OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Fresno City Council Regular Meeting - February 19, 2026

City Council & Commissions — Thursday, February 19, 2026
BodyFresno, California
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateThursday, February 19, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 8:35:25

Transcript — Verbatim
1:00:02

Oh nee, twenty.

1:13:02

Good morning, everyone.

1:13:04

We want to thank you.

1:13:05

You are the most patient city in the world.

1:13:08

We did have a wonderful reception this morning for Black History Month.

1:13:11

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.

1:13:26

Yes, thank you.

1:13:27

Good morning.

1:13:27

Councilmember Perea present.

1:13:29

Councilmember excuse me, Council President Carbasi.

1:13:32

Here.

1:13:32

Council Member Arias.

1:13:35

Councilmember Maxwell.

1:13:37

Absent.

1:13:38

Councilmember Vang.

1:13:39

Present.

1:13:40

Council Member Richardson.

1:13:42

Council Vice President Esparza.

1:13:44

Present.

1:13:45

With six members being present, we have a quorum.

1:13:47

And for the record, Councilmember Maxwell does have an excused absence today.

1:13:51

Okay, next is invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:13:53

Invocation is going to be by our good friend from Northwest Fresno, Rabbi Rick Winer.

1:13:57

I had to throw the Northwest President there, sir.

1:13:58

I had to do it.

1:13:59

So glad to have you here, Rabbi.

1:14:01

Floor is yours.

1:14:02

It's an honor to be here.

1:14:03

Thank you.

1:14:11

The new moon with a special blessing.

1:14:13

By no accident, this coincided with the Asian Lunar New Year as we enter the year of the fire horse.

1:14:20

And the same moment began the holy month of Ramadan on the Muslim calendar.

1:14:24

Each of these traditions tie to the cycles of the moon.

1:14:29

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.

1:14:46

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.

1:15:00

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.

1:15:08

May the one who makes peace in the heavens bring peace, completion, harmony upon us.

1:15:15

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.

1:15:35

Thank you.

1:15:37

Thank you so much, Rabbi.

1:15:38

Councilmember Richardson, would you honor us by leading the Pledge of Allegiance?

1:15:41

Good morning, President.

1:15:44

You are my recordings for your heart or military.

1:15:47

Welcome to present military salute and salute.

1:15:50

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

1:15:55

And to the Republic for which it stands.

1:15:57

One nation under God, indivisible for the liberty and justice for all.

1:16:06

And before we approve the agenda, we do have so many great people here.

1:16:09

Some of you are here regularly at meetings.

1:16:11

We have, of course, law enforcement here.

1:16:13

Thank you all for being here.

1:16:14

I do want to thank a very special guest who is here, and that is our Congressman Jim Acosta.

1:16:18

Jim, you're very welcome.

1:16:19

We do have a vacant seat if you want to come up here and vote with us today.

1:16:23

But uh thank you for being here.

1:16:25

I'm glad to have you here.

1:16:26

Thank you, Jim.

1:16:27

So now we're going to move on to the approval of the agenda.

1:16:30

City clerk, are there any changes or items removed from today's agenda?

1:16:33

Yes, thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Pending Litigation████████████████████████24%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Urban Renewal████████8%
Racial Equity█████5%
Public Safety█████5%
Islamophobia Awareness████4%
Black History Month███3%
Public Health Awareness███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Fresno City Council Regular Meeting - February 19, 2026

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.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes for January 29, 2026 Regular and Special Meetings, and February 10, 2026 Special Meeting.
  • Introduced Bill B-2 (amending campaign contribution limits) with a clerical correction; laid over.
  • Authorized the Mayor to apply for the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services Provider Designation.
  • Tabled Item 2-D (41st Amendment to AAR for Measure P arts funding) to Feb 26, 2026, pending Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission review.
  • Approved acquisition of a 0.37-acre parcel for Pump Station 102A Wellhead Treatment Project ($168,000).
  • Adopted Resolution 2026-15 (590th Amendment to Master Fee Schedule).
  • Approved purchase of an Elgin CNG street sweeper ($628,670).
  • Approved three service agreements for Youth Service Corps Homeless Pilot Program totaling $700,000 (Poverello House $507,171; RH Builders $137,860.80; WestCare $54,968.20) after Councilmember Arias returned item from contested consent.
  • Adopted Side Letter of Agreement and Salary Resolution amendment for FAPSOA (Unit 11).
  • Adopted Resolution 2026-18 appropriating $1,797,373 from Local Housing Trust Fund.
  • Approved first amendments for emergency shelter operations at Ambassador Inn ($1,324,600), Villa Motel ($1,299,998), and Fresno Home ($1,250,000) under HHAP. (These were debated as contested consent, then approved.)
  • Approved first amendment for youth bridge beds with FEOC ($504,413) for 2026-2028. (Also contested consent, approved.)
  • Accepted additional STEP grant funding ($98,000 total $733,000) and approved software license for RIPA data reporting ($86,000).
  • Authorized EPA Drinking Water System Infrastructure grant ($3,700,214) for replacing failing water service laterals.
  • Approved summary vacation of a public street easement north of North Riverside Drive and West Palo Alto Avenue.
  • Authorized submission of BUILD grant application.
  • Appointed Aric Mine to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee (term to 2029).
  • Adopted Resolution 2026-23 supporting Health and Welfare Trust's efforts in the Blue Shield contract dispute, approving up to $50,000 in legal fees.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Dez Martinez (on consent items) expressed strong opposition to the Youth Service Corps program, alleging that youth (aged 18-24) should not work in shelters or outreach due to trauma risks, and cited a pending wage theft lawsuit against one provider.
  • Nikki Real (on closed session) voiced general concerns about litigation items.
  • Edward Gonzales (on ID 26-107, Ashlan Widening easements) argued that the Resolution of Necessity was unnecessary because property owners had already signed agreements, and requested denial or postponement.
  • Nikki Real (on ID 26-76, adult day care rezone) made brief comments about CEQA piecemealing.
  • Dirk Poeschel (on CSASP) spoke on behalf of the Gandulia Lapopolo family, requesting density increase for 9.5 acres at Florida and Chestnut.
  • Jose Leon Barraza (on CSASP) expressed support for the plan, but emphasized the need to address poverty, abandoned buildings (UMC, IRS site), and lack of sidewalks; urged prioritization of Southeast Fresno funding.
  • Debbie McCann (on CSASP, for Sunnyside Property Owners Association) supported the plan generally but worried that repealing the Roosevelt Community Plan and Butler/Willow Specific Plan would remove protections for historic Butler Avenue trees.
  • Bonique Emerson (on CSASP, representing property owner at Maple and Butler) requested that 6.6 acres be changed to Corridor Center Mixed Use; claimed fees were paid in 2024 for CEQA analysis but the property was not included; requested continuance.
  • Sue Williams (on CSASP) echoed tree protection concerns and safety at Peach and Butler; asked that existing plans remain in place until a new plan covers the full area.
  • Unscheduled Communication: Pastor Isabel Vela alleged constitutional violations and injury from a Feb 6, 2026 arrest, requesting officer removal and policy reform. Brunette objected to CDBG funding allocation and alleged illegal use of block grants. Arabella Thompson described being threatened with arrest and refusal of female officer. Another speaker criticized Brown Act compliance and federal funding use.

