Thread by @AndyHS

pril 25,2019 Fresno City Council meeting! Number of Liquor Store reduction Ordinance ; Residential units at First and Nees; quite a few Airport related items (9 total); list of SB 1 has tax road projects; Recognition of Kepler students, Don Savory Day, Will Bredefeld and Arias

“Kiss and Make up”?? Liquor Store Ordinance has been bumped. Chavez and Bredefeld will Be gone next week’s meeting. Bredefeld would like it moved to June 13th when he can be there. Arias doesn’t want to move it from next week. Thinks a commitment to the public is made when you

become elected. Arias requests it be May 2. Bredefeld thinks this is an important issue. Businesses that this will effect wants him (Bredefeld) to be there. “Not time sensitive. If you want a Special Meeting May 1st I can make that” says Bredefeld @GarryBredefeld Arias says this

Would start a six month process where Council can get more comments. Bredefeld wonders if there is “something else for reluctance”? @D7Esparza was reluctant to move this at all and to June 13 is too long to wait. President @PaulCaprioglio is willing to have Special Meeting

May 1st. Certificate of Recognition to Kepler School students. The boys volleyball team who talked a women down from jumping from Stanislaus Bridge long enough for police to arrive. @@Esmeralda_Soria @MiguelArias_D3 @D7Esparza Arias says this is what Fresno is about:caring.

Arias says City’s baseball suite will Be provided to the school. Esparza speaks about when he voted NO to renew Kepler’s charter when he looked at data. They prevailed anyway and he wonders what would have happened tonthat women if they weren’t there.

ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition, for the Transportation Department’s Municipal Fleet and Public Safety Fleet Divisions. 75% of employees have to be certified to get award. Wide variety of vehicles that are repaired by this crew.

American Red Cross is installing free 600 smoke alarms in a push called “Sound the Alarm Month” proclaimed by
Council President Caprioglio. One in ten homes don’t purchase an alarm due to cost. 2000 installed since June 2018.

Proclamation of “Don Savory Day” by
Councilmember Soria, Councilmember Chavez &Councilmember Esparza. Savory is diplomatic in public but can be colorful in private especially when speaking about politicians says @District5Chavez. Soria says he is a true leader for Labor.

Savory is leaving with a good Young Leadership trained. Esparza says often when an important leader retires people worry about the future of the organization but he has left a strong force behind. Chavez/Esparza are Wearing Red Labor ties in his honor. Savory jokes that he hired

people from Craigslist’s to show up today so it would look like he was popular 😜He is proud to leave an opportunity to be a middle class career for locals.

Proclamation of “Underage Drinking Prevention & Friday Night Live Month”
sponsored by Councilmember Soria, Councilmember Esparza and Vice President Arias. This group helped with Liquor Store reduction ordinance The Responsible Neighborhood Market Ordinance” These students have

taken action and become engaged says @Esmeralda_Soria. It took a lot of energy to research the data needed. They work to take down Liquor ads in the neighborhood and lower teen drinking.

@District5Chavez would like to adjourn in memory of Joseph Yang. @Esmeralda_Soria Mall to Hall bike ride will be May First. Manchester down to City Hall. Also Community Meetings April 30 5:30 in Tower District. Provide feedback on budget talks coming soon. @D7Esparza a pro-

-fessional Kitchen to be used as an incubator for foods and restaurant ideas. He welcomes them to the neighborhood. Consent items 1-G, 1-L, 1-M, and 1-N are pulled for discussion. **Presentation by High School Students from Performing Above High Project (PATH) California Health

This will Be combined with item 4-A Fresno City College Law Pathway Advocacy Project. ( they are currently taking a 5 minute break ) 30% of Fresno County youth have tried marijuana at least once. Social Host Ordinance have been passed in many cities. Tulare, Roseville,Riverside

have all passed successful anti-social hosting ordinances. @GarryBredefeld Bredefeld says “acceptance of marijuana is a problem. It is a gateway drug. Legalization of it has led to more acceptance. City will be authorizing more dispensaries soon.” @District5Chavez thanks the

Edison and Central High students presentation. Fresno City College Law Pathway which is among 29 schools that provides work opportunities and special admission considerations. 92 active students at City College. Students Kevin Green and Samantha Perez honored today. Heading to

UCLA Law School next. Wants to be a Federal Judge. Samantha Perez a recent Roosevelt High graduate. She wants to practice Environmental Law in the Central Valley. National Lawyers Guild June 21-23 at City College. Students can cover lots of items as advocates at City College.

