December 19, 2013 City Council Agenda

Find complete agenda here.
Call (559) 621-8000 to speak to your council member on any one of these issues.

Watch the City Council meeting live here every Thursday, usually starting at 8:30am.

Consent Calendar:

1A) Developer, Lennar Homes, is requesting that their sub-division located on the West side of Armstrong between Ashlan and Dakota (map) be included in the area Community Facilities District where the City will be in charge of landscaping, irrigation, curbs & gutters, medians and more. The cost for the Services for these improvements is $361.33/lot annually (totaling $33,603.58) charged to the homeowners.  This is just a resolution of intention, starting the process for the annexation. The required public hearing will be January 16, 2014 at 2:00pm.

1B) Developer, Lennar Homes, is requesting that their sub-division located on the east side of North Polk Avenue between West Shields and Clinton Avenues (map) be included in the area Community Facilities District where the City will be in charge of landscaping, irrigation, curbs & gutters, medians and more. The cost for the Services for these improvements is $214.58/lot annually charged to the homeowners.  This is just a resolution of intention, starting the process for the annexation. The required public hearing will be January 16, 2014 at 2:15pm.

1C) The City Council is approving the 2014 meeting schedule.

1D) The City of Fresno PARCS Department is building a universally accessible neighborhood park at 5770 W. Gettysburg (map).  They are making an agreement with Resources for Independence Central Valley for 5 years with a 5 year option to extend to maintain the facility, have programs in the building (when the building is completed) and have discretion to facilitate programs that are operated within the park.  They will also pay for gas, electricity, water, sewer, and garbage for the first two years, after which the City would be responsible for these costs.

1E) City staff recommends the approval of an agricultural Lease and Agreement with Bakersfield Properties, Inc., for 158 acres of City-owned land at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility with anticipated gross revenues of $94,800 per year to the Wastewater Enterprise Fund for the duration of contract.

1F) Staff recommends the approval of acquiring one public street easement from a portion of one piece of property owned by B. David Singh, Sanjiv Jain and Rajinder Dhaliwal, in the amount of $130,225 total for approximately 31,513 square feet of the property. This is for the installation of curb, gutter, and addition of one vehicle travel lane and one bike lane in each direction, construction of a median island, street lights and the undergrounding of a portion of an Fresno Irrigation Canal on Santa Fe Avenue between Palo Alto Avenue and Blythe Avenue (map).

1G) Along the proposed High Speed Rail route across Veterans Boulevard (map), it was determined that a high pressure gas main, that is owned by SFPP and operated by Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, exists within the project footprint. The exact location of the pipeline will need to be verified through potholing and due to the sensitivity of the gas main, the utility company requires pipeline protection design and inspection services for the potholing to take place, which will be paid for from Measure "C" Tier 1 funding that has already been approved for the project.

1H) The City proposes to construct an additional westbound travel lane and bike lane along Nees Avenue between North Maple Avenue and Hayston Avenue (map).This requires the formation of an Underground Utility District  to convert the existing overhead electrical and communication facilities to underground service. The formation of the Underground Utility District also requires affected property owners to modify their existing overhead services to accept utility service from the underground facilities. Underground installation of PG&E overhead electrical facilities is funded by the utility company funds set aside pursuant to the Public Utility Commission Rule 20A. The other utility companies, AT&T and Comcast Cable, will provide 100 percent of the funding to convert the existing overhead facilities to underground.

1I) Subdivider, Copper River 74, Inc., a California Corporation, (Darius Assemi, President), has filed for approval for a 64-lot single-family residential subdivision with one remainder, located between North Friant Road and East Copper Avenue (map), within the Copper River Ranch Planned Community on 11.72 acres.

1J) The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) awarded the City of Fresno $500,000 in grant funds for Fresno's Ceasefire Strategies and Joven Noble Program. The grant period commences on January 1, 2014 and concludes on December 31,2015. A local dollar-for-dollar match requirement of $500,000 will come from the existing staff salaries assigned to the program. The total project cost of $1,000,000.

1K) In June 1998, the City of Fresno entered into an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct the final cleanup at the Fresno Sanitary Landfill. As part of the cleanup efforts, Groundwater testing is required. City staff is requesting the City Council approve an agreement with CDM Smith Inc, to extend the contract time to May 31, 2014 to complete all work at the City of Fresno Sanitary Landfill.

1L) Staff recommends the approval of a second amendment to an agreement with CDM Smith Inc. in the amount of $272,000 for the third year of Groundwater Monitoring and Reporting at the Fresno Sanitary Landfill.

1M) Staff recommends the adoption of a resolution in support of the Association of California Water Agencies' (ACWA) Statewide Water Action Plan (SWAP). The SWAP, submitted to Governor Brown for his consideration on October 2,2013, provides context for a Delta solution and other critical actions as components of a grander set of strategies to address overall water supply reliability and ecosystems in our state.

1N) Since August 2013, Solid Waste Management Division and Police Department staff have been heavily involved in the City's "Homeless Initiative", addressing the dismantling of large encampments, and the daily transport, storage, and record keeping of the personal belongings of our community's homeless. City staff is requesting $300,000 from the Community Sanitation Fund for previous and anticipated FY14 Litter Program Homeless Initiative expenditures.

The money will be to paid for the following line-item expenses:
Employee Salaries - $ 73,700
Employee Fringe Benefits - $13,000
Contract Help (Stored Items Security) - $101,300
Professional Services (Videos of Clean-Ups) - $5,500
Miscellaneous Supplies for Clean-Ups - $600
Clothing (Safety Clothing & Gloves, etc.) - $6,800
Office Supplies (Required Notices) - $500
Barricades, Trash Bags, Storage Rentals - $21,500
Miscellaneous Expenses - $32,200
Landfill Tip Fees - $32,900
Fleet Charges - $12,000

1O) Every three years, the California Building Standards Code is reviewed and modified where applicable and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission. On January 29, 2013, the Commission voted to adopt the 2013 edition of the California Building Standards Code effective January 1, 2014. The 2013 California Building Standards Code includes the California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy and Green Building Standards Codes. The purpose of this Ordinance Bill is merely to adopt the updated standards which are adopted or modified as necessary to insure the safety of the community. City Staff is not proposing any new local amendments as part of the adoption of the 2013 California Building Standards Code. Staff is introducing the attached Ordinance to be considered for adoption on January 9, 2014.

1P) The 2013 California Fire Code as adopted by the State of California is significantly weaker in regards to fire protection provided than what is currently adopted by the City of Fresno. While the Fresno Municipal Code contains all of the State standards, where necessary, the City has modified certain portions of the California Fire Code to ensure the safety of its community is maintained at current level given local conditions and community expectations. Staff is introducing the attached Resolution and Ordinance, which are anticipated to be considered for adoption on January 9, 2014.

1Q) Prior to allowing electronically-filed campaign statements, City Council needs to adopt an ordinance approving the use of online or electronic filing on a system that will operate securely and effectively and will not unduly burden filers. The system should also meet all the requirements stated in AB2452, which the Netfile system does. Additionally, the amended ordinance reflects the increased contribution limits.

