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, Brandon Vang,
Nick Richardson, Nelson Esparza
City Manager - Georgeanne A. White
City Attorney - Andrew Janz
Interim City Clerk - Amy K. Aller
9:00 AM Council ChambersThursday, December 4, 2025
Regular Meeting
The City Council met in regular session in the Council Chamber, City Hall, on the date and time above written.
9:11 A.M. ROLL CALL
Council President Mike Karbassi
Vice President Miguel Angel Arias
Councilmember Annalisa Perea
Councilmember Brandon Vang
Councilmember Nick Richardson
Councilmember Nelson Esparza
Present: 6 -
Councilmember Tyler MaxwellAbsent: 1 -
Invocation by Sarbjit Singh of the Sikh Institute Fresno Sarbjit Singh gave the invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Mayor Dyer led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVE AGENDA
THE AGENDA WAS APPROVED WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGES
2-E (ID 25-1580) regarding the contract change Order No. 4 with American Paving Company Incorporated of Fresno - The staff report under Fiscal City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 1
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Impact currently reads “the overall cost of the project is $4,018,500 and the amount should read $4,259,000.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA
5-D (ID 25-1639) regarding 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. – was removed from the agenda by the City Attorney’s Office.
10:00 A.M. (ID 25-1585) regarding Appearance by Dr. Eimear O’Brien “Shaping the Future of Education” - was removed from the agenda by the requestor.
THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS WERE MOVED TO THE
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION
2-L (ID 25-1488) regarding authorizing submission of an application for and acceptance of funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development Prohousing Incentive Program - was moved to the contested by Vice President Arias
2-P (ID 25-1541) regarding the emergency shelter operations provided by Elevate Community Services (Elevate) under the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention - was moved to the contested by Vice President Arias
2-V (ID 25-1640) regarding BILL B-54 Adding Chapter 10 of Article 28 of the Fresno Municipal Code, relating to the regulation of the sale and distribution of kratom products – was moved to the contested by Councilmember Esparza
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember Vang, the AGENDA was APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Karbassi, Arias, Vang, Richardson and Esparza5 -
Absent: Perea and Maxwell2 -
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CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
ID 25-1575 Proclamation of “Central High Schools Men’s Water Polo Team Day’’
PRESENTED
ID 25-1651 Proclamation of “California Apartment Association Day”
PRESENTED
ID 25-1546 Proclamation of the 75th Anniversary of the Bulldog Foundation
PRESENTED
ID 25-1612 APWA Project of the Year Award
PRESENTED
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Councilmember Perea Reports and Comments. Announced the recent Operation Gobble event was a success, with over 80 volunteers participating, more than 2,000 turkeys were distributed, along with groceries, vegetables, fruits, and other food items. Appreciation was expressed to all who contributed to making the event impactful.
Councilmember Vang Reports and Comments. Welcomed Interim City Clerk Amy Aller. Shared that it was a pleasure to meet local residents and ensure they had a proper Thanksgiving meal, emphasizing the importance of supporting seniors during the holiday season. The public was encouraged to reach out to senior citizens with simple gestures of kindness. Attended the first Neighborhood Blitz as a Councilmember in the Aynesworth Elementary School neighborhood on Saturday, and invited the public to participate in beautifying District 5. Announced the first-ever celebration of General Vang Pao’s birthday, to be held at City Hall. The event will honor General Pao’s legacy as a leader of the Hmong who fought against communism during the Secret War in Laos from 1961 to 1975, and is open to the public.
Councilmember Richardson Reports and Comments. Thanked the Southeast property owners for hosting at a meeting last week.
Congratulated Wake Me Up Bakery for their grand opening and ribbon cutting in District 6.A special thank you was extended to Woodward Park City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 3
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Church of Christ for their outstanding service to the community. The church had been serving hundreds of families each week by distributing free food.
Their efforts included providing mentorship, guidance, and essential items.
The team worked closely with the food bank and arrived early to ensure families in District 6 and surrounding communities received the support they needed, especially during the holiday season. A correction was made to a previous announcement regarding the next District 6 quarterly Town Hall. It was clarified that the event would be held at Clovis Community College, not Mountain View Elementary School, on Monday. Residents were encouraged to follow social media or reach out via email for more information.
Councilmember Esparza Reports and Comments. Attended and congratulated the newest members of the Fresno Police Department who were sworn in this past Tuesday. Extended an invitation to the public to join the Central Police Department for a holiday event at Manchester, scheduled for Saturday, December 20. Announced that the federal courts dismissed the lawsuit filed against the City regarding the Smoke Shop Ordinance. This resolution allowed the City to move forward with enforcement of the ordinance, which was welcomed as positive news for residents and neighborhoods affected by the issue. Appreciation was expressed to U.A.
