Fresno City Council Meeting - June 5, 2026
Fresno City Council Meeting - June 5, 2026
Note: The official agenda and minutes indicate this meeting took place on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 3:30 PM. The provided timestamp (2026-06-05 20:15:00+00:00) differs. This summary reflects the content of the June 4 meeting.
The Fresno City Council held a special meeting (with a preceding regular session) on June 4, 2026, starting at 3:30 PM. The regular session included ceremonial presentations, consent agenda, public comments, discussion of contested consent items, a presentation on bargaining unit vacancies, and closed session. The special meeting addressed the establishment of a PRAC Guidelines Ad Hoc Committee and a closed session on existing litigation.
Ceremonial Presentations
- Central High School Swim and Dive Team: Councilmember Karbassi presented a proclamation recognizing the team's undefeated 2026 North Yosemite League Championship and Leonardo Hernandez's school record in diving.
- JFK Middle School Boys Volleyball: Councilmember Vang presented a proclamation for the 7th-grade team's undefeated 18-0 season and tournament championships.
- Pride Month Proclamation: Councilmember Perea presented a proclamation declaring June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, with speakers from local organizations emphasizing inclusion and support.
Councilmember Reports
- Councilmembers reported on upcoming events (Movies in the Park, Pride flag raising), park improvements, street renaming feedback, new businesses, and community fitness events.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda was approved 5-0 (two absent) after public comments. Items included routine approvals and removals.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Multiple speakers addressed the entertainment zone ordinance (Item 2AA):
- Elliot Balch (Downtown Fresno Partnership): Supported the pilot program, describing safety measures and business benefits.
- Lori Garcia: Opposed, citing DUI fatality concerns and public safety risks.
- Unnamed speaker: Opposed, citing crime uptick and lack of public input in Zoom meetings.
- Jamar Woodward: Supported, stating violence involved minors, not alcohol.
- Joseph Salerno (business owner): Supported pilot to revitalize downtown.
- Jonathan Kelly: Opposed, citing greed and recent violence.
- Alfred Aldrettify: Opposed, advocating for local artists and small businesses.
- Henry: Commented on homelessness and affordable housing.
- Unnamed speaker: Addressed shelter and housing needs.
- Mike Cruz (Tioga Sequoia Brewing): Supported the entertainment zone.
- Joseph Rodriguez (artist): Opposed, concerned about liability for small businesses.
- Public comments on other items: Housing and shelter funding, support for services.
Discussion Items
Entertainment Zone Ordinance (Item 2AA)
- Staff Presentation: Jennifer Clark (Planning & Development) explained the pilot program allowing licensed businesses to serve alcohol in designated public areas during special events. Boundaries include three zones in downtown. Requires special event permit, security plan, and ABC registration.
- Council Discussion:
- Councilmember Richardson questioned business opt-out, accountability metrics, and public workshops. Staff confirmed businesses can opt out, and a review will occur in 10 months.
- Councilmember Perea clarified activation only during permitted events, not Art Hop.
- Councilmember Arias emphasized accountability layers: business ABC license, city manager's authority to deny future events, insurance, and the one-year pilot.
- Councilmember Karbassi confirmed council retains authority to undo the ordinance.
- Vote: Motion to approve first introduction passed 7-0.
Veterans Boulevard Banner Installation (Item 2DD)
- Councilmember Karbassi requested tabling due to Caltrans restrictions on placing banners honoring veterans on Veterans Boulevard. Caltrans representative Renee acknowledged the issue and agreed to revisit. Item tabled to next meeting.
Publication of Legal Notices (Item 2Z)
- Proposed amendment to allow publication in any newspaper of general circulation instead of specifically the Fresno Bee. Councilmember Arias moved to table, citing concerns over reduced public reach and savings of only $50,000. Motion to table passed.
Bargaining Unit Vacancies Presentation (Item 3A)
- Personnel Director presented an 11% average vacancy rate in 2025, with recruitment efforts and proposed municipal code changes to streamline hiring. Sam Frank (FCA union representative) testified against holding vacancies intentionally, citing overwork, unfair evaluations, and erosion of civil service protections. Council discussed attrition savings and hiring timelines. No vote taken.
PRAC Guidelines Ad Hoc Committee (Special Meeting)
- City Manager requested an ad hoc committee to review and update Measure P arts grant guidelines by June 18 deadline. Council President Esparza appointed Councilmembers Arias, Vang, and Vice President Maxwell. Resolution adopted 5-0.
Closed Session
- Multiple closed session items were discussed. Announcements from closed session:
- Settlement in City of Fresno v. Brecken Daniels Trust: City to acquire property for $3.5 million plus interest and appraisal costs.
- Appointment of Amy Aller as City Clerk effective June 15, 2026, approved 6-0 with one abstention.
- Council authorized retaining counsel to pursue legal action against the state regarding high-speed rail tax splitting (vote 4-0 with one abstention, two absent).
Key Outcomes
- Entertainment Zone Ordinance: First introduction approved 7-0; second reading and final vote pending.
- Veterans Boulevard Banners: Tabled to next meeting.
- Legal Notices Amendment: Tabled.
- Helicopter Maintenance Contract (Item 2BB): Approved.
- Pump Station Contract (Item 2E): Approved.
- PRAC Ad Hoc Committee: Established with three councilmembers.
- City Clerk Appointment: Amy Aller appointed.
- Litigation Authorization: Authorized to pursue high-speed rail lawsuit.
- Settlement: Approved for Brecken Daniels Trust property acquisition.
Meeting Transcript
All right, good morning. Yes, good morning. Councilmember Perea, present. Councilmember Karbasi. Council Member Arias. Vice President Maxwell. Council Member Vang. Present. Councilmember Richardson. Councilmember Richardson is present. Council President Esparza. Seven members being present, we have a quarum. Guru Granth Sahibji Maharaj Abjanu Hazaru Nazar Janatya Aradas Vinti or Zoe Hai Pad Shah Gio Fresno City Council de Smu Membran Wallo Adida Ijalas Shuru Karantum Paila Abji the Asi S Lanavasti Aradasa Haji Sare Membran Desirate Mehirpariah Kana Sabana Nutana Dehi Imandari De Nardesh Kom the Seva Karanda Bal Udam Jazaba Bhakshish Karna Sabana Nundesh Pagdi Bhakshish Karniji Jagatajalanda Rakalay Apaninkirpatar Jetadowara Ubara Titai Leho Ubar Samuche San Sardevit Shanti Amanu Varatamanji Sareandiyam Manopabnama Guru Mat Un Sarpurna Karnia Se Pyare Mel Jana Miliatira Nam Chit Awe Nanakanam Chardi Kala Tire Pani Sarbatala Jika Khalsa Vahru Jiki Fateh Bole Sonehal Sat Sri Akal Now we trans translate all the pre One Universal Creator God by the grace of the true guru Almighty God we call you by many names but you are one keep your divine hand over the members of the city council as they help steer the future of our great city keep truth on our tongues love in our hearts and sound judgment in our minds remind us of our purpose to love and serve one another and create a more peaceful world. We ask for blessings unto all leaders as they work for the common good, give all who go on this land humility and courage, integrity and compassion, release each one of us from ego so that we may serve selflessly, help us remember that we belongs to a one family, recognize the entire human race as one. We ask of the almighty to also keep watch over our nation's protectors who work tirelessly day and night to ensure our safety and our freedom. You are everywhere, all are yours, whatever is seen, O God is your form. My lord, you are but one. We ask you to bless this great nation and its people. In the name of Nanak, may we find everlasting peace, love, unity, mutual respect, service, and dedication to all humankinds. With your will, Almighty God, may there be welfare for all of humanity. Amen. Thank you. Thank you. Uh Councilmember Richardson, please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. All right, good morning. Thank you. Uh City Clerk, are there any changes or items removed from the agenda? Any announcements? Yes. First of all, I would like to make the public aware that we do have interpreters available for today's meeting. We are providing virtual interpretation through the worldly system in Spanish and Punjabi. We also have virtual interpreters for Mong language as well as American Sign Language. If you need access to those interpreters, there is a QR code up front. You can also find that on our website. With regard to changes to the agenda and announcements, we do have a separately noticed special meeting today at 3 30 p.m. or thereafter for an open session item file ID 26-816 regarding resolution establishing PRAC guidelines ad hoc committee as well as a closed session item file ID 26-815 regarding conference with legal counsel existing litigation government code section 54956 point 9 subdivision D subsection 1 City of Fresno Fire and Police Retirement System et al V City of Fresno Mercedes Superior Court Case Number 25 C V02170 with regard to items removed from the agenda item 2 V ID 26-576 regarding approve the first amendment to the community development block grant C D B G was removed with no return by council member Arias. Item 5 C ID 26-757 regarding conference with legal council anticipated litigation government code section 54956 dash point nine subdivision D subsection four one potential case was moved to June 18th 2026 by city attorney jans with regard to items moved to contested consent for further discussion item 26-640 regarding bill for introduction amending section 2-603 of the Fresio Municipal Code relating to the publication of legal notices citywide was moved to contested consent by council member Arias. With regard to items moved to contested consent for further discussion, item 2Z ID 26-640 regarding bill for introduction. Amending section 2-603 of the Fresio Municipal Code relating to the publication of legal notices citywide was moved to contested consent by Councilmember Arias. One moment. City Clerk, can you repeat just uh all the items that were moved to contested consent? Yes. Item two Z. Item two E as an Edward. Item two AA apple and item two B boy. Was that two E or two double E? Two E. Can you confirm two V is in Victor not removed or it is removed? 2V is removed from the agenda with no return date. Thank you.
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