Scheduled Council Hearings and Matters:

10:00AM) This City is increasing the rate it charges to connect properties to the City water main for pipe sizes 1-2 inches in diameter.  They are increasing their charges from 10% to 35%, depending on the pipe size and if it will be metered. This item is continued to 1/30114 @ 10:00 a.m.

1:30PM #1) There is a 430 acre planned development called the “Westlake” Development Project bounded by W. Gettysburg, W. Shields, N. Garfield and N. Grantland Avenues located in Council District 1 (map).  The developer is requesting changes to the planned land use within the proposed project boundary as follows:

-> = from, to

• Medium Low Density Residential:  
• ±194 ac. ->  ±82.42 ac. 
• Medium Density Residential: 
• ±102 ac. ->  ±207 ac. 
• Medium High Density Residential:  
• ±61 ac.  ->   ±38.83 ac. 
• Office Commercial:  
• ±11 ac.  ->   N/A 
• Neighborhood Commercial:  
• ±19 ac.  ->   ±7.45 ac. 
• Community Commercial:  
• N/A  ->   ±22.87 ac. 
• Public Facility (Elementary School):  
• ±17 ac.  ->   ±15.75 ac. 
• Open Space:  
• ±19 ac.  ->   ±55.68 ac. 
• Ponding Basin:  
• ±7 ac.  ->   N/A 

• R-1/UGM (Single Family Residential District / Urban Growth Management): 
• ±262 ac.  ->   ±305.17 ac. 

• R-2/UGM  (Low Density Multiple Family Residential District / Urban Growth Management) 
• ±40 ac.  ->   ±38.83 ac. 
• C-1/UGM  (Neighborhood Shopping Center District / Urban Growth Management) 
• ±19 ac.  ->   ±7.45 ac. 
• C-2/UGM  (Community Shopping Center District / Urban Growth Management) 
• N/A  ->   ±22.87 ac. 
• O/UGM (Open Space District / Urban Growth Management) 
• N/A   ->   ±55.68 ac. 
• AE-5/UGM (Exclusive Five-Acre Agricultural District / Urban Growth Management) 
• ±19 ac.  ->   N/A 
• AE-20 (County) (Exclusive 20-Acre Agricultural District) 
• ±90 ac.  ->   N/A

1:30PM #2) Staff recommends the approval to appropriate $466,900 to add 8 positions to support the Business Friendly Fresno Application Center, to enhance coordination of effort and ease of navigating the development review and processing system. They are adding an Assistant Director of Development and Resource Management department,  a Planner II, an Electrician, 2 Engineers, a Supervising Engineering Tech, a Fire InspectorII and a Fire Prevention Engineer.

2:30PM A) A resolution regarding the City of Fresno and its capacity as Housing Successor regarding Hotel Fresno Owner Participation Agreement. There is no additional information on this item at this time.

2:30PM B) The City's old RDA is planning to sell approximately 1.39 acres located on the north side of Ventura Street between Tenth and Eleventh Street (map) after issuing a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) in November 2012 for the development of the 1.39 acre site.  The Embree Asset Group proposes to purchase the property for for $368,000 with "All Cash at Closing". They plan to construct an approximate 9,100 square foot neighborhood retail building on behalf of a national tenant.

2:30PM C) The City's old RDA has been required to wind down all activities due to an order from the Governor to dissolve all RDAs.  Fresno RDA has been selling properties but due to the change in state law and pending litigation, purchase agreements are unable to proceed and to close escrow for circumstances beyond the buyer's control. This resolution provides the Executive Director of the old RDA with administrative authority to extend purchase agreements in these circumstances.

3:00PM) A Rezone Application has been submitted by Ken Kidd, on behalf of Oakmont Senior Living, LLC and proposes to reclassify the property at 5605 North Gates Avenue, on the north side of North Figarden Drive Avenue between West Bullard and North Gates Avenues (map), from a Community Shopping Center to a Low Density Multiple Family Residential. These applications have been filed in order to facilitate the approval of a request for authorization to construct a 77,496± square-foot 2-story building for a 77-unit residential care facility for the elderly.

3:15PM) A Rezone Application requests that an existing 0.27-acre property be changed from the current R-1 (Single Family Residential) zone district to the R-2 (Low Density Multiple Family) zone district. This requests is to restore and convert an existing 2-story residential structure from a five-plex to a triplex at 835 North Echo Avenue (map).

3:30PM) A Plan Amendment Application proposes to amend the 2025 Fresno General Plan and the West Area Community Plan for ± 4.35 acres of 2310 North Marks Avenue (map) located on the east side of North Marks Avenue, just south of West Clinton Avenue from the medium-high density residential planned land use and ±0.02 acres of the subject property from the general heavy commercial planned land use designation to the high density residential planned land use designation. The application also proposes to amend West Area Community Plan by adding language to the fifth point as follows: for sites greater than four acres, the minimum site area per dwelling unit shall not be less than 2,700 square feet. The minimum site area may be reduced provided property development standards of the underlying zone district are met. [Bold text is proposed to be added.]. The Rezone Application proposes to reclassify ± 4.35 acres of the subject property from the Trailer Park Residentiel and ± 0.02 acres of the subject property from the Heavy Commerciet; zone districts to the Medium Density Multiple Family Residential zone district.

December 12, 2013 City Council Agenda

Find complete agenda here.
Call (559) 621-8000 to speak to your council member on any one of these issues.

Watch the City Council meeting live here every Thursday, usually starting at 8:30am.

Consent Calendar:

1A) Fresno PD participates in a State Asset Forfeiture Program where departments around California share funds seized from criminal activity. Fresno PD is receiving a portion of  $213,700 for the purpose of Skywatch program, buy funds, ballistic vests, homicide vehicle evidence, and other items directly related to law enforcement.

1B) During the October 4, 2012, a street light was approved for the intersection of Peach and Church Avenues.  They put the project out to bid and because the lowest was bid was so low, the City can move $43,000 in savings to the preliminary engineering phase of the project.

1C) The City will be awarding a construction contract in the amount of $268,742.00 to Lee Wilson Electric Company, Inc. of Arroyo Grande, California, for the Traffic Signal installation project at the Intersection of Millbrook and Spruce Avenues (map).

1D) The City will be awarding a construction contract with Lee Wilson Electric Company, Inc. of Arroyo Grande, California in the amount of $248,396 for the Traffic Signal Installation Project at the Intersection of Champlain and Liberty Hill/Saybrook Avenues (map).

1E) Last week, a bill was introduced to Council and the public that will eliminate the mandatory retirement age of retirement at the age of 65 for Public Safety Service Employees. Council is now approving this bill.

1F) The City is creating a Downtown Corridor Parking District bounded by Divisadero to the north, H Street to the west, U Street to the east, and Ventura Street to the south. For an $80 annual fee, permits will be issued that specify the locations and/or blocks where they are valid. These passes will be color coded per location; they can only be used for the closest designated street parking area, and cannot be used in any other section of downtown or in metered stalls. Residential permit holders will be allowed to park on city streets that are signed appropriately and shall be subject to all California Vehicle Code and Fresno Municipal Codes except for those authorized by the permit.

