2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
www.fresno.gov
City of Fresno
Meeting Minutes
City Council
Council President - Nelson Esparza
Vice President - Tyler Maxwell
Councilmembers:
Annalisa Perea, Mike Karbassi, Miguel Angel Arias,
Brandon Vang,
Nick Richardson
City Manager - Georgeanne A. White
City Attorney - Andrew Janz
Interim City Clerk - Amy K. Aller
9:00 AM Council ChambersThursday, March 26, 2026
Regular Meeting
The City Council met in regular session in the Council Chamber, City Hall, on the date and time above written.
9:14 A.M. ROLL CALL
Council President Nelson Esparza
Vice President Tyler Maxwell
Councilmember Annalisa Perea
Councilmember Mike Karbassi
Councilmember Miguel Angel Arias
Councilmember Brandon Vang
Councilmember Nick Richardson
Present: 7 -
Invocation by Fr. Ivan Hernandez-Melchor from Diocese of Fresno, Pastor of the Shrine of St. Thérèse
Fr. Ivan Hernandez-Melchor 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
Ceremonial Presentation was added - Check Presentation to “Family of City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 1
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22-month Ahzunea Mondragon-Lyday” - Sponsored by Councilmember Perea
THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS WERE MOVED TO THE
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION
2-I (ID 26-295) regarding the third amendment to the Position Authorization Resolution No. 2025-179 adding three permanent, full-time positions in the Parks, After School, Recreation, and Community Services Department - was moved to Contested Consent by Councilmember Arias
2-K (ID 26-365) regarding the renewal of the Fresno Police Department Annual Military Equipment Use Report - was moved to Contested Consent by Councilmember Arias.
On motion of Councilmember Karbassi, seconded by Vice President Maxwell, the AGENDA was APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Esparza, Maxwell, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang and Richardson
7 -
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
Morning Ceremonials
ID 26-328 Fresno Animal Center presents “Pet of the Month”
PRESENTED
ID 26-267 Proclamation of “Kopi Sotiropulos Day”
PRESENTED
ID 26-286 Proclamation of “Women’s History Month”
PRESENTED
ID 26-292 Proclamation of “Dr. Jackie Ryle Day”
PRESENTED
ID 26-294 Proclamation of “Red Cross Month”
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PRESENTED
Afternoon Ceremonials
ID 26-375 Proclamation of “San Joaquin Memorial High School Boys Basketball State Championship Day”
PRESENTED
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Councilmember Perea Reports and Comments. Reported the District 1 team had been actively engaging with the community through various meetings to provide neighborhood project updates. Toured the Fresno State Farm in recognition of Ag Day. District 1 staff met with residents at Parks at Fig to discuss infrastructure and transportation needs. Partnered with the City Attorney’s Office, Code Enforcement, and Shankar Legal to host a Know Your Rights workshop for tenants.
Councilmember Arias Reports and Comments. Reported neighborhood meetings have begun in preparation for the Mayor’s proposed budget in May and thanked the West Fresno Neighborhood and Central Unified for participating. Announced upcoming community meetings in the Tower District and Downtown. Thanked Storyland staff and board members and invited the public to attend the grand opening of the new pirate ship attraction.
Councilmember Vang Reports and Comments. Reported attending a community meeting with the PARCS Department regarding the addition of a gym and community center as part of Phase II of the Southeast Fresno Sports Complex. Announced two Easter celebrations scheduled in District 5.
Announced that a Town Hall for the Roosevelt area at the Senior Village Center on South Chestnut Avenue.
Councilmember Richardson Reports and Comments. Congratulated the newly sworn in firefighters. Reported attending a student business and job fair with approximately 200 high school students and thanked the Alhambra II Mobile Home Park community for hosting a neighborhood meeting.
Announced an upcoming job fair for high school students. Reported that Sequoia Brewing Company was collecting donations for the California City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 3
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Veterans Home.
Council President Esparza Reports and Comments. Reported attending the Fire Academy Class 80 graduation ceremony at City Hall and congratulated the graduates. Thanked the School Area Team for their recent engagement efforts in the Burros neighborhood. Announced that the Great American Cleanup with the District 7 Beautify Fresno site located at Hidalgo Elementary.
MAYOR/MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
There were no reports or comments from the Mayor or City Manager.
