2026-09-03 - City Council
Summary
Built from the official minutes. No video is posted, so there is no transcript or timing.
- Regular meeting called to order at 9:11 AM; Perea joined at 10:07 AM and attended by Zoom after lunch for a medical emergency, approved 5-0 as good cause. Adjourned at 6:51 PM after closed session began at 4:33 PM.
- Agenda approved as amended 5-0: the SLWA resolution was reworded to end the agreement at the end of Fiscal Year 2027, and the Mayor and City Manager were added as co-sponsors of the data center item.
- Consent calendar adopted 7-0 after sixteen members of the public spoke on consent and closed session items.
- Data center prohibition text amendment adopted 6-0, then reconsidered 7-0 and adopted 7-0 with Vang's amendments.
- 2027 STEP traffic grant and a $100,000 budget transfer approved 6-0 on contested consent, Karbassi absent.
- Workshop on the South SEDA economic analysis drew 29 public speakers.
Data Center Prohibition
- Resolution 2026-209 initiating a Fresno Municipal Code text amendment to prohibit data centers; moved to contested consent by Arias; Council discussion held.
- First adopted 6-0 on Richardson's motion, seconded by Arias (Karbassi absent).
- Maxwell moved to reconsider, seconded by Esparza; reconsideration carried 7-0.
- Vang amended: the rule applies to land in or that becomes part of the city, and Council must be notified immediately of any data center application. Adopted 7-0 on Richardson's motion, seconded by Esparza.
SLWA Insurance Marketing Agreement
- Resolution 2026-208 directing the City Manager to terminate the marketing agreement; staff changed the direction from 90 days' notice to termination at the end of Fiscal Year 2027. Adopted on consent.
South SEDA Economic Analysis
- Workshop presented by the Development Director and a consultant from Economic and Planning Systems; 29 members of the public addressed Council; Council discussion held; no vote.
Selective Traffic Enforcement Grant
- Moved to contested consent by Richardson, whose questions were answered beforehand.
- Resolution 2026-207 accepting $630,500 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the Office of Traffic Safety and appropriating $472,800 adopted 6-0 on Richardson's motion, seconded by Esparza.
Council Department Budget Transfers
- Resolution 2026-210 (17th amendment) reallocating $100,000 from Public Works to the Council Department; moved to contested consent by Richardson; adopted 6-0, seconded by Arias.
Community Facilities District 9 Annexations
- Resolution of intention for Annexation No. 76 (Kings Canyon Road and Phillip Avenue) removed from the agenda by staff with no return.
Homeless Services Funding
- Resolution 2026-206 appropriating $9,756,800 in HHAP Round 6 funds for interim shelter operating subsidies, youth shelter operations, data systems and administration adopted on consent.
Affordable Housing Projects
- Consent approvals: amendments to Blythe Village CDBG and HOME loans, and a disposition and development agreement for the Affordable Cottage Home Village at Belmont and Dewitt.
Child Care and Family Affordability Commission
- Maxwell reported the inaugural meeting of the commission, a year-long effort on proposals, and a $2 million pilot to support families and childcare providers; Esparza thanked him for his leadership.
City Attorney Contractor Funds Inquiry
- Arias reported public complaints that a contractor under the City Attorney's authority was allegedly using public funds for campaign activity, said he requested an update from City Attorney Janz and expected a prompt response upon his return from vacation.
Other business
- Proclamations for Dr. Katherine Flores Day and International Green Building Week.
- Consent items also approved: June budget hearing and August 27 minutes, a $225,000 senior housing demolition contract, sale of a 540 square foot City parcel for $2,997 (Resolution 2026-203), a $143,582 amendment for the Herndon Avenue widening design, the Herndon Canal Metro Trail construction contract ($4,057,437; Resolution 2026-204) and the Downtown Neighborhood HAWKs contract ($1,098,260.85; Resolution 2026-205).
- City Manager White announced the retirement of the Public Works Director after 24 years, with a successor beginning and a 30-day transition. Mayor Dyer reported on the return of the Fresno Falcons and a new $625,000 arena video board funded through Visit Fresno County.
- Four members of the public spoke in unscheduled communication.
- Closed session: labor negotiations and two anticipated-litigation matters; two existing-litigation items were moved to September 17.
- Minutes approved unanimously September 17, 2026.