Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

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Good good morning. This is Good morning and welcome to the Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 meeting of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. We'll begin with the uh invocation and uh flag salute. And we also have the color guard from the Fresno Sheriff's Department. Uh the invocation will be introduced by district 5 after the invocation. Uh please remain standing for the honor guard and then the flag salute. And if I interrupt one second, may I take roll call real quick? Yes. Supervisor Chavez here. Supervisor Magig here. Supervisor Mendes here. Supervisor Chico here. Chairman Bredel here. All present. Thank you.

That's good. Glad you made sure that we're here. I needed to do that. Uh, Supervisor Magic. And before I introduce Tim, just a question uh for clarity. Since the honor guard is here, when do we want them to kind of come forward? Do we want to do the prayer first and then they'll come forward? Yes. Perfect. And we won't do the pledge, of course, until they're set. Okay. Very good. Absolutely.

All right. Here with us today is Tim Rod Rodriguez. Tim was born and raised in Fresno where he graduated from Fresno High School and Fresno State University with a degree in business administration. He worked in the banking industry for 45 years before retiring. He attends Fresno Sunnyside 7th Day Adventist Church. Tim's been a volunteer law enforcement chaplain with the Sheriff's Office since 2000 and Fresno Police Department since 2007. So, please stand with me as Tim delivers the invocation. Sorry to have my back to you, but face this way. Let's pray. Our Father which art in heaven, blessed be thy name. Lord, we come before you this morning thankful for the rain that you have sent to water our crops, Lord, that grow the food that feed not only our community here in our great valley, but also nationwide. Lord, I pray for the farmers that farm the land and the workers that help them. Lord, be with them as they till the grounds and produce the crops that feed our nation, Lord. And that you be with them each day as they work, Lord. We thank you for each of our citizens here in our community. We ask that you be with them as the small businesses, Lord, the community, the corporations, and Lord, that we all work together to provide for those that are in need and those that uh are outside our community, but also have those special needs. Lord, I come before you especially to ask that you be with our supervisors and administrators this morning, Lord, as they meet in discussions here that uh Lord, that you be with each one of them, Lord, that you give them the wisdom and the knowledge to come with the decisions that will improve our lands and help us as we go as a community. Lord, we come as a group. We come as a corporation. Lord, we come together in your holy name we pray. Amen.

Amen. Thank you. Please remain standing for the honor guard. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and Justice for all.

Thank you. Thank you to the honor guard. Agendas are on the back table for anyone wanting to follow along. Uh madame clerk, the first item item number one, approve agenda. Mr. Chairman, members of the board, item 21 from your close session regular agenda is deleted and will return to the board on May 12th. Okay. Is there a motion, a second to approve the agenda? All those in favor? It was a motion by Supervisor Chavez, seconded by Supervisor Mendes. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Passes unanimously.

We now move to item number two, approve consent agenda item numbers 25 through 64. Mr. Chairman, members of the board, staff has a slight correction for item 28. On the board agenda item, the date listed at the top is April 21st, 2025, but it should reflect today's date, April 21st, 2026. And item 41, I'm sorry, item 44 has been deleted. And item 50 has been deleted but will return to the board on May 12th. And I do believe Sue Riser Maxig wishes to pull item 49 due to the Levine Act. Correct.

Okay. Any other board members want to remove an item for discussion? Any members of the public want to pull an item on the consent for discussion? Seeing none, is there a motion and second to approve the rest of the consent? Second. All those in favor say I. Passes unanimously.

We now and we will hear item 49. Following item 10, we now move to item three under board of sisers presentation retirement plaque to James Olsson District Attorney's Office 18 years of service. Welcome, DA Smith camp.

Thank you so much. It's a pleasure to be here. Good morning, members of the board. Uh, today it is my honor to recognize and celebrate the distinguished career of senior investigator Jimmy Olsen. Jimmy proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps for eight years before beginning his law enforcement career in 1977. I will note that I was eight years old at that time with the Fresno Police Department where he dedicated 30 years of serving his community in patrol, field training, night detectives, homicide, robbery, sexual assault, and magic, which is the gang unit. In 1999, Jimmy was assigned as a special investigator from the Fresno Police Department sexual assault team to the gang unit for the purposes of investigating the Mongolian Boy Society Criminal Street Gang, Motel 6 gang rapes. This was one of the most notorious crimes that has ever happened in Fresno County. Jimmy worked with prosecutors Doug Haw and Hury Sanderson along with Detective Brenda Troba to prosecute 23 defendants charged with over 800 counts of sexual assault represented by 25 defense attorneys. Jimmy was one of the two chief investigative officers who spent each trial day four days per week in the courtroom. This was just one of the many important cases that Jimmy worked during his time as a Fresno police officer. In 2007, he joined the Fresno County District Attorney's Office, where he has spent the last 18 and a half years in magic, juvenile delinquency, and most recently in environmental crimes. Spanning more than 40 years of service, Jimmy's career has been defined by professionalism and an unwavering commitment to public safety. But just as impressive as his professional accomplishments is the work he has done beyond his assigned duties. Jimmy is a founding member of the Fresno Police Department Honor Guard, a founding member and president of the Fresno County Peace Officer Memorial, and a

founding and current board member of the California 911 Memorial. Through his work, he has ensured that our fallen officers are honored and never ever forgotten. Jimmy, your legacy of service, sacrifice, and compassion is commendable. On behalf of everyone here and your DA family, we thank you for your extraordinary dedication, your leadership, your selfless commitment to honoring those who gave their lives in service. We wish you the very best in a very well-earned retirement. And I will just say personally off the written speech is that I love you dearly, Jimmy. I honor you. I respect you. And I thank you for mentoring me and so many of us who have worked in the DA's office. We are all trying to follow your lead to not only honor our commitments as sworn members of law enforcement but as good Americans. Congratulations, Jimmy. We will miss you.

You want to make a speech? I'm kind of at a loss for words, but thank you so very much. It's been an honor to serve not only the county, but the city of Fresno and paying tribute to those who have lost their lives and in protecting our communities. Thank you so much. Any comments from the board? I remember meeting with you long time ago when I first started working with Mike Briggs in the late 90s and hanging out with the Fresno Police Department and uh you know, it's been a pleasure uh watching you and I'm proud that you've decided to finish your career here at the county of Fresno. So you uh will always be welcome here. You're a part of our family and uh congratulations on your retirement. Thank you, sir.

Anyone else? You know, I I've uh come to know you, Jimmy, as I see you at various events along with your your daughter who's also serving uh with the police department. Um what Die Smith said is amazing. All the sacrifice that you've done and service to our community. We're all grateful. I wish you the very best and thank you for what you've done. A any comments from the public? Okay. Is there um if you would step forward and we will uh take a picture. They'll tell you what to do. Good to see. Where's your dog?

Do you want to come on up? Yeah. Come on up. Yes. I wonder where you were.

All right. Block us to talk. Well done, Jimmy. Mr. Chairman, we were informed late Friday that uh Mr. Perez would not be here. So, we will mail his plaque to him. Okay.

We'll now move to item number five under board of supervisors, presentation, retirement plaque to Skip Swain, Sheriff's Department, 23 years of service. Um, good morning, Chairman Berfeld and members of the board. I'm Ryan Hushaw, assistant sheriff here on behalf of Sheriff John Zenoni. I would like to introduce to you this morning, Larry Swain, or as we all affectionately know him by, Skip. Uh, Deputy Swain had dedicated more than three decades of his life to law enforcement, exemplifying a commitment to the public, the and the protection of our communities. Deputy Swain began his career with the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office where he served with distinction for 10 years. In 2001, he brought his experience and dedication to the Fresno County Sheriff's Office where he would continue his law enforcement service for the next 23 years. Throughout his tenure with Fresno County, Deputy Swain held a variety of critical assignments, including patrol deputy, school resource deputy, court security deputy, and detective. His versatility and professionalism allowed him to serve effectively in each role, earning the respect of his peers and the community alike. Deputy Swain also made history as the first tribal liaison officer in our eastern mountain region, strengthening relationships and fostering collaboration across the foothill and mountain communities of eastern Fresno County. However, it was during his 14 years as an elder abuse detective that Deputy Swain made his most profound and lasting impact. In this role, he devoted himself to protecting one of the most vulnerable populations. Through his tireless investigative work, he brought justice, dignity, and closure to countless elderly victims and their families. Recognized as a subject matter

expert, Deputy Swain shared his knowledge well beyond Fresno County, traveling across the state and nation, including multiple engagements in Washington DC and with the Pennsylvania Department of Justice. You played a key role in pioneering the nationally recognized Eagle program, an elder abuse investigation guide that equips first responders with the tools needed to conduct thorough and effective investigations. Even in retirement, Deputy Swain continues to serve, remaining as an active member of the executive board of the Valley Care Caregivers Resource Center, further demonstrating his enduring commitment to the well-being of others. With a law enforcement career spanning more than 33 years, Deputy Swain's legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and dedication. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Fresno County and beyond. So, Skip, we wish you the best in retirement filled with good health and lots of well-deserved family time. Please help me in congratulating Skip Swain's well-deserved retirement. Just a few words. Uh it was an honor to be able to serve in the capacities that I served, learning all along the way. Um I fell into uh an elder abuse gig that I thought was going to last for a year and it ended up lasting 14 years and it has continued uh as I still have people reaching out to me for for assistance. So, it was an honor to serve Fresno County for 23 years starting in Mariposa, coming to uh where I was a little fish in a big pond. Um, and was a number more than a name, but uh I I try to make a name for myself. Thank you guys for uh doing what you do. And thank you, Ryan, for the nice kind words.

