[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6486301,"mediaKeyId","5611841-df831e9a625fdbab1862e7c2f2d50cbd","parentId",5611841,"title","Kingsburg secures $7.2M in state and federal transportation grants; several local projects scheduled","audioSeconds",582,"startMs",5510000,"endMs",6092000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611841-df831e9a625fdbab1862e7c2f2d50cbd&start=5510&end=6092","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611841-df831e9a625fdbab1862e7c2f2d50cbd/thumbnail_5510000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6486301/California/Kingsburg-secures-72M-in-state-and-federal-transportation-grants-several-local-projects-scheduled","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486301-c34a9692c342f6d6508aef73e9f26533/orig.mp4?Expires=1773211982&Signature=eG-IJ226waYGSh0g4-BUsd11V28ZGoTmo1gajoC8qsc2N7UlORW7tPsrSQeV7f6D7YNIgXLQA-iOLNPpN5gtnl26MJFb1pr-MGFBacs~WH~jOtyobrGahg9yi1LzqGp-0tarNnAwPVyxNPCujmmxxGufsZzy7w73MjQ5nSUq0MSO~fRuYGqEyhiPJcH9YAjYWK3crsGlv9ZKYbarWirjkL0VORf1-MEsq2Pv~~xJTCT9izzXXGKsHafbTHxd6rShuOw3DNIu48YjOumpRud4QLZkWkAUB3cGwzORzzMyBb8ek1DU0qlPmklg7SKxMj8ePIeAIFPf7lx~uxWGJmj6-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Kingsburg","date","2025-08-21T04:10:31.1Z","article","City Engineer Dave Pierce updated the Kingsburg City Council on Aug. 20 about concluded and upcoming engineering projects and a package of state and federal transportation grants that total about $7.2 million across 10 awards.

Pierce said two capital projects have just finished: an extension of roadway north of the business park and the city's 2025 streets project, which repaved Tulare Street and Stroud Avenue and other streets. He said bids will be issued this week for additional alley work (Mailor Warkentin Alley and a 20th/21st alley) in hopes of completing those before the wet season.

Grant awards and projects: Pierce summarized grant-funded projects the city will deliver in coming years, including:
- Alley paving projects (Mailor Warkentin Alley between 10th and 14th; 20th/21st alley improvements). These alleys are being funded through competitive grants (air-quality and other programs), not the city's routine road-mile maintenance formula.
- Eighteenth Avenue reconstruction (Earl to Sierra) to complete previous work.
- A roundabout project (design and construction funded by grants) and repaving of Sierra Street (east of the roundabout to Rayford Johnson Drive).
- Traffic-safety improvements at the Tenth/Kern intersection, including a speed table, narrowed turn lane and speed-feedback signage.
- EV charging and microgrid work at the train-depot parking area (FCRTA project with solar-paneled parking awnings and public charging access).

Pierce said the FCRTA-led microgrid will add solar canopies and charging stations and that the agency is funding repaving and trash-enclosure work within the lot. He also noted an ongoing PG&E Rule 20 undergrounding project intended to place power lines underground in front of Roosevelt School; that work has been delayed and phased by PG&E but remains a priority.

Public comment and alleys: A resident asked how to request alley improvements; staff explained that alleys are typically not counted as road miles for the formula-driven local maintenance program and therefore are eligible for a limited set of competitive grants. Council Member Purcell said he is pushing Fresno COG to consider alleys as roadway miles because Kingsburg's alley system is unusual and currently receives little credit under regional formulas.

