Public Meetings - Fresno, California

The Fresno Planning Commission held a public hearing on August 25, 2026, to consider the Southeast Development Area (SATA) Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The meeting featured extensive public testimony, staff presentations, and commissioner deliberation. Ultimately, the commission voted 6–1 to recommend certification of the EIR and approval of the specific plan with an amendment to strengthen the community benefit fund language. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the August 5, 2026, commission meeting (Commissioner Holt abstained, noting she was not in attendance at that meeting). Public Comments & Testimony - Supporters (5 speakers): Bill Betts (Betts Company), Pete Weber (Fresno Bridge Academy), Ben Granholm (Invest Fresno), Charles Rigby (Fresno County Economic Development Corporation), and Samantha Forge (Fresno Chamber of Commerce) all urged approval of South SATA as a job-creating, tax-revenue-generating first phase. They argued that Fresno needs planned employment lands to compete with Visalia and Madera, that the plan includes responsible phasing, and that delay harms working families who must commute. - Opponents (many speakers): Residents, community organizations, and school district representatives raised concerns about: lack of a complete financial analysis; inflated population projections; potential school closures (Fresno Unified and Central Unified trustees testified); insufficient protections for existing rural residents (community benefit fund described as unenforceable); data center loopholes in "flexible research and development" land use; harm to existing neighborhoods (especially Southwest Fresno); and the plan's fiscal feasibility. Speakers included Janelle Cabrera (BHC), Debbie Bickham (resident), Alan Cederquist, Kay Bertkin (League of Women Voters), Kathy Caples, Steve Sachs, Rhonda DeWitt (Jackson CDC), Brett Thompson (SATA resident), Elizabeth Sandberg, Helen Ramming, David Ramming, Mark Marshall (Central USD Superintendent), Nand Deep Singh (Central USD board), Beva Islas (FUSD board president), Daniel O'Connell (Central Valley Partnership), and others. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: Adrian Azador and Gilbert from Planning and Development presented the SATA plan, including background, land uses, phasing thresholds (75% residential occupancy before next phase), a voter referendum requirement for future phases, and policy revisions protecting rural residential uses, horse keeping, and community benefit fund. The EIR consultant, Phil Alt, addressed technical CEQA questions. - Commissioner Questions: Commissioners sought clarity on fiscal analysis timing, enforcement of the 75% threshold, water supply mitigation, population projections, and the community benefit fund's legal teeth. Director Clark explained the planning commission's role is consistency with the general plan, not detailed financing, which is the council's purview. Commissioner Shergill expressed concern about equity and resources for minority communities. - Public Rebuttal: The applicant had no final rebuttal. Key Outcomes - Motion (by Chair Bray, seconded by Commissioner Holt): To recommend to the City Council: - Certification of the final EIR. - Adoption of findings of fact and statement of overriding considerations. - Adoption of the mitigation monitoring and reporting program. - Approval of the plan amendment adopting the SATA Specific Plan and updated General Plan land use map. - Addition: Recommend the City Council strengthen the community benefit fund provisions to ensure a mandatory, self-executing, meaningful, dedicated, and ongoing funding mechanism that directly benefits existing SATA residents. - Vote: 6–1 (Commissioner Shergill voted no). - Next Steps: The matter will go to the City Council for final action, with a fiscal analysis workshop scheduled for September 3, 2026. The planning commission will also hold training workshops on September 2, 2026.

