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  
City Clerk - Todd Stermer, MMC  
9:00 AM  
Thursday, April 24, 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  
Present: 6 -  
Council President Mike Karbassi  
Vice President Miguel Angel Arias  
Councilmember Annalisa Perea  
Councilmember Tyler Maxwell  
Councilmember Brandon Vang  
Councilmember Nelson Esparza  
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Nick Richardson  
Invocation by 8th Grader Ahmed Abd Elmawlla from Valley Crescent School  
Ahmed Abd Elmawlla gave the invocation.  
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag  
Councilmember Vang led the Pledge of Allegiance.  
APPROVE AGENDA  
THE AGENDA WAS APPROVED WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGES  
By request of Council President Karbassi, the meeting would be adjourned  
in the memory of Diana Poeschel and Pope Francis.  
10:00 A.M. 4-A (ID 25-486) regarding the presentation by the third graders  
of Dailey Elementary School - Vice President Arias was not a sponsor.  
Also, Council would try to hear the item earlier than 10:00 A.M. as it was not  
an action item and would help accommodate the children's schedule.  
At the request of Councilmember Richardson who was absent for military  
service, Council President Karbassi requested Consent Calendar item 2-T  
(ID 25-587), concerning COVID-19 Temporary Catering Authorization, be  
removed from the agenda. The item remained on the agenda following a  
motion by Councilmember Perea and second by Councilmember Arias. The  
motioned carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 - Perea, Arias, Maxwell, Vang, Esparza  
No: 1 - Karbassi  
Absent: 1 - Richardson  
(mistakenly announced 6-0 during the meeting)  
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA:  
9:15 A.M. (ID 25-519) to consider the vacation of a public street easement  
on Golden State Boulevard, north of east Jensen Avenue - continued to May  
1, 2025, at 9:15 AM by Vice President Arias.  
5:35 P.M. (ID 25-373) regarding Plan Amendment Application No.  
P23-03006, Rezone Application No. P23-03006 and related Environmental  
Assessment - continued to the May 22, 2025, meeting at 5:35 P.M. request  
of the applicant through the Planning and Development Department.  
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS MOVED TO THE CONTESTED CONSENT  
CALENDAR FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION  
2-B (ID 25-492) regarding a Consultant Services Agreement with Covino  
Smith & Simon, Inc. for Professional Lobbying and Consulting Services -  
tabled to May 1, 2025, by Vice President Arias.  
2-N (ID 25-522) regarding the 2024 National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative  
(SAKI) grant program - moved to contested consent by Vice President Arias.  
2-S (ID 25-584) to adopt the amended Citywide Development Code relating  
to Tobacco and Vapor Sales, Smoke Shops, and Definitions. At the request  
of Councilmember Richardson, who was absent for military service, Council  
President Karbassi initially requested this item be removed from the  
agenda. The item remained on the agenda under Contested Consent  
following a motion by Councilmember Pera and a second by Vice President  
Arias. The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 - Perea, Arias, Maxwell, Vang, Esparza  
No: 1 - Karbassi  
Absent: 1 - Richardson  
(mistakenly announced 6-0 during the meeting)  
2-U (ID 25-589) concerning opposition to Assembly Bill 942 - moved to  
contested consent by Council President Karbassi.  
By unanimous vote, the agenda was initially approved as amended  
following a motion by President Arias with a second by Councilmember  
Perea. The initial approval of the agenda left item 2-B (ID 25-492) on the  
Consent Calendar. Council President Karbassi motioned to reconsider  
approval of the agenda so 2-B (ID 25-492) could be further discussed on the  
Contested Consent Calendar. Councilmember Maxwell seconded the  
motion to reconsider approval of the agenda and the motion carried by  
unanimous vote.  