Ending: Pierce said staff will pursue grant delivery and adjust schedules as funding and delivery constraints require. The council asked staff to follow up with the resident about alley eligibility and to keep the council informed about grant scheduling.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","8/20/2025 Kingsburg City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","City Engineer Dave Pierce told the council the city has been awarded $7.2 million in transportation grants for 10 projects, including alley repaving, an Eighteenth Avenue reconstruction, a roundabout and EV charging infrastructure.","taxTitle","Kingsburg, Fresno City, Fresno County, California","taxId",59480,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486306,"Council approves one-year Chamber contract update amid dispute over Swedish Festival support",1997,2966000,4963000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611841-df831e9a625fdbab1862e7c2f2d50cbd&start=2966&end=4963","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611841-df831e9a625fdbab1862e7c2f2d50cbd/thumbnail_2966000.jpg","/articles/6486306/California/Council-approves-one-year-Chamber-contract-update-amid-dispute-over-Swedish-Festival-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486306-9fae33dbd2928a8e6ceb0aeaccaf3828/orig.mp4?Expires=1773211982&Signature=CkAbsdwNd0a6fXnOIgAaWHap61aAPFW3QC3A-9GUqICbkLtOrQL-g7loFoQdqwgUxJYwvRsrGjmCHuetOlSF6uR3s78zB4-Alk1DEXeBPDOLSk1ITniBQZlP~gs4mroEv2ZFdaJurUlMss3lFvrzDyrqn0mUst0n40X2k1mzP1e6APC4fPLxqiDvP1907ZbF~jX3dBQm1MyjKQkGtlCfKwuFGxoKIAgvN9Rm~KYgpiWGb6lXQZiyiryWY9U0FCMGH6EH5f-2ihAW6BqAap0a1Vmh~YBRSYJcrJZBNAbqowcToHBoCxOV2UAfVIz6J2ozhhqSN4enpU7jcbj9X9hlsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kingsburg City Council on Aug. 20 approved a one-year amendment to the city's agreement with the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce, preserving the city's annual contribution for operations while removing a required Chamber responsibility for the July 3 Independence Day celebration and a $5,000 city contribution tied to that event.

Alex Henderson, city manager, described the proposed revisions as clarifying updates to the 2019 agreement and said the annual city contribution would remain $30,000 for contract delivery; a separate $12,000 allocation for band concerts was also retained. \"Highlights of the proposed alterations include the removal of the July third Independence Day celebration from the required list of promotional activities the Chamber must deliver annually,\" Henderson said.

Public comment: Several festival volunteers and community members addressed the council during the public comment period on the Chamber contract. June (identified in the record only by her first name), who said she organized the Swedish Cultural Village for 29 years, described significant unpaid labor and out-of-pocket expenses for the festival and said recent interactions with the Chamber and other organizations left her unsure she could continue. \"I put in literally hundreds of hours in the Swedish festival... I don't know how I can do this anymore,\" she said.

Reggie Gerke, president of the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce, told the council the Chamber sought contract changes to preserve legal and operational flexibility and to allow partnering with other nonprofits and community organizations. \"Adding that verbiage in there under the assignment portion of it, being able to partner with other non profits and community organizations is a really big win,\" Gerke said, adding the Chamber relies heavily on volunteers and two part-time paid staff.

Council discussion and vote: Council members acknowledged frustrations between festival volunteers and the Chamber board and urged collaboration. Councilor (name as in transcript: Council Member North) and others emphasized the city's role is to fund the Chamber but not to run its internal operations. After public comment, the council voted to approve the updated agreement. The motion passed on a voice vote: \"All in favor? Aye,\" the clerk recorded.

Why it matters: The contract determines the flow of city funds for festivals and downtown promotion. Citizens and volunteers urged the Chamber and its committees to improve coordination so longtime cultural events such as the Swedish Festival and the Crayfish Festival continue to reflect local traditions.

Ending: The council's approval maintains the city's $30,000 annual contribution and retains the band-concert funding; staff said the one-year term allows the city and Chamber to revisit language next year if needed.","The Kingsburg City Council approved a one-year amendment to its Chamber of Commerce contract on Aug. 20 that maintains annual funding but drew public criticism over festival coordination, particularly the Swedish Festival.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486310,"City attorney and outside counsel outline rules, timeline for renewing Measure E public-safety tax",320,1856000,2176000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611841-df831e9a625fdbab1862e7c2f2d50cbd&start=1856&end=2176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611841-df831e9a625fdbab1862e7c2f2d50cbd/thumbnail_1856000.jpg","/articles/6486310/California/City-attorney-and-outside-counsel-outline-rules-timeline-for-renewing-Measure-E-public-safety-tax","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486310-abc264e977a40d04a61386f9e9601d42/orig.mp4?Expires=1773211982&Signature=dCid-0gaRx~wY0C6PxN4LUwxiJd6LVi~fMC3SIZWyv0UV-s6a7lsVHIr9RY5~dx-PDwBPEgIzkIZAp~gWQseFJEwH4t7qcRb8QmN2C3~4UiZL31gqtHsaqAhdVhUo0sa~uea2LVnoOodG97dHySr6UHVHuymfoAcnzMPa10vJgC0Yqol4ysAtfRbIBHO8RVMfgGnp-TaqgFEdIyzOkLCLBH10UI6knBUGE~hAGlAKQ-GpmHCs4H2xdMPKBR8anjtC0N6EZ6IhFCGt2Tl~BQ13BSu0TRywhjacAtckN~x5qd~SOrd2tVAB7~76Xl8uW7QeaATb6zrt6Q6G1dpa2Fb6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Matthew Richardson of Best Best & Krieger LLP briefed the Kingsburg City Council on Aug. 20 about the legal process and restrictions for renewing Measure E, the city's 1% public safety sales tax that voters approved in 2018 and that is scheduled to expire Sept. 30, 2028.

