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, District 5 - Vacant,
Nick Richardson, Nelson Esparza
City Manager - Georgeanne A. White
City Attorney - Andrew Janz
City Clerk - Todd Stermer, MMC
9:00 AM Council ChambersThursday, February 27, 2025
Regular Meeting
The City Council met in regular session in the Council Chamber, City Hall, on the date and time above written.
9:05 A.M. ROLL CALL
Council District 5 is vacant pending a March 18, 2025, special election.
Council President Mike Karbassi
Vice President Miguel Angel Arias
Councilmember Annalisa Perea
Councilmember Nick Richardson
Councilmember Nelson Esparza
Present: 5 -
Councilmember Tyler MaxwellAbsent: 1 -
Invocation by Pastor Kevin Foster of Lifebridge Community Church Pastor Kevin Foster gave the invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Councilmember Richardson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVE AGENDA
CITY CLERK STERMER ANNOUNCED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE
REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA:
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9:15 A.M. (ID 25-132) regarding tobacco and vapor sales, smoke shops, and definitions in the Citywide Development Code - tabled to March 13, 2025 by the City Attorneys Office.
2-G (ID 25-221) regarding the declaration of surplus personal property in support of the Blackstone McKinley BNSF Grade Separation Project - tabled with no return date by staff.
2-L (ID 25-253) regarding the lease of city-owned agricultural land at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility - tabled to the March 13, 2025 by staff.
5.-A. (ID 25-218) regarding Park 7, LLC., and LandValue Management LLC., v. City of Fresno; Fresno Superior Court Case No. 24CECG04298 - tabled to the March 13, 2025, by the City Attorney's office.
5.-C. ID (ID25-280) regarding City of Fresno v. Fresno Building Healthy Communities Court of Appeal Case No.: F084662; and Fresno Building Healthy Communities v. City of Fresno Court of Appeal Case No. F084666 - tabled to the March 13, 2025, by the City Attorney's office.
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember Perea,the Agenda was APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Richardson and Esparza5 -
Absent: Maxwell1 -
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
ID 25-116 Proclamation for "Mid Valley’s Recycler of the Year"
PRESENTED
ID 25-199 Proclamation “Community Media Access Collaborative” Day
PRESENTED
ID 25-44 Fresno Animal Center presents “Pet of the Month”
PRESENTED
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COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Councilmember Perea Reports and Comments. Recognized the Beautify Fresno team for organizing a successful cleanup at the Shields and Weber intersection. Discussed the grand opening of Casita Feliz highlighted it's contributions to the LGBTQ community. Participated in the Support Blue Run with Councilmembers Karbassi and Richardson. Recognized Sheer Bliss Spa as the District 1 Business of the Month and encouraged community support. Asked residents to continue to report potholes, tree-trimming needs, and other concerns to help the district set priorities when drafting the upcoming budget. Requested an update on timelines and enforcement regarding the illegal breeding ordinance.
Councilmember Richardson Reports and Comments. Recognized the Fresno Animal Center for the recent "Blind Date with a Dog" adoption event.
Announced his participation in the Support Blue Run. Recapped the successful District 6 meeting that focused on the chicanes traffic calming project in Northeast Fresno. Announced an upcoming Beautify Fresno event in the McArdle neighbor and an upcoming District 6 town hall meeting at McArdle Elementary School. Congratulated his aunt, Nancy Richardson, for "out-recycling" him.
Councilmember Esparza Reports and Comments. Discussed the Read Across America event he attended at Rowell Elementary School in District
7. Announced the appointment of Councilmember Richardson to the School Liaison Subcommittee, considerations for filling the remaining vacancy and timing of the first meeting. Discussed the reopening of Crossroads Village, a 141 unit affordable housing project in District 7. Congratulated LGBTQ+ resource center, Casita Feliz, for the grand opening and expressed his support for the mission of the new business.
Vice President Arias Reports and Comments. Discussed concrete repairs and speed bump installations in the Tower District and South Tower area, and street repaving efforts in Southwest Fresno. Acknowledged the Public Works Department’s efforts to replace trees in empty tree wells in downtown Fresno. Reported on his graveyard shift ride-along in the Central and Southwest Districts, and recognized increasing property crimes in the Tower City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 3
February 27, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes
District, largely driven by un-housed individuals. Announced plans to discuss crime concerns, especially property crimes and open drug use, with the Police Chief. Announced the arrest of two individuals that had been pulling people over portraying themselves as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents but were not.