On motion of Council President Karbassi, seconded by  
Councilmember Perea, to RE-APPROVE the agenda as amended with  
item 2-B (ID 25-492) on the Contested Consent Calendar. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Maxwell, Vang and Esparza  
Absent: 1 - Richardson  
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS  
Morning Ceremonials  
Proclamation for “Fair Housing Month”  
ID 25-383  
PRESENTED  
Proclamation for “American Muslim Appreciation & Awareness Month”  
ID 25-509  
PRESENTED  
Proclamation of “Autism Awareness Month”  
Proclamation of “Sikh Heritage Month”  
ID 25-454  
PRESENTED  
ID 25-550  
PRESENTED  
Afternoon Ceremonials  
Fresno Animal Center presents “Pet of the Month”  
ID 25-46  
PRESENTED  
Proclamation for “Independent Bookstore Day”  
Proclamation for “Arbor Day”  
ID 25-440  
PRESENTED  
ID 25-395  
PRESENTED  
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS  
Councilmember Maxwell Reports and Comments: Announced 162 trees had  
been planted along Barstow Avenue with support from city leaders and  
Fresno State volunteers. Discussed improvements at Fresno Yosemite  
International Airport related to the terminal expansion which would allow for  
additional flights to and from the city.  
Councilmember Vang Reports and Comments: Reported on the District 5  
sponsored Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development luncheon  
which honored Joe Alvarez. Discussed the Fresno Police Department  
Swearing in Ceremony which recognized 35 employees including 15 Police  
Officer recruits.  
Councilmember Esparza Reports and Comments: Discussed progress on  
"The Dakota," a 114 unit affordable housing project along the Blackstone  
Avenue corridor. Announced the McKinley Avenue repaving project had  
begun and was the beginning of many infrastructure projects to come.  
Recognized "Telecommunications Week" and acknowledged the hard work  
of employees at the Fresno Dispatch Center. Announced Great American  
Cleanup events around the Leavenworth and Webster Elementary School  
neighborhoods.  
Councilmember Perea Reports and Comments: Discussed the "Friday's with  
Fire" event held by Fire Chief Alcorn in District 7. Celebrated the Fresno VA  
Hospital's 75th anniversary and Guadalupe Castillo’s 100th birthday.  
Highlighted the critical work of 911 dispatchers. Invited residents to attend  
Art in the Park and Porch Fest events.  
Vice President Arias Reports and Comments: Announced upcoming  
informational workshops for mobile food vendors ahead of enforcement of  
the new rules starting June 30. Acknowledged Police Chief Casto and  
leadership team for attending neighborhood meetings to hear public safety  
concerns. Acknowledged the Fire Chief and Fire Department for visiting  
residents impacted by fires. Noted concerns about a proposed drug rehab  
facility near Fresno High School, and the operator commitment to hosting a  
community meeting before opening.  
Council President Karbassi Reports and Comments: Condolences were  
extended to Dirk Poeschel on the passing of his wife Diana, and noted the  
meeting would be adjourned in her memory. Condolences were also  
expressed to Catholic residents on the loss of Pope Francis, with the  
meeting also adjourning in his memory.  
MAYOR/MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS  
Mayor Dyer Reports and Comments: Discussed the Armenian Genocide  
flag-raising ceremony. Recognized Councilmember Richardson for serving  
in Africa with the U.S. Marine Corps while holding office. Celebrated the  
ribbon cutting of the largest solar and battery project in the U.S., expected to  
save taxpayers $150 million over 20 years. Announced the Great American  
Cleanup event happening Saturday with 1,200 volunteers across 20  
locations. Delivered the keynote speech at the State of Downtown event and  
participated in a panel on High-Speed Rail hosted by Fresnoland. Asked for  
prayers and provided an update on Tim Smith, the city employee sent to the  
hospital after being blindsided by an unprovoked attacked while performing  
his job.  
City Manager White Reports and Comments: Discussed a significant sewer  
line break and sinkhole in District 7. Highlighted the excellent work of city  
employees whose quick response prevented injuries and restored traffic  
flow.  
