[0:00] Okay? We really appreciate your patience. It's why we're starting a little bit later today. We still have some folks coming in.

[0:15] Okay. We're going to get started in just one moment. Thank you all for being patient.

[0:30] Thank you.

[1:00] Okay.

[1:23] You guys are really quiet. That's great.

[1:27] Okay. I'm going to call this meeting to order for Thursday, January 15th of the Fresno City Council at 9-12am.

[1:33] City Clerk, would you please call the rule?

[1:39] Yes. Good morning. Council Member Perrea, President.

[1:43] Council Vice President Carbossie.

[1:49] Council Member Maxwell.

[1:51] Council Member Vang.

[1:53] Council Member Richardson.

[1:59] Thank you so much. Next is the invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance.

[2:03] The pledge will be led by Councillor Richardson.

[2:05] Well, everyone please stand. The invocation today will be by Dr. Jerome E. Jackson from the Christian Community Baptist Church.

[2:26] Provider of all wisdom we come before you with appreciation and gratitude.

[2:32] Divine creator, we thank you for our city. We thank you for our city council.

[2:38] We thank you for our elected officials.

[2:41] Thank you for the individuals that make our city the great place that it is.

[2:45] Thank you for civil government.

[2:48] We pray that our civil servants will acknowledge their calling and perform it faithfully.

[2:53] As we gather for this council meeting, we ask for your wisdom and your guidance.

[2:59] We pray for this council meeting to date.

[3:03] Give all the council members wisdom and guidance as they deliberate on the items before them.

[3:09] May every decision be righteous in your site for our benefit and for your glory.

[3:16] Grant our leaders clarity understanding and a sincere desire to serve all citizens with justice and compassion.

[3:25] Grant that our leaders will never neglect or abuse their authority.

[3:30] But they would stand firm for truth and justice.

[3:34] Keep all of our first responders safe. Keep our mayor and our law enforcement professionals from harm as they serve our community.

[3:43] May the discussions of this council be productive.

[3:48] The decisions, righteous, and their work lead to good for the good for our community.

[3:55] On this occasion, the distinguished council gathers to serve the people of our city.

[4:01] We ask for a spirit of unity among us that they may set aside personal differences for the common good.

[4:10] Grant this council the wisdom to see the needs of our community clearly and the courage to make decisions that reflect justice and integrity of all citizens.

[4:21] On this day, let us value and celebrate our diversity.

[4:26] We recognize the distinctive gifts that each council member brings to this meeting.

[4:31] Help us to cherish our interdependence as we work toward a common purpose in service.

[4:39] For every resident of this community.

[4:42] We acknowledge the gravity of the responsibilities this council possesses.

[4:47] These council members are grateful for the opportunity to work together and to ask for clarity of mind and comparison and compassion of heart.

[4:58] May the words and comments of each council member be filled with respect.

[5:03] May their actions lead to the flourishing of our great city and your holy name we pray.

[5:28] Thank you everyone and thank you so much Dr. Jackson.

[5:45] Next, we move on to approving the agenda.

[5:49] Any changes or items removed from today's agenda.

[5:52] Yes, there are. Thank you.

[5:54] With regard to the 910 item ID 26-5 regarding hearing to consider annexation application.

[6:01] Number P24-02150 relating to approximately 1.89 acres of property.

[6:08] Located on the south side of West San Jose Avenue between North Morella was tabled with no return by staff.

[6:15] Item 2 B ID 26-58 regarding actions pertaining to the salary range for executive assistant to the city attorney was tabled with no return by city attorney Andrew Jans.

[6:26] Several items have been moved to the contested consent for further discussion.

[6:31] Item 2 D ID 26-26 regarding actions pertaining to the first amendment for the capital projects departments on call.

[6:40] Consultant service agreements was moved to contested consent by council member Maxwell.

[6:45] Item 2 T ID 26-24 regarding authorizing this submission of a grant application for up to $500,000 from the state of California office of traffic safety to fund the procurement was moved to contested consent by council member Maxwell.

[7:02] We also had additional items.

[7:06] Item 2 G regarding approved contract change order number four with Floyd Johnston construction company incorporated was moved to contested consent by council member Richardson.

[7:20] Item 2 O regarding the award or requirements contract for sexual assault kit initiative grant 2024 was moved to contested consent by council member Richardson.

[7:32] Item 2 S regarding actions pertaining to a sewer connection to serve the three palms mobile home park park was moved to contested consent by council member Richardson.

[7:44] These are the extent of my changes.

[7:47] Thank you so much clerk. Council members are there any other items you wish to remove continue or pull from the agenda will go in order council member.

[7:55] Okay council vice president.

[7:59] Thank you council member Maxwell.

[8:02] Okay council member.

[8:05] Yes, I do council president.

[8:07] I like to move from consent to discussion agenda item two W that's two as in Williams from consent to discussion.

[8:17] Thank you.

[8:18] All right. So item two W as in Williams moved to contested consent. Thank you so much council member Richardson.

[8:24] Okay council member.

[8:26] No items. Okay. All right. It's a good good start to the new year.

[8:30] Council president.

[8:31] Yeah, for you could somebody just repeat the letters one more time for the ones that weren't on our list.

[8:36] You know, only when we have this to W right now the council other than items to be D and T is that correct.

[8:43] I also read into the record items to G to O and to S.

[8:49] Thank you.

[8:50] Thank you so much.

[8:52] Got it.

[8:53] And then I'm going to have the city attorney provide one notice please at this time.

[8:58] Thank you council president today.

[9:01] I'm respectfully requesting that we adjourn in honor of former city employee Christina Tharian who we lost on New Year's Eve.

[9:09] She was a valued member of the city attorney's office.

[9:21] Thank you very much city attorney for that and you have no condolences and so does your family.

[9:26] Thank you.

[9:29] Okay.

[9:30] With that as there are a motion to approve the agenda as amended.

[9:33] Second move by the council vice president second by council member Richardson any opposition to that motion.

[9:39] There are being none the motion to approve the agenda passes seven to zero.

[9:42] Thank you so much.

[9:44] Normally we would go to our proclamations which is why I think most of you are here today.

[9:49] But we do have something that we do every year and that is the election of the council president and vice president.

[9:54] The issue is a little bit different.

[9:56] We will be having an open process for the elections.

[9:58] But we are going to start with public comment.

[10:00] So if anybody is here to comment on this item if the 9 a.m.

[10:04] 2026 city council election please do come forward at this time.

[10:15] Okay.

[10:18] Last call for.

[10:20] Get kids here.

[10:21] No questions at that.

[10:22] Last opportunity to comment on the 2026 elections.

[10:27] Okay.

[10:28] We're going to close public comment and bring it to the council.

[10:30] I have punched up first council member Maxwell.

[10:33] Thank you.

[10:35] Thank you.

[10:36] Thank you very much.

[10:37] I would like to put forward a nomination for council member Carbassi as president and council member as far as a.

[10:43] Or vice president.

[10:46] Okay.

[10:47] There is a motion on the table for both council president and vice president.

[10:51] I will accept the nomination.

[10:56] Council member as far as you accept your nomination.

[11:01] Sounds great to me.

[11:02] Okay.

[11:03] Okay.

[11:04] Thank you.

[11:05] With that there is a motion a second on the table.

[11:08] Any of the council members punched up.

[11:12] Seeing none any discussion on council members.

[11:15] No.

[11:16] Council.

[11:17] Thank you.

[11:18] Before we.

[11:20] Take action on this motion.

[11:23] I just want to say thank you to council president Carbassi.

[11:26] For some of you may not know I came here in April of 2025.

[11:31] Being the news council member here.

[11:33] And likely by proximity.

[11:35] I'm right next to him and also next to council member as far as a who have.

[11:41] Combine I believe close to 14 years sitting here on the die.

[11:45] So they help me tremendously.

[11:47] Took me by the hand.

[11:49] And you know helping navigate.

[11:52] The city hall systems.

[11:55] So before we have an opportunity to vote on the.

[12:00] Incoming council president and vice council president.

[12:05] I want to say thank you to council.

[12:08] I want to say thank you to council president Carbassi.

[12:11] For all of you done to help me transition into this position as smoothly as possible.

[12:17] So I want to say thank you very much sir.

[12:19] Thank you.

[12:20] I truly appreciate the kind of words council member and it's been a pleasure working together.

[12:23] And I look forward to our next year together too.

[12:25] Thank you.

[12:26] Any further discussion.

[12:29] Okay.

[12:30] There being none.

[12:31] Any opposition to the motion.

[12:35] Okay.

[12:36] Motion passes seven to zero.

[12:37] Thank you very much.

[12:38] Okay.

[12:39] Moving on to the next item.

[12:41] We have our.

[12:45] Oh.

[12:46] Amy.

[12:47] You want to change the blacks now.

[12:49] Okay.

[12:51] And then at this time we're going to move forward.

[12:53] Oh, I do want to make one thing.

[12:55] I'm sorry.

[12:56] Council member.

[12:57] I want to thank you for your service as council vice president.

[13:00] Your year of services not over at the city for darn sure.

[13:03] I look forward to the work we're going to do over the next year.

[13:05] You have been very supportive to me in my time here.

[13:07] And I just want to offer my sincere gratitude to you for picking up whenever I drop the slack a little bit.

[13:12] Thank you for that council member.

[13:16] Okay.

[13:17] Moving on to our next item, which is the fun part of the meeting.

[13:22] So we're going to start off.

[13:24] Let's see.

[13:25] Do we have all our central east high folks here?

[13:27] I think a lot here.

[13:28] Ah.

[13:29] There we go.

[13:30] Okay.

[13:31] What we're going to do.

[13:34] Be a little bit patient with us.

[13:35] The fog has been a bit of an issue.

[13:37] But you know, you guys waited a lot to win the state championships.

[13:40] So I think you wait a few more minutes for us to get everyone here so we can honor you properly.

[13:44] Thank you guys for being patient with that.

[13:46] Okay.

[13:47] We're going to start off then and continue to order with the proclamation for Brian Hughes.

[13:52] Ryan and everyone from American ambulance Brian.

[13:54] I see over there.

[13:55] Please come on up.

[13:56] Anyone that can embarrass you?

[13:58] Bring him on up to Brian.

[13:59] We want everybody.

[14:03] So I'm not sure if I'm supposed to speak into this.

[14:18] Or can I speak to them?

[14:20] Okay.

[14:21] Let's go.

[14:24] Oh.

[14:27] Thank you.

[14:29] Yeah, this was a bit of a surprise for Brian this morning.

[14:44] I want to go ahead and kick off.

[14:46] Please.

[14:47] Sure.

[14:48] Yeah.

[14:49] Good morning everybody.

[14:50] I want to introduce myself.

[14:52] My name is Jamie Martin.

[14:53] I'm the director of communications for American ambulance.

[14:56] First one.

[14:57] I think the council for the opportunity to honor this man standing.

[15:00] Next week. More than likely, as impacted, most of you in this room, in some way or another in the past 40 years.

[15:10] I had to write all this down, and I was going to forget something important to say, so forgive me if I'm reading a little bit.

[15:17] So to some, it's been very personal. He's the devoted father of two beautiful daughters sitting in the back corner there, Brianna and Addison. He's an incredible brother and son,

[15:28] as well as picking up responsibilities wherever he sees a need. But for the rest of us, if you have ever had an ambulance arrive to help you, or a loved one, you may have met him or someone he trained.

[15:40] If you've ever had to dial 911, you may have spoken to him or someone he trained. If you've ever written an ambulance or needed a fire engine to your home, you likely benefited from his expertise, that technology and innovation.

[15:53] Or even if you have ever ordered Starbucks and gone to pay, and the breeze that said, the guy in front of you already paid for you, you've likely experienced a bit of his care and generosity.

[16:04] I'd like to introduce to you Mr. Brian Hughes. Brian began his career serving the people of Fresno County as an EMT just two days after graduating high school.

[16:13] His care for people drove him to do more, so he went to paramedic school and worked to save lives that way, but still his care said, Brian, you could do more.

[16:22] So we went into communications and became a dispatcher and then a supervisor and quickly just took over.

[16:28] He has been a leader within the Communications Center for the majority of his career, but has been a force for great improvement and innovation throughout the EMT system as a whole, within that role for more than 40 years.

[16:40] He has worked to build systems in policies and computer programs that shorten response times for both ambulances and fire departments throughout not only the city of Fresno,

[16:48] but Fresno Kings and Madera County as the Communications Center has expanded over those 40 years.

[16:54] While you can imagine how many lives he has saved through those efforts, what you can't see is the many many lives he has impacted through his leadership,

[17:02] mentorship, and guidance inside the organization.

[17:05] Through watching how Brian leads, speaks and thinks we've learned to continue his work of improving the EMT system from within.

[17:11] I've personally become a better leader and a better human working alongside Brian.

[17:16] Because Brian is more than a boss to some, a coworker to all, but he is truly someone who cares for all people, whether he's met you or not, and that's inspiring.

[17:26] So this morning, what the help of the Fresno City Council, I would like to say thank you.

[17:31] On behalf of all the people you have helped over the last 43-plus years of dedicated and unwavering service with American Ambulance and personally and for nearly 30 years of support, leadership and friendship.

[17:43] And in August, we look forward to wishing you a very well-deserved and happy retirement.

[17:48] Thank you, my friend.

[17:53] Thank you so much, Jamie.

[17:58] My turn, Brian.

[17:59] No.

[18:00] I was very fortunate to be able to work with Brian for a bit, and I can tell you, and I guess the daughter's gonna test his, your dad's a very patient man.

[18:06] He was with me, and he was very gracious.

[18:08] 42 years of service, all with one company, a great company that we're all proud of American Ambulance.

[18:13] We talk a lot in the city about 9-1-1 and getting a response.

[18:19] Who here, including you, fellas up there, who's ever called 9-1-1 in their life, ever?

[18:24] Okay, quite a few hands have come up.

[18:26] Probably, you call yourself, probably the worst day of your life, and what's really helpful is having somebody on the other end of that call,

[18:35] who's kind, patient, professional, who can walk you through whether it's an EMS call, or it's God forbid, a life in death, public safety call, or a fire call,

[18:45] being able to partner with great folks that train people like Jamie and Brian have done is very, very important to us.

[18:51] So Brian, you have made, I think I read, it's at over 100 or more, more than that.

[18:56] My dispatcher is over your 42-year career.

[18:59] You've trained them.

[19:00] You've trained the next generation in the generation after that.

[19:02] So you may be retiring in August, but your legacy is going to live on for a very, very long time.

[19:07] And I truly, you really make us look good, you make this community safer, and this is how it's done.

[19:12] Thank you for your service.

[19:15] I'm going to present with you a proclamation.

[19:18] I have, it's official, there's a seal on it.

[19:21] I have one request, would anybody like to share a story about Brian?

[19:25] Okay, he said, no, he's still the boss.

[19:27] The answer is no.

[19:28] Would you say a few words, please?

[19:30] Sure.

[19:31] Thank you.

[19:32] Thank you.

[19:33] Thank you, Jamie.

[19:34] Thank you, everybody, for being here.

[19:36] All of you guys.

[19:37] I very much appreciate it.

[19:39] Everything that you guys mean to me.

[19:41] It's, it's scary when I think about August.

[19:46] I mean, it's exciting.

[19:48] But at the same time, American ambulance and you guys are, are my everyday.

[19:53] And my family are everything I do is for you guys.

[19:57] And I'm very much appreciate it.

[20:00] I don't know what I'm going to do when I retire, but won't be this.

[20:04] But thank you, everybody.

[20:07] So thank you.

[20:15] The P.C.P.

[20:18] Yeah, I was just going to say, Brian, you've been an amazing partner for the Fresno Fire Department.

[20:20] For a long time, we love the collaboration.

[20:22] You've been invaluable to the success of us in our dispatch center.

[20:26] So very grateful.

[20:28] And you're going to be dearly missed when you do go.

[20:31] So thank you.

[20:32] Thank you so much.

[20:33] City Clerk.

[20:34] Thank you.

[20:36] Whereas Brian Hughes has served the Fresno community with extraordinary dedication for more than four decades.

[20:43] Beginning his EMS career as an EMT, only three days after graduating high school in June 1983.

[20:50] Later becoming a paramedic, 911 dispatcher, communication specialist, and ultimately

[20:55] communications manager for American ambulance.

[20:58] And whereas since joining the communications center in 1986, Brian has played an instrumental role

[21:03] in shaping and modernizing Fresno's 911 system.

[21:07] Over seeing the development, maintenance, and accuracy of the computer-added dispatch or CAD

[21:13] system, supporting dispatch operations, and ensuring the smooth coordination between EMS, fire departments, and partner agencies.

[21:21] And whereas Brian has been a steady, dependable, and compassionate present, presence for more than 100 local first responders,

[21:28] providing constant support, hands-on leadership, and a willingness to step onto the dispatch floor at any moment.

[21:34] Always demonstrating that no task has beneath him and no colleagues stands alone.

[21:38] And whereas throughout his 42 years of service, Brian's expertise and work ethic have directly contributed to saving thousands of lives,

[21:47] leaving a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of the Fresno community.

[21:51] And whereas, as Brian prepares to retire in August, after a remarkable career that began and will end at American ambulance,

[21:59] his legacy stands as a testament to integrity, service, excellence, and the profound difference one person can make in the lives of many.

[22:07] Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, Mayor Jerry Dyer, and the Fresno City Council,

[22:13] do hereby declare January 15, 2020, as Brian Hughes Day in the City of Fresno.

[22:31] By the way, Brian, it doesn't see what August you're retiring, see me stick around for a couple more years.

[22:37] Okay. Thank you so much, Council.

[22:39] I've had a request if we can do the Proclamation for Ralph Edwards.

[22:43] The sponsor is the Office of Mayor and City Manager following that.

[22:46] We'll be by Councilmember Arias's Proclamation for one as far as a low-airday.

[22:52] Thank you, Council President.

[22:55] I appreciate it so much.

[22:57] How many of you have ever heard of the voice?

[23:00] The Pro!, MBC's Voice.

[23:02] All right. All right.

[23:04] You know who represented Fresno on season 28, MBC's The Voice?

[23:10] I'm gonna tell you the Reuner our, Ralph Edwards, come on up here.

[23:21] So this guy represented Fresno.

[23:25] He is a Fresno grown.

[23:27] Went to Casner, middle school, went on to Clovis West,

[23:31] went to Fresno City College,

[23:33] and when you try to understand what it takes

[23:37] to get to where he got to, it is absolutely incredible.

[23:41] And it all begins with perseverance.

[23:43] In fact, it took him 11 times,

[23:45] auditioning before he got on the voice.

[23:49] 11 times.

[23:50] And then when he was competing,

[23:52] people across the nation,

[23:54] quite frankly, across the world,

[23:56] got to hear an incredible voice and incredible story

[24:00] of a man who would not give up.

[24:04] And I got to hear him sing in person

[24:08] at the Snoop Dogbo

[24:10] in Arizona, in Tucson,

[24:13] and he did the National Anthem

[24:16] and did an incredible remarkable

[24:18] job, let the entire stadium up.

[24:22] But this is someone that I'm very, very proud of.

[24:24] He's homegrown.

[24:26] And when I'm also proud of the fact

[24:28] that when he was on the voice,

[24:30] he represented Fresno

[24:32] and talked about Fresno.

[24:34] And was very proud of where he came from.

[24:38] So to make it all the way through

[24:40] and one of the things that is really unprecedented

[24:42] if you watch the voice is

[24:44] to during their blind audition

[24:46] where the judges have their,

[24:48] they can't see who's performing.

[24:50] And when he started singing,

[24:52] I think lights from journey.

[24:56] And when he started singing that song

[25:00] unprecedented,

[25:02] really is for all four judges to turn their cheer

[25:06] and try to become his coach.

[25:10] But who did he choose?

[25:12] Snoop Dog.

[25:14] He chose Snoop Dog to be his coach.

[25:16] And Snoop Dog took him through.