Council President Karbassi Reports and Comments: Highlighted Councilmember Maxwell’s work on the Marjaree Mason Center’s new facility and bringing the neighborhood together in support of the project.
Recognized Nicole Linder’s leadership in securing resources for the Marjaree Mason Center project. Discussed the importance of the Sarah's Court affordable housing project in District 5 as a bridge to a better future.
Expressed gratitude for all the people that made the Support Blue Run a success. Expressed gratitude to police officers, firefighters, and first responders. Recognized all City of Fresno Fire Fighters and Police Officers for the great job they do and prayed for their safety.
MAYOR/MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Mayor Dyer Reports and Comments. Announced the swearing-in ceremony for new Police Chief, Mindy Casto. Discussed his attendance at the Chief Executive Officer of the Year Event organized by The Business Journal.
Announced the opening of the Marjaree Mason Center's Isnardi Foundation Building which was constructed without debt thanks to the many donations received. Announced several events taking place the upcoming weekend.
Highlighted 420 high quality affordable housing units in Fresno thanks to projects like Brandhaven and Sarah's Court at Fancher Creek.
City Manager White Reports and Comments. Expressed appreciation for being back in Fresno after being away a few days.
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
9:05 A.M. JOINT MEETING
ID 25-261 Actions pertaining to the affordable residential housing project at City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 4
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1241-1263 Broadway Plaza, Fresno, California commonly known as Hotel Fresno:
1. Approve a Fifth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Owner Participation Agreement with Broadway Plaza Family Apartments, LP and the City of Fresno, in its capacity as Housing Successor to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Fresno (District 3).
The above item was called to order at 9:48 A.M. and was presented to Council by Redevelopment Director Murphey. Upon call, no members of the public addressed Council. Public comment closed at 9:50 A.M.
Council discussion included: Project timeline, affordable housing expansion, and the completion of the Hotel Fresno Renovation.
FRESNO REVITALIZATION CORPORATION VOTE: On motion of Member Dyer, seconded by Member Arias, the above item was adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Richardson, Esparza, Dyer
Absent: 1 - Maxwell
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember Perea, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Richardson and Esparza5 -
Absent: Maxwell1 -
9:10 A.M. JOINT MEETING (CONTINUED TO MARCH 13, 2025, AT 9:10 A.M.)
ID 25-27 ***RESOLUTION - Repealing Resolution Number 2024-125 and replacing it with language in support of a contribution of City and Housing Successor Agency land toward the Ventura Family Apartments project located on Cesar Chavez Blvd between Seventh and Eighth streets (City Council District 5) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
CONTINUED AS NOTED
9:15 A.M.
ID 25-132 HEARING for Consideration of Text Amendment Application No .
P23-03410 and related Environmental Finding for Environmental Assessment No. P23-03410, amending Sections 15-2761 and 15-6802 of City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 5
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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 (for introduction) amending Sections 15-2761 and 15-6802 of the Citywide Development Code, relating to relating to Tobacco and Vapor Sales, Smoke Shops, and Definitions.
During approval of the agenda, City Clerk Stermer announced this Item was tabled to March 13, 2025 by the City Attorneys Office.
TABLED
9:20 A.M.
ID 25-242 HEARING to Consider Annexation Application No. P22-03846, Pre -zone Application No. P22-04069 and the related Environmental Assessment No .
P22-03846/P22-04069 pertaining to approximately 20.23 acres of property on the north and south sides of West Ashlan Avenue between North Polk and North Gregory Avenues (Council District 1)
1. ADOPT - Negative Declaration prepared for Environmental Assessment No. P22-03846/P22-04069 dated December 6, 2024, for the proposed project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Addendum dated January 15, 2025.
2. RESOLUTION - Approving Annexation Application No. P22-03846 (for the Ashlan -Polk Nos. 3 and 4 Reorganization) proposing detachment from the Kings River Conservation District and North Central Fire Protection District and annexation to the City of Fresno.
3. BILL - (For introduction and adoption) - Approving Pre -zone Application No. P22-04069 proposing to pre -zone approximately
9.54 acres of the subject property from the County of Fresno RR /NB (Rural Residential /Neighborhood Beautification ) zone district to the City of Fresno RS -5/ANX (Single-Family Residential, Medium Density/Annexed Rural Residential Transitional Overlay ) zone district; and approximately 9.78 acres of the subject property from the RR /NB (Rural Residential /Neighborhood Beautification ) zone district to the City of Fresno RS -5/cz (Single-Family Residential, Medium Density/conditions of zoning) zone district.