1. SCHEDULED COUNCIL HEARINGS AND MATTERS  
Joint Meeting of the City Council, The City in Its Capacity as  
Housing Successor to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of  
Fresno and The Fresno Revitalization Corporation  
9:10 A.M. #1 JOINT MEETING  
Actions pertaining to the Cesar Chavez Apartments affordable rental  
housing development project, located south of E. Cesar Chavez Blvd  
between S. Seventh Street and S. Eighth Street (City Council District 5)  
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section  
15332/Class 32 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)  
Guidelines; and  
ID 25-317  
2. ***RESOLUTION - Finding good cause and clear and convincing  
benefit to the public pursuant to Fresno Municipal Code Section 4-  
204 relating to the lease of surplus real properties identified as  
Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 470-052-01T, 470-052-02T, AND 470-  
052-03T (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor's Veto)  
3. ***RESOLUTION - Supporting a contribution of City funds in an  
amount not to exceed $5,000,000 toward the affordable housing  
development project located on Cesar Chavez Boulevard between  
Seventh and Eighth Streets (City Action Only) (Subject to Mayor’s  
Veto)  
4. Approve an Affordable Housing Agreement with Corporation for  
Better Housing, or related legal entity, to develop the Cesar Chavez  
Apartments affordable rental housing development  
5. Approve a 55-Year Ground Lease Agreement with Corporation for  
Better Housing, or related legal entity, to develop and operate the  
Cesar Chavez Apartments affordable rental housing project  
The above item was called to order at 11:41 A.M. and was presented to  
Council by Assistant Director Skei. Upon call, the following members of the  
public addressed Council: Jose Leon Barraza. Public comment closed at  
11:46 A.M.  
Council discussion included: the City's financial contribution to the housing  
project; project costs and timeline; application criteria for families and  
eligibility rules for seasonal farm laborers; how rent would be managed if  
tenants lost income; the urgent need for farmworker housing; the  
build-to-suit contract for the senior center and senior housing at Blackstone  
and Ashlan Avenues; project delays from tax credits that were not awarded;  
the developer’s involvement in other city projects; the formal valuation of the  
land; the proximity of the project to a previously authorized cannabis shop,  
and; the project’s alignment with city goals of serving the farmworker  
population, higher-density and mixed-use development.  
RESOLUTION 2025-101 ADOPTED  
FRESNO REVITALIZATION CORPORATION NO. 25 ADOPTED  
SUCCESSOR AGENCY NO. 57 ADOPTED  
RESOLUTION 2025-102 ADOPTED  
FRESNO REVITALIZATION CORPORATION VOTE  
On motion of Member Dyer, seconded by Member Vang, the above item  
was adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Maxwell, Vang, Esparza, Dyer  
Absent: 1 - Richardson  
SUCCESSOR AGENCY AND CITY COUNCIL VOTE  
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Maxwell, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Maxwell, Vang and Esparza  
Absent: 1 - Richardson  
9:10 A.M. #2  
HEARING to adopt Resolutions and an Ordinance to annex territory and  
Levy a Special Tax regarding City of Fresno Community Facilities District  
Number 9, Annexation Number 67 (Territory known as Assessor’s Parcel  
Number 578-040-16, 578-040-17, and 578-040-18) (Northeast corner of  
North Maple Avenue and East Behymer Avenue) (Council District 6):  
1. ***RESOLUTION - to Annex Territory to Community Facilities  
District No. 9 and Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax for  
Annexation No. 67 (Subject to Mayor’s Veto);  
ID 25-490  
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. 67  
(Subject to Mayor’s Veto).  
The above item was called to order at 11:59 A.M. and was presented to  
Council by. Upon call, no members of the public addressed Council. Public  
comment closed at 12:00 P.M.  
There was no Council discussion.  
RESOLUTION 2025-103 ADOPTED  
RESOLUTION 2025-104 ADOPTED  
RESOLUTION 2025-105 ADOPTED  
BILL B-12 INTRODUCED / ORDINANCE 2025-9 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: 5 - Karbassi, Arias, Maxwell, Vang and Esparza  
Absent: 2 - Perea and Richardson  
9:15 A.M.  
HEARING to consider the vacation of a portion of the public street  
easement on the southwest side of South Golden State Boulevard, north of  
East Jensen Avenue (Council District 3):  
ID 25-519  
1. ***RESOLUTION - Approving the vacation of a portion of the public  
street easement on the southwest side of South Golden State  
Boulevard, north of East Jensen Avenue. (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
CONTINUED TO MAY 1, 2025 AT 9:15 A.M.  
10:03 A.M.  
Appearance by Lynda Leonard regarding “Concerns related to the  
proposed Southeast Development Area plan” (District 3 Resident)  
ID 25-533  
DID NOT APPEAR  
10:06 A.M.  
Appearance by Ruben Nieves regarding “Concerns about the proposed  
SEDA plan” (District 3 Resident)  
ID 25-534  
APPEARED  
5:30 P.M. (CONTINUED TO MAY 1, 2025, AT 5:30 P.M.)  