The Fresno Historic Preservation Commission met on August 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Commissioners considered the eligibility of a former IRS processing center for the Local Register of Historic Resources, received a workshop on proposed federal changes to Section 106 regulations, and heard monthly staff updates. Five commissioners were present (Chair Sponsler, Vice Chair Hatwig, Commissioners Federico, Johnston, Eddings); two were absent (Commissioners Halajian and Laval). The meeting was adjourned at 7:06 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Item VII‑A (5045 E Butler Ave – eligibility hearing): One member of the public, Bob Bethel, spoke in support of listing the property, emphasizing its long‑standing presence and meaning in the neighborhood. One member of the public, Beth Stevens (resident and former educator), spoke in opposition, expressing a desire for a community‑serving use such as a children’s museum on the site, though she acknowledged limited familiarity with local history. The applicant’s representative, Daniel Cho, addressed the Commission, arguing that the building does not represent pure Brutalist architecture and questioning its architectural significance, but acknowledged the broader historical evaluation in the report. Discussion Items - VII‑A – Eligibility of 5045 E Butler Ave (the former IRS West Coast Processing Center): Staff (Ashley Atkinson) presented the property’s history (constructed 1970‑1971, designed by noted local architect Walter Wagner), its role as a major employer (peak of 5,700 workers) and catalyst for Southeast Fresno development, and the Historic Resource Assessment conclusions that the building retains integrity and meets Criteria 1 (association with events) and 3 (embodies distinctive architectural characteristics of Brutalism / work of a master). Commissioners discussed the period of significance (proposed to be extended from 1971‑1976 to cover the entire operational period through 2021), noted the presence of a non‑historic mural (dated 2003), and expressed interest in touring the property. After deliberation, the Commission found the property eligible as a historic resource at the local level. - VII‑B – Workshop on Proposed Amendments to Section 106 Implementing Regulations: Ashley Losco (Rincon Consultants) detailed three major proposed regulatory changes: increased federal agency discretion to shorten or waive review; removal of mandatory consultation with tribes, state/local governments, and the public; and narrowing the definition of “undertakings” and “historic properties” to exclude archaeological sites, tribal cultural resources, and cultural landscapes. She noted that state and local protections (CEQA, Fresno Historic Preservation Ordinance) would remain in effect. No public comment was offered. Commissioners asked about impacts on projects with federal funding and whether the City plans to respond; staff replied that no determination has been made. - VII‑C – Monthly Staff and Subcommittee Updates: Staff reported: (1) The City is awaiting further information from the property owner of the Brewer Adobe; Rincon Consultants are assessing the building’s condition and preservation feasibility, with a site visit possible. (2) Stantec has completed field surveys for the Chinatown Historic District Survey and is conducting additional research; an update is expected next month. (3) Rincon is now fully integrated into project review; lower‑level reviews remain with city staff while complex cases go to Rincon. (4) Planning entitlements, building permits, and Section 106 reviews continue to be processed on schedule; no new Mills Act applications were reported, but three are being processed with site visits anticipated within the next month and contracts expected in the fall. (5) The Architectural Review Subcommittee had no items; the Municipal Code Subcommittee held a second working session to modify code portions. Key Outcomes - 5045 E Butler Ave – Designation Initiated: The Commission voted 5‑0 to initiate designation of the property for listing on the Local Register of Historic Resources (motion by Vice Chair Hatwig, seconded by Commissioner Federico). The finding of eligibility under Criteria 1 and 3 was approved. Future steps include formal designation proceedings and separate review of any redevelopment project through the Planning Commission and City Council. - Section 106 Workshop – No Action Taken: The workshop was informational; no vote was taken. Commissioners may consider submitting comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) or contacting federal representatives. - Mills Act Applications: Three applications are in process; site visits are expected within the next month, with contracts to be brought to the Commission for approval this fall. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for September 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

