Summary

City Council adopts kratom sales ordinance, approves emergency shelter contracts and Prohousing application; annexation and other consent items approved

FresnoDec 4, 20253 min read

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Fresno City Council met December 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. Six members were present (Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Vang, Richardson, Esparza); Councilmember Tyler Maxwell was absent. The agenda was approved as amended and several consent items were moved to contested. Major actions: adoption of Ordinance 2025-54 regulating kratom sales (age 21+ with an alkaloid limit), approval of emergency shelter agreements with Elevate and a service agreement with Poverello House (HHAP-funded), adoption of a resolution to pursue Prohousing Incentive Program Round 4 funding, and adoption of resolutions and an ordinance to annex territory to Community Facilities District No. 9 (Annexation No. 72) and levy a special tax. A public hearing was held to solicit input for the 2026–2027 HUD Annual Action Plan; the Southeast Development Area Specific Plan hearing was continued to December 18, 2025. Closed sessions addressed labor negotiations and multiple existing litigation matters. The meeting adjourned at 2:19 PM.

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Southeast Development Economic Development Fresno Regional Workforce Development Community Development Urban Development

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City Council

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LaborTransportationBudget & TaxPublic SafetyEducationCommerceElectionsEnvironmentalHousing

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Key decisions

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Ordinance 2025-54 adopted (Bill B-54) — regulates sale/distribution of kratom within City limits; amended to permit sale of natural kratom to persons 21+ with product alkaloid level limit (motion carried 6-0, Maxwell absent).
Approved Emergency Shelter actions (ID 25-1541): First amendment with Elevate for Valley Inn (Jan 1–June 30, 2026) not to exceed $1,073,879; Service Agreement with Elevate for Travel Inn (Jan 1–Dec 31, 2026) not to exceed $2,231,579.65 (HHAP-funded).
Approved Service Agreement with Poverello House to operate emergency shelter at Clarion Pointe (Jan 1–June 30, 2026) not to exceed $900,000 (HHAP-funded).
Resolution 2025-344 adopted — authorize submission/application for and acceptance of California Department of Housing and Community Development Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP) Round 4 funding.
Resolutions 2025-338, 2025-339, 2025-340 adopted and Bill B-55 introduced / Ordinance 2025-55 adopted — annex territory to Community Facilities District No. 9, Annexation No. 72 (APN 310-132-43) and levy a special tax (Council District 5).
Consent calendar actions including Contract Change Order No. 4 with American Paving Company for Mariposa Plaza Reconstruction approved ($37,935.87 change order; staff report fiscal impact corrected to $4,259,000 total project cost), purchase of two Smeal fire apparatuses ($2,948,458), and multiple municipal code amendments, salary resolution amendments, and other routine approvals.

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