City Council
TL;DR
The Fresno City Council held a meeting focused on urban development, approving a new specific plan for the West Area Neighborhoods and considering several annexation and zoning proposals. The council also recognized various community groups through ceremonial proclamations and discussed strategies to reduce vehicle miles traveled.
Key Decisions
- West Area Neighborhoods Specific Plan Passed
- Annexation of Property on South Peach Avenue Passed
- Community Facilities District No. 9 Tax Levy Passed
- Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction Program Continued
- Historic Resource Designation for 1844 S Cherry Avenue Passed
Agenda
- The City Council met in regular session in the Council Chamber, City Hall, on the date and time above written.
- PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – Public participation during Fresno City Council meetings is always encouraged and can occur by attending a meeting in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall located at 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721. To be called to speak during a meeting, please fill out a speaker card (located throughout the chamber) and place it in the speaker card collection basket at the front of the chamber. You may also approach the speaker podium upon the Council President’s call for any additional public comment. Unless otherwise announced, all public speakers will have up to 3 minutes to address Council pursuant to Rule No. 10 of the Rules of Procedure for the City Council of the City of Fresno (available in the City Clerk’s Office). SUBMIT WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS - Pursuant to Rule 11 (c) of the Rules of Procedure, no documents shall be accepted for Council review unless submitted to the City Clerk at least 24 hours prior to the Council Agenda item being heard. Documents / written comments related to an agenda item can be submitted by one of the following methods:
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- a) Submit an e-Comment by visiting https://fresno.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and selecting the “eComment” link. b) e-Comment is available for use upon publication of the agenda and closes 24 hours prior to the meeting start time [pursuant to Rule 11(c)]. c) e-Comment is not permitted for Land use or CEQA items. d) The e-Comment Electronic User Agreement can be viewed at: https://www.fresno.gov/cityclerk/#information
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- GOVERNMENT CODE 84308 CONTRIBUTION PROHIBITIONS AND MANDATORY DISCLOSURES - The Political Reform Act of 1974 (Act) restricts campaign contributions over $500 to a decision-making public official from a party or participant, or their agent, in a proceeding involving a license, permit, contract, or entitlement for use. The Act requires disclosure of the contribution and creates a conflict where a decision-maker has received $500 or more from a party or participant to a proceeding in the prior 12 months. A decision-maker must disclose on the record during the proceeding that they have received contributions from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant, greater than $500 within the preceding 12 months and the name(s) of the contributor(s). (See 2 CCR 18438.8(a).) Parties to a proceeding are required to disclose on the record if they made contributions over $500 to a decision-maker within the prior 12 months, and are prohibited from making contributions to a decision-maker during the proceeding and for 12 months after the date a final decision is rendered on the proceeding.
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- 9:16 A.M. ROLL CALL
- Invocation by Pastor Los Mouanoutoua from Lao Evangelical Church of Fresno
- Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
- 15 APPROVE AGENDAAction: APPROVED AS AMENDED Passed
On motion of Council President Karbassi, seconded by Councilmember Maxwell, the AGENDA was APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the following vote:
- CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
- Morning Ceremonials
- ID 25-1277 Proclamation of “Domestic Violence Awareness Month”Action ItemAction: PRESENTED
- ID 25-1154 Proclamation for Fresno Police and Fire Chaplaincy on Chaplain Appreciation DayCeremonial ItemAction: PRESENTED
- ID 25-1293 Proclamation of “Manufacturing Month”Action ItemAction: PRESENTED
- ID 25-1353 Proclamation of “Kina McFadden”Ceremonial ItemAction: PRESENTED
- Afternoon Ceremonials
- ID 25-1295 Proclamation of “Reverend Chester McGensy 30 Years of Ministry”Action ItemAction: PRESENTED
- COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
- ID 25-1473 District 2 Photos Presented During Reports and CommentsAction Item
- MAYOR/MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
- SCHEDULED COUNCIL HEARINGS AND MATTERS
- 9:10 A.M.
