1524  
Owner-Occupied Home Rehabilitation to increase the Area Median Income  
(AMI) threshold and authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to sign all  
necessary implementing documents. (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
RESOLUTION 2025-345 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the Service Agreement with Poverello House (Poverello) to  
2.-O.  
ID 25-1540  
operate the Emergency Shelter at Clarion Pointe located at 4061 N.  
Blackstone Avenue, term is from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026,  
in the amount not to exceed $900,000 utilizing Homeless Housing  
Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funding. (Council District 4) (Bid File  
No.12500851)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
RESOLUTION - Approving the Final Map of Tract No. 6384, and accepting  
2.-Q.  
ID 25-1587  
dedicated public uses offered therein except for dedications offered  
subject to City acceptance of developer installed required improvements -  
located on the southeast corner of McKinley Avenue and McKelvey  
Avenue. (Council District 7)  
RESOLUTION 2025-346 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions pertaining to a Bill for Introduction amending Sections 14-310  
2.-R.  
ID 25-1599  
through 14-312, 14-811, 14-812, 14-1706, and 14-1707 related to  
bikeways and bicycle regulations:  
1. Adopt a finding of exemption from the California Environmental  
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA  
Guidelines;  
2. BILL  
-
(For introduction) Amending Fresno Municipal Code  
Sections 14-310 through 14-312, 14-811, 14-812, 14-1706, and 14-  
1707, related to bikeways and bicycle regulations (Citywide).  
BILL B-61 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
***BILL B-53 (Introduced November 20, 2025)(For Adoption)  
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.  
(Citywide) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
2.-S.  
ID 25-1636  
ORDINANCE 2025-53 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
***RESOLUTION - Adopting a Pilot Program to Incentivize Commercial  
Job Creation Within Vacant Buildings or Storefronts in the Tower District  
(Subject to Mayor's Veto)  
2.-T.  
2.-U.  
ID 25-1537  
RESOLUTION 2025-347 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
***BILL B-46 (Reintroduced November 20, 2025)(For Adoption) -  
ID 25-1637  
Amending Sidewalk Vending Ordinance, sections 10-2603 and 10-2606,  
amending the citation structure (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
During the second approval of the Consent Calendar, Councilmember  
Richarson and Councilmember Esparza reregistered a NO vote for the  
above item. As such, this item was approved 4-2 by the following vote:  
Aye: 4 - Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang  
No: 2 - Richardson, Esparza  
Absent: 1 - Maxwell  
ORDINANCE 2025-46 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR  
***RESOLUTION - Authorizing submission of an application for and  
2.-L.  
ID 25-1488  
acceptance of funding from the California Department of Housing and  
Community Development Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP) Round 4  
and authorizing the City Manager or designee to sign all necessary  
implementing documents. (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
Vice President Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent to discuss  
the Prohousing Incentive Program.  
Council discussion was held.  
RESOLUTION 2025-344 ADOPTED  
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Vang, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried by  
the following vote:  
Aye: 5 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Vang and Esparza  
Absent: 2 - Maxwell and Richardson  
Actions pertaining to Emergency Shelter operations provided by Elevate  
ID 25-1541  
2.-P.  
Community Services (Elevate) under the Homeless Housing, Assistance  
and Prevention (HHAP) program.  
1. Approve the First Amendment to the agreement with Elevate for  
emergency shelter operations at Valley Inn, located at 933 N.  
Parkway Drive. The amended agreement term is from January 1,  
2026, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed  
$1,073,879.00, funded through the HHAP program. (Council District  
3) (Bid File No. 12500851)  
2. Approve a Service Agreement with Elevate for emergency shelter  
operations at Travel Inn, located at 1444 W. White Avenue. The  
agreement term is from January 1, 2026, through December 31,  
2026, in an amount not to exceed $2,231,579.65, funded through  
the HHAP program. (Council District 3) (Bid File No. 12500851)  
Vice President Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent to discuss  
the shelter operations.  
Council discussion was held.  
APPROVED  
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Esparza, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Vang, Richardson and Esparza  
Absent: 1 - Maxwell  
***BILL B-54 (Introduced November 20, 2025)(For Adoption) Adding  
ID 25-1640  
2.-V.  