Fresno City College’s President Carole Goldsmith @DrGoldsmith777 says Law training provides critical thinking skills. All the training provide life long skills. Community advocate helps all. Soria says this is a great opportunity for Fresno City Students. Kevin Green was one of

her former students. Moving on to many airport items. First is noise reduction for homes near airport for $837,000. Bredefeld asks since we did this before why are we needing to do this again. Meikle says each home is designed to lessen sound. About 40 homes are done at a time.

3-B Environmental Work for new airport parking garage for $2.8 million and contract for $324,000. NEPA and CEQA documentation. Arias asks why it wasn’t out out to bid? Meikle says YES for construction out to bid but NO for designs there are too many variables and unknowns.

3-C Parking Expansion for $3.1 million. This will be done this Summer. @D7Esparza what is the Labor Agreement Element? Meikle says this is not related to the other parking garage project that has that labor agreement in it. Arias asks why did we piggy back v putting out to bid

ourselves? Meikle says timing. Pricing was competitive too. Arias wants to know who bid and what was amount of bids. He would like to verify who is lowest bidder. Arias trusts airport’s expertise but would like that info in future. 3-D Actions related to approval and execution of

Actions related to approval and execution of financing documents to finalize a $35 million low-interest loan from the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank to partly fund a parking garage at Fresno Yosemite International. Was accepted at state level and this

today puts the contract into place. Approved 6-0. @PaulCaprioglio said it was tense the meeting on this but they approved the $35 million. Arias would like progress on labor agreement from Meikle. RESOLUTION - In support of SB 230 v AB 392. Bredefeld says SB 230 will give tools

given to law enforcement. He says “AB 392 is an attack on our law enforcement. This will set a standard for entire nation. 392 will shift standard to necessity only. Will discourage proactive policing. LE will pull back and give criminals carte blanche. LE will have to weigh

monetary when making decisions. There is a move to combine the two competing bills. Trend to weakening criminal laws like Prop 47 etc. no greater responsibility than LE. They need to make best decision. Would like this Council to send a message to Sacramento that this is best.

Police Chief Dyer says “ those for AB 392 have good intention but misunderstandings on what LE goes thru. We have taken more guns off the street than before. Deescalation Training is provided to all FPD. Reasonable and necessary force is needed. If police Officer is sent to

prison for making split decision is wrong. Dyer thinks AB 392 is wrong. He has friends that are in favor of that but they are misinformed. FPD are being punished for sins of other officers”. Kurt Poole of Police Union agrees with Dyer. Says letter sent by local pastors in favor

AB 392 is wrong. SB 230 passed out of Committee 7-0. This pastor letter is incorrect. When police raised standards by policy/training the officer rose to those. Punishment by sending to prison it doesn’t raise standards. Crime rises if officers pull back. 392 will have unintend

-ed consequences. “ @kmkarbassi Mike Karbassi understands anger of public about police brutality but most of this is spurred on by social media. The number has actually falling. SB 230 focuses on training. LE will pull back and make them hesitant putting themselves in danger.

Letter from Faith Based Community is valid but he questions the facts in that letter. “ Next Public Comment: says Police often escalate the situation by their professionalism, tone of voice. They need to remain calm especially when it is a non-violent situations and community

is not having a raised voice. Next: Debbie Knard has been involved in law enforcement over the years. We are living in a lawless society. A lack of respect for officers now. She has sympathy for officers. She was appalled that pastors/faith community were endorsing AB 392.

Next: has family that are police officers and family killed by police. He knows quick decisions are needed by officers but those unjustly killed are important too. Both bills AB 392 and SB 230 should be supported by Council. @D7Esparza was initially in favor of SB 230 but changes

by Sacramento Committee makes this resolution obsolete as the two bills are “married” and if one fails then the other fails too. Doesn’t think we should vote to approve when it is now obsolete. Arias says language of these bills are not provided today. These are serious to City.

This should be discussed in a Workshop. Language changes asks City to pay for more training without-more funding. When can deadly force be used now? Arias has not seen pastors letter yet either. Arias asks Dyer when was last time Deadly Force Policy. Dyer says every time a

situation occurred. Dyer says “officers are held to higher then standard held by Supreme Court. SB 292 brings this standard up. “ Arias Asks “Do changes to policy occurs does it go up in front Council? “ NO , but it could says Dyer. Arias doesn’t like this comes in front of

Council when we are not trained in deadly force. Would like Workshop. “ @District5Chavez says he is on favor of SB 292 but problem is State is trying to solve something that needs to be solved at local reason. When on school Board he helped place police officers in schools. He

wanted them they’re not be punished but to help students get a better impression of officers than they might see otherwise. @Esmeralda_Soria asks Dyer “ Do you think this is premature of this council to vote on this today?” Dyer: important to accept in concept of SB 292 and

oppose anything that criminalizes officers that make split second decisions. There are amendments to both these bills. Conceptually it is important that we do what SB 292 does “ @GarryBredefeld says he is in favor SB 230 and against AB 292 even though both bills are being change

