The Fresno City Council met on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from approximately 9:00 AM to 4:52 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, a lengthy consent calendar, three public hearings (eminent domain, rezone for an adult day care, and the Central Southeast Area Specific Plan), contested consent items for homeless shelter contracts, and a closed session resulting in a vote to initiate litigation to protect federal grants. A significant portion of the afternoon was consumed by debate over the Central Southeast Area Specific Plan, which was ultimately tabled to March 19, 2026.
Oh nee, twenty. Good morning, everyone. We want to thank you. You are the most patient city in the world. We did have a wonderful reception this morning for Black History Month. Thank you to Councilmember Esparza for putting that together and his staff, and for all of you who were here to enjoy that and some of the great food and company. Yes, thank you. Good morning. Councilmember Perea present. Councilmember excuse me, Council President Carbasi. Here. Council Member Arias. Councilmember Maxwell. Absent. Councilmember Vang. Present. Council Member Richardson. Council Vice President Esparza. Present. With six members being present, we have a quorum. And for the record, Councilmember Maxwell does have an excused absence today. Okay, next is invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Invocation is going to be by our good friend from Northwest Fresno, Rabbi Rick Winer. I had to throw the Northwest President there, sir. I had to do it. So glad to have you here, Rabbi. Floor is yours. It's an honor to be here. Thank you. The new moon with a special blessing. By no accident, this coincided with the Asian Lunar New Year as we enter the year of the fire horse. And the same moment began the holy month of Ramadan on the Muslim calendar. Each of these traditions tie to the cycles of the moon. Today our city council recognizes Black History Month, and I can't help but think about the moon's important role shining the way along the Underground Railroad. Each of these commemorations remind us of our connections to the moon and our place in the cycle of nature and our common interest as members of this wondrous world of creation. The ancient Jewish prayer for peace looks to the heavens and the heavenly bodies and wonders at their harmony as we recite Ose Shalom Bim Ramav Huya Assis Shalom Alennu. May the one who makes peace in the heavens bring peace, completion, harmony upon us. And may this week's recognition of the moon inspire us with divine harmony and give us strength in our continual efforts to nurture harmony here on earth, here in Fresno, for the beautiful diverse tapestry of humanity that calls our city home. Thank you. Thank you so much, Rabbi. Councilmember Richardson, would you honor us by leading the Pledge of Allegiance? Good morning, President. You are my recordings for your heart or military. Welcome to present military salute and salute. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible for the liberty and justice for all. And before we approve the agenda, we do have so many great people here. Some of you are here regularly at meetings. We have, of course, law enforcement here.