County of Fresno

The meeting commenced with an invocation and flag salute. Key items addressed included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items. A presentation and plaque dedication were made to Randy Ward of the Department of Social Services for his 32 years of service upon his retirement. The Board proclaimed March 1st through the 7th, 2026, as Weights and Measures Weeks, recognizing the essential work of the Weights and Measures department in ensuring fairness and accuracy in commerce. An amendment to the salary resolution was approved to add two heavy duty mechanic positions to the Fleet Services division to reduce overtime and equipment downtime. The Board conducted the first hearing to amend the master schedule fees for the Environmental Health division, necessitated by a clerical error in a previous ordinance attachment, and set the second hearing for March 17, 2026. Finally, the Board considered an appeal of a Planning Commission denial regarding a variance application (4181) proposing to create two small parcels where a much larger parcel size is required.

During the meeting, the board honored Randy Ward of the Department of Social Services with a retirement plaque for 32 years of service. Supervisors also proclaimed March 1st through the 7th as Weights and Measures Week in Fresno County, recognizing the division's role in ensuring fairness and accuracy for consumers and businesses, which involves inspecting, testing, and sealing nearly 24,000 weighing and measuring devices annually. Furthermore, the board approved the submission of an application for a federal grant of nearly half a million dollars intended to support the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, thereby strengthening investigations and regional partnerships to protect children.

The meeting featured recognition for Calvin Wald's 28 years of service with the probation department upon his retirement. The board proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month in Fresno County, marking the 100th anniversary of Black History celebration in the nation. Additionally, supervisors adopted a resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and proclaimed February 2026 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Fresno County. Actions were taken to approve staffing and budget changes for the Office of Housing and Homelessness to support efforts to end homelessness. Finally, the board adopted the Fresno County Safe Roads to School action plan for 15 school sites, funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and flag salute, followed by approval of the agenda and consent agenda items (20 through 54, with item 54 deleted). Key discussions centered on presentations of retirement plaques for Stephanie Oakley (Social Services, 27 years) and Lila Rose A. Bangs (Public Health, 34 years of service, including 35 years in the Navy). A significant portion of the meeting involved Supervisor Magic's agenda item to proclaim January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, featuring presentations from representatives of the Fresno Economic Opportunities Foundation (Central Valley Against Human Trafficking), Central Valley Justice Coalition, and the Consulate of Mexico in Fresno, emphasizing the need to address demand, recognize subtle forms of trafficking, and support survivors. Community speakers detailed the complexities of trafficking and requested policy focus on reducing demand.

The meeting began with an invocation and flag salute, followed by the designation of officers for 2026, naming Supervisor Bredeld as chairman and Supervisor Luis Chavez as vice chair, after Supervisor Pacheo declined the position. Board members expressed sentiments regarding the departing Supervisor Mendes, presenting him with a gavel in recognition of his past service, including previous terms as chairman. The agenda was approved. During the consent agenda review, Board Member Nathan requested item 30 be removed for discussion due to a conflict of interest requiring recusal, and a member of the public requested item 17 (the second hearing on ordinance 10.80) be removed for discussion. A staff correction was noted for item 26 regarding fiscal impact documentation. The first substantive agenda item discussed was a resolution for National Mentoring Month.