Bredefeld asks Kurt Poole if the fact the merging of two bills changes his view? Poole says “he agrees with SB 230 despite changes. Doesn’t want officers sent to prison for making split second decisions. In favor of more training.” Bredefeld won’t change his resolution despite

changes at State that are occurring. Esparza will vote in favor IF the last three lines that “against AB 392” due to both bills are merged and changing. Bredefeld won’t strike it out. Dyer says he is still against AB 392 as currently written and favor SB 230. Passes 6-0.

Moving on to next item. Karen Jakes who is new to DARM. Had auditor background. Action Plan will be discussed at next Council meeting *******HEARING to obtain public comments regarding implementation of the City of Fresno’s proposed activities with federal grant funding pertainin

to the Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Action Plan.

Approve Assignment and Assumption of the Hotel Fresno Owner Participation Agreement. Council Acting as RDA successor. Bank of the West will act as funder. Legally Need to transfer to another entity which is Broadway in this case. . Same group but just a technical change. Doesn’t

effect anything else. Developer is here from Southern California if there are any questions. Arias says this was built in 1912 This will be a remodeled gem in Downtown Fresno. Families will move into this great facility.

Mike Lima renovation of Hotel Fresno. Hearing must

occur by law. No public comments. No City liabilities or funding. Approved 6-0. Lunch Recess until 1:30.

Back from Recess: designation of the subject 11.16 acre portion of the 22.81 acre parcel from Commercial-Recreation to Residential Medium High Density (12-16 Dwelling Units/Acre).
from the corner of East Nees Avenue and North First Street.

These will be luxury apartments. Was zoned for commercial recreation . 16 two story buildings and 4 single story. Planning Commission approved the project. 12-16 demwelling units per acre. Representative of developer. Meetings with neighbors. Garages of buffered away from two

buildings so two story units don’t peek into neighboring backyards. Doesn’t add much traffic to Nees Ave. Citizen : Ismael Calderon wonders if project will effect Grizzly Fest? @GarryBredefeld asks about privacy for neighbors? Site view study shows it is 125 feet away from units.

Bredefeld says Nees is part of proposed SB 1 funding. He also doesn’t think it will effect Grizzly Fest. Soria: asks about density? A:16 units per acre. Soria asks about rent rates? A: $1500-$2000. Arias: who owns the large parcel?A: Russ Nikota (sp). Arias: what is idea for rest

Of parcel? A: unsure but office would make sense. Arias: how much is developer paying into road improvements as well as gas tax dollars. A:Street fees are only for improvements but not for overlay. Arias: is there a definition for Luxury Apartments? A: typically amenities like

Clubhouse etc. passes 6-0 Moving on to Consent item 1-G regarding vacation of Devlan and Weber. Soria asks timeline, owner, and is City maintaining it. A: Owner owns property adjacent. It is a “paper street “just a dirt road. Past vacantions had reduced the road in spots. Owner

wants to develop residential. City only has an easement right that has not been exercised for 100 years. City only wants 6’ for light improvements. Soria: do we charge ? A: City doesn’t own land. Only problem is the easement. Owner has to pay for application fee. Arias: what is

major cross streets A: Herndon Town Arias: should we give up easement before knowing what owner will develop there? A: giving up easement eliminates maintaining it and any liability. Arias : just wants to make sure we are not giving it up too early A: This is a good Candidate

Approved 6-0. Next 1-L is MOU with County and City as to how taxes are allocated . Final Draft will be available next month. Today this will allow us to continue until then. Jane Sumpter says there is a current rate but being looked at that formula to see if it needs to change.

Sumpter said we had started negotiating but changes require a new rate. County declined to participate but did give City more time. Soria: if we cannot figure out a better sharing of tax rates maybe ...Ulta and Amazon gave County a great share and they didn’t give up anything.

Sumpter says need to look at what it costs City and what it costs County and then run it thru formula. This is a one year deal but hopefully it will be negotiated earlier then that. City Manager says County isn’t paying for the study but are at the table. Council will get results

when it is done. Quan doesn’t want to show City’s hand until negotiations with County. Bredefeld wants to see it perhaps at Closed Session. Counsel Doug Sloan says not really a Closed Session item. Quan will Show it to Council before going to County. Quan says she knows County

CAO Jean Rousseau watches these council meetings and so she was treading carefully in her wording “Hi , Jean !“ says City Manager Quan. Arias says this started in 2003 and County gets better of deal. City has to pay for study too. If we have to do this project by project. City

gave $30 million to Amazon but City only gets 21% of tax benefits with County getting rest. Doing renewals year to year is not the way to do it says Arias. If this is going to be job magnet City should put money in it but should get benefit too says Arias. Bredefeld agrees.

