Fresno Mayor Lee Brand today announced that Emergency Order 2020-02 calling for all individuals living in the City of Fresno to shelter at their place of residence, except to provide or receive essential services or engage in essential activities, has been extended through midnight Sunday, April 12, 2020.  The new emergency order, 2020-08, was signed by City Manager Wilma Quan this morning and all other terms of Emergency Order 2020-02 remain unchanged.

“The decisions I have had to make regarding the City’s response to the coronavirus have been the most difficult I have ever had to make, and it all boils down to what is most important: to protect the lives of as many people as I possibly can,” said Mayor Brand. “I fully understand the economic impact these orders have on our community, and my hope, my prayer, is to get people back to work, back to school and back to a normal life as soon as we safely can.  In the meantime, I ask everyone in the City of Fresno to join me in following this order to flatten the curve and protect their own health, the health of their family and friends and the health of the entire community.”

The original emergency order was set to expire on March 31, 2020 and may be extended again.

For the latest information on all City-issued emergency orders and other coronavirus-related decisions, call 3-1-1 or visit the City of Fresno website at www.fresno.gov.

We encourage you to visit www.cdc.gov to learn more about COVID-19 and follow the Fresno County Department of Public Health website for regular updates.

The Mayor’s declaration of emergency encouraged outdoor exercise as long as the public maintains a physical distance of 6 feet from people who are not family members.

In order to protect the health of the entire community and promote social distancing, the City is closing all parking lots to City parks where feasible until further notice.  The lot closures take effect Wednesday, March 25, and includes Woodward and Roeding Parks.

We remind everyone that it’s important for all of us to change our behaviors and keep the entire community safe.  Get some exercise, hike, walk or run the trails, but not near other people.  Walk your dog, but not around dozens of others.

Be safe, be sensible, be respectful.

Fresno City Manager Wilma Quan today signed an executive order updating the City of Fresno’s state of emergency regarding workplace restrictions on persons 65 years of age or older.

The Order states that businesses and institutions with employees 65 years of age or older, and those who are classified as vulnerable to COVID-19 by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), are strongly urged to release those employees to stay at home, and when possible, work from home, effective immediately.

The following are exempt from this order:

• Healthcare professionals
• First responders, support staff, and other essential emergency response personnel
• Sole proprietors of any business that is permitted to remain open
• Those who work in critical infrastructure sectors, including, but not limited to, public works construction, construction of housing (in particular affordable housing or housing for individuals experiencing homelessness), airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal, internet and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services)
• Those who perform essential government functions and services needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government agencies and provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

This Order allows and encourages people 65 to work from home or participate telephonically or electronically from home in any business activity.

A copy of the Executive Order is attached and will be posted on the City of Fresno website, as well as the latest information on services and events, at www.fresno.gov.

Constituents are encouraged to visit www.cdc.gov to learn more about COVID-19 and follow the Fresno County Department of Public Health for regular updates.

Fresno City Manager Wilma Quan today signed an Executive Order updating the City of Fresno’s state of emergency, stating that City employees who are directed to remain home shall not be required to expend accrued leave time or take leave without pay.

City employees who elect to stay home, with approval of their appointing authority, for health, childcare, or other family care reasons, may utilize any accrued leave balance for that purpose; if all leave balances are exhausted, then the employee may “borrow” against future leave balance accruals for leave taken during the emergency.

City officials, department directors, or their designees shall have full authority to modify work schedules, including hours of work and days off for employees or direct employees to “work out of class” as deemed necessary to enforce this Order.

Non-essential City services shall be modified, including and processing of development applications, permits, and entitlements.

A copy of the executive order is attached and will be posted on the City of Fresno website, as well as the latest information on services and events, at www.fresno.gov.

Constituents are encouraged to visit www.cdc.gov to learn more about COVID-19 and follow the Fresno County Department of Public Health for regular updates.

Fresno City Manager Wilma Quan today signed an Executive Order updating the City of Fresno’s state of emergency, calling for all individuals living in the city of Fresno to shelter at their place of residence to ensure the maximum number of people self-isolate while enabling essential services to continue.  The goal of the Order is to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to the maximum extent possible.  Residences include single-family homes, hotels, motels, shared rental units, and similar facilities.

Residents should stay home, especially vulnerable populations, unless you are leaving home to get food, care for others or pets, access necessary health care, or go to an essential job. It is permissible to use outdoor spaces for activities such as walking, biking, hiking or running if you are not in a group and following social distancing guidelines.

All businesses with the exception of Essential Businesses as defined below are required to cease all activities at facilities located within the City except for minimum basic operations.

