April 11, 2023 — Fresno County Board of Supervisors

Documented by Josef Sibala

Here’s what you need to know:

  • During the meeting, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution opposing the city of Fresno’s Renaming Project of East Kings Canyon Road, East Ventura Avenue, and West California Avenue to “Cesar Chavez Boulevard.”
  • The board approved a retroactive grant agreement for the Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to support law enforcement agencies. Sheriff John Zanoni said that the body camera program would mitigate costs in settlement payments and attorneys’ fees.
  • The board approved the surplus and sale of county property at E. Kings Canyon Road and S. Cedar Ave, commonly known as the former University Medical Center, for $6 million. 
  • The board executed the Standard Agreement 20-NPLH-16215 with the California Department of Housing and Community Development for the construction of The Crossroads Village development, not to exceed 30 years from the effective date, a total not to exceed $18,534,905

Follow-up questions:

The Scene 

The County of Fresno government is defined and authorized under the California Constitution, law, and the Charter of the County of Fresno. 

It provides countywide services, including elections, voter registration, law enforcement, jails, vital records, property records, tax collection, public health and social services. 

In addition, the county serves as the local government for all unincorporated areas.   

The Board of Supervisors convenes on Tuesdays at 9:30 am, except for holidays and other planned recesses. The meetings are held at the Fresno County Hall of Records, 2281 Tulare St., Room 301, Fresno, CA 93721

Fresno County Board of Supervisors present:

  • Chair Brian Pacheco, 1st District 
  • Vice Chair Sal Quintero, 3rd District 
  • Supervisor Steve Brandau, 2nd District 
  • Supervisor Buddy Mendes, 4th District 
  • Supervisor Nathan Magsig, 5th District 

Others Present:

  • Administrative Officer Paul Nerland 
  • County Counsel Daniel C. Cederborga
  • Clerk of the Board Bernice E. Seidel
  • Council member Miguel Arias
  • Pastor B. T. Lewis of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church
  • Jackie Grazer
  • Debbie Christian
  • Jose Guadalupe Gutierrez
  • Susan Pillabos
  • Gloria Hernandez
  • James Marshall
  • Hazel Hensley
  • Sheriff John Zanoni
  • Gloria Hernandez 
  • Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smithcamp
  • June Taylor from Yokuts Valley
  • Director of Indigenous Justice Ashley Rojas
  • Linda Tobac
  • Jenny Varns
  • Josefa Vega
  • Jim Grant
  • Noah Cooper
  • Danisha Rite

Discussions/Actions

The board (5-0) adopted a resolution opposing the city of Fresno’s Renaming Project of East Kings Canyon Road, East Ventura Avenue and West California Avenue to “Cesar Chavez Boulevard.” It rejected the city’s request to make the change within county jurisdiction. 

Brandau said the renaming project’s location was inappropriate, calling it “changing history.”

He said he does not think people want their history removed beneath their feet. 

Arias pointed out that the renaming of the street was approved 20 years ago but overturned by former Mayor Jim Patterson. He said that the Fresno City Council had notified the residents of the renaming project, and it has control over the renaming of local streets. He emphasized Fresno’s diverse history.

Pastor B. T. Lewis of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church and Jackie Grazer stated that the renaming process lacked community engagement. 

Debbie Christian urged reasonably honoring Cesar Chavez in another manner, such as erecting a monument. 

William Arun expressed support for the resolution. 

Jose Guadalupe Gutierrez said the intersection of Martin Luther King Avenue and proposed Cesar Chavez Boulevard signifies the need to work together. 

Susan Pillabos and other residents said that the renaming project would negatively affect businesses.

Pacheco said confusion over street names in Fresno County would delay emergency services.

Brandau said that the City Council should have notified the residents and noted that the renaming process needed more transparency. 

Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator

A. Retroactive grant application/award/agreement for Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to support law enforcement agencies (reported by Sheriff John Zanoni)

  • The board (5-0) authorized the sheriff-coroner-public administrator’s previous submission of an online grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance, for the Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to support law enforcement agencies.

The grant is effective from Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2025, for $430,000. The body-worn cameras are numbered 215. 

Pacheco said the Sheriff’s Office has over-budgeted fuel expenses and overtime. 

The sheriff said that the body camera program would mitigate costs in settlement payments and attorneys’ fees. Gloria Hernandez expressed support for the body cameras.

Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smithcamp suggested rolling out the body cameras slowly, which can help alleviate fiscal challenges. 

Brandau urged the Sheriff’s Office and the county administrative officer to lay out how to fund the remainder of the body cameras. 

  • The board (5-0) executed the retroactive Agreement Number 15PBJA-22-GG-03303 -BWCX.