General Administration:

2A) The City bought a house at 386 N. Park Avenue (map) for $70,000 in 2011 for the purpose of selling it to a low-income buyer.  They are now partnering up with Habitat for Humanity Fresno by providing a $120,000 HOME loan to Habitat for rehabilitation cost and then when the property is transferred to the new low-income owner, the City will forgive the $70,000 and the rest of the loan will be a deferred second mortgage, meaning the owners will not pay the balance until the property is sold.

2B) City staff recommends that Council award a construction contract, in the amount of $1,119,830.50 to West Valley Construction Company of San Jose, California, for the water service connections from the aging, failing water mains in easements at the rear of properties to the newly constructed water mains within the street right-of-way in the vicinity of E. Bullard Avenue and N. Millbrook Avenue (map).

2C) The City will adopt a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Fresno (City) and the City of Fresno Management Employees Association - Unit 14 (CFMEA), covering the period June 30, 2012 through June 30, 2015.  There is no documentation at this time what this MOU says.

Scheduled Council Hearings and Matters:

10:00AM) Trenway, Inc. is requesting the vacation of a portion of North Jeanne Avenue southeast of West Sierra Avenue (map) to eliminate excess public street right-of-way and incorporate it into the development consisting of 32 townhouses and multi-level residential units with attached garages on 4.05 acres.

10:15AM) City staff recommends the Successor Agency Board (aka the old RDA) reject all bids for the Requirements Contract Property Maintenance &Weed Control Bid based on deficiencies in both bids received as identified by the Purchasing Department.

10:30AM) A workshop or presentation will be provided relating to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

3:00PM) There is a 430 acre planned development called the “Westlake” Development Project bounded by W. Gettysburg, W. Shields, N. Garfield and N. Grantland Avenues located in Council District 1 (map).  The developer is requesting changes to the planned land use within the proposed project boundary as follows:

-> = from, to

• Medium Low Density Residential:  
• ±194 ac. ->  ±82.42 ac. 
• Medium Density Residential: 
• ±102 ac. ->  ±207 ac. 
• Medium High Density Residential:  
• ±61 ac.  ->   ±38.83 ac. 
• Office Commercial:  
• ±11 ac.  ->   N/A 
• Neighborhood Commercial:  
• ±19 ac.  ->   ±7.45 ac. 
• Community Commercial:  
• N/A  ->   ±22.87 ac. 
• Public Facility (Elementary School):  
• ±17 ac.  ->   ±15.75 ac. 
• Open Space:  
• ±19 ac.  ->   ±55.68 ac. 
• Ponding Basin:  
• ±7 ac.  ->   N/A 

• R-1/UGM (Single Family Residential District / Urban Growth Management): 
• ±262 ac.  ->   ±305.17 ac. 

• R-2/UGM  (Low Density Multiple Family Residential District / Urban Growth Management) 
• ±40 ac.  ->   ±38.83 ac. 
• C-1/UGM  (Neighborhood Shopping Center District / Urban Growth Management) 
• ±19 ac.  ->   ±7.45 ac. 
• C-2/UGM  (Community Shopping Center District / Urban Growth Management) 
• N/A  ->   ±22.87 ac. 
• O/UGM (Open Space District / Urban Growth Management) 
• N/A   ->   ±55.68 ac. 
• AE-5/UGM (Exclusive Five-Acre Agricultural District / Urban Growth Management) 
• ±19 ac.  ->   N/A 
• AE-20 (County) (Exclusive 20-Acre Agricultural District) 
• ±90 ac.  ->   N/A

5:00PM) Joseph Guagliardo, on behalf of Jim and Isabel Medina, has filed a rezone application and Conditional Use Permit application pertaining to approximately 0.19 acres of  property located on the southeast corner of North Van Ness Boulevard and East Princeton Avenue (map). The applicant requests to modify the existing conditions of zoning of the subject property to allow an auto repair garage which it is currently limited to Tire, Battery, and Accessory Parts, Retail Sales Services. The permit has been amended to address where specific work can be completed and the hours of operation which shall be from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, with the business being closed on Sundays.

December 5, 2013 City Council Agenda

Find complete agenda here.
Call (559) 621-8000 to speak to your council member on any one of these issues.

Watch the City Council meeting live here every Thursday, usually starting at 8:30am.

Consent Calendar:

1A) The Fresno Airport Department has consulted with Coffman Associates, Inc. (Coffman) for $609,580 in 2011 for environmental reports on safety modifications at Chandler Airport but due to a delay by the FAA and new requirements, the contract is being extended and increased by $20,000.

1B)  Liebert Cassidy Whitmore to provide an additional 48 sessions of anti-harassment and anti-discrminiation training to non-supervisory City employees through December of 2016. The cost of this service is not to exceed $54,900.

1C) The City of Fresno is purchasing two public street easements on the behalf of a developer from a portion of two parcels of property owned by Patrick Vincent Ricchiuti, in the amount of $138,100 total for approximately 30,928 square feet, which is necessary for Temperance Avenue improvements. The purchase is made with funds the developer deposited to the City.

1D) City staff recommends awarding a construction contract in the amount of $259,613.47 to Jim Crawford Construction of Clovis, CA, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Herndon Multi-Purpose Trail between Valentine and Marks Avenues (map) Project.

1E) The City performed a report of complete accounting of the Urban Growth Management fees (UGM) and citywide impact fees for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013, that is used to manage and upkeep City infrastructure. The Annual Audited Financial Report was independently audited by the accountancy firm of Paul C. Chen Accountancy Corporation. The City collected $10,218,195 of impact fees during the year. These fees, in addition to the balances on hand and inclusive of other transactions specified in the Annual Audited Financial Report, totaled $30,710,943 for the fiscal year ended June 30,2013.

1F) Staff recommends that the City Council approve a one-year extension to the current contract between the Fresno City College Police Academy and the Fresno Police Department for contract instruction, training credit and assessment services. This one-year contract extension continues to authorize the $3.25 fee per instructional hour per student received from Fresno City College. The average annual payment to the Department has been approximately $80,000 over the past eight years.

1G) The City of Fresno will lease 158 acres of land at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (RWRF) at the rate of $600.00/acre with Bakersfield Properties, Inc., resulting in lease revenues to the Wastewater Enterprise Fund of $474,000 to $663,600 depending on whether the optional two-year extension term is exercised.

1H) In conjunction with the new City bill to regulate massage parlors, Fresno PD is changing their procedures by ceasing the practice of background checks and license verification of individual therapists and  the City will instead only accept state licenses from massage therapists. The new ordinance will establish new hours of operation for massage parlors which will be 7am-9pm. Violating the ordinance will result in a citation and fees that will range from $1,000 to $2,000.

General Administration:

2A) The City will start to use smart parking meters in some areas that can be used with a loadable card.  The City is setting the fee to establish a card at $3 and month long parking at meters at $120 a month.