- ID 25-1273 HEARING to Adopt Resolutions and Ordinance to Annex Territory and Levy a Special Tax regarding City of Fresno Community Facilities District No. 9, Annexation No. 66 (Territory known as Assessor’s Parcel No. 458-121-20) (Southwest corner of North Delno Avenue and West Belmont Avenue): (Council District 3) 1. ***RESOLUTION - to Annex Territory to Community Facilities District No. 9 and Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax for Annexation No. 66; (Subject to Mayor’s Veto) 2. ***RESOLUTION - Calling Special Mailed-Ballot Election; (Subject to Mayor’s Veto) 3. ***RESOLUTION - Declaring Election Results; (Subject to Mayor’s Veto) 4. ***BILL - (For introduction and adoption) - Levying a Special Tax for the Property Tax Year 2025-2026 and Future Tax Years Within and Relating to Community Facilities District No. 9, Annexation No. 66. (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)Action ItemAction: ADOPTED Passed
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember Perea, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
- 9:15 A.M. #1
- ID 25-1248 HEARING to consider adoption of a resolution designating a property to the Local Register of Historic Resources. 1. RESOLUTION - Designating the Property Located at 1844 S Cherry Avenue to the Local Register of Historic Resources (Council District 3)Action ItemAction: ADOPTED Passed
On motion of Vice President Arias, seconded by Councilmember Perea, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
- 9:15 A.M. #2
- ID 25-1333 HEARING to Consider adoption of the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Reduction Program and Nexus Study and Vehicle Miles Traveled Mitigation Fee; and related Environmental Impact Report SCH No. 2024091129. 1. RESOLUTION - Certifying Environmental Impact Report SCH No. 2024091129, adopting Findings of Fact as required by Public Resources Code Section 21081(A) and CEQA Guidelines, Section 15091, Approving a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program as Required by Public Resources Code Section 21081.6 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15097, Adopting the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations as Required by Public Resources Code Section 21081(B) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15093, as Related to the Adoption of the Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction Program and Nexus Study. a. ADOPT the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091; and b. ADOPT the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15097; and 2. ***RESOLUTION - Adopting a Vehicle Miles Traveled Nexus Study, Reduction Program, and Capital Improvement Plan as described in the Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction Program and Nexus Study document dated September 2025, prepared pursuant to the requirements of California Public Resources Code Section 21099, CEQA Guidelines Sections 15064.3(B), 15064.7, and 15126.4, and the Mitigation Fee Act (Subject to Mayor’s Veto) a. ADOPT the Nexus Study based on the Council’s determination that the Vehicle Miles Reduction Program and Nexus Study was prepared in compliance with the Mitigation Fee Act and meets all requirements for a nexus study b. ADOPT the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) based on the Council’s determination that the CIP was prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Mitigation Fee Act. c. ADOPT the Program inclusive of the VMT Mitigation Fee based on the Council’s determination that the public facilities, services, and amenities contemplated are individually and collectively necessary to contribute to the reduction of VMT Citywide, and that the VMT Mitigation Fee is in compliance with the Mitigation Fee Act and is supported by the Nexus Study. 3. BILL (for Introduction) - Adding Article 4.17 to Chapter 12 of the Fresno Municipal Code, relating to the Vehicle Miles Traveled Mitigation Fee 4. ***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 593rd Amendment to the Master Fee Schedule Resolution No. 80-420 to add a Vehicle Miles Traveled Mitigation Fee in the Planning Section for Planning and Development Department (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)Action ItemAction: CONTINUED
- 9:20 A.M. #1
- ID 25-1256 HEARING to Consider Annexation Application No. P23-02268; Pre-zone Application No. P23-02269; Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 6432; Planned Development Permit Application No. P23-03234; and related Environmental Assessment No. T-6432/P23-02268/P23-02269/P23-03234 for approximately 9.46 acres of property located on the west side of South Peach Avenue, between East Tulare Street and East Huntington Avenue (Council District 7) 1. ADOPT - Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for Environmental Assessment No. T-6432/P23-02268/P23-02269/P23-03234 dated August 8, 2025, for the proposed project pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. 2. RESOLUTION - Approving Annexation Application No. P23-02268 (for the Tulare-Peach No. 3b Reorganization) proposing detachment from the Kings River Conservation District and Fresno County Fire Protection District and annexation to the City of Fresno. 3. BILL (for Introduction and Adoption) - Approving Pre-zone Application No. P23-02269 proposing to pre-zone approximately 4.18 acres of property from the Fresno County RA-NB (Single Family Residential Agricultural/Neighborhood Beautification) zone district to the City of Fresno RS-5 (Single-Unit Residential, Medium Density) zone district and approximately 4.80 acres of the property from the Fresno County AL20 (Limited Agricultural) zone district to the City of Fresno RS-5/ANX (Single-Unit Residential, Medium Density/Annexed Rural Residential Transitional Overlay) zone district. 4. APPROVE - Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 6432 proposing to subdivide approximately 3.97 acres of property into a 44-lot single-unit residential development, subject to compliance with the Conditions of Approval dated September 3, 2025, and contingent upon approval of Annexation Application No. P23-02268, Pre-zone Application No. P23-02269 and the related environmental assessment. 5. APPROVE - Planned Development Permit Application No. P23-03234 proposing to modify the RS-5 zone district development standards, including, but not limited to, to allow for gated private streets, subject to compliance with the Conditions of Approval dated September 3, 2025, and contingent upon approval of Annexation Application No. P23-02268, Pre-zone Application No. P23-02269, Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 6432 and the related environmental assessment.Action ItemAction: ADOPTED Passed
On motion of Councilmember Esparza, seconded by Councilmember Vang, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
- 9:20 A.M. #2 (CONTINUED TO OCTOBER 30, 2025, AT 9:20 A.M.)