The agreement requires compliance with assurances and certifications that relate to conduct 

during the performance of the agreement, effective Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2025, for $430,000. 

  • The board (5-0) executed claims for reimbursement and activity reports and extended the grant ending date to expend allocated funding.
  • The board (5-0) approved an amendment to the salary resolution, adding one Sheriff’s Information Technology Analyst IV position to the sheriff-coroner-public administrator’s Org 3111, effective April 17, 2023.

B. Resolution to fill sheriff-coroner-public administrator position with extra-help retiree – California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act exception and waiver of extra-help maximum hours limitation

  • The board (5-0) adopted a resolution to fill a part-time sheriff’s account clerk position with extra-help retiree Violeta Nicolas, effective April 17, 2023.
  • The board authorized a waiver of the 28 hours per week or 960 hours per calendar year maximum hours limitation for the extra-help position under the provisions outlined in the Salary Resolution, Section 1100, and Personnel Rules 2040 and 4240.

C. Resolution to fill District Attorney positions with extra-help retirees- California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act exception

  • The board (5-0) adopted a resolution to fill a part-time district attorney business manager position with the extra-help retiree, Stephen Rusconi, effective April 17, 2023.
  • The board (5-0) adopted a resolution to fill a program technician II position with the part-time extra-help retiree, Elizabeth Jacobsen, effective April 17, 2023.
  • The board (5-0) resolved to fill an assistant county administrative officer position with extra-help retiree Greg Reinke, part-time, effective April 12, 2023.

Government Code Section 7522.56 (f)(1), that a 180-day separation period for retired employees returning to employment as extra-help is not applicable based on the board certification that the nature of employment and appointment is necessary to fill a critically needed position before the 180-day separation period.

Internal Services

A. Surplus and sale of county property – E. Kings Canyon Road and S. Cedar Ave

  • The board (5-0) adopted a resolution declaring the county-owned property in the northeast corner of E. Kings Canyon Road and S. Cedar Avenue, Fresno, approximately 30 acres, commonly known as the former University Medical Center (APN 461-020-03T) surplus land.
  • The board (5-0) adopted a resolution declaring the county’s intention to sell the surplus property at a minimum price of $6 million. 

Public Presentations 

June Taylor from Yokuts Valley stated that the “s-word” is hurtful for Native American women and urged Supervisor Nathan Magsig to stop using it. 

Director of Indigenous Justice Ashley Rojas urged the board to drop the suit in opposition to the Yokuts Valley renaming. She said the “s-word” dehumanizes, perpetuates and endorses violence against women. 

Linda Tobac urged reconsidering an “ill-advised” lawsuit against the renaming of the Yokuts Valley community. 

Jenny Varns urged that the funds for the lawsuit be directed toward addressing the basic needs of people experiencing homelessness.

Josefa Vega said that by threatening legal action, the board undermines the state’s efforts to rectify “past wrongs.” 

She urged the board to immediately remove the “Welcome to S Valley” sign in front of the Bear Mountain Library and publicly reverse the initiation of a lawsuit against the renaming of Squaw Valley to Yokuts. 

Jim Grant said that the lawsuit was misguided and childish. He urged the board to remove racist clauses from the county’s property tax records. 

Noah Cooper expressed embarrassment at the frivolous waste of taxpayers’ money. Stacy Williams stated that the board has a broken public process. 

Danisha Rite, a care provider, urged the board to prioritize home health workers by adding more hours and increasing salaries. 

The board (5-0) approved the below-mentioned consent agenda.

Board of Supervisors

A. The board (5-0) approved minutes for March 28, 2023

Auditor Controller-Treasurer/Tax Collector

A. Amendment to Master Schedule of Fees, Charges and Recovered Costs – Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector

  • The board conducted a second hearing to amend the County of Fresno Master Schedule of Fees, Charges and Recovered Costs Ordinance by amending Subsection 3003.4 of Section 3000 – Tax Collector; and waived the reading of the ordinance in its entirety. 

B. Decision on Claims for Excess Proceeds Resulting from 2021 Sale of Tax Defaulted Properties and 2021 Chapter 8 Sale

  • The board approved a resolution granting 47 claims for excess proceeds from the March 2021 sale of tax-defaulted properties and ordering distribution after the 90-day waiting period and denying seven claims for excess proceeds either because claimants failed to submit information and proof sufficient to establish a right to all or any portion of the excess proceeds.

