[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6117334,"mediaKeyId","2730540-86f2f9ba973872a9b0ab5ee4aa4064e4","parentId",2730540,"title","Council opens storefront grant eligibility to more applicants; downtown design workshop scheduled for mid‑May","audioSeconds",96,"startMs",11049000,"endMs",11145000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730540-86f2f9ba973872a9b0ab5ee4aa4064e4&start=11049&end=11145","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730540-86f2f9ba973872a9b0ab5ee4aa4064e4/thumbnail_11049000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6117334/Selma-City/Fresno-County/California/Council-opens-storefront-grant-eligibility-to-more-applicants-downtown-design-workshop-scheduled-for-midMay","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117334-a3c8a658f96b393a26d696fb20d0d0dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433670&Signature=gwBs95Mr1jdIl4jH7HTSgs6tIIVRwXDkuYMAxvR-QERHTG12rjoVYJyBDpeb6Rv-ZrSOs7SZkv7pFtrZvkp4JzJxfTQEoxf91C~hEx5pgVtSZmgQFPAz68iGwOmiENo2kLXrWd-ya~zDXimluCpuU-PgyIY-Hcmd1QS2zBJl2RoBXXA1UphiE6~Vk-Nr93ZqwHZvT2rPv41juhjQa-1NBLeBbFc0NESkXlMOTCWb6zCxWR91cjtXRK3TwES2C0scry1Q-8HR3UO~f3W4g3NXuoCtQDp73TsSZjKqZNl3A4MVKlI7oHaAhK96MpGdSiPMg3T8KqdYprH0w3lCPDbR0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Selma CA","date","2025-03-22T00:16:35.74Z","article","Selma’s Business Improvement District (BID) told the City Council March 18 that a restrictive storefront improvement grant program had discouraged applicants; BID members asked the council to broaden eligibility and help spur downtown façade investments.

Council voted to remove the conflict‑of‑interest language that had barred BID board members, property‑managers and other affiliated individuals from applying for matching storefront grants. The motion passed in a roll call that included one abstention (Councilmember Trujillo). Staff said the program remains a 50% matching grant up to $10,000 per project, with a $100,000 city allocation for the program in total.

The BID and city staff asked council to delay adding paint as an immediately eligible grant item until the city finalizes design guidelines and a color palette. Staff advised that awarding paint money before the design guidelines are adopted could require later corrective action. Council agreed to schedule a public workshop to review draft design guidelines and choose a color palette; proposed workshop dates are May 13 and May 15, and staff will coordinate availability for BID members, planning commissioners and council members.

The BID reported it supports preserving brick as the primary facade material, allowing cohesive base colors and limited bold accent colors, and prioritizing awnings, signage and storefront‑level repairs. BID member Ramza Khouri told council the board recommended expanding the grant’s eligible activities (to include awnings and paint) after the design‑guidelines workshop and urged the council to remove the restrictive conflict language that had discouraged property owners from applying.

Why it matters: Removing eligibility restrictions could allow more downtown property owners, managers and tenants to access matching funds and accelerate façade improvements. The city budget includes $100,000 for the program; council members asked staff to ensure clear guidelines and a fair scoring rubric when the BID evaluates applications.

Next steps: Staff will revise grant documentation to strike the conflict clause, publish updated application materials and accept applications consistent with existing scoring rules. A design‑guideline workshop will be scheduled in mid‑May; the BID will bring visual renderings and sample palettes for public comment, then finalize recommended colors for council consideration.