Thank you. Uh comments from the board. Any comments from the public? Would you come up and take a photo? Bring any family or friends?

I'll remember to hand it to him. Yes. Thank you, sir. Oh, here.

Thank you. toes. We now move title number six under supervisor Chavez proclaim May 2026 as foster care month in the county of Fresno. Supervisor Chavez.

Thank you, Chair. Um, today I have the distinct honor of proclaiming National Foster Care Month. Um, as we all know, this has been a uh really a a work in progress uh for our not just here locally, but nationally, we know that foster youth in our community still struggle. um they still have a number of challenges, but we've got a lot of great folks that are advocating and helping them out and making sure that they have a safe and healthy home. Um and a lot of you know that's something very personal to me and uh I think we have I think the stats say we have 360,000 foster youth nationally. Um this has been an issue that's been brought forward. Um I think many of you saw that the first lady actually testified in front of Congress u making foster youth a big priority uh last couple of weeks. And so locally, we've got folks doing great work. And I just want to thank um our DSS folks, our foster care agencies. And special thank you to our foster parents that don't just open up their homes, but open up their hearts to to our kids and youth and making sure that they know that somebody here in our county cares and loves them and accepts them. And so with that, Sonia, if you want to say a few words.

I do. Thank you. I'm Sonia Bugay, director of social services. And with me, I actually really want to do an introduction of two individuals that are with me. So one is our deputy director Dalvin Baker who other than cares and few um programs in child welfare also has our resource family approval unit that actually does licensing for our resource parents that are county parents and also Patrick Rose and I actually really want to share with you a little bit of Patrick's um bio because Patrick is a resource parent and an adoptive parent but has quite a few roles in Fresno County. So Patrick is an experienced resource and adoptive parents who is currently a resource parent mentor through a cultural brokers inc. Um him and his wife has specialized in foster care support and for foster placements for our kids with developmental delays. His commitment to family has grown through adoption. He has actually adopted two children and Patrick's dedication to improving the system intensified after he experienced a traumat traumatic transition of a of a child in his care leading him to join quality parenting initiative in our county and he is currently actually a co-chair of our QPI committee. um using his extensive experience, he was instrumental in assisting Fresno County DSS to create and implement Fresno County transition policy. And I'm actually proud to say state law changed by being influenced by Fresno County's transition policy in the past couple of years. And it's now being implemented not as a best practice, but as actually a requirement in the county and Patrick along with a number of members of DSS team really helped foster that and develop our own policy. In his current role, Patrick provides invaluable support, advocacy, and guidance to resource relative and and mentor parents. He is um helping our child and family team meetings, trying to have the foster parent voice be heard. And he's a dedicated and ongoing foster parent in

our community. So, I want to thank your board for recognizing a foster care um month. And this is really an opportunity to showcase the partnerships between not just our social workers that are case caring social workers but also our team that actually does the approval of resource p resource families in our county currently. Um just under 1% of the kids are in congregate care which means that the rest of our kids are actually in a family setting. About 370 are with relatives. um just about 300 or so are with our county approved resource uh families but also about 400 through foster family agencies. This is a commitment from various individuals really representing this team and there's a lot of work going on to support not just our kids in care but also for our resource parents. So with that, thank you for the proclamation and we do want to invite you um to a once a year we do an annual um convening of our foster parents. We call it let's talk. So we have some invitations for you.

Dvin, do you want to share the invitation? Sure. Good morning, chairman, members of the board. Delvin Baker, deputy director with child welfare. So we would like to extend an invitation to this board to our annual Let's Talk event that is on May 28th at our Hope Center at Building 5. The event starts at 9:00 and we do have some invitations. Thank you. Right.

Any comments from the board? Just want to again thank you uh Sonia and your team and our all of our foster um agencies and stakeholders in our community. Um I know it's a difficult uh job um but our kids really appreciate it and and and love the support that they get here locally. With that, I'll make a motion to approve the proclamation. Mr. Chair, uh let me go out to the public first. Anybody from the public wish to comment on this? Seeing none, do you have a motion? A second. Second. All those in favor say I. I. passes unanimously. Would you please step forward, take a photo?

I tried.

Thank you, sir. We now move to item number seven. Under supervisor Max, I proclaim May 10th through the 16, 2026 as Peace Officers Memorial Week and May 7th, 2026 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in the county of Fresno.

Supervisor Max.

Thank you, Chairman. And we have representatives here from the sheriff's department. And I just want to, you know, want to say that how much uh Fresno County appreciates law enforcement, appreciates our sheriff's department and DA investigators, all those who were involved in um keeping our community safe. And just uh a few weeks ago, there was a uh a deputy that lost their life in Tallery County. And so the the dangers of the job are ever present, but the appreciation of this community is just as strong. And uh we stand with you. We appreciate you and Ed, if you could just share a few words um about what this day means and how we can help participate even more. Uh please share now.

Thank you. Chairman Bredfeld, Vice Chairman Chavez, honored members members of the board. Good morning. My name is Edward Mayo and I serve as the vice president of the Fresno County Peace Officers Memorial Board and I recently retire retired as a sergeant with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office. Here with me today are Fresno County Peace Officers Memorial Board President and recently retired DA investigator Jimmy Olsen, Peace Officer Memorial Board Secretary and Treasurer and retired Deputy Sheriff uh Greg Little, Peace Officer Memorial Board historian and peace off police officer, excuse me, Janette Olsen and um Fresno County Probation Department Chief Deputy Colin Spence. I think I got that right. Also with me is um Assistant Sheriff Ryan Hushaw. Thank you board all for taking the time to honor those peace officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. On the first Thursday of May, we come together to respect, honor, and remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This year on Thursday, May 7 in Courthouse Park, we will conduct our annual peace officers memorial ceremony. This is a solemn event to pay our respects to those that lost their lives in the line of duty. It stands as a reminder that we will never forget not only their sacrifice but the sacrifices of those who they left behind. We are grateful to have the support of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors this year as we have in all years past. There are 64 names etched in the granite walls of our memorial. These are the names of our brothers, sisters, family, and friends in law enforcement who lost their lives while pro protecting the citizens of Fresno County. They came from all walks of life and served in various law enforcement agencies throughout Fresno County. From our first enrolled, Robert James Allison, who served as a Kingsburg constable. His life was taken on March 21, 1889 to our

most recent enrollment, Officer Gonzalo Carrasco of the Selma Police Department, who had his life taken on January 31, 2023. The men and women we pay homage to served with honor and dignity. It is our duty to uphold their legacy and never forget their sacrifices. Thankfully, we will not be adding any names to the memorial during the 2026 ceremony. On behalf of the Freso County Peace Officers Memorial Board, I would like to thank the entire board of supervisors and specifically the sponsor of this proclamation, District 5 Supervisor Nathan Magsig. With your continued support and recognition, this memorial stands as a reminder to the entire community of law enforcement it represents. Every year, the Fresno County Peace Officers Memorial designs a coin and a pin to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. With that, Greg Little and I would like to approach the board and present each member with a coin and pin commemorating the 2026 Fresno County Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony. Prior to this, however, I would like to introduce Assistant Sheriff Ryan Hushaw, who would like to say a few words.

Thank you, Ed. Uh, good morning again, Ryan Hush, assistant sheriff on behalf of Sheriff John Zenon. Uh, Peace Officers Memorial Week gives us the opportunity to pause and recognize the bravery, the service, and of course, the sacrifice that law enforcement professionals in Fresno County, as well as throughout our state and nation. The Fresno County Sheriff's Office proudly supports this observance, paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty while acknowledging the ongoing commitment of those who continue to serve. These men and women chose a path defined by responsibility, by courage, and a dedication to protecting others while preserving the safety of our communities. Law enforcement work demands not only skill and resolve, but also willingness to face risks that we hope most will never encounter. Here in our own community, that sacrifice is deeply personal. In October of 2025, the Fresno Sheriff's Memorial Foundation opened our very own memorial located at our area 2 Metropolitan substation near Belmont and Armstrong Armstrong Avenues. And by the way, the public is always welcome to attend our memorial. We would encourage that. Uh, this memorial serves as a place of reflection and honor that bears the names of our 19 deputy sheriffs and two correctional officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Each name represents a story of service, bravery, and dedication that will never be forgotten. During Peace Officers Memorial Week, we honor and we stand with the Fallen's family. We honor their legacy, and we renew our commitment to carry forward their mission with compassion and respect. Their memory guides us and their sacrifice strengthens our resolve to serve with purpose every single day. And again, we would also be remiss if we did not mention that our hearts go out

to our friends and neighbors at the Tallery County Sheriff's Office as they mourn the recent death of Detective Randy Hopper. We stand in solidarity with his family, his colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and service during this difficult time. Lastly, we are reminded by a simple but profound statement inscribed on the walls of our sheriff's memorial. In valor, there is hope. Thank you. Thank you. Any comments from the board, Mr. Chair? Yeah.

Just want to thank our our law enforcement um folks, but especially considering what happened um with our neighbors down in Tallery and uh such a tragic story. We want to keep that from happening uh in the future. But I do want to thank you. I think every time that uh we hear sirens, uh we know somebody's having a bad day. Um, but we know that we have um you folks out there protecting us. And um some of you might think it's odd, but sometimes I'll just jump on a scanner and listen to the calls and you hang around with our law enforcement officers, whether it's PD or sheriff, and you know that there's there's nothing routine about a routine traffic stop. Something can always happen. And so I just want to generally thank you for for your service and thank you for keeping the memory of those that served alive. Thank you.