County Clerk/Registrar of Voters

A. Westside Elementary School District, Riverdale Memorial District, Tranquillity Public Utility District and Orange Cove Police Protection District requests to move from odd-year to even-year elections

  • The board approved Westside Elementary School District, Riverdale Memorial District, Tranquillity Public Utility District and Orange Cove Police Protection Districts’ requests to move from odd-numbered to even-numbered year elections and set a date for the districts’ next elections to occur on the same day as the November 2024 Statewide General Election 2

Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator

A. Retroactive PATH grant application and award  

  • The board authorized the sheriff-coroner-public administrator’s previous submission of a grant application to the California Department of Health and Human Services for Providing Access and Transforming Health Supports grant.

The application will support the planning process for implementing the statewide California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal Initiative ($150,000), from Aug. 5, 2022, through Aug. 5, 2027.

  • The board received the award letter and authorized the sheriff-coroner-public administrator or his designee to sign any initial award documents and other required documents necessary to accept and collect this revenue.
  • The board adopted a budget resolution increasing the fiscal year 2022-23 appropriations and estimated revenues for the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator’s Org 3111 to $100,000.
  • The board adopted a budget resolution, increasing the fiscal year 2022-23 appropriations and estimated revenues for Probation Org 3440 for $50,000.

B. Retroactive memorandum of understanding with the city of Fresno

  • The board executed a retroactive memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the city of Fresno.

The city will act as a fiscal agent for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Fiscal Year 2022 Local Solicitation from the U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), at $95,930. 

  • The board executed the Certifications and Assurances as Chief Executive of the Applicant Unit of Local Government.
  • The board authorized the sheriff-coroner-public administrator or his designee to sign claims for reimbursement and programmatic reports necessary to comply with this grant.

C. Sheriff’s Office UAS Zenmuse P1 Drone camera purchase and Fresno County Main Jail upgrades 

  • The board adopted a budget resolution increasing the fiscal year 2022-23 appropriations and estimated revenues for the sheriff-coroner-public administrator’s Org 31113200 for $7,500 to purchase a UAS Zenmuse P1 drone camera.
  • The board adopted a budget resolution increasing the fiscal year 2022-23 appropriations and estimated revenues for the sheriff-coroner-public administration’s Org 31114000 to $500,000 for Fresno County Main Jail upgrades.

Behavioral Health

A. Retroactive Amendment V to the master agreement for inpatient psychiatric hospital services 

  • The board waived the competitive bidding process consistent with Administrative Policy No. 34 for unusual or extraordinary circumstances. All qualified, licensed and interested vendors may be added to the master agreement subject to board approval.
  • The board executed retroactive Amendment V to the master agreement to: 
  1. allow BHC Fremont Hospital, Inc, Bakersfield Behavioral HealthCare Hospital, LLC, and Aurora Vista Del Mar, LLC to bundle psychiatrist/professional services or bill them per minute based on new guidance from the Department of Health Care Services, effective upon execution
  2. allow SJBH, LLC to bundle psychiatrist/professional services or bill them per minute based on new guidance from the Department of Health Care Services, effective July 1, 2022
  3. add the following vendors to the agreement: 
  • BHC Heritage Oaks Hospital, effective July 1, 2022
  • BHC Sierra Vista Hospital, effective July 1, 2022 
  • Aurora Behavioral Healthcare – Santa Rosa, LLC, effective November 1, 2022 

Said amendments and additions are effective as stated above with no change to the master agreement term of May 8, 2018, through June 30, 2023, or a compensation maximum of $47,000,000

B. Standard agreement for No Place Like Home Program and standard agreement for Accelerator Program 

  • The board executed the Standard Agreement 20-NPLH-16215 with the California Department of Housing and Community Development for the construction of The Crossroads Village development, not to exceed 30 years from the effective date, a total not to exceed $18,534,905
  • The board executed the accelerator standard agreement 22-ACC-17427 with the California Department of Housing and Community Development for the construction of The Crossroads Village development, effective upon execution by all parties involved, total not to exceed $38.338.375 million 

C. Retroactive Amendment II to drug Medi-Cal Master Agreement 

  • The board executed retroactive Amendment II to master agreement with drug Medi-Cal certified providers to update state-mandated requirements and include a new rate for Turning Point of Central California, Inc. to provide recovery services, effective Oct. 1, 2022, with no change to the term of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027, and no maximum compensation amount.