The above item was called to order at 9:52 A.M. and was presented to Council by Planning Manager Trejo. Upon call, no members of the public addressed Council. Public comment closed at 9:54 A.M.
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Council discussion included: Land designation breakdown and the designated purpose. Inquiry about the remaining 0.93 acres and its designation.
RESOLUTION 2025-44 ADOPTED
BILL B-4 INTRODUCED / ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE 2025-4
On motion of Councilmember Perea, seconded by Councilmember Richardson, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Richardson and Esparza5 -
Absent: Maxwell1 -
10:00 A.M.
ID 25-262 Appearance by Jerry Veliz regarding “Create Bus lanes” (District 7 Resident)
APPEARED
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
Upon call, for public comment on all Consent, Contested Consent and Closed Session items, no members of the public addressed Council.
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: Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Richardson and Esparza5 -
Absent: Maxwell1 -
2.-A. ID 25-264 Approval of the minutes for February 13, 2025
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-B. ID 25-234 BILL - (For introduction) - Amending Subsection (a) of Section 7-504, and Subsection (a) of Section 7-505 of the Fresno Municipal Code relating to the local Sales and Use Taxes
BILL B-5 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER
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APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-C. ID 25-252 Actions pertaining to the Habitat Restoration and Revegetation Plan in support of the River West Eaton Trail Extension Project:
1. RESOLUTION - Adopting Findings Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15091 and 15093 as Required by CEQA Guidelines Section 15096 for the Habitat Restoration and Revegetation Plan in Support of the River West Eaton Trail Extension Project;
2. ***RESOLUTION - Approving the Application and Acceptance of $172,000.00 in Grant Funds from the Wildlife Conservation Board and Authorizing Execution of Grant Related Documents for the Habitat Restoration and Revegetation Plan in Support of the River West Eaton Trail Extension Project. (Subject to Mayor’s Veto) RESOLUTION 2025-42 ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 2025-43 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-D. ID 25-149 Approve Contract Change Order No. 02 in the amount of $ 149,515.21, with Twenty-Nine additional working days for the redesign of the First Street bridge canal liner and balancing of Contract Bid Item overruns and underruns with American Paving Company of Fresno, California for the Rebid Bridge Preventative Maintenance Program Phase II at Various Locations Project - Project ID PW 00771. (Bid File 12400024-1) ( Council Districts 4 and 7)
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-E. ID 25-184 Approve Third Amendment to the Consultant Services Agreement with BKF Engineers, a California Corporation in the amount of $ 107,376.00 for a total increased contract amount of $ 1,143,125.00, with $ 3,700.00 remaining contingency, for additional professional engineering services required for the design of plans and general construction documents for the Herndon Avenue Widening between Polk Avenue and Milburn Avenue Project. (Council District 2)
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-F. ID 25-194 Actions pertaining to the disposition of a City owned, undeveloped parcel located on the east side of Broadway Avenue, north of Divisadero Street in Fresno, California (Council District 3):
1. Adopt a Categorical Exemption per Environmental Assessment Number P 23-01843, pursuant to Section 15303/Class 3 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines,
2. RESOLUTION - Approving the Summary Vacation of those portions City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 8
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of the public street easements located on the east side of Broadway Avenue, north of Divisadero Street,
3. ***RESOLUTION - Declaring a 475.3 square foot portion of public street right of way located on the east side of Broadway Avenue, north of Divisadero Street, Fresno, California to be exempt surplus land (Subject to Mayor’s Veto),
4. ***RESOLUTION - Finding Good Cause and Clear and Convincing Benefit to the Public pursuant to Fresno Municipal Code section 4- 204, relating to the disposition of real surplus property located on the east side of Broadway Avenue, north of Divisadero Street; (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s veto),
5. Approve the execution of the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property and Escrow Instructions to sell a 0.011-acre (475.3 square feet) City owned, undeveloped portion of land, located on the east side of Broadway Avenue, north of Divisadero Street, adjacent to Assessor ’s Parcel Number 459-304-01, in the amount of $1,238.00 to Margaret R. Boyajian Courtis and Jeffrey L. Boyajian, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement and associated Grant Deed and escrow documents on behalf of the City for the transfer of the subject property.
RESOLUTION 2025-45 ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 2025-46 ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 2025-47 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-G. ID 25-221 Action pertaining to the declaration of surplus personal property in support of the Blackstone McKinley BNSF Grade Separation Project: ( Council Districts 1 and 7)
1. ***Resolution - Declaring certain City -owned materials and equipment as surplus personal property and authorizing their sale at public auction to the highest bidder. (Subject to Mayor’s Veto) During approval of the agenda, City Clerk Stermer announced this Item was tabled with no return date by staff.