The Building Standards Appeals Board held a regular meeting on August 25, 2026, at Fresno City Hall. The board addressed two progress hearings on code enforcement cases and received a workshop on Robert's Rules of Order. All votes were unanimous. Note: The minutes provided for this meeting are dated August 18, 2026, creating a date discrepancy; the meeting date used here follows the provided instruction. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the August 4, 2026 regular meeting (ID 26-1095) unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items VIII-A: Progress Hearing – 3436 N Virginia Lane (Case E25-13830) - Deputy City Attorney Calvin Massey reported that an inspection scheduled for August 12, 2026, did not occur. He recommended a 60-day continuance to allow the appellant to work with Planning & Development and obtain the required inspection. Appellant Catarino Pardo expressed frustration over the missed inspection (the third such occurrence) but stated readiness to complete the work with a contractor, awaiting city specifications. The board expressed concern about the missed inspections and encouraged the building official to investigate the system. A motion for a 60-day continuance passed unanimously. VIII-B: Progress Hearing – 1347 E. Shields Ave. (Case E25-16660) - Deputy City Attorney Christina Pina reviewed the case. The appellant, Ms. Porter (a traveling nurse working in the Bay Area), was unable to attend but had made progress by completing a consultation with Planning on July 2, 2026. The inspection revealed multiple unpermitted alterations (conversion of a permitted bedroom into a second unit, addition of kitchen/restroom, conversion of unpermitted patio). Ms. Porter is awaiting determination from Building & Safety on which building code year (2005 or 2026) applies. The board clarified that Planning does not make that determination; Building & Safety does. Pina agreed to follow up. The board approved a 60-day continuance unanimously. VIII-C: Workshop – Robert’s Rules of Order - Senior Deputy City Attorney Daniel Casas presented a workshop on Robert's Rules of Order to ensure orderly, fair, and transparent meetings. Topics included meeting structure, chairperson role, speaker recognition, motion procedures, and voting methods. Board members asked about quorum requirements (3 out of 5 constitutes a quorum) and whether roll-call votes should be used for complex or contentious matters. The workshop concluded with no formal action taken. Reports by Board Members - None. Report by Secretary - Interim Building Official Bill Hayes introduced himself, noting he is serving at the pleasure of the City and offered assistance. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 1:36 p.m. after a motion and unanimous vote. Note: The official minutes list the meeting date as August 18, 2026, while the summary instruction specified August 25, 2026. This discrepancy is recorded here for clarity.

The newly established Commission on Family Affordability and Childcare Access (CFACA) held its first regular meeting on Friday, August 21, 2026. The meeting was scheduled for 10:00 AM and Chair Tyler Maxwell called it to order at 10:06 AM in the Council Chambers at Fresno City Hall. Commissioners Annalisa Perea and Nelson Esparza were present, establishing a quorum. The meeting adjourned at 10:18 AM. Member Reports and Comments - Commissioner Perea expressed gratitude to her colleagues and said childcare is an issue not often discussed at the city level despite its impact on families' ability to work. She noted that a lack of affordable, quality childcare often forces women to stay home, and she encouraged collaboration with nonprofit and county partners to identify gaps in childcare access and affordability. She said her time on the Commission would be brief and that she looks forward to supporting its work in a future state-level role. - Commissioner Esparza thanked the Council Vice President for creating the Commission, noted that this was not the City's first involvement in childcare policy because of prior COVID-era efforts to increase childcare capacity, and said he was pleased the City is formalizing and strengthening its support for families in a structural