[{"_1":2,"_120":-5,"_121":-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",[32,75,87,98,108],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6786909,"mediaKeyId","5586916-d7bbe4c8089fd291fc2c03c8a37d8365","parentId",5586916,"title","Fresno council authorizes lease revenue bond package to fund fire, 9‑1‑1 and police projects","audioSeconds",209,"startMs",5990020,"endMs",6199915,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586916-d7bbe4c8089fd291fc2c03c8a37d8365&start=5990&end=6199","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586916-d7bbe4c8089fd291fc2c03c8a37d8365/thumbnail_5990020.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6786909/Fresno-City/Fresno-County/California/Fresno-council-authorizes-lease-revenue-bond-package-to-fund-fire-911-and-police-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6786909-b988f0d7882a603722250dd0de0e0cac/orig.mp4?Expires=1770972234&Signature=eKf0gTWVsH9IyrGCyB4pDgYvynL3xC1OZuVmlhRcpfQVtlU9bGpF4ZhuDq-cP8FR2CjU07LR8tJMdCM6Zta0zamUVTmnkal0oDc3bQ95lY6XtWgXEuY5wnCJdY~y1urHWAAJueTTNUbEiiTyds57~yCdRbpfwJq0vKHdckFWk7MVgCsb~gg3qfeaSRnKXZ5U6KTxcNLstGnpWtHckvvhQdCIqApwAGQ8oD6R2tIO45SYqWGv1PjUJYzjjONorsVmx0WIhcpSQ2n7SEmxQXFQDL3M6B4E3liyv4855-opqzWFZj9qmsbadSIyn4eVAME2bi3H8R7uqHe6x8ZRdNnpUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Fresno Council, Boards, and Commissions","date","2025-08-14T23:20:23.24Z","article","The Fresno City Council on Aug. 14 approved a lease revenue financing package that will fund three public‑safety projects: a replacement Fire Station 12, a new 9‑1‑1 dispatch center and tenant improvements at a planned police headquarters.

In a staff presentation, Finance Director Santino D'Nisi told the council the proposed issuance would cover an estimated $18 million for Fire Station 12, $16.8 million for the 9‑1‑1 call center and about $12 million for police headquarters tenant improvements. D'Nisi said the administration is seeking authority to sell up to $56 million of bonds to provide market contingency and to capitalize interest so debt service payments begin in fiscal 2029‑30. \"That helps the city with lowering borrowing costs and interest costs,\" he said, noting S&P affirmed an A+ rating for this issuance.

Why it matters: City leaders said the aging facilities — including a police building with recurring HVAC and electrical problems and an older fire station — hamper operations and employee safety. Mayor Jerry Dyer argued the timing is favorable for borrowing: \"When we borrow money cheaper, we save taxpayer dollars on that debt service,\" he said, adding the projects will improve service and working conditions for first responders.

Council questions and staff responses: Council members pressed staff on two main issues: (1) why the requested authorization exceeds the three projects' line‑item estimates (about $47 million) and (2) how the ongoing debt will be paid.

- On size: D'Nisi and staff said the $56 million cap includes a market contingency buffer (to cover possible higher interest rates or market changes between authorization and sale) and capitalized interest to delay the start of payments. Assistant city staff clarified the extra $9 million is authority \"not to exceed\" in case market conditions change.

- On repayment: City staff explained roughly half of the public‑safety debt service is expected to be covered by development impact fees earmarked for police and fire facilities; the other half would come from the general fund once pension obligations roll off in 2029. Santino D'Nisi estimated total annual debt service on the combined financing at about $3.9 million, with roughly half paid from impact fees.

Operational details and oversight: The council heard project schedules and construction status: Fire Station 12 and the 9‑1‑1 center already have construction awards (Soltek Pacific) and target late‑2026 completions; the police headquarters financing covers tenant improvements for a privately owned building to be leased by the city under a 21‑year lease.

The vote and next steps: The Fresno Joint Powers Finance Authority approved its resolution 3‑0, and the City Council approved the city resolution 7‑0. Council members said they intend to monitor the debt service impact and how impact fee revenues materialize. Staff will proceed with final sale preparations and return with bond documents and schedules.

What remains: Staff said the administration will finalize sale timing and return to council with the financing details. Council members asked for follow‑up information on the split between impact fees and general‑fund responsibility and sought assurances the city would continue to prioritize other aging facilities when current funding and capacity allow.