[25:18] He ended up getting all the way

[25:20] as I said to the finals.

[25:22] And so, there is no question

[25:26] in my mind, Ralph Edwards

[25:28] is going to continue to represent Fresno

[25:30] in a manner in which he has.

[25:32] He's going to go on to do great things.

[25:34] Right now he's singing in a band.

[25:36] I think the vibes are as it was.

[25:38] Vive check.

[25:39] Vive check.

[25:40] I love the name of that.

[25:42] But so, I want all of you

[25:44] before we read the proclamation

[25:46] before I have Ralph say a few words

[25:48] well, who knows?

[25:50] Maybe today he might even do a little singing.

[25:52] Let's see.

[25:54] Huh?

[25:56] What do you think?

[25:58] He's ready for it.

[26:00] I think he can do it.

[26:02] So, let's give a big round of applause

[26:04] for Ralph Fresno's Ralph Edward.

[26:06] Stand up.

[26:08] Stand up and give him a round of applause.

[26:10] Stand up, you guys up there.

[26:12] All right.

[26:14] Fresno's own Ralph Edwards.

[26:20] Wow, thank you so much.

[26:24] I don't know if you remember this,

[26:26] but it was during a parade.

[26:30] I was in the back of my truck singing

[26:32] with my band vibe check.

[26:34] And you were right behind us.

[26:36] And I was adding your name to this.

[26:38] You got to sing us.

[26:40] Okay, was it never too much?

[26:42] I don't know which one it was, but

[26:46] I would never forget that one.

[26:48] That was hilarious because we added your name to the song

[26:50] and it was just like, well,

[26:52] got the mayor behind us.

[26:54] Oh, man.

[26:56] Thank you so much for this

[26:58] and everything,

[27:00] the Central Valley, the community,

[27:02] Fresno, jumping behind me,

[27:04] voting for me during one of the craziest times in my life.

[27:07] I got engaged at the same time.

[27:09] On the same day, I made the show.

[27:11] Shout out to my fiance right there.

[27:13] We're in her team, Snoop Jaget.

[27:15] Same day, I also got to meet one of my friends now,

[27:19] which is Snoop Dogg and that's crazy to say.

[27:21] But yeah, I can call him a brother of friend.

[27:25] And I'm just so happy to be representing Fresno

[27:29] in the Central Valley.

[27:31] And yeah, we're going,

[27:33] just be ready for the albums to come out

[27:35] there already starting.

[27:37] I've been in the studio.

[27:39] All the last couple of weeks since I've been off the show.

[27:41] And yeah,

[27:43] I don't even know what you guys want me to sing.

[27:45] Lights.

[27:46] Lights.

[27:47] I'll sing the first part of that.

[27:49] When the lights go down in the city

[27:53] and the sun shines on the bay.

[27:57] Do I want to be there in my city?

[28:03] Oh, oh, oh, oh.

[28:15] So, man, that was incredible.

[28:17] And so I'm going to have the the clerk read the proclamation.

[28:21] But I want to read the last part of this

[28:23] because it is signed by myself and all of the city council.

[28:27] Thank you guys for supporting.

[28:29] But it says now therefore be it resolved

[28:31] that we, Mayor Jerry Dyer, and members of the Fresno City Council, do a hereby proclaim

[28:36] Thursday, January 15, 2026 to be, Ralph Edwards Day in the City of Fresno.

[28:55] Whereas Fresno native Ralph Edwards has exemplified extraordinary perseverance, auditioning

[29:00] 11 times before earning his season 28 spot on NBC's The Voice, gaining national acclaim with

[29:06] an inspired series of performances that led to a runner-up finish.

[29:10] And whereas Ralph's breakthrough moment came with a rare and electrifying four-chair turn

[29:15] during his blind audition, where he performed a rendition of the journey song, Lights.

[29:20] He then chose Snoop Dogg as his coach and subsequently beat Team Mate Jerome Melton in the

[29:26] battle round, then winning in the knockout and playoff rounds on his way to the finals, earning

[29:30] national recognition and propelling him to the season finale, where he represented Fresno

[29:36] with exceptional talent and grace.

[29:38] And whereas his artistry and dedication brought pride to Fresno, inspiring audiences nationwide

[29:43] while remaining deeply connected to his community.

[29:47] And whereas Ralph began singing at age three, and has been performing on stage since his

[29:51] choir days at Cazner Middle School, followed by Clovis West High School and then Fresno City College.

[29:58] Through his experience, though his experience, though his experience, though his experience,

[30:00] Experience on the voice is finished, Edward continues his musical journey, fronting the ban,

[30:06] excuse me, vibe check, and enriching Fresno's cultural landscape. And whereas during his journey

[30:11] on the voice, Ralph celebrated his engagement, a meaningful personal milestone that further

[30:16] connected his inspiring story to themes of love, family, and community celebration. Now,

[30:22] therefore, be it resolved that we, Mayor Jerry Dyer, and the members of the Fresno City Council,

[30:27] do hereby proclaim Thursday, January 15th, 2026, to be Ralph Edward's day in the city of Fresno.

[30:34] Thank you, Mayor Dyer. Next is a proclamation of a one as far as a low-era day, the sponsor's vice-president

[30:56] audience.

[31:04] Our colleagues and I were just laughing that it's not too often somebody outshines the mayor and these chambers, so

[31:23] I know he'll take some time to recover, but it's okay, Jerry. There are people that are way more

[31:29] talented as politicians. Speaking of people who are far more talented, if I can have fun as

[31:33] the sponsor come down the aisle. You know, in a city of our size, without our diversity and our history,

[31:43] it's often times that people like Ralph and others are recognized across the country and by the

[31:50] peers before they're recognized by their own community. And that's no different for Mr. Juan's

[31:56] sponsor. I'm going to share a couple of notes. My staff gave me like five pages worth of your history and

[32:02] your accomplishments. So I'm going to try and keep it much shorter than that. Yes, because there's a couple

[32:08] things I want to point out, though. One is Juan is one of four children of Juan Jimenezis Bosa, and

[32:14] Josepina Shockley. And he grew up in Texas. That's where he's originally from. I point that out because

[32:21] too often we forget that we, as, you know, human beings and children are the reflection of our parents and

[32:28] our family members. And they are also equally responsible for our successes. And for making sure that

[32:35] we contribute back to our communities. He's a alumni of Fresno State. And he started working for the Fresno

[32:42] B about 50 years ago. So in these days, where somebody keeps on calling me, holding down a job for that

[32:51] long, it's extremely impressive, but it's also a reflection of your commitment to a career and a purpose.

[33:00] And what higher purpose for the last 50 years, especially today than the world of journalism,

[33:07] than telling the truth. And having been on the other side of reporters who are always

[33:12] trying to spotlight on us, well deserved, it is important for people and professionals and careers,

[33:21] like Juan Espires as a journalist, to excel and succeed in our community. It is with their scrutiny,

[33:28] with their at-time criticism, as a editorial editor of the Fresno B. It is a huge responsibility

[33:36] in task for them to hold up the mirror. And for us as policymakers to look at ourselves

[33:42] and reflect on whether we're doing right by the community that we serve, whether we're investing in the

[33:47] right places, whether we should be doing more for our youth, more for our unhaused, more for our community in

[33:53] general. And so I do appreciate the work that you've done for decades and decades in holding us

[34:00] and I just, but other elected leaders accountable and responsive, but I also think it's important

[34:06] to point out that it's one thing to be a no career of journalism. It's another thing to start something

[34:14] equal as important. Juan was a thought-in-member of that and it via a bilingual newspaper

[34:20] for a bilingual city and a bilingual central valley in a bilingual country. And it's been recognized as

[34:26] a little top bilingual newspapers in the country. And that requires a significant amount of talent

[34:33] and support from the potentially group and the Fresno B and from the community at large. And it is that

[34:40] level of success that Juan has undertaken for decades. And I hear now you're officially retired.

[34:47] Thank you. So now we can have conversations without them being on the record off the record.

[34:52] So I appreciate that. But in closing, Juan has been recognized by national publications,

[35:01] by his peers in their journalism, by our mixing government as one of the top tier contributors

[35:07] to this country and this community. And finally, today we're recognizing him, by dedicated today,

[35:12] they want to spark the day in the city of Fresno. So Juan, I will now give it to you for whatever you want to

[35:18] share. You're free to criticize any of these guys, including the mayor who left the building.

[35:23] They're here. Or just there are any words that you want.

[35:27] Well, thank you. It's a great day today, Ralph. I would follow up with a song, but when I was an

[35:33] ultra boy, back in Texas, my priest looked up to me during a choir practice and he asked me to sit next to

[35:40] him and I thought, I thought, oh my god, I'm going to do a solo. And the thing he told me was one,

[35:46] you can't sing at all. So, so I spare you that. It's a great privilege to be honored by the Fresno City

[35:55] Council. It's a group that I've reported on through the years, either my staff or myself. I know that

[36:03] Virginia Madrid, Salazar, is over there somewhere. She's over there. She's a former reporter for us.

[36:10] And Maria Ortiz Breones is a coostanding up there. It's a reporter for Virginia via right now.

[36:17] And then my colleagues at the Fresno Bee, Bob Rodriguez, Beth Klu, and Fabius. Thank you for being here today.

[36:32] Turning to the council. I know I've met a lot of you through the years.

[36:37] I'm glad that the venture creek development has come up about councilmember Sparsa. We're not related, but

[36:51] you're like several people here. You guys are like brothers to me. I really appreciate all that you do.

[36:57] And now that I'm not reporting, I can take you to lunch. You can take me to lunch. I mean, that's fine.

[37:04] Thanks to technology. I know that my sister and dollars, my sister-in-law and others in Texas,

[37:12] are watching this. And I want to thank them. As you mentioned, my parents, without my parents,

[37:17] I would not be here today. And I really, really appreciate what they did to support me as I was growing up

[37:25] to make sure that I got the education that I needed to be able to go into this field that I really love.

[37:32] So again, thank you. And I want to hear more songs. I want to hear you sing and Spanish, you know, as well.

[37:40] You know, in this market, you got to do that. So thank you very much.

[37:45] Thank you, Biden. There you go. If I can have the, your President Bee colleagues come on down for a group photo,

[37:52] I know you spend a long time on the other side of the camera taking photos. I remember you in high school football

[37:58] games and parades and marches and demonstrations. And it's always been a pleasure to see the high

[38:04] quality of imagery that you capture for our community. So we're now giving the honors be in the inside of the camera.

[38:20] Whereas one, as far as a Loera, one of four children born to the late Juan Jimenez as far as a

[38:25] and Josefina Shockley grew up in West Texas and southern New Mexico before migrating with his family

[38:31] to early mark California where he later graduated from Delano High School attended Baker's Field Junior College

[38:37] and earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications from California State University Fresno.

[38:42] And whereas Juan is far as a Loera began his journalism career in 1974 at the Baker's Field

[38:48] California and later joined the Medesto B and the Fresno B covering sports business, weekend, and special

[38:55] projects. Most recently named as a opinion editor at the Fresno B and a member of its editorial board,

[39:02] continuing his longstanding dedication to thoughtful public discourse and informed civic dialogue.

[39:08] And whereas in 1990, Juan, as far as a Loera, became the founding editor of Vidana Valle,

[39:15] a groundbreaking bilingual publication that was named the nation's top bilingual newspaper

[39:21] and grew to serve communities throughout California's Central Valley, including Fresno,

[39:26] Merced, Modesto, Stockton, and Sacramento. And whereas Juan, as far as a Loera, exceptional work has earned

[39:34] him numerous awards, including the Mexicans from the Mexican Consulate in Fresno, a lifetime achievement

[39:41] award by the California Chicano News Media Association, recognition in Hispanic media 100 by the TJFR,

[39:50] and numerous awards for writing, page design, and photography from the National Association of Hispanic

[39:56] publications. California News Publishers Association and News American Media. And whereas Juan

[40:03] as far as a Loera has devoted 50 years of distinguished service to a career in journalism as a pioneering

[40:09] bilingual Spanish language journalist, expanding access to information for diverse communities.

[40:16] His retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in local journalism, and we extend our best

[40:21] wishes as he enters a new chapter in life. Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, Merced,

[40:27] and the Fresno City Council, do hereby proclaim January 15th, 2026 to be one as far as a Loera day

[40:34] in the city of Fresno.

[40:49] Thank you so much, Councilor Vice President. Okay, next is a Proclamation of Recognizing January

[40:54] as National Mentoring Month and Honoring Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central California.

[40:57] The sponsors are Councilman Rose Maxwell and Richardson.

[41:01] All right, if we could please get our friends from Big Brothers and Big Sisters to join us

[41:27] up here at the front.

[41:56] All right, you come on up here in the middle. Everybody here is sort of a big brother's big sisters,

[42:01] hopefully. This is one of my favorite nonprofits, not just in District 4, but across the city of Fresno.

[42:09] When I move back to Fresno, my hometown in 2016, one of the first people I ever met was Diane Picanacum,

[42:14] and she has been a great friend of mine ever since. She's one of those people where whatever you

[42:21] ask her for, she will find a way to make it deliver. I often joke if you ask her for the keys for her

[42:27] soup rest, she probably give it to you if you ask her. That's just a kind of personality that she has and her

[42:33] organization has delivered on mentorship for over 30,000 children across Fresno and the organization's 50 years

[42:44] of existence. And that's a really big deal. I know Diane, I've shared my story with you, you know, I kind of

[42:49] come from a trouble background, and I know how important it was to have a strong mentor going up as a

[42:55] kid, especially when it's difficult to find direction. And it was really important for me to want to give back,

[43:02] and you were really helpful when I moved back to town to become a big brother myself, which I did for five

[43:07] years, and it was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I know this organization has always

[43:12] looking for great mentors, whether you want to be a big brother or a big sister. So if anybody's interested

[43:16] in that, regardless of the age, please reach out to this organization because it really does make a huge

[43:22] difference and has a huge impact on the lives of the children looking for somebody to look up to. And so

[43:28] I just want to say thank you all for what you do. It's really amazing. I know sometimes it is difficult,

[43:33] and it can sometimes be linked with work, but you guys are making a tremendous impact across our community.

[43:38] And I just want to say thank you and God bless you all. Appreciate the work that you do.

[43:42] I handed over to my colleague Nick Richardson. Good morning, everybody.

[43:50] All right. Count some members in the back. Raise your hand if you made it to where you are right now

[43:56] without a mentor or role model at any point. Anybody? Yeah, I mean either. How about all of you? Anybody

[44:04] make it to where you are or get to this point your life without anybody to look up to without anybody being an

[44:09] example or a mentor, a parent or a friend or anything. I don't think so. I'm here in crickets.

[44:15] I didn't either. And it's huge. Right. Growing up as people, we need someone ahead of us who's already

[44:21] blazed the trail who has already walked through the door who has already cut down the thicket made of path for us.

[44:26] A lot of kids don't have that opportunity. I don't think that's a mystery to anybody.

[44:30] All right. When you grow up, maybe it's a single parent, maybe it's not a parent, maybe you're in the foster

[44:34] system, maybe you're parents. So whatever it is, a lot of kids don't have what we have. They don't have that

[44:40] that solitary single strong role model to look up to. And that's where this organization steps in.

[44:47] In case you're curious about what kind of impact they've had since they were founded in 1969,

[44:53] 30,000, 30,000 kids and family members have come through this program. That's 30,000

[45:00] People here in our city, here in the central valley, who are no longer aimless, right? Who are no longer just blind in the dark, fumbling through life? That is amazing. Those are people who go on to do things, who have goals, who have dreams, who get discipline, they know what leadership is. It's huge. There's an organization that does this. Now, not just on the, the mentee side, right? But with their high schoolers as big's program, they get high schoolers, who maybe don't have any younger siblings, who don't know what it's like to be responsible, who don't know what it's like to have someone

[45:30] else looking up at you to where you conduct yourself in a way that, oh man, you know what, maybe I shouldn't do this, because I know someone's paying attention to me now.

[45:38] And that's huge. You get your first responsibility, your first role as a leader as a role model. That's, it's just amazing. The difference that has.

[45:46] I know the high schoolers are out back right now, but I hope they all go log in at home and watch us on CMAC later. I'm sure they're going to.

[45:53] But anyway, it's in the spirit of that and the work that these folks have done for our kids for community, that yes, if you are able, if you've got a little bit of free time, if you're able to take, you know, a couple hours a month, just a step in and maybe meet with a kid who doesn't have that sort of positive role model, please consider doing it.

[46:11] And for that, we do have this proclamation as just a small gesture that here in January, a national mentoring month, footstomp.

[46:21] We wanted to reach out to one of the organizations that really leads the charge when it comes to mentoring our youth and the central valley. So I will just read the last paragraph and then clerk, you're on the hook outside of that.

[46:35] But first, if Diana or Nick want to say anything, I won't you do so.

[46:41] Thank you so much for this. My name is Diana Poconicum. I'm the president and CEO of Big Brother's Big Sister almost 15 years. I'm really excited.

[46:50] You know, we stand up here, but it takes a village. First and foremost, very blessed to have some amazing board members and staff that do the work that they do. It's not easy.

[47:00] It's really hard. We serve four counties, Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Teleri. The need is great. We have so many children, especially little boys waiting.

[47:09] Just waiting and waiting for someone to pick them. Someone to be a friend. You too, oh my gosh, you guys did an amazing job. I feel I don't have to say anything.

[47:19] I'm happy to record this and use this as our PSA. But it takes a village and these are future leaders. Please look within your heart.

[47:29] If you guys could have a couple hours a month to give back to a child to make a difference in their life.

[47:34] We always tell these children, I'm so sorry. Life dealt you with the bad deck card. It doesn't define you. It's not who you are who you can be.

[47:42] We need to help these children see the way. See their full potential. And that's what we're striving to do a big brother's big sister.

[47:49] So we're going to launch our lunch buddy program, which is contract with Fresno Unified School District.

[47:54] You guys got to eat, right? Everybody got to eat and sing with them. Please consider volunteering lunch buddy. Once a week, be there for a child. Just to show that they care.

[48:04] Again, from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of a board member, the big little families that we serve.

[48:09] Thank you for this acknowledgement. Thank you so much for carrying and investing in a future leaders. Thank you.

[48:19] Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, Mayor Jerry Dyer and the Fresno City Council do hereby proclaim January 2026, as National Mentoring Month.

[48:29] And proudly recognizes big brother's big sisters of Central California for its unwavering commitment to the children and families of our region, and it's enduring impact on future generations.

[48:43] Clerk, you got it.

[48:46] Thank you.

[48:47] Whereas January is recognized across the nation as National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the power of mentorship and acknowledge the individuals and organizations

[48:56] that make a lasting impact in the lives of young people. And whereas, since it's founding in 1969, big brother's big sisters of Central California, BBBS of CC, has served as a pillar of mentorship and youth empowerment, providing guidance, stability and opportunity to children throughout the Central Valley.

[49:15] And whereas, over the past five decades, BBBS of CC has positively impacted on the lives of more than 30,000 children and their families.

[49:25] Fostering resilience, leadership, and hope through one to one mentoring ship relationships, and whereas, BBBS of CC has successfully implemented the high school bigs program across 21 unified school districts, serving more than 4,000 children and families each year throughout Central California.

[49:44] And whereas, through dedicated mentors, community partnerships and innovative programming, BBBS of CC, continues to inspire young people to reach their full potential strengthening the fabric of our communities.

[49:57] Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, Mayor Jerry Dyer, and the Fresno City Council, do hereby proclaim January 2026 as National Mentoring Month, and proudly recognize big brothers, big sisters of Central California, for its unwavering commitment to the children.

[50:13] And it's enduring impact on future generations.

[50:16] Recognizing January as National Mentoring Month, and honoring big brothers, big sisters of Central California.

[50:26] Thank you so much. Great job, Council members. Maximum Richardson.

[50:40] We're going to go back in order, and we're going to do a Proclamation of State Champion, Central East High School Football Team.

[50:49] And these sponsors are of Mayor and City Manager, Council Member Brea, and in myself.