2B) The Parking Division is creating a Downtown Corridor Parking District that will allow residents to be able to park in controlled, on-street parking zones, using a resident parking pass. It will also allow property owners and managers the tools necessary to market their mixed-use facilities to potential residents, tenants and customers. Within the recommended boundaries, the Parking Division will determine the locations eligible for new on-street parking permits on a case-by-case basis. When making these determinations, the division will balance the need for turnover parking along with the residents' need to park close to their housing units.

2C) The document associated with this item outlines the new terms of the contract amendment between the City of Fresno and SMG for the management of the Convention Center so that the goal to reduce the overall subsidy of the facility by a total of $665,000 beginning 1/1/2014, by the end of Fiscal Year 2014-2015 (6/30/15), and increasing the number of events that increase revenues can be reached.

2D) Approximately 28 years ago, the City of Fresno loaned $2,996,720 in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"), Housing Development Grant ("HDG") Program funds to the Annadale Housing Partners to construct two adjoining housing complexes; Kingsview Manor Apartments and Kingsview Estates Apartments (map). Since that time $8,152,333.77 has built up in interest. One of the managing members of the Annadale Housing Partners is requesting that the $4,833,871 loan be reduced to $2,996,720, the original amount borrow and eliminate the built up interest. All of the other members and partners have either released their interest in the property or are in the process of releasing their interest in the property. As previously agreed, the managing member has paid the City $3,000 for administrative costs associated with the loan restructure. Once the loan is restated, the managing member will seek financing to pay-off the $2,996,720 Superseded and Restated Note and then demolish and redevelop the site as new affordable housing.

2E) The proposed amendment will eliminate the mandatory retirement age of retirement at the age of 65 for Public Safety Service Employees. This bill is only for introduction.

2F) The Street Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department is seeking to award a one (1) year contract with the provisions for two (2) one-year (1) increment extensions to Builders Concrete in the amount of $1,730,247.19 a requirements contract for Portland cement concrete materials to be used by City crews for concrete maintenance in various locations throughout the City of Fresno.

Scheduled Council Hearings and Matters:

10:00AM) This City is increasing the rate it charges to connect properties to the City water main for pipe sizes 1-2 inches in diameter.  They are increasing their charges from 10% to 35%, depending on the pipe size and if it will be metered.

10:15AM) .Appearance by Barbara Hunt to discuss the City of Fresno boundaries.

November 21, 2013 City Council Agenda

Find complete agenda here.
Call (559) 621-8000 to speak to your council member on any one of these issues.

Watch the City Council meeting live here every Thursday, usually starting at 8:30am.

Consent Calendar:

1A) Fresno PD will receive $110,000 over a three year period from the State Homeland Security Grant Program.  They will use this money for video security equipment to protect City assets, portable radios, and electronics and communication equipment for the command and control of critical incidents/hazard mitigation.

1B) Fresno County Superintendent of Schools will contract with Fresno PD to have a School Officer assigned to Kermit Kootz Education Center and Violet Heintz Education Academy for the next 2 years at a cost of $123,089.70 for the first year.

1C) The City will use a surplus of $100,000 from the demolition of the Monterey Street Bridge (map) to prepare the property for sale.

1D) When checks made from the City of Fresno are older than 3 years and have not been cashed, the City then proceeds to re-account that money back into the General Fund.  After advertising in the Business Journal checks from 2009 that were uncashed, they will now transfer them to the General Fund.

1E) Staff recommends a construction contract in the amount of $79,500 to Hobbs Construction, Inc. of Fresno, for five drinking fountains along the Sugar Pine Trail.

1F) In order to accommodate the construction of new a ponding basin near the new Veterans Home, the City will extend a right-of-way along Marks (map).

1G) Trenway, Inc. is requesting the vacation of a portion of North Jeanne Avenue southeast of West Sierra Avenue (map) to eliminate excess public street right-of-way and incorporate it into the development consisting of 32 townhouses and multi-level residential units with attached garages on 4.05 acres.

1H) The Subdivider, McCaffrey Homes, has filed for approval for a 54-lot single-family residential, gated, private street planned development subdivision with two outlots for private landscaping, private walkway and recreation purposes, two outlots for future development and one outlot for private street and public utility easement purposes, located on the southeast corner of North Maple Avenue and East Copper Avenue (map) on 16.79 acres.

1I) Staff recommends that the City Council award a contract to Hobbs Construction, Inc., in the amount of $369,450 to construct wellhead treatment improvements that were impacted by a secondary contaminant of Manganese at Pump Station 330.

1J) The City of Fresno plans to install a smart signal coordination system from the 99 Freeway along Shaw Avenue to the 41 Freeway and also installation of signal coordination on Willow Avenue from Ashlan Avenue to International Avenue.

1K) Staff recommends approval of a consultant services agreement with Blair Church & Flynn consulting engineers, of Clovis, in the amount of $182,200 for professional engineering services for the design of the sewer rehabilitation/replacement in Glenn, N Street, Tuolumne, Van Ness, Merced, and Thorne Avenues  found to be in poor condition caused by hydrogen sulfide.

1L) Fresno FAX bus service must submit documents of their compliance of requirements for grant money received from the Federal Transit Authority.  City Council is just approving these documents.

1M) Planning code text amendment to allow interim use of currently vacant properties to grow crops and ornamental plants which would help current nuisances associated with vacant properties while providing nutritional and economic benefit to the community.

1N) Required by federally funded programs, the City is consulting with Maximus Consulting Services, Inc. for $27,100 for accounting services to accurately fairly and reasonably distribute a City's central administrative costs (e.g., City Clerk, Personnel Services, Finance, Attorney, etc.) to the operating departments in a City.

1O) A 3 acre piece of property at 2040 W. Yale Avenue (map) was purchased from Noyan/Frasier Properties, LLC, to build a police sub-station in 2007, but since that substation was eventually never built, the City will sell the property back where they will build a grocery store.

1P) A insurance provider for City Fire Department and North Central Fire District Protection District vehicles asked for clarification regarding automobile liability after a minor accident occurred. Under the proposed revision, in the event there is gross negligence by a District employee driving a City vehicle or an intentional act to cause harm to the vehicle or personal harm to another person with the vehicle, the District would indemnify the City for these types of claims in the event this would occur. The amendment also provides the same indemnification as mentioned above when a City employee is driving one of the District vehicles.

1Q) The City of Fresno is a member of the Upper Kings Basin Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority and in order for the Authority to accept grant funds they must approve the Kings Basin Integrated Regional Water Management Plan.  Council is approving this plan.

1R) The Housing Authority is renewing an agreement with the City's Parking Services Division for 20 parking stalls at Garage #9 located at 2026 Merced Street for five (5) years in length and include the option for two (2) five year extensions. The price of each parking stall will be $35.00 per month per stall
for the first year of the agreement.

General Administration:

2A) Staff recommends approval of a contract between City of Fresno and Synagro Technologies, Inc, to provide for bio-solids reuse and disposal services, transporting bio-solids approximately 58 miles from the Fresno Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility to a Synagro ownedI' composting facility located in Merced County, at an annual cost of $2,600,000.