Vote: Council approved the financing package 7‑0. The JPFA vote was 3‑0.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fresno City Council Meeting 8/14/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Fresno City Council on Aug. 14 approved a lease revenue bond authorization that will provide funding for three public‑safety projects — a new Fire Station 12, a 9‑1‑1 dispatch center and tenant improvements for a new police headquarters — with the administration citing an A+ credit rating and a plan to mix impact fees and general‑fund resources to pay debt service.","taxTitle","Fresno City, Fresno County, California","taxId",3699,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6786895,"Council approves DeYoung Blossom View annexation for 119 homes in planned low‑medium density development",333,5583700,5916935,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586916-d7bbe4c8089fd291fc2c03c8a37d8365&start=5583&end=5916","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586916-d7bbe4c8089fd291fc2c03c8a37d8365/thumbnail_5583700.jpg","/articles/6786895/Fresno-City/Fresno-County/California/Council-approves-DeYoung-Blossom-View-annexation-for-119-homes-in-planned-lowmedium-density-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6786895-f4ae40edad9754c735a6d86aa86f2df1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770972234&Signature=hIlP-WgcSsPCvsWLUJqT2ZpvdLsc~i3tjvwOxnnHs8lBU~6M8a2fzmfyCLL6mVxzfKYhO9ASnnXQouVVFxbI3eMjk6Zbwxkto3hywFwcSamYr9pKOSAwzcL9QQE5ilK9Hz~xYKaPukSb0d3wBYGoheEitppR4898LQHVvKQ8a-YIaQUv0WWRtq5NlXvrGRTbv7RNfoUU8vt8Ixpya6DevFWixkvU~6dc4FVXBRRYiiIHmyzjjvw88W-Y6t8oq-FBAD3N8sCRur3CzjfZD4W38uNZ4yTLmTcbMUIm9MLkQIePnNYHetPmfeaiKm0JoKhBng~nOXRgv-CHRdaCkLW7dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fresno City Council approved annexation and associated entitlements for DeYoung Blossom View (P24‑0504526) on Aug. 14 after a brief staff presentation and public remarks by the applicant.

Project details: Supervising planner Rob Holt summarized the proposal as an annexation and prezone of roughly 23.56 acres for a subdivision of 119 single‑family homes at an average density of about 5.05 dwelling units per acre (RS‑4). The plan includes approximately 11,500 square feet of open space, exceeding the minimum required 9,700 square feet, and a trail along the northern and eastern boundary. The Planning Commission recommended approval on a 5‑0 vote.

Public comment and council action: Developer Brandon DeYoung said the plan includes a mix of lot sizes and a public portion with amenities for the broader neighborhood; he noted community outreach and a letter of support. After limited council questions and no speakers from the public, the council approved the standard item with a roll‑call vote (6‑0 as recorded during the meeting). The clerk noted the item passed following council motions and the item was filed as approved.

Why it matters: The annexation adds 119 single‑family lots to the city inventory on land intended for medium‑low density housing and includes sidewalks/trails and dedicated open space for neighborhood use.

Next steps: Staff and the developer will proceed with final engineering, off‑site improvements and building permit submittals.","The council approved the annexation, prezone and subdivision plan for DeYoung Blossom View: about 23.56 acres with 119 single‑family lots, exceeding required open space; Planning Commission recommended approval 5‑0.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6786900,"Developer updates council on Uptown Apartments; city explores short‑term loan program to bridge downtown financing gap",0,22017430,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586916-d7bbe4c8089fd291fc2c03c8a37d8365&start=22017&end=22017","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586916-d7bbe4c8089fd291fc2c03c8a37d8365/thumbnail_22017430.jpg","/articles/6786900/Fresno-City/Fresno-County/California/Developer-updates-council-on-Uptown-Apartments-city-explores-shortterm-loan-program-to-bridge-downtown-financing-gap","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6786900-ea3d8568c46665d396b3cdfcebc41f72/orig.mp4?Expires=1770972234&Signature=cIm1SEs88V3sBdGOVmgoeT8FBB53zK6GaxtrWwILZW0TN~52guwD1VjHpE7ad5cO2AiX~dD2gsy1UnCWYuDhw5mURN3oS6xUM9SsR~2zBYwekOcR4yyMb0Au1lm6HcdTA6-1ldyrGxh3ca8wuyuq0NqK9vBDi74yVYzr0A2D3UWzMlouvTkkyPP3IWyvWnVY3oqEevGhiKcJ791MvfUjuNd~rt6DiXc7S3oaLPoQY101byHD7w7RudZ9hYc4fUVeTrevV-Wlb30eIfIBs1Ih4MH9YEXzOdp4vgoA0Um7omhU9GjazM~yurZysGud-iLA5u-U75qyrzcnf55eMmnp8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A private developer told the Fresno City Council on Aug. 14 that its Uptown Apartments — a 54‑unit mixed‑use project in downtown Fresno — now has plan approvals and is effectively shovel‑ready, but requires gap financing to reach construction.