Local 246 representing plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, and HVAC professionals for the invitation to serve as keynote speaker at their recent apprenticeship graduation ceremony. Shared that it was an honor to celebrate the graduates as they completed their program and entered the next phase of their careers.
Vice President Arias Reports and Comments. Announcement the downtown ice rink event, noting that the event was fully insured and attendees were welcome to bring their own skates. Invited members of the leadership team and the public to attend the event, encouraging participation regardless of skating experience. Expressed appreciation to the Public Works Department for their outstanding efforts in transforming a City street into a festive downtown ice rink. Praised the setup for creating a beautiful backdrop in the heart of the Central Valley, offering families and children a unique opportunity to skate among the tall buildings of downtown.
Council President Karbassi Reports and Comments. Expressed City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 4
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appreciation to Ryan Howeth, Andrew Kloose, and Alyssa Stevens for their outstanding work on Operation Gobble. Noted that while the event often feels like a challenge due to the many moving parts, this year’s effort was especially successful. The impact of the event was seen across a wide range of recipients, from members of the National Guard to residents in Pinedale and the Clovis Unified community. The experience was rewarding and a meaningful way to begin the holiday season. Thanked the Assistance League, Kim Shehadey, and the many volunteers who contributed to the event’s success. Acknowledged District 2 staff for their continued dedication, and enthusiasm for beginning planning for next year’s event.
MAYOR/MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Mayor Dyer Reports and Comments. Attended the ribbon cutting for Mariposa Plaza with Councilmember Arias and Councilmember Richardson.
Announced Bulldog basketball played a game downtown at Selland Arena.
Reported opening night of the trolley service to Christmas Tree Lane was a success, with 151 riders participating. Santa Claus joined the trolley, and it was beautifully lit. The trolley service will continue nightly through Christmas. Announced the start of the Holiday Hop with stops at Mariposa Village Ice Rink and the Illumi Nature event at the zoo. These events offer opportunities for ice skating in Downtown Fresno and viewing holiday lights.
The trolley will operate every Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., and every Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., through December 28.
Expressed appreciation to the Council for its support and invited members to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
1. SCHEDULED COUNCIL HEARINGS AND MATTERS
9:10 A.M.
ID 25-1598 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);
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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).
The above item was called to order at 10:05 A.M. and there was no presentation to Council. Upon call, no members of the public addressed Council: Public comment closed at 10:06 A.M.
There was no Council Discussion.
RESOLUTION 2025-338 ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 2025-339 ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 2025-340 ADOPTED
BILL B-55 INTRODUCED / ORDINANCE 2025-55 ADOPTED
On motion of Councilmember Vang, seconded by Vice President Arias, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Vang, Richardson and Esparza6 -
Absent: Maxwell1 -
9:15 A.M.
ID 25-1346 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).
The above item was called to order at 10:06 A.M. and was presented to Council by Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Manager Jenks. Upon call, the following members of the public addressed Council: Dez Martinez, Nikki Real, and Brandi N. Public comment closed at 10:16 A.M.
Council discussion was held.
PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED
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9:20 A.M. (CONTINUED TO DECEMBER 18, 2025, MEETING AT 9:20 A.M.)
ID 25-1247 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).
CONTINUED AS NOTED
10:00 A.M.
ID 25-1585 Appearance by Dr. Eimear O’Brien “Shaping the Future of Education” During approval of the agenda Interim City Clerk Aller announced this item was removed from the agenda by the requestor.
REMOVED
10:03 A.M.
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ID 25-1586 Appearance by Daniel / Nykkynn regarding “Fresno's developing Arts and Music Scene”
APPEARED
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: Sting, Eyes, Brandi Nuse Villegas, Justin Wolf, Rich Greves, Sean Zweifler, Kimberly Sanchez Quintero, Aaron Hightower, Enrique Little, Nikki Real, and Dez Martinez.
During approval of the Consent Calendar, Councilmember Richardson reregistered a NO vote for agenda item 2-B (ID 25-1625).
During approval of the Consent Calendar, Councilmembers Richardson and Esparza reregistered a NO vote for agenda item 2-U (ID 25-1637).