2B) Staff recommends an award of a construction contract in the amount of $3,102,666 to Avison Construction Inc., of Madera, California for the State Route 180 Frontage Road Project from Marks to Hughes/West Diagonal (map), including full street improvements, installation of traffic signals, street lights, sidewalks, curb and gutter, drive approaches, waterlines, sewer lines, and storm drains.

2C) Staff recommends the Council approve the rebudgeting of various funding for operating program and new and previously approved capital projects so that there is enough money to cover anticipated expenditures. The recommended amount to cover this is $12,342,700.

2D) The Fresno Council of Governments (COG) and Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) recently approved $1,100,000 in Measure "C" Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) funds for environmental impact reports on the Fulton Mall Reconstruction Project, regarding the proposal of introducing a street to the mall.  The agreement required an amendment so the City can accept these funds. This amendment is scheduled for FCTA Board action on December 11, 2013.

2E) The Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) recently approved $3,421,000 in Measure "C" funds for environmental impact reports on the Veterans Boulevard State Route 99 Interchange and Grade Separation.  The agreement required an amendment so the City can accept these funds.

2F) The City is submitting a list of public works and transit projects they would like to complete in the near future to the Fresno Council of Governments (COG) in order to apply for grant funds.

2G) The Fresno Police Department requests the addition of thirty (30) Police Cadet positions, and four (4) Emergency Services Dispatcher ll positions. These positions will be funded using salary savings from the Department's FY 14 budget.

City Council

3A) A new resolution is requested by City Council to initiate a Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of the Fresno Municipal Code regarding Deferred Deposit Originators (DDO), also known as payday lenders, to ensure local control over locations of new DDOs by establishing zoning and use regulations for new payday lending establishments in the City of Fresno:

1. Require that new payday loan establishments obtain a conditional use permit prior to beginning operations.
2. Require that payday loan establishments be separated by at least 1,320 feet (0.25 mile) as measured from property line to property line for the parcels on which the payday loan establishments are located.

Scheduled Council Hearings and Matters:

10:00AM) Council will approve the Restated and Amended Management Agreement between City and SMG for the operation and marketing of the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center

1:30PM) In a effort to reduce the number of message parlors that operate within the City limits that could be a front for illegal and unlawful activity, City Council is introducing a bill that would require all people who provide massages within the City Limits to be a Certified Massage Practitioner and business' obtain a valid "City Registration Certificate."

2:00PM) A presentation to Council from the Leadership Fresno Class XXX requesting the authorization to design signage and secure proposed locations for a Fresno Gateway Monument sign along Freeway 99 and/or Freeway 41 in the City of Fresno.

4:00PM) A hearing to consider the Westlake Development Project has been continue to December 12, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

November 7, 2013 City Council Agenda

Find complete agenda here.
Call (559) 621-8000 to speak to your council member on any one of these issues.

Watch the City Council meeting live here every Thursday, usually starting at 8:30am.

Consent Calendar:

1A) The City is rejecting all proposals for pet licensing services since the City and the County have not yet come to a comprehensive agreement for long term animal control issues.

1B) Approving the appointment of Jack Tracy to the Civil Service Board by the Mayor’s Office.

1C) The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) awarded the City of Fresno $500,000 in grant funds for Fresno's California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention ("CaIGRIP") Programs. They will be awarding Fresno Pacific University's victim offender reconciliation program with $12,000 to support a proven mediation program.

1D) City staff recommends the award of a contract in the amount of $492,741 to SAK Construction of California, LP, of O'Fallon, Missouri for sewer pipe rehabilitation work along Blackstone Avenue from Clinton Avenue to Peralta Way (map) and along Shields Avenue from Claremont to Fordham Avenues (map).

1E) Staff recommends awarding of a construction contract in the amount of $333,241.00 to Flatiron Electric Group, Inc., of Chino, California, to provide protected left turn phasing and also three new ADA curb ramps, sidewalk repairs, signing, and striping at the intersection of Palm Avenue and Sierra Avenue (map).

1F) Council will be approving a restated and amended management agreement between City and SMG for the operation and marketing of the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center but they have not included what the amended contract would look like.

General Administration:

2A) Due to the possible construction of the high-speed rail (HSR), there were a couple of changes that needed to the Roeding Regional Parkand Fresno Chaffee Zoo Facility Master Plan.  The changes include:

1. The N. Golden State Boulevard entrance would not be constructed due to the HSR alignment. Instead, the W. Olive Avenue entrance would remain the primary entrance to Roeding Regional Park and the W. Belmont Avenue entrance would provide the secondary access, as currently exists today. Park Drive West would be the main vehicle circulation road between W. Belmont Avenue and W. Olive Avenue.
2. The ticket booth planned for the N. Golden State Boulevard entrance would be relocated to accommodate the W. Belmont Avenue entrance. It would be installed on Park Drive West, in the median, between the current zoo entrance and Rotary Playland
3. Construction of a single new pond feature north of the zoo, near N. Golden State Boulevard. The new proposed location would match the picturesque nature of the existing ponds and would replicate the ponds' passive nature by minimizing their direct contact with more active areas of the park.
4. The Roeding Plan included 100 free parking spaces adjacent to the park on N. Golden State Boulevard, along with 1,205 paid parking spaces within the park. Because the HST alignment would close N. Golden State Boulevard adjacent to the park, the 100 free parking spaces could not be provided in this location.

2B) Public Works would like to increase their budgeted appropriations by $12,342,700 for operating expenses, street/bridge projects, traffic signals, railroad/trail projects and other projects.  See document for list of projects. 

2C) Staff recommends the award of a contract in the amount of $521,719.11 to RePipe California LP, of Riverside, California to rehabilitate the sewer pipeline along Floradora/Teilman/Weber Avenues and H Street.

2D) Staff recommends the award of a contract in the amount of $564,352.61 to Repipe California of Riverside, California for a Cast in Place Pipe (CIPP) and the removal and replacement of sewer lines with low spots and structural deficiencies; in Mariposa Street northeast of the intersection of Mariposa and H Street and in the joining alleys.

2E) Staff recommends the approval of a third amendment to an agreement with West Yost & Associates, increasing the total fee amount by $394,031 for a total fee amount of $2,642,340 and change the contingency amount from $75,000 to $50,000 for the addition of existing tasks within scope of work and additional tasks with new scope for the Fresno Metropolitan Water Resources Management Plan and the Water System Master Plan.