Developer presentation: Sal Gonzalez of Uptown LP said the project totals about 1.47 acres and includes 54 units with street‑level retail and work‑live lofts; he estimated a total development cost near $29 million and said final hard bids were due the week after the council meeting. Gonzalez said the sponsor has invested roughly $1.3–$1.4 million in soft costs and has closed on the land (an earlier city sale at roughly $315,000).

Financing challenges: Gonzalez described two market forces complicating funding: tighter lender underwriting that weights debt‑service coverage ratios more heavily than loan‑to‑value, and a marked increase in insurance costs for wood‑frame multifamily construction. Those changes, he said, have increased the cost and risk of converting construction loans to permanent financing.

City response and revolving loan fund NOFA: City staff and the mayor\fonfirmed the administration plans to issue a notice of funding availability (NOFA) for a revolving loan fund using recently announced state funds to support housing gap financing. Chief of staff Kelly Furtado said the NOFA will solicit proposals and that staff will return to council with terms and recommended structure. City Manager and finance staff also noted the proposed loans would be bridge instruments (not forgivable grants) intended to revolve over time.

Why it matters: Council members said market‑rate development downtown can bring property‑tax revenue and broader economic activity; several members urged careful underwriting, clear timelines and protection of city funds. Council Member Bridal asked staff to circulate a list of projects that may be affected by the incoming 2025 California Building Code change and offered to prioritize projects that can meet an accelerated submittal deadline.

Next steps: The developer expects subcontractor bids and refined pro forma within days; staff will issue the NOFA and return with loan terms. The council asked for clear guardrails on loan terms, repayment expectations and performance deadlines in any agreement.

Provenance: Developer briefing and multi‑speaker Q&A (presentation began with a developer slide deck and planning staff updates).","Uptown Limited Partnership updated the council on a shovel‑ready 54‑unit mixed‑use project downtown and said it faces a capital‑stack gap due to rising construction and insurance costs. The administration said a NOFA for a revolving loan fund to help bridge financing is imminent.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":90,"_43":101,"_45":101,"_47":102,"_49":103,"_51":104,"_53":105,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":106,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":107,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6786904,"Fresno council names donated 49‑acre site 'Southeast Fresno Sports Complex' after debate",20972371,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586916-d7bbe4c8089fd291fc2c03c8a37d8365&start=20972&end=20972","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586916-d7bbe4c8089fd291fc2c03c8a37d8365/thumbnail_20972371.jpg","/articles/6786904/Fresno-City/Fresno-County/California/Fresno-council-names-donated-49acre-site-Southeast-Fresno-Sports-Complex-after-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6786904-1ed167e5a9d3566e819ec2813362553b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770972234&Signature=ZYEUOqMUqKjc6d2ku9IAs6Od9p7p-bEne0ZZZEXSBci2GuAI600pCGfGgubZd5wsOu1Hf11xnHxrt~pNnRfVfQNYo2pYQ6Qfdt0DTAqf8MWXGlIBwXMSEvnNwIUYvxn~zf2lV0UCFfDgxJUbebWz4H5ESHlP4nHBDlOwuDqxLY7mtrMdbLFPMWbeSfKzuDCLpagWrx1la4oGeYzIn-BUu2rZyY5xYQWkd-K5hUWDXNLFuTJfiUAHNbvU7kUBGAyeKNn-AfLSztVDO8DaZDMEP8vfP7jstVSnygpSqtEkmxhoD1BYaZs3c1GNS0jC3gbFRrlI~BG6Bp4dXLfkK4msDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fresno City Council voted 6‑1 on Aug. 14 to name a donated 49‑acre parcel in Southeast Fresno the \"Southeast Fresno Sports Complex,\" setting off a robust neighborhood debate about whether the large park should instead carry the name of longtime community organizer Jose Leon Barraza.

What happened: Council Member Vang, who represents the district where the park sits, proposed the descriptive sports‑complex name and argued that the facility should be framed as a community asset serving tens of thousands across the area. He emphasized inclusive access and said the southern portion of the park will host active recreation — multiple soccer fields, baseball/cricket configurations, courts and a splash plaza — while the northern half will be passive green space and a community garden.

Community reaction: Dozens of residents and community leaders spoke at the meeting. Supporters of naming the complex after Jose Leon Barraza, who led grassroots efforts over many years to create the park, urged the council to honor his decades of advocacy and community service. Other groups and speakers favored a descriptive name that, they said, would signal the park is for all of Southeast Fresno rather than single out one individual.

Council discussion and process for amenities: Council members discussed how to handle future naming of fields, gymnasia or other facilities within the park. The city attorney said the city's naming ordinance distinguishes \"facilities\" (likely to require council action) from smaller amenities such as benches or trees (usually administratively approved). Several council members asked staff to clarify the ordinance and the administrative order so the public understands whether and when a council vote would be required to name an amenity inside the park.