TABLED
2.-H. ID 25-222 Approve a Fifth Amendment to the Consultant Services Agreement with Blair Church & Flynn Consulting Engineers, Incorporated of Fresno, California, in the amount of $ 41,529, increasing the total contract amount to $251,559 with the remaining contingency amount not to exceed $ 8,000, for civil engineering design services and preparation of construction documents for the Southbound Polk Avenue Widening Project from City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 9
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Gettysburg Avenue to Shaw Avenue. (Council District 1)
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-I. ID 25-225 Approve Contract Change Order No. 05 in the amount of $ 159,863.55, with no additional working days for price escalations and additional work items with Emmett ’s Excavation, Incorporated of Clovis, California for the Traffic Signal Improvements and Construction of Storm Drainage Facilities at West Clinton Avenue and North Valentine Avenue Project - Project ID PW00678 / PW00944. (Bid File 3751) (Council District 3)
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-J. ID 25-43 Actions pertaining to the new Fire Station 12 Project: (Bid File No . 125000492) (Council District 1)
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Section 15332/Class 32 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Environmental Assessment No. XC00050;
2. ***RESOLUTION - Adopt the 29th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2024-122 appropriating
$14,300,000.00 for the Fire Station 12 Construction Contract (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto);
3. Award a construction contract in the amount of $14,299,313.54 for the Base Bid plus all three (3) Add Alternates to Solpac Construction, Inc. dba Soltek Pacific Construction Company of San Diego, California, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Fire Station 12 Project.
RESOLUTION 2025-48 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-K. ID 25-226 Actions related to amending agreement #A 211006364 with the California Office of Emergency
Services (Cal OES):
1. Approve Acceptance of Cal OES 8th Amendment for an additional $50,000 for Haz Mat Training Agreement #A 211006364, and authorize the Fire Chief to compensate Fire personnel to staff vacancies caused by training attendance
2. ***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 37th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2024-122 Appropriating $50,000 for Amendment Eight for Haz Mat Training Agreement A 211006364 (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto) RESOLUTION 2025-49 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
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2.-L. ID 25-253 Actions pertaining to the lease of city -owned agricultural land at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Bid File #101824DN) (District 3):
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff
determination pursuant to Sections 15301/Class 1 and
15304/Class 4 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Approve a Lease Agreement between the City of Fresno and James F. Cook in the amount of $243,200 annually for lease of approximately 400 acres of City -owned agricultural land at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (RWRF) for an initial term through December 31, 2028, plus one optional four-year extension; and authorize the Director of General Services or designee to execute the Lease Agreement and subsequent extensions on the City’s behalf
During approval of the agenda, City Clerk Stermer announced this Item was tabled to the March 13, 2025, by staff.
TABLED
2.-M. ID 25-214 Reject the proposal received for a requirements contract for uniform and linen services (Bid File 9687) (Citywide)
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-N. ID 25-251 RESOLUTION - Authorizing the City Manager or designee to apply for a grant of up to $ 15 million from the National Park Service ’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program to fund Phase II Development of South Peach Avenue Park located at 2155 South Peach Avenue and authorizing the City Manager or designee to sign all related documents on behalf of the City (District 5)
RESOLUTION 2025-50 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-O. ID 25-239 Authorize the Chief of Police to enter a one -year agreement with options for two one -year extensions with County of Fresno for the reimbursement of five Fresno Police Officers, one Police Sergeant, and one Crime Analyst, which will be assigned to the Adult Compliance Team (ACT)/ Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium Team (MAGEC) in an amount of $5,820,225 for three years (or $ 1,940,075 on an annual fiscal year basis ).
This amount will vary for years two and three as it is dependent upon contractual agreements with the various bargaining groups.
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
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2.-P. ID 25-240 ***RESOLUTION - Adopt a resolution authorizing an exception to formal bidding procedures and award of a sole source purchase agreement with Dooley Enterprises for the purchase of law enforcement ammunition for an amount not to exceed $ 282,400 annually for each budget year (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
RESOLUTION 2025-51 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-Q. ID 25-168 Actions pertaining to a $ 50,000,000 Low-Interest Loan through the State Water Resources Control Board Clean Water State Revolving Fund for the Sidestream Nitrate Control Project at the Fresno -Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Council District 3):
1. Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH 2024120578) dated December 2024, for the proposed Sidestream Nitrate Control Project, pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. ***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the Director of Public Utilities or designee(s) to prepare and submit grant applications, accept funds, and execute any financial assistance agreements and amendments with the California State Water Resources Control Board on behalf of the City of Fresno for the planning, design, and construction of the Sidestream Treatment System at the Fresno -Clovis Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Subject to Mayor’s Veto);
3. ***RESOLUTION - The City of Fresno, California stating its intention to be reimbursed for expenditures incurred ahead of approval of the disbursement of Clean Water State Revolving Fund funds from the State Water Resources Control Board for the Sidestream
Treatment System at the Fresno -Clovis Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Subject to Mayor’s Veto).