and sustainable way. - Chair Maxwell said he initiated the Commission because childcare is one of the largest economic and financial hurdles facing Fresno families. He stated that some families pay between $1,500 and $2,000 per month for childcare for one child, amounts comparable to a mortgage, rent, or utility bills. He also noted that even if every family could afford care, there are not enough childcare slots, and that high costs do not translate into higher wages for childcare workers. He said the Commission's purpose is to develop policy solutions to reduce the childcare burden, support new childcare businesses, improve worker compensation, and explore long-term subsidized childcare options. Public Comments & Testimony - Aldo Andres Alvarado, identifying himself as Commissioner Alvarado with Fresno EOC Fresno, spoke during unscheduled communication. He called the Commission an amazing opportunity for Fresno families and his organization, and expressed interest in partnering to create long-term positive solutions that support parents pursuing education or entering the workforce. Hearings - Item 8-A (ID 26-1128) – Adopt the Calendar Year 2026 CFACA Calendar: Chair Maxwell presented the proposed meeting calendar for the remainder of 2026: Wednesday, September 2; Wednesday, October 7; Wednesday, November 4; and Wednesday, December 2, all at 10:00 AM in the Council Chambers. He noted that future meetings would include the full commission. No public comments were received and there was no Commission discussion. The motion by Commissioner Perea, seconded by Commissioner Esparza, passed unanimously 3-0. - Item 8-B (ID 26-1130) – Approve Appointments of Community Commissioners: Chair Maxwell appointed Aldo Andres A. Alvarado Rebolledo, Andrea Cervantes Woods, Cindy J Hernandez, Debra D. Young, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Fabiola González, Lavera L Smith, and Ofelia Gonzalez as community commissioners. No public comments were received and there was no Commission discussion. The motion by Commissioner Esparza, seconded by Commissioner Perea, passed unanimously 3-0. Key Outcomes - The agenda was approved unanimously by a 3-0 vote on a motion by Commissioner Esparza, seconded by Commissioner Perea. - The item for approval of minutes was not considered at this inaugural meeting. - The 2026 CFACA meeting calendar was adopted unanimously 3-0. - Eight community commissioners were appointed unanimously 3-0. - The meeting adjourned at 10:18 AM.

The Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission (PRAC) met in regular session on Monday, August 17, 2026, in Council Chambers at Fresno City Hall. The agenda listed a 5:30 PM start; Chair Kimberly McCoy called the meeting to order at 5:40 PM. Five commissioners were present (McCoy, Ward, Dohlin, Duran, and Kucharski) and three were absent (Barraza, Caglia, and Miller). The meeting covered approval of the July 20, 2026 minutes, an update on the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture (EAAC) grant program, public comments, and subcommittee appointments. Consent Calendar - Approval of the July 20, 2026 meeting minutes (Item 26-1077): Approved unanimously, 5-0, on a motion by Commissioner Duran, seconded by Vice Chair Ward. No changes were proposed. Public Comments & Testimony - A speaker reported that temporary PARCS staff were notified by email that their temporary positions had ended, without any prior conversation, and described the past few weeks as very difficult. - A speaker stated that a group with a 27-year partnership with the Parks and Recreation program was eliminated without communication. - Parvin, an artist and grant applicant, expressed frustration with the EAAC grant process, saying grantees were asked to itemize roughly 10–20 expense items each and to go store-by-store to pull individual receipts. Parvin described the changing requirements as confusing and misdirecting, and said the process discouraged artists from participating in future public funding opportunities. - A representative of the Juneteenth project stated that the Fresno Arts Council directed them to move forward with the project despite not having received funding, and that after submitting requested materials they were repeatedly told an additional document requirement was needed that the Arts Council and city had not communicated. The speaker said this eroded trust among artists, organizations, fiscal sponsors, and the city. Discussion Items - EAAC Grant Program Update (subcommittee/staff report): PARCS staff presented the status of