2600 Fresno Street

Fresno, CA 93721

www.fresno.gov

City of Fresno

Meeting Minutes

City Council

President - Mike Karbassi

Vice President - Nelson Esparza

Councilmembers:

Annalisa Perea, Miguel Angel Arias, Tyler Maxwell,

Brandon Vang, Nick Richardson

City Manager - Georgeanne A. White

City Attorney - Andrew Janz

Interim City Clerk - Amy K. Aller

9:00 AM

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Council Chambers

The City Council met in regular session in the Council Chamber, City Hall, on the

date and time above written.

9:12 A.M. ROLL CALL

Present: 7 -

Council President Mike Karbassi

Vice President Nelson Esparza

Councilmember Annalisa Perea

Councilmember Miguel Angel Arias

Councilmember Tyler Maxwell

Councilmember Brandon Vang

Councilmember Nick Richardson

Invocation by Pastor Edward Durrell Thomas with Impact Church

Pastor Edward Durrell Thomas 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

A separately noticed Special Meeting today for a closed session item A (ID

26-135) regarding CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -

ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(4) 1

potential case

Ceremonial Presentations: The Proclamation of “Cervical Health Awareness

Month” sponsored by Councilmember Perea will be presented.

2-C (ID 26-13) regarding the 590th amendment to the master fee schedule

Resolution No. 80-420 – On the second page of the 590th Amendment to

the Master Fee Schedule Resolution, which is the signature page, the year

is incorrectly listed as 2025. It should be corrected to read “2026.”

2-L (ID 26-126) regarding directing the City Manager to bring before the

Council proposed amendments to certain Ordinances – Councilmember

Vang has been added as a co-sponsor, and has been moved under City

Council as item 4-B.

4-A (ID 26-124) regarding establishing the Policy Review Ad Hoc

Committee - Councilmember Richardson has been added to the committee.

THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS WERE MOVED TO THE

CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION

2-C (ID 26-13) regarding the 590th amendment to the master fee schedule

Resolution No. 80-420 – was moved to Contested Consent by

Councilmember Arias.

2-H (ID 26-81) regarding dissolving the Tower District Design Review

Committee - was moved to Contested Consent by Councilmember Perea.

2-I (ID 26-83) regarding cancellation of the Construction Contract between

the City of Fresno and Avison Construction - was moved to Contested

Consent by Councilmember Arias.

On motion of Councilmember Arias, seconded by Councilmember

Maxwell, the AGENDA was APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion

carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 -

Karbassi, Esparza, Perea, Arias, Maxwell, Vang and

Richardson

CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS

COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS

Councilmember Perea Reports and Comments. Reported that Covered

California’s open enrollment period would end on January 31, 2026, and

encouraged anyone without health coverage to apply before the deadline.

Emphasized that many residents who assume they do not qualify for

affordable or accessible coverage often do and urged the public to double

check their eligibility.

Councilmember Arias Reports and Comments. Thanked Southwest Fresno

residents for their patience during the major roadway reconstruction on

MLK, Church, Wawona, and Jensen that will require approximately one

month of closures and detours and urged drivers to slow down for worker

safety. Thanked residents for participating in the recent community meeting

on the funded Cesar Chavez Boulevard intersection improvements now in

design development, and congratulated United Health Centers on opening a

new Fresno clinic. Requested a public memo from the City Manager and a

clarifying statement from the Police Chief regarding recent Mayoral

comments about non enforcement of certain state laws as they relate to law

enforcement and federal ICE agents, asking whether such non enforcement

applies only to mask related requirements or could extend to more serious

crimes. Citing constituent concerns and recent incidents involving ICE, the

Councilmember emphasized the need for clear guidance affirming that state

law will be enforced equally for all individuals, including federal officers,

and highlighted ongoing national concern over deaths in ICE custody.

Councilmember Maxwell Reports and Comments. Reported that a new Horn

Barbecue location opened in District 4 at Granite Park, noting the Fresno

roots of owner and chef Matt Horn and encouraged residents to support the

local business. Described recent efforts to engage more deeply with youth,

including a joint press conference with Mayor Dyer announcing a $50,000

Youth Sports Scholarship Program to help children from low income

families access sports opportunities. Conducted several site visits,

including to CASA, an organization supporting foster youth, noting the

significant need for additional volunteer advocates, and to Focus Forward, a

District 4 nonprofit that recently expanded its facility and provides job

readiness, tattoo removal, and social services for formerly incarcerated

youth. Met with Innovative Minds, which offers structured care and social

skills development for children with autism. Hosted the Poetry Out Loud

competition in the council chambers, highlighting Fresno’s strong poetry

community and noting that the event winner would advance to competitions

in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

Councilmember Vang Reports and Comments. Reported the district office

joined the School Area Team at Aynesworth Elementary the previous

Thursday and thanked the team, along with Principal Vang and Vice

Principal Hughes, for their work connecting families with resources.

