2600 Fresno Street  
Fresno, CA 93721  
www.fresno.gov  
City of Fresno  
Meeting Minutes  
City Council  
Council President - Nelson Esparza  
Vice President - Tyler Maxwell  
Councilmembers:  
Annalisa Perea, Mike Karbassi, Miguel Angel Arias,  
Brandon Vang,  
Nick Richardson  
City Manager - Georgeanne A. White  
City Attorney - Andrew Janz  
Interim City Clerk - Amy K. Aller  
9:00 AM  
Thursday, March 26, 2026  
Council Chambers  
The City Council met in regular session in the Council Chamber, City Hall, on the  
date and time above written.  
9:14 A.M. ROLL CALL  
Present: 7 -  
Council President Nelson Esparza  
Vice President Tyler Maxwell  
Councilmember Annalisa Perea  
Councilmember Mike Karbassi  
Councilmember Miguel Angel Arias  
Councilmember Brandon Vang  
Councilmember Nick Richardson  
Invocation by Fr. Ivan Hernandez-Melchor from Diocese of Fresno, Pastor of the Shrine  
of St. Thérèse  
Fr. Ivan Hernandez-Melchor gave the invocation.  
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag  
Councilmember Richardson led the Pledge of Allegiance.  
APPROVE AGENDA  
THE AGENDA WAS APPROVED WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGES  
Ceremonial Presentation was added - Check Presentation to “Family of  
22-month Ahzunea Mondragon-Lyday” - Sponsored by Councilmember  
Perea  
THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS WERE MOVED TO THE  
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION  
2-I (ID 26-295) regarding the third amendment to the Position Authorization  
Resolution No. 2025-179 adding three permanent, full-time positions in the  
Parks, After School, Recreation, and Community Services Department - was  
moved to Contested Consent by Councilmember Arias  
2-K (ID 26-365) regarding the renewal of the Fresno Police Department  
Annual Military Equipment Use Report - was moved to Contested Consent  
by Councilmember Arias.  
On motion of Councilmember Karbassi, seconded by Vice President  
Maxwell, the AGENDA was APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 -  
Esparza, Maxwell, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang and  
Richardson  
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS  
Morning Ceremonials  
Fresno Animal Center presents “Pet of the Month”  
ID 26-328  
PRESENTED  
Proclamation of “Kopi Sotiropulos Day”  
Proclamation of “Women’s History Month”  
Proclamation of “Dr. Jackie Ryle Day”  
Proclamation of “Red Cross Month”  
ID 26-267  
PRESENTED  
ID 26-286  
PRESENTED  
ID 26-292  
PRESENTED  
ID 26-294  
PRESENTED  
Afternoon Ceremonials  
Proclamation of “San Joaquin Memorial High School Boys Basketball  
State Championship Day”  
ID 26-375  
PRESENTED  
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS  
Councilmember Perea Reports and Comments. Reported the District 1 team  
had been actively engaging with the community through various meetings to  
provide neighborhood project updates. Toured the Fresno State Farm in  
recognition of Ag Day. District 1 staff met with residents at Parks at Fig to  
discuss infrastructure and transportation needs. Partnered with the City  
Attorney’s Office, Code Enforcement, and Shankar Legal to host a Know  
Your Rights workshop for tenants.  
Councilmember Arias Reports and Comments. Reported neighborhood  
meetings have begun in preparation for the Mayor’s proposed budget in  
May and thanked the West Fresno Neighborhood and Central Unified for  
participating. Announced upcoming community meetings in the Tower  
District and Downtown. Thanked Storyland staff and board members and  
invited the public to attend the grand opening of the new pirate ship  
attraction.  
Councilmember Vang Reports and Comments. Reported attending a  
community meeting with the PARCS Department regarding the addition of a  
gym and community center as part of Phase II of the Southeast Fresno  
Sports Complex. Announced two Easter celebrations scheduled in District 5.  
Announced that a Town Hall for the Roosevelt area at the Senior Village  
Center on South Chestnut Avenue.  
Councilmember Richardson Reports and Comments. Congratulated the  
newly sworn in firefighters. Reported attending a student business and job  
fair with approximately 200 high school students and thanked the Alhambra  
II Mobile Home Park community for hosting a neighborhood meeting.  
Announced an upcoming job fair for high school students. Reported that  
Sequoia Brewing Company was collecting donations for the California  
Veterans Home.  
Council President Esparza Reports and Comments. Reported attending the  
Fire Academy Class 80 graduation ceremony at City Hall and congratulated  
the graduates. Thanked the School Area Team for their recent engagement  
efforts in the Burros neighborhood. Announced that the Great American  
Cleanup with the District 7 Beautify Fresno site located at Hidalgo  
Elementary.  
MAYOR/MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS  
There were no reports or comments from the Mayor or City Manager.  