City Council

Certain City staff will be appointed to various boards and commissions, representing the City of Fresno:

1. Council of Governments - Swearengin-Ex-Officio (Oliver-Alternate)

2. Financial Audit Committee - Brand, Olivier, Xiong

3. Fresno Area Workforce Investment Corporation - Baines

4. Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) - Swearengin, Brandau

5. Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board - Baines, Renena Smith

6. Fresno County Zoo Authority - Swearengin (Baines-Alternate)

7. Fresno Madera Area Agency on Aging Board - Olivier

8. Joint Powers Financing Authority - Olivier

9. Leadership Council on Ending Homelessness - Swearengin, Baines

10. San Joaquin River Conservancy Board - Swearengin (Brandau-Alternate)

11. Association for the Beautification of Highway 99 - Baines

12. Upper Kings Basin Integrated Regional Water Management JPA - Xiong

13. Pension Reform Task Force - Brand, Xiong, (3rd Member vacant)

14. Economic Development Corporation Serving Fresno County - Brandau-Ex-Officio

15. Fresno/Clovis Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Amy Fuentes

16. League of California Cities (Annual Meeting) - Swearengin (Olivier-Alternate)

17. San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District - Baines

18. Infill Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Brand, Baines, Olivier

19. Litigation Exposure Reduction Ad Hoc Committee - Brandau, Caprioglio

Scheduled Council Hearings and Matters:

9:00AM) Jorge Zavala, owner of ShowRoom Doctor Z Inc will make an appearance by to discuss the City’s bidding process around Fresno Area Express' (FAX) bus washing contract.

10:00AM) A hearing regarding the proposed amendment of the City of Fresno’s Master Fee Schedule to increase water connection fees has been continued to 12/5/2013 at 10:00 a.m.

2:00PM) The Mayor will give an update on Economic Development Strategy.

4:00PM) Hearing for consideration of Street Name Change filed by Jo Ann Ables, for the public street (Martin Avenue) bounded by East California Avenue and Merced Street to to Elder JD Adams Avenue. Jimmie Davis Adams was a pastor and leader based out of west Fresno; he was a pastor at St. Joseph Missionary Baptist church, which is located on Martin Avenue.

5:00PM) A proposed planning code text amendment to allow interim use of currently vacant properties to grow crops and ornamental plants which would help current nuisances associated with vacant properties while providing nutritional and economic benefit to the community. Opposition to the text amendment has been expressed by residents of West Fresno, who have concerns about potential environmental and economic impacts of farming in their area, and by community gardening advocates who do not want that use/activity to be subject to zoning classification or regulation until the 2035 General Plan and new Development Code are adopted.

Quoted from a Fresno Bee article: "The amendment ends with a detailed explanation of what community gardeners must do to keep City Hall happy.

Anything over an acre in size needs a grading permit, for example. A new community garden in certain cases needs an approved plot plan and operational statement. City Hall wants the community garden application to include who is responsible for the project, that person's 24-hour contact information, how many gardeners will work the site and the hours they will be there.

There are nearly 20 pages of such rules. Commercial farmers face nothing like it in the text amendment."

October 31, 2013 City Council Agenda

Find complete agenda here.
Call (559) 621-8000 to speak to your council member on any one of these issues.

Watch the City Council meeting live here every Thursday, usually starting at 8:30am.

Consent Calendar:

1A) The City is contracting with Edward J. Johnson for Hearing Officer Services for the purpose of providing fair and impartial due process hearings for persons appealing the City's administrative decisions. It will be a three-year agreement (plus two one-year extensions), capped at $100,000 annually plus $2,000 for reasonable reimbursable expenses.

1B) Awarding a construction contract in the amount of $178,336.15 to Kertel Communications, Inc dba Sebastian for the Clinton Avenue Intelligent Transportation System Conduits Installation (from Chestnut to Fine Avenues (map)), Airport Administration Building Fiber Conduit Tie-in project, which will be utilized to synchronize the traffic signals along the Clinton Avenue corridor, to improve transportation safety, and efficiency to reduce emissions.

1C) The City will be purchasing 11,056 square feet of the property for $60,000 for the installation of curb, gutter, sidewalk, drive approaches, an ADA ramp, street lights and modification of the existing traffic signal along the north side of Nees Avenue west of the intersection of Nees and Maple Avenues (map).

1D) The City is purchasing a  $267,872 pump for the Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility that will be used when the main raw sewage pumps must be sent in for factory repair.

1E) The Department of Public Utilities, Water Division, routinely cuts and removes existing street paving to gain access to the water system for repairs, maintenance, and capital improvements. Due to the ongoing nature of this work, the Water Division obtain firm pricing, secured through competitive bidding, for three years, that allowed the Water Division to order the repairs on an as needed basis. This contract is a six-month requirements contract with provisions for five six-month extensions to West Valley Construction Inc., in the amount of $449,969.

1F) There has been an agreement between Lennar Homes and Clovis Unified School District for the installation of a storm drain in the area of 6736 E. Dakota (map).  Now that the installation is complete, continued storm drain basin operation and maintenance, and future basin demolition and infill (once master plan storm drain facilities become available), must now be transferred to the City. These conditions include an annual basin maintenance cost of $250, and a future demolition and in-fill cost of $26,187.

1G) Approve the appointments of Andre Pecina and David Mercer and the reappointments of Lee Ann Eager, Tom Abshere, Gwyndolyn Harshaw and Bret Slusser to the Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board by Council President Xiong.

General Administration:

2A) Staff recommends the Fresno City Council approve an agreement between the City of Fresno and the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission (FCEOC) for $1.5 million to implement a HOME-funded Targeted Area Rehabilitation Program for low to moderate-income households in southwest, southeast, and central Fresno areas. This Program will operate alongside the CDBG-funded Targeted Area Distressed Property Program that provides minor interior and exterior repair of homes with code enforcement infractions.

2B) Staff proposes to use $1.75 million of FY14 CDBG funds held in contingency and FY13 program cost savings to fund the following housing and community development activities in targeted areas:

• Community and Recreation Center Improvements (Ted C. Wills; Mary Ella Brown; Frank H. Ball; Holmes; Mosqueda; Quigley; Romain; and Pinedale community centers) - $425,000 
• District 3 Neighborhood Vision Plan - $250,000
• Targeted Area Distressed Property Program - $500,000
• Community Street Improvements - $805,000

2C) Approving a professional consultant agreement with CH2M HILL Engineers, Inc., (CH2M HILL) in the amount of $6,993,000 for Program Management Services related to the implementation of the Metropolitan Water Resources Management Plan including ongoing capital improvement projects and operational system improvements.

2D) Authorizing the Chief of Police to enter into an agreement dated November 1, 2013, with the County of Fresno to reserve five bed spaces in the Fresno County Jail for the purpose of housing Fresno Police Department arrestees at a rate of $520.00 per day.

Scheduled Council Hearings and Matters:

10:00AM) A hearing regarding the proposed amendment of the City of Fresno’s Master Fee Schedule to increase water connection fees has been continued to 11/7/2013 at 10:00 a.m.

1:30PM #1) Jorge Zavala, owner of ShowRoom Doctor Z Inc will make an appearance by to discuss the City’s bidding process around Fresno Area Express' (FAX) bus washing contract.

1:30PM #2) In a effort to abate message parlors that operate within the City limits that could be a front for illegal and unlawful activity, City Council is introducing a bill that would require all people who provide massages within the City Limits to be a Certified Massage Practitioner and business' obtain a valid "City Registration Certificate."

5:00PM) A proposed planning code text amendment to allow interim use of currently vacant parcels to grow crops and ornamental plants which would ameliorate current nuisances associated with vacant properties while providing nutritional and economic benefit to the community. Opposition to the text amendment has been expressed by residents of West Fresno, who have concerns about potential environmental and economic impacts of farming in their area, and by community gardening advocates who do not want that use/activity to be subject to zoning classification or regulation until the 2035 General Plan and new Development Code are adopted has been continued to 11/7/2013 at 5:00 p.m.