[51:07] Come on. I know you guys are big, but we're going to make yourself small for a little bit here.

[51:13] Leave some room for our Council President and Council Member Perea.

[51:23] Well, well, there are assembling up here. I know we got some parents in the audience. We got some fans in the audience. We got coach Biggs with us.

[51:32] But for those of you who haven't been following high school football, something very, very special happened this last year.

[51:42] Something that doesn't happen very often at all, but we have the state champions for D1 football right here.

[51:52] Central East High School Bengals.

[52:03] You know, these guys have done something remarkable. The number one they went 14 and won, they ended up winning the state.

[52:09] They lost in the championship game last year, I believe, by a touchdown that was scored in the last minute.

[52:15] But this year they did not fail us as a city, it infel us last year either.

[52:20] But these guys are incredible athletes. I think it really speaks highly of the dedication that they have, the discipline and most of all the teamwork.

[52:31] Not one single person on this team is the reason that they won the state championship.

[52:36] They won their section, they won the Northern Regional and they went 5 and 0 in league and then overall 14 and 1 and then won the state championship.

[52:48] And the good news is we have a lot of returners.

[52:51] So next year we're going to have a lot of players that we have a lot of a handful of freshmen.

[52:57] We have some sophomores and we have some juniors on this team.

[53:01] We have some seniors that can go on to do baked things.

[53:05] I know we have, I think, a wide receiver going to cow running back when Arizona.

[53:09] If I'm not mistaken and who else knows, but we're going to see some of these guys.

[53:15] I promise you in the NFL playing on Sunday Sunday.

[53:18] So appreciate that.

[53:20] It is an honor for council president, Carbassi, council member Pareo who are going to come up both of them to say a few words.

[53:29] But to be able to recognize central east football, California, state champions.

[53:35] We appreciate you.

[53:36] Give them a round of applause.

[53:38] And so we're also tonight we're going to have a parade in the ceremony over at central east.

[53:49] That right.

[53:50] And so hopefully a lot of fans will come out, a lot of parents because really it's those are the ones that got you there.

[53:58] So we look forward to having that parade tonight and having that celebration.

[54:02] So council member Pareo first.

[54:06] All right, so I have stood up here and I have given out proclamations to central unified school district for being water polo champions, cheerleading champions.

[54:16] The list goes on, but there brings me no greater joy than to stand here and give out a proclamation for state football champions.

[54:25] And so that's a really big deal.

[54:27] I don't know what you guys are drinking with the water like out in central unified school district, but we need to give that to some of our other school districts too.

[54:34] I'll take some myself.

[54:36] But the mayor's right there is a parade tonight at five or five thirty.

[54:40] That five o'clock.

[54:41] So if anyone is able to join us and help us celebrate these young men and their coaches, please do.

[54:47] Now, I know and you all know that we would not be here today if it weren't for your parents, right?

[54:53] Your coaches, your parents.

[54:54] So if you're a parent of one of these kids, can you raise your hand?

[54:58] We know the sacrifice that it takes from parents, right, from siblings, from grandparents, from cousins.

[55:11] We know what it takes to help make these gentlemen as a success up here.

[55:15] So thank you to the families of these fine men.

[55:19] And lastly, when you guys are in the NFL, remember me, okay?

[55:24] I like to go to games.

[55:26] Not only is Central East and my district, but I'm also the only woman on the council and the council member that knows the most about football.

[55:34] So it's it's all the right that I'm here to present this proclamation to you guys.

[55:38] Council member council president Kerbussie.

[55:41] It is true. She does know the most of that football.

[55:44] Yes, I'm Mike Kerbussie.

[55:45] I want you to know, first and foremost, you guys make us look so good in the city.

[55:50] We are very, very proud of you. You worked so hard to get here to your coach.

[55:54] A hundred career wins this season. Is that correct?

[55:58] And you had to make it the championship for the state too.

[56:00] It's awesome. And it was three championships by the way, correct?

[56:03] Not just one. Thank you so much to Central Unified for their board, for their educators.

[56:07] Now I have people to know this, but Central Unified's actually a part of Northwest Fresno as well.

[56:11] But we don't have a high school. We have a middle school.

[56:13] We have elementary schools.

[56:14] It's to know those kids, especially young people, that say they want to play football,

[56:18] because they watch their idols on TV.

[56:20] Their future idols are right here right now.

[56:22] And they can know that if they work hard enough and they go to Central Unified,

[56:26] maybe they can be state champions too.

[56:28] But you guys stick around. You're going to do that for us?

[56:30] Okay. Good luck to hear that. Thank you coach.

[56:32] Thank you so much. And thank you to Mayor.

[56:34] Thank you to a real champion for Central Unified Mayor.

[56:36] And of course, Council member Praya for sticking with the sticking to the president to supporting the district.

[56:43] Thank you. Thank you, Council President.

[56:46] You know, I played three sports and high school basketball football baseball.

[56:51] But we never got outside of the valley and we have some pretty good teams.

[56:55] So to do what you did is really incredible.

[56:58] And so I wanted coach Biggs to share.

[57:01] He is really the guy that puts everything together.

[57:04] You can have the greatest talent in the world.

[57:06] But if you don't have a team, you're not going to win.

[57:09] And this is the guy that makes it all come together.

[57:13] Thank you for that.

[57:15] We have a great coach and staff.

[57:17] We have a great administrative support.

[57:19] Great booster club, great parents.

[57:21] It takes a village to do what we do.

[57:23] I'm just blessed with being the guy in front of it, leading the charge.

[57:27] Great group of kids. They were fun to coach.

[57:30] And they make me look a lot smarter than what I really am.

[57:34] All right. Thank you.

[57:36] Amy?

[57:39] Thank you.

[57:41] Whereas the Central East High School football team has achieved a truly historic and unprecedented season.

[57:47] Bringing extraordinary pride to their school families and the entire city of Fresno.

[57:52] And whereas during the 2020-25 season, the Central East Bengals compiled an outstanding 14-1 overall record.

[58:00] Finished undefuted in track league play, 5-0, and demonstrated excellence, discipline, and teamwork throughout every level of competition.

[58:09] And whereas the team captured the Division 1AA Central Section Championship, the Division 1AA Northern California Regional Championship,

[58:18] and ultimately claims the Division 1AA California State Championship.

[58:23] And whereas Central East High School concluded the season ranked among the top teams in California,

[58:28] earned statewide recognition for competitive excellence and showcased the strength of Fresno's student athletes on the largest stage.

[58:36] And whereas the success of the Central East football team reflects the leadership, dedication, and vision of head coach Biggs,

[58:44] who reached and surpassed this milestone of 100 career wins this season, along with the commitment of the coaching staff,

[58:51] student athletes, families, and the Central East community.

[58:55] And whereas this championship season stands as a powerful example of perseverance, unity, and achievement,

[59:02] inspiring future generations of students, while demonstrating what is possible through hard work, belief, and community support.

[59:10] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the mayor and the Fresno City Council do hereby recognize the Central East football California State Champions in the city of Fresno.

[59:21] All right, give it up for Central East High School Bengals.

[59:25] State Champions, right here Coach Biggs.

[59:27] Thank you, guys.

[59:28] Appreciate you all.

[59:29] We'll see you tonight.

[59:30] Come on out.

[59:31] We'll see you guys tonight, all right?

[59:34] All right, man.

[59:36] Good great things, brother.

[59:45] See you tonight, huh?

[59:50] Appreciate you, guys.

[59:55] Thanks for your attention.

[1:00:00] Hello, Mr. President.

[1:00:12] How are you?

[1:00:30] All right, so last, but certainly not least, we have a proclamation for National Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month.

[1:00:46] That's going to be a proclamation presented by myself.

[1:01:00] Good morning, good morning, come on down, our friends at the Central Valley Against Human Trafficking Project,

[1:01:27] President of the O.C., welcome, welcome, come on down, have a big crowd here as well.

[1:01:37] Not quite as big, but very important.

[1:01:42] So I'm so glad that we had a lot of sort of celebratory proclamations and more lighthearted proclamations

[1:01:50] because last, but certainly not least, we have a very serious issue to discuss here at this last proclamation.

[1:01:56] When it comes to human trafficking prevention month.

[1:02:00] So again, we're joined by our friends at the Fresno, O.C., Central Valley Against Human Trafficking Projects,

[1:02:10] also joined by other partners, such as Central La Familia, and the Council of the Mexico.

[1:02:17] I want to welcome Council of Edema de Los Angeles, Bementell, Portia.

[1:02:21] Thank you for being here.

[1:02:23] And did I miss any partners, I apologize.

[1:02:25] A lot of people up here.

[1:02:26] Several, I apologize, but we're breaking the chances with this.

[1:02:30] Hello.

[1:02:32] We look out from the dice and it's a lot of faces.

[1:02:35] I did not track everyone down.

[1:02:38] So we're going to make a few more introductions here in a bit.

[1:02:41] But first, they did want to say that today we're standing united to raise our voices in honor of human trafficking prevention month,

[1:02:49] which is a time to reflect on the ongoing struggle to end human trafficking,

[1:02:54] to renew our collective determination to create a future free from exploitation.

[1:03:01] Human trafficking is a pervasive and insidious crime that continues to affect lives and ways many of us don't always see.

[1:03:10] It's not just something happening in faraway places.

[1:03:13] It is happening and has been happening in our own backyard right here in Fresno.

[1:03:18] From forced labor to sex trafficking, exploitation takes on many forms, and we must confront these issues head on.

[1:03:26] And we are all part of the solution, whether you believe that or not, we are.

[1:03:30] Human trafficking doesn't stop at the doorstep of law enforcement or nonprofit organizations.

[1:03:35] It's our responsibility for all of us to be vigilant, aware, and proactive in our communities.

[1:03:42] Recognize the signs of trafficking and operate support to those in need.

[1:03:47] It can really have a life changing impact.

[1:03:50] And that's why it's especially important that we bring awareness that's everyone in the general public.

[1:03:56] So, I really want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to these local organizations, advocates, and law enforcement officers who dedicate their time.

[1:04:04] Energy and resources to combating human trafficking.

[1:04:08] You all are the the unsung heroes of this fight in your resilience and passionate continues to create a ripple effect of hope throughout our entire community.

[1:04:16] So, really is my honor to stand with you all here this morning alongside the people who are doing the work on the grounds.

[1:04:23] And as we know here at the at the city, you know, we we have our limitations.

[1:04:30] And we really rely quite a bit on our third party nonprofits.

[1:04:34] It's a be out there and fulfill some of these functions where we leave gaps as a city organization.

[1:04:41] And so you really are making a difference day by day as you're out there combating on the front lines of this particular issue.

[1:04:49] So, my pleasure and honor to welcome you all.

[1:04:53] And I want to hand off the mic.

[1:04:55] I don't want to talk to speak too much.

[1:04:57] You have a lot of folks here with a lot of knowledge.

[1:04:59] Thank you.

[1:05:00] Thank you.

[1:05:01] Thank you.

[1:05:03] Thank you so much.

[1:05:04] Thank you guys for having us and I wrote it down so that I wouldn't forget anything because as always, I forget things.

[1:05:10] So, good morning, my name is Amber Secondino and I am the program manager of Fresno EOC Central Valegance Human Trafficking Program.

[1:05:17] I want to first thank Council Member Sparta for representing us and sponsoring this important population as well as the other council members that are here to support us in the mayor.

[1:05:27] And recognizing a January as National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month.

[1:05:32] This acknowledged matters deeply not only as this symbolic gesture but as a public commitment to protecting human dignity and standing against exploitation in all its forms.

[1:05:44] Human trafficking thrives and others vulnerabilities.

[1:05:48] stigma and lack of awareness.

[1:05:51] This proclamation serves as not only a single-day recognition but a commitment that for the remainder of the year, our community will continue to identify, connect and support the survivors in our city.

[1:06:02] I want to honor the survivors whose strength and courage guide this work every single day.

[1:06:08] Survivors are not defined by what is done to them but are recognized for their resilience, their leadership and their voices.

[1:06:15] Their experiences remind us that prevention and response must always be trauma informed, culturally responsive and rooted in compassion.

[1:06:23] Prevention human trafficking is not the responsibility of one organization as you see here this morning or one system.

[1:06:29] It requires collaboration across the city leadership with law enforcement, healthcare professionals, social services, businesses and community members.

[1:06:38] It means recognizing vulnerability, responding with care and ensuring people have access to safety support and opportunity.

[1:06:45] To the city of Fresno, thank you for using this platform to raise awareness, promote prevention and affirm that exploitation has no place in our communities.

[1:06:54] Your leadership sends a clear message that Fresno is committed to protecting its residents and standing with those impacted by trafficking.

[1:07:01] As we move through this month I encourage all of us to continue learning to challenge assumptions and to act.

[1:07:07] Awareness is the first step but prevention also happens when we show up consistently.

[1:07:12] Invest in people and build systems that promote safety, equity and healing.

[1:07:17] Thank you again for this proclamation in this partnership.

[1:07:20] I do also I heard the reoccurring theme in this morning that it does take a village and that is not the exception here in our work.

[1:07:27] So I do want to take the time to recognize the organizations here this morning.

[1:07:31] We have breaking the chains Fresno here with us.

[1:07:34] I want to introduce the Center of Justice Coalition Center of Family Advocacies services as well as the council of the Mexico which is a huge partner within our organization and they are neighbors and our friends.

[1:07:45] And so I would like to excuse me as well as beloved survivor who is providing ongoing services to not only trafficking survivors but as well as survivors of other.

[1:07:55] So thank you again for your work.

[1:07:57] I'm going to go ahead and hand up the mic to Center of Family Justice Coalition and then we'll give it to Center of Family Advocacy and the council.

[1:08:04] Thank you.

[1:08:05] Thank you, Amber.

[1:08:06] Thank you council, Amber.

[1:08:07] Thank you to the city council for this acknowledgement this morning.

[1:08:11] My name is Christo Weans.

[1:08:12] I'm the executive director of the Central Valley Justice Coalition.

[1:08:15] Our focus at the coalition is always on prevention and this morning you have heard numbers.

[1:08:20] This month I encourage each person listening each member of our community to ask themselves who drives these numbers.

[1:08:27] Who is viewing the 20 million images of child abuse that were flagged by Nick Mac in 2024?

[1:08:33] Who benefits from the forced and coerced labor of essential workers?

[1:08:37] We can only make real progress in preventing trafficking if we all refuse to participate in the economic system that makes it profitable.

[1:08:44] This human trafficking prevention month I encourage each of us to take a look at the way our own personal actions are causing harm to real human beings.

[1:08:52] The only way to end this injustice is for every individual to accept ownership of it and to commit to change.

[1:08:59] Thank you.

[1:09:00] Good morning everybody.

[1:09:03] My name is Martin Rodriguez and I work with Center of Family Advocacy Services.

[1:09:08] I'm going to share a story back in 2016.

[1:09:12] I assisted a mother and daughter who were victims of labor trafficking.

[1:09:18] And they left their home country for a better life.

[1:09:23] And once they were here they became trafficked where they took their documents away.

[1:09:28] They didn't let them out of their home.

[1:09:30] They weren't dead because of the coerced, the smugglers that brought them into this country.

[1:09:37] And so they left the situation they were in and then they came to one of our organizations and were connected to us.

[1:09:47] We assisted the family with resources because she was cooperating with the investigation of her victimization.

[1:09:57] It left her being able to apply for a humanitarian relief.

[1:10:02] And she was able to get a TV sub for her and her daughter.

[1:10:06] Her TV sub got adjudicated and then helped her and the daughter with her green card.

[1:10:11] Two years ago I closed their case because they are now residents of the United States.

[1:10:17] But because I've been also connecting these partners.

[1:10:21] These survivors with all these partners.

[1:10:23] Not only did they receive their green cards but they also received resources.

[1:10:28] They went to school when I closed the mom's case.

[1:10:31] She graduated from Fresno State University.

[1:10:34] The daughter was enrolling into Fresno State University.

[1:10:37] One already teaches she teaches ESL courses at a elementary school here in Fresno.

[1:10:43] And so these are individuals who are victims of trafficking right who then became survivors.

[1:10:50] But now they're contributing to the economy.

[1:10:53] And so this happens everywhere.

[1:10:56] We see several cases of many survivors who come in here for a better life and then become a victim of crime here in the United States.

[1:11:05] And where they have status or not, they should be assisted with any type of resources because they are in the future.

[1:11:12] They now she's teaching children who are our future.

[1:11:15] And so I am grateful for all these partners that we were able to come together every year to help families.

[1:11:21] Thank you.

[1:11:22] Thank you very much.

[1:11:28] Good morning for everyone.

[1:11:29] Thank you.

[1:11:30] Mr. Sparta for giving us the birthday to share our ideas about this.

[1:11:34] Crime.

[1:11:35] Thank you.

[1:11:36] Mr. Carbassi.

[1:11:37] Mr. Diary Council members.

[1:11:38] Forgive me the opportunity to speak about this.

[1:11:41] Good morning everyone.

[1:11:42] I am Irma Pimentel.

[1:11:43] And I am the head council of the council of Mexico here in Fresno.

[1:11:49] Human trafficking is a complex crime.

[1:11:52] And it is fighting by the Mexican government within our borders and within our capacity.

[1:12:01] And we are doing our best in Mexico to terminate this crime and this activities.

[1:12:08] But it is complex.

[1:12:09] It is a very complex crime that it is often misunderstood.

[1:12:13] Public perception frequently associated with highly visible and extreme scenarios.

[1:12:19] Such as sex trafficking, however, in reality.

[1:12:23] The greatest danger of this crime lies in the subtle and deceptive nature.

[1:12:28] Because of this, anyone can become a victim.

[1:12:31] At the consulate, we try to create awareness in our community.

[1:12:35] Regardless of their age, sex and background.

[1:12:39] Because we have a diversity of people who came following empty promises of better life.

[1:12:46] Who made not see their families again and have lost their freedom or people who trusted their partners.

[1:12:53] And now they are used as merchandise.

[1:12:58] And even though we know that human trafficking has many faces and stories, they have some factors in common.

[1:13:05] Victims that are usually controlled isolated, exploited and humanized by their abusers.

[1:13:12] In the Central Valley, we see people who suffer labor trafficking without knowing.

[1:13:17] That's why it is important to create the awareness of this.

[1:13:20] Teach our youth to identify the real slacks in every day in everyday life time and activities and on the internet.

[1:13:28] We also have people who are vulnerable and scared to come forward and report their abuses they suffer.

[1:13:37] And that's why we need to keep building safe spaces for them as the consulate.

[1:13:43] I want to extend my gratitude for all the people present.

[1:13:47] Representatives, agencies, organizations and my own protection team that works together every day to help victims of this cruel crime to recover and create awareness.

[1:13:57] To prevent future cases.

[1:14:00] Your work is necessary and very appreciated by the Mexican government.

[1:14:04] Thank you so much.

[1:14:05] Let's keep promoting awareness solidarity and active participation in our community and may.

[1:14:11] We can be even saved someone's life.

[1:14:15] As head of the consulate, our reform of commitment to the coast and willingness to keep working hand by hand by the authorities.

[1:14:24] Non-profit and community leaders to make this beautiful CD free of this cruel crime.

[1:14:29] Thank you very much.

[1:14:34] Any other partners like to say a few words?

[1:14:39] I'll get all the speakers around this side to my right.

[1:14:44] They say that right about the time you begin getting tired of saying something.

[1:14:51] That's the first time people are hearing the message.

[1:14:54] I'm glad we're taking time out of this month to give a little extra awareness.

[1:15:00] But there's something that we need to discuss year-round, continue to advocate against year-round and

[1:15:06] these are the people that are doing that hard work day in and day out. You've heard some of the

[1:15:12] examples, stories, anecdotes, some of some human trafficking you may see driving or walking around

[1:15:19] the city. There's lots of that occurs in the shadows as well. And so I know the folks behind me and

[1:15:25] us as a community or not going to stop until at level level zero. So we thank you all so so much.