Consideration of Text Amendment Application No. P24-00794 and related  
ID 25-472  
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.  
CONTINUED AS NOTED  
5:35 P.M.  
Consideration of Plan Amendment Application No. P23-03006, Rezone  
Application No. P23-03006 and related Environmental Assessment  
ID 25-373  
pertaining to approximately 55.31 acres of property bounded by East  
Annadale Avenue to the north, State Route 41 to the east, South Elm  
Avenue to the west, and East Chester/East Samson Avenue (alignment) to  
the south (Council District 3) - Planning and Development Department.  
1. DENY - Addendum to Final Program EIR (SCH No. 2017031012) for  
the Southwest Fresno Specific Plan, dated February 20, 2025, for the  
proposed project pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act  
(CEQA) Guidelines Section 15164.  
2.  
DENY - Plan Amendment Application No. P23-03006 proposing to  
amend the Fresno General Plan and the Southwest Fresno Specific  
Plan to change the planned land use designation for the subject  
properties from Neighborhood Mixed-Use to Employment - Light  
Industrial and amendment to Policy LU-8.1 of the Southwest Fresno  
Specific Plan. (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
3.  
DENY - Rezone Application No. P23-03006 proposing to rezone  
the subject properties from the NMX (Neighborhood Mixed-Use)  
zone district to the IL/cz (Light Industrial/conditions of zoning) zone  
district. (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
CONTINUED TO MAY 22, 2025 AT 5:35 P.M.  
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: Jerry Gregory (2-I), Jamie Jacobo (2-G), C.J. Moore (2-S)  
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
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, Maxwell, Vang and Esparza  
Absent: 1 - Richardson  
Approval of the minutes for April 10, 2025  
2.-A.  
2.-C.  
ID 25-567  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve Phase One of a Progressive Design-Build Contract with Bomel  
ID 25-528  
Construction Company Inc., of Irvine, California, in an amount not to exceed  
$2,216,649.00, for the design support services for the H Street Parking  
Structure Project. (Council District 3)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the Fourth Amendment to the Consultant Services Agreement with  
2.-D.  
ID 25-515  
Electrical Power Systems, Inc., of Fresno, California, to revise the payment  
terms of the Original Agreement to be paid on a time and materials basis  
and to increase the total contract by an amount not to exceed $100,207, for  
a revised total contract amount not to exceed $351,528, paid on a time and  
materials basis for the Substation Expansion Project at the Fresno-Clovis  
Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility. (Council District 3)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve Contract Change Order No. 10 in the amount of $463,125.00, with  
2.-E.  
ID 25-510  
no additional working days for additional pavement quantities of HMA  
Paving with Cal Valley Construction Inc. of Fresno, California for City of  
Fresno Paving Bid Package at Various Locations Project - Project ID  
SM00050. (Bid File 12402606) (Council Districts - 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7).  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Authorize the Fire Chief to enter into an agreement with the Bay Area  
2.-F.  
2.-G.  
ID 25-463  
Urban Area Security Initiative (DASI) Securing the Cities (STC) San  
Francisco Bay Area Program for the acquisition and distribution of goods  
and services pursuant to the STC Program.  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the award of a citywide requirements contract to ScrubCan, Inc. of  
ID 25-530  
Fresno, California for custodial services for three years with two optional  
one-year extensions in an amount not to exceed $2,400,000 per year plus  
annual CPI and PPI increases (Bid File 9669)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the award of a citywide requirements contract to Vestis Services,  
2.-H.  
ID 25-531  
LLC, of Fresno, California for the purchase of uniform and linen services  
through a cooperative purchase agreement for three years with three  
optional one-year extensions in an amount not to exceed $450,000 per  
year with annual CPI increases not to exceed 4% starting in 2028 (Bid File  
9694) (Citywide)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the award of a citywide requirements contract to Universal  
2.-I.  
ID 25-547  
Protection Services, LP dba Allied Universal Services of Fresno, California  
for one year with four optional one-year extensions for security services in  
an amount not to exceed $3,350,000 per year plus annual CPI and  
minimum wage increases (Bid File 9686)  
During approval of the Consent Calendar, Council President Karbassi  
reregistered a NO vote. As such, this item was APPROVED 5-1 by the  
following vote:  
Aye: 5 - Perea, Arias, Maxwell, Vang, Esparza  
No: 1 - Karbassi  
Absent: 1 - Richardson  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions pertaining to the California Volunteers Youth Service Corps  
ID 25-506  
2.-J.  