Quote from the meeting: “I would recommend that we open it up for additional property owners to be able to apply or tenants or landlords. And maybe do make the addition of the paint and other things tonight pending, finalizing the design guidelines and color palette for downtown so you don't have to bring it back a second time.” (Ramza Khouri, BID board member)","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Selma City Council Meeting: 03/18/2025","oneSentenceSummary","After a BID presentation March 18, Selma City Council voted to remove conflict‑of‑interest language that had kept BID members, property managers and related parties from applying for matching storefront grants.","taxTitle","Selma City, Fresno County, California","taxId",71639,"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},6117339,"Mid Valley reports successful alley rollout for Phase 1; Phase 2 scheduled for April 28",310,3600000,3910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730540-86f2f9ba973872a9b0ab5ee4aa4064e4&start=3600&end=3910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730540-86f2f9ba973872a9b0ab5ee4aa4064e4/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6117339/Selma-City/Fresno-County/California/Mid-Valley-reports-successful-alley-rollout-for-Phase-1-Phase-2-scheduled-for-April-28","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117339-84648c682afba463bc2bd90c26b27dce/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433670&Signature=Mo8Ke0ItdfNDFceFQr6ub30b-IpsFIJpffDKlazzIk9mHWhSKmIQ8UrZq7NrRrr~-GLFtG0e1Y9MQrh2AvMV53cFQHKua4DOU-kI-a4IZaRgQWpyHWjasrRUbUda1Fsjvr8bg6kZZU2iPSRZb~aADU2ZMc2bT8Iz1hhXsYwVWtWY4CfrZ~7dK~RmHHLA2ii4K7dU0KmvpsKltKkXambt2O8bYX2A-H9Vsh1cyLoZsnk6f~ZMlYPwVykMs8QKfJA6JuEe2W0pXa4i9nvFapvevz6k0BORXtIrbbDlnMA4X353KAg0ZlGHh2czanZCvZGeZOeBuxfnHoDzW13hyGQ1lQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mid Valley Disposal presented the company’s alley‑collection update to the Selma City Council March 18 and said Phase 1 of returning curbside collection to alleys largely succeeded.

Joseph Kalpikoff, president of Mid Valley Disposal, reported that crews delivered door hangers and labeled carts with addresses before the March 3 switchover for Phase 1. He said participation was about 90 percent in the first week; the company used scout trucks and route crews to collect carts that had not been returned to alleys and left additional notices. Mid Valley distributed address labels on carts to identify and return out‑of‑place containers.

Mid Valley identified a Phase 2 area and presented a tentative schedule that would send notification letters the week of April 7–11 and start alley pickups on Monday, April 28, 2025. The company said it planned a two‑week grace period, mirroring Phase 1 practice. Mid Valley and city staff noted several alleys that need vegetation or minor clearing work; the city’s code and public‑works staff have been coordinating to fix those impediments before collection begins in each alley.

Council members and residents thanked Mid Valley for outreach; a council vehicle tour of alley issues was cited as productive. City staff confirmed an April 26 community cleanup at the Selma Unified School District bus barn.

Why it matters: Restoring alley service affects many downtown and neighborhood residents: it changes where carts are stored, how residents set out waste, and how the city enforces alley maintenance and vegetation codes. Mid Valley’s staged approach and the city’s two‑week grace period are intended to reduce missed collections and confusion.

Next steps: Mid Valley and city staff will continue to notify affected households, coordinate minor code‑compliance work on obstructed alleys and return to council with updates if the April 28 implementation timeline is adjusted.

Selected excerpts from the presentation: “We went out a couple weeks before March 3. … We sent route crews and scout trucks out to dump the ones that weren’t put back in the alley, and we removed them back in the alley for the customer at that time and left another door hanger for them.” (Joseph Kalpikoff)","Mid Valley Disposal told Selma City Council March 18 that an alley‑based solid‑waste rollout achieved roughly 90% participation in Phase 1; Phase 2 of moving curbside service back to alleys is scheduled to go live April 28 with notification and a two‑week grace period.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117345,"Selma Community Outreach Ministries urges council for funding after describing outreach, housing and anti‑fentanyl work",3011,8026000,11037000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730540-86f2f9ba973872a9b0ab5ee4aa4064e4&start=8026&end=11037","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730540-86f2f9ba973872a9b0ab5ee4aa4064e4/thumbnail_8026000.jpg","/articles/6117345/Selma-City/Fresno-County/California/Selma-Community-Outreach-Ministries-urges-council-for-funding-after-describing-outreach-housing-and-antifentanyl-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117345-1be30b6d538337572db7c2f564468459/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433670&Signature=bXNP4HK65r1XycZ4L2M2B0hJ3~cBBdWo8Sah96wvSIVkls1DH40FUdPmY70CttYWFi83fN7xHN5taOuCJE3sabSlJlPpBx0M~klyCnWgXHGEhmxf7p-HqbUc4SfK1BmWd6bvQjGxPFLiMR4CDWFA4U-h0Q~jHkGZqm1iZnwf6FPR9m4bYLmG6iyJusbGeh8hUVcpIPt~4wCAhg0eb~XWgKQmsPHGrr4fCc2FqiFZFOpj5GkbTRtHR6hlS7MZyi0ZyOjav8TUY2nb~yFv8ct~QoKrcXOP8aNJ5ksO0LRtPVPU3WcPbp6eNMYfngtYlMdQ~ulPEUuZmBFmJY~Sov55zQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pastor Delfina, who leads Selma Community Outreach Ministries (SelmaCom), asked Selma City Council March 18 for city support after detailing a multi‑year, grant‑funded operation that provides meals, showers, diversion, rapid rehousing and case‑management services to people experiencing homelessness and addiction.