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: Cynthia Sterling, Matthew Gillian, Ari C, Kinisha Ali, Bob McCleskey, Sonia Davis, Nikki Real, Dez Martinez, Alfred Aldready, Desiree Miller, Eugene Taylor, Brandi N., Martha Favela, and Hester Hensley.
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR
On motion of Vice President Maxwell, seconded by Councilmember Arias, the CONSENT CALENDAR was hereby adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Esparza, Maxwell, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang and Richardson
7 -
2.-A. ID 26-368 Actions pertaining to amendment of various ordinances:
1. ***BILL B -4 (Introduced March 19, 2026)(For Adoption) - Amending Chapter 1, Articles 3 and 5, sections 1-303, 1-308, and 1-503 of the Fresno Municipal Code (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
2. ***BILL B -5 (Introduced March 19, 2026)(For Adoption) - Amending Chapter 9, Article 24, sections 9-2402, 9-2403, and 9-2405 of the Fresno Municipal Code (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
3. ***BILL B -6 (Introduced March 19, 2026)(For Adoption) - Amending Chapter 10, Articles 1 and 6, sections 10-106, 10-603, 10-604, and 10-605 of the Fresno Municipal Code (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
4. ***BILL B -7 (Introduced March 19, 2026)(For Adoption) - Amending City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 4
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Chapter 11, Articles 3 and 4, sections 11-305, 11-328, and 11-405 of the Fresno Municipal Code (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
5. ***BILL B -8 (Introduced March 19, 2026)(For Adoption) - Amending Chapter 12, Article 20, sections 12-2003, 12-2013, and 12-2014 of the Fresno Municipal Code (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
ORDINANCE 2026-5 ADOPTED
ORDINANCE 2026-6 ADOPTED
ORDINANCE 2026-7 ADOPTED
ORDINANCE 2026-8 ADOPTED
ORDINANCE 2026-9 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-B. ID 26-350 Approve the appointment of Vincent Cosentino to the Fresno /Clovis Community Media Authority to a term expiring on June 30, 2027.
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-C. ID 26-296 Approve the substitution of listed Subcontractor, Dawn Electric Inc. of Hanford, California, for electrical work with Strategic Mechanical Inc. of Fresno, California, for the Vinland Park Futsal and Pickleball Courts Project - Project ID PC00351 (Bid File 12500501). (Council District 4)
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-D. ID 26-306 Actions pertaining to the Sunnyside between Church and Jensen Water Main Replacement Project (Bid File 12600949) (Council District 5):
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities) and 15302/Class 2
(Replacement or Reconstruction) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines;
2. Award a Construction Contract in the amount of $1,160,865.00 to Dawson-Mauldin, LLC as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-E. ID 26-361
Submission and Acceptance of the City of Fresno Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Annual Comprehensive Debt Report (ACDR) for Fiscal Year 2025
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-F. ID 26-338
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
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2.-G. ID 26-318 Approve the First Amendment to the Lease Agreement between the City of Fresno’s Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Department and Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) to extend the term of the Lease Agreement through September 1, 2026 for program sites located at Mary Ella Brown Community Center, Mosqueda Community Center, Willow and Balch Park, and Romain Playground for the Head Start Preschool Program, and authorize the PARCS Director or their designee to execute the First Amendment on the City’s behalf (Districts 3, 5 & 7)
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-H. ID 26-299 Actions pertaining to the 2025-2026 California Volunteers Youth Service Corps Grant:
1. ***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the acceptance of Grant Funding from California Volunteers Youth Service Corps Program Grant in the Amount of $2,608,201 for the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program and Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Sign All Necessary Implementing Documents (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
2. ***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 45th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2025 - 179 to appropriate $2,608,201 for the new One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program from the 2025- 2026 California Volunteers Youth Service Corps Grant (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
3. ***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 44th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2025 - 179 to appropriate $946,500 of carryover funding from the 2023-2024 #CaliforniansForAll Youth Service Corps grant (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
RESOLUTION 2026-43 ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 2026-44 ADOPTED
RESOLUTION 2026-45 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-J. ID 26-388 Actions pertaining to the City of Fresno Management Employees Association (CFMEA) for Unit 14
1. ***Adopt a Side Letter of Agreement between the City of Fresno and City of Fresno Management Employees Association (CFMEA - Unit 14) (Subject to Mayor’s veto)
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-L. ID 26-370 Actions pertaining to the emergency replacement of the biological treatment process air distribution pipeline located at the Fresno -Clovis City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 6
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Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Council District 3):
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Class 1, Section 15301(b) (Existing Facilities) and Section 15301(d) (Restoration or Rehabilitation) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines;
2. ***RESOLUTION - Declaring an urgent necessity for the preservation of life, health, property and authorizing the City Manager or designee to enter into agreements without advertised competitive bidding for the emergency replacement of the biological treatment process air supply distribution pipeline located at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Requires Five Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto).