Anyone else? Yeah, I I want to also add uh I'm just grateful for all that law enforcement does. It's a it's a tough job. It's a job that I wouldn't want to do. It's a dangerous job. Uh and you get up every day and you do it and you serve this community. And because of you, uh we are safer. Um and so, uh I can tell you that our constituents are always grateful. You may not always hear it, but we are always grateful. Uh any comments from the public? Is there a motion to approve? I'll move in favor of this proclamation. All those in favor say I. I.

It passes unanimously. Want to come up and take a picture? Thank you.

So much.

Good to see you. Short ones in the middle, big ones on the other. We now move it to item number eight under Siser Max and Chairman Bredville adopt resolution recognizing the planting of an American 250 Liberty Tree at Courthouse Park. Supervisor Magzig. So, uh, before we hear a few comments on this particular, um, item, I know that we have representatives, uh, that are here that are going to say a few words, but I just want to share that, uh, around, I think at 1:00 today, we're going to have a, a brief ceremony because if you live under a rock and you're not aware, this year is the 250th anniversary of u the, the independence of this nation and the creation of this nation. And it's pretty significant. And if you're not aware as well, two days ago was Fresno County's birthday. We turned 170 years old on the 19th of April. And so this whole year is very significant. And so uh there were individuals who came forward and said, "We want to plant a tree here um at the county just uh to represent to commemorate this 250th anniversary." And as public works got involved in this uh uh process, this project, uh they of course said, "Well, if we're going to plant a tree, it's got to be a big tree." And of course, if you look at the

tree that's been planted, it's an oak tree. And what says strength more than an oak? So, with all of that, I'm going to turn it over uh for some additional comments.

Yes. Good morning, chairman and members of the board. Mary Lou Valencia, principal CEO analyst. So, as Supervisor Maxik said, this item before your board is a resolution recognizing the planting of the liberty of a liberty tree at Courthouse Park in partnership with the Yusede chapter of the Sons of American Revolution who are here today to mark the United States 250th anniversary. This liberty tree will honor the original liberty tree which was a gathering place and a symbol of resistance during during the revolutionary era. And then with that, I'll pass it back to Supervisor Magzik and Supervisor Bredeld for further. Well, we'll we'll see everybody out at one whether it's raining or not. There's a big canopy. Uh so bring your umbrella, but we will be there and welcome everybody. Uh other comments did you have supervisor?

Well, I just you know we we have someone who jumped on a time machine. Uh they actually traveled from 1776 to be here with us today. Yes. And uh I believe his name is Randy. I remember him. We went to school together. He was quite a hitter on the football team, but uh traveled back from 1776. Randy, do you have just a few comments you want to share with us?

I do. And and to Nathan's point, in high school, his job was to cut through the offensive line so he could deliver the offense back to the field for us. And now as a supervisor, his job is to cut through the red tape and deliver Fresno County to the people. So, we're very excited. Um, chairman, members of the board of supervisors, honored guest, and fellow compatriots and friends. My name is Randy Denza, and I'm the president-elect for the California Society, Sons of the American Revolution. And on behalf of the Yusede chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, and every patriot gathered today, I have the distinct privilege and the deep personal honor of expressing our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the County of Fresno Board of Supervisors for this rec recognition and for the proclamation. To be recognized in this way, on this ground, on this occasion, is more than a courtesy, is an affirmation of the values of our founding patriots who lived and died that still resonate in the halls of government today. That means everything to us. And I just want to single out two individuals who deserve um this recognition because without them, we would not be standing here today. Uh Supervisor Nathan Magsig and um Chairman Gary Bredfield. We thank you so much. These two men did not simply lend their names to this effort. They championed it. Their love of this community, respect of this country, and the commitment to honoring America's 250th birthday in a way worthy of Fresno County is evident in everything you see uh around you today. And just to point out, the tree that is out there today will be the largest liberty tree planted in the United States of America honoring the 250th. So that is something to be proud of. We also want to acknowledge something that you don't typically see when you're working with your um government. Um this event came together in 30 days. I just

want to say that again. 30 days from thought to to today. What you see here is the coordination, logistics, the permits, the planning, the ceremony, the partnerships represents an extraordinary effort of the dedicated men and women who serve Fresno County as public employees. They move mountains. They worked across departments and they gave their time and talent. They did it with professionalism and grace. We are deeply grateful to each of them and we have certificates and coins for everybody that will present at the ceremony. But right now, I do want to recognize Council Member Luis Chavez, Council Member Buddy Mendes, Council Member Brian Pacheo, um, Council Member Member Paul Nurland, Mary Lou Valencia, Steve White, Sonia Dosti, Sam Buck, Civag Tatosian, Chris Bernal, Stephanie Sorando, Josh Dean, Gustavo Gutierrez, Romeo Mag Banua, Jesse Wararez, Armando Oliva, Michael Cruz, and Ed hell. You may not know all their names, but they know what they built, and we want them to know that we see it. We appreciate it, and we will never forget it. On behalf of the Yusede chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, thank you to the board of supervisors, and thank you to everybody who made this possible today. May God bless Fresno County, the great state of California, and the United States of America. Thank you so much.

Yeah. Well, well said. And I also want to second uh our staff, Sonia, and all the other folks that have made this uh possible. Believe me, we wouldn't be here without them. Uh any comments from the board? Go ahead.

Just want Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just want to thank uh you, Supervisor Magzik, for for undertaking this uh project. Um I think an oak tree oak tree is pretty fitting um to to who we are as a community. And I also want to thank uh Randy. Randy and I served many years, many um sleepless nights over at the board at Reading and Beyond. So, thank you for your um the service to our community. Um he's a banker by day and a patriot by night. So, if you need a loan, go see him. Um but thank you again for for undertaking this and really appreciate the work. I know it wasn't easy. Uh you guys did a great job. Yes, Supervisor Mendes.

You know, I I think the the choice of a valley oak was a good choice because that tree will be there when we're all gone. even the youngest people in this room, that tree will still be there. And supervisor,

just want to emphasize public works, uh, they did the the hard work on this. They identified the tree that you see out there, uh, the digging of the hole, the preparing of the ground, uh, a lot of the logistical things to get us to where we are here today. It's there are men and women who made this possible who haven't been mentioned and I want to say thank you to them. We get ideas but it's the county staff, it's public works, it's all other 19 departments that implement that vision. So I need to give them a lot of credit. Thank you. Yes. Ditto ditto to that. Uh anybody from the public wish to comment on this? Is there a motion to approve?

I'll make that motion. Second. All those in favor say I. I. Passes unanimously. Want to come up and take a photo? Yes. Okay.

Oh, thank you. be your Christmas card. See you around.

We now move to item number nine under supervisor PCO proclaim April 2026 as Friday night live month in the county of Fresno. Supervisor Pico.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And if the group would come forward to the podium today, I would like to recognize Friday Night Live by proclaiming April as Friday Night Live month. For those of you who may be unaware, Friday Night Live reaches our young people from the fourth grade through high school and beyond uh with information to improve their physical and mental health. Friday Night Live is best known for its programs in combating underage alcohol consumption and smoking prevention programs. Friday Night Live is in 22 schools in Fresno County thanks to the Youth Leadership Institute and is partially funded by our own Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health. Friday Night Live was first established in 1984 and is active in 55 of California's 58 counties. So for here today to learn more about Friday Night Live, I'd like to introduce uh Cindy, senior director of program to say a few words. Cindy,

thank you and good morning. Thank you, Chairman Bredfield, Vice Chairman Chavez, and Supervisor Pacheco for supporting this proclamation. I am like uh Supervisor um PCO mentioned, my name is Cindy Hernandez. I'm the senior director of programs for Youth Leadership Institute. And for over 20 years, Yli has helped establish Friday night chapters throughout Fresno County from as far west as Kerman, Tranquility, Sanwaqin, Central Unified to as far east as Reedley, Selma, Orange Cove, Parlier. And here some of our longest running sites are at Sunnyside, Roosevelt, Edison, and Mlan. And I want to introduce just really quickly some of our Sunnyside and Roosevelt um youth leaders who've been part of this. So with that, I'm going to let you all introduce yourselves. They didn't know I was going to do this. So let's, you know, cheer them on.

Yes. Hello everyone. Thank you for allowing us to have this wonderful opportunity. Thank you to the board for um giving us this privilege. My name is Anna Moa. I am a currently a junior here at Sunnyside High School. Thank you. Hello. Good morning. My name is Sarah Nawat and I'm a student at Sunnyside High School. Hi everyone, my name is Angelique Alan and I'm currently a sophomore at Roosevelt High School. Hello everybody. My name is Media. I'm currently a sophomore at Roosevelt High School as well.

Yay. And so so this month we're celebrating Friday Night Live. So we they have been doing activities on their campuses that we call like pro-social events or alternative activities. Some of that includes using these uh drunk goggle drunk goggles we call them. Um for educational activities. Um what they do is they have young people put them on and they play games like Jenga and cup stacking to showcase what impairment actually does to folks when they are under the influence. Additionally in Parlier youth are organizing a community garden cleanup as a positive alternative activity which is a foundation of Friday Night Live. And additionally, our youth advocacy leadership league is a countywide youth council and it's leading a media campaign called Invest in Yourself, invest in youth. And as part of this effort, they plan to launch three billboards that you'll see around Fresno um that promote open and honest conversations about alcohol, marijuana, and prescription young prescription drug use between parent and young people because we know that spending at least one hour with your young person as a parent um is a big reducer in substance uh use. And so these billboards will go live in June. And then lastly, we want to invite all the young people of Fresno County to um our Friday Night Live uh kind of concluding event will be this weekend at Central East for Teen Summit, which is a day-long conference and pro-social event where we'll have workshops on mental health, gardening, and composting, entrepreneurship, and of course, we will provide free lunch for all the young people. So, thank you again to the board for your support of young people and Friday Night Live.