the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture grant program. The city is working through a multi-step payment process, including using two different agreements for one project where needed to get grantees their money faster while maintaining public accountability. Staff described an internal review form that tracks reopened items and follow-up questions, twice-weekly internal meetings to resolve issues, and a dashboard updated daily at fresno.gov/EAAC, where recorded meetings are also posted. A recent session had 20 in-person attendees, and a grant-writing workshop was held on August 6. Staff plan to spend the next week developing an application tool for scoring committee members, with at least 30 days of outreach, and will send another survey after the next workshop. - Grant administration questions: Commissioners asked whether the documentation requirements were pre-existing or newly imposed by the city. Staff responded that the city verifies where payments go and that some grantees are unresponsive, requiring repeated outreach. Eligibility is pre-screened through Submittable before applicants receive the grant application, and ineligibility determinations are documented with specific reasons for the record. - Future of Fresno Arts Council responsibilities: A commissioner asked whether the city is in talks with another arts agency to take over the responsibilities previously handled by the Fresno Arts Council, or whether the program will remain housed in the city. - Commissioner positions: Commissioner Dohlin echoed support for the city's handling of the grant transition, calling it a tremendous job on an unprecedented situation, and pushed back on a concern about overlap between phases two and three of the grant process, stating the overlap is not a problem at all. A commissioner questioned how grantees who had not received their full cycle-two funding could be expected to apply for cycle three. Another commissioner cautioned against delay, noting that if the work slips into October, the commission meets twice a week and time is of the essence. - Subcommittee appointment: The Commission considered appointments to a subcommittee. A commissioner said they would have nominated Laura (Ward) but had no room on their calendar, and a commissioner noted that Commissioner Barraza, while absent, was unlikely to have a conflict of interest because he would not serve on the commission if he did. The City Attorney advised that a subcommittee has no quorum requirement and may function with two members, as it did after a prior resignation. The motion to appoint Chair McCoy, Commissioner Barraza, and Commissioner Duran, made by Commissioner Dohlin and seconded by Commissioner Kucharski, was adopted 5-0. Commissioners discussed scheduling subcommittee meetings after the 15th at 1:00 PM. Key Outcomes - Approved the July 20, 2026 minutes unanimously (5-0). - Appointed Chair McCoy, Commissioner Barraza, and Commissioner Duran to the subcommittee (5-0). - Staff will continue EAAC grant outreach, build the scoring committee application tool with at least 30 days of outreach, and schedule subcommittee meetings after the 15th at 1:00 PM. - Chair McCoy adjourned the meeting in memory of Dr. [last name not legible in the provided materials].

The Fresno City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, August 13, 2026, beginning at 9:06 AM in the Council Chambers. Council President Nelson Esparza presided with six members present (Councilmember Mike Karbassi absent). The agenda was approved as amended after several items were removed or tabled. The meeting included ceremonial presentations, approval of the consent calendar, discussion of three contested consent items, a closed session, and unscheduled public communication. The council adjourned from closed session at 3:11 PM. Ceremonial Presentations - Proclamation of "Rhyen Simon Valdez Day" – Presented by Vice President Maxwell and Councilmember Richardson. Family and friends spoke in honor of Ryan Valdez, a U.S. Army veteran and Fresno State graduate who passed away on May 14, 2026. Fresno State presented his posthumous diploma. - Proclamation "Celebrating Broadway Parque and South Tower Community Land Trust" – Presented by Councilmember Arias, recognizing the first anniversary of Broadway Parque and the fourth anniversary of the South Tower Community Land Trust. The park was built with Measure P funds and represents the first green space in the South Tower District in over 30 years. Consent Calendar - Approved on consent (vote 5-0, Arias absent): - Minutes for June 8, 2026 special and July 