Richardson recommended that the council begin community outreach and noted key calendar dates: the city may first adopt a resolution placing the measure on the ballot on Jan. 7, 2026 and must do so no later than March 6, 2026 to meet the June 2, 2026 election. He said certification would occur June 30 if the measure passes.

Richardson made a point of distinguishing the council's informational role from prohibited advocacy once the measure is placed on the ballot. He cited the controlling legal framework from Stanson v. Mott and Vargas v. City of Salinas and said the city may use public resources only to provide objective information: \"Public funds, public resources, public money, public time cannot be spent or expended in favor or against... advocating for or against a ballot measure,\" he said.

He explained exceptions and best practices: council members may express personal opinions in a public meeting where opposing views have equal opportunity, and individual council members and staff may campaign on their own time and with private resources. \"Staff and counsel can advocate and campaign on their own time and on their own dime,\" Richardson said, \"but if staff is working during staff hours or utilizing anything that belongs to the city, they can't be campaigning.\"

Why it matters: Measure E accounts for ongoing public-safety funding and its renewal will require careful adherence to campaign law and election-code procedures, including an impartial analysis by the city attorney, optional ballot arguments and rebuttals, and limits on official advocacy.

Council members asked practical questions about campaign signs, social media and fundraising at events. Richardson said members may use personal social media and put signs on their private property, but they should avoid campaigning while acting in their official capacity or using city resources. He also advised clear disclaimers at campaign events that a speaker is acting as a private resident and not representing the city.

Ending: Richardson said staff and legal counsel would prepare suggested ballot language, the impartial analysis and necessary resolutions if the council directs staff to pursue a placement. The council did not vote on placing Measure E on the ballot; the presentation was informational and the city manager said staff would return with options including whether to include a sunset clause in the renewal language.","Legal counsel explained procedures and restrictions if Kingsburg places Measure E (a 1% public safety sales tax) on the ballot, including when the council may campaign, key deadlines and required impartial analyses.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486315,"Fresno COG outlines Measure C renewal, Kingsburg council presses for clearer local allocations",766,516000,1282000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611841-df831e9a625fdbab1862e7c2f2d50cbd&start=516&end=1282","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611841-df831e9a625fdbab1862e7c2f2d50cbd/thumbnail_516000.jpg","/articles/6486315/California/Fresno-COG-outlines-Measure-C-renewal-Kingsburg-council-presses-for-clearer-local-allocations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486315-91b491a2cd83f1ef0e4e28853c8f3420/orig.mp4?Expires=1773211982&Signature=b8N9LMbPQRVfLrMmlmZ3j2xa8LmY1863XJP4eu9fVbc0iif0RoArYMrtsaDq3VDjsv-Jq7voG0Ssu9XlUnvpvjewLShR9tUIgqXjVusTv3xB7aH0PzFVCtXieofAlhVkPXvmbWvJqNjLC8zlU27rPZFCV-cgcmxtX0Qb82TPqNey704hbduAit81b1olsjchz8fLraT4jzZw92MblqG1NkZq9J9o54DwBEYjhIYuOioYVoM62EszNMHknRnj4ibhdNkaUiGZaVZqpegwmWHa8Tk9r1QHoQgQmtK4CYXyhMaXwPxoSTlBNNWGcRPcfohHh3OGcRgVAFYekLWGSkCKjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Robert Phipps, executive director of the Fresno Council of Governments, told the Kingsburg City Council on Aug. 20 that Fresno County is preparing a renewal of Measure C, the countywide transportation sales tax first approved around 1986.

Phipps said Measure C has generated about $2.1 billion over its lifetime and leveraged roughly $8 billion in additional state and federal funds for regional projects, and he described the proposed outreach and planning process for a 2026 renewal. \"This is not a new tax,\" Phipps said. He estimated the measure currently costs the average household about $8 a month and said the Fresno COG steering committee has met several times to develop allocation recommendations.

