Thread by @AndyHS

At the August 15,2019 Fresno City Council meeting! Darling Rendering Plant relocation; over ride Mayor’s Veto; Loan for South Stadium housing project that includes affordable units; Resolution in favor of County’s sale of old Valley Medical Center (Kings Canyon and Cedar);

Workshop on DRIVE initiative; On Consent Calendar: Approve the reappointment of Susan Smith to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee by
Councilmember Esparza

Approve the appointments of Dillon Savory and Ryan Kenny to the District 1 Project Review Committee;

Revolving Loan Fund
1. Goals and Objectives: The goals and objectives of the RLF Program include:
A. Improve the City of Fresno economy and reduce unemployment by assisting in the start- up of small businesses.
B. Improve the City of Fresno economy and reduce unemployment by

assisting small businesses to expand sales, profits, services and employment.
C. Afford woman and minority owned small businesses access to capital that would not otherwise be available to them on reasonable terms or conditions.
D. Assist in the revitalization and occupancy of

vacant commercial and industrial properties within the City of Fresno. Councilman Elect Mike Karbassi in the chambers this morning!@kmkarbassi Congressman Jim Costa is here too for ceremonial presentation. Revolving Fund items has been moved to August 22.

Proclamation of “Ralph Tovar Rodriguez Day with American Legion 509”by
Councilmember Esparza and Congressman Costa. Ten years in Army; plus Army reserves for two decades: He helped revive the Honor Guard with the 509. Costa: recognizes Rodriguez’s contribution to society.

Always remember those who are serving and those veterans to continue to serve when they return much like Rodriguez has done with Honor Guard. Providing a flag that has flown over US Capital. (Rodriguez gets a standing ovation)

Proclamation of “Breastfeeding Awareness Month”
Council President Caprioglio and Councilmember Soria
First 5 is providing grant money for breast feeding room at City Hall. Fresno Airport also providing a clean quiet room. @Esmeralda_Soria says there wasn’t a changing table in

City Hall when she first arrived. There is now one in both the women’s and men’s restroom. Airport has 2 million passengers but cannot bring liquids thru Security. The quiet room has been used a lot due to that reason by passengers.

Presentation of a Certificate of Recognition to Heliodoro Zavala Day”
Councilmember Soria @Esmeralda_Soria He has an interpreting business that was the first in Fresno. It filled a needed gap and not just the Spanish speaking community. He thanks the Council for this unique

opportunity. Need to focus on our City to make it a better place. Daughter thanks her father for all his hard work for the community. Her mother for standing besides the family.

Presentation of a Certificate of Recognition to “District 1 Intern Pawan Brar”
Councilmember Soria @Esmeralda_Soria who spent six weeks this Summer at City Hall. Attending Santa Clara University as a Finance Major and is a Senior. “Hoping she boomerangs back to Fresno”

Council Reports: @D7Esparza Thanks his Summer Interns. Successful Beat the Heat program this Summer. New cohorts of UCSF students. Hopefully some of them will stay in Fresno. Mock City Council meeting with Students “who behaved better and looked better than us Councilmembers”

@Esmeralda_Soria Reel Pride Kick off event tomorrow at Painted Table. 30th Anniversary of event. Highway City neighborhood resource center is now open thanks to Centro Familia. Labor Day at Fresno Fair. Governor Newsom appointed her to Homeless Taskforce. Excitedly be part of it

@PaulCaprioglio helped provide 700 backpacks for students returning back to school. Thanks all the sponsors who helped provide books, supplies, and bbq for the families. Reminds Council and Administration that it is hard to put agenda together if items are not submitted on time.

This is a friendly reminder from the Council President. Consent Calendar passes 6-0. Unscheduled Communication: complains of three neighbors who have chickens in Tower District. Attracts rats, feral cats etc. Will this bring residents wanting a cow in their backyard. Next: David

Brenzell of Clovis. In era of frustrations of consultants on HSR the region has a local consultants that could do it better. Pacific Northwest And Canada are rooting for California High Speed Rail. Conference at Microsoft Campus in Seattle. Severe housing prices could be solved

with High Speed Rail. @PaulCaprioglio asks him to speak to Mayor Brand about bringing symposium to Fresno. NextAaron Foster wonders about $200,000 on an item when his Advanced Peace Proposal was denied by Mayor. Need a real non-violence Taskforce. @D7Esparza says he would like to

again meet with him. Reminds Mr Foster that it was Mayor’s office that vetoed that $200,000. @MiguelArias_D3 asks Assistant City Manager Jim Schaad what is the progress on working with Mayor Brand? He doesn’t know at this time. 10 AM item: HEARING - To vacate Elgin Avenue and

North James Street between Golden State Boulevard and State Route 99. Would create three viable parcel maps. Was rendered useless when 99 went in. Will City receive any money asks @MiguelArias_D3 ? Staff: it relieves City of liability but no monetary. Arias: Is that usual? Yes.