The following businesses are deemed Essential Services:

• City/County government services including police stations, fire stations, hospitals/clinics and healthcare operations, jails, courts, garbage/sanitation, transportation services, utilities (water, waste water, and solid waste)
• Educational institutions—including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities—for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions
• Construction of housing (particularly affordable housing)
• Internet and telecommunications systems
• Gas stations, auto supply, auto-repair, and related facilities
• Pharmacies
• Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out, and delivery restaurants
• Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals
• Hardware stores, office supply stores, plumbers, electricians, HVAC companies, exterminators and sanitation service providers
• Banks and related financial institutions
• Professional services (Legal, accounting only as needed to assist with legally mandated activities)
• Businesses that service low-income or vulnerable populations
• Businesses that provide mailing and shipping services
• Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry services
• Hotels providing shelter
• Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children;
• Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children
• Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers

Businesses deemed non-essential include:

• Amusement centers
• Salons, barbers, day spas
• Auto sales
• Other retail
• Clothing, bookstores
• Private clubs, health clubs, and gyms
• Industrial and manufacturing not related to an essential function

This is not an exhaustive list.  For more information, see Emergency Order 2020-002, or call (559) 621-8400.

The following City-owned or controlled facilities shall remain closed to the public: Selland Arena, Saroyan Theater, Exhibit Halls, Convention Center, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Rotary Playland, Storyland, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, the Meux Home, Shinzen Garden, all community centers (except for any emergency operations), and sports facilities, including Granite Park, Southwest Regional, and others. Park green space shall remain open, but with no gatherings larger than 10 people.

This Order allows and encourages people 65 to work from home or participate telephonically or electronically from home in any business activity.

Constituents are encouraged to visit https://www.cdc.gov to learn more about COVID-19 and follow the Fresno County Department of Public Health for regular updates.

The City of Fresno is suspending public-facing counter service at all City facilities, effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020.  The Administration is doing everything it can to protect the public with social distancing strategies. During this temporary closure, City staff will still provide services electronically and via telephone.

City Hall will remain open to the public for official city meetings or essential services as determined by the City Manager.  Media access is still available.

In an effort to limit the amount of interpersonal contact, the City offers a variety of options for anyone wishing, or needing, to conduct business with the City of Fresno.

Business License: Applications for, or renewals of, business licenses or business tax certificates can be completed online at https://www.fresno.gov/finance. Our Frequently Asked Questions section has useful answers to many common questions.  Or you may contact our Customer Service division at (559) 621-6880 or [email protected]. Customer service hours are from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  You may also mail your applications, payments, or questions to the City of Fresno Business Tax Division, PO Box 45017, Fresno CA 93718-5017.  Or you may use the dropbox just inside the doors of the first floor at City hall, before passing security.

City Clerk’s Office: For information about the Fresno Municipal Code, Campaign Finance Statements, Public Records Requests, information about Ordinances, Resolutions and Agenda Packets, or other legislative-related matters please visit https://www.fresno.gov/cityclerk.

Code Enforcement: Code enforcement issues can be reported through the FresGO mobile app or by calling 3-1-1.  To access the Rental Housing Registry or Vacant Building Registry please visit https://www.fresno.gov/codeenforcement.  To submit an Administrative Appeal Form online scroll down and click on the “Administrative Hearing Appeal” box.  Residents can also call (559) 621-8400 for all customer service issues related to Code Enforcement. Code enforcement can also accept payments over the phone.

Office of Independent Review: Residents wishing to file a complaint with the Office of Independent Review(OIR), view past reports, or contact the OIR can do so online at https://www.fresno.gov/oir

PARCS: Senior Programs – The City has suspended all senior programming including the meal program.  However, our staff members are currently contacting each of our senior participants to determine whether or not they are interested in receiving home delivered meals.

Special Event Permits – Applications for permits have been suspended through March.  The Fresno Chaffee Zoo has been closed until the end of March.  The City and Zoo leadership will reassess the temporary closure at the end of the month.

Parking Division: Visit https://www.fresno.gov/parking to apply for, or purchase, residential parking permits or to pay, or appeal, a parking citation.

Personnel Services Department: Information about job postings, job specifications and job applications are available at https://www.fresno.gov/jobs.

Planning and Development: Permit applications can be submitted, and progress can be monitored, online through our FAASTER portal.  The FAASTER portal can be accessed by visiting https://www.fresno.gov/darm then clicking Submit, Review or Search for an Application.

Public Utilities: DPU will  suspend several free water conservation consultation services until further notice.  The suspended services include Water-Wise Landscape Consultations, Irrigation Efficiency Audits, and Water Leak Surveys.  Irrigation Controller Assistance (Timer Tutorials) will be available via telephone only.  City outdoor watering restrictions are still in place.

Purchasing: Bid opportunities and updated information are available on the City’s website, under the “Doing Business” tab, then click on bid opportunities.