Pastor Delfina told the council the group operates daily services from a downtown facility and runs an outreach shower trailer, twice‑monthly community food distributions, and a multi‑component diversion and “hand‑up” rapid‑rehousing program. She said SelmaCom’s in‑house case managers have housed people removed from the streets and helped arrange medical, benefits and treatment links for those who seek assistance.

Apostle Andy Barraza and staff described a new youth curriculum called “The Truth About Drugs,” aimed at 13–17 year olds; the ministry said fentanyl‑laced pills are now the urgent local threat and recommended in‑school and community education. Multiple residents and clients testified about recovery and rehousing outcomes they attributed to SelmaCom’s programs.

Pastor Delfina requested a pilot city allocation — she suggested $50,000 to cover staff and direct assistance — and offered to provide monthly accounting and program metrics if the council considers a grant. Some council members and attendees suggested a smaller pilot (for example $25,000) and asked for detailed, auditable reporting and clearly defined performance targets before committing ongoing funds.

Why it matters: Council members said they want to support services that reduce street homelessness, address public safety and help residents recover from addiction. Staff advised that any city funding would need contract terms, measurable outcomes and a clear compliance path; SelmaCom and supporters said the organization already keeps case records and can provide monthly tallies of clients served.

What happened next: Council directed staff to include the item in budget discussions and to return to council before final appropriations with recommended contracting language and performance measures. Council members asked for an initial, short written proposal that would specify deliverables, timelines and a reporting cadence so the city can weigh a pilot allocation in time for the next budget cycle.

Key numbers and details provided by SelmaCom during its presentation: average monthly meals distributed (example cited: 1,500 families served twice monthly when those distributions take place), shower‑ministry costs (roughly $1,500 monthly for operation of a two‑stalled shower trailer), average cost per month for daily meals (SelmaCom estimated about $3,250/month based on approximately 325 meals). Pastor Delfina requested $50,000 as an example of one-time direct assistance funding, and said staff capacity would improve results if funded.

Community response: More than a dozen current or former clients, volunteers and partner nonprofits described successful housing and treatment outcomes after working with SelmaCom; one family described being able to move from street sheltering to stable housing. Several attendees urged the council to pilot a smaller amount and add accountability measures.

Next steps: City staff will return to council with a proposed contracting approach, recommended performance metrics and options for an initial pilot allocation to be considered during upcoming budget discussions.","Pastor Delfina and Selma Community Outreach Ministries (SelmaCom) presented a large roster of services—meals, showers, diversion and rapid rehousing—and asked the council to consider funding to expand staff and client assistance. Speakers gave personal testimonials and asked that the city pilot a modest, accountable allocation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117350,"Selma council approves emergency fee waiver, adopts multiple ordinance measures; housing zoning amendment moves ahead",621,7379000,8000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730540-86f2f9ba973872a9b0ab5ee4aa4064e4&start=7379&end=8000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730540-86f2f9ba973872a9b0ab5ee4aa4064e4/thumbnail_7379000.jpg","/articles/6117350/Selma-City/Fresno-County/California/Selma-council-approves-emergency-fee-waiver-adopts-multiple-ordinance-measures-housing-zoning-amendment-moves-ahead","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117350-93a4b6b620998ca07fb57e58e9e54e09/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433670&Signature=OXMVPJNXMzERUOIAKepKzmiz3dV5YnXU7ckNa7xewXfFmVZ1pBumjQBjUimkzAne3y9bDcd~AaPUh8ImG1QOlBPIMzQfIOK6ulAgPuktXE3MFSXAh4BqP8EzfJcmO5WgjGCBdak0ioJCYJOs7TjJKhTKhwg4i8P6-o3BKICVcam2PNqGmvFBPR9azyCbU48EmfPnkhmPnDadl38Gj~TAXSQrEtsh7klmGP~zkfW0VxmqtUqvmW2VEtxe6k8pjexmm2kafwU9RUEva5fzfVyqJmYKTEQT6pGLjPEfeV1W5itGRhxwbC9D-3xkuqXGmA8BnFoZJ7WjCc3pge4xQxVAZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Selma City Council members voted March 18 to add an emergency item to the agenda and approve a fee waiver for a conditional use permit that a downtown business needed to proceed with a children’s thrift store lease.