1. SCHEDULED COUNCIL HEARINGS AND MATTERS  
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: Cynthia Sterling, Matthew Gillian, Ari C, Kinisha Ali, Bob  
McCleskey, Sonia Davis, Nikki Real, Dez Martinez, Alfred Aldready,  
Desiree Miller, Eugene Taylor, Brandi N., Martha Favela, and Hester  
Hensley.  
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR  
On motion of Vice President Maxwell, seconded by Councilmember  
Arias, the CONSENT CALENDAR was hereby adopted by the following  
vote:  
Aye: 7 -  
Esparza, Maxwell, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang and  
Richardson  
Actions pertaining to amendment of various ordinances:  
2.-A.  
ID 26-368  
1. ***BILL B-4 (Introduced March 19, 2026)(For Adoption) - Amending  
Chapter 1, Articles 3 and 5, sections 1-303, 1-308, and 1-503 of the  
Fresno Municipal Code (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
2. ***BILL B-5 (Introduced March 19, 2026)(For Adoption) - Amending  
Chapter 9, Article 24, sections 9-2402, 9-2403, and 9-2405 of the  
Fresno Municipal Code (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
3. ***BILL B-6 (Introduced March 19, 2026)(For Adoption) - Amending  
Chapter 10, Articles 1 and 6, sections 10-106, 10-603, 10-604, and  
10-605 of the Fresno Municipal Code (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
4. ***BILL B-7 (Introduced March 19, 2026)(For Adoption) - Amending  
Chapter 11, Articles 3 and 4, sections 11-305, 11-328, and 11-405  
of the Fresno Municipal Code (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
5. ***BILL B-8 (Introduced March 19, 2026)(For Adoption) - Amending  
Chapter 12, Article 20, sections 12-2003, 12-2013, and 12-2014 of  
the Fresno Municipal Code (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
ORDINANCE 2026-5 ADOPTED  
ORDINANCE 2026-6 ADOPTED  
ORDINANCE 2026-7 ADOPTED  
ORDINANCE 2026-8 ADOPTED  
ORDINANCE 2026-9 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the appointment of Vincent Cosentino to the Fresno/Clovis  
Community Media Authority to a term expiring on June 30, 2027.  
2.-B.  
2.-C.  
ID 26-350  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the substitution of listed Subcontractor, Dawn Electric Inc. of  
ID 26-296  
Hanford, California, for electrical work with Strategic Mechanical Inc. of  
Fresno, California, for the Vinland Park Futsal and Pickleball Courts  
Project - Project ID PC00351 (Bid File 12500501). (Council District 4)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions pertaining to the Sunnyside between Church and Jensen Water  
2.-D.  
ID 26-306  
Main Replacement Project (Bid File 12600949) (Council District 5):  
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections  
15301/Class  
1
(Existing  
Facilities)  
and  
15302/Class  
2
(Replacement or Reconstruction) of the California Environmental  
Quality Act Guidelines;  
2. Award a Construction Contract in the amount of $1,160,865.00 to  
Dawson-Mauldin, LLC as the lowest responsive and responsible  
bidder.  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
2.-E.  
ID 26-361  
Submission and Acceptance of the City of Fresno Annual Comprehensive  
Financial Report (ACFR) and Annual Comprehensive Debt Report (ACDR)  
for Fiscal Year 2025  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
2.-F.  
2.-G.  
ID 26-338  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Approve the First Amendment to the Lease Agreement between the City of  
ID 26-318  
Fresno’s Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services  
(PARCS) Department and Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission  
(EOC) to extend the term of the Lease Agreement through September 1,  
2026 for program sites located at Mary Ella Brown Community Center,  
Mosqueda Community Center, Willow and Balch Park, and Romain  
Playground for the Head Start Preschool Program, and authorize the  
PARCS Director or their designee to execute the First Amendment on the  
City’s behalf (Districts 3, 5 & 7)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions pertaining to the 2025-2026 California Volunteers Youth Service  
Corps Grant:  
2.-H.  
ID 26-299  
1. ***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the acceptance of Grant Funding  
from California Volunteers Youth Service Corps Program Grant in  
the Amount of $2,608,201 for the One Fresno 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 45th Amendment to the Annual  
Appropriation Resolution No. 2025 - 179 to appropriate $2,608,201  
for the new One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program from the 2025-  
2026 California Volunteers Youth Service Corps Grant (Requires 5  
Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
3. ***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 44th Amendment to the Annual  
Appropriation Resolution No. 2025 - 179 to appropriate $946,500  
of carryover funding from the 2023-2024 #CaliforniansForAll Youth  
Service Corps grant (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to  
Mayor’s Veto)  
RESOLUTION 2026-43 ADOPTED  
RESOLUTION 2026-44 ADOPTED  
RESOLUTION 2026-45 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions pertaining to the City of Fresno Management Employees  
Association (CFMEA) for Unit 14  
2.-J.  