October 24, 2013 City Council Agenda

Find complete agenda here.
Call (559) 621-8000 to speak to your council member on any one of these issues.

Watch the City Council meeting live here every Thursday, usually starting at 8:30am.

Consent Calendar:

1A) Approve the appointment of James Poptanich to the Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging by Mayor's Office.

1B) A contractor requesting to replace a sub-contractor listed in there construction contract for cement work.

1C) As part of the requirements of having a contract with the "United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) which entitles the City to receive 60,000 acre-feet per year of Class 1 water" the City must maintain an updated water management plan.  The City has prepared one that is updated and deemed compliant so Council is now approving this plan.

1D) "The Department of Public Utilities, Wastewater Management Division is seeking to award a construction contract to rehabilitate the sewer pipeline along Chestnut Avenue [between McKinley and Weldon (map)] in the amount of $137,500 to Dexal Construction Inc., of Santa Rosa, California, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder."

1E) Item removed from agenda.

1F) City staff is recommending a traffic signal at the intersection of Peach and Church Avenues (map). Flatiron Electric Group, Inc. of Chino, CA, has been determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in the amount of $394,546.00.

1G) Staff needs to extend a contract from October 31,2013 to September 1, 2014 with Sharp Inspection Group, Inc. to complete the commercial water meter retrofit project.

1H) McCaffrey Homes plans to build a 118-lot single-family residential, gated, private street planned development subdivision with five outlots for private street and common open space purposes on 16.79 acres at an overall density of 8.53 units per acre at the Southeast Corner of Copper and Maples Avenues (map).

1I) The City is becoming a member of the Friant Water Authority (FWA) Joint Powers Agreement and will be taking a leading role in the development of  long-term regional planning and management of Friant-Kern Canal water resources. The initial call-for-funds to participate in the FWA JPA is $31,362.95 of which $13,832.64 has been paid. A council member will be selected as the City's representative.

1J) "Approving the sale of 1,714 square feet of previously vacated right-of-way at the southeast corner of Blackstone and Shaw Avenues (map), reserving an easement of approximately 666 square feet for an existing bus bay."

1K) "It is recommended that the Council authorize the Chief of Police to enter into a tenancy permit with Signature Flight Support Corporation for the continued lease of office and hangar space at 4941 E. Andersen, Suite B-101 (map), at the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport, in the City of Fresno. Rent for the initial term of this proposed three-year tenancy permit will remain at its current level of $2750 per month for the first year, and shall increase by three percent (3%) each subsequent year. This initial yearly amount of $33,000 will be paid from the general fund."

1L) Approving "acquisition of two public street easements from a portion of two parcels of property owned by New Covenant Community Church, a California non-profit corporation, in the amount of $69,000 total, which are necessary for the installation of curb, gutter, sidewalk, drive approaches, an ADA ramp, street lights and modification of the existing traffic signal along the north side of Nees west of the intersection of Nees and Maple Avenues (map)."

1M) Approve the appointment of Sushil Prakash to the District 1 Implementation Committee by Council President Xiong.

General Administration:

2A) "Staff recommends the Fresno City Council approve [an] agreement between the City of Fresno and the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission (FCEOC) for $1.5 million to implement a HOME-funded Targeted Area Rehabilitation Program for low to moderate-income households in southwest, southeast, and central Fresno areas. This Program will operate alongside the CDBG-funded Targeted Area Distressed Property Program that provides minor interior and exterior repair of homes with code enforcement infractions."

2B) Staff proposes to use $1.75 million of FY14 CDBG funds held in contingency and FY13 program cost savings to fund the following housing and community development activities in targeted areas:

• Community and Recreation Center Improvements (Ted C. Wills; Mary Ella Brown; Frank H. Ball; Holmes; Mosqueda; Quigley; Romain; and Pinedale community centers) - $425,000 
• District 3 Neighborhood Vision Plan - $250,000
• Targeted Area Distressed Property Program - $500,000
• Community Street Improvements - $805,000

2C) Staff recommends awarding a construction contract in the amount of $1,252,853.00 to Mass X, Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the construction of eastbound Herndon Avenue widening between Blythe and Brawley Avenues (map) [to a 3 lane road].

2D) Staff recommends award of a construction contract in the amount of $599,991.00 to Floyd Johnston Construction Company, Inc. of Clovis, California as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the construction of Bullard Canal No. 124 Irrigation Piping along Herndon Avenue from Brawley Avenue to Valentine Avenue (map) [in order for future roadway widening along Herndon].

2E) It is recommended the City Council authorize a consultant agreement with R3 Consulting Group, Inc. (R3), for the review of the cost based rate adjustment, as required by the franchise agreement for Commercial Solid Waste (CSW) franchise, and related issues not to exceed a total of $70,000.

City Council:

3A) Approve Finance and Audit Committee findings and recommendations on Convention Center Operations and Finances by Lee Brand, Chair, Members Xiong and Olivier from the Council Finance and Audit Committee, and take the following action:

1. Give notice to terminate current contract and prepare an RFP 
2. Direct City Attorney and City Manager to negotiate and return with terms of an amended contract with SMG
3. Take no action

3B) Actions pertaining to Creating Prosperity in Fresno from acting President Brandau. An update from staff regarding the implementation plan they were to return to Council with consistent with goals in Creating Prosperity in Fresno’s whitepaper.

Scheduled Council Hearings and Matters:

10:30AM) Continued to 10/31/2013 at 10:00 a.m. regarding a proposed amendment of the City of Fresno’s Master Fee Schedule to increase water connection fees.

1:30PM #2) There has been continued discussion around clarifying City policy around Wireless Telecommunications Facilities.  Constituents from the telecommunications industry have brought up issues around the by-right use of small-cells and allowing more than one exemption.  The City cannot exclude "small-cells" and will allow two exemption per property.

4:00PM) Continue to November 7, 2013 at 4:00 p.m regarding consideration of Street Name Change filed by Jo Ann Ables, for the public street (Martin Avenue) bounded by E California Ave and Merced St.

5:00PM) Joseph Guagliardo, on behalf of Jim and Isabel Medina, has filed a rezone application and Conditional Use Permit application pertaining to approximately 0.19 acres of  property located on the southeast corner of North Van Ness Boulevard and East Princeton Avenue (map). The applicant requests to modify the existing conditions of zoning of the subject property to allow an auto repair garage which it is currently limited to Tire, Battery, and Accessory Parts, Retail Sales Services. The permit has been amended to address where specific work can be completed and the hours of operation which shall be from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, with the business being closed on Sundays.

October 10, 2013 City Council Agenda

Find complete agenda here.
Call (559) 621-8000 to speak to your council member on any one of these issues.

Watch the City Council meeting live here every Thursday, usually starting at 8:30am.

Consent Calendar:

1A) Granville has filed for approval for a 56-lot single-family residential subdivision, located on the northeast corner of North Garfield Avenue and West Barstow Avenue (map) on 11.65 acres.