Attended the 19th Annual Boys and Girls Club of Fresno County Youth of

the Year celebration and congratulated the participating students while

acknowledging the organization’s continued service to Fresno youth. Joined

MEGA Texas Barbecue in celebrating the owner Anthony’s 50th birthday

and encouraged residents to support local District 5 businesses. Attended

the groundbreaking for the BoldAge PACE Center at the Jensen Landing

Development, noting its significance in bringing medical, social, and

wellness services to seniors in Southeast Fresno. Thanked the Public

Works Department for working with the office and a local business affected

by construction on Butler Avenue to adjust signage and maintain customer

access, and reminded residents that El Parian at Butler and 8th Street

remained open. Announced plans to attend a press conference the following

morning at LA Kitchen, at Fowler and Kings Canyon, to launch the

Southeast Asian Business Study, an effort to better understand and uplift

Southeast business owners in Fresno County.

Councilmember Richardson Reports and Comments. Reported the office

attended a community meeting hosted by residents at Avalon Commons and

congratulated a longtime Transportation Department bus driver, known

affectionately as “Double Barrel Daryl,” for receiving the Employee of the

Quarter award. Highlighted several District 6 small businesses, encouraging

support for The Mug Coffee Shop at Champlain and Perrin and Mama

Iguana's, a family run Mexican restaurant known for its popular salsa.

Reminded residents to download and use the FresGO app or call 621 CITY

to report neighborhood concerns efficiently. Thanked staff at Chandler

Airport for a recent meeting discussing future plans. Addressed constituent

emails regarding animal services funding, noting that during the recent

Point-In-Time count they observed many stray animals and the district office

is working with nonprofits and veterans’ organizations to train and adopt

shelter animals, expand shelter capacity, and support related services.

Residents were encouraged to contact the appropriate agencies directly for

specific concerns, with the Councilmember reaffirming that their office

remained engaged on the issue.

Vice President Esparza Reports and Comments. Reported joining

community members at the Betty Rodriguez Library to read Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech the past weekend, noting it was

the first time such an event had been held and describing it as a powerful

and meaningful moment of reflection in a space dedicated to learning.

Expressed hope that the event would continue in future years as part of

honoring Dr. King’s legacy. Announced that District 7’s El Premio Mayor

Taco Shop would hold a ribbon cutting for its newest location at the

southeast corner of First and McKinley, congratulating the business on its

continued growth within the district. Voiced support for earlier remarks

encouraging residents to buy local and highlighted the importance of

supporting neighborhood businesses.

Council President Karbassi Reports and Comments. Reported appreciation

for the public and organizers who participated in the Martin Luther King Jr.

Day events, noting the extensive preparation involved and thanking

colleagues who helped sponsor the celebrations. Reflected on the

importance of learning from Dr. King’s legacy during challenging political

times. Highlighted the recent Employee of the Quarter ceremony and

expressed pride in the City’s workforce across all departments, emphasizing

the value of public employees and strong labor partnerships. Recognized an

employee from the landscape division and thanked Public Works staff for

their collaboration on upcoming major corridor improvements, irrigation

installations, and tree planting along Herndon. Provided updates on several

infrastructure and school area safety projects, including completed left turn

phasing at West and Sierra near Starr Elementary, ongoing design work for

improvements at Sierra and Fruit, forthcoming studies for left turn phasing at

Forkner and Bullard near Malloch Elementary, progress on left turn phasing

at Sierra and Blackstone, and sidewalk improvements near Malloch

Elementary funded through the Pave Now, Pay Later program. Thanked staff

and the administration for advancing these projects. Noted meeting with the

Utilities Director regarding the EyeOnWater app, which helps customers

monitor water usage and detect leaks, and encouraged continued use of the

FresGO app. Expressed gratitude for being selected as Council President

for a second term and looked forward to working with the Council Vice

President in the year ahead.

