The City Council met in regular session in the Council Chamber, City Hall, on the date and time above written.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – Public participation during Fresno City Council meetings is always encouraged and can occur by attending a meeting in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall located at 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721.
To be called to speak during a meeting, please fill out a speaker card (located throughout the chamber) and place it in the speaker card collection basket at the front of the chamber. You may also approach the speaker podium upon the Council President’s call for any additional public comment.
Unless otherwise announced, all public speakers will have up to 3 minutes to address Council pursuant to Rule No. 10 of the Rules of Procedure for the City Council of the City of Fresno (available in the City Clerk’s Office).
SUBMIT DOCUMENTS / WRITTEN COMMENTS - Pursuant to Rule 11 (c) of the Rules of Procedure, no documents shall be accepted for Council review unless submitted to the City Clerk at least 24 hours prior to the Council Agenda item be heard. Documents / written comments related to an agenda item can be submitted by one of the following methods:
1) eComment – eComment allows the public to submit agenda related comments through a website prior to the meeting. Submitted comments are limited to 1440 characters and will be a part of the official record.
a) Submit an e-Comment by visiting https://fresno.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and selecting the “eComment” link.
b) e-Comment is available for use upon publication of the agenda and closes 24 hours prior to the meeting start time [pursuant to Rule 11(c)].
c) e-Comment is not permitted for Land use or CEQA items.
d) The e-Comment Electronic User Agreement can be viewed at: https://www.fresno.gov/cityclerk/#information
2) E-mail – Agenda related documents and comments can be e-mailed to the Office of the City Clerk at least 24 hours prior to the agenda item being heard, pursuant to Rule 11(c).
a) E-mail the Clerk’s Office at clerk@fresno.gov
VIEWING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS (non-participatory) - For your convenience, there are several ways to view Fresno City Council meetings live:
1) City of Fresno website: https://fresno.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx (click “In Progress” to view the live meeting).
2) Community Media Access Collaborative website: https://cmac.tv/
3) YouTube - City of Fresno Council, Boards and Commissions Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ld83D8QGn1YBDw6aD5dZA/videos
4) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FresnoCA/videos
5) Cable Television: Comcast Channel 96 and AT&T Channel 99
6) Zoom: https://fresno.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_7xJBW8h2QuKtZpm1lt1kdQ
Should any of the viewing methods above experience technical difficulties, the Council meeting will continue uninterrupted. Meetings will only be paused to address verified technical issues that interrupt public participation during meetings.
The City of Fresno’s goal is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If reasonable ADA accommodations are needed, including sign language interpretation, contact the Office of the City Clerk at (559) 621-7650 or clerk@fresno.gov. Also contact the Office of the City Clerk if spoken language translation is required. Accommodation and language requests should be made a minimum of three business days prior to the scheduled meeting.
GOVERNMENT CODE 84308 CONTRIBUTION PROHIBITIONS AND MANDATORY DISCLOSURES - The Political Reform Act of 1974 (Act) restricts campaign contributions over $500 to a decision-making public official from a party or participant, or their agent, in a proceeding involving a license, permit, contract, or entitlement for use. The Act requires disclosure of the contribution and creates a conflict where a decision-maker has received $500 or more from a party or participant to a proceeding in the prior 12 months. A decision-maker must disclose on the record during the proceeding that they have received contributions from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant, greater than $500 within the preceding 12 months and the name(s) of the contributor(s). (See 2 CCR 18438.8(a).) Parties to a proceeding are required to disclose on the record if they made contributions over $500 to a decision-maker within the prior 12 months, and are prohibited from making contributions to a decision-maker during the proceeding and for 12 months after the date a final decision is rendered on the proceeding.
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9:11 A.M. ROLL CALL
Invocation by Sarbjit Singh of the Sikh Institute Fresno
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
APPROVE AGENDA
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation of “Central High Schools Men’s Water Polo Team Day’’
Proclamation of “California Apartment Association Day”
Proclamation of the 75th Anniversary of the Bulldog Foundation
APWA Project of the Year Award
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
MAYOR/MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
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)
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).
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).
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.
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).
10:00 A.M.
Appearance by Dr. Eimear O’Brien “Shaping the Future of Education”
10:03 A.M.
Appearance by Daniel / Nykkynn regarding “Fresno's developing Arts and Music Scene”
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes for November 6, 2025, and November 20, 2025
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
Approve the reappointment of Lydia Zabrycki to the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board to a term expiring on November 1, 2027.
Reject all bids for the Merced Street Reconnection Project (Bid File No. 12501885). (Council District 3)
Approve Contract Change Order No. 4 with American Paving Company 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)
Approve the Agreement between the City and Forward Fresno Foundation allocating $75,000 to support the augmentation of the Fresno Young Leaders Academy.
Actions related to amending agreement #A211006364 with the California 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)
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
Approve the award of a Purchase Contract to Swanson Fahrney Ford, of Selma, California, for the purchase of 10 Ford vehicles for various departments in the amount of $414,186 (Bid File 12600472)
Actions pertaining to the International Union of Operating Engineers, 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)
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***RESOLUTION - Adopt the Fifteenth Amendment to the FY 2026 Salary 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 - Authorizing submission of an application for and 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)
Approve a Consultant Services Agreement between the City of Fresno and 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.
***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 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)
Approve the Service Agreement with Poverello House (Poverello) to 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)
Actions pertaining to Emergency Shelter operations provided by Elevate 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)
RESOLUTION - Approving the Final Map of Tract No. 6384, and accepting 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)
Actions pertaining to a Bill for Introduction amending Sections 14-310 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-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)
***RESOLUTION - Adopting a Pilot Program to Incentivize Commercial Job Creation Within Vacant Buildings or Storefronts in the Tower District (Subject to Mayor's Veto)
***BILL B-46 (Reintroduced November 20, 2025)(For Adoption) - Amending Sidewalk Vending Ordinance, sections 10-2603 and 10-2606, amending the citation structure (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
***BILL B-54 (Introduced November 20, 2025)(For Adoption) Adding 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)
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATION
PLEASE NOTE: UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATION IS NOT SCHEDULED FOR A SPECIFIC TIME AND MAY BE HEARD ANY TIME DURING THE MEETING
CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP - Higher Education Student Government Updates
CLOSED SESSION
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
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
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
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
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.
Northern District of California Case No. 3:25-cv-07070-RS
ADJOURNMENT
UPCOMING EMPLOYEE CEREMONIES
2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR
The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the City Council during the December 18, 2025, regular meeting.