Fresno Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission Meeting – February 23, 2026

The Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission (PRAC) met on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers to address the aftermath of the embezzlement of approximately $1.5 million in Measure P Arts and Culture funds by a former Fresno Arts Council employee. The meeting included a workshop update on the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture (EAAC) Grant Program, a hearing to recommend an annual appropriation resolution, and two public hearings to receive input on the grant program and broader Measure P allocations. The commission heard extensive public testimony and voted to recommend the appropriation resolution.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved by a 7-0 vote (Commissioners Kucharski and Trillo absent at the time).
• Commissioner Trillo’s absence was excused by a 7-0 motion.
• The minutes from the previous meeting were not approved; they will be considered at the next meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On the AAR (Item 11-A):

  • Kiel Lopez-Schmidt (South Tower Community Land Trust) urged that any recovered funds be returned to the Measure P pot and that the city seek damages for organizations harmed by the embezzlement.
  • Lisa Flores (community engagement consultant) questioned whether the Parks Department has the grant administration capacity and proposed a mechanism to reimburse organizations for bounced check fees.

• On the EAAC Grant Program (Item 11-B):
  Over 18 speakers addressed the commission. Key positions included:

  • Several grantees (e.g., Lori Hunter, Alisia Rodriguez, Johannes Reijnders, Amy Kitchener, etc.) expressed frustration over lack of transparency, delayed payments, and the emotional toll of the embezzlement.
  • Amy Kitchener (Alliance for California Traditional Arts) recommended creating a city Cultural Affairs Department with a professional director and halting Round 3 until a better process is in place.
  • Derek Payton (Root Access Hackerspace) advocated for a three‑pronged structure: a community‑based review panel, a city arts department for oversight, and continued commission involvement.
  • Many speakers called for full transparency, community‑centered processes, and accountability.
  • Gabriel Lozano urged patience, noting staff are working diligently.
  • Ome Lopez and others criticized prior dismissals of community concerns.
  • Johannes Reijnders recounted that community members had warned the commission in September and October 2025 about Fresno Arts Council issues, but were dismissed as “hysterical.”

• On Measure P Allocations, Parks Master Plan, and Budget (Item 11-C):

  • Kiel Lopez-Schmidt highlighted the lack of park space in the Tower District and requested resources for San Pablo Park and Ted C. Wills Community Center.
  • A speaker raised concerns about new liability insurance requirements for park activities.

Discussion Items

• Workshop – Update on EAAC Grant Program (Item 9‑A):
  City Manager Georgianne White and PARCS Assistant Director Shelby McNab presented a timeline:

  • On February 5, the city learned of the embezzlement.
  • On February 6, the city terminated the contract with Fresno Arts Council and requested return of all funds and documents.
  • As of the meeting, 33 grantees had not received their first 90% payment; 96 had received 90% but none had received the final 10%.
  • The city is reconciling records and prioritizing Cycle 2 payments.
  • Commissioner questions revealed: at least one grantee’s check bounced; the city plans to be flexible on completion deadlines; no timeline yet for Cycle 3.
  • City Manager White stated the city intends to administer Cycle 3 in‑house, but will need external expertise for artistic merit evaluation.
  • Commissioners expressed concerns about reaching underserved communities and the need for a Cultural Arts Subcommittee.

• Hearing – Annual Appropriation Resolution (Item 11‑A):
  PARCS Business Manager Xiong presented the resolution (41st Amendment to AAR No. 2025‑179) to appropriate $1,500,000 contingent on funds returned from Fresno Arts Council. The funds will be used for Cycle 2 grants.

  • Discussion included whether the city would cover financial damages (e.g., bounced check fees); City Manager White stated no decision had been made and that the city is not taking money from other departments.
  • Commissioner Barraza asked if unpaid grantees could be first in line for future Measure P funds; staff noted legal constraints prevent using Cycle 3 money for Cycle 2.
  • The commission voted unanimously (all ayes) to recommend adoption by City Council.

• Appointment of Cultural Arts Subcommittee:
  Commissioner Barraza asked about forming a subcommittee to revise grant guidelines. Chair McCoy indicated it would be formed at the next meeting (March 16, 2026) to allow focused discussion on the embezzlement and recovery.

Key Outcomes

• Motion passed (7‑0): Recommend City Council adopt the 41st Amendment to AAR No. 2025‑179, appropriating $1,500,000 contingent on funds returned from Fresno Arts Council.
• Directive: Staff will continue reconciling Cycle 2 records and work with the City Attorney’s office to contract with grantees.
• Next steps: The Cultural Arts Subcommittee will be appointed at the March 16, 2026 meeting to review and revise grant guidelines for Cycle 3.
• Ongoing: The city will post updates on its website and provide a dedicated email/phone for grantees. The forensic financial review and law enforcement investigation (Fresno PD and FBI) are ongoing.
• Policy direction: The city will consider extending grant completion deadlines to give grantees a full year from receipt of funds.