County needs to put skin in the game too if they are getting benefits. Approved 6-0. RESOLUTION - Assigning Office and Parking Space. City Manager Quan says this will displace two of her executives. She says typically only 6-8 of 35 Council workspaces are being used most days.

If Council gets parking space requested then Council will get 21% of spaces when most are not here. Arias asks what about your Economic Development Director?? Caprioglio cuts it off as they are getting Testy with each other and ask for a motion. Bredefeld votes NO. Passes 5-1.

Purchase of two street sweepers for $773,000 for Public Works. Passes 6-0. Moving on to Records Management Workshop. Change electronic retaining policy. Any writing or recording to public business.

Can be texts, voice Mail, emails, video, etc

City Charter gives Council authority as well as State and Federal rules. The more records kept the more resources needed to keep them. Mandatory records like Police Records , Council etc. Confidential items won’t be produced.

As of January 2019 with SB 1421 states that some police records will now be provided. Discharge of firearm, etc. Some Police Departments have sought relief from courts. County Sheriff asked for injunction and was granted until higher court makes a decision. FPOA has Meeting next

Week on this. Cities around the State have different ideas. San Diego is looking at other Cities for help too. We can automate emails, voicemails, Instant Messaging but not text messages. City Clerk Yvonne Spence says inventory is needed in order to see what needs to be managed.

Office Space is not a good place for storage. Also protection during disaster so vital records kept. Destroying records need to be documented for Court purposes. Reduce risk of litigation if a strong record management is used. Utah has records so it is separated if disaster

occurred in Fresno. @District5Chavez cost of storing records? A: answer not handy at this time but can find it and send to Councilmembers. Arias: what is our citywide policy? What is gatekeepers preference ? A: 7 years for email. 28 days for voice mail. Thought of Council, City

Manager etc records were kept 7 years but 2 years for others but that is hard to administer with a blended format like that. Arias: if a employee leaves what happens to his/her records? A: need to keep those too even if their email account deleted. Fewer records helps to get

records that are requested for Public Record requests. Can take 8 days now. Arias : 7 years retention compared to two years may be optimal legally. End of Records Management Workshop. Unscheduled Communication: homeless advocate says he doesn’t have problem with anti panhandling

signs but would like the resources go directly to homeless. He has property at 2310 Anna St. He would like own water tower, solar desirable etc. they would like City help and funding. Dana Overheart says 80-90% of mentally ill homeless have development of a child. City has been

inhumane in destroying blankets along with rest of their items. Very hard during winter. Shannon Tom is homeless. Not all are on drugs. Sometimes financial issues make it hard to pay rent. City has thrown away walkers needed. If tent is not blocking sidewalk or dirty they should

not have to move especially around Poverello. Police often don’t have good attitude towards homelessness. There are no good emergency shelters. Carl Renna says impact from reduction of liquor stores would hurt many families due to loss of revenue. Who benefits from this ? Fossil

fuels companies? The City? If you want to get rid of home invasions get rid of homes? Being facetious. Maybe enforce existing laws. Arias: will be happy to meet with him. Caprioglio wonders if June 13th would be better than Special Meeting. Arias doesn’t want it pushed into

Budget time in June. Caprioglio indicates many people want to meet Councilmembers about this and June meeting gives more time to do that. Arias prefers next Wednesday’s Special Meeting. Caprioglio is shooting for 1:30 or 2pm start time. Going to 3 pm Item Adopting a list of

proposed Public Works projects to be submitted for Senate Bill 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account funds for City of Fresno Fiscal Year 2020. Priscilla Lopez asks Council to ask for side street repairs. Parents have lived in this 50’s era home and streets never been

done. Bredefeld says SB 1 funds are $12 million. His district received second to last in finding and has no problem with the fact other districts are getting the majority. 70% goes to South of Shaw. He is always in favor of entire city improving. Future projects is 2:1 to South

Of Shaw. All citizens pay gas taxes no matter where you live. Not one project has changed since our “battle”A few weeks ago. Agrees past sins have to be repaired especially near schools. Jim Schaad asks what prioritizing safe routes to schools means? Chavez says thease are Place-

holders now. Schaad says these won’t be built for over a year.Arias: says “Sidewalk improvements are needed in future. Definition of “future” is up for debate. Design of sidewalks will begin in-house immediately” Approved 6-0. Going to Closed Session now. @threadreaderapp unroll