Utility Payments/Business Tax: Utility payments can be made through various methods.

1)    Online at https://www.fresno.gov/publicutilities then clicking the Utility Billing: Payment & Fees box.
2)    By mail:

City of Fresno
Utilities Billing and Collection Division
P.O. Box 2069
Fresno, CA 93718-2069

3)    Via phone by calling (559) 621-6888 (Credit card payments only).
4)    Drop off: A Drop Box just inside the doors of the first floor at City Hall, before passing security.

For the latest information on services or events, call 3-1-1 or visit the City of Fresno website at www.fresno.gov.

Constituents are encouraged to visit www.cdc.gov to learn more about COVID-19 and follow the Fresno County Department of Public Health for regular updates.

Fresno City Manager Wilma Quan today signed an executive order updating the City of Fresno’s state of emergency regarding bars and restaurants.

In addition to the closure of all bars, nightclubs, breweries, and lounges, the City of Fresno is limiting all local restaurants to food delivery and takeout, effective immediately, while maximizing social distancing for those who are inside their restaurants until further notice.

The Fresno Police Department and Code Enforcement will be enforcing the emergency order.  Violations shall be punishable as a misdemeanor upon conviction by fine and possible imprisonment.  We ask that owners and managers of bars and restaurants work with the City to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Copies of the executive orders are attached and will be posted on the City of Fresno website, as well as the latest information on services and events, at the City of Fresno Coronavirus webpage.

Constituents are encouraged to visit https://www.cdc.gov to learn more about COVID-19 and follow the Fresno County Department of Public Health for regular updates.

Emergency Order 2020-01

Fresno Mayor Lee Brand today proclaimed a State of Emergency for the City of Fresno in a move to help the city receive state and federal funding connected to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.  Mayor Brand – who made the decision after recent announcements by Governor Gavin Newsom and the County of Fresno – asked the Council to confirm the emergency proclamation at its special meeting today, Monday, March 16, 2020.

Section 2-503(a) of the Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) states the Mayor has the power to issue a proclamation of emergency if the Fresno City Council is not in session, subject to confirmation by Council at the earliest practicable time.  

“I believe this is a sensible step to ensure the City of Fresno is in the best position to protect the people of Fresno and be eligible for any federal or state funding connected to the pandemic,” said Mayor Brand. “We will continue to monitor the disease and support the Governor’s office and Fresno County health officials as they work to do what is best for our community.  I encourage everyone to stay calm and stay informed while we navigate the unsteady waters of this crisis.”

City Hall remains open to the public, but In an effort to reduce the number of visitors, the City of Fresno offers a variety of online options for anyone wishing, or need, to conduct business with the City of Fresno.  Here is a list of the online platforms provided by the City of Fresno:

Pay or appeal a parking ticket

Submit, review or search for a building application

Start your utility service

Stop your utility service

Pay your utility bill

Get help for your water, sewer or garbage issues

Apply for your business license

Pay your business taxes

Report a crime

Agendas and meeting information

Submit an e-comment for Council meetings

The Administration has prohibited all public meetings of more than 50 people and is also closing community centers, after school programs and weekend recreation programs. The City is also requesting meetings with under 50 people to practice social distancing.

The Convention Center, including Selland Arena and the Saroyan Theatre, has canceled all programs for the immediate future. 

For the latest information on event status, call 3-1-1 or visit the City of Fresno website at www.fresno.gov.

Constituents are encouraged to visit www.cdc.gov to learn more about COVID-19 and follow the Fresno County Department of Public Health for regular updates.

Based on recommendations from the Governor’s Office and the Fresno County Department of Public Health, Mayor Lee Brand and City Manager Wilma Quan today announced the City of Fresno is strongly recommending postponement or cancellation of all non-essential public community events, group activities with 250 or more participants,  and any gathering that requires close contact between vulnerable individuals. 

The recommendation follows statewide guidelines issued late Wednesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom, which detail a new California Department of Public Health policy that includes a recommendation to cancel or postpone all gatherings of 250 people or more, along with additional strategies to protect public health and slow the spread of COVID-19.

“We’re taking sensible and reasonable steps to keep our community safe and informed,” said Mayor Brand. “Our reality is changing on a daily basis and we are in regular communication with the Governor’s office as well as County public health officials, who are doing an exceptional job at guiding the public and affected organizations through a very anxious time.”

The Administration is also canceling all City-produced events, meetings or conferences that are anticipated to attract more than 250 people.  City staff is working to determine which events will be affected by this decision.

City officials have contacted the operators of City-owned venues including the Convention Center, Selland Arena, the Saroyan Theater, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, and Granite Park to recommend actions that will reduce exposure from large public gatherings. Changes in events at those venues will be made in cooperation with event promoters.