[1:15:32] I get as my pleasure to present on behalf of the city, entire city organization. This year's

[1:15:39] National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month Proclamation to you all. It's given

[1:15:44] round of applause. And clerk, if you could, please read the Proclamation while we take a few photos.

[1:15:57] Thank you all again.

[1:15:59] Whereas January is designated as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to raise

[1:16:04] awareness about the various forms of human trafficking, support survivors and educate communities

[1:16:09] on these urgent issues. Since 2009, the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission Central Valley

[1:16:15] against Human Trafficking Program has assisted and identified over 2,100 victims of human trafficking

[1:16:21] from our local communities. And whereas the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission Central

[1:16:26] Valley against Human Trafficking Program provides vital resources that promote self-sufficiency,

[1:16:32] restored dignity, and aid in the recovery from trauma for survivors of human trafficking. And

[1:16:37] whereas the International Labor Organization recognizes there are an estimated 27.6 million

[1:16:43] people in modern slavery globally, where over 3.3 million victims are children. It is reported that

[1:16:51] 77% of all victims are enforced labor, while 23% of all victims are in sex trafficking. And whereas

[1:16:58] the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates one out of six endangered runaways

[1:17:04] or likely child sex trafficking victims. Children who have been involved in the foster care in juvenile

[1:17:09] justice systems are at an increased risk of being victims of human trafficking. And whereas human

[1:17:15] trafficking generates billions of dollars annually, perpetuating the exploitation of millions of

[1:17:20] people across the globe. Traffickers exploit people across several industries, including manufacturing,

[1:17:26] agriculture, domestic work, and construction. And whereas the city recognizes that human traffickers

[1:17:32] target people considered vulnerable within our communities, including but not limited to women and

[1:17:37] girls, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA plus individuals, and others from marginalized backgrounds.

[1:17:45] And whereas the city of Fresno acknowledges the need for increased awareness and accountability

[1:17:50] in addressing human trafficking, recognizing that this grave injustice affects individuals from all

[1:17:56] walks of life. Today we stand united in the fight against human trafficking in all its forms wherever

[1:18:02] it may occur. Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, Mayor Jerry P. Dyer, Councilmember

[1:18:08] Nelsonis Farza, and the Fresno City Council. Do hereby proclaim the month of January

[1:18:13] 2026 as National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in the City of Fresno.

[1:18:32] Thank you so much. That will conclude our proclamations for today and that's why the room is empty.

[1:18:37] So, great job everyone. Before we move on to Councilmember reports and comments, we are going to move

[1:18:43] move to the election of the Chair and Vice Chair to the successor agency to the redevelopment agency

[1:18:48] of the city of Fresno. And we're going to open up to public comment before we go to the council.

[1:18:55] So, if anyone wants to comment on the election of Chair and Vice Chair to the successor agency to the redevelopment

[1:19:00] agency of the city of Fresno, this will be your chance to have three minutes. Please come forward.

[1:19:08] Hi. I just heard that you're going to continue to be President. Is that correct?

[1:19:14] We're talking about, we're talking about the Chair and Vice Chair. But if you want to

[1:19:18] cause that we're in a scheduled of the redevelopment agency does. What redevelopment agency

[1:19:22] have walked in late? So, so we have a redevelopment agency that primarily is in this area of town.

[1:19:28] And we have a Chair and Vice Chair and we're electing the Chair and Vice Chair of the RDA right now.

[1:19:32] That's what we're talking about at this time. Okay. Well, I should have read up on that. I probably

[1:19:36] would have had something to say. But let me go for President. Sorry. Okay.

[1:19:41] It's public comment for this particular item. But we will have unscheduled communication for everything else.

[1:19:46] And consent, contestant, consent, and closed session coming up soon as well. Okay.

[1:19:51] So, anyone else wishing to come up, provide public comment on the election of the Chair and Vice Chair of the RDA.

[1:19:57] Okay. They're being done. We're going to move this to the Council. Council members, any discussion, any motions?

[1:20:04] So, go ahead. Councilmember Richardson. That's quick question. Who are the current Chair and Vice Chair?

[1:20:08] I believe, and please remember, if I'm wrong, Councilmember Council member RIS is the Chair and I believe the

[1:20:14] Vice Chair is as far as a. Is that correct?

[1:20:19] Marlene, is that correct? That's correct. Okay. Thank you. I don't go to those meetings, so

[1:20:25] forgive me.

[1:20:27] Unless there's any further discussion, I will make a motion to continue with Councilmember RIS's chair and

[1:20:34] Council, Vice President, as far as as Vice Chair, if they'll accept the nomination. Second. Okay.

[1:20:40] Councilmember, as far as I can. Okay. Great. It's been motion by myself. Second, my Councilmember Richardson,

[1:20:46] any discussion on this item. And again, we've already taken public comment, any opposition.

[1:20:52] It passes seven to zero. Thank you very much, Council.

[1:20:55] Councilmember reports and comments. We're going to start with Councilmember Priya.

[1:21:01] Thank you, Council President. Just a few updates from district one. I do want to start by thinking the

[1:21:07] Parks Department, Public Works, Mayor Dyer, for joining me this week. We cut the ribbon for a

[1:21:16] the reopening of the Lions Park courts. We transition to tennis courts to multi-use athletic courts.

[1:21:23] And so just excited to do our part to expand more green space, more recreational space

[1:21:30] and parts of our city that historically do not have easy access to many recreational opportunities.

[1:21:37] Next, want to highlight that had the opportunity to join Council members, RIS, Maxwell, and Mayor Dyer

[1:21:45] at a press conference this week to announce our new partnership with the United Soccer League.

[1:21:50] This will not only be a tremendous economic boost for our city, but we'll give our youth both

[1:21:58] boys and little girl's opportunities to play soccer and to really visualize themselves on the national

[1:22:05] stage here in their own backyard. Lastly, I want to highlight Lily's flower creations. It's a new

[1:22:12] business and district one. It's a young 23-year-old husband and wife duo who opened a brand new

[1:22:18] flower shop and we wanted to highlight this company specifically now because many folks out there

[1:22:25] may be looking to buy some flowers or chocolates for their loved ones and we're really encouraging you to

[1:22:30] check out Lily's flower creations located at 1-1-4 for West Shields Avenue. Thank you, Council President.

[1:22:38] Thank you so much, Council Member Pri up. Next is Council Member Ores.

[1:22:45] Thank you, Council President. City Manager, Kudos to your team at Public Utilities. This week was

[1:22:51] operation cleanup in my neighborhood and I usually have to go and use the leaf lower to clean up after

[1:22:57] everything's been picked up and you're focusing on the amazing job all around the tower district.

[1:23:02] They were on schedule, picked up everything, cleaned up everything so Kudos to operation cleanup.

[1:23:08] It continues to be a great asset and I found a lot less trash in a alleyways this year than

[1:23:15] in past years so being on schedule matters when the garbage meet picked up because it means there's less

[1:23:21] trash for people to pick up and relocate. Tomorrow Friday, the 16th, 1130 is the official

[1:23:28] Garlandine ceremony for Martin Luther King celebrations at the Courthouse Park. I invite everyone to attend

[1:23:36] the march is on Monday the 19th as well and it'll be followed by an awards and ceremony program

[1:23:41] at which is a memorial auditorium. I want to thank the President of MLK Unity Committee for their

[1:23:47] continued volunteerism for the last few decades to organize these MLK events during this time.

[1:23:53] Thank you again to the City Manager and the Park City Parkman and Risk Management and every other

[1:23:58] department that had to touch the relocation of the Southern Pacific Steam Local Motiv Engine 1238. I know

[1:24:04] that we acquired a lot of after the work our phone calls with the City Manager and I

[1:24:11] just some history, the City Council donated that local Motiv in 2022 and took the organization

[1:24:21] the Kingsburg Depot, friends of the historic Kingsburg Depot several years to be able to find

[1:24:25] raising enough money to build a whole new rail system for them so it's been built. The local

[1:24:32] Motiv will be operational in the Kingsburg Train Museum and I think this is a great opportunity for

[1:24:38] us to take something that was simply behind a chainling fence for decades and was a liability for the

[1:24:47] City and really was an utilize the way it could be and move it down the street to a train museum

[1:24:54] where it's going to be fully operational for kids to be able to climb on, utilize and to have

[1:25:00] tracks that it actually runs on. So thank you for to the Kingsburg folks and the former Mayor

[1:25:06] Michelle, for making this happen and as well for the R city for helping it through. And lastly,

[1:25:11] I just want to point out that I think the news we're seeing across the country has immigration enforcement

[1:25:19] has taken a whole new level of aggression by ICE. I do think it's important for us to reflect on the fact

[1:25:26] that Renee Nicole Good was killed by ICE and she was a mother of three. These are human beings

[1:25:33] with families that we're talking about and the date will come that they will engage in that enforcement.

[1:25:41] There was a social media post yesterday by ICE itself that the next on the list in California was

[1:25:46] Bakersfield in Fresno. So I just want to put everyone on notice that what we're seeing in Minnesota

[1:25:52] across the country where public is opposing this level of aggressiveness and aggression by folks

[1:25:59] clearly are untrained on all of bite and are going beyond the legal bounds that we should expect the

[1:26:05] same thing. I call our residents to be prepared to utilize a rights to protest but to keep it peaceful.

[1:26:13] The federal government is wanting a confrontation and they're wanting a significant distraction

[1:26:20] to keep us all from asking the questions about the status of the Trump Episident Files. Thank you,

[1:26:25] council president. Thank you, council president. Thank you, council president. Council member.

[1:26:33] Next we're going to move on to council member Maxwell.

[1:26:37] Thank you, council president. Nothing to report. I just want to wish to have you birthday to my

[1:26:41] communications director, Clare Corrio. Clare, if you're watching this, I don't know what filter you

[1:26:46] use, but thank you for making me look better on social media than I do in real life. I want to say

[1:26:51] how was she's turned in, but we wish her happy birthday. Thank you, council president.

[1:26:57] Thank you so much. Council member Beng. Thank you very much, council president, Kerboss. You're just

[1:27:04] a few comments from my office. I want to welcome everybody back to 2026 and glad to be back here at

[1:27:12] council chamber. Over the past Christmas holiday, my office and I tabled four days at the

[1:27:20] Monio celebration. As you know, this is the largest Monio celebration in the United States,

[1:27:26] average over 100,000 people attended the New York celebration and I have none missed one New York

[1:27:32] celebration at the Fresno Fragrant. I also wanted to thank the people who attended the first day

[1:27:39] was a little bit light, but the second, third in the last day were heavily attended and so thank

[1:27:44] you to everyone who I make time to attend and if you do not have time, there will be a New York celebration

[1:27:51] about less than 12 months from now. I also want to thank Dr. Tulue, a town of the Monio

[1:27:58] who invited me to be part of the Ribbon Cuncer Monio Monter to participate. And I want to thank the mayor,

[1:28:05] Jerry Diner. We tag team and splash our face on six billboards around the fairground,

[1:28:13] welcoming people to the Monio celebration. So Mayor, thank you very much for your continuing support

[1:28:19] of that event every year and I believe you attended almost every one of those New York celebration.

[1:28:25] Maybe just one or two. I miss one in over 30 years. Yes. And so again, thank you very much for your

[1:28:32] continued support of that event. And I want to thank my staff. It was a four-day event, but my staff was

[1:28:39] there weeks before to set things up to make sure that everything went smoothly. We provided district five

[1:28:47] information. We provided city permission. We provided nonprofit organizations and information to the

[1:28:53] people who walk by and should chat with me and my staff. So thank very much to my staff. And I also

[1:28:59] invite everyone to join us for a national day of service in partnership with beautify for us

[1:29:05] know and family us in action. This event will take place on Monday, January 19th in honor of Dr.

[1:29:12] Marlitha Keene's junior days of service. We'll begin at approximately 130 p.m. at Winsho Elementary School

[1:29:22] and focusing on cleaning the nearby streets, the alleys, the homes nearby and so I welcome

[1:29:29] everybody who have the time to come out on Monday, January 9th to help clean the areas around

[1:29:35] the Winsho Elementary School. That's why I have council president. Thank you very much.

[1:29:39] Thank you so much council member. Next, council member Richardson. Good morning. It's a

[1:29:45] foggy day in district six. Congratulations first off to the seven recent graduates from Fresno State

[1:29:51] of Commission into the U.S. Army. Almost as cool as becoming Marines. Congratulations to the summit

[1:29:57] visible therapy who opened yesterday therapy is...

[1:30:00] This is super important, and they're bringing that access to people who had surgeries. Big injuries, illnesses,

[1:30:06] things that are chronic, whatever else, and getting them back on their feet and helping them enjoy

[1:30:09] their quality life. And then finally, January 31st, we're looking for volunteers for our next

[1:30:15] beautify Fresno event. Now, Council Member Ares mentioned the success of beautify Fresno in his neck of

[1:30:22] the woods and ours of being the 31st. So, either follow us on social media or go on beautify Fresno's

[1:30:27] website to volunteer, get some volunteer hours, come out there, get some free coffee and do something

[1:30:33] for the community. That's all I can present.

[1:30:35] Thank you so much. Council Vice President?

[1:30:39] Yeah, thank you, Council President. I want to thank the Council for their trust and electing me as

[1:30:49] Vice President. So, thank you to all of you. Happy new year to everyone here at City Hall

[1:30:57] and throughout the community. Do you want to say thank you to Council Member Ares being for

[1:31:01] representing Council over at the Mongrier. I usually make it every year, but I was still kind

[1:31:07] of under the weather this year. So, did not make it out after all. I think it was raining as well,

[1:31:14] it wasn't helping, but thank you for representing the Council. You know, at the close of last month,

[1:31:22] I had the honor of joining the district 17 at the annual Binational Toy Drive, this heartwarming

[1:31:28] event brought holiday cheer to over a thousand families across the county. And so, seeing the smiles and

[1:31:35] joys on the faces of children and families as they came to the Manchester Center and received their gifts

[1:31:42] was genuinely moving. And it was a beautiful reminder of the power community and the difference that we can

[1:31:49] make when we come together to support one another. In more recent memory, this week, I had

[1:31:56] the honor of attending the reopening of the Planned Parenthood Marmante Fulton Health Center here in

[1:32:02] the city. This health center has provided vital family services and it's reopening really

[1:32:08] other scored the need for continued access to care in our communities. And so, congratulations to them and the

[1:32:16] doubling of the number of patient rooms with them at the facility. And again, a special thank you to

[1:32:20] Planned Parenthood Marmante and its health care workers who have committed themselves to providing access to

[1:32:27] affordable health care. Looking ahead, excited to join the MLK Unity Committee this upcoming Monday for

[1:32:37] our annual MLK Junior March. Really, you know, the the festivities all throughout the weekend. The March is

[1:32:45] not just a celebration of the progress we've made it as a society but, you know, it was also a

[1:32:50] solid reminder of work that remains for us to continue to do so. You know, we look forward to that March on Monday.

[1:32:57] And obviously, we invite the community to join us, not just for that event, but the whole series of events

[1:33:03] held throughout the weekend. I was not planning to talk about this, but it's got a text actually

[1:33:14] from, it's kind of one of the mass texts from the Central California Blood Center. It's kind of reminding

[1:33:20] us that, hey, it's January. It's both holidays. We did have a very bad accident that took up a lot of

[1:33:26] very bad car accident, pile up on the freeway that took up a lot of the blood supply. And so they were

[1:33:34] texting around to, oh, oh, donors like myself. And so I'm probably going to get out there pretty soon,

[1:33:41] know, that I'm feeling healthy again. And I encourage others who are healthy and eligible to also go out and

[1:33:48] donate blood. Not just right now, but every week. So, again, if you can, right, there's always a constant need.

[1:33:54] We love donating at the Central California Blood Center. It's all, you know, local blood that

[1:33:58] goes to local people, our neighbors and friends and family. So that just kind of popped up right now.

[1:34:03] And, but I wanted to put it out there for others. I'm going to donate myself here pretty soon.

[1:34:10] You know, I don't usually give birthday shout outs from the Dias, but my colleague, councilman,

[1:34:15] Maxwell kind of opened the door when he gave Claire the shout out. Claire, who, by the way, is a district

[1:34:21] seven of them as well. So, you know, happy birthday to her. But more, a little more visible here

[1:34:30] today. It's also our city attorney's birthday and your chance. Let's give him a happy birthday.

[1:34:39] He begged me not to say anything. It reminds everybody, but these got those nice decorations out there on

[1:34:46] his, on the Dias, so I thought, well, people don't know anyway. He said he's hurty, so I'm going to

[1:34:51] just go to help you publicly. He's only 29. If you can believe it. So congratulations to him.

[1:35:00] It's a terrible, it looks terrible 29. Yeah, it looks.

[1:35:05] And so, that's, that's all my, all of my light-hearted updates just to

[1:35:11] in closing. I do want to briefly acknowledge and address beyond going actions by ICE that are

[1:35:22] being taken in cities across the United States. You know, in a recent weeks, you know, we've seen agents

[1:35:28] descends into communities and still fear and residents. Really, regardless of their immigration status

[1:35:34] with enforcement tactics that are increasingly aggressive and take our minds back to things we've

[1:35:42] seen throughout history. So within the last week alone, I mean, these ICE agents have been involved in

[1:35:47] multiple shootings, including the death of United States, citizen, Renee and Nicole Good. And, you know,

[1:35:56] these tactics are, I believe, unnecessarily eroding trust in all law enforcement. And they

[1:36:03] placed entire communities at risk when that kind of power goes unchecked. They harm families,

[1:36:10] spread fear, and they can, as we've seen, they can't cause people their lives or leave them fighting

[1:36:17] for recovery. So, you know, all of our residents deserve safety, dignity, and trust in their

[1:36:24] government and all levels. So, my thoughts are with the families, those carrying the weight of

[1:36:29] these events. And with the, in the uncertainty that so many are, are feeling in this

[1:36:34] particular moment. So, it's one to put that out there on the record counts president. And with that,

[1:36:42] I'll close my comments. Thank you so much, Council Vice President. And I just wanted to thank you for

[1:36:48] stepping up back into Council leadership and thank you for your support over the past year.

[1:36:53] I really appreciate the Council for, I think you Councilmember Maxwell for the nomination. And for,

[1:36:59] you know, you know, unanimously supporting this new team up here. It means a lot. And I look forward to

[1:37:04] continuing our work of focusing on the issues, keeping the peace and bringing about great progress here at

[1:37:09] City Hall. But I also want to thank my staff for the last year of stepping up and continuing to do so

[1:37:16] with the Council President Council President duties. Thank you so much to Andrew Wilson, Ryan,

[1:37:21] for all you do. I am going to share with you that the next meeting I'm bringing forward an item to create

[1:37:28] a new ad hoc Council committee. But I'm just giving some heads up right now. This is going to be a

[1:37:33] policy review committee. And the goal this committee is to look at some city policies that some of

[1:37:38] them actually call for being updated over time. One that we're looking at is going to be the transparency

[1:37:45] act that's been in the media recently as well as a couple of district two specific policies.

[1:37:50] But I want to work with Council members because it has to get to the whole Council for approval. I

[1:37:54] have met with Councilmember Veng about this. He's gracious, graciously agreed to serve with me on this ad

[1:37:58] hoc committee. And with the item comes forward, it's going to be sponsored by myself. And of course,

[1:38:02] the mayor administration as we want to make sure we update our policies so we're the most efficient

[1:38:07] and transparent city in the region. And then I do also want to add that well, beat me to it. Happy

[1:38:14] birthday Andrew. I know the true age, but I think we talked about it in close session so as confidential

[1:38:19] I can't disclose it. So I'll hold off on that. But in the interest of transparency, they might want to

[1:38:25] know, but we'll hold off. I'll just say that I'm not as old as the fire chief. And sadly, I'm older than the

[1:38:32] fire chief. So there you go. Thank you Andrew. On a serious note, I know that a lot of folks have reached out

[1:38:41] to me wanting me to comment on the situation happening in Iran as a Persian American myself.