- ID 25-1300 HEARING to Consider Annexation Application No. P21-05778; Pre-zone Application No. P21-05870; Development Permit Application No. P23-00149; and related Environmental Assessment No. P21-05778/P21-05870/P23-00149 for ±80.91 acres of property located on the west side of South Cherry Avenue between East North and East Central Avenues (Council District 3) 1. ADOPT - Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for Environmental Assessment No. P21-05778/P21-05870/P23-00149 dated May 22, 2025, for the proposed project pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. 2. RESOLUTION - Approving Annexation Application No. P21-05778 (for the North-Cherry No. 3b Reorganization) proposing detachment from the Kings River Conservation District and Fresno County Fire Protection District and annexation to the City of Fresno. 3. BILL - (for Introduction and Adoption) - Approving Pre-zone Application No. P21-05870, requesting authorization to amend the Official Zoning Map of the City of Fresno to pre-zone the subject property from the Fresno County AL 20 (Limited Agricultural) zone district (±51.72 acres) to the City of Fresno IH (Heavy Industrial) zone district ( ±15.95 acres) and ; and City of Fresno IH/ANX (Heavy Industrial/Annexed Rural Residential Transitional Overly) zone district (±35.77 acres). 4. APPROVE - Development Permit Application No. P23-00149, requesting authorization to construct a long-term regional facility for the purpose of providing less-than-truckload freight services, subject to compliance with the Conditions of Approval dated June 18, 2025, and contingent upon approval of Annexation No. P21-05778, Pre-zone Application No. P21-05870 and the related environmental assessment.Action ItemAction: TABLED
- 10:00 A.M.
- ID 25-1174 HEARING to consider the adoption of the West Area Neighborhoods Specific Plan and Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), State Clearinghouse (SCH No. 2019069117), and related actions: 1. RESOLUTION - Certifying Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2019069117), as related to the West Area Neighborhoods Specific Plan, related Plan Amendments P22-01351, P22-01352, P22-01353, and related Rezone P22-01353 as related to the Adoption of the West Area Neighborhoods Specific Plan, related plan amendment, and related rezones. a. ADOPT Findings of Fact as required by Public Resources Code Section 21081(A) and CEQA Guidelines, Section 15091; and, b. APPROVE a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program as required by Public Resources Code Section 21081.6 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15097; and, c. ADOPT the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations as required by Public Resources Code, Section 21081(B) and CEQA Guidelines, Section 15093. 2. RESOLUTION - to Repeal the West Area Community Plan and a Portion of the Highway City Neighborhood Specific Plan (Plan Amendment Application P22-01351) 3. RESOLUTION - to Adopt the West Area Neighborhoods Specific Plan (Plan Amendment Application No. P22-01352) 4. RESOLUTION - Updating the Land Use Map (Figure LU-1) and Dual Designation Diagram (Figure LU-2) of the Fresno General Plan and Incorporate the West Area Neighborhoods Specific Plan (Plan Amendment P22-01353) 5. BILL - (For Introduction) to Approve Rezone Application P22-01353 to Amend the Official Zoning Map to Rezone Approximately 958 Acres of Property within the West Area Neighborhoods Specific Plan Area to be Consistent with the Adopted Specific Plan Planned Land Use Map.Action ItemAction: ADOPTED Passed
On motion of Councilmember Perea to APPROVE the above item with staff technical corrections and requests 1, 4 and 5, plus the dual designation of land under Option A (as shown on MAP 4-2 of the Plan) as Park and only the southern half of Option D as Park. Council President Karbassi seconded the motion which carried by the following vote:
- 11:00 A.M.
- ID 25-1340 Appearance by Olga Valle regarding “The need for a crosswalk near the Consulate of Mexico” (District 3 Resident)Action ItemAction: PRESENTED
- 11:03 A.M.
- The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the City Council during the October 30, 2025, regular meeting.
- 44 APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDARAction: APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR Passed
On motion of Councilmember Perea, seconded by Councilmember Esparza, the CONSENT CALENDAR was hereby adopted by the following vote: