Fresno City Council Regular Meeting - June 18, 2026

The Fresno City Council met on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The meeting began with roll call at 9:11 AM with all seven members present. The agenda was approved with amendments, including the removal of two major hearings to August 13, 2026, and corrections to consent items. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, several joint meetings of the City Council, the Housing Successor Agency, and the Fresno Revitalization Corporation, as well as a large consent calendar, contested consent items, and extensive public comment. The council adopted resolutions for housing funding, surplus land disposition, the Active Transportation Plan, a Technology Disruption Policy, and the City Clerk's at-will agreement, among other actions. Key items were tabled or voted on, with notable dissents on arts grant guidelines and a project labor agreement resolution.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes for June 4, 2026 (ID 26-837).
• Resolution Amending Council Rules (ID 26-870) to comply with Brown Act changes (Resolution 2026-137).
• Resolution Supporting Better Roads, Safe Streets Transportation Measure (ID 26-790) (Resolution 2026-138).
• PARCS and Public Safety Solar Projects (ID 26-843): Approved with updated financing terms – design-build contract with Alliance Building Solutions, Inc. not to exceed $5,684,172, lease purchase agreement totaling $6,171,077.11 (including capitalized interest and issuance cost) over 20 years at a rate not to exceed 4.99%, with total loan payment not to exceed $10,509,267.01. Resolutions adopted (2026-139, 140, 141).
• Consultant Services Agreements: Krazan & Associates ($623,830) for H Street Parking Structure (ID 26-732); All Hazard EHS Inc. and JSA Environmental Consulting Inc. (each $100,000) for lead-based paint services (ID 26-767); Carollo Engineers for wastewater facility rehabilitation (IDs 26-597, 26-598); and others.
• Contract Awards: Change Order for Garage 9 Renovation ($83,886.57 increase, ID 26-729); Construction contract for Pump Station 290A ($850,155.65, ID 26-698); Merced Street Reconnection ($1,337,601, ID 26-728); Pave More Now Package B-2 ($14,488,896.79, ID 26-813); Wellhead Treatment Improvements ($857,000, ID 26-774).
• Other Approvals: Municipal Advisor contract with KNN Public Finance ($425,000, ID 26-829); Oracle support with Mythics LLC (up to $830,000 over three years, ID 26-806); Second Amendment to Best Tours & Travel contract ($110,000 increase, ID 26-740); Grant application for Digital Literacy ($200,000, ID 26-807); Sole source contract for water meters ($5,235,863.45, ID 26-546); Amendments for transportation and transit (IDs 26-772, 26-825, 26-624, 26-803); Appointment of April D. Henry to Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ID 26-889); and others.
• Resolution Requesting Renegotiation of Citywide Project Labor Agreement (ID 26-890) – Approved 6-1 (Councilmember Richardson opposed).
• Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Grant Program (ID 26-820) – Approved 6-1 (Councilmember Richardson opposed). The resolutions adopted guidelines and created ad-hoc review committees (ARC Groups A through E). The item was corrected to read "EAAC Project Support Grants" instead of "Project Specific Grants."

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment on Consent, Contested Consent, and Closed Session: Over 30 speakers addressed the council on various items, including Measure P arts funding, Granite Park operations, Republic Services complaints, and other topics.
• On Measure P EAAC Grants: Multiple speakers (Nicholas Lee, Alicia R., Johannes Reinders, Joseph Rodriguez, Crystal Rocha, Trisha Baeza, Christina Soto, and others) opposed raising the grant cap to $350,000, arguing it would concentrate funds among large institutions and harm smaller organizations and individual artists. They urged maintaining the Parks and Recreation Commission's recommended $150,000 cap. Some speakers expressed distrust due to the Fresno Arts Council embezzlement scandal and alleged backroom deals. Supporters of the $350,000 cap (Elizabeth Laval, Michelle Ellis Pracy) argued that larger organizations have greater responsibilities and that the cap is competitive, not automatic.
• On Granite Park (Central Valley Community Sports Foundation): Many speakers (Esmeralda Soria, Rod Wade, Chef Soupy, Lisa Torrecillas, Glenda Stancill, Jamar Tlushdan, Tamara Ramos, Genevie Barraza, David Suarez, Madeline Frazier, Tom Goodwin, Bryan Marsgobian, and others) expressed strong support for Terrence Frazier and the nonprofit's management of Granite Park. They highlighted the park's transformation from blight to a community asset, its positive impact on youth, job creation, and the financial contributions of Mr. Frazier. They urged the council to allow the foundation to continue operating pending appeal and criticized the city's litigation against the nonprofit. One speaker, Chris Foxen, defended the foundation's record on billboard revenue and insurance compliance.
• On Republic Services: Two residents (Neil O'Brien, Patrick Farney) detailed chronic failures in trash and recycling collection at their properties, despite monitoring and complaints. They called for a city-level inquiry, review of the contract, and public reporting of billing issues. Councilmember Karbassi acknowledged ongoing issues with Republic Services.
• On Other Items: Brunette (Heat) and Diane Smith expressed opposition to projects in District 3, citing lack of community engagement. Hester Hensley attempted to speak on Southwest Fresno but was ruled out of order for not addressing a specific agenda item. Others spoke on the Technology Disruption Policy and general concerns.
• Ceremonial Presentations: Proclamations were presented for the 76th Anniversary of Fresno NAACP, Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, and Roosevelt High School Baseball Day. Several speakers shared personal stories related to Alzheimer's and the baseball championship.

Discussion Items

• 9:05 AM - Local Housing Trust Fund Agreement for The Park at South Stadium (ID 26-146): The council approved a $3,727,000 agreement with The Park Partners LLC for a 174-unit multifamily rental housing project at 815-835 Fulton Street. The project leverages $69 million in bond financing and $8 million in state revolving loan funds. Public speakers opposed the project citing lack of community input. The mayor and Councilmember Arias defended the project as a long-awaited development of vacant land to address the housing crisis. Approved 7-0 by the council and 8-0 by the Successor Agency (including Mayor Dyer).
• 9:10 AM - Landscaping and Lighting Assessment (ID 26-791): Resolution confirming the annual assessment for District No. 1 for 2026-2027. No public comment or discussion. Adopted 7-0 (Resolution 2026-129).
• 9:15 AM - Disposition of Surplus Lands (ID 26-885): Six resolutions declaring various parcels as exempt surplus land or surplus land, paving the way for transfer to the State of California (for the Fifth District Court of Appeal) and potential development. Public comment opposed the process. Councilmember Arias provided historical context on redevelopment agency dissolution. Adopted 7-0 by the council and 8-0 by the Fresno Revitalization Corporation (Resolutions 2026-130 through 2026-135).
• 9:20 AM - Text Amendment for Housing Streamlining (ID 26-561): Proposed amendment to allow ministerial approval of housing developments with at least 20% affordable units on certain sites. Councilmember Karbassi requested a map of affected sites. The item was tabled to June 25, 2026, on a 4-3 vote (Esparza, Karbassi, Vang, Richardson in favor; Maxwell, Perea, Arias opposed).
• 9:25 AM - Active Transportation Plan Adoption (ID 26-775): Adopted the 2026 Active Transportation Plan and Project Prioritization Tool, with a CEQA exemption. One public speaker opposed. Adopted 7-0 (Resolution 2026-136).
• 10:00 AM - Appearance by Amilea Gonzalez (ID 26-777): Did not appear.
• 3:55 PM - Central Southeast Area Specific Plan (ID 26-389): Tabled to August 13, 2026, by Councilmember Karbassi during agenda approval. A motion to place it back on the agenda for today failed 2-5.
• 4:00 PM - Elm Avenue Rezone (ID 26-830): Also tabled to August 13, 2026. A motion to keep it on the agenda failed 5-2 (only Arias and Vang in favor). The applicant's attorney requested a continuance to the same date as the specific plan.
• Contested Consent - Helm Lofts (ID 26-145): Approved a $1,600,000 contribution from City funds and $8,000,000 from the revolving loan fund for a 98-unit multifamily housing project at 1101 Fulton Street. Council discussion focused on the repayment terms (5-year balloon at 4.81% interest). Approved 6-0 (Councilmember Karbassi absent).
• General Administration - Technology Disruption Policy (ID 26-845): Resolution adopting a policy to handle technology disruptions during public meetings, required by SB 707, effective July 1, 2026. The policy outlines procedures for restoring service and allows reconvening after one hour if unable to restore. One public speaker criticized the council's understanding of the Brown Act. Adopted 7-0 (Resolution 2026-156).
• City Council - City Clerk At-Will Agreement (ID 26-831): Approved an oral summary report and at-will agreement for City Clerk Amy Aller (Cobb), effective June 15, 2026, with an annual salary of $210,000, benefits for unrepresented employees, $300 monthly vehicle allowance, $598 annual bar renewal reimbursement, and conference attendance. Approved 7-0.
• Presentation by Neil O'Brien (ID 26-848): Mr. O'Brien presented complaints about Republic Services' waste collection failures, supported by video evidence. Councilmembers acknowledged the issue and the city manager noted ongoing monitoring and cure opportunities.

Key Outcomes

• Votes with Tallies:
  • Agenda approval as amended: Unanimous (7-0).
  • Local Housing Trust Fund (ID 26-146): Council 7-0; Successor Agency 8-0.
  • Landscaping and Lighting Assessment (ID 26-791): 7-0 (Resolution 2026-129).
  • Surplus Land Disposition (ID 26-885): Council 7-0; FRC 8-0 (Resolutions 2026-130 through 2026-135).
  • Text Amendment (ID 26-561): Tabled to June 25, 2026, by 4-3 vote.
  • Active Transportation Plan (ID 26-775): 7-0 (Resolution 2026-136).
  • Consent Calendar: Approved, with Councilmember Richardson voting no on items 2-O (EAAC Grants) and 2-FF (Project Labor Agreement). Both items passed 6-1.
  • Helm Lofts (ID 26-145): 6-0 (Karbassi absent).
  • Technology Disruption Policy (ID 26-845): 7-0 (Resolution 2026-156).
  • City Clerk Agreement (ID 26-831): 7-0.
• Tabled Items:
  • Central Southeast Area Specific Plan (ID 26-389) tabled to August 13, 2026, at 3:55 PM.
  • Elm Avenue Rezone (ID 26-830) tabled to August 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
• Closed Session: The council discussed labor negotiations and several litigation matters. In open session, the City Attorney reported a settlement in the eminent domain case City of Fresno v. Gurpreet Chauhan (Case No. 25CECG00464). The settlement provides for title vesting in the City upon payment of $532,000 (with $185,000 already deposited), plus interest, funded by Measure C and state grant funds. Approved 7-0 in closed session.
• Directives/Next Steps: Staff to provide a map of sites affected by the housing text amendment for the June 25 meeting. The council acknowledged ongoing issues with Republic Services and indicated possible future action. The Granite Park eviction and appeal remain pending.