D. Amendments to non-drug Medi-Cal master agreements 

  • The board executed Amendment I to master agreement with providers of non-drug Medi-Cal outpatient services to update state-mandated requirements, effective upon execution, with no change to the term of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027, or compensation maximum of $11,362,380
  • The board executed Amendment I to master agreement with non-drug Medi-Cal residential treatment and withdrawal management services providers to update state-mandated requirements from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027 or a compensation maximum of $13,231,565.
  • The board executed Amendment I to the master agreement with non-drug Medi-Cal residential room and board providers for reimbursement of room and board costs to update state-mandated requirements, effective upon execution, with no change to the term of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027, or compensation maximum of $25,367,740
  • The board executed Amendment II to the Youth Treatment Services Master Agreement No. 18-694 with non-drug Medi-Cal outpatient services providers to update state-mandated requirements from Jan. 1, 2019, through June 30, 2023 or a compensation maximum of $5,536,611. 

E. Crossroads Village Supportive Service Agreement

  • The board executed an agreement with Crossroads Village Fresno, L.P., that commits to the county to make available supportive services for a minimum of 20 years at Crossroads Villages, beginning on April 11, 2023, a permanent supportive housing development located at 3737 N Blackstone Ave., Fresno, a No Place Like Home-Round three project ($13,348,600).

Human Resources

A. Addenda to memoranda of understanding for Bargaining Units 36 and 39

  • The board approved the supplement to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Representation Unit 39 – Operating Engineers, represented by the Stationary Engineers Local 39, effective May 1, 2023.
  • The board approved the supplement to the MOU for Representation Unit 36 – Supervisory Employees, represented by the Service Employees International Union, Local 521, effective May 1, 2023; 
  • The board approved a salary range adjustment for the Fleet Services Supervisor classification, effective May 1, 2023.
  • The board approved the related salary resolution amendments.

Internal Services

A. Retroactive lease agreement with 5561 Sultana, LLC 

  • The board executed a retroactive lease agreement with 5561 Sultana, LLC, for use by the Department of Public Health – Emergency Medical Services division as a paramedic training facility, for approximately 9,529 square feet of office space located at 5091 N. Fresno St., Fresno, effective April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2026, total rent not to exceed $275,098

B. Agreement with Jerico Fire Protection Company, Inc.

  • The board authorized the chairman to amend, restate, replace and supersede the existing purchasing agreement with Jerico Fire Protection Co., Inc. (“Jerico”) retroactively to that agreement’s effective date of Dec. 1, 2020, to continue providing fire suppression maintenance, inspection, inventory and minor repair services for the county, not to exceed three consecutive years, which include a one-year term with two optional one-year extensions, and increasing the maximum agreement by $100,000, total not to exceed $300,000.
  • The board authorized the director of internal services/chief information officer, or designee, to provide at least 30 days prior written notice of termination to Jerico;
  • The board authorized the director of internal services/chief information officer, or designee, subject to approval by County Counsel as to legal form, to execute any documents or certifications necessary to affect the termination of the agreement.

C. First amendment to the agreement with ConvergeOne, Inc. 

  • The board executed the first amendment to the agreement with ConvergeOne, Inc. for the purchase of Cisco networking products and software services, effective upon execution, with no change to the potential five-year term of Feb. 9, 2021, to Feb. 8, 2026, and increasing the maximum compensation by $6 million to a total of $15 million to address higher than anticipated needs.

D. Amendment to the master schedule of fees, charges and recovered costs Section 3800 – General Services

  • The board conducted a second hearing and adopted the master schedule of fees, charges and recovered cost Section 3800 – General Services, where new subsection 3814 – “Downtown Parking Rate” is to be added; waive the reading on the ordinance in its entirety.

Probation

A. Third amendment to an agreement with Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission 

  • The board executed the third amendment to the agreement with Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission for the Valley Apprenticeship Connections program, which provides construction apprenticeship services for adult offenders, to extend the term four months from May 1, 2023, until Aug. 31, 2023, with no change to the contract maximum of $1.389 million 

Public Defender

A. San Joaquin College of Law Federal Work Study Agreement 

  • The board executed an agreement with the San Joaquin College of Law to provide the Public Defender’s Office access to and utilize law students from San Joaquin College of Law to provide case support, effective April 11, 2023, through April 11, 2024, not to exceed three consecutive years, which includes a one-year base contract and two automatic one-year extensions, total not to exceed $22,000

Public Health

A. Medi-Cal County Inmate Program Participation Agreement and Administrative Services Agreement

  • The board executed a participation agreement with the California Department of Health Care Services for participation in the Medi-Cal County Inmate Program, effective July 1, 2023, and will remain in effect until terminated by either party under and by the requirements and conditions outlined in this Participation Agreement, for an estimated amount of $800,000
  • The board executed an Administrative Services Agreement with the California Department of Health Care Services to allow reimbursement for the administration of the Medi-Cal County Inmate Program for State Fiscal Year 2023-26, effective July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026, total not to exceed $26,636.