Thank you. Uh, supervisor makes it buddy Mendes wanted me to ask what's that cut off from being young versus what's that? You know what? I think it's just in spirit however you feel. All right. I like that. Very good. Thank you. Any other comments from the board, m

Mr. Chair? Just want to especially thank Cindy, you and the team, our YAI um folks just for keeping that tradition alive. Um I've seen uh youth work out there and you guys have been the most impactful for our community. not just here in in the metro area, but in the rural communities as well. Um, and thank you to our Sunnyside folks. Um, I'm a little bit biased as a fellow Ruff Rider alumni, but thank you to our our Roosevelt uh uh crew for keeping that tradition uh alive there as well, too. And and and the keep up the great work that you're doing in our community. We need more of that, especially with everything happening with fentanyl and a number of other drugs that are now coming onto the market. So, really appreciate appreciate the work that uh that you all do. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would just say as the former chair of first five, Cindy used to have to give the government relations report and as boring as that would be, she made it as fun as she does today. So, um, with that, I would like to make the motion to approve this proclamation. Let me let me just go out to the public. Any, uh, anyone from the public have any comments? Okay, motion second. All those in favor say I. I. Motion passes unanimously. Want to come up for a picture? Yes, please. Thank you. Anybody want to try? No. Naturally.

Oh, wow. I saw them over there.

Come on up. Great We now move title number 10 under supervisor PCO proclaim April 26 through May 2nd 2026 as National Apprenticeship Week in the county of Fresno.

Supervisor Pico, it's all yours.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today we commemorate National Apprenticeship Week from April 26 to May 2nd. Apprenticeships ensure America has a highly skilled workforce. It creates training opportunities for high school age students. We know that not all, as I can tell you as a former school board member, not all high school students will go to college and apprenticeships for these high-paying industrial jobs are a pathway to the American middle class. So, it's important to bring highly trained and skilled workers into our building and construction workforce. To do this, the local buildings trade council has created a pre-apprenticeship construction training, Inc., also known as PAC. PAC is dedicated to marketing these occupations to our high school students in our region stretching across Fresno, Tallery, Madera, and Kings County. And uh, gentlemen, I need that to go into Merced here pretty quick. So, uh, here to tell us more are Dave Clark, chairman of the board for PAC, Sam Norman with the Rios Company, and Blake with the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board, the executive director. Gentlemen, floor is yours.

Thank you uh for having us here today, uh, supervisors, and, uh, the the opportunities that are created by, uh, construction jobs in our area. and we're part of a 4count building trades council Fresira King Stellary um are jobs that we want our local residents to be able to take advantage of. I know about 20 years ago uh your workforce board uh did a study and we tried to value approved public construction, not proposed but public construction infrastructure that was in the pipeline. And that report from 20 years ago independent of highspeed rail identified $ 36 billion of public construction in the valley being defined from Stockton down to Bakersfield with Fresno being in the middle. and we used to call it the hidden sector. We thought, my god, we got to get people prepped for these jobs. And so in partnership with the Rios company and the building trades council, uh we created a pre-apprentice training program known as Valley Build. The model that um was developed here in Fresno is now being employed across the valley with all four building trades councils. One headquartered in Stockton, another in Modesto here in Fresno III and uh Bakersfield down in the south. Over the last five years, more than a thousand people have been trained. Over the last 15 years, more than 5,000 people have been trained. Um, our 48th cohort here in Fresno will start in May and uh that's only been possible because of uh uh your cooperation and uh and the cooperation of organized labor and uh and and private groups. So, we're thankful for this recognition and we're thankful that we can still make these good jobs available to our residents.

We really appreciate you acknowledging the not just the pre-apprentichip week but the work that the pact which is a new organization is getting ready to do. The goal of the pact is to actually prepare material that we can present in the educational institutions targeting juniors and seniors in high school and individuals in community colleges to explain to them the variety of uh opportunities that exist in the trades and the career path to get into these trades. And we know at this time when the unemployment rate for recent college graduates is the highest that it's ever been in the history of our country that these alternative opportunities and careers are important to individuals getting coming out of high school. Uh and so we want to uh create the film and and uh reading materials to explain to these indiv individuals what they can look forward to as as a career possibility. Hi. Uh my name is Dave Clark and um I'm a 25-y year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 100 here out of out of Fresno. And um when I was in high school, uh they weren't talking about the construction trades. It was go to college, go to college. And it just wasn't for me. And uh just by chance, my father-in-law, he was a sheet metal worker. And when I saw he was getting ready to retire and saw his amazing pension, I said, "How how do I do that?" and uh he pointed me towards the electrical workers, but had I had known uh about it and and the apprenticeship and that I could get training for free and not have any college debt, I would have done that right out of high school instead of at 25. So, um I'm very passionate about this and um I owe the livelihood that I have to the building and construction trades in the IBW. And so, uh, what I like to tell people is when you drive by and you see construction work going on, you think you're building the building,

but really what the building construction trades are doing is they're building the middle class. So, thank you again. Thank you. Yes, Supervisor Mag.

So, Blake, appreciate you uh, being here today on this one. Just a couple of things I wanted to add as well about how important the apprenticeship uh, programs are. So, I used to work at Fresno EOC and the local conservation corps there uh many years ago created a partnership with uh the building trades and uh many of the kids that the local conservation corps were working with had troubled path uh pasts. A lot of them uh hadn't graduated high school so they were working on their um you know their degrees but also too the the the pathways for these kids to get involved uh in different trades to be able to earn a living, raise a family was amazing. And so there were, I think at the time the LCC was getting youth build grants uh to to help uh with this, but the building trades were there in a strong way uh partnering with Fresno EOC. I got to play a small part in all of that, but really appreciate uh what you did for a lot of the troubled youth of this community and how you helped to turn their lives around. So, thank you.

Anyone else? Any comments from the public? Seeing none, is there a motion? Mr. Chairman, I'd make that motion. Second. Second. All those in favor say I. I. Passes unanimously. Want to come up and take a picture?

Hey, good to see you. One for you. One for you. All right. Show the cover. There you go.

All right. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.

We now move to item number 11 under administrative office. Approving revised administrative policy 80 department contributions of funds for non-county events or causes.

Good morning, Mr. Chairman, members of the board, Mr. CEO, Mr. County Council, Madame Clerk, respected department heads, county staff, and members of the public. The item before you is a revision to administrative policy 80, department contributions of funds for non-county events and causes. On July 8th, 2025, your board adopted AP80, which requires departments to come before your board seeking approval before making contributions of county funds for non-county events or causes. Since then, departments have done a great job coming before your board for such items. One item or category or genre, if you may, of items have been careerfires. Approval of this revision would exempt career fairs from the provisions of AP80. In essence, if approved today, departments would not need to seek your board's approval to attend career fairs. At this time, your CEO, Mr. Paul Nur Nerlin, Deputy CEO Samantha Buck, and I I'm available for any questions you have.

Any comments from the board? So, the item seems pretty simple, but I would just ask, and I hate to put you on the spot, what is the definition of a career fair? So, good question, Supervisor. Thank you for that. Uh in the policy itself, we've written uh attend career affairs where the main objective is to promote county jobs or vacancies at your board's leisure. If you'd like to amend that definition or change it, we're happy to take that on right now. Again, that's promote county jobs or vacancies.

Any other comments, supervisor? No. Um, any comments from the public? Seeing none, there a motion? Second. All those in favor say I. I. Passes unanimously. Thank you. With one absent. Supervisor. My apology. I uh luckily your esteemed supervisor Chavez and Bacho kindly reminded me that I forgot item 49 from consent. So my apologies. Item 49 was pulled due to the we want to keep Maxig in compliance. Yeah.

Yes. Uh item 49 under the library approve an authorized chairman execqou between Fresno's Chappie Zoo Corporation Fresno County Public Library for summer at your library program events at library branches effective upon execution through December 31st 2026. Okay. Uh, I don't see a staff person here. Okay.

Hi. Good morning. Um, the summer at your library program is traditional Fresno County Library programming, previously known as summer reading program. Uh this uhou is an opportunity to partner with this chaffy zoo to co- um promote our programs and for them to participate in some of our summer library programming. Uh the theme of the programming will be um you know go wild for reading. So it'll include uh li uh animal themed programs um and zoo themed programs.

Okay. Any questions from the board? Uh just a quick question. So these are going to be pro uh programs that the zoo is promoting. Is that correct? Yeah. Well, they will help us promote, but they are primarily library promoted programs. So we promote them through our regular channels um flyers on our website um on our program calendar. U they will participate um by providing I believe three programs throughout the summer. Uh, two will be outreach tables and one will be a a zoo themed story time. Liarian. Okay. Will they all will they all be at the library as opposed to out at the zoo?

Yeah, most most of our programs are at the libraries, our branch libraries. Occasionally, we will host a program at a um community center if the like for example Pinedale is a small branch. So, we use the Pinedale Community Center to host our programs. Okay. So there there not going to be any family drag stories or any that store. Not in the plans for this. No. Okay. And what if the zoo pro wanted to do that because they've done family drag shows out there?