Discussion Items

  • Ceremonial Presentations (4 proclamations): Black History Month honoring Nancy Whittle (via video), Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (Marjaree Mason Center), Beginning of Ramadan 2026, and American Heart Month (with American Red Cross and American Heart Association).
  • Councilmember Reports covered District clean-ups, veterans home donation drive, zoo entrance design dispute, federal funding for San Joaquin River access, and health insurance concerns.
  • City Manager Reports recognized staff for emergency responses (Christmas water break, holiday utility incident, Blackstone/McKinley demo) and noted the Mayor was in Berkeley opposing a League of California Cities proposal to change online sales tax distribution (could cost Fresno $12-15 million). Assistant City Manager announced warming center hours.
  • ID 26-107: Resolution of Necessity for Ashlan Widening eminent domain. Staff noted property owners signed agreement late Feb 18 but recommended adopting the resolution as a precaution. Council approved 7-0.
  • ID 26-76: Rezone and development permit for an adult day care facility on ±1.17 acres at southeast corner of Cedar and Hampton. Councilmember Arias questioned proximity to Club One Casino and liquor licenses; staff confirmed parking exceeds requirements (66 spaces vs 50 required). Approved 7-0.
  • ID 26-86: Central Southeast Area Specific Plan (CSASP). Extensive staff presentation by Program Administrator Pagoulatos. Over 2,067 acres, 119 acres proposed for land use change. Community engagement since 2018. Planning Commission recommended approval. Issues raised: historic tree protection, traffic at Peach/Butler, inclusion of property at Maple/Butler for CMX, and an email from the City Attorney about potential litigation. Council discussion became heated, with Councilmember Arias accusing colleagues of linking the item to an unrelated West Fresno rezone. Council President Karbassi defended against accusations. Motion by Karbassi to table the item to March 19, 2026 at 9:20 AM passed 5-2 (Arias and Vang opposed). Council also directed that a closed session item be added to Feb 26 to discuss legal risk.
  • Contested Consent Items (2-K, 2-L): Staff confirmed 165 shelter beds with high utilization and 8 youth bridge beds at 100% utilization with occasional overcapacity. Approved 7-0.
  • General Administration Item 3-A: Retirement System Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). City Manager White read a statement disagreeing with the system's claim of a city contribution shortfall, noting the systems are 118-120% funded. Since no retirement representative was present, Council tabled the item indefinitely.
  • Closed Session (11:15 AM and 3:35 PM): Items included labor negotiations, anticipated litigation (several cases), and public employee performance evaluation. Report out: By a 6-0 vote (Esparza absent), Council authorized filing litigation against federal officials (Kristi Noem, Karen Evans, Doug Burgum, Pamela Bondi) and their agencies to protect SAFER grants for firefighters and law enforcement.

Key Outcomes

  • Agenda approved as amended (six ceremonial changes, consent item removals, contested consent designations).
  • Resolution 2026-14 (Ashlan Widening eminent domain) adopted 7-0.
  • Bill B-1 introduced and Ordinance 2026-2 adopted (adult day care rezone and development permit) 7-0.
  • Central Southeast Area Specific Plan tabled to March 19, 2026 at 9:20 AM (vote 5-2).
  • Consent calendar approved (6-0, Maxwell absent), including Resolutions 2026-15 through 2026-23.
  • Contested consent items (shelter contracts) approved 7-0.
  • Retirement ACFR tabled indefinitely (7-0).
  • Closed session litigation authorization (6-0) to sue federal entities over grant protections.
  • Unscheduled communication received; no formal action taken.

Meeting Transcript

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.

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