There’s big money in car rentals at Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

At Thursday’s meeting, Fresno City Councilmembers gave a thumbs-up to the renewals of rent-a-car contracts that are expected to net the city $24 million over five years.

Hertz, Avis and Enterprise entered into new five-year contracts, with a five-year optional renewal.

The bidding for car rental spaces at the airport allowed for four companies; only three submitted proposals.

The contract includes rent for airport space and 10% on gross revenues. Enterprise will pay a minimum of $2.2 million a year; Avis will pay $1.4 million; and Hertz will pay $1.2 million.

There are nine total brands at FYI, but they fall under three corporate owners —Hertz, Avis and Enterprise.

Council Approves Dyer Appointments to Planning, Parks Commissions

Mayor Jerry Dyer reappointed Kathy Bray and Jacqueline Lyday to the planning commission. Both of their terms expired June 30, and were renewed for four years.

Bray, president of job-placement agency Denham Resources, has served on the commission since 2016.

Lyday, a real estate agent, joined the commission in 2023.

In addition, the council approved Dyer’s appointments of McKay Duran and Vincent Trillo to the Measure P sales tax parks and cultural arts commission.

Duran once served on the city’s youth commission. He is the public policy and advocacy manager for the Central California Food Bank. He replaces Harman Singh on the board. Singh’s term technically ended July 1, 2024; however members can remain until a replacement is chosen. Duran’s term runs through June 30, 2028.

Trillo, an HR specialist, replaces Christine Soto, who left the board earlier this year. Trillo’s term runs through June 30, 2029.

Also, Scott Miller and Laura Ward were re-appointed and approved. Both their terms end June 30, 2029.

The city council approved all nominations 5-0 on the consent calendar.

Karbassi Defends City Attorney

City Council President Mike Karbassi defended City Attorney Andrew Janz after GV Wire reported this week that the State Bar deemed Janz ineligible to practice law for two weeks this month.

The State Bar said Janz failed to recertify information in time. Janz claimed he clicked on the button months ago to verify information such as his name and address. However, neither Janz nor the State Bar had any confirmation. Janz has since filed his necessary information, and he is eligible to practice law.

“I have full confidence in our city, attorney and the work he does. And it seems like he is not the only attorney who is faced with clerical errors by the State Bar, which unfortunately, inaccurately will put them as inactive when in fact they are active and they have receipts to prove it,” Karbassi said.

Both the Fresno County Counsel and District Attorney offices said they had one attorney who failed to recertify information and was placed on the ineligible list.

After Second Time, Radio Park Contract Approved

American Paving won a contract to renovate Radio Park in central Fresno, nine months after the city said the price was too high.

The renovations include a new restroom, splash pad, and shade areas.

In October 2024, the city council rejected bids because they were too high, with the lowest bidder at $10.1 million, 38% more than the city’s estimated cost of $7 million. This time, the estimated cost is $8.1 million, meaning the bid is only 10.7% higher.

Two other companies with lower bids withdrew, making American Paving the lowest option, even though the bid is more than 10% over.

Because of the amount, the project requires a project labor agreement, mandating a contract with union labor. Last year, the Coalition for Fair Employment In Construction blamed the required PLA for the high price and bid rejection.

American Paving’s base bid of $9.2 million is less than its base bid of $9.7 million in 2024.

If the city wants more amenities, such as a cobblestone surface, field lighting system, new trash enclosures, or additional dry wells, it will cost more.

Councilmember Nelson Esparza said a plan to purchase private property, a convenience store adjacent to the park, is “moving along.” Esparza is hopeful a deal can be struck, without using eminent domain. The city authorized using eminent domain last year.

The vote was 5-0 on the consent calendar.

Assemi’s Thumb Drive Causes 22-Minute Delay

A request by developer Darius Assemi caused a delay at Thursday’s meeting.

Assemi, president and CEO of Granville Homes, was scheduled to speak about a new development in west Fresno. He provided a thumb drive as part of his presentation. Assemi is also publisher of GV Wire.

City Manager Georgeanne White put a temporary halt to presentation.

“Has that been cleared? We do not allow external thumb drives … It’s a cyber security issue,” White said.

Karbassi called for a 10-minute break which extended to 22 minutes. Karbassi said he was unaware of a request to screen a thumb drive before.

During the break, Assemi and White had a tense-looking conversation in the corner of the room.

Eventually, the thumb drive was cleared, and Assemi continued with his presentation about the Parc West development.

City Clerk Todd Stermer said there is no formal policy on members of the public providing thumb drives. Stermer has discussed cyber safety issues with the IT department before, but his may be the first time it has been enforced in this manner. Other speakers have provided digital information in advance.

Arias Misses Meeting Much to Chagrin of Angry Vendor

Susan Osuna said she was “coming in hot and angry” Thursday with complaints over comments made last month by City Councilmember Miguel Arias.

Osuna, a produce vendor who sells at area swap meets, delivered her comments in person during public comment days after submitting a letter calling for Arias’ resignation.

Last month, Arias claimed an ICE raid was pending at the Cherry Avenue Auction swap meet. Owners and vendors said business fell off and has not returned. A raid never materialized.

“His reckless announcement sparked fear, panic, and suspicion, ripping through honest families and businesses who have done nothing wrong, all for the sake of his own agenda. That’s not the leadership that we deserve,” Osuna said.

Osuna already sent Arias and the rest of City Hall a letter, demanding he reveal the source of his comments and resign.

Arias was a no-show Thursday because of an excused absence City Council President Mike Karbassi said. Neither Arias nor his office said why he did not attend.

Congratulations New Mom Perea!

City Councilmember Annalisa Perea is on maternity leave. Her wife delivered twins, a boy and girl, on Monday. All the family is healthy, her office said.