RESOLUTION 2025-52 ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 2025-53 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-R. ID 25-201 Award a Requirements Contract to Univar Solutions USA LLC, for the purchase of bulk calcium hydroxide, for three years with an option for two one-year extensions, in the amount of $ 4,374,165.77. (Bid File 12402973) (Citywide)
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-S. ID 25-255 ***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the Submission of a Grant Application to the Fresno Council of Governments for the Measure "C" Transit Oriented Development Grant Program Cycle XIII in the amount not to exceed City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 12
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$1,520,000 for the Project (s) to support transit oriented development; and Authorizing the Execution of Grant Application and Grant Agreement Documents by the Public Works Director or Designee. (Council District 7) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
RESOLUTION 2025-54 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-T. ID 25-224 ***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 43rd Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2024-122 to appropriate $ 849,900 for new capital improvement projects in the Public Works Department (Citywide) (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto) RESOLUTION 2025-55 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-U. ID 25-244 RESOLUTION - Authorizing the Submission of Applications for Grant Funds for the 2025/2026 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program and the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program Call for Projects from the Fresno Council of Governments and Authorizing the Execution of all Application Related Documents by the Public Works Director, the Transportation Director, or designees . (Citywide)
RESOLUTION 2025-56 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-V. ID 25-112 Reject the proposal received for Fire Suppression and Fire Alarm Systems Services at Various locations (Bid File No. 12500182).
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-W. ID 25-258 Approve City Attorney Amended At-Will Agreement.
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR
3. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATION
Upon call, no members of the public addressed Council with unscheduled communication:
4. CITY COUNCIL
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4.-A. ID 25-207 WORKSHOP - Clovis Unified Partnership
The above item was presented to Council by Clovis Unified School Board President Yolanda Moore, Clovis Unified Superintendent Dr. Corrine Folmer, and Clovis Unified School Board member Clinton Olivier.
Council discussion included: Acknowledgment of ongoing and challenging issues in the Pinedale area. Clovis Unified's involvement, and recognition.
Trustee Olivier’s efforts, highlighting the value of having a former councilmember engaged. Firsthand experiences visiting businesses and liquor stores. Acknowledgment of City Attorney Jans and Code Enforcement for their efforts in addressing local issues. Smoke Shop Issues, the success of closing down a problematic smoke shop and its impact on the area.
Neighborhood Walkthrough in the Blackstone area and continued challenges, including a liquor store with trash issues. Partnership and community effort working together and holding local businesses accountable. Shutting down the Warming Center near a school due to its negative impact on the neighborhood. Challenges of regulating smoke shops. Support for Closing Smoke Shops Across the City to ensure safety and reduce crime. Comparison with Clovis City’s automatic ban on smoke shops and its effectiveness in maintaining neighborhood safety. Importance of prioritizing children's safety and the well-being of all neighborhoods, and future collaboration.
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 10:04 A.M.
5.-A. ID 25-218
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
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 approval of the agenda, City Clerk Stermer announced this Item was City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 14
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tabled to the March 13, 2025.
TABLED
5.-B. ID 25-278
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL--EXISTING LITIGATION -
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1): City of Fresno v.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation; US Court of Federal Claims 1:16-cv-01276
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open session announcements for this item.
DISCUSSED
5.-C. ID 25-280
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)
City of Fresno v. Fresno Building Healthy Communities Court of Appeal Case No.: F084662; and Fresno Building Healthy Communities v. City of Fresno Court of Appeal Case No.: F084666 (PARCS Department) During approval of the agenda, City Clerk Stermer announced this Item was tabled to the March 13, 2025.
TABLED
5.-D. ID 25-287
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(4)
Case Name: City of Fresno v. Kochar Vardanyan;
(Code Enforcement case number E24- 01739)
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open session announcements for this item.
DISCUSSED
ADJOURNMENT
The Council meeting adjourned from open session at 1:58 P.M.
The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the City Council during the March 13, 2025, regular meeting.
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