The waiver was added as an emergency item by a 5-0 roll call and the council then voted to approve waiving the CUP application fee (approximately $4,000) so the applicant could move forward with leasing the storefront. Council discussion repeatedly noted the waiver would not itself approve the CUP; the planning commission must still consider the permit with public noticing and staff review.

The meeting also included votes and formal actions on several municipal measures. The council: approved the second reading and adoption of an ordinance to add the Tejano Festival and Día de los Muertos to the city’s list of legacy events and waive one‑day business-license requirements for vendors; changed its regular meeting days from the first and third Monday to the first and third Tuesday; approved acceptance of two Selma Healthcare District grant agreements for CPR training and automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices (see separate item); and advanced the housing-element zoning amendment by approving the ordinance’s first reading.

On the graffiti-removal ordinance (introduction/first reading), the council approved revised language allowing the city to remove graffiti from private property after notice and, if the property owner signs a short consent form, to arrange city crews to remove graffiti. Council amended the proposed timeline so property owners would have up to 10 days to remedy graffiti after receiving notice, rather than 72 hours. The ordinance’s language also creates a graduated enforcement path that could include fines and, if fines accumulate to a threshold, court action to allow entry.

Why it matters: The unanimous emergency waiver cleared a short-term hurdle for a small downtown business and prompted the council to schedule the CUP before the planning commission. The housing-related ordinance amendment is the last step required to obtain final state certification of Selma’s housing element; certification unlocks access to state housing grants and aligns local zoning with required densities.

Votes at a glance:
- Emergency addition of children’s thrift store CUP fee waiver to the agenda — motion to add passed 5-0 (roll call: Avalos, Guerra, Oseguera, Trujillo, Robertson: Yes). The waiver was placed on the next council agenda as item 4-0 and later considered under 4-0/4-1.
- Conditional Use Permit fee waiver for proposed children’s thrift store (added emergency item) — approved 5-0; city clerk recorded roll call (Avalos: Aye; Guerra: Yes; Oseguera: Yes; Trujillo: Yes; Mayor Robertson: Yes).
- Ordinance 2025-01 (second reading/adoption): add Tejano Festival and Día de los Muertos to legacy events and waive one‑day vendor license for legacy events — adopted by roll call (Yes: all voting members present).
- Ordinance 2025-02 (second reading/adoption): change regular City Council meeting days from the first & third Monday to the first & third Tuesday — adopted by roll call (Yes: all voting members present).
- Ordinance 2025-03 (first reading approved): amendment to municipal code to implement housing-element Program 7 (allowing housing by right on priority sites at minimum densities) — council approved first reading; vote recorded by roll call (Yes: all voting members present).
- Ordinance 2025-04 (introduction/first reading): amendments to Selma Municipal Code 6-21-6 relating to graffiti removal — council approved the introduction/first reading and amended the compliance period to 10 days; vote recorded by roll call with all Yes votes.
- Selma Healthcare District grant agreements (Resolutions accepting grants for three LUCAS devices and CPR training): Council approved the agreements and authorized the Selma Community Enhancement Corporation to act as conduit for funds (motion/roll call: all Yes on combined items 2.3 and 2.4).