30, 2026 regular meetings. - Ordinance 2026-23: Adoption of B-22 amending the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance. - Second Amendment to Ground Lease with SkyWest Airlines at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (potential revenue $8,369,791.60 plus CPI adjustments). - Contract change order with Harris Development ($0 with 47 additional days) for security fence improvements at pump stations. - Cedar Avenue at Shields Avenue and Fountain Way Intersection Enhancements: adopted Resolution 2026-181 appropriating $850,700 and awarded $945,221 contract to Avison Construction. - Third Amendment to Consultant Agreement with Provost & Pritchard ($76,243) for River West Eaton Trail Extension design (total $1,755,134). - Change Order No. 1 with Avison Construction for Blackstone Smart Mobility Project ($951,860 increase; total not to exceed $5,960,857). - First Amendment with Willdan Financial Services ($134,098 increase, total $384,098). - Services Agreement with Fresno/Clovis Convention and Visitors Bureau for Tourism Business Improvement District management. - Master Tax-Exempt Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement with Bank of America Public Capital Corp (five-year term; Resolution 2026-193 adopted). - Ordinance 2026-24: Adoption of B-23 adopting 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map. - Lease with Anoush Chamlian Trust for office space at 621 Santa Fe Avenue ($305,505 annually plus CAM charges). - First Amendment to Consultant Agreement with Stantec Consulting ($100,000 increase, total $201,750; term extended to December 31, 2030). - Introduction of B-25 amending Electric Vehicle Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Station review process. - First Amendment to Service Agreement with Poverello House (no additional funds) for ERF-3 outreach. - First Amendment to Copper River Transfer Agreement extending Sewer Equivalent Dwelling Units eligibility to additional 109 acres. - Resolution 2026-194: Summary vacation of street easement on Mono Street. - Resolution 2026-195: Dedicating city-owned property for street purposes at California Avenue and Fresno Street. - Professional Engineering Services agreement with Provost & Pritchard ($112,922.22) for ADA-compliant bus stop design. - Service contract with Alta Planning & Design ($399,931) for transit design guidelines for FAX network. - Rejection of all bids for FAX Administration Building parking lot shade structure; staff directed to rebid. - Third Amendment with PCubed Associates ($161,400, total $854,000) for FAX Maintenance Facility HVAC improvements. - Reappointment of Christina Garza and appointment of Carla Tweed to the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board. Public Comments & Testimony Public Comment on Consent, Contested Consent, and Closed Session Items: - Elijah Devila (volunteer, Valle Project/Tobacco-Free Coalition) – Supported the Tobacco Retailer's License (TRL), urged ending flavored tobacco sales and restricting proximity to youth places. - Bill Bunnell (APCA board member) – Requested delay to discuss amendments; suggested minimum margin pricing and noted similarity to neighborhood market act. - Daniel Gonzalez (co-chair, Fresno County Tobacco Free Coalition) – Supported TRL with amendments: limiting density, prohibiting new retailers within 1,000 feet of youth-oriented areas, ending flavored tobacco sales with no exemptions, and mandatory annual inspections. - Andy Chukara (APCA) – Requested delay to allow stakeholder input; noted insufficient time to review ordinance. - Balwinder Singh (APCA chapter president) – Supported 90% of ordinance but asked for stakeholder engagement; requested delay. - Baolia Xiong (District 1 resident, Tobacco Free Coalition) – Supported TRL as sustainable enforcement mechanism. - Jasmine Bunvestro (American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network) – Supported TRL and urged comprehensive provisions including strong fees, penalties, flavor ban, and inspections. - Sukhbir Bhandal – Opposed new fees; urged enforcement of existing regulations. - Krista (vendor) – Raised concerns about vague language in sidewalk vending ordinance regarding services. - David Rios (volunteer, Valle Project) – Supported TRL, asked for restrictions on flavored tobacco, proximity, and discounts. - Joseph Rodriguez (Zoom) – Criticized number of closed session litigation items and council attendance at previous day's special meeting. - Bryan Lam (California Fuels and Convenience Alliance) – Requested delay to collect stakeholder input; warned