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR
1st Consent vote taken prior to receiving public comment:
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember Perea, the CONSENT CALENDAR was hereby adopted by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang, Esparza
Absent: 2 - Maxwell, Richardson
The Consent Calendar vote was re-conducted following the receipt of public comment subsequent to the initial vote. The final recorded vote is as follows:
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember Perea, the CONSENT CALENDAR was hereby adopted by the
following vote:
Aye: Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Vang, Richardson and Esparza6 -
Absent: Maxwell1 -
2.-A. ID 25-1631 Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes for November 6, 2025, and November 20, 2025
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APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-B. ID 25-1625
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 During approval of the Consent Calendar, Councilmember Richardson reregistered a NO vote for the above item. As such, this item was approved 5-1 by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang, Esparza
No: 1 - Richardson
Absent: 1 - Maxwell
BILL B-56 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER
BILL B-57 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER
BILL B-58 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER
BILL B-59 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER
BILL B-60 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-C. ID 25-1618 Approve the reappointment of Lydia Zabrycki to the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board to a term expiring on November 1, 2027.
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-D. ID 25-1532 Reject all bids for the Merced Street Reconnection Project (Bid File No. 12501885). (Council District 3)
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
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2.-E. ID 25-1580 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)
During approval of the agenda, Interim City Clerk Aller announced the staff report under Fiscal Impact currently reads “the overall cost of the project is $4,018,500 and the amount should read $4,259,000.
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-F. ID 25-1589
Approve the Agreement between the City and Forward Fresno Foundation allocating $ 75,000 to support the augmentation of the Fresno Young Leaders Academy.
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-G. ID 25-1535 Actions related to amending agreement #A 211006364 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 #A 211006364, 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 A 211006364 (Requires Five Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
RESOLUTION 2025-341 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-H. ID 25-1608
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
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-I. ID 25-1609
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
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2.-J. ID 25-1614 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)
RESOLUTION 2025-342 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-K. ID 25-1623 ***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 2025-343 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-M. ID 25-1517 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.
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-N. ID 25-1524 ***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) City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 11
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RESOLUTION 2025-345 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-O. ID 25-1540 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)
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-Q. ID 25-1587 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)
RESOLUTION 2025-346 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-R. ID 25-1599 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-61 INTRODUCED AND LAID OVER
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-S. ID 25-1636 ***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)
ORDINANCE 2025-53 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-T. ID 25-1537 ***RESOLUTION - Adopting a Pilot Program to Incentivize Commercial Job Creation Within Vacant Buildings or Storefronts in the Tower District City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 12
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(Subject to Mayor's Veto)
RESOLUTION 2025-347 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-U. ID 25-1637 ***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)
During the second approval of the Consent Calendar, Councilmember Richarson and Councilmember Esparza reregistered a NO vote for the above item. As such, this item was approved 4-2 by the following vote:
Aye: 4 - Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang
No: 2 - Richardson, Esparza
Absent: 1 - Maxwell
ORDINANCE 2025-46 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-L. ID 25-1488 ***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)
Vice President Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent to discuss the Prohousing Incentive Program.
Council discussion was held.
RESOLUTION 2025-344 ADOPTED
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember Vang, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Vang and Esparza5 -
Absent: Maxwell and Richardson2 -
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2.-P. ID 25-1541 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) Vice President Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent to discuss the shelter operations.
Council discussion was held.
APPROVED
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember Esparza, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Vang, Richardson and Esparza6 -
Absent: Maxwell1 -
2.-V. ID 25-1640 ***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)
Councilmember Esparza moved the above item to Contested Consent to discuss the ordinance.
Council discussion was held.
ORDINANCE 2025-54 ADOPTED
Councilmember Esparza motioned to approve with the amendments that it allows for the sale of natural kratom for persons over the age of 21 with a City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 14
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level of 7OH that is no greater than 1% the total alkaloids within the products.
On motion of Councilmember Esparza, seconded by Councilmember Richardson, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Karbassi, Arias, Perea, Vang, Richardson and Esparza6 -
Absent: Maxwell1 -
3. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATION
Upon call, the following members of the public addressed the Council with unscheduled communication: Jose Leon Barraza, Jose Villegas, Aaron Hightower, Dez Martinez, Nikki Real, and Alfred Luis Aldrete.
4. CITY COUNCIL
4.-A. ID 25-1601 WORKSHOP - Higher Education Student Government Updates The above item was presented to Council by Andrew Moore from Fresno Pacific University, and Frederick Listen from Fresno State University.
There was no Council discussion.
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 11:51 A.M.
5.-A. ID 25-1632
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 City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 15
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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
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open session announcements for this item.
DISCUSSED
5.-B. ID 25-1613 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 City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 16
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Fresno Superior Court Case No. 25CECG00453
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open session announcements for this item.
DISCUSSED
5.-C. ID 25-1617
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
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open session announcements for this item.
DISCUSSED
5.-D. ID 25-1639 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 During approval of the agenda, Interim City Clerk Aller announced this item was removed from the agenda by the City Attorney’s Office.
TABLED
ADJOURNMENT
The Council meeting adjourned from open session at 2:19 P.M The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the City Council during the December 18, 2025, regular meeting.
City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 17