Program Grant  
1. ***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the acceptance of grant funding from  
California Volunteers Youth Service Corps Program in the amount  
of $3,186,147, for the OneFresno Youth Jobs Corps Program and  
authorizing the City Manager or designee to sign all necessary  
implementing documents (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
2. ***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 57th amendment to the Annual  
Appropriation Resolution (AAR) No. 2024-122 appropriating  
$923,200 for the OneFresno Youth Jobs Corps Program (Requires  
5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
RESOLUTION 2025-106 ADOPTED  
RESOLUTION 2025-107 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
***RESOLUTION - Adopting Substantial Amendment 2024-01 to the Fiscal  
ID 25-460  
2.-K.  
Year (FY) 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan and authorizing submission to the  
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reprogram  
$1,214,423.49 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and  
$135,571.41 in HOME investment Partnership (HOME) funds from prior  
year project savings (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
RESOLUTION 2025-108 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
***BILL B-9 (Introduced March 27, 2025) (For Adoption) amending Section  
2.-L.  
ID 25-471  
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  
(Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
ORDINANCE 2025-9 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Accept the 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report  
2.-M.  
2.-O.  
ID 25-470  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve an Infrastructure Reimbursement Agreement between the City of  
ID 25-523  
Fresno and Fancher Creek Town Center, LLC, in the amount not to exceed  
$3,500,000 for the construction of certain public improvements associated  
with the Fancher Creek Town Center Project. (Council District 5)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
***RESOLUTION  
-
Adopting the 52nd Amendment to the Annual  
2.-P.  
ID 25-525  
Appropriation Resolution No. 2024-122 to appropriate $11,351,100 for  
operating programs and previously approved capital improvement projects  
in the Public Works Department. (Citywide) (Requires 5 Votes) (Subject to  
Mayor’s Veto)  
RESOLUTION 2025-100 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
***BILL - B-10 (Introduced April 10, 2025) (For Adoption) adding Article 36  
2.-Q.  
ID 25-553  
to Chapter 9 of the Fresno Municipal Code, relating to Commercial Scrap  
Metal (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
ORDINANCE 2025-10 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the appointment of Diana Durham to the Active Transportation  
Advisory Committee with a term ending April 8, 2028.  
2.-R.  
2.-T.  
ID 25-541  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
RESOLUTION -Confirming qualified businesses may continue to avail  
themselves of privileges afforded by the State of California COVID-19  
ID 25-587  
Temporary Catering Authorization  
RESOLUTION 2025-110 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve a Consultant Services Agreement with Covino Smith & Simon,  
2.-B.  
ID 25-492  
Inc. for an amount not to exceed $210,600 for Professional Lobbying and  
Consulting Services in Washington DC. The term of this agreement is three  
years, with the option of a one-year extension.  
Council President Karbassi moved the above item to Contested Consent for  
clarification of the agreement.  
Council discussion included: concerns regarding the timing of the contract;  
clarification on the funding source; the rationale behind committing to a  
four-year contract; the possibility of extending the contract for 60 days then  
bringing it back for review in June; the budgeting and transparency benefits  
of reviewing both the Sacramento and Washington, D.C. lobbyist contracts  
at the same time; the contractor's good performance and favorable terms,  
and the importance of maintaining professional lobbying representation.  
APPROVED  
On motion of Councilmember Maxwell, seconded by Vice President  
Arias, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Maxwell, Vang and Esparza  
Absent: 1 - Richardson  
Actions pertaining to the 2024 National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI)  
ID 25-522  
2.-N.  
grant program:  
1. Authorize the Chief of Police to accept $1,996,599 in grant funding  
for the SAKI grant awarded to the Fresno Police Department from  
the U.S. Department of Justice, through the Office of Justice  
Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)  
2. ***RESOLUTION - Adopt the 51st Amendment to the Annual  
Appropriation Resolution (AAR) No. 2024-122 to appropriate  
$715,200 for the Police Department’s FY24 Sexual Assault Kit  
Initiative (SAKI) grant program (Requires Five Affirmative Votes)  
(Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
Vice President Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent for  
clarification of the sexual assault kit process.  