1B) The Fresno Police Department's "Skywatch" Air Support Unit has been housed at its current location, 4941 E. Andersen (map), since its inception in 1996 and is being renewed. Rent for the initial term of this proposed three-year tenancy permit will remain at its current level of $2750 per month for the first year, and shall increase by three percent (3%) each subsequent year. This initial yearly amount of $33,000 will be paid from the general fund.

1C) The Finance Department is rejecting all bids for Consulting for and Implementation of Payment Processing and Merchant Services due to the fact that none of the proposals met the specific requirements stated.

1D) PARCS is submitting two grant applications to the State of California Strategic Growth Council Urban Greening for Sustainable Communities Program under Proposition 84 for the construction of community gardens at Romain Neighborhood Park (map) and Hinton Park (map).

General Administration:

2A) It is recommended that the City Council award a contract in the amount of $694,288.92 for three (3) years with an option for two (2) one-year (1) increment extension to Geil Enterprises Inc. dba CIS (California Industrial Services) Security of Fresno, CA for provide security services for City facilities including Municipal Service Center, City Hall, Santa Fe Depot Station, Granite Park, Water Yard, and City Hall Area Parking Program Bike Patrol. and authorizes the Public Works Director or his designee to sign the contract on behalf of the City.

2B) The Herndon Multi-Purpose Trail - Fruit Avenue to Harrison Avenue (map) eliminates a gap in the existing Herndon Trail along the Herndon Avenue expressway. The Herndon Multi-Purpose Trail - Fruit Avenue to Harrison Avenue provides pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists a continuous path for travel. The project will construct a concrete pathway, landscaping, irrigation, and expressway barrier fencing to match the existing trail in the area.

2C) It is recommended that the City Council award a requirements contract in the amount of $1,692,260.21 for one (1) year with an option for four (4) one-year increment extensions to Calaveras Materials Inc. for asphalt concrete material.

2D) Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the amendment to the Western Riverside Council of Governments joint power authority agreement adding City of Fresno as an associate member and consenting to inclusion of properties within the City of Fresno's jurisdiction in the California HERO Program to finance certain renewable energy sources, energy and water efficiency improvements, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Scheduled Council Hearings and Matters:

1:30PM) Presentation to Council regarding Business Friendly Task Force and selection of two (2) Councilmembers to serve on Task Force by Mayor’s Office

2:15PM) Language was placed in this federal law which states that local governments "may not deny, and shall approve, any eligible facilities request for a modification of an existing wireless tower or base station that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of such tower or base station". The City of Fresno Development and Resource Management Department is proposing a revised policy on Wireless Telecommunications Facilities that defines "substantially change."

5:00PM) A proposed planning code text amendment to allow interim use of currently vacant parcels to grow crops and ornamental plants which would ameliorate current nuisances associated with vacant properties while providing nutritional and economic benefit to the community. Opposition to the text amendment has been expressed by residents of West Fresno, who have concerns about potential environmental and economic impacts of farming in their area, and by community gardening advocates who do not want that use/activity to be subject to zoning classification or regulation until the 2035 General Plan and new Development Code are adopted.

October 3, 2013 City Council Agenda

Find complete agenda here.
Call (559) 621-8000 to speak to your council member on any one of these issues.

Watch the City Council meeting live here every Thursday, usually starting at 8:30am.

Consent Calendar:

1A) When developers are required to pay development impact fees for the cost building new infrastructure in and around new developments, there is a set cap on how much they are required to pay.  When they pay more fees then what their cap allows, they qualify for a reimbursement amount to the cap. Staff is recommending the Council appropriate $251,400 in UGM and Development Impact Fees toward supplemental reimbursements and refunds to eligible developers. Infrastructure types included in this mid-year supplemental developer reimbursement are streets, bridges, water wells, water mains and sewer mains.

1B) CalTrans is requesting the the City of Fresno further reinforce their agreement they made September 12, 2013 (agreement) to do major work around Veterans Blvd. by creating City resolutions (or pretty much having it in writing).

1C) "In 2009, the Fresno Sports Council, on behalf of the City of Fresno, was awarded a six (6) year agreement to host the California State High School Cross Country Championships in Woodward Park for 2010 through 2015. A fully executed agreement between the two parties was never processed. The purpose of this license agreement is to formalize the terms and requirements of the rernainmq three years of the agreement."

1D) Airports recently issued the new bonds used to refinance the Airports' 2000 bonds. One of the promises of the new bonds is a pledge by the Airport to increase the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) contribution toward the annual debt payment from $1.1 million to $1.6 million. The Fiscal Year 2014 Budget was adopted before the refinancing deal was complete and therefore the budget currently reflects the previous $1.1 million PFC contribution requirement.  The $500,000 increase in the PFC contribution is partially offset by a $220,000 savings by the refinancing. Therefore, Airports needs to increase appropriations by $280,000 fort his fiscal year to pay the new PFC commitment. Airports will use $280,000 of reserve PFC funds to cover this appropriation increase.

1E) "The Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department (PARCS) working in partnership with the Development Resource Management Department (DARM) and Tree Fresno, propose to submit a planning grant application [for up to $250,000] to the State of California Strategic Growth Council to develop the City of Fresno Urban Greening Plan. The Urban Greening Plan will serve as the master document guiding the future development of parks, higher density neighborhoods, and trails in the City of Fresno. Independent consultants hired by the City of Fresno using grant funds will develop the plan.

1F) When Running Horse was to be developed, they applied to the City for the development to be included in the City's services. In order to do this, the developer needed to raise money to pay for the infrastructure that needed to be installed to be connected to the City.  They were expecting to do this by creating a Communities Facilities District (CFD) and acquiring authorization to levy special tax bonds.  Since Running Horse was not actually developed, the City is seeking to dissolve the CFD and return any deposit money for the issuance of bonds.

1G) Same as 1F, just another portion of the development.

General Administration:

2A) "The City of Fresno seeks to widen eastbound Herndon Avenue from Blythe Avenue to Brawley Avenue. The widening of eastbound Herndon Avenue to a 3 lane road will relieve congestion and reduce delays. The project will construct an additional travel lane, an exclusive right turn lane and relocate and upgrade the existing traffic signal facilities. Additionally, the project will add landscaping and a multipurpose trail with barrier fence. Staff recommends awarding a construction contract in the amount of $1,252,853.00 to Mass X, Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the construction"

City Council:

3A) The City Council on behalf of the City of Fresno urges the United States Congress to adopt and enact comprehensive immigration reform that includes the following principles:

1. establishes a clear, fast. and reasonable pathway to citizenship
2. keeps families together:
3. upholds our values as a nation:
4. promotes economic growth, and
5. creates a fair immigration system guided by respect for the human rights of all persons; and

They will send this resolution to the President of the United Stutes, Speaker of the United States House of
Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and the Honorable Members of the
113th Congress representing the City of Fresno.

Scheduled Council Hearings and Matters:

9:30AM) Presentation by Fulton Mall Design Team on Community Outreach and Design Process