B.Agreement with Touro University California

  • The board executed an agreement with Touro University California to provide public health internship placement and preceptorship opportunities through the Department of Public Health’s various county facilities for Touro’s student clients, effective April 11, 2023, not to exceed five consecutive years, which includes a three-year base contract and two optional one-year extensions ($0).

C. Third amendment to the agreement with the Regents of the University of California, San Francisco 

  • The board executed the third amendment to the agreement with the Regents of the University of California, San Francisco, to revise the scope of work for COVID-19 and other infectious disease services, extending the term of the existing Agreement by 13 months from April 15, 2023, to May 31, 2024, and increasing the maximum compensation by $2.672.05 million to a total of $11.56 million.

Public Health Director David Luchini said the agreement provided services and treatment. Influenza was added in the last amendment. 

USCF provides treatment, screening and diagnostics for disadvantaged communities. The fund comes from federal COVID-19 and immunization funds. 

D. Second amendment to the agreement with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission

  • The board executed a second amendment to the agreement with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission to add the provision of infectious disease screening and treatment, extend the term by 10 months from July 31, 2023, to May 31, 2024, and increase the maximum by $1.3 million to a total of $2.1 million.

Public Works and Planning

A. Retroactive agreement for on-call construction management services with Vanir Construction Management, Inc.

  • The board executed a retroactive agreement for on-call construction management services with Vanir Construction Management, Inc., effective retroactively upon execution to effectively extend the term of the previously expired contract between the parties by two additional years from Jan. 10, 2023, to Jan. 10, 2025, and increasing the maximum authorization by an additional $300,000, which will increase the total maximum authorization amount to $900,000. 

B. Resolution of intention – Sixth Cycle Housing Element Regional Housing Needs Allocation 

  • The board authorized the Department of Public Works and Planning to initiate the rezoning of parcels located within the unincorporated areas of Fresno County necessary to accommodate the county’s share of Fresno County Regional Housing Needs Allocation for the Sixth Cycle Multi-Jurisdictional Housing Element. 

Social Services

A. Retroactive amendments to agreements for Medi-Cal Privacy and Security and Data Privacy and Security 

  • The board executed a retroactive first amendment to the agreement with the California Department of Health Care Services to extend the term by one year from Feb. 28, 2023, through March 1, 2024, or upon a successor agreement being executed, whichever occurs first ($0)
  • The board executed a retroactive first amendment to the agreement with the California Department of Social Services to extend the term by one year from Feb. 28, 2023, through March 1, 2024, or until a successor agreement is executed, whichever occurs first. 

B. Homekey – revised resolution, the amendment to the standard agreement, estoppel letter, and subordination agreement 

  • The board executed a revised resolution authorizing Crossroads Village Fresno as a party to the Home Key Standard Agreement with the California Department of Housing and Community Development. 
  • The board executed Amendment No. 1 to the Homekey Standard Agreement by adding the new ownership structure to the contractor and signature lines. The California Department of Housing and Community Development authorized Crossroads Village Fresno as a party to the agreement. 
  • The board executed an estoppel letter required to close on a construction loan needed to begin the conversion of Crossroads Village to permanent housing. Estoppel is a legal principle that protects one party by holding another to their word or requiring them to adhere to established legal facts. 
  • The board executed a subordination agreement to close on a construction loan needed to begin the conversion of Crossroads Village to permanent housing. 

C. Waiver of extra-help weekly and annual maximum hours limitation for calendar year 2023

  • The board authorized a waiver of the 28 hours per week and 960 hours per year maximum limitations for extra-help positions in the Department of Social Services for the calendar year 2023, under the provisions outlined in the Salary Resolution, Section 1100 and Personnel Rules 2040 and 4240.

The closed session consists of the following:

12. Conference with legal counsel – initiation of litigation; Government Code, section 54956.9(d)(4) (2 Cases) 12. Conference with legal counsel – Significant Exposure to Litigation; Government Code, section 54956.9(d)(2) (two cases) 

13. Conference with labor negotiator (Government Code, section 54957.6): 

Agency negotiator: Hollis Magill; 

Employee organization: all Bargaining Units and Management and Unrepresented Employees -Hours, Wages and Terms and Conditions of Employment 

14. Conference with legal counsel – existing litigation – Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Veronica Gonzalez v. County of Fresno, Fresno County Superior Court Case No. 18CECG02672 

15. Conference with legal counsel – existing litigation – Government Code, 

Section 54956.9(d)(1) – County of Fresno v. Garry Bredefeld et al.; Fresno County Superior Court, Case No. 23CECG00814

The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, April  25, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 2600 Fresno St.

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at fresnodocs@fresnoland.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.

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