For the latest information on event status, call 3-1-1 or visit the City of Fresno website at www.fresno.gov.

In an effort to reduce the number of visitors at City Hall, the City of Fresno offers a variety of options for anyone wishing, or needing, to conduct business with the City of Fresno:

Business License: Applications for, or renewals of, business licenses or business tax certificates can be done online at www.fresno.gov/finance.  Customers can drop off their business tax payments in the Drop Box just inside the first floor doors of City Hall.  Our Frequently Asked Questions section has useful answers to many common questions, or you may contact our Customer Service division at (559) 621-6880 or [email protected].

City Clerk’s Office: For information about the Fresno Municipal Code, Campaign Finance Statements, Public Records Requests, information about Ordinances, Resolutions and Agenda Packets, or other legislative-related matters please visit www.fresno.gov/cityclerk.

Code Enforcement: Code enforcement issues can be reported through the FresGO mobile app or by calling 3-1-1.

PARCS Department:

Senior Programs –  Non-meal activity has been suspended and staff is transitioning from communal meals to box lunches. The hours of operation are from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Pot of Gold Senior Dance at Ted C. Wills on March 21, 2020, has been canceled.

Special Event Permits – Applications for permits have been suspended through March

Bitty Tee Ball – Suspended through March.

Youth Basketball – Suspended through March.

Parking Division: Visit www.fresno.gov/parking to apply for, or purchase, residential parking permits or to pay or appeal a parking citation.

Planning and Development: Permit applications can be submitted and progress can be monitored online through our FAASTER portal.  The FAASTER portal can be accessed by visiting www.fresno.gov/darm then clicking Submit, Review or Search for an Application.

Purchasing: Bid opportunities and updated information are available on the City’s website, under the “Doing Business” tab, then click on bid opportunities.

Utility Payments: Utility payments can be made through various methods.

1)    Online at www.fresno.gov/publicutilities then clicking the Utility Billing: Payment & Fees box.

2)    By mail:

                  City of Fresno

                  Utilities Billing and Collection Division

                  P.O. Box 2069

                  Fresno, CA 93718-2069

3)    Via phone by calling 559-621-6888 (Credit card payments only).

4)    Drop off: A Drop Box just inside the doors of the first floor at City Hall, before passing security.

Constituents are encouraged to visit www.cdc.gov to learn more about COVID-19 and follow the Fresno County Department of Public Health for regular updates.

On Monday, the City of Fresno began its Highway Litter Abatement Program that will service all four State highways (SR-41, SR-99, SR-168, and SR-180) within the city limits on a 30-day cycle.  The program is done in partnership with Caltrans District 6 and the Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA).  Funding for this project comes from monies from the City of Fresno and Measure “C”.

The program was originally proposed by Mayor Lee Brand and then-councilmember Steve Brandau in 2018 after the FCTA Board amended the Measure “C” Transportation Expenditure Plan to include a pilot Litter Abatement Program.  The Pilot Program was intended to demonstrate the feasibility of using Measure “C” and other local funds to enhance litter abatement activities currently performed by Caltrans on the State Highway System.  It was recognized that the highway investments made by the original Measure “C” program, as well as the Measure “C” Extension program, have added a significant amount of freeway mileage with no additional resources for freeway maintenance.

“I want to thank my Public Works Director Scott Mozier and FCTA Executive Director Mike Leonardo for their hard work in bringing this pilot program to life. This is all about being creative and collaborating with our partners to look at our problems in new ways and find solutions that work,” said Mayor Brand. “That’s why I appreciate the relationship the City has with Caltrans and the Fresno County Transportation Authority to develop a sustainable program to keep our highways as free of litter as possible. Combined with our new Keep Fresno Beautiful initiative, the community will soon start to see significant improvement in the look of our great city.”

Caltrans has committed to matching any local funds on a one-for-one basis up to a maximum of $500,000 over two years, essentially providing 50% of the necessary funding.  The FCTA amendment provides another 25% of the funding, with the City providing the remaining 25%.  This new FY2020 program for the City of Fresno provides a total of $400,000 in funding, with $200,000 from Caltrans, $100,000 from FCTA and $100,000 from the City of Fresno.

On January 16, 2020, the City awarded a one-year contract for services to Landscape Maintenance of America with the option to renew one additional year.  Their crew will rotate abatement services on a weekly basis, starting this week with SR-99, followed by SR-41, SR-168 and then SR-180.

The City is also exploring other options such as using the Adult Offender Work Program (AOWP) to provide additional support in the highway cleanup efforts – an idea brought forth by Councilmember Garry Bredefeld.  The goal for the AOWP crew will be to deploy them by October 1, 2020, once the State budget is approved, the City-Caltrans agreement is in place and City leadworker and van are made available to work full-time with the AOWP crew.