Uh well we've like I said we've only got three pro programs with the zoo. Um and they've already there are a story time. It will be a zoo themed story time and two outreach tables where they'll promote um they'll have like a little craft. I think we sent the materials over for the craft item. Um, and that will be kind of the uh the breadth of their involvement. Okay. Uh, any comments? Any comments from the public? Is there a motion to approve? I'll make the motion. Okay. All those in favor say I. Passes unanimously with Supervisor Magzig recusing himself. Thank you. We'll

wait for that concludes the consent items that were pulled from this morning. We now return to your regular agenda. Item 12 under the administrative office, adopt resolution designating the Fresno Arts Council to serve as the county of Fresno's local partner with the California Arts Council for fiscal year 2627.

She has the copies there. Mhm. There we go. Okay. Yeah, you want to go?

Okay. Thank you. Good morning, Chairman Bredeld and members of the board. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. I'm Andrea Mel, interim executive director of Fresno Arts Council, and I'm here with board members Julia Copeland and Karen Simpson. As one of 58 county designated partner agencies, FAC supports arts organizations, individual artists, and the broader community through services and programming while also representing and advocating for Fresno County's arts, culture, and creative economy to the California Arts Council. The statewide SLP network shares resources and opportunities and collaborates with government agencies, community groups, schools, and businesses on projects benefiting residents and visitors. Without this annual designation, Fresno County compromises its direct communication with the California Arts Council and the Associated Community Benefits. As your board may be aware, our organization has been the subject of unfavorable reports recently related to loss of local funds. We regret deeply that this loss of funds has occurred, that some arts organizations face lengthy delays in receiving their awards, and that this turmoil caused certain projects to be canceled outright. We have taken decisive action. The former employee whose conduct is now the subject of a criminal investigation has been terminated with all IT and bank access removed. The board has made leadership changes to strengthen oversight and accountability. The volunteer board has made the following changes. We are in the process of hiring an outside accounting firm to handle payroll, bill pay, and grant transactions. Board members track all banking activity daily, receive automated alerts, review and sign every payment, approve all credit card expenses, and review payroll before processing. Electronic payment platforms like PayPal and Bill.com are now restricted, and our work continues. We value the organizations that have stayed with us.

We are working tirelessly to honor our designation as the state local partner, a designation that enables us to secure funding from both the California Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Recently, the National Endowment for the Arts awarded us with a local arts agency's project grant, which we regranted to nine deserving projects in rural Fresno County in Aubberry, Sanger, Selma, Kinga, Fireb, Delray, Kingsburg, and Yokutz Valley. We also mentor Kings County as they work to establish their own official arts council, one that will attract vital investment into their already vibrant arts community. Without this designation, Fresno County risks being the only county out of 58 without a designated SLP, which means beyond our losing the potential for funding and continued formal mentorship of Kings County, we lose out on representing and advocating for our county directly to the CAC during the next year. and our work continues. Our reach across Fresno County includes but is not limited to arts education in Selvin Unified where we hire and train artists to bring creativity and expression into classrooms. The city of Fresno poet laurate program which we founded. Past laureates have earned state titles and national recognition. Arts Alive in agriculture, a dre competition segre celebrating our valley's beauty through hundreds of new paintings, photographs, and sculptures, and poetry out loud, preparing high schoolers across Fresno's public and private schools in the art of poetry and public speaking, building confidence, vulnerability, and connection. The Arts Council transforms small ideas into big programs. The Sanwaqin Valley Bookfest, now in its third year, was launched by a retired nurse, writer, and volunteer who wanted to celebrate our valley's homegrown authors. She needed our nonprofit umbrella to process donations, secure insurance, and sign venue agreements. The event is spectacular, run entirely

by passionate volunteers who even mentor teenagers in event planning. When the Shinzen Gardens board approached us in 2021 with a vision for a plain air event, artist painting outdoors during their spring festival, we helped plan what became Fresno's first such event. Our board members attended planning meetings, provided national contacts, arranged student musicians, and guided decisions. A community member brought the idea, and the arts council helped make that idea a reality. So, this is what the Arts Council does. We mentor, encourage, and facilitate members of our community to achieve their artistic goals. Fresno Arts Council is committed to earning back your trust through vigilance, transparency, and tireless dedication to the grants and programs we manage. Thank you for your time.

Any comments from the board? Question. Yes, Super Chavez.

Thank you, chair, and thank you for that presentation. um really appreciate the kind of walking us through, you know, obviously the personal arts council has been the media recently. Um I know you're limited on what you can divulge just because of litigation and things of that sort. I think my question is and I know speaking with our CEO, we we don't necessarily provide funding to the arts council, but we do authorize you to leverage, you know, resources, make sure that you go out and secure and and I've always been, by the way, a supporter of what you guys do. And um I for one am not going to let one individual tarnish the you know decades old tradition of the Fresno Arts Council and the work that you guys have been doing. You've been at the forefront even before it was the cool thing to do or there was you know funding uh available. And so I want to thank the organization as a whole. I also don't want to minimize what's happened and and and and I love that you use the word trust because I think that's the space that we're in now where we have to build that trust for the community. So, I guess my question is with with regards to not necessarily specifics of what happened, but more of going forward, what your protocols will be. I know that the city of Fresno is going to also put in some guard rails, some checks and balances. What is the organization going to do with regards to having those checks and balances with regards to finances going forward? Um, and not just obviously the bare minimum, but going above and beyond uh to show the community that you do want to build that trust back.

Sure. And in addition to um hiring an outside accounting firm and establishing um certain processes, I'll let um Karen Simpson, our uh board member and a CPA, kind of talk through a little bit more about what those uh systems might be.

So, I don't have a list in front of me. Thank you for letting me speak. Um I'm an inactive CPA, so not practicing. Um but I've volunteered since 2020 on the board as well as numerous other boards in our community. Um, so we felt like the best decision right now would be to hire an outside CPA firm, which we would also monitor um for segregation, but that would be the safest way to um safeguard our funds. We are not going to manage City of Fresno funds anymore. Um, so that is not in danger anymore. Um, but we as a board have come in to work daytoday with the remaining three staff members that we have. Our leadership is gone. Um so we look forward to building back with hiring a new permanent executive director in our future and we will be um implementing controls that are sufficient for for our size now. We have a very small operation now.

Sure. Do you have any more specific questions? Yeah, thank you for that. And I think I think what I'm what I'm getting at is so say for example, you know, you get authorized today, you go out and you secure a grant and you receive these funds, right? You have your quarterly reports, you have your financial reports. Um, I I guess what I what I want to hear is I know you're consulting with an outside firm that will provide some, you know, objective uh analysis on your finances, but for the benefit of the public, um, what I I think I think what I want to hear is it just won't be the minimal standards. It'll be above and beyond because I think the community really needs to hear that right now.

Yeah. Thank you. So the outside accounting firm right now we wanted to get as a board we wanted to get a handle of um what are the day-to-day items that would risk fraud and so um being a past auditor um working with our treasurer who is also a practicing CPA um I'm logging in daily he al everyone has access to the bank statements um to make sure and we've cut off all electronic payment sources. So, we feel that um we're watching the cash flow in and out. Um deposits as they come, if they're in check form, are opened by one person, deposited by another. Um we check the canceled checks. So, um two of us can sign checks. And one thing that could happen, it hasn't before, but it could, is someone could take the check before they mail it and sign it over to themselves. So, I'm looking at every canceled check front and back to make sure that it was cashed by the right person. Things like that. Just checking, thinking every way that someone could do even though maybe they aren't it wasn't the way that it happened. um taking a a real look at every single way and

approval of payments, right? We're pre-approving all payments, of course, but even if you preapprove the payment, everyone knows you can still take the check after the fact and endorse it over. So, even just checking that um the correct person cashed the check. No. Um following up on all stale checks. Appreciate that. That that's actually helpful. Um and then last question, how many how many of your board members have CPA backgrounds? um two two two folks that are on there currently will have that and they'll obviously be involved with with what you're processing and coming up with the new new framework so to speak.

Yes. And then working with our future um the accounting firm that we hire. They're not just going to be monitoring things. They're going to be transacting for us. Okay. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Yes, Supervisor Mendes. I just got a question for Paul. Uh, two questions. U, there's no county dollars obviously in this deal. Correct. That's correct. And then the second is we're sp um Okay. Are we actually sponsoring them with this this group or No,

we're not sponsoring them, but this designation would allow them to essentially be the designate to receive those grant applications. And then we're not responsible for anything they they do uh other than that designation. And so, uh, having this presentation, uh, as we did today was really to provide that reassurance of the fact that we're, your board is, if you approve that designation, you know, what they do with the funds that they may receive, uh, with those grants. But the county has no direct dollars uh, with them other than that responsibility, right? Are you still nervous? I'm I'm doing okay. Thank you.

We actually don't bite that that hard. So, I know you made some inquiries and were pretty nervous about coming here today. The only other comment I would make, supervisor, and I think Supervisor Chavez was was uh saying this very well, uh, in our experience when something like this happens a lot of times, the entities that do become um the strictest and the best to work with because of the experience that they had. And that would be our expectation is that you have outside auditors and that there's transparency and that it's something that you have outside folks looking at after you've had the experience that you have. And so I think that would be your board's expectation. I think that's what I heard Supervisor Chavez as well.