Staff: unsure what real estate value. Weed and trash strewn. Big rig Trucks park there. Hasn’t been maintained in past few months at least. Next : TEFRA HEARING - To hear information concerning the proposed issuance of Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds by California Statewide

Communities Development Authority for the purpose of financing or Pleasant Village Apartments 1. City will have no liability of these funds. Passs 6-0.

Appearance by Daniel Lorente to discuss the desecration of his younger brother, USMC Cpl. Farrell Gilliam’s burial site at Mountain View Cemetery. (Speaker resides in District 1) (Cemetery located in District 3). There is a homeless population, drug needles , HSR are some of the

some of the issues in that area. Wants the Council to be aware of what is happening out there. @MiguelArias_D3 apologizes on behalf of the City. Homeless Taskforce has been out there several times. No security there at night. There will be a new shelter opening soon. What is

private owners doing about the cemetery asks @GarryBredefeld ? Leonte: they know about the issues. Fresno PD Officer is part of homeless portion. The private owners have erected cinderblock walls and other items. Six arrests have been made for trespassing. City Attorney says PD

is on right track. @GarryBredefeld asks if owners are taking care of desecration of memorial bench? @Esmeralda_Soria says she will say in City will stay in communication with Cemetery. @MiguelArias_D3 reminds everyone about large number of homeless vets.

Relocation of the Darling Rendering Plant: @PaulCaprioglio wants to thank former Councilman Oliver Baines for always pushing on this relocation. City will provide land and entitlements, tax rebates and waivers. Darling will construct new plant. Will be built in 2.5 years.

Darling seeking $9 Million in New Market Tax. City will provide money if Darling can’t get 95% of those funds. Fresno County will provide some funds if it approves it at this August 20 meeting. Air Board will also provide permitting. Environmental Assessment: will be certified

today pending Council approval. Reduced to less than significant for odor, three bird species, light and glare. Significant unavoidable impacts include conversion of important farmland and traffic. Staff asks Council to certify EIR, Approve Plan Amendment , Rezone, CUP,

@Esmeralda_Soria recalls being here her first year on Council and now five years later for getting this passed. Thanks community for there hard work and patience to get here. @District5Chavez asks Planning Department Head Jennifer Clark what is time line for odor to stop for

neighbors. Construction to begin after permitting , grading etc. Current Site has been rezoned to office only. Mary Curry: Thanks everyone. Moved here in 1956. Darling Plant was already there. Those type of plants were historically located in areas of People of Color knowing they

were too busy working to fight back. When all are doing better the City is doing better. Wants to see Fresno to grow. “ @kieltls Community Vision helped with market tax credits and would appreciate a YES from Council. First heard about Darling as a 7th Grader at Computech.

@GarryBredefeld Thanks Mary Curry for her eloquent words. He is happy to vote in favor. Also Thanks Oliver Baines. Rectify a wrong. @PaulCaprioglio said Baines took Council into Closed Session and he wouldn’t take NO for an answer. He would not give up. Also Thanks Darling.

@MiguelArias_D3 Thanks mediator, Mary Curry and daughter Vernice, Pastor Lewis. He calls for Vote! Passes 6-0!

Agreement between the City of Fresno, the City of Fresno in its capacity as Housing Successor to the former Redevelopment Agency and Noyan Frazier Capital LP. 10 of the 54 units will be affordable housing. @Esmeralda_Soria recuses herself from this item. 2016 is when this process

begins says Marleen Murphy. @GarryBredefeld asks how far back does it go? He feels this was planned before 2016. Murphy says there was an RFP that several developers responded to and Noyan Frazier was selected. Was there always an affordable component? Murphy: yes. There are ten

Affordable units at this project. @GarryBredefeld project it penciled in 2016 but not now. Thanks but four units added since then. What else changed? A: Construction costs etc. Q: Why does City have to provide money for the developers then? A: City doesn’t but are tasked to spend

Affordable Housing funds and this project provides a good return. It is a State requirement. Developer Mr. Noyan of Noyan Frazier Capital LP. comes to dais. Originally it was five stories, larger units and more amenities. Removed one floor, slightly smaller. Need this additional

Capital to finish project. Extensive changes to get to this point. Labor costs have gone up but rents haven’t increased. @GarryBredefeld says there are other developers who have built downtown without asking for funds. He doesn’t think Bitwise has ever asked for a dime from City

Deputy City Manager Laura Merrill says this is final piece of project. Assistant City Manager says construction costs have gone up 3% for City too. Bredefeld will vote NO. @District5Chavez knows every city has trouble providing affordable housing. When will this be finished?

Noyan: will start in April 2020 and finished in 18 months. Construction costs have gone up 10-20% due to good economy. Chavez: will vote YES. City has invested in Fulton Street and now for developers to finish. @MiguelArias_D3 City has sold land to developers but not all have

actually begin their projects as promised. Bitwise doesn’t build housing. These affordable housing require Prevailing Wages too. @PaulCaprioglio asks cash invested ? A:$400,000 so far. Demo old building.Caprioglio will vote YES. Passes 4-1 with Bredefeld voting NO.