[1:38:46] I'm going to hold off doing that. I really want to make sure we stay focused as much as possible

[1:38:51] on policy. I may as a Councilmember or as myself make comments later on, but I just don't want to do it

[1:38:56] at a meeting. But it is a very tragic thing that is happening, not just in our country, but in a region that

[1:39:01] is a very supportive, the people that are very supportive of America. So with that, we're going to move on to

[1:39:07] our Mayor and City Manager comments, Mayor, before as yours. Thank you, Council President, I'll make

[1:39:14] my comments from the dias of it. It's okay. First off, happy New Year to all the Council and to the community.

[1:39:21] I do believe 2026 is going to be a great year for our city based on the number of projects that we have

[1:39:28] in the works that are going to come to fruition this coming year. And one of them is the Councilmember

[1:39:34] Prey, I spoke about it was the United States Soccer League, or the United Soccer League. That we've

[1:39:40] been in negotiations with really for about a year in discussions. They are the fastest growing professional

[1:39:47] soccer league in the world, not just the United States, but in the world. And when they go into cities

[1:39:53] and partner with cities, they're success. And I have no doubt that that's going to happen here in

[1:40:00] present. We entered into a one year period, which is our time for due diligence, due diligence

[1:40:06] on the part of the city, as well as the soccer league. We had the CEO of the real estate here at our

[1:40:14] press conference. And I want to say thank you to Councilmember Maxwell and Prey for being there.

[1:40:19] And would have had, who else was at that though, and Councilmember Orius, would have liked to

[1:40:25] had everybody there. But obviously, we have some restrictions with the Brown Act. Part of that

[1:40:30] one year will be looking at site locations. We've already done some of that with the league. And we're

[1:40:38] very confident that we have a site that will accommodate them in the downtown Chinatown, Chinatown,

[1:40:43] Core. Also looking at financing options for the stadium, private public partnership, private equity,

[1:40:51] the one thing that I believe we're going to all be committed to is to not create any unnecessary

[1:40:57] reliability for the city while it's the same time sharing risk with USL. And as information comes forward

[1:41:07] and as things develop, I'm committed to meeting with each of the council members to make sure you

[1:41:13] guys are kept abreast of what's going on. Yesterday is part of the Martin Luther King celebration.

[1:41:19] I'd be up to you to speak at the Black Chamber's luncheon. Also got to speak this morning at the

[1:41:25] Martin Luther King annual breakfast. And that was turned out well turned out of events. A couple

[1:41:35] of things that I wanted to just share with you. One of them is the fact that we've been working with

[1:41:43] Council President Carbassi myself been working with the county and all of the service providers

[1:41:49] who have a hand in dealing with the homeless population. And the ultimate goal is to come up with

[1:41:58] a some form of an agreement that will allow everyone to understand who does what and who pays for what.

[1:42:06] And that's going to be important as we start to lose funding from the state. And we're going to be

[1:42:12] relying more heavily on the county. And the congratulations to the police department, the community,

[1:42:19] all the community-based organizations recently announced 51 year low in homicides in our city,

[1:42:27] which is incredible. If you think 2020 and 2021, we have 74 murders in this city and in 2025, we have

[1:42:35] 22, too many. But that is a remarkable progress. And the last thing that I have is I know there's

[1:42:46] been some questions on the part of the media and the community regarding our efforts downtown.

[1:42:54] We had a commitment award from the governor and from the state legislator for $250 million. We had

[1:43:02] received the initial 50 million. They had delayed the other 200, but we were able to get 100 million

[1:43:08] of that accelerated this past year. So we have that 100 million. There was some question about the last 100 million.

[1:43:16] I had a call with the Department of Finance with their director this week and he has assured me that

[1:43:25] last 100 million dollars is in the upcoming governor's budget and that we will be getting in the

[1:43:31] city of Fresno. So there were a lot of naysayers out there that said it would never materialize,

[1:43:36] the governor wouldn't come through. Well, I'm here to tell you, it looks like the governor's going to

[1:43:40] come through with all 250 million plus the 43.7 million that we got as part of an IIG's sea grant. So

[1:43:48] total $300 million that will be investing in downtown Fresno. Thank you.

[1:43:56] Council President, I'll go ahead and go next. Just want to wish everybody happy new year.

[1:44:03] Looking forward to another productive year ahead of us and 2026. Thank you to the city team,

[1:44:11] the city manager's office, all of the department directors and the boots on the ground for a great

[1:44:17] 2025 and keeping our heads down and moving forward in 2026. Looking forward to working with the council

[1:44:25] and council president Carbassi again. So it's going to be a good year. I think our team feels like we

[1:44:33] got our batteries charged a little bit of being able to take some time off during the holidays and we're

[1:44:38] ready to go in 26. So looking forward to working with all you. Thank you, council president.

[1:44:43] Thank you so much to the manager. Looking forward to working with you. All right. So now we're

[1:44:48] going to move on to schedule hearings and matters. We're going to start with our 910 AM hearing to consider

[1:44:53] annexation application number p24 dash 02150. That item was pulled. Oh, I'm sorry.

[1:45:00] I did not make that note. Yes, it was, I'm sorry. The 915 AM, TEP for a hearing, to consider financing and of the acquisition

[1:45:11] development construction furnishing and equipping of a student housing facility and related working capital. Council members, would you like

[1:45:19] a presentation on this item? Okay, Santino, thank you for coming up, but we don't have anyone requesting a presentation on this item this time.

[1:45:28] We're going to go to any questions by the council. I'm guessing there may not be any because we've already read this, but we'll go to public comment after that. Any council members with questions?

[1:45:37] No one's punched up. Okay, public comment. This is in the 915 AM, TEP for a hearing.

[1:45:44] Anyone wishing to comment on this particular item? We'll have three minutes to do so.

[1:45:51] I didn't have a chance to read it, but I'd like to know like where this funding would be coming out of and what the student who's where's the student housing located at because I don't see it on here to be able to ask the correct questions.

[1:46:06] Anyone else wishing to comment at this time? Okay, with no further comments, we're going to close public comment and then with that close the hearing and bring it back to the council for action or discussion.

[1:46:30] I don't have anyone punched up, but council member. The only comment I had isn't this the 80 million isn't that coming out of the California Public Finance Authority's revenue bonds?

[1:46:41] Correct, not our money. Just one of the clarify. That's all I had against President.

[1:46:46] As a reminder, so when people come up and speak, they can ask questions. The council, typically does not comment. It's a chance to public to speak and be heard, but does not mean that we're going to answer questions.

[1:46:56] Okay, we're going to move forward now. Any council members wishing to make a motion or a comment?

[1:47:05] Move by the council vice president to approve. Second, my council member.

[1:47:10] Any opposition? They're being done. It's seven to zero. Thank you very much.

[1:47:21] We're now going to move to the 9.20 AM joint meeting to consider adopting resolution approving the recognized obligation payment schedule 26 to 27.

[1:47:32] And for this council. Is anyone requesting a presentation?

[1:47:37] Go ahead.

[1:47:38] Thank you. Good morning. This item request approval of the recognized obligation.

[1:47:45] I'm going to give an additional statement for 26.27.

[1:47:51] The schedule identifies the amount needed to meet our enforceable obligations and it provides information by a line item on each of the enforceable obligations.

[1:48:04] This year's total is 430,000, and an includes repayment for debt connected with infrastructure improvements,

[1:48:13] with infrastructure improvements in roting and south-fedness parks.

[1:48:19] It provides for disposition and maintenance of the remaining parcels in the successor

[1:48:25] agencies among the assets, the successor agency assets, and it also sets aside funding

[1:48:33] for CalPERS administrative costs and so forth.

[1:48:39] The funds are sourced from tax increment generated by parcels within the redevelopment project

[1:48:48] areas.

[1:48:49] And if there is a surplus of increment, then that is divided among the taxing entities.

[1:48:56] The big three, of course, are the city-counting and schools.

[1:49:01] Following this presentation and in council's action, we will present to the county-wide

[1:49:06] oversight board and then the item will be sent to Department of Finance for Ultimate Approval.

[1:49:14] Marlene, I just want to clarify, when we vote for this item, is this just going to be

[1:49:18] the city council and its capacity or is there two items?

[1:49:21] It will be for both entities, successor agency and Fresno Revitalization Corporation.

[1:49:28] Great.

[1:49:29] Thank you.

[1:49:30] Any council members with any questions from Marlene?

[1:49:35] Okay.

[1:49:36] We're going to move over to public comment at this time.

[1:49:38] Again, this is the 9.20 AM joint meeting to consider adopting resolution, a proven recognized

[1:49:42] obligation payment, scheduled 26-27, does you all have three minutes?

[1:49:47] So like I don't agree, I suppose, whatever, because there's not enough information for me

[1:49:52] to sit here and grab this piece of paper when I come to City Council and to read the obligations.

[1:49:57] What are the obligations?

[1:49:58] I can't go off this and come up here and agree with what you put on the paperwork.

[1:50:06] So, I mean, are you guys going to start giving us definitions?

[1:50:11] What are the obligations?

[1:50:13] What are they?

[1:50:14] I think we're just pond if you like.

[1:50:19] No.

[1:50:20] Marlene, I'm not asking you to respond, if the council member asks you can respond, please.

[1:50:25] Thank you.

[1:50:26] Sorry about that.

[1:50:27] Thank you.

[1:50:29] The first item is...

[1:50:32] Marlene, I'm so sorry.

[1:50:33] I said, if the council member requests that you can respond.

[1:50:35] I'm sorry.

[1:50:36] Sorry.

[1:50:37] So, are you telling her now?

[1:50:39] We're following procedure.

[1:50:40] Are you telling her now?

[1:50:42] She's not eating into your time.

[1:50:43] You don't want to.

[1:50:44] I don't care.

[1:50:45] It's my time.

[1:50:46] Stop interrupting me.

[1:50:47] Okay.

[1:50:52] Is there a lawyer that would recommend for her not to speak besides just you, Krabasi?

[1:50:57] You keep on making up.

[1:50:58] I don't care.

[1:50:59] It's my one minute.

[1:51:00] Okay.

[1:51:01] And I will utilize it the way I want.

[1:51:02] I'm speaking on this right here.

[1:51:03] You didn't give me enough information on how to even speak on this.

[1:51:07] And this happens time and time again.

[1:51:09] And I have brought this to you already standing up here.

[1:51:13] You don't put enough information on here for us to read.

[1:51:16] To come in here and read this and say, yay, nay, or what is our opinion.

[1:51:21] You put in just a little bit.

[1:51:23] And all I'm doing is asking you, what is the obligation?

[1:51:26] She was nice and kind to even say it, but you're blocking her from doing it.

[1:51:30] What kind of freaking county supervisor will you be doing this?

[1:51:35] This is the kind of tactics you're going to take to the county, okay?

[1:51:38] Remember just because you're president right now doesn't mean you're going to win that seat.

[1:51:41] You're bought into that seat is what it is.

[1:51:44] You get there and it's already paid for.

[1:51:45] Let's put it everything on the table, okay?

[1:51:47] My time's nine.

[1:51:48] I still got half a time.

[1:51:50] I want to have more definition.

[1:51:53] That's all I'm asking.

[1:51:55] You're looking at your watch.

[1:51:56] I'm going to go off this, okay?

[1:51:59] I want more definition is all I was asking for.

[1:52:02] You want to be as smart as and sit up here and block people from an explanation simply that

[1:52:08] I asked for.

[1:52:09] It was that easy and we didn't have to sit here and waste all this time, blah, blah, blah, blah.

[1:52:15] Okay?

[1:52:16] I definitely not voting for you to be a county council, the supervisor.

[1:52:21] This is ridiculous.

[1:52:22] Stop using the city as your little billboard.

[1:52:26] Okay?

[1:52:27] And allow people to at least kindly give us the definitions when they offered.

[1:52:32] What are you trying to hide?

[1:52:34] That's the way I'm, are you hiding something?

[1:52:36] You don't want us to know?

[1:52:38] I'm just going to keep on going on my time.

[1:52:40] It's my time.

[1:52:41] I'd like to put that on record.

[1:52:42] I'm asking if you as the council president are hiding something.

[1:52:48] And that is your time.

[1:52:49] Thank you.

[1:52:50] Any further members of the public?

[1:52:51] Comment on the 9.20 AM joint meeting.

[1:52:55] Hi, I'd like to know if you'd be so kind to explain what this means.

[1:53:01] Do you care?

[1:53:03] You want to be president for a second term.

[1:53:07] You put that, you will like for that to happen and you need to go anyways.

[1:53:11] But if you would care to explain, or you feel you don't have to do.

[1:53:16] It's funny right now, but you're not very smart when it comes to policy and proceeds like

[1:53:20] you're asking not to go very far.

[1:53:23] Okay, thank you.

[1:53:25] Yes, sir.

[1:53:26] You'll have three minutes.

[1:53:28] Did you just deliver free speech?

[1:53:32] Are you a lawyer to recommend her that?

[1:53:36] I thought that's what we paid a lawyer for.

[1:53:39] Ma'am, would you please answer her question if you would like to without him telling you that

[1:53:44] you can't use your free speech as a representation of the city?

[1:53:48] Is that okay?

[1:53:49] Kabasi?

[1:53:50] Do I have to ask when my taxes aren't asked to be taken, they're just deprived of me for her to

[1:54:00] do what she wants to do as a representation of my taxes?

[1:54:04] Ma'am, can you answer the latest question, or he's taking your freedom of speech?

[1:54:12] Okay, any further speakers in the 9.20 AM hearing?

[1:54:18] Okay, so we're going to close the public comment and close the hearing and bring it back

[1:54:23] to the council for discussion and action.

[1:54:25] Now this will be two votes.

[1:54:26] Is that correct, Marlene?

[1:54:28] Okay.

[1:54:29] Will the first vote be from the council and its capacity?

[1:54:31] Yes.

[1:54:32] Okay, so this is for the council.

[1:54:34] Anyone wishing to make a motion on this item?

[1:54:36] Okay, move by council member, max, while second by council member Arias.

[1:54:43] Any discussion?

[1:54:45] Any opposition?

[1:54:47] The first item passes seven to zero, regarding the second item for the successor agency?

[1:54:54] Second, motion by council member Arias, could we second with that?

[1:55:02] I did.

[1:55:03] Okay, thank you.

[1:55:04] Council, vice president.

[1:55:05] Any opposition?

[1:55:06] They're being done in that passage unanimously.

[1:55:10] Okay.

[1:55:11] Thank you so much.

[1:55:12] We're going to move on to the next item.

[1:55:15] And while we do that for the record, I just want to state that in accordance with state law,

[1:55:21] all our meetings and agendas are posted early, supporting documents are posted early.

[1:55:24] We do provide us a courtesy agendas here at the meeting, supporting documents are always available

[1:55:29] to the public online, people are welcome to read, like we do, prepare for this meeting.

[1:55:33] And we will always be happy to answer questions, but we also have rules of procedure to ensure

[1:55:37] that you as a public have a right to speak at the meeting, everyone gets an opportunity.

[1:55:41] So thank you so much.

[1:55:43] Okay, next item will be the consent calendar.

[1:55:46] Do any members of the council, wish to register a no vote, abstention or recusal on any consent item.

[1:55:53] And as a reminder, pulled items will be heard immediately after consent at this time, the pulled

[1:55:57] items that we have are two deas in David, T as in Tom, W as in water, G as in Gary, O as in October

[1:56:05] and two, I believe, S as in Sam.

[1:56:09] Any council members, we just need to register a no vote, abstention or recusal.

[1:56:13] Okay, they're being done.

[1:56:16] We're going to take public comment now and all consent, including contested consent as well as

[1:56:20] closed session items.

[1:56:21] If any member of the public wishes to speak on these items on the consent calendar or a contested

[1:56:26] consent item or a closed session item, you'll have three minutes to do so, but please identify

[1:56:30] the item you'll comment about at the beginning of your comments.

[1:56:33] In council, brother, just for clarity, those are the ones moved from consent to contested

[1:56:38] to Bravo and the 910 item have been pulled from the agenda in their entirety, so those

[1:56:43] are no longer applicable.

[1:56:44] Correct, thank you, sir.

[1:56:46] Yeah.

[1:56:48] So for closed session, are we, are we being sued by any anybody else, that's my comment, I'm first

[1:56:59] going in that order, my comment on closed session.

[1:57:05] Would you tell us how many empty certain litigation, how much the city is lost in the last

[1:57:11] year or two, do you know, but okay, so I'll keep going, I'm going to do my public comment after.

[1:57:20] This is, you don't want to do public, but this is the public comment, I'm going to let her go first.

[1:57:24] I did not.

[1:57:25] But we can't bring you back.

[1:57:26] If you want to comment on consent, contested consent or closed session, these are your three minutes.

[1:57:30] No, it's not all three, it's the way we've been doing it for years, this is all

[1:57:34] we've been doing it incorrectly, or you want it to be, it's not that way, okay, I could speak.

[1:57:39] We're in compliance with state law, you're eating into your time, you have two minutes left.

[1:57:43] Do you want to comment on consent, contested consent or closed session?

[1:57:46] I want to make sure you have that opportunity to ask the city attorney, because last time I think

[1:57:52] right, I was able to speak.

[1:57:55] There is unscheduled communication later in the meeting where you will be able to speak on any

[1:57:59] item that's not agendized as well.

[1:58:00] Okay, that's later on.

[1:58:02] Yes.

[1:58:04] If you want to speak on consent, contested consent or closed session, you're just eating

[1:58:08] into your time.

[1:58:09] Would you like to speak on any items before we make a decision so you could be heard?

[1:58:14] I know I'm talking about closed session, I did my closed session, that's my comment for closed

[1:58:18] session, this is it right now happening, okay, and I can do my public comment later.

[1:58:23] I just want to make sure you'll be heard before we make a decision, do you want to make any comments

[1:58:26] on consent calendar or contested consent?

[1:58:28] Your public comment is later, that means you have a certain decision.

[1:58:32] Oh, so this is, I did my comment?

[1:58:36] Yes, so you commented on the items on the agenda, correct?

[1:58:40] On closed session.

[1:58:41] Yep, that was this is also the time for that to go.

[1:58:44] Then you're good to go.

[1:58:45] Okay.

[1:58:46] So I'm just talking about that.

[1:58:48] Okay.

[1:58:49] I'll close.

[1:58:51] Okay, thank you.

[1:58:56] Desk, you'll have three minutes.

[1:59:02] On consent regarding one Fresno, youth at job core, you know, I have a concern about this,

[1:59:11] a big big concern because the one Fresno youth job core, you guys had a rapist on there.

[1:59:22] Not allegedly.

[1:59:23] I mean, just because they expunged their records still doesn't mean they were charged

[1:59:30] in sentence for rape of teenagers in Fresno City College.

[1:59:37] So I'm willing to stirb that we still have this organization and that the City Council members

[1:59:44] are continuously putting our funds towards it, like who does this benefit, where do you go?

[1:59:51] Who does this benefit?

[1:59:53] My concern is to stop giving money to this organization and do an investigation on it,

[1:59:59] because you have...

[2:00:00] Our survivors that are there, you had youth. Youth. People who said allegedly, allegedly, allegedly, the news ran it. You can

[2:00:09] expunge people's cases, but you can't wipe it off YouTube. That's what sucks in today's world. Is everything that goes on social media? You guys can

[2:00:19] expunge your cases all you want. But we still see the gun charges. We still see the rapes. We still see all that stuff.

[2:00:26] I think the community needs to know this. I think the community needs to know that one Fresno Youth Corps allows people like that to

[2:00:35] expunge the records and be amongst women. Seriously, that's not fair. It's not fair to any survivor that was a part of that program that had a stand there next to him.

[2:00:50] I didn't know what he did. And yet, you guys still has his him in the group picture. On line right now, this is sickening.

[2:01:01] Just look for him. He's standing really close to dire.

[2:01:05] Very disturbed because continued not to do an investigation on how much money has been given to this one Fresno Youth Job Corps.