No, Mr. Chairman, I I wasn't going to say anything, but I realize it's it's tough coming today in the in the news. Um, but I appreciate you hitting it head on. You said what you're going to do and I think any of us that ever served on multiple boards, volunteer bases and all that, nothing ever goes perfect. So, each one of us probably have some instance that we had something not maybe not to this magnitude, but we had something didn't go the way um that we had hoped it would. And so, again, I applaud you for addressing it head on. um you didn't fold the tent and you're going to move forward. So, I give you a lot of respect for that and we've all made mistakes. We just try and do better in the future. And for me, I appreciate you said you're going to focus on some a art and uh once you said that, I I was good to go. So,

it's a wonderful celebration. April 30th, Thursday. Yeah. So, but again, yeah, it's not a fun position, but you deal with it and you move on. Yeah, that's it, Mr. Chair. Yeah, I just I just have one or two questions. So, what was stolen was about 1.8 million if I is is any of that money being recovered? Do you know? According to the court documents, full restitution is ordered. It's ordered, but that is all we know. That's all you know. Yes. Okay. And and you said that your leadership is all gone. Um, paid leadership,

paid leadership is all gone. Is is I mean, did they resign? Were they fired? One was terminated and um, one I would rather not comment. Okay. Was this due to a lack of oversight from leadership in terms of I mean $2 million is a lot of money to somehow just be stolen without people recognizing there's a problem, right? Um I'm going to try to choose my words carefully.

Okay. Um, I think anytime that something happens under someone's watch that is has job responsibilities laid out for them, um, we felt the need to hold that person accountable. Okay. And if I recall, um, there was pressure from community groups for the city not to handle this money, in fact, to hand it over to the arts council. Is that accurate? I don't know if that's Yeah, we voted.

So, when the ordinance was originally written, Fresno Arts Council was written into the ordinance um as the entity that would manage the city of Fresno Measure P program, the cultural arts program of that. Um so, it's written as Fresno Arts Council or its successor arts agency. Um of which you we are the city and countyy's designated arts agency currently. Um, so now the management is back to the public, but I I do think that there were um likely a range of comments and uh support for how and who managed the funds and what aspects of it. But now it's

but now it's it's it's back at the city and um they the the city's management of um of the fund is also in relationship with the parks, recreation, and arts commission which is an oversight committee. Okay. Okay, thank you. Thank you for coming to and yeah, go ahead.

Just have one comment, but it isn't about you, you know, but this is the kind of things that happen when you have citizen-led initiatives. You have these deals where, you know, these holes, you know, obviously there was potential problems in your organization. you guys didn't really know it and the money was funneled in by by documentation. In other words, it was designated to go that way instead of having this the city and measure P should have had their own internal committee do it. You know, that that was appointed by the council.

Just that's just a comment. Thank you. Well, and I and I'll add to that comment on the uh measure that just p uh got on the ballot. The I don't know what they call it, but it's the new measure C, but it's not measure C that was put on the ballot is has oversight by a supposed citizens committee and they removed the Fresno County Transportation Authority, which is elected people. So, it's the similar thing, similar setup, right? Uh fraud for all kinds of problems, but that's another day. Uh, thank you for coming. Um, any uh comments from the public? Yes, please come on up and speak. Thank you.

Thank you.

Good morning, members of the board. Um, when I was asked to um come and speak to you today, I was nervous because I am um a full-time artist and teacher and my audience is typically four to nine year olds. But I kill I kill with them. So I was a little nervous to speak to adults today. Um and when I was thinking about what I should say to you for your consideration on keeping the Fresno Arts Council as the designated um group for um all funding. I realized that none of the words that I really had to say were really going to cut it. Um nothing could be as eloquent as what the children had to say. And so I just wanted to share with you this um this that was given to me by the kids before any of this happened. Um they wanted to say, "Thank you, Mrs. Ross, and the arts council. I love going to school now. Thank you, Miss Rosessas and the Arts Council. I love art and I wish we could do this every day. Thank you, Mrs. Ross and the Arts Council. I love drawing pretty pictures from that's from Manny. Uh, thank you Mrs. Rosas and the arts council. They weren't quite sure if they spelled council correctly, but they did. So, I'm really proud of Jasmine. She's improving really well and on and on. I have a stack of these and um what I see daytoday with these children, I see them uh four days out of the week. um in Selma County and it's not a particularly affluent community. Um these are endangered kids who are at risk of potentially not graduating high school and beyond. So to see them be enthusiastic about the arts, see them enthusiastic about school, I am honored and I'm privileged that I get to be a part of that and that is through um the

program that Fresno Arts Council has uh pretty much provided. So that's all I had to say today and um I thank you for your time. Thank you. Yes, come on up. Ma'am, is there anybody else that wants this? But you can come on up, sir.

My name is Megan Anderson Bohe. I was the fifth city of Fresno poet laurate and I want to speak for the writing community on behalf of our arts council. They have provided consistent venues. They have pro for uh readings by writers which if you don't go to one, you never get to hear them in their own voice. Um, Fresno is known internationally as a poetry center. And it's partly that way because the Arts Council has continued to create programs which bring art, bring poetry into uh our county schools. For example, poetry out loud is is a program that involves students from all over Fresno County. Um the Fresno poet laurate program was designated after it was community members who came and said we should have a poet laurate program and it um it's been extremely effective. We visit schools. I can't count how many schools I've been to in the city and in the county. And um the very um strong feedback that we get from teachers is that it makes an enormous difference to kids to see uh what's real, to see what's real. And what I would would also say is that today our state of California's poet laurate Lee Heric is serving his second term of and he is the third California poet laurate from Fresno and the and Fresno County.

So that level of um of sort of capacity and and respect that is given to the writers of Fresno has been augmented and and um supported constantly by the arts council not least in making um available their own gallery space for readings at no cost to the readers and at no cost to the public. Um, just last week we had both Lee Heric and Evie Singh who is the Fresno County Youth Poet laurate and I think it was her first real introduction to a big diverse audience. So, it's my hope that you will continue the Fresno Arts Council as our local partner because we need that voice. Fresno is already the hole in the donut and Fresno Arts Council has been an advocate for funding for all of the arts here, not just the ones you can see on the wall. So, thank you for your time.

Thank you. Yes, sir.

Good morning, gentlemen. My name is Tony Sanders, and I'm coming here today wearing a couple different hats. Um, first and foremost, I am the founding artistic director for Shine Theater. Um, and I'm going to start with that because I that company was actually born in LA when I was a resident there in 2006. 2010, we were named the most outstanding new children's theater in the US. We couldn't get arrested in LA. But when I moved the company here to Fresno, one of the first organizations that reached out and embraced us was the Fresno Arts Council. I've never actually thanked them publicly for that. But that um that endorsement, that support has been unwavering. It's been constant. It's been consistent. It's been profound. um to be a small nonprofit company 20 years in the running is quite an accomplishment, but it's not done in a vacuum. It is done because of entities and support like the Fresno Arts Council. Um, my second hat that I wear is as an artist, and it is um absolutely uh um I'm I'm I'm I'm stumped for words to describe what it means to have that support as an artist. To know that there's an entity that you don't have to explain what it is that you do or why you do what it is you do. They get it. They get you. And that means the world to us as artists to know that we have that support here in Fresno. And I don't want that. I don't want this moment to pass um unannounced that we should be proud of that. We should be embracing that. And um and then yes, as a teaching artist as well, I I also have the in uh wonderful um opportunity on a weekly

basis to go to Selma um and earn a living. I must say as an artist, mom, dad, I did it. Um um um sharing my love of theater with young students. Um and it was it was a job that I didn't want to take and Andrea um said, "Think about it." and I went and I knew within the first five minutes that I was in the right place doing the right thing, being able to share what it is that I do um with those young students and for them to give me that opportunity. I cannot thank them enough. Um but I will say to you in closing, thank you for your time. Um please um we need them where they are. The work that they do is important. It is timely. It is profound. It is relevant. It is necessary. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else? Okay, I bring it back. Is there a motion?

Make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Passes unanimously. You will move on. We now move to item number 13 under behavioral health receive the Fresno County Behavioral Health Board annual report for 2025. Good morning.

Morning. Uh there's been a lot of great recognition here today. And before I actually start my report, I would also like to recognize a departing board member who has been with us for over 15 years, Carolyn Evans. She has been a past chair many times and has been up here before. She has mentored board members. She is somebody we all turn to and we are definitely going to miss her. Uh and so I just want to say thank you to Carolyn for everything that she has contributed to this county with her dedication. At times she has been chair and committee chair and did all the notes all the time. There was no help. So thank you to her. So in 2025, the behavioral health board primarily focused on keeping up to date on the behavioral health services act implementation and calaim and um understanding the potential impacts on everyone the contractors department clients and the legislation. Uh we also looked at learning more about services where mild to moderate identification or services occur and that I do want to say Cal AIM and uh the HR1 budget cuts they are going to have the biggest impact on providing those mild to moderate prevention and early intervention services. Uh continuing, we also continued to understand the successes and especially the challenges encountered in a county that is underresourced in many areas which often leads to a lack of scaling successful practices or services. We did see some mild progress on last