MAYOR/MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS

City Manager White Reports and Comments. Reported that a fire occurred

the previous night at the Carl’s Jr. at Blackstone and McKinley, a property

the city currently possessed as part of the grade separation project. Bids for

demolition had recently been opened, with a contract originally planned for

council approval in February; however, due to the fire and resulting

hazardous materials, the award would be delayed while staff determined

next steps and arranged for cleanup and fencing of the site. Noted that the

building had been repeatedly broken into by unhoused individuals despite

efforts to keep it secured, and described ongoing coordination between the

Fire Department and Police Department to extinguish warming fires and

direct individuals to available warming centers. Reported efforts to expedite

demolition of other properties at the intersection, including work with PG&E

to obtain a pending power disconnection order. Provided an update on the

League of California Cities Revenue and Taxation Committee’s

recommendation to modify sales tax allocations for e-commerce, which

would result in an estimated $12–15 million annual loss for Fresno. The

City had long opposed this proposal, citing environmental burdens borne by

e-commerce host cities and concerns about pitting cities against one

another, and would continue to advocate against the change alongside other

affected jurisdictions. In response to earlier Council comments, relayed a

statement from the Mayor clarifying that Fresno Police would follow state

law regarding mask requirements, would intervene if an agent were

physically abusing someone, and would investigate any serious incident

involving a federal agent in coordination with federal authorities, consistent

with legal requirements.

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: Jose Leon Barraza, Aaron Hightower, and Dez Martinez.

During approval of the Consent Calendar, Councilmember Richardson

moved item 2-E (ID 26-34) to the Contested Consent Calendar.

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR

On motion of Councilmember Maxwell, seconded by Councilmember

Arias, the CONSENT CALENDAR was hereby adopted by the following

vote:

Aye: 7 -

Karbassi, Esparza, Perea, Arias, Maxwell, Vang and

Richardson

Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes for January 15, 2026.

2.-A.

2.-B.

ID 26-95

APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR

Approve the Fifth Amendment to the Agreement with the Fresno Area

ID 26-74

Hispanic Foundation for the Small Business Façade Program to extend the

term through July 31, 2026.

APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR

***RESOLUTION - Adopt the 37th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation

2.-D.

2.-F.

ID 26-116

Resolution 2025-179 establishing appropriations in the amount of

$1,158,700 for the Fire Department Drill School (Requires

Five Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)

RESOLUTION 2026-8 ADOPTED

APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR

Approve the First Amendment to

ID 26-35

Memorandum of Understanding

between the City of Fresno and Fresno Mission Communities, Inc., a

California nonprofit public benefit corporation, establishing additional terms

and conditions for the Project, including the contract term’s expiration date

of July 11, 2029, the procedures for the payment of the Homekey 3

Operating Award in the amount of $1,087,605 (COSR), and a revised

project schedule

APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR

***RESOLUTION - In support of a contribution of City funds in the amount of

$10,500,000 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 (Subject to

Mayor’s Veto) (Council District 3)

2.-G.

ID 26-39

RESOLUTION 2026-7 ADOPTED

APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR

Proclamation added on Dais - “Cervical Health Awareness Month”

ID 26-304

ID 26-17

Reject all bids for the purchase of recycled mulch as required by California

State Senate Bill 1383 procurement requirement for recovered organic

waste products (Bid File 12600921).

2.-J.

2.-K.

APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR

Approve the Award of a Requirements Contract for the purchase of traffic

ID 26-65

street name signs and reflective sheeting to Safeway Sign Company of

Adelanto, California for one year, with four optional single year extensions

in the amount of $216,691.60 per year, plus an annual 20% contingency for

Producer Price Index (PPI) increases, for a not to exceed annual amount of

$260,029.92 (Bid File No. 12600435) (Citywide).

APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR

CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR

***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 590th Amendment to the Master Fee

2.-C.

ID 26-13

Schedule Resolution No. 80-420 to Add, Adjust, Move, Revise or Delete

Various Fees (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)

During approval of the agenda, Interim City Clerk Aller announced on the

second page of the 590th Amendment to the Master Fee Schedule

Resolution, which is the signature page, the year is incorrectly listed as

2025. It should be corrected to read “2026.”

Councilmember Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent to

discuss the changes to the master fee schedule.

Council discussion was held.

On motion of Councilmember Richardson to Table the item to

February 19, 2026, seconded by Councilmember Arias, that the above

Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 4 - Esparza, Perea, Arias and Richardson

No: 3 - Karbassi, Maxwell and Vang

Actions pertaining to the La Hacienda Mobile Estates project located at

ID 26-34

2.-E.