Council discussion included: why the number of unprocessed DNA samples  
seem to remain consistent over time; clarification on the process for  
handling DNA samples, from collection to analysis, and; the current count of  
outstanding DNA samples in need of processing.  
RESOLUTION 2025-109 ADOPTED  
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Maxwell, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Maxwell, Vang and Esparza  
Absent: 1 - Richardson  
Actions pertaining to a Bill for Adoption amending Sections 15-2761 and  
ID 25-584  
2.-S.  
15-6802 of the Citywide Development Code, relating to Tobacco and  
Vapor Sales, Smoke Shops, and Definitions.  
1. ADOPTION of a finding set forth in Environmental Assessment No.  
P23-03410 dated January 15, 2025, that Text Amendment  
Application No. P23-03410 is exempt from the California  
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3)  
of the CEQA Guidelines.  
2. ***BILL No. 11 (Introduced March 13, 2025) (For Adoption)  
amending Sections 15-2761 and 15-6802 of the Citywide  
Development Code, relating to relating to Tobacco and Vapor  
Sales, Smoke Shops, and Definitions. (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
Councilmember Perea moved the above item to Contested Consent to  
discuss the ordinance.  
Council discussion included: concerns about fairness in revoking  
Conditional Use Permits (CUP) for minor third-party infractions and the  
impact of the policy on compliant small businesses; the differences between  
CUPs and Tobacco Retail Licenses (TRL) which are used by the City of  
Clovis; whether TRLs would better support enforcement, reduce illegal  
activity, and fund oversight; ongoing issues with smoke shops operating  
without business licenses and engaging in illegal activities; consistent  
constituent engagement and recent outreach on the proposed ordinance; the  
burden on city resources, caused by repeated violations; the impact on  
adjacent businesses and neighborhoods and if enforcement would extend to  
grocery and convenience stores; comparisons to the the Neighborhood  
Market Act mandated inspections for alcohol CUP holders; delaying  
implementation to allow for alternative proposals; an 18-month amortization  
period to allow businesses to prepare, and; grandfathering existing smoke  
shops, along with the lack of a clear definition of a “good” smoke shop.  
Vice President Arias motioned to approve the text amendment as it was  
submitted to the City Council and Planning Commission, without additional  
provisions.  
ORDINANCE 2025-11 ADOPTED  
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Esparza, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
Aye: 4 - Arias, Perea, Vang and Esparza  
No: 1 - Karbassi  
Absent: 1 - Richardson  
Abstain: 1 - Maxwell  
RESOLUTION - Opposing Assembly Bill 942, Standing United Against  
ID 25-589  
2.-U.  
Unfair Tariffs  
Council President Karbassi moved the above item to Contested Consent to  
discuss the impacts of Assembly Bill 942.  
Council discussion included: the financial impact of AB 942 on solar  
customers, local governments, and the City of Fresno; the undermining of  
state solar incentives by redirecting solar savings without guarantees for  
low-income residents, and the disproportionate benefit to utility companies;  
the potential increase to utility rates for cities that financed solar projects;  
the lack of carve-outs for municipal governments and school districts; the  
threat to Fresno's large municipal solar project.  
Councilmember Esparza gave a whiteboard presentation to demonstrate the  
negative impacts of AB 942.  
NO ACTION TAKEN  
3. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION  
UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATION  
Upon call, no one addressed Council with unscheduled communication:  
4. CITY COUNCIL  
10:00 A.M.  
Presentation by Dailey Elementary School Third Graders: Culture  
Preservation and Community  
4.-A.  
ID 25-486  
Dailey Elementary third graders Yosmite Pano and Liam Alvarez made the  
presentation to Council.  
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 3:55 P.M.  
5.-A.  
ID 25-356  
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.  
ID 25-464  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
Neeko Dedrick Alonzo Walker, et al. v. City of Fresno, et al, Fresno  
Superior Court Case No. 23CECG03451  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
5.-C.  
ID 25-484  
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  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION  
ID 25-487  
5.-D.  
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  
During open session, City Attorney Janz announced this item was  
Continued to May 1, 2025.  
CONTINUED  
ADJOURNMENT  
Council adjourned from closed session at 4:52 P.M. in memory of Diana  
Poeschel and Pope Francis.  
The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the City Council during the  
May 22, 2025, regular meeting.