[2:01:15] And why are we allowing people like rapes to expunge their records and be a part of this?

[2:01:23] I really am asking you guys to do an investigation on this. Do an investigation. YouTube doesn't lie. I'll send you the link.

[2:01:33] And I was told because he got it expenged through a church member that I guess works here. I don't know.

[2:01:39] I know who that is yet. But some church you guys worked with, I guess, brought him in.

[2:01:47] And allegedly, it's a very close friend of Jerry Dyer. So please do an investigation and find out who brought this individual in and allowed it.

[2:01:55] You know, like I believe in second chances, but not in rape or molestation or shoot and killing someone. Come on now. Now those victims.

[2:02:04] Who are never going to forget what happened?

[2:02:09] Thank you, Des. Anyone else wishing to speak on consent, contested consent, or a closed session?

[2:02:17] This is your opportunity to provide public comment. I apologize. You've already spoken on consent, contested consent and closed session.

[2:02:24] Yes, you already spoke at this time. You've exercised your ability to speak.

[2:02:28] Later on, there will be unscheduled communication, or you'll be able to speak again on anything that's not on the agenda.

[2:02:38] Okay, I spoke on consent.

[2:02:39] As a courtesy, I'll say again, this is the opportunity for the public to speak on consent, contested consent or closed session.

[2:02:45] So anything on the agenda, as a gender, you can speak at this time. That's why I'd asked a couple of times to make sure you took the opportunity to speak.

[2:02:53] And you said, all you had to speak on was closed session, so your time is expired now. If you want to speak later again on anything not on the agenda, you will have that right again later on in the meeting when we take unscheduled communication.

[2:03:05] So are those consent and closed session, are those all three together, or am I allowed?

[2:03:13] We take, you can do that at that time. You can speak on all those items together.

[2:03:18] I'm the chair of this meeting.

[2:03:21] And if I do say, if I do say some men, we have rules of procedure.

[2:03:26] You've been coming here long enough to know we have rules of procedure. We're going to be consistent.

[2:03:30] If I say anything out of turn, the city attorney and the clerk will correct me. They have not correct me because I am following our procedures.

[2:03:40] Anyone else from the public wishing to speak at this time on consent, contested consent or closed session?

[2:03:46] Okay. Oh, I think we have one more. Oh, no, no, no.

[2:03:50] Okay. So at this time we're going to close public comment and we're going to bring it back to the council on the consent calendar. Is there a motion to approve?

[2:03:59] Okay. Move by council member, perilla second by council member Vang, any opposition?

[2:04:06] There being none passes six to zero.

[2:04:09] Okay. Thank you very much.

[2:04:14] We've approved the consent calendar. So all the items that we're not pulled, because as a consent based on what they're asking for, whether it's funding or approval, will have been approved.

[2:04:23] You got it.

[2:04:27] Okay. Next is contested consent as items are called. We will first go to the council member who pulled the item, then refer to staff as necessary.

[2:04:35] As a reminder, we just took public comment on these items.

[2:04:39] We have first up item 2D as in David and that was moved to Connecticut and sent my council member Maxwell.

[2:04:46] Thank you council president. This is more of a general question. I think that city manager could probably answer. I know we've talked about these contracts.

[2:04:54] Recently, we tend to use them for consulting services.

[2:04:58] Are we able to use similar style contracting for things like sidewalk, curb, getter, repair as well?

[2:05:08] I know sometimes our staff is at capacity and we have to outsource some of these and then it takes an additional amount of time to get these minor infrastructure projects done.

[2:05:19] Sorry, it isn't really specifically to this, but more broadly, are we able to do things like that for minor infrastructure where we have folks on call ready to do this work if our staff is at capacity?

[2:05:32] I don't know why we wouldn't. I don't know Scott, yeah, I'm pretty sure we can.

[2:05:39] And we'll let Scott talk to.

[2:05:44] I know often we work with your department and yourself frequently and sometimes we do them at home, but sometimes it's just not logistically feasible and then we have to outsource them and then that takes so much time sometimes as well.

[2:05:58] Have we ever, or can we do like an on call for some of these folks when our staff is in able to do that work to expedite these types of minor infrastructure projects?

[2:06:09] Good morning, Council Scott Mosher, Public Works Department.

[2:06:13] So really quickly the item before you I know is a professional consulting services, so that follows one path for things like construction.

[2:06:22] That would be we have a good mechanism for that. That's a requirements contract. Currently we have some in place for example our tree trimming contract is an on call West Coast Arboris.

[2:06:37] Also, we've had an on call requirements contract for slurry seal, where depending upon the adopted budget, we could have anywhere from zero to several million dollars worth of work.

[2:06:49] It's just to be clear for the public. Yes. That mean a requirements contract doesn't necessarily mean that we are going to require your services, but if we do, we are authorized up to a certain dollar amount to have so much work done.

[2:07:02] Correct.

[2:07:03] That is correct and so those are advertised with specific types of work.

[2:07:10] You know, bidding measure, how we're going to measure that, what type of work is to be performed multiple vendors bid and then there's a process ultimately, which would be awarded by Council.

[2:07:23] Scott, could we do a requirements contract for concrete repair?

[2:07:28] There is a mechanism for that. We would definitely want to work with personnel services as far as any potential meet and confer with bargaining units for that work.

[2:07:40] Sure, similar process to I'm sure what you've done with the West Coast Arboris contract as well.

[2:07:46] Correct.

[2:07:47] Absolutely.

[2:07:49] There's just something my office would be interested in.

[2:07:51] We have a lot of these little minor infrastructure projects that can sometimes take longer than larger infrastructure projects because we don't have some of these contracts and place.

[2:08:01] I think having some of these might expedite some of that work.

[2:08:04] If it's possible, I would like to explore that.

[2:08:07] Okay. We can talk about it. Thank you.

[2:08:08] City manager, I'll make a motion to approve.

[2:08:12] There's second.

[2:08:14] All right, we have a motion by Councilman Remax.

[2:08:16] Well, second by Council Member Parea, any further discussion?

[2:08:20] Many of my colleagues on the side of.

[2:08:24] All right. Seeing none.

[2:08:26] Any opposition?

[2:08:27] Item 2D?

[2:08:29] Isn't Doug?

[2:08:30] All right.

[2:08:31] Item passes five zero.

[2:08:34] Move on to.

[2:08:35] Trying to stay in order here.

[2:08:37] To G.

[2:08:39] Uh.

[2:08:40] Pulled by Council Member Richardson.

[2:08:45] Council Member, give you the floor.

[2:08:49] All right.

[2:08:50] Thank you.

[2:08:51] Anybody who can speak to this?

[2:08:53] In the audience?

[2:08:54] Well, we'll start with.

[2:08:55] Denix or Francesco and we've got we've got three people ready depending on your question.

[2:09:00] Okay.

[2:09:01] Perfect.

[2:09:03] It's going to be probably one question.

[2:09:05] So that's about it.

[2:09:06] Can we explain a little bit what went into this?

[2:09:10] Why the scope of the project is being increased by almost $3 million.

[2:09:14] I understand that it has to do with soil.

[2:09:16] I understand that I had to do with a tank underground that was discovered.

[2:09:19] During the redevelopment of Caesar Chavez Boulevard.

[2:09:22] It just seems like as a city that should have been something that we should have known

[2:09:26] was down there.

[2:09:27] Something we should have been able to.

[2:09:29] And the fact that we're raising the contract amount by three million dollars.

[2:09:33] Just obviously raises the hairs in the back of the neck.

[2:09:35] So if you don't mind, please.

[2:09:36] Sure.

[2:09:37] Yeah.

[2:09:38] Francesco Mago's assistant director.

[2:09:39] A couple of projects department.

[2:09:41] So the item yes does include additional work for concrete asphalt.

[2:09:46] You know, discovered before underneath the street section.

[2:09:50] The large tank that we found within Congo alley was also included in this.

[2:09:54] And then just additional paving as a result of us needing to make sure that.

[2:09:58] What pavement we put back.

[2:10:00] Provided for a strong structural section.

[2:10:03] So let me just add.

[2:10:06] This was the first set of projects that we did when we first got the award from the state.

[2:10:12] And when we were announced for the 250 million.

[2:10:16] And they were giving us the first 50 million.

[2:10:18] We were told.

[2:10:20] Get out and get that money out so that there's no hesitation from the state to keep.

[2:10:27] So we went out and put scopes of work together.

[2:10:31] Very quickly for the downtown infrastructure projects.

[2:10:35] So in normal situation, I would think I would be a lot more upset about this.

[2:10:40] Because I agree like you would think like, hey, we should have caught this.

[2:10:43] But we really had to move quickly to put scopes of work together for the first contracts on this downtown.

[2:10:49] So I think that when you move quickly to try and get work out.

[2:10:54] There are certain things that probably we could have caught obviously unforeseen stuff in downtown Fresno.

[2:11:00] It's really hard to foresee what is under the ground that's completely unexpected.

[2:11:06] So I totally get your concern from the size of the change order.

[2:11:12] And I also get very concerned about that.

[2:11:16] But I do want to make sure that you know that this was the first.

[2:11:21] Step out of the gate on getting that downtown money.

[2:11:24] And we were told you got a show progress on this first 50 million immediately because otherwise you may not get further payments.

[2:11:33] We really need to show that we're getting that money spent and we're getting the work out.

[2:11:38] So we moved really really quickly and likely missed some additional unforeseen things.

[2:11:45] And then I don't know why the paving was wasn't anticipated for the beginning.

[2:11:51] That was one thing that I wasn't sure on myself.

[2:11:54] But I just wanted to add that for perspective.

[2:11:57] Did you want to speak anymore on that?

[2:11:59] Yeah, I know what city manager said is correct.

[2:12:01] You know, with a normal project like this, you know, we would have had eight to 12 months for actual design.

[2:12:07] This one was done within a month and a half just to be able to get it out.

[2:12:11] So again, a lot of unforeseen things that, you know, had we had more time.

[2:12:15] We would have been able to, you know, do some further surface investigations and be able to identify these.

[2:12:21] Okay, so the assessment, appraisal estimates, bids that all process was shortened.

[2:12:26] You could throw a haste makes waste, bumper sticker in there somewhere.

[2:12:29] But essentially, we did that quickly with the understanding and correct me if I'm wrong here with the understanding that it was state money that's going to be coming down.

[2:12:36] Essentially, filling this gap in the city and continuing more work along the same lines in downtown.

[2:12:42] Correct, yes, so for example, we just though council just awarded another sewer water project last month.

[2:12:48] I AGC funded project.

[2:12:50] We took the lessons learned from this project, applied it to that project, you know, modified some of the bid items.

[2:12:56] So it is our hope and goal that, you know, this issue will not resolve itself on that project.

[2:13:04] Okay, thanks, we'll slip at the tongue.

[2:13:07] All right, that's my question, council, vice president, motion approved with that.

[2:13:11] Thank you for the explanation.

[2:13:12] Okay, motion, council member Richardson, second from council member pariah.

[2:13:16] Any further discussion?

[2:13:18] Sorry, I'm flying blind.

[2:13:19] I don't have the screen to punch up here.

[2:13:21] Seeing none, is there any opposition to item 2G?

[2:13:25] All right, item passes five to zero.

[2:13:29] Council member Richardson, you also have a ganglain order.

[2:13:34] To oh.

[2:13:39] Yes, we have Chief Casto.

[2:13:42] Just for myself in the public, if you wouldn't mind explaining what a partially tested kit is, why we're using those.

[2:13:48] I'm less concerned with our relationship with the DNA labs international.

[2:13:52] I want to talk about what this means for actual victims throughout their place.

[2:13:55] Okay, it means every kit that we get is tested.

[2:13:58] To a certain level, sometimes there's DNA found in that kit on a very basic level, and sometimes there's not.

[2:14:04] And when there's not, we can test it on another level and have grant funds with which to do that.

[2:14:09] And that's what this contract means, is it partially that the kit's been partially tested, but this is more sophisticated.

[2:14:16] And so if nothing is found, we send it to the second level of testing with this particular lab to see if there's any seamen that we can use for identification purposes.

[2:14:27] Okay, if you wouldn't mind just explaining this like you're talking to a golden retriever.

[2:14:31] So, has the kit already been used for its intended purpose to go to a person after a crime.

[2:14:37] Yeah, and then that hit.

[2:14:38] I'm sorry.

[2:14:39] Okay, thanks.

[2:14:40] So when a person is sexually assaulted and they agree to have an examination, this kit is performed.

[2:14:46] And it's booked into evidence.

[2:14:48] We routinely and automatically test it with a different set of funds if that matters, since that's we're talking a little bit about today.

[2:14:54] And then if nothing is found and we can send it to another level.

[2:15:00] Level of testing to see if there's additional evidence with some more sophisticated processes.

[2:15:05] And so that's what this funds is that second level of testing, but yes, all kids are routinely

[2:15:09] tested, none sit untested, none are where how's being untested or anything like that.

[2:15:14] Okay, so what this really means for the average person out there is a second chance in a higher

[2:15:18] probability of catching a predator and ensuring resolution for the victim.

[2:15:22] Well said.

[2:15:23] Okay, with that, Councillor, Vice President, Motion to Approve.

[2:15:25] Second that.

[2:15:27] All right, we have a motion.

[2:15:28] We have a second.

[2:15:29] Any opposition item?

[2:15:30] Two.

[2:15:31] Oh.

[2:15:32] All right.

[2:15:33] Seeing none.

[2:15:34] Item two.

[2:15:35] Pass is five to zero.

[2:15:36] Two.

[2:15:37] Thank you for the explanation.

[2:15:38] Welcome.

[2:15:39] Thanks, Chief.

[2:15:40] Council Member Richardson.

[2:15:41] Two S. That's the next one.

[2:15:42] You also pulled that.

[2:15:43] You're on the roll today.

[2:15:45] We are.

[2:15:46] Yeah, a bunch of things.

[2:15:47] I had a bunch of hair standing up.

[2:15:49] Hi.

[2:15:50] I'll give you a second.

[2:15:52] Good morning.

[2:15:53] Paul McCode, director of public utilities.

[2:15:55] Good morning.

[2:15:56] Just a couple questions.

[2:15:57] Okay.

[2:15:58] So fresh off the say to the discussion that we just had.

[2:16:00] A lot of conversations about septic or wells versus being on city water and sewer.

[2:16:05] Correct.

[2:16:06] We have four mobile home parks in district six.

[2:16:10] Three of them are right next to large utility lines.

[2:16:13] Right.

[2:16:14] Cedar and Louisville further up first street.

[2:16:16] Uh, or Fresno street and then down there closer to Blackstone on the seven part of the district.

[2:16:20] Then we have Woodward Bluff, which is way out on the other side of Woodward.

[2:16:23] Woodward Park.

[2:16:24] Those run off different systems because they're in different places.

[2:16:27] What is the city's policy?

[2:16:29] What is our implementation process as far as you are on city water?

[2:16:32] Or you are on well?

[2:16:33] You are on city sewer?

[2:16:34] Or you are on septic?

[2:16:35] And why are we confronting this now when this three bombs mobile home park has been there for a while?

[2:16:41] Okay.

[2:16:42] May I answer that question and reverse those questions and reverse?

[2:16:45] Okay.

[2:16:46] This area was identified in a study that was conducted.

[2:16:50] Starting around 2019 and in 2020 there were a number of areas around town that were identified

[2:16:55] to have failing septic systems and or failing water systems either there were well was contaminated or it was not.

[2:17:01] By the state of California.

[2:17:02] By the state of California.

[2:17:03] By the state of California.

[2:17:04] The state law that was passed regarding consolidation.

[2:17:08] Failing water systems to be consolidated into neighboring jurisdictions.

[2:17:12] And so they do an evaluation.

[2:17:14] Go ahead Paul.

[2:17:15] Thank you, manager.

[2:17:16] I appreciate that.

[2:17:17] So this was one of the areas that was identified.

[2:17:20] Three bombs was identified.

[2:17:21] They have contamination in their well and then they also have a failing septic system.

[2:17:27] So this was identified as one of the priority areas.

[2:17:30] And the state is funding their consolidation into the city's systems.

[2:17:36] We generally are policy is to connect any area within a hundred feet or within a hundred feet of a sewer main or a water main.

[2:17:47] If they're if they're nearby.

[2:17:49] The issue is we cannot use rate payer money to do that.

[2:17:52] The connector has to pay for that connection.

[2:17:55] And you can imagine sometimes those are sizable costs that would need to be.

[2:18:00] We need to be born by the connector, right?

[2:18:03] Because we require when you connect to a destroyer well.

[2:18:06] If you connect to the water system.

[2:18:08] And abandon your septic system.

[2:18:10] If you connect to our sewer system.

[2:18:12] So it could be a sizable investment for one of these mobile home parts.

[2:18:15] And you're district if they were to come to us and connect.

[2:18:18] I could check to see if they were in the consolidation study.

[2:18:21] But I don't recall that there were any in district six.

[2:18:24] Okay.

[2:18:25] So to verify.

[2:18:26] This property would have been allowed under normal circumstances to rely on their well.

[2:18:29] And their septic unless it was investigated by the state of California to be found failing.

[2:18:34] Now in this scenario the state of California is going to pay for them to connect to the to consolidate into the local water.

[2:18:41] That's correct.

[2:18:43] All right.

[2:18:44] Did was there a threshold?

[2:18:46] And then once they're connected.

[2:18:48] Then they've just become a utility customer just like any other business.

[2:18:52] And they'll pay their monthly fees just they'll become a rate payer at that point.

[2:18:55] But the state pays for the infrastructure connection.

[2:18:58] Thank you.

[2:18:59] Was there a in their investigation?

[2:19:01] Was there a threshold?

[2:19:02] Is that investigation ongoing?

[2:19:03] Were there only some?

[2:19:04] They kind of picked and choose?

[2:19:06] Chose?

[2:19:07] I need to go back to and I haven't read the consolidation.

[2:19:10] I think when some time that they these were areas around the fringe of the city that were identified to be cost effectively.

[2:19:17] To be able to be cost effectively connected to our system.

[2:19:19] And they're identifying failing systems.

[2:19:22] So everybody that operates.

[2:19:25] Private system has to file reports with the state.

[2:19:29] And show testing.

[2:19:31] And so I think as part of that process the state had identified.

[2:19:35] These they're contaminated ground water.

[2:19:38] And it's a health and safety issue for the residents of the mobile home park.

[2:19:42] So I believe it was SB 98 was the state bill that required consolidation.

[2:19:47] So they identified them via the studies as being failing systems.

[2:19:53] As Paul said, we can go back and look at the mobile home parks in your system.

[2:19:57] But if those are still operating systems that are not failing, that are operating, that are being tested regularly, that don't have health and safety requirements.

[2:20:08] Then it wouldn't be considered a failing system.

[2:20:12] Right.

[2:20:13] And we don't go.

[2:20:14] I mean, a lot of these systems don't contact us.

[2:20:16] If they if they and ask if they can a lot of them want to read your well because they perceive that that might be a lower cost.

[2:20:21] Then to connect to our system.

[2:20:23] And then we get into a process with them.

[2:20:25] Sometimes we may let them do that.

[2:20:26] Sometimes we make them connect.

[2:20:27] I mean, it's just they varies by area outside of that.

[2:20:30] It's a passive information collection system by the state.

[2:20:33] Based on their water testing and everything else that tells them if they need to.

[2:20:36] Consulate it if it's failing.

[2:20:38] These these systems have to report data just like we do as a as a as a municipal agency.

[2:20:42] They have to test their well.

[2:20:44] Some minute to division a drinking water and then division a drinking water with then work with them.

[2:20:48] That's a state the state agency.

[2:20:49] Within work with them on those results to to start working with them on do you add well head treatment.

[2:20:54] Do you have to consolidate into the city?

[2:20:56] Where's the nearest water line?

[2:20:57] So they proactively work with these these areas if they maintain wells or septic's.

[2:21:03] Okay.