Vote: The resolution naming the 49‑acre site \"Southeast Fresno Sports Complex\" passed 6‑1. Council Member Arias cast the lone opposing vote. Multiple speakers, including representatives from neighborhood groups and the Orange Center School District, urged the council to prioritize health, safety and access when finalizing the park's program and phasing.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with park master‑plan implementation and return with details on phasing and a recommended process for naming individual facilities or honoring community leaders without precluding future commemorations.

Context: The park was donated to the city and has been the subject of multi‑year community planning. Phase 1 will deliver active recreation fields and initial infrastructure; later phases could include additional courts or a gymnasium, subject to future budget decisions.","After hours of public comment, the council voted 6‑1 to name a donated 49‑acre site the 'Southeast Fresno Sports Complex.' Community advocates urged a commemorative name for longtime organizer Jose Leon Barraza; council members discussed a future process to name individual fields or amenities.",{"_33":109,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":110,"_41":111,"_43":112,"_45":113,"_47":114,"_49":115,"_51":116,"_53":117,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":118,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":119,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6786891,"Residents urge environmental review, traffic fixes as council hears objections to Prospect rezone and Cherry Avenue trucking proposal",2040,9486035,11526534,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586916-d7bbe4c8089fd291fc2c03c8a37d8365&start=9486&end=11526","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586916-d7bbe4c8089fd291fc2c03c8a37d8365/thumbnail_9486035.jpg","/articles/6786891/Fresno-City/Fresno-County/California/Residents-urge-environmental-review-traffic-fixes-as-council-hears-objections-to-Prospect-rezone-and-Cherry-Avenue-trucking-proposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6786891-a28ba3a4c9f8662c88dc80e822ee8511/orig.mp4?Expires=1770972234&Signature=Z3Nbnqwu~efcmEqzUij-9CyY2ZcTwAWTpgR37fxOZUjkbO-qc8T8Wu45rpeV9b4RKWgAd6RkXYxM4W1sVlnlqPVkIGDlhfWt271TdHd6F8cCtj04pRvYHuYji~Qc7A630SawfuckOkV1lcZBSWIktldweAVFxJyGctPYfF0MqQW77LY2jle-xsTwU0GRWWl5NuTvhBFqXlkQxET8y3-aomoHT6FoXd3uzVZ865mQwuva0wLPMI3RhiXWtghLUZvdN-wNmFB6J6CPCkrmm5kbzf9sJ3lqWKKX7mehGnX2TYi7nEW~Tdp5xZbsPSWq3nkX26xiKeolaKXeJEBDkjaClA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple residents and community leaders used the Aug. 14 council meeting to press the city for more scrutiny of two related land‑use issues: a Prospect area text amendment tied to new multifamily development and a separate proposal for a trucking facility near Cherry Avenue and Orange Center Elementary.

Main concerns: Speakers described chronic traffic issues, lack of safe routes to school, existing diesel truck impacts and potential air‑quality harms for students and nearby residents. Several called on the council to follow a July 14 judge's direction to determine within 60 days whether the Prospect project qualifies for a categorical CEQA exemption or requires further environmental study. Speakers said the city had sent inconsistent notices and asked for earlier, clearer communication about hearing dates.

City response: Council President Carbassi and the city attorney explained constraints on council communications during pending quasi‑judicial proceedings and the Brown Act notice processes. The clerk said the relevant agenda item is scheduled for Sept. 11 at 9:20 a.m. Several council members echoed requests for more robust traffic mitigation funding and expressed interest in accelerating smaller street repairs and intersection improvements.

Why it matters: Residents warned that adding higher‑density development and/or a trucking facility would exacerbate long‑standing infrastructure shortfalls in South Fresno, including school access and emergency access. Orange Center School District leaders urged the council to consider health and safety consequences for children.

Next steps: The council said staff will continue to process the matters according to legal rules for quasi‑judicial items and timeline constraints; several speakers requested direct notification to neighborhood stakeholders as dates are set.","Residents and school leaders pressed the council to require environmental and traffic studies for the Prospect text amendment and a proposed trucking facility near Orange Center Elementary, saying existing infrastructure, air quality and school safety are inadequate.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fresno council authorizes lease revenue bond package to fund fire, 9‑1‑1 and police projects

Council approves DeYoung Blossom View annexation for 119 homes in planned low‑medium density development

Developer updates council on Uptown Apartments; city explores short‑term loan program to bridge downtown financing gap

Fresno council names donated 49‑acre site 'Southeast Fresno Sports Complex' after debate

Residents urge environmental review, traffic fixes as council hears objections to Prospect rezone and Cherry Avenue trucking proposal