RESOLUTION 2026-47 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-M. ID 26-369 ***BILL B-9 (Introduced March 19, 2026)(For Adoption) - Amending Sidewalk Vending Ordinance, Sections 10-2603 and 10-2604, Regarding Vending of Services. (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
ORDINANCE 2026-10 ADOPTED
APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR
CONTESTED CONSENT CALENDAR
2.-I. ID 26-295 ***RESOLUTION - Adopting the Third Amendment to the Position Authorization Resolution No. 2025-179 adding three permanent, full -time positions in the Parks, After School, Recreation, and Community Services Department, effective April 6, 2026 (Subject to Mayor’s Veto) Councilmember Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent to get clarification on the new positions.
Council discussion was held.
RESOLUTION 2026-46 ADOPTED
On motion of Councilmember Arias, seconded by Council President Esparza, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Esparza, Maxwell, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang and Richardson
7 -
2.-K. ID 26-365 Approve the renewal of the Fresno Police Department Annual Military City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 7
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Equipment Use Report as originally required by Assembly Bill 481, codified under Government Code sections 7070-7075.
Councilmember Arias moved the above item to Contested Consent to discuss the report.
Council discussion was held.
APPROVED
On motion of Councilmember Arias, seconded by Councilmember Karbassi, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Esparza, Maxwell, Perea, Karbassi, Arias, Vang and Richardson
7 -
3. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATION
Upon call, the following members of the public addressed the Council with unscheduled communication: Manuel Perez, Dez Martinez, and NIkki Real.
4. CITY COUNCIL
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 1:58 P.M.
5.-A. ID 26-367
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 City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 8
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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
5.-B. ID 26-379 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)
1 Community Compact v. City of Fresno; Fifth District Court of Appeal Case No. F089737
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 9
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session announcements for this item.
DISCUSSED
5.-C. ID 26-386
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)
Case Name: La-Kebbia Wilson v. City of Fresno; et al, Eastern District Court Case No. 1:19-cv-01658
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open session announcements for this item.
DISCUSSED
5.-D. ID 26-387 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)
Karen Micheli, et al. v. City of Fresno; Fifth District Court of Appeal Case No.
F085599
The above item was discussed in closed session. City Attorney Janz reported: There was direction given by council with the vote of 7-0 to file a petition in this matter for review before the California Supreme Court.
DISCUSSED
5.-E. ID 26-391 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)
David Phillips -Kerley v. City of Fresno; et al, Eastern District Court Case No. 1:18-CV-00438
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open session announcements for this item.
DISCUSSED
5.-F. ID 26-392 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1):
Jennifer Regan v. City of Fresno, et al.; Fresno Superior Court Case No. 22CECG00876
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open session announcements for this item.
DISCUSSED
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5.-G. ID 26-383 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
1. Government Code Section 54957(b): consider the appointment, employment, evaluation of performance, discipline, or dismissal of a public employee.
Title: City Clerk
2. Government Code Section 54957.6: conference with labor negotiator.
City Negotiator: Council President Nelson Esparza.
Unrepresented Employee: City Clerk
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open session announcements for this item.
DISCUSSED
ID 26-456 Unscheduled Communication Public Comment Received - Accepted by Council President
5.-H. ID 26-382 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
1. Government Code Section 54957(b): consider the appointment, employment, evaluation of performance, discipline, or dismissal of a public employee.
Title: City Attorney
2. Government Code Section 54957.6: conference with labor negotiator. City Negotiator: Council President Nelson Esparza.
Unrepresented Employee: City Attorney
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open session announcements for this item.
DISCUSSED
3:00 P.M.
5.-I. ID 26-400 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision (d)(1)
South Fresno Community Alliance v. City of Fresno, et al.
Fresno Superior Court Case No.: 21CECG03237
The above item was discussed in closed session. There were no open session announcements for this item.
DISCUSSED
ADJOURNMENT
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The Council meeting adjourned from closed session at 3:48 P.M.
The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the City Council during the April 9, 2026, regular meeting
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