104 East Sierra Avenue, Fresno, California (Council District 6):

1. ***RESOLUTION - Authorizing acceptance of funding from the

California Department of Housing and Community

Development

Homekey+ Program in the amount of $4,966,896 for the La

Hacienda Mobile Estates Project with Self-Help Enterprises and La

Hacienda Mobile, LLC, and authorizing the City Manager, or

designee, to sign all required implementing documents to secure

the Homekey+ Program funding and participate in the Homekey+

Program (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)

2. ***RESOLUTION - Adopt the 32nd Amendment to the Annual

Appropriations Resolution (AAR) No. 2025-179 to appropriate

$4,966,896 from the Homekey+ Program for Fiscal Year 2025-

2026 (Requires Five Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)

3. Approve a Regulatory Agreement and Declaration of Restrictive

Covenants between the City of Fresno, Self-Help Enterprises, and

La Hacienda Mobile, LLC, and for the benefit as a third-party

beneficiary the State of California Department of Housing and

Community Development for the Homekey+ La Hacienda Mobile

Estates Project

4. Approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of

Fresno, Self-Help Enterprises, and La Hacienda Mobile, LLC,

establishing certain terms and conditions relating to the Homekey+

Program Award

Councilmember Richardson moved the above item to Contested Consent to

discuss the project.

Council discussion was held.

RESOLUTION 2026-9 ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 2026-10 ADOPTED

On motion of Councilmember Richardson, seconded by Council

President Karbassi, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The

motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 -

Karbassi, Esparza, Perea, Arias, Maxwell, Vang and

Richardson

RESOLUTION - Dissolving the Tower District Design Review Committee

2.-H.

ID 26-81

Councilmember Perea moved the above item to Contested Consent to

Discuss the item.

Council discussion was held.

RESOLUTION 2026-11 ADOPTED

On motion of Councilmember Perea, seconded by Councilmember

Arias, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried by

the following vote:

Aye: 7 -

Karbassi, Esparza, Perea, Arias, Maxwell, Vang and

Richardson

Cancellation of the Construction Contract between the City of Fresno and

Avison Construction, Inc., of Madera, California, in the amount of

$2,584,590 for the Site Improvements for the Department of Public Utilities

Operations and Maintenance Facility (Bid File 12500107) (Council District

3).

2.-I.

ID 26-83

Councilmember Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent to

discuss the security precautions of the building.

Council discussion was held.

APPROVED

On motion of Councilmember Arias, seconded by Councilmember

Richardson, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion

carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 -

Karbassi, Esparza, Perea, Arias, Maxwell, Vang and

Richardson

3. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATION

Upon call, the following members of the public addressed the Council with

unscheduled communication: Mel Garcia, Jennifer Casey, Wendy Walker,

Brunette, Kristen Monroe, Caroline Harris, Gabriel Lazano, Loree Holt, April

Paroda, Kim Bryant, Maria Alvarez Garcia, Chariah Newton, Elayne

Gonzalez, Lisa Alvarado, Dez Martinez, and Brian Kelly.

4. CITY COUNCIL

RESOLUTION - Establishing the Policy Review Ad Hoc Committee

4.-A.

ID 26-124

During approval of the agenda, Interim City Clerk Aller announced

Councilmember Richardson has been added to the committee.

Upon call, the following members of the public addressed Council: Dez

Martinez, Brunette, and Kristina McIntyre.

Council discussion was held.

RESOLUTION 2026-13 ADOPTED

On motion of Council President Karbassi, seconded by

Councilmember Richardson, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED.

The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 -

Karbassi, Esparza, Perea, Arias, Maxwell, Vang and

Richardson

RESOLUTION - Directing the City Manager to bring before the Council

proposed amendments to certain Ordinances and Resolutions regarding

2.-L.

ID 26-126

the City of Fresno’s contracting process, contracting authority for City

officials, disclosure of certain contracts, lobbyist contracts, registered

lobbyists, Form 700s, and behested payments

During approval of the agenda, Interim City Clerk Aller announced

Councilmember Vang has been added as a co-sponsor, and the item has

been moved under City Council as item 4-B.

Upon call, the following members of the public addressed Council: Brunette,

Dez Martinez, and Kristina McIntyre.

Council discussion was held.

RESOLUTION 2026-12 ADOPTED

Councilmember Arias motioned to approve the item with the revision that

the City Clerk be directed to take the lead on bringing the item to fruition in

collaboration with the City Manager and other departments. The motion was

further amended to clarify that the 30 day time frame is a target for

establishing all relevant links on the same site and creating a dedicated

webpage, not for achieving full searchability or full operational functionality.

Within 30 days, staff will provide an initial webpage and then return with a

plan outlining how the system can become fully searchable and what

resources or steps would be required to achieve that.

On motion of Councilmember Arias, seconded by Councilmember

Vang, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED AS AMENDED. The

motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 -

Karbassi, Esparza, Perea, Arias, Maxwell, Vang and

Richardson

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 1:51 P.M.

5.-A.

ID 26-96

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