[2:21:04] Thank you very much.

[2:21:05] I don't have anything else.

[2:21:06] I don't need any follow on answers right now.

[2:21:08] If there's a way in the future, my staff can get a hold of you.

[2:21:10] We can find out kind of how to get a hold of the drinking water and find out what the tests look like for the different mobile home parts of my district.

[2:21:16] I'd like that.

[2:21:17] But that is need be done right now.

[2:21:19] So council vice president.

[2:21:20] I think you're still wearing the pants.

[2:21:21] That's all I had.

[2:21:22] Motion approved.

[2:21:24] All right.

[2:21:25] We have motion.

[2:21:26] We have a second.

[2:21:27] I'm always wearing pants for the record.

[2:21:30] Any opposition to item two S.

[2:21:35] Seeing none.

[2:21:36] Item passes six zero.

[2:21:39] Let's see here next up.

[2:21:41] We have item two T and this is pulled by council member Maxwell.

[2:21:45] Thank you.

[2:21:46] So vice president, can somebody please walk me through this item.

[2:21:56] Morning.

[2:21:57] Good morning.

[2:21:58] Jill Gormley public work department.

[2:22:00] The item for you is to approve the submission of a grant application to.

[2:22:05] For OTS runs office of transportation safety funding for the public work department.

[2:22:09] And what would that funding go towards?

[2:22:11] It would go towards software that would help.

[2:22:14] To be more active in monitoring hotspots throughout the city for.

[2:22:21] Identifying improvements.

[2:22:23] It basically would be more proactive than reactive in our efforts to identify these areas.

[2:22:29] You flesh that out for me.

[2:22:31] Sure.

[2:22:32] So we have a lot of data at our at our fingertips or at somebody's fingertips.

[2:22:37] And this this software would help us to consolidate that.

[2:22:41] What they know is that it could be collision data.

[2:22:45] It could be requests from the public.

[2:22:47] It could be requests from this council from different departments.

[2:22:50] Just any kind of.

[2:22:52] Data that is making us aware that could make us aware of what is happening in the community as far as traffic.

[2:23:00] Mobility safety issues that we have.

[2:23:03] So rather than us combing through that manually.

[2:23:07] This software would would be able to consolidate that for us and be help staff be more efficient.

[2:23:13] There's a police department not currently track that information is your department not currently track that information.

[2:23:19] We do.

[2:23:20] And police department also has their records as far as collisions and traffic.

[2:23:26] Incidences.

[2:23:27] This would help us to bridge those gaps that we might have where they have.

[2:23:31] Their information we have our information it puts it all together and is able to.

[2:23:35] Consolidate the results and efforts that we could take to improve.

[2:23:41] So it's essentially taken data that we are already collecting and making it easier to review.

[2:23:48] It's it's making it easier to.

[2:23:51] Respond to request so you know we hear a lot that we are active to to something that is happening.

[2:23:58] Some of the state of we can upload it.

[2:24:01] You know in this it depends on the software that we actually choose this is the grant application to actually seek.

[2:24:07] Different software options but it would allow us to.

[2:24:13] Again not be reactive but be proactive we could identify hot spots that that maybe we.

[2:24:20] We we are not seeing that aren't readily available for us or very apparent to us that hey there's an issue here.

[2:24:27] Yeah and we would be able to respond to that are you talking about hot spots in terms of.

[2:24:33] Collisions hot spots in terms of wait time this would be for safety so.

[2:24:40] Collisions issues with.

[2:24:43] You know people crossing the streets traffic collisions pedestrian bite collisions.

[2:24:48] We have an effort that will become before this council later in the spring for vision zero action safety action plan.

[2:24:54] That is meant to improve safety throughout the city so this would be a compliment to that program to help us.

[2:25:00] Implement some of the the measures that may be identified through that process and again identify how we can be proactive.

[2:25:10] In terms of being reactive or proactive or responding to data we already have this is a.

[2:25:16] A little flyer I saved from last year I think this is provided on the world day of remembrance and I believe the data was collected from ATAC which I assume came from your department.

[2:25:26] But it's top high crash intersections in the city of Fresno and.

[2:25:33] Five out of the ten are located in district four blackstone in Ashland blackstone in Dakota first in shields Cedar and Shah.

[2:25:41] Fresno and Clinton so.

[2:25:44] It appears that we've already collected some data to let us know where some of these hot spots are.

[2:25:49] Have there been any discussions or plans to address these intersections that have already been identified and put on a radar before we start collecting additional data.

[2:26:00] We are always looking to make improvements to issues that we know about or.

[2:26:05] You know concerns that the community has so for example and throughout the vision zero process which we've been working on.

[2:26:12] Maybe a year now we will in that document will come forward with with five or ten locations that are you know hotspots that that we.

[2:26:21] Feel that need improvements based on a set of data.

[2:26:24] This will allow us to not only just focus on those but other locations and then in our future grant efforts or funding availability we're able to.

[2:26:34] Match up improvements that need to be made with appropriate funding sources and have a bigger pool that we can pull from to make improvements throughout the city.

[2:26:43] Jill.

[2:26:44] Aren't don't the top locations.

[2:26:47] It's just a point in time.

[2:26:49] Because I know we obviously there was always a lot of discussion about the Bryant roulette and went you know will run a report and show collision data and you know you would think that that would be the intersection and.

[2:27:02] I've seen it where no no black blackstone and herndon was the number one and then six months later I've seen another list of the data I'm looking at is a composite of 2019 to 2023.

[2:27:13] Your your correct so and there's different ways of looking at all of this data it can be a point in time.

[2:27:20] We can look at just a cumulative number of collisions and not take into account the number of vehicles that are actually.

[2:27:30] We're looking through an intersection which would have a you know make that number maybe look a lot higher at some.

[2:27:36] A location versus somebody that are a different location that has proportional proportion right exactly and so.

[2:27:43] Yeah we we've got all we've we've just got so much data at our fingertips and there's other data that's not really out there and this will help us you know predict some of the locations that may.

[2:27:54] Lawrence more attention on our part so again I think that did I have.

[2:27:59] Over the five year period I assume was provided by your department you mentioned also jail that your office identifies you know about five hotspots are those point in time are those.

[2:28:12] cumulative based off of several years worth of data in terms of how you guys prioritize these hotspots.

[2:28:19] They're typically cumulative we're not looking at what happened you know for the last week at a location we're looking at typically three to five years of data.

[2:28:29] And how that interacts with again the activity level whether that be pedestrian vehicle.

[2:28:35] Different types of you know interactions between on everybody that is using the facilities.

[2:28:40] Jill the document that the council members looking at.

[2:28:43] Is that data from us.

[2:28:45] That there's my document and Bernard what you mind sharing that with the assistant director please.

[2:28:51] If you would let me know if your internal list coincides with the one I was presented by a tech that would be home for.

[2:29:03] Yes I believe that this is actually from the work that's being done to prepare the vision zero action plan.

[2:29:13] Gotcha thank you.

[2:29:16] I don't know if this is a question for you or the director how long would it take to receive.

[2:29:23] A tray memo regarding some of the steps.

[2:29:26] Being taken to address.

[2:29:29] These hotspots on this list.

[2:29:31] Specifically the ones industry for.

[2:29:35] The hotspots on this particular list.

[2:29:37] Yes.

[2:29:38] So that will come out with our with our vision zero action plans that will be before this body in the spring and so we will have action items that will.

[2:29:46] We will address some of the concerns that were identified.

[2:29:49] Have you directed any of those action items yet as it pertains to the district four locations.

[2:29:54] We are working all of them whatever the locations are in parallel to each other so.

[2:30:00] I don't know that we have any of them done before the other ones. So yeah, we don't have all of that data available yet, but it will be available as we are working through the process and bring it before this body.

[2:30:15] Your department working on a vision zero plan, there had been no efforts to address these intersections.

[2:30:22] No, I'm not saying that at all. I just think that what I'm saying is that we have.

[2:30:28] We've got a lot of locations throughout the city that need addressing.

[2:30:32] Sure, but these are the top five and four out of the top five fallen district four.

[2:30:38] So these are what we're identified as far as this vision zero effort. We also prepared in 2020 a SAR, the systemic safety analysis report that also had I think it was 20 locations that we have been working

[2:30:53] throughout these last five years to find funding for and the resources to be able to implement the improvements that were identified in that plan.

[2:31:03] This is a similar effort. It will have five, ten locations, whatever that number is.

[2:31:08] And once we have all of that plan, what needs to be done, what collisions are correctable, what those infrastructure changes are we will work to find funding for that similar to what we've done for this.

[2:31:22] This previous document. And what did you call that document? I'm sorry.

[2:31:26] We refer to it as a SAR, it's a systemic safety analysis report.

[2:31:30] Okay, and then is there overlap between those identified intersections in these?

[2:31:35] These are the hotspots. I assume there's got to be.

[2:31:38] Yes, some of them are on this document as well.

[2:31:42] Okay, and that document outlines steps being taken to address the issues of those intersections.

[2:31:48] It outlines the improvements that we could make to address those issues. Yes.

[2:31:53] Okay. And then is there something? I know it says this is what you can do. Do we have anything that shows what we've done?

[2:31:59] We could pull that together.

[2:32:01] And I think what I hear the council member asking is, I mean, I think the plan is great and you're talking about the report in the spring, but I think what he's asking is specific to the intersections and his district.

[2:32:13] Is there something that we can provide that shows? I don't give me one of the intersections.

[2:32:19] Blackstone and Ash. Okay. Blackstone and Ashland in fiscal 27.

[2:32:27] We're going to attempt to do a capital improvement project to do this, this and this.

[2:32:33] I mean, is there something that we can give an advance of this more significant plan as to the intersection specifically that are in the council member's district?

[2:32:42] That would be a list of council members. And not only what is being planned on getting done, but also a list of possibilities of other projects too.

[2:32:53] My office might be interested in taking a look of what else is possible if the funding is available.

[2:32:58] I hear what you're, I think I understand what you're asking for council member.

[2:33:03] So I'll all work with the team to see if we can pull out a little side side gig separate from the report that they're working on, which I saw the report has already been generated.

[2:33:14] And the list is pretty similar to this one in front of us. There should be something.

[2:33:18] I want to, yeah, I just let's look at it. Make sure it's going to give you what you want and if not fill it will fill in the blanks.

[2:33:24] Okay. I appreciate that.

[2:33:25] Gentlemen, thank you. I appreciate it. I'll make a motion to approve.

[2:33:31] So we have a motion of the second.

[2:33:34] Yeah, I'll all second add a question to ask before.

[2:33:37] Yeah, council.

[2:33:39] Quick question. Is this going to have anything to do or interplay with the signal phasing or the light duration with the ITS?

[2:33:46] That's what 40 or 60% complete.

[2:33:52] That could be a recommendation that comes out of the study is to, you know,

[2:33:56] retimes signals or add it left turn phasing and work with with our systems that we already have, whether that be ITS or, you know, adaptive systems on the quarters.

[2:34:06] Great. Okay. Thank you, Jelto.

[2:34:08] Any further questions or inquiries?

[2:34:11] Council.

[2:34:12] All right. We have a motion from council member Maxwell.

[2:34:15] Second, council member Richardson.

[2:34:17] Any opposition?

[2:34:19] Motion passes five to zero.

[2:34:21] Takes a story last consensus item.

[2:34:24] Two W pulled by council member Vain.

[2:34:27] Thank you very much.

[2:34:32] Council Vice President Sporeson.

[2:34:35] This item was sponsored by President Kerbazi and council member R.

[2:34:41] R. R. R. R. R. R. R. Thank you for the opportunity to ask a few questions.

[2:34:44] Council members.

[2:34:46] The line of question that I have is for the seated attorney.

[2:34:50] Is Andrew Johnson here?

[2:34:55] Yeah. Is the birthday boy?

[2:34:58] I can answer the question.

[2:35:00] Okay. Thank you.

[2:35:02] The scope of my question surrounds the current contract before the council.

[2:35:10] This is a first amendment to the original contract that was signed in July of 2025.

[2:35:16] And I have a copy of that contract as well.

[2:35:21] And so the initial amount for that contract was 48,000.

[2:35:28] And then the amendment here before the council is 62,000,

[2:35:36] total only $110,000.

[2:35:40] And so seated attorney Andrew Johnson.

[2:35:44] I'm glad you can join us.

[2:35:46] I have a copy of the July 2025 contract.

[2:35:50] That's the initial contract signed by council member R. R. R. R. R.

[2:35:54] And the consulting, the ex consulting limited liability corporation in the amount of $48,000.

[2:36:04] And on page 12, under the signatures signed by Christine Shardtar,

[2:36:12] Deputy City Attorney dated 729-25.

[2:36:16] And above that is as approved as to form Andrew Johnson.

[2:36:20] Can you explain to me that phrase approved as to form what that means?

[2:36:26] Yeah. Thank you for the opportunity.

[2:36:27] I'm looking at the document as well.

[2:36:29] I know that's been sort of mischaracterized in some parts of the media over the last few days.

[2:36:35] But approval as to form is not an approval of the document.

[2:36:41] We're not making any value judgments about about the document.

[2:36:46] It's basically us going through our checklist and making sure all the eyes are dotted in the teaser cross.

[2:36:51] Making sure there are things like scope of services, making sure that there's insurance.

[2:36:57] That's required compliance with law waivers and that sort of thing.

[2:37:02] And so we're basically saying that everything here is in order.

[2:37:05] The city attorney's office doesn't have the authority to approve any contract.

[2:37:10] So that is up to the council, not the city attorney.

[2:37:13] So we're just basically doing the legal work to protect the city.

[2:37:16] And in fact, we sign it as to form before the council member signs it.

[2:37:20] So we don't know what will happen to this document after it leaves our office.

[2:37:24] Is it accurate to say that approved to form is legally sound?

[2:37:29] Do you make sure that the contract is legally sound?

[2:37:32] Correct.

[2:37:33] Okay.

[2:37:34] Thank you.

[2:37:35] And then the contract, the first amendment to that contract that is coming before the council today.

[2:37:41] Again, the page attached to that has the same format.

[2:37:49] It is signed by Christine Shardtard, deputy city attorney dated January 13th, 2006.

[2:37:56] Again, same wording approved to ask to form and your council attorney.

[2:38:02] So it's the same as the initial contract dated July 2025.

[2:38:07] So it is basically the same interpretation that the amendment to the original contract.

[2:38:13] The first amendment is legally sound.

[2:38:17] That is correct.

[2:38:18] Okay.

[2:38:19] Do you as your capacity as an attorney for the city of Fresno?

[2:38:25] In any way, shape a form have to authority to approve any contract.

[2:38:29] And I'm sure you answer that question already, but any contract.

[2:38:32] Not only contracts, that specifically falls under the jurisdiction of the transparency app at any contract.

[2:38:39] The answer is generally no.

[2:38:41] I mean, I do sign legal service agreements, which is separate from what you're doing here on the council.

[2:38:46] Generally, the answer is no.

[2:38:47] I don't have the authority to approve contracts that are under the purview of the council.

[2:38:50] Okay.

[2:38:51] And how many attorneys do we have for the seat of Fresno?

[2:38:55] We have 39 positions.

[2:38:56] Do any of those 39 attorneys have the authority to sign any contract on their own to approve a contract?

[2:39:04] No.

[2:39:05] Okay.

[2:39:07] That is all I have with regards to the at the procedure of this item council.

[2:39:13] Vice President, thank you very much for the opportunity.

[2:39:16] I'll give the sponsor an opportunity and then the council of directors and has questions as well.

[2:39:24] I'll depot to the council member first.

[2:39:31] All right.

[2:39:34] We're obviously a hot topic for the last couple of weeks.

[2:39:38] And look, here's a contract.

[2:39:40] So looking at exhibit A, the scope of the services.

[2:39:43] Essentially what this is looking for is let's increase the contract we had by not just doubling it,

[2:39:49] but doubling it and then some.

[2:39:51] So looking at this, from what I can tell, the consulting was done by one individual.

[2:39:58] Yes, who used to be a city council member, hairs.

[2:40:02] But specifically, let's see, develop an urban garden assist with agricultural land preservation.

[2:40:08] Assist with golf courses and assist among businesses.

[2:40:12] It seems to me that if a group wants consulting services, especially when it relates to relating their issues or concerns to the city,

[2:40:21] that those individuals or entities should get together and fund their consulting services.

[2:40:26] Just like a union would do, just like another group of businesses, do you graphfully located or an industry or what have you?

[2:40:31] This generally what happens.

[2:40:34] What this is, not a mystery is, is we as the city are putting that cost on the taxpayers to pay for a consultant to represent other people to the city.

[2:40:45] And doubling that, I think needs to undergo a little more scrutiny, especially because in the deliverables at the bottom,

[2:40:53] it talks about weekly meetings and reports as requested by two council members.

[2:40:58] But at the top, number one is monthly report of service activities undertaken by the consulting company.

[2:41:04] I understand I've only been here for a year and a week. I have not seen any of those monthly reports.

[2:41:10] It doesn't say as requested, it just says a deliverable is a monthly report. I haven't seen those.

[2:41:15] So it would just be irresponsible of me to say, well, I haven't seen any of the progress.

[2:41:20] Any of the deliverables been brought, but that's okay. Let's double the contract.

[2:41:25] Especially, essentially, paying as city council members salary to a former city council member to continue consulting services that I haven't seen, not for the city, but to the city.

[2:41:38] Those are mainly my concerns, maybe somebody who's been here longer, can speak to that.

[2:41:43] But it's, I would be remiss if I didn't bring up the hairs in the back of my neck that it makes stand up.

[2:41:53] So all of us on the sponsors, whoever wants to answer the question, I see the sponsors.

[2:42:05] I would just say generally, I think, my understanding is that this contract originated in the council office.

[2:42:11] So, I think it's generally accountable.

[2:42:14] Now, the way we are bringing it to the entire council, I think that's now within the purview, everyone.

[2:42:21] If, if I may just give some context, a couple things I want to point out, one is, as you know, the rules are very clear.

[2:42:30] Any contract that's approved by the city above $100,000 annually must be approved by this body in the agenda in a public discourse and debate.

[2:42:42] Anything under that can be approved by the folks responsible for that department.

[2:42:47] If it's an air city manager, city manager, if it's under a council office, the council office.

[2:42:52] In this case, I secured the services, Mr. Zong, about a year ago, for the amount of about $40,000 per year.

[2:43:03] The scope of work that you see on there was very specific.

[2:43:07] One was to develop the infrastructure and the organization and the support for an open farmers market public market within the district.

[2:43:20] We have in the past tried to do farmers markets in tower that required rerouting us a bus routes that created some challenges for some of the businesses because we had to post a street.

[2:43:31] That the feedback was there's nine of foods and vegetables, it's more food trucks.

[2:43:36] This gentleman outside of being a former member of this body, I think one day a decade ago, was the former presidential pointy of the farm agency services, which is a massive.

[2:43:48] The agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

[2:43:51] So he's well equipped, extremely well qualified for the work and so we secured that.

[2:43:58] We also secured the services as you know, this body has given multiple investments to small businesses to do facade improvements, mobile food vending.

[2:44:08] In all those exercises, we saw very little to no participation from business owners from the Southeast Asian community.

[2:44:16] So this contract was not meant to have somebody represent them.

[2:44:21] It was meant to make sure that the Southeast Asia community also benefited from the investments that we made to small businesses and mobile food vending grants and things of that nature.

[2:44:32] So the as you reference the reports were directly to me because I was a contracting authority.

[2:44:40] In this case, the council president wanted to also secure services for the specific work I think around the golf course and other items.

[2:44:49] I wanted to change a couple of servers to also include ag preservation work.

[2:44:55] As you recall, I think last meeting we had a midnight discussion.

[2:45:00] On Southeast Development Area, a lot of references were made to the preservation of agricultural

[2:45:05] land. I'm not a farmer. I have no background in act preservation, much less the work

[2:45:11] around prime agriculture land that we're required to preserve under state rules. He is extremely

[2:45:18] qualified to advise us on act preservation strategies and considerations that we should take

[2:45:26] account for. So, as I noted with the council president, the rules are very black and white.