distancing restrictions could shift sales to illicit market. - Julio Lopez (Youth Leadership Institute) – Supported TRL with coalition recommendations. - Lisa Flores (Zoom) – Supported strict tobacco restrictions (1000 ft proximity too short); also commented on closed session litigation costs and council attendance. Unscheduled Communication (after closed session): - Krista Randa – Spoke against Flock cameras, requested community meeting on safety. - Renee Campus (Zoom) – Comment cut off after racial slurs. - Brandi Nuse-Villegas (Zoom) – Expressed disappointment about lack of quorum at previous day's special meeting on Measure C; requested consistent timing for public comment. - Lisa Flores (Zoom) – Asked about transparency on lawsuit payouts (referencing $15.5 million judgment and $40,000 interest) and litigation expense reimbursement from county; criticized council attendance. Discussion Items Contested Consent Items: - 2-H (ID 26-1040) – Measure C Extension Annual Allocation: Councilmember Richardson moved to contested consent for discussion. Staff explained annual apportionment for fiscal year 2026-2027. Approved 4-0 (Perea, Arias absent; Karbassi absent). - 2-M (ID 26-998) – Lease with Loperena Antenna Sites: Councilmember Richardson moved to contested consent to discuss communication capabilities. CIO Brian Horn explained the site is critical for public safety radio coverage across Fresno. Lease approved 5-0 (Perea, Karbassi absent). - 2-Z (ID 26-1048) – Tobacco Retailer's License Ordinance (B-24): Extensive discussion led by Councilmember Richardson who proposed amendments: transferability of licenses with violation history; delineation between administrative/code violations and sales violations; exemption for businesses with CUPs; addition of sensitive location distance language in application process. City Attorney advised that material changes would require reintroduction and a third reading. Councilmember Arias raised concerns about transferability and enforcement history. Councilmember Perea supported tabling for further collaboration. After debate, a motion to table to the next regular meeting (August 27, 2026) passed 6-0 (Karbassi absent). Other Items: - Item 2-P (Salary Resolution for personal security expenses) tabled by Councilmember Arias. - Item 3-A (South SEDA Economic Analysis workshop) moved to September 3, 2026 by staff. - Several closed session items moved to August 27, 2026. Councilmember Reports: - Councilmember Arias: Deadline for Fiestas Patrias vendor registration is August 14. - Councilmember Vang: Completed second annual backpack giveaways at Jackson Elementary and Sequoia Middle School; thanked partners. - Councilmember Richardson: Grand opening of UCP+ at Maple and Nees; expanded services for individuals with varying abilities. - Council President Esparza: Final "Beat the Heat" event at Romain Park had over 1,000 attendees; reminded public of new 20 mph school zone speed limits; invited community to cleanup at Holmes Playground; provided update on Measure C—Fresno County Clerk lacks documents for November 2026 ballot, two lawsuits pending, only city's backstop tax measure currently on ballot. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved 5-0 (Arias absent). - Measure C annual allocation (2-H) approved 4-0 (Perea, Arias absent; Karbassi absent). - Loperena Antenna Site lease (2-M) approved 5-0 (Perea, Karbassi absent). - Tobacco Retailer's License (2-Z) tabled to August 27, 2026 meeting by a 6-0 vote. - Closed session: Discussed labor negotiations, five existing litigation cases, and two anticipated litigation cases. Reported out: Council voted 6-0 to initiate litigation against an unnamed defendant (Item 5-F). - Next regular meeting: August 27, 2026 at 9:00 AM. Note: The meeting took place on August 13, 2026; Councilmember Karbassi was absent; Councilmember Arias was absent for the vote on the consent calendar but present for other votes.

The City of Fresno City Council special meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM was cancelled because the council did not have a quorum. The agenda's sole item was a resolution to remove the City's general tax measure from the November 3, 2026 County of Fresno ballot. No discussion or votes took place. Cancellation - The meeting was cancelled due to no quorum. Only Councilmember Perea's presence is recorded in the transcript before the proceedings ended. Key Outcomes - No action was taken on Resolution ID 26-1098 or any other agenda item. - The special meeting adjourned without a quorum, so no official business was conducted.

