Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Administrative Code Exemption topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rules Committee adopts exemption for CSU Fresno Foundation from local nonprofit public‑access rules
Summary
The Rules Committee approved an ordinance exempting the California State University, Fresno Foundation from Administrative Code Chapter 12L so the foundation may serve as fiscal agent for Title IV‑E trainings; opponents warned the exemption could set a precedent for narrowing public‑access requirements.
The Rules Committee on May 12 adopted an ordinance exempting the California State University, Fresno Foundation from Administrative Code Chapter 12L so the foundation can serve as fiscal agent for training contracts supporting child‑welfare staff, foster parents and related partners.
Human Services Agency staff said the Fresno Foundation would act primarily as a fiscal agent for a Bay Area training program and that the foundation already complies with California Education Code public‑access rules, which require public board meetings with a seven‑day notice rather than the city's 30‑day requirement. Drake Haridore, a contract manager at HSA, told the Committee that conforming to both systems' procedures would be burdensome for the foundation.
A public commenter, David Pilpel, urged caution. "This is the first time in my knowledge in the 18 years that the nonprofit public access ordinance has existed that the board would propose to exempt a contractor from its requirements," he said, arguing the exemption could weaken community representation and public meeting safeguards under Chapter 12L.
John (HSA contracts director) responded that the Fresno Foundation "serves primarily as a fiscal agent" for the Bay Area Academy training program and that the contract is directed mainly toward HSA staffing and professional development. He said different universities have previously acted as fiscal agents for the training program.
After public comment the Committee voted to approve the ordinance by motion; the item was taken without recorded objection and will be forwarded to the Board agenda.