year's recommendations. Thank you very much. But mostly everybody was waiting to see the impact of HR1. Um, behavioral health is fortunate that its federal waiver for BH connect does not end until 2028, but it will be definitely impacted by Medicaid cuts in HR1. Uh, we welcome uh and applaud the collaboration occurring in housing with the new housing office and the range of partners involved. Um although uh those diagnosed with mental health or behavioral health issues are just a small part of the effort, working together um with those who are homeless has the potential to lower drug costs over time, drug use over time, and to avoid development of related mental health symptoms from living on the streets. communication about access and services integrated across the behavioral health entire continuum um has had some beginning progress. Uh we expect to hear more about this very soon when the integrated plan is provided and we are looking forward to that. Um, we did, like I mentioned last year, actually successfully recruited a youth representative for our board and um, we but we have been unsuccessful so far in gaining a local education agency K12 representative and we do appreciate how training co-occurring disorders across all clinical treatment categories um, is at the beginning stages and that learning modules uh, that are electronic uh, that the staff uh the department has purchased for staff will be shared with their contracted providers. We know this is a very difficult time uh when resources shrink further, costs

continue to get get higher and time to implement mandated changes become shorter. We want to thank all mental health and substance use providers from those serving children to adults. Doesn't matter. We appreciate their stamina, finding humor when they can, and their commitment. They all continue to care. Um, and that's important that your board understands that that is occurring everywhere in the county. We do have two just two recommendations for 2026 and hopefully you are already providing them. Please continue your advocacies to state legislators for substance use disorder treatment funds for those on conservatorship. It's a mandate but with no funding attached. Uh and we don't have enough substance use uh facilities here now. And secondly, support for organizations outside the department providing prevention services is critical. Whether it be by providing letters of support for any fund development grant that they might send to you or attendance and support of their fundraisers. without their prevention and early intervention work and their ability to create relationships that helps increase trust of large institutions like your the county departments. The medium and longer term result is increased severity and cost of mental health and substance use services that are required by the county to pay for. So, if you have any questions, I think

that's it. Any comments from the board? Yes, Sh.

Thank you. And thank you to board member Frost for your your work and your advocacy. Um, my office um sits on the the the health board as well, too. And then Susan, I saw Oh, Susan, thank you so much, too. Um, just on those two quick uh fronts to board member Frost's request, um, we have been working obviously on advocating for state funding. Um, we've got two things going on right now. Obviously, the the lobbying that's going on at the federal and state level, working with our local legislators, and then our folks that are doing that. That's been one of our top priorities. Um, staying in touch with the meeting that just happened with the um, uh, senators uh, I believe last week. Uh, so just wanted to give you a quick update on that. And then also on the same track, theou that supervisor Magzig and I are working on with the city of Fresno with the homeless uh crisis that we have in our community too. That's been part of the um plan to leverage additional resources from the state. And then um Susan, if you could just maybe give a quick little update on the other piece the CBO is working with our our organizations just so that for the benefit of the board and because they work hard and I think they deserve a little a little uh cheat sheet. Thank you. Susan Halt, your behavioral health director and public guardian. We've had a long-standing relationship with many of the community- based organizations here in Fresno County. Uh they do our work on our behalf pursuant to contracts that we bring to you all to execute as our board. with the behavioral health services act. Uh as our board knows, there is a shift in priorities set by the department of health care services which focuses those dollars on a different population of need, a different population of focus, which really is our core mandate of persons with severe mental illness, serious mental illness, as well as youth with serious emotional disturbance. um that really means our treatment

continuum. And in the behavioral health services act, all prevention dollars were shifted to the state of California, Department of Public Health. We do believe that our community-based organizations will be able to apply for competitive grant funding. Um there is a document posted at California Department of Public Health that outlines their prevention framework under the BHSA. And uh what we have in our department is a list serve for all of the community- based organizations that we've worked with in the past. And when we see grant opportunities like that, we push that information out to all of our network equitably so that they're in the know, we encourage them to as well check that framework out. We do still have uh opportunities in our community to influence how we shape our behavioral health services act dollars. We have our integrated plan posted for public comment right now. Um, and we also have the public hearing hosted by our behavioral health board on May 20th. And just uh one more nod to the community- based organizations through our partners, the managed care plans. They host a uh PATH collaborative helping those community-based organizations turn that corner into medical claimable services under Cal AIM as our behavioral health board chair referenced and they requested that I present information just recently. So I prepared a presentation for that group and as well offered to meet with any of those community- based organizations on our integrated plan.

That's helpful. And then the the letters of support. Um how easy is it for them to to get them from our from our folks when they apply for grants? So when our community based organizations are applying for uh grants, uh we have a policy that drives how we consider whether the Department of Behavioral Health provides a letter of support. Obviously, they need to uh provide a summary of their scope of work and then we um typically provide a letter of support uh as long as that is aligned with our board's priorities. Thank you. Thank you, director. And thank you to board member frosts and all the board members that that's appreciate that that report. Go ahead. Any other comments from the board? Any comments from the public? I would like to add just one other thing.

Sure.

Piggybacking off of what Susan has said, the department is very supportive of their contracted providers CBO to provide support. I'm also talking about the adjacent sectors that are in social services that provide the early contacts with individuals who later might need referral and they are they are very important for social determinance of health and mental health is a component of that and many of them are providing mental health screenings out in the community through the programs that they provide. So when I say community-based organizations, I am me I am meaning communitywide not just under the umbrella of behavioral health court because social services and public health have those same or different organizations that will eventually route them to the correct place and provide early support. That's awesome. Thank you. Thank you. Any comments from the public?

None. Okay. This is for uh just receiving a report. No action required. We now move to item number 14. Board of Supervisors Committee reports and comments.

Anybody have any uh committee reports or comments? Supervisor Maxi. So, in addition to the 1:00 event that we have with the tree planting, there's also some exciting things happening this week in District 5, the 112th annual Clovis Rodeo begins tomorrow and will run through Sunday. So, five days of rodeo. Anybody have a belt buckle in here? Couple people. I've got one in my office. So, um there's going to be three different concerts, a parade on Saturday. And so I just want to encourage all of you if uh you enjoy good clean fun and you like watching people riding bulls and getting bucked off horses, come on out to the Clovis Rodeo. So that's all I have. Thank you.

Okay, Supervisor Mendes. I do have a belt buckle, but it says Riverdale Rodeo.

All right. Anyway, uh today in uh consent, we proclaimed May 11th through the 15th as Juror appreciation week for the county of Fresno. And uh me and Brian also did a certificate of recognition honoring Fresno Equipment Company for their 65th anniversary. And uh there's one other deal I just want to bring up. I don't uh there's starting to be a problem on the east side on farms again with uh with fruit being picked, you know, in the middle of the night and taking off

and uh I know um farmers markets are very restricted who they let in there and who they sell, but I don't know if we could find out if the same thing applies to swap meats. There was some concern about that and I just found out about this late yesterday afternoon. I thought I'd bring it up. You know, we need to kind of find out. And another thing is we don't want to totally restrict but we need to monitor and probably restrict some roadside vendors especially exempt the farmers that are doing it, you know, but because there are some that do it. Not a lot, but there are some blackberry farmers that do it on uh on Highway 41. It's on the you can see them on the other side of the fence. But we need to, you know, code enforcement needs to find out if somebody's got a roadside stand. Do they have a permit or what? What are they doing there? They just set up and start selling.

Yeah, supervisor, we can research and also work with you to come back with recommendations on that. Right. Okay, supervisor.

Mr. Chairman, I just want to let you know I was notified that some of the people using their ARPA money aren't going to be able to use their funds. So, I'm making uh plans. I'm going to have an item on next month's agenda. We're going to take some of that money and um start a sign at Veteran Cemetery and uh just wanted to let you know that that would that would be coming. Excellent. Um, but we need to start moving because we only have until June for that and I'm going to authorize that to move forward and uh hopefully have the consent of the board at the next meeting. But just want to put everybody on their radar. I'm taking steps to do that.

Excellent. Supervisor Shave. No. And nothing from me. Next item. We now move to item number 15. Board appointments. Anybody have any? Yes. Supervisor Maxi. I have one uh district 5 uh appointment. Aubberry volunteer fire and emergency services citizens advisory committee reappoint Austin Holt to the district 5 seat which expired on 4126.

Okay. Supervisor Mendes. No. Brian, anything? No. I have uh three. I want to appoint uh Peter Martinez PETA to the Child Care and Development Local Planning Council uh previously held by Nick Lutton. uh appoint Mary Lou Browy Minkler to the ATL large family of consumer position on the behavioral health board previously held by Carolyn Evans and last one is appoint McKenzie Watts the atlarge consumer position on the behavioral health board previously held by Marylu Brady Minkler. Anybody uh from the public wish to comment? Seeing none is move

for approval. Second. Okay. All those in favor say I. Any opposed? Passes unanimously. We now move to item 16, public presentations. This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons desiring to address the board on any matter not on this agenda. As well as you'll take comments for close session 18 through 24.1.

Okay. This is reserved for any comments for the public on any matter not on the agenda or on close session items 18 through 24.1. Yes, ma'am. Hello. Good morning to the board. I appreciate the opportunity to address you all. My name is Anastasia Mingus and I live on the northwest corner of Shields and Brian. This intersection is a two-way stop with Shields having the ride ofway and it is known to have a high volume of car accidents. The growth and development of the area has led to a major influx of traffic. And because of the brand new three school complex at Ashlin and Brian, Justin Garza High School and its feeder schools, it can safely be assumed that most vehicles traveling via the Shields and Brian intersection have a minor inside of them. whether they travel by private vehicle or one of the dozen school buses that pass through the intersection daily. Therefore, the need for a four-way stop is crucial to preventing accidents and deaths, especially of young children. Shields and Hayes is a four-way stop. Shields and Grantland is a four-way stop, as well as numerous other intersection within a half mile to one mile radius of the school. There is no acceptable reason that Shields and Brian can also not be a four-way stop. My husband and I have called the Fresno County Road Maintenance Office several times over the last year and a half, and we know that we're getting the runaround from their office. Mr. Chai always seems to be in the office but away from his desk and unable to take our calls. I would also like to point out that the stop signs at my intersection don't even at the very least have the

um yellow small yellow sign underneath reading cross traffic does not stop. As I have said, the intersection is known to have a high volume of traffic accidents. Yet nothing is being done about it. And I find it negligent on the part of our local government that we need to meet a quota of deaths before this intersection becomes a four-way stop. I'm urging the board of supervisors to please step in and to help make this area safer and help save lives by making the intersection at Shields and Brian a four-way stop. Thank you. Would you um um clerk get her name and number and we can look into that. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much for your time.