Note on date discrepancy: The meeting minutes list the meeting date as Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM, but the instructions for this summary specify August 6, 2026 16:45:00+00:00. This summary uses the date as instructed. The Planning Commission held a workshop on the Southeast Development Area (SEDA) Specific Plan and its Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The workshop was informational; the formal public hearing and recommendation to the City Council is scheduled for August 19, 2026. The commission also approved the consent calendar, received a commissioner report on infrastructure, and continued two items to the August 19 meeting. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent calendar unanimously (6-0, with Commissioner Holt absent), including the July 1, 2026 Planning Commission regular meeting minutes. Reports by Commissioners - Commissioner Shergill reported on the success of the “Pave Now, Pay Later” program, highlighting improvements along Shields Avenue from Brawley to Highway 99. He noted that residents expressed appreciation for the transformation and extended gratitude to Mayor Dyer for supporting ongoing infrastructure repairs. Continued Matters - Item ID 26-1033 (Plan Amendment, Rezone, Vesting Tentative Tract Map, Planned Development Permit for approximately 8.47 acres at northeast corner of East Copper Avenue and North Portofino Drive) and Item ID 26-1034 (Plan Amendment and Rezone, Conditional Use Permit for an automated car wash on ±0.84 acres north of East Copper Avenue) were both continued to August 19, 2026. Workshop on Southeast Development Area (SEDA) Specific Plan (Discussion Items) - Staff (Israel Trejo, Planning Manager, and Adrienne Asadoorian, Planning Supervisor) presented a comprehensive workshop reviewing the history of Fresno’s long-range planning, the role of general and specific plans, and the evolution of the SEDA area. The SEDA specific plan covers approximately 9,000 acres generally bounded by Gould Canal, McCall and Highland, Jensen and North, and Temperance and Minnewawa. The plan accommodates 40,000-45,000 dwelling units and 30,000-37,000 jobs. Council directed that Phase 1 (South SEDA) be the only area where development is permitted at adoption, with future phases subject to thresholds: 75% of residential land use in the current phase must be developed and occupied, followed by a supplemental EIR and fiscal analysis, and a potential voter referendum. - Key policy revisions responding to public concerns include: creation of a community benefit fund to cover water and sewer connection costs for rural residential properties; protections for existing rural residential uses through the annexed rural residential transitional overlay; clarification of connection requirements to city services; and buffering of Lone Star Elementary School. - The EIR analyzed multiple alternatives; the consolidated business park alternative (which consolidates flexible R&D uses south of Jensen and residential uses east of Temperance) was identified as the environmentally superior alternative and selected with modifications per council direction. - Commissioners asked questions about funding for the community benefit fund, impacts on infill development, sewer capacity, and whether public concerns were addressed. Staff confirmed capacity exists, and numerous policy updates were made. Key Outcomes - The workshop was informational; no decisions were made. The formal public hearing and recommendation to the City Council will occur on August 19, 2026. - The commission will have a full panel when Commissioner Jaime Holt returns at the next meeting. - The meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM.

The Building Standards Appeals Board met on August 6, 2026, with three members present (Vice Chair Scott Vincent, Board Members Daniel Field and Scott Mears) and two absent (Chair Imelda Golik and Board Member Rick Ransom). The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. and adjourned at 1:12 p.m. The board approved the agenda and consent calendar, and conducted a progress hearing on a code enforcement case, among other business. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the July 7, 2026 Building Standards Appeals Board regular meeting. (Vote: 3-0) Discussion Items - Progress Hearing – Case E26-04602 (2220 N. Weber Ave. / 1827 W. Clinton Ave.): City Attorney Sarah Papazian presented the progress hearing regarding an April 9, 2026 Notice and Order with seven violations. As of the previous hearing on June 2, 2026, six violations had been corrected; only unpermitted exterior siding remained outstanding. The appellants had submitted two pre-siding applications on April 27, 2026, but both inspections on May 13, 2026 failed. Since then, no further permits, inspections, or communications had been recorded. The appellant was not present. Based on the lack of progress, staff recommended the board determine no substantial progress and double the associated fees and costs. Key Outcomes - The board approved a motion (Field/Mears) to adopt Option i, determining that the appellants had not made substantial progress toward correcting the outstanding violations, and ordering double the fines and all allowable costs and fees. (Vote: 3-0) Secretary's Report - Assistant Director Ashley Atkinson announced that Eric Frampton’s last day with the city was in early July. A recruitment for a new Building Services Manager has been posted. The city has contracted with InterWest for certified building official support; William “Bill” Hayes will serve in that role and act as secretary for future meetings, effective next meeting. No public comments were received, and no other matters were discussed.