What council did not decide tonight: Planning commission review and any final CUP adoption for the thrift-store application remain required. The graffiti ordinance received the first-reading approval; a future hearing will consider adoption after the consent form and final language are circulated.","At a special joint meeting March 18, 2025, the Selma City Council added an emergency agenda item and unanimously approved a conditional use permit (CUP) fee waiver for a proposed children’s thrift store. The council also moved to adopt or advance several ordinances and accepted a healthcare-district grant for CPR equipment.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117330,"Council approves first reading of graffiti‑removal revisions; changes compliance window to 10 days",1598,11216000,12814000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730540-86f2f9ba973872a9b0ab5ee4aa4064e4&start=11216&end=12814","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730540-86f2f9ba973872a9b0ab5ee4aa4064e4/thumbnail_11216000.jpg","/articles/6117330/Selma-City/Fresno-County/California/Council-approves-first-reading-of-graffitiremoval-revisions-changes-compliance-window-to-10-days","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117330-3b90716b791571b0a14f039fb78dafb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433670&Signature=HSeGdz-pZhZZGvDzEo4HdOCfBelZ5cudbbSN8ilmrwZgFEb~3Loxj93z874~Y61x27SdEQB26WBqRKOknPU7H0i9a8Lonl-Gh1MTyvpRQNRPH70XqcYYtRIRldyXOZAdCwr9k4JpdBg0cLxYgQQ5R7ggRuE3QdGtDz0hHpc9cQQ6ZuvnFtiQGKTjd0CfkXhPfmY7ssRY7JGWYlvYuA9OGSo5q24NT5RiBwGVTdnMQ9DlQSAs2doXYA8BcB6aHjhuVClVJYssB3YvmcvWco5tC-Rjj-TPLhkKYHK7yH8nTXANZEUAbvZk13pJjyH7tnwjLHzZIw4HNVpKJVCRiuCA1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Selma’s city attorney presented a revision to the municipal graffiti‑removal ordinance at the council meeting March 18 that replaces an unconstitutional consent requirement with a short, three‑sentence consent form property owners can sign to authorize city crews to enter and remove graffiti from private property.

Under the revised process the city will deliver a written notice that graffiti is present; the notice will include a simple consent form property owners can sign to authorize city entry for removal and to waive liability for incidental damage tied to the cleanup. If the owner does not sign the consent and the graffiti is not removed within the compliance period, fines may be assessed daily. Once fines reach a set threshold (the draft cites $1,500 as an example), the city attorney will be authorized to file for a court order allowing entry and recovery of removal costs.

Council members debated the practical challenges of matching paint on fences and walls. Public‑works staff explained that block walls, wood fences and brick require different removal methods and paint‑matching is not always exact; public‑works staff cautioned against a practice that would obligate the city to repaint entire fences when only a small area is tagged. The council amended the originally proposed 72‑hour compliance period to 10 days to account for mailed notices and logistic realities; the city attorney said mailed notices legally add time for receipt but the ordinance will explicitly state the 10‑day rule. The council approved the introduction/first reading with the 10‑day amendment by roll call.

Why it matters: The change was driven by constitutional concerns about mandating property owners to consent to city entry. The new process aims to speed removal by offering a simple consent option and by deputizing city crews to do cleanups where owners agree, while preserving due‑process and a path to court action when owners do not comply.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the short consent form and publish it online; the council will consider final adoption on a future meeting agenda after staff provides final language and an estimate of expected program costs. Councilmembers asked public works to prepare a rough budget to allow crews to do graffiti removal on private property when owners consent and to return with historical remove‑and‑cost data.","Selma City Council introduced and approved first reading March 18 of an amendment to the municipal graffiti ordinance that creates a short consent form allowing property owners to authorize city crews to remove graffiti; the council amended the timing to give owners 10 days to comply after receiving notice.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

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Mid Valley reports successful alley rollout for Phase 1; Phase 2 scheduled for April 28

Selma Community Outreach Ministries urges council for funding after describing outreach, housing and anti‑fentanyl work

Selma council approves emergency fee waiver, adopts multiple ordinance measures; housing zoning amendment moves ahead

Council approves first reading of graffiti‑removal revisions; changes compliance window to 10 days