2.-L.  
ID 26-388  
1. ***Adopt a Side Letter of Agreement between the City of Fresno  
and City of Fresno Management Employees Association (CFMEA -  
Unit 14) (Subject to Mayor’s veto)  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
Actions pertaining to the emergency replacement of the biological  
ID 26-370  
treatment process air distribution pipeline located at the Fresno-Clovis  
Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Council District 3):  
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Class 1,  
Section 15301(b) (Existing Facilities) and Section 15301(d)  
(Restoration or Rehabilitation) of the California Environmental  
Quality Act Guidelines;  
2. ***RESOLUTION  
-
Declaring an urgent necessity for the  
preservation of life, health, property and authorizing the City  
Manager or designee to enter into agreements without advertised  
competitive bidding for the emergency replacement of the biological  
treatment process air supply distribution pipeline located at the  
Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Requires  
Five Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto).  
RESOLUTION 2026-47 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
***BILL B-9 (Introduced March 19, 2026)(For Adoption) - Amending  
2.-M.  
ID 26-369  
Sidewalk Vending Ordinance, Sections 10-2603 and 10-2604, Regarding  
Vending of Services. (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
ORDINANCE 2026-10 ADOPTED  
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR  
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR  
***RESOLUTION  
-
Adopting the Third Amendment to the Position  
2.-I.  
ID 26-295  
Authorization Resolution No. 2025-179 adding three permanent, full-time  
positions in the Parks, After School, Recreation, and Community Services  
Department, effective April 6, 2026 (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)  
Councilmember Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent to get  
clarification on the new positions.  
Council discussion was held.  
RESOLUTION 2026-46 ADOPTED  
On motion of Councilmember Arias, seconded by Council President  
Esparza, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 -  
Esparza, Maxwell, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang and  
Richardson  
Approve the renewal of the Fresno Police Department Annual Military  
Equipment Use Report as originally required by Assembly Bill 481,  
codified under Government Code sections 7070-7075.  
2.-K.  
ID 26-365  
Councilmember Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent to  
discuss the report.  
Council discussion was held.  
APPROVED  
On motion of Councilmember Arias, seconded by Councilmember  
Karbassi, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 -  
Esparza, Maxwell, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang and  
Richardson  
3. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION  
UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATION  
Upon call, the following members of the public addressed the Council with  
unscheduled communication: Manuel Perez, Dez Martinez, and NIkki Real.  
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 1:58 P.M.  
5.-A.  
ID 26-367  
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). 11. Employee  
Organization(s): Unrepresented Employees in Unit 2 (Non-Represented  
Management and Confidential Classes): Airport Public Safety Manager,  
Airports Public Safety Assistant 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, Special Assistant City  
Attorney, 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  
ID 26-379  
5.-B.  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
1 Community Compact v. City of Fresno; Fifth District Court of Appeal  
Case No. F089737  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
5.-C.  
ID 26-386  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
Case Name: La-Kebbia Wilson v. City of Fresno; et al, Eastern District Court  
Case No. 1:19-cv-01658  
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.-D.  
ID 26-387  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
Karen Micheli, et al. v. City of Fresno; Fifth District Court of Appeal Case No.  
F085599  
The above item was discussed in closed session. City Attorney Janz  
reported: There was direction given by council with the vote of 7-0 to file a  
petition in this matter for review before the California Supreme Court.  
DISCUSSED  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION  
ID 26-391  
5.-E.  
5.-F.  
5.-G.  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
David Phillips-Kerley v. City of Fresno; et al, Eastern District Court Case  
No. 1:18-CV-00438  
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 26-392  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1):  
Jennifer Regan v. City of Fresno, et al.; Fresno Superior Court Case No.  
22CECG00876  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION  
ID 26-383  
1. Government Code Section 54957(b): consider the appointment,  
employment, evaluation of performance, discipline, or dismissal of a public  
employee.  
Title: City Clerk  
2. Government Code Section 54957.6: conference with labor negotiator.  
City Negotiator: Council President Nelson Esparza.  
Unrepresented Employee: City Clerk  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
Unscheduled Communication Public Comment Received - Accepted by  
Council President  
ID 26-456  
ID 26-382  
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION  
1. Government Code Section 54957(b): consider the appointment,  
employment, evaluation of performance, discipline, or dismissal of a  
public employee.  
5.-H.  
Title: City Attorney  
2. Government Code Section 54957.6: conference with labor  
negotiator. City Negotiator: Council President Nelson Esparza.  
Unrepresented Employee: City Attorney  
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open  
session announcements for this item.  
DISCUSSED  
3:00 P.M.  
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION  
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)  
South Fresno Community Alliance v. City of Fresno, et al.  
Fresno Superior Court Case No.: 21CECG03237  
5.-I.  
ID 26-400  
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 3:48 P.M.  
The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the City Council during the  
April 9, 2026, regular meeting