Why it matters: Measure C funds local streets and large regional capital projects, from state highway interchanges to sidewalks and bikeways. Kingsburg officials and residents pressed for more detail on how the next measure would allocate dollars for local pavement maintenance and ADA work.

Council member North (first referenced as Council Member North) told Phipps she will support renewal only if the allocations protect Kingsburg's share for road repairs. \"I'll support Measure C 100% if allocations are right for Kingsburg,\" she said, adding concern that strong current pavement condition (Kingsburg's PCI was cited as 66) could reduce the city's share under formulas that favor poorer-condition jurisdictions.

Phipps summarized Measure C's current structure: roughly one-third of funds return to jurisdictions for local projects, about a third go to regional capital projects, and other shares fund transit, active transportation and an environmental enhancement program. He listed past and planned Measure C-supported investments that benefit Kingsburg, including local street maintenance (about $2.8 million cited), ADA curb work (about $95,000) and several regional projects (Golden State Boulevard and Mountain View projects among them) with a combined local benefit estimate of about $43.9 million over time.

Council members and Phipps discussed process timelines and outreach. Phipps said a steering committee and a Fresno COG board deliberation would precede recommendations to the Fresno County Transportation Authority, which administers the measure. He referenced new websites (measurec.com and measurec2026.com) with jurisdiction-level funding detail. \"People are going to want to know how their money has been spent,\" Phipps said.

Local reaction: Council members pressed Phipps about how allocations are calculated and whether alleys would be treated as road miles; Council Member Purcell said Kingsburg voters expect funds to \"stay in Kingsburg.\" Phipps encouraged continued participation in the steering committee process and said the COG anticipates retaining much of the current measure structure while considering subcategory changes.

Ending: Phipps said Fresno COG expects to present allocation recommendations to boards in coming months and welcomed further meetings with city leadership. The council said it will continue to press for allocation language that protects Kingsburg's maintenance needs before endorsing renewal.","Fresno Council of Governments executive director Robert Phipps briefed Kingsburg City Council on the planned 2026 renewal of Measure C, the countywide transportation sales tax. Council members and residents asked for clearer allocation rules to ensure Kingsburg receives funding for local street maintenance and ADA work.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486298,"Kingsburg police chief announces retirement, council plans transition through year end",139,6441000,6580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611841-df831e9a625fdbab1862e7c2f2d50cbd&start=6441&end=6580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611841-df831e9a625fdbab1862e7c2f2d50cbd/thumbnail_6441000.jpg","/articles/6486298/California/Kingsburg-police-chief-announces-retirement-council-plans-transition-through-year-end","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486298-0887a6fab555095b2675514c89619fee/orig.mp4?Expires=1773211982&Signature=ASMPnga7MlWBz0Lb8YoQdJi5g91tS-zrG6MUzmKzteaBB9ud4QRJgmhzHdNt9E3LkEdtw-tVBxJagugjoWKFYVkvF6NdIipak4R-~oeaexDb7QrSiVs4IA-uWtxNHfHHr0Sx3Sght7rBiFplpumn6a7XMk-J32GXIrxmLY2qrIBLpyUwMWQtTir-TrdsBaVcEQ81ISIuwgzRwIwoDp1TXbvVjWLsHWCWmp5NgfBWxiF7FzOcAEWIAP6-IQsniWiuOfndSBg6xPNnaeZoAJx7x97JP0~Ljb57p7O0Gs2Yzb0SOxt5xj7Iu69CAHfVFMAB3zHrxcNvy6o1k08E6U4npA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Pro Tem announced that Police Chief Gadian submitted a letter of resignation and will retire at the end of 2025. Council members expressed appreciation for Gadian's service and said they will begin a process to identify a successor.

Council members described Gadian as a committed public servant and encouraged residents to thank him for his service. The city said the city will continue normal operations and follow standard hiring or interim arrangements to fill the role before year end.

Ending: Council said staff will outline the recruitment and transition process to the council in coming weeks.","Council Member Purcell announced Police Chief Gadian will retire at the end of the year. The council praised his service and said the replacement process will take time.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Kingsburg secures $7.2M in state and federal transportation grants; several local projects scheduled

Council approves one-year Chamber contract update amid dispute over Swedish Festival support

City attorney and outside counsel outline rules, timeline for renewing Measure E public-safety tax

Fresno COG outlines Measure C renewal, Kingsburg council presses for clearer local allocations

Kingsburg police chief announces retirement, council plans transition through year end