10:45 am item : Development Permit for four office buildings 36,000 sq ft. On 3.11 acres. Consistent with surrounding area. Passes: 6-0 ( Soria back on dais). General Administration Items: change order for Recycled Water transmission. @Esmeralda_Soria wonders about if a labor

project agreement (PLA) for this project? A: NO. Soria emphasizes that this project had a number of change orders. Perhaps it wouldn’t if a PLA was in place. @MiguelArias_D3 says this project took an additional $1.5 million to finish this yet we just had a lengthy discussion to

$600,000 to help build housing with affordable components. Assistant City Manager said this is different. Arias just wants to remind Council construction projects change. Jim Schaad thinks Change Orders are different than PLA. Passes 4-2 with Arias and Bredefeld voting NO.

3-b passes 4-2 with same Councilmembers voting NO. 3-c: Housing and Department (HUD) Administration of these programs requires hiring consultants. @GarryBredefeld asks if there is a way not to hire these consultants. DARM Director Jennifer Clark says there is movement to train

our own employees to do this. A:YES. @MiguelArias_D3 Motion to approve but with requirement that it won’t be automatically renewed but need Council approval. Soria wants to know what Mayor’s view on these consultants. Jim Schaad says Administration has gotten one hire with two

more in the works. (@MayorLeeBrand comes into chambers). Soria says she feels like a broken record on the consultants. Passes 6-0. 4-B disposing of City Property sponsored by @MiguelArias_D3 and @D7Esparza Transparency, Good neighbor and Good Stewards. Neighborhood will be

notified so they know as well as if they want to bid. A committee will help determine what is value of property. @D7Esparza this will help prevent backroom deals. Passes 6-0. 4-C Resolution of County’s sale of former UMC Hospital. This will be senior housing / affordable units.

@District5Chavez recuses himself due to living close to project site. Passes 5-0. Council going to Lunch Recess until 1:45 pm.
WORKSHOP Developing the Region's Inclusive and Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Initiative will Be Up after Closed Session.

Council back from Closed Session (2:45 pm). WORKSHOP Developing the Region's Inclusive and Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Initiative a strategic planning idea. Ashley Swearengin presents idea behind Initiative @AshleyCVCF Merik Goodman from Brookings Institute. Lots of data evidence

gathered and more will be generated after November summit. Economic values and how economy works. Inclusion and growth. Integrated approach.

59th out of 59 Cities in racial and overall inclusion. 38% of kids live in poverty. Exportable v non-exportable jobs. Ag is #1 in exportable and specialized but poor wages. Fresno needs more exportable segment. Too few quality jobs leading to real economic challenges. 60,000+

jobs needed by 2030. Too few jobs and a low proportion of high-skilled jobs that help drive economy. Particularly challenging for people of color. 10x more wealth the median white family holds to black families. 8x Latino and 2.6x than Asian. Michelle Cofer of Fresno Unified.

Pre term birth rate for POC is worse. Short and long term strategy will drive future economic. Opportunity is based in low diverse neighborhoods. Solid reserach base to start but we are not at square one says Swearengin. We are 20 years in on a 40 year plan. Newsom Administration

Inland Focus is very helpful gives “wind to our backs” but lots of “wind to our face like no other city” Next phase: how to get shovel ready? Next speaker : opportunities for residents. A bold initiative. Racial/ ethnic disparities exist. Affordable homes.

Retaining and attracting talent. Neighborhood wealth creation. Downtown revitalization. Halfway thru draft plan. Will be unveiled at November summit. Dr. Alan Pierot wonders what needs to be done differently. Community support of the plan is needed. To attract that level of in-

vestment need to be investment worthy. On time and on budget. Very best consultants : Urban Institute , McKenzie and Brookings. We believe this will attract the investment needed. It is bold , comprehensive and well thought out.” @District5Chavez Q: is this a compilation of many

groups like Fresno Unified. Swearengin says yes. Many needing investment. DRIVE wanted to one of any group doing 10 year plans and help tie them togetherness not in silo. Net new initiatives provided by consultants. Scale and impact isn’t done well in Fresno. Q: actionable piece?

Is there money from Governor? A: 18 Initiatives. Each of there parts could be an investment part. Will refine in September and be ready by November. We can’t guarantee how much State will invest. But they shouldn’t be only investor. 45 days away from indicating what exactly State

could invest in. Cannot raise money if you don’t have an investable plan. We don’t do that well in Fresno. Need to access measurable for racial inequities. Business Plan template provided to workers. Who will be effected by such and such? Q: when is City role ? A: H Spees of

city, Lupe Perez, @plannerdanzack been pulled into various meetings. @D7Esparza Thought it was an excellent presentation. He participates in three of the work groups. Don’t be a stranger to City so we are all pushing in the same direction. @MiguelArias_D3 Q: what role for

Council? A: we will defer to you but wherever you are passionate please engage. @PaulCaprioglio Thanks for clear PowerPoint. Glad we are acknowledging these disparities. Council will head back to Closed Session now. Next meeting August 22nd. @threadreaderapp unroll