Thanks for coming.

Yes, ma'am. forces. forchech. Um, let me just translate real quick. She's a mobile food vendor. Um, she has her permit. She has everything in order. There are a number of of folks that are posting up in proximity that do not have their permit. So code enforcement. So she's requesting that we have our code enforcement folks go out there and

make sure that those folks have permits because it's not fair. She has to pay. Okay. So, there are people that are posting up without health permits at Pillows Park, which is the soccer complex um by Home Depot on King's Canyon Road. Is she permitted by our county health department or the city of Fresno? She's permitted by our our folks. Okay.

Okay. because she she can't compete with the prices they're giving because she has all her paperwork in order. She has to pay all the fees and all that. So, uh Paul, you look into that with code enforcement.

So, enforcement. Okay. Okay, thank you. Yeah, she has she has the same concerns uh for for that specific location and she's actually an authorized vendor that sells um food products during the soccer matches. So, she would like also for a code enforcement to go look. So, This

Okay. There's also an issue there with regards to the people that are organizing the soccer matches are actually allowing folks that don't have permits and don't have licenses to go in there and say they're charging them a higher amount. So, we're going to probably have to loop in the city uh whoever the operator is of that Right. So, yeah, she's had a number of issues there and she just wants to make sure that folks that have a permit are able to sell and that. So, with Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. and she very good point. Um there are folks that are just showing up in

trucks opening up their tailgate serving food without having any health permits. And the the challenge is that the city um is issuing the the IDs, but the city had does not verify that county public health has signed off on those folks that are preparing food. So, we're have to work through that, too. Are there certain days this happen Saturday, Saturday and the weekend? So I have to work with that. Yes, again. Carlos, right?

Uh, she's going to send us the flyer. said there's an event already programmed this upcoming month and she wants to make sure that we have a presence there to make sure that folks are following the rules. Okay. Thank you.

Good morning, chair and members of the board. My name is Tobi. I'm the president to the Fresno County Deputy Probations Officers Association. First, I'd like to thank the uh the county and specifically the CEO for your continuous uh willingness to engage in open dialogue with our association. that collaboration with both is appreciated and essential that we work towards solutions to best serve our department and the staff in the community. I'm here today to speak recently on a uh a council item and regarding proposed creation of of the supervising deputy probation officers position within the probation department along with related areas of discussion. While the proposal has been conveyed and improve efficiency and expansion of promotional opportunities within our department, our membership has a different perspective and believe that there is important discussions that should take place. In particular, we feel that they are key operational and structural considerations that warrant careful review before moving forward. To provide context, the department is currently um current chain of command begins with the chief followed by assistant chief then deputy chief who oversees the division supported by assistant deputy chiefs beneath the management structure and the line staff of classification from DPO4 all the way to DPO1 which compromised our association. At present our department's experiencing significant leadership uh vacancies at the management level. Two of our deputy chiefs have left uh have departed to other countries. One um other counties and retired and one has retired and one's rumored um that another is expected to leave soon. There are critical leadership roles that are vacant and these absences is noticeable. Uh just under that command at the assistant deputy chief level there are no u there are also multiple vacancies. None of them have been filled and two more are expected to leave the fall as more retirements are anticipated around the start of the next year. As a result, existing leadership is being asked to absor expanded responsibilities. For example, the assistant chief is currently overseeing a division, a function that would fall uh fall under the deputy chief. while efforts reflect the strong commitment from our current

leadership that they're also willing to highlight the um the strain that we're experiencing and operating in a reactive posture rather than going through a sustainable st um staffing model. Uh this brings a broader concern regarding succession planning and leadership development. The introduction of the new supervisory layer layer beneath already understaffed executive um structure raises questions about whether the focus should be first about on establishing and reinforcing leadership at the top um with re regard to the proposed uh supervising DPO position. The understanding intent is to streamline operations and create additional promotional pathways. However, in practice, it would introduce a new layer of chain command that would not historically existed, placing the SPO between the line staff and assistant deputy chief rather than accelerating um advancement and create an additional step that alters establishing career pathways. All their current management did not go through the SPO position to gain this experience to be prepared for management. We're also requesting Yeah, we need to step we got to move on.

Yeah, that's fine.

Okay. Thank you. Appreciate it. Very briefly, uh, my name is Christa Sharp. I'm the new executive director of CASA, courtappointed special advocates. So, Chairman Bredfield wanted to thank you for your nomination or confirmation of me to the foster care oversight committee. Uh, Supervisor Mendes, I grew up in Riverdale and caught a rooster at the rodeo there about 40 years ago. Um, so love our community and I just wanted to also acknowledge um my gratefulness for your acknowledgement of May as National Foster Care Awareness Month and wanted to formally invite you all to the Grizzlies this Saturday night. We are kicking off foster care awareness month with step up to the plate for foster youth. Uh it will be a great celebration that evening. We will have foster youth and CASA advocates there for some of their first baseball game. The whole community is coming around to cheer them on. uh and we would love to formally invite you all as well.

Thank you. Yes, ma'am.

Good morning. Good morning, board supervisors. I well I am here with u three of a complaint three of many complaints from the parlier cemetery. Um, personally I am a submitting this formal complaint because the document service concerns regarding mispresentations of burial burial information and consistent uh recordkeeping and conduct that may con constit constitute violations of California law in connection with family's burial arrangements. I personally uh had was on November the 25th to purchase uh two markers, one for my grandma, one for my sibling. Yeah, my sibling passed away 37 years ago, but never did we get a tombstone or so I looked into it and I asked our Mendoza working at the time that I needed to purchase it and he did, you know, uh escorting me to the place where supposedly that my sibling was at rest. um on February the 23rd. Well, actually I bought the the the the marker and then when he said that it would take from two to three weeks for me to have it ready. As I went on the February the 23rd, um I didn't see the marker. I didn't see the place. He and so Ley found that he told me that Nancy said that he was no longer there, that he had retired and that he my baby was not my little sibling was not there at the place. he was in another place. So I did go to the uh police department that day to commit a you know to make a complaint and then they referred me to the sheriff. Sheriff referred me to the friends the parlier police department suggested with some mall that I needed to go to Nancy to talk to her in regards of where was my child you know my little sibling. So he took me there. as I get there all the board meet more members were there present and I did ask them

you know I asked Nancy Nancy please let me know where you know I don't what's what cemetery is this parlor cemetery I do have the

yes the parlor cemetery I'm sorry this is my first time being around here I am a little nervous but I am really really concerned just because we need to do something about that sir this is not just me but there's other two persons this lady does not know where her husband's been buried they told her he was buried at the right side supposedly. Then they said that he was at the right at the left side. She's been taking flowers. I know it's been too many years 2020. Mine happened with my mother as well. My mother said that she wanted my brother to be buried with her. She bought two slots and as co during co they didn't let us see her late at you know and be uh so I we didn't know. So thank God for this sir. I went to look for my grandma's and my little siblings marker to see where, you know, to purchase it. And little that I know is that she said, "No, your mother is only had bought one."

Okay. Well, please give your name and uh number to the clerk and uh hopefully uh uh we can provide some assistance to you. Okay. Well, can I present this to the clerk, please? Can I leave this to the clerk? And I apologize. I'm just a little apologize for but this is very very I would like for you to please keep in mind that if you can help get help this is not the first time sir this is a lot of people we have a lot of complaints and it I just want to say one thing we don't actually have jurisdiction over the board but if they've done something that's not legal you know I don't even know if can we even help them We could talk to them and take a look at it,

right? Okay. Please, I would appreciate if you could look into this. And like I said, this I'm not the only person. There is a lot of No, that's fine. A lot of residents and I can always get to a lot of I I go there visit my my my my family and a lot of people complaining. A lot of people complaining about the hours. The gates have been closed. Okay. Well, we we'll look we'll look into we have our county council and we'll see if there's something we can do to help. We will we'll do everything. Mr. Mr. chairman, I would recommend. So, LFCco can help. So, LAFCO does what's called MSRS, municipal service reviews of all special districts in the whole county.

So, uh Bernice, if you can contact Brian SP Spawnhurst, let him know what's been stated here. We can take a look at the MSR for Parlier and then, uh, LFCO can provide some suggestions. That's what I would recommend. I would very much appreciate it, sir. We need somebody to help us there. We're a small community. We're a rural community, but we're humble and this is not it's inappropriate. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you for coming very much. Thank you. Yes. Thank you so much. Thank you. I just pointed it back to us. Next item. I'll tell you something.

Next item is item 17 under county council. County council reports from previous closed sessions. Uh board, there are no reports from prior close sessions. I would not expect any report outs today. So you may adjourn from close session. Okay, we're going to go into close session. Is there a motion? A second to adjurnn following the close session. So all in favor say I. I. Passes unanimously. The board will now go into close session and