Chapter 10 of Article 28 of the Fresno Municipal Code, relating to the  
regulation of the sale and distribution of kratom products within the City  
limits (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
Councilmember Esparza moved the above item to Contested Consent to  
discuss the ordinance.  
Council discussion was held.  
ORDINANCE 2025-54 ADOPTED  
Councilmember Esparza motioned to approve with the amendments that it  
allows for the sale of natural kratom for persons over the age of 21 with a  
level of 7OH that is no greater than 1% the total alkaloids within the  
products.  
On motion of Councilmember Esparza, seconded by Councilmember  
Richardson, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Vang, Richardson and Esparza  
Absent: 1 - Maxwell  
3. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION  
UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATION  
Upon call, the following members of the public addressed the Council with  
unscheduled communication: Jose Leon Barraza, Jose Villegas, Aaron  
Hightower, Dez Martinez, Nikki Real, and Alfred Luis Aldrete.  
4. CITY COUNCIL  
WORKSHOP - Higher Education Student Government Updates  
4.-A.  
ID 25-1601  
The above item was presented to Council by Andrew Moore from Fresno  
Pacific University, and Frederick Listen from Fresno State University.  
There was no Council discussion.  
PRESENTED  
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 11:51 A.M.  
5.-A.  
ID 25-1632  
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Government Code  
Section 54957.6  
City Negotiators: 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). 11. Employee  
Organization(s): Unrepresented Employees in Unit 2 (Non-Represented  
Management and Confidential Classes): Airport Public Safety Manager,  
Assistant City Attorney, Assistant City Manager, Assistant Controller,  
Assistant Director, Assistant Director of Personnel Services, Assistant  
Director of Public Utilities, Assistant Director of Public Works, Assistant  
Police Chief, Assistant Retirement Administrator, Background Investigator,  
Budget Analyst, Budget Manager, Chief Assistant City Attorney, Chief  
Information Officer, Chief Labor Negotiator, Chief of Staff to  
Councilmember, Chief of Staff to the Mayor, City Attorney (City Negotiator,  
Council President Karbassi), City Attorney Investigator, City Clerk (City  
Negotiator, Council President Karbassi), City Engineer, City Manager (City  
Negotiator, Mayor Dyer), Community Coordinator, Community Outreach  
Specialist, Controller, Council Assistant, Deputy City Attorney II , Deputy  
City Attorney III, Deputy City Manager, Director, Director of Aviation,  
Director of Development, Director of Personnel Services, Director of  
Public Utilities, Director of Transportation, Economic Development  
Coordinator, Economic Development Director, Executive Assistant to  
Department Director, Executive Assistant to the City Attorney, Executive  
Assistant to the City Council, Executive Assistant to the City Manager,  
Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Fire Chief, Governmental Affairs  
Manager, Human Resources Manager, Independent Reviewer, Internal  
Auditor, Investment Officer, Management Analyst II, Payroll Accountant,  
Payroll Manager, Police Chief, Principal Budget Analyst, Principal Internal  
Auditor, Principal Labor Relations Analyst, Project Liaison/Program  
Administrator, Public Affairs Officer, Public Works Director, Retirement  
Administrator, Retirement Benefits Manager, Retirement Office Manager,  
Senior Budget Analyst, Senior City Attorney Investigator, Senior Deputy  
City Attorney I, Senior Deputy City Attorney II, Senior Deputy City Attorney  
III, Senior Human Resources/Risk Analyst, Senior Law Clerk, Supervising  
Deputy City Attorney, Veterinarian  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION  
5.-B.  
ID 25-1613  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
Case Name: Arevik Hagopian v. City of Fresno; Eric Scott Davis  
Fresno Superior Court Case No. 25CECG00453  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
5.-C.  
ID 25-1617  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
Case Name: Michael Diaz v. City of Fresno, PSI, administered by Tristar  
Risk Management; Tristar Claim No.: 231087315  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION  
ID 25-1639  
5.-D.  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
Case Name: City of Fresno, et al. v. Scott Turner, et al.  
Northern District of California Case No. 3:25-cv-07070-RS  
During approval of the agenda, Interim City Clerk Aller announced this item  
was removed from the agenda by the City Attorney’s Office.  
TABLED  
ADJOURNMENT  
The Council meeting adjourned from open session at 2:19 P.M  
The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the City Council during the  
December 18, 2025, regular meeting.