[2:45:32] Any contract that would exceed 100,000 has come to his body. So, when the council president

[2:45:37] inquired about also receiving his services, it triggered us bringing it to the council on the agenda.

[2:45:44] And this couple of work is on there. I think member Vang also is very clear. Our city has been clear.

[2:45:52] Our city attorney's role is to confirm that the term of the contract is there. The scope of work is there.

[2:45:58] The insurance requirements of any required are there. And that essentially means all the legal elements required

[2:46:04] for contracting. And it's consistent with all contracting, whether you're consulting for some Nigerian

[2:46:11] side or for us on the sewer plant. So, that's the background. The reports are directly to those

[2:46:22] who are contracting for the services. So, if they were being contracted to by the city attorney or the

[2:46:29] city manager, she would be the one receiving the monthly reports or the city attorney would be receiving

[2:46:33] monthly reports. So, I am extremely satisfied with the services thus far. And my office continues to

[2:46:40] need the services, especially as we go down this path of potentially developing 9,000 acres that are

[2:46:48] primarily primary agricultural land in Southeast Asia. I think the council needs independent

[2:46:54] advice on how to do that effectively. And I just rely on a consultant that's looking at it from the

[2:47:00] perspective of housing or industrial development. So, that's really what we're here today. So, I do

[2:47:08] appreciate the city attorney making sure that we follow the rules and that we put on the agenda

[2:47:13] once it was clear that it wouldn't be that threshold. I do appreciate that explanation that

[2:47:18] clarifies it quite a bit for me. With the reports going to yourself and the council president

[2:47:26] are the funds to pay for this consulting. I mean, and in just clarify, it's not annually for a

[2:47:32] contract with an individual for $100,000. It's per scope of work. So, with that, with this new scope

[2:47:38] work and with the raising of $100,000, is that money coming out of District 3, 2 and 3 to higher the

[2:47:45] consultants, is that why he's only given the reports to you guys or is it going to be like general fund?

[2:47:49] Correct. So, the agreement costs for the funds that he's at right in our office on to come from my account.

[2:47:55] So, okay. So, my office and historically it's come from from my budget. Would we be willing to

[2:48:00] add that into the contract? Because everything in here just says from city of Fresno. Just for clarity.

[2:48:05] The contract was approved by legal counsel. I'm not going to make changes on DIA's,

[2:48:08] then I don't fully understand the ramifications of it. Okay. I think if we have it on the record that

[2:48:13] that money is coming from the districts who have contracted it and not just from general fund,

[2:48:18] then I would be totally okay with that. And they're just to confirm that council budget's

[2:48:24] are general fund dollars. Sorry, let's specify. It's coming contracted and everything being

[2:48:29] signed and initiated and employed by your to office. The intention is that the money that I

[2:48:34] contract with for this vendor has come out of my district budget. My intention is to continue coming

[2:48:39] out of my district budget for my allocation. Perfect. Okay. Thank you. That's all I had.

[2:48:44] With that council vice president, I make a motion to prove.

[2:48:50] Yeah, we were already heard public comment. Have a motion?

[2:48:53] There was second. If a second from councilmember Maxwell. Is there any opposition to

[2:48:59] to W? Seeing none. Item passes six zero. We have the city attorney punched up.

[2:49:07] Thank you council vice president. I just want to have a point of order. I believe there was an inaccurate

[2:49:14] tabulation of the nine a.m. 20. I'm sorry. The nine a.m. item from today. The 2026 council

[2:49:21] city council elections. My understanding that councilmember pariet did not vote in favor of that item.

[2:49:31] So the vote counts should be reflected six to one.

[2:49:38] Or was it a recusal? I'm sorry. I recusal. So six to zero.

[2:49:42] Okay. Clerk got that. No.

[2:49:46] Yes, I have it. All right. Is it is 12 p.m.

[2:49:50] But the council president before he stepped out did ask me to recognize is a Sir Charlie Maxwell

[2:49:58] president. But you come on down. We're going to briefly open up for three minutes on schedule

[2:50:05] communication. This is not going to. This is not going to stop us from doing longer set of schedule.

[2:50:13] That's his communication later on. So you'll be the the only speaker, Mr. Maxwell,

[2:50:19] per the council president's request to recognize you for three minutes and just yourself.

[2:50:27] So in every ready, we'll go ahead and get the clock started. Thank you, Mr. Kobashi. I have photographs

[2:50:34] for members of the council and an outline. If somebody could pass these to your council members.

[2:50:39] My name is Charlie Maxwell. I have a residential address of 1095 Rusty Spurler Lane Role Clovis.

[2:50:45] Business address 10645 North Lanes, which is at the end of Lanes Road in Fresno.

[2:50:51] The gentleman standing behind me is Clay Davis. Liz at 106-7-2. Steve Clark has a business address 107-25

[2:51:00] and Dave Ronsert. Liz at the end of the road 107-4-2. 2021, Mr. Clay Davis started contact in the

[2:51:09] city on how to lock off the end of Lanes Road. It is a dead end road. We are inundated as the

[2:51:15] pictures will show with homeless people. I bought our property in November of 23. Mr. Clark bought his in

[2:51:23] January of 24 and we've been working with the city and county ever since to try to resolve the issue.

[2:51:30] The city contacted Fresno County and said, okay, just detest the land which they did. They completed

[2:51:36] that action. Then the city somehow, the attorney staff said, that's illegal and asked for the redo it

[2:51:41] to which the county said, we no longer own the land. What do you want us to do? We played for over a year

[2:51:47] and then we had several meetings and then they said, just at Lafco as a way to expand the city's influence.

[2:51:53] That started for an appearance, by myself and for a Lafco January of 25, Lafco's work is completed

[2:52:02] and then we wrote a letter to the city again to Jason Comet, who is a member of Steve Moser's staff

[2:52:08] as to how to proceed with all the agreement the four of us as to the location, the turnaround

[2:52:14] and getting this gate done to lock off homeless people and so that is stalled and we came back and said,

[2:52:20] okay enough is enough. We asked that city in council come before you. We got directed to a staff meeting

[2:52:27] which happened Monday of this week, some 20 people from both city and county, trying to resolve the issue.

[2:52:34] Monday I get a letter back from an unsigned party that said the vacation process can take now

[2:52:41] eight to ten months for step one step two three to four months. Folks, this has been going on for 37 months

[2:52:48] and now we're looking at another 14 months during that period of time. I at least at least

[2:52:55] the building in the adjacent property. I've lost over $20,000 in tools. Mr. Clark has lost his maintenance

[2:53:02] vehicles. Mr. Clay Davis's wife is afraid to come out of the property at night. Dave Bronsard has been physically

[2:53:09] assaulted by homeless people. We just want to gate. We would like to put it in. We asked the 120 meeting.

[2:53:16] We were not or the 112 meeting. We were not invited. We will self-perform. Be happy to do that.

[2:53:22] Can we hurry up and get this done? That's our question today. Personally, I retired from a 30 year

[2:53:28] career in O4. I completed over 30 subdivisions and six jurisdictions. I dealt with gates.

[2:53:35] That was going to public right away. Your time here. I appreciate you coming out and sharing. We do have

[2:53:41] your documents that you provided to us. That's going to include you three minutes. Thank you for joining us.

[2:53:47] I would ask that since the first 20 seconds you were just introducing and saying address of you getting

[2:53:51] the number. We're pretty much in the clock. Yeah. Okay, 20 more seconds. Since you were. Yeah.

[2:54:03] Thank you. We're just asking for help. We are inundated with homeless people. The property I own

[2:54:09] used to be Fresno County Sportsman Club. That is completely redone. It is an unbelievable

[2:54:13] facility. It has been booked nightly for events. It's going to change from paying $10 a year and yearly

[2:54:21] sales tax to the city to over 100,000. I think maybe the city might like to enjoy that increase.

[2:54:27] It's how do we get this simple thing of putting a gate up and helping us. Thank you for that for 37

[2:54:33] months. Thank you. That'll be it. Yeah. You can thank Councilor Richardson for watching the clock

[2:54:37] very closely on that one. That's going to take us to lunchtime at this point. We do have to return

[2:54:45] after the lunch hour for the balance of our schedule communication as well as a close session.

[2:54:51] We're going to come back here to council at 140 p.m. 40 minutes after one.

[2:55:03] Okay. Thank you all for waiting. At this time, we're going to break for close session. We will

[2:55:17] return from close session once we finish our deliberations.

[2:55:21] I'm sorry before we break. There is a statement by the city attorney. Yeah. I'm going to read

[2:55:36] out the agenda. I'm sorry. No, it's okay. Just one quick correction to a statement that I made earlier

[2:55:41] about correcting the record. It was not a refusal by Councilmember Priya. It was an abstention.

[2:55:46] So if that can be reflected in the record.

[2:56:08] Yeah. I'm doing it. Good afternoon everyone. Today in close session we have item 5A conference with

[2:56:12] Labor negotiators. All units listed on the agenda. Item 5B conference with legal counsel existing

[2:56:17] litigation. McGill, Nunez, Garcia versus City of Fresno. Item 5C conference with legal counsel

[2:56:23] existing litigation, litigation, Sarah J. Gray versus City of Fresno. Item 5D conference with

[2:56:29] legal counsel existing litigation. Laquia Wilson versus City of Fresno. Item 5E conference with legal

[2:56:36] counsel anticipated litigation one potential case. We may have reportable items after close session today.

[2:56:42] Okay. Here we go.

[2:57:13] Without further delay. We're going to resume the open session portion of the council meeting at

[2:57:18] 440 p.m. Wait for a city attorney to come back for any reporting on a close session. In the meantime,

[2:57:24] we are going to unscheduled communication. Anyone wishing to address the council? We'll have three

[2:57:28] minutes and this is your opportunity. Please do come forward.

[2:57:43] I need my microphone on. There you go. I want to be very clear today. I'm not afraid of developers.

[2:57:50] I'm not afraid of politicians. I'm not afraid of phone calls. Where should I go?

[2:57:56] Made behind closed doors. I'm not afraid of the power that operates in silence. I am one woman

[2:58:05] but I stand and I will stand ten toes down to the truth. I've spent years advocating for people

[2:58:11] who have nothing. No lobbyists, no donors, no private meetings, no protection. And I have learned

[2:58:18] something very important in that time that when you speak the truth, people who benefit from silence

[2:58:25] get very uncomfortable. Let me say this plainly, donations do not buy my silence.

[2:58:33] Contributions do not purchase my compliance. An access does not entitle anyone to control my voice.

[2:58:42] If resources were given to support the end-house, then that's where they belong, not as leverage,

[2:58:48] not as currency, and not as a muzzle. I will continue to ask questions. I will continue to speak publicly.

[2:58:57] I will continue to oppose plans that harm our community, no matter who profits from it.

[2:59:03] And if my words make powerful people nervous, that's not my problem. That is the accountability

[2:59:10] knocking on your door. I welcome transparency. I welcome daylight. I welcome public dialogue.

[2:59:18] But what I won't accept is intimidation. I'm not hiding. My phone number is not a secret. Anyone

[2:59:29] can call me. Just understand this. Your words will never be louder than my truth. And the only

[2:59:35] people who should fear honest questions, those who have something to hide. I also want to put into

[2:59:41] public record today this morning. I personally observe Fresno City sanitation staff,

[2:59:46] verbally directing and housing individuals to leave a location. They are not law enforcement.

[2:59:52] So my question is to the city council. Is the city a Fresno utilizing sanitation or code enforcement

[2:59:58] employees who enforce ordinance?

[3:00:00] 1021-01, because of that as happening as deeply concerning, city employees who are not sworn officers

[3:00:06] and should not be acting as law enforcement, or enforcing removal under the ordinance. This morning,

[3:00:12] individuals were told they can only take two bags of their own belongings before the remaining

[3:00:17] property was discarded. I informally request the clarification on this practice, and I am asking

[3:00:22] somebody from the city to follow up with me by email. I am also requesting that any property that

[3:00:27] was taking this morning, be returned to those individuals that it belongs to. I understand that

[3:00:32] that's not going to happen, but I just want to be clear and make this on the record that this

[3:00:37] was my concern. And please stop having people call me because I am not going to be intimidated.

[3:00:43] Okay, that's what we're telling you.

[3:00:44] Yeah, that's three minutes. Thank you so much, Des. Anyone else wishing to come up? Come on up.

[3:00:50] I do have some cards too. If you wouldn't mind your afterwards, please call it up. Thank you for your patience.

[3:00:55] Okay, you'll have three minutes.

[3:01:25] Okay, I'm going to be reading from California, I believe, civil code or something like that.

[3:01:51] But basically, the board was to give the public opportunity to comment on each agenda item before voting on the item.

[3:02:02] Allow public comment on each item immediately before the body considers the item.

[3:02:11] And sure the body has a clear and complete understanding of the public concern regarding the item.

[3:02:16] Let me stick public comment on the agenda items to just want specific designated time rather than multiple times throughout the meeting before each agenda item may defeat this purpose.

[3:02:36] So to that, I'd like to say, when the item is presented on the agenda, it's usually after the presentation that the board will ask questions or raise concerns in order for the public to engage in me for a way.

[3:02:50] It would make more it makes sense that to you, well, I was also to hear the presentation before we give any meaningful or, you know, I'm like, like more informed comment or be able to raise our concerns.

[3:03:03] Yeah, I'll see.

[3:03:10] Public comment should, shouldn't be any sporadic time to a very public comment from me or it is.

[3:03:19] I watched about six, seven people leave from here.

[3:03:23] At 140, what does come back? It's been three hours. So you have no respect, that's like a big FU to those people.

[3:03:29] For whatever reason you chose and you know we're going to finish up, you guys came back, how was like three hours?

[3:03:34] Oh, it's going to be over the last 10 minutes. You guys are going to learn or you'll have your time.

[3:03:41] I can only do so much maybe of this, but let's see.

[3:03:52] And council, if you'd please let your clients know that not to violate my rights under the Brown Act and this is the last time I'm going to ask.

[3:04:04] Sure, come on up and thank you for being patient.

[3:04:15] Council, first I'd like to, I'm going to direct this that you present.

[3:04:28] But thank you to council.

[3:04:30] I pray for coming and talking with me to address my concerns before you guys went to your closed council meeting.

[3:04:35] There is not here, but this is probably going to be the first and only time based on the outcome of this.

[3:04:42] Thank you for bringing up the elephant in the room, cross the nation with what's going on with ice right now.

[3:04:49] I'm here to ask the council and the and the mayor.

[3:04:54] What are we going to do to secure to make sure that our citizens are safe here in Fresno and my mean we have nothing to do with Baker so but it does say a lot as far as our actions to protect everyone who is here in the city of Fresno documented and non documented.

[3:05:11] We have proclamations all the time where we are honoring all our ethnic communities and so we all know what how vibrant it is here in Fresno with everyone that contributes to what makes Fresno great.

[3:05:25] Now I'm not just speaking on and alert because we know that ice has terrorized communities families on many ways.

[3:05:37] Children who being dropped off at school being picked up people who are visiting their court appearances or ice meetings are just subject to these domestic terrorist mass goons who are separating families and destroying this country one.

[3:05:53] So I've waited here all day to be heard because it's something extremely important to me.

[3:05:58] The group that I co-founded Fresno resistance along with every other organization and group here in Fresno that stands to defend our citizens and inform everyone about their rights regarding ice so now I'm asking you guys what are you going to do what is a city having planned to protect our citizens.

[3:06:17] What is the mayor have in plan you guys are elected officials throughout your districts and you guys have influence among everyone within those districts so what are you guys doing individually to protect us.

[3:06:30] It's insane you guys are all you guys are all aware of it and I know I'm frustrated so forgive me for piping up but I've sat here all day just.

[3:06:39] Festoring this anger and thinking about everybody else here in Fresno and in Bakersfield and all over the central valley who was affected by these mass terrorists.

[3:06:48] Just administrations regard disregard for our public outcry citizens outcry across the nation along with safety and like I said it's.

[3:06:58] Regarding for our constitutional rights is it's been spoken out and everyone sees it now it's time for Fresno to speak up and let it citizens know what it's going to do for them.

[3:07:08] We pay taxes are non documented citizens pay taxes and I think it's it's worth noting that you guys should be able to come forward and say we have a plan to protect Fresno and it's citizens documented are not.

[3:07:26] Thank you.

[3:07:29] Thank you again thank you for being here today.

[3:07:32] Any more members of the public wishing to comment on unskittled communication at this time.

[3:07:38] Not seeing anybody come forward we're going to end unskittled communication before we get to think of city attorneys comments.

[3:07:46] I do want to ask the city attorney and the city clerk question if you can just clarify for me.

[3:07:52] Any items we review in the agenda presentations as well are they available to the public beforehand.

[3:08:02] If you can speak of the microphone sorry.

[3:08:05] All items that are included with the agenda with regard to any information announcements or attachments are available to the public both on our website.

[3:08:18] They're also available in our office if you come to our office and request to view those items they are available.

[3:08:24] We provide here just a copy of the agenda the actual documents that we have for the meetings total at this particular meeting 1,000 pages at the last meeting it was 1,300 pages so it would be difficult to provide.

[3:08:46] They're available in person at request or online.

[3:08:49] Absolutely.

[3:08:51] Did the council permit the public to comment before we took a vote on any items before we took the vote.

[3:08:59] Was the public provided an opportunity to provide input.

[3:09:02] Yes we were in compliance with public comment.

[3:09:04] All right and then did you either of you observe us as the council violate anyone's rights into the Ralph M. Brown Act.

[3:09:13] Excuse me.

[3:09:14] Okay.

[3:09:15] I'm a lawyer.

[3:09:16] Thank you. I just want that on the record.

[3:09:17] Okay. I do have some cards.

[3:09:19] I don't believe there's still here but Alfred.

[3:09:22] Oh thank you sir.

[3:09:24] Thank you.

[3:09:25] And then we have Jim Ellis are.

[3:09:28] And then Mr. Hernandez.

[3:09:30] I think it's Rondo Hernandez.

[3:09:33] Okay.

[3:09:34] All right.

[3:09:35] Just want to make sure.

[3:09:36] Okay.

[3:09:37] City attorney you have the floor.

[3:09:39] Thank you.

[3:09:40] I have a report from close session.

[3:09:42] Good afternoon.

[3:09:43] By a vote in close session.

[3:09:45] The Fresno City Council has issued a limited waiver of the attorney client privilege to allow the city attorney to disclose.

[3:09:52] That the city attorney's office properly advised former council member Luis Chavez.

[3:09:58] In January of 2023.

[3:10:01] That any future agreements with LGSC for the same services prior was required to go to the city council.

[3:10:08] For authorization under Fresno municipal code section.

[3:10:12] 4-107 sub e.

[3:10:15] Thank you so much city attorney.

[3:10:20] And with that meeting adjourned at 453 p.

[3:10:23] Oh I'm sorry.

[3:10:24] Council member.

[3:10:25] I just need one comment.

[3:10:26] I apologize.

[3:10:27] One comment.

[3:10:28] Thanks.

[3:10:29] This is to the council a little bit.

[3:10:31] But mostly to the city departments.

[3:10:34] There's a gentleman who popped in earlier to drop off a thank you card.

[3:10:37] There was some work done by just one of those on the record by public works.

[3:10:41] Getting out and repairing a gutter and large water spill in front of a veteran's home.

[3:10:45] It takes care of his middle age disabled son.

[3:10:48] And he just wanted me to on the record pass on the thanks to the workers in the city streets with public works.

[3:10:54] So that's all I had.

[3:10:55] Council president.

[3:10:57] Thank you sir.

[3:10:58] Council member.

[3:10:59] And with that meeting adjourned at 9.54 p.m.

[3:11:02] Thank you.

[3:11:03] 4.54 p.m.

City Council on 2026-01-15 9:00 AM - Regular Meeting

Agenda

Transcript