Sparks fly as Bredefeld zeroes in on Fresno County’s COVID, electrical contracts

New Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld scrapped with Board Chairman Buddy Mendes over reviewing contract approvals during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting

Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld pledged to shake-up the County of Fresno. Two meetings in, sparks began to fly with the North Fresno rep getting into a tussle with Fresno County Board of Supervisors Chairman Buddy Mendes during Tuesday’s meeting.

The duo sparred over Bredefeld asking a question about an item on the agenda that he pulled. 

What happened: The argument started with a contract the county had on the agenda with Electric Power Systems International, Inc., for high-voltage electrical repair, maintenance and certification services as needed. 

  • The contract starts with an initial three-year term with two optional one-year extensions, totaling $3.5 million if it goes the full five years. 
  • Bredefeld asked county staff if there is a local company that can provide these services and was informed that Electric Power Systems has a local branch. 
  • “I’m just going to tell you, if you had done your research, talked to them, you wouldn’t even needed to pull this item,” Mendes told Bredefeld. 
  • “You know Chairman, I’m going to run my questions the way I want. I don’t need you lecturing me,” Bredefeld responded. 
  • Mendes quipped, “Well I don’t give a shit what the hell you say.” 
  • “I don’t care what you say Mr. Chairman,” Bredefeld said. “I will ask out in the public any question I want whether you like it or not.” 
  • “I don’t care,” Mendes said 
  • “I don’t either,” Bredefeld responded. “That’s why we’re here. We’re here for transparency and accountability. This is the public. This is the public’s business. If you don’t like it, tough.” 

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Another item of note: The board approved an agreement with the California Department of Public Health for the continued participation in the COVID Network of California Laboratories for SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing Services, which comes at no net county cost. 

  • As part of the program, the county submits COVID-19 samples to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). 
  • The contract, though, includes an indemnification clause protecting the CDPH from any liability. 
  • The clause reads as follows: “Indemnification: Participant hereby agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the CDPH from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs and other expenses (including attorneys’ fees) that result from or arise directly or indirectly out of or in connection with any negligent act or omission or willful misconduct of Participant, its officers, workforce members or agents relative to this Agreement.” 
  • Bredefeld asked county staff why the county would agree to indemnify the CDPH against willful misconduct. 
  • Fresno County Counsel Daniel Cederborg said the county will not have the program if it does not sign the contract as it was delivered from the state. 
  • “It is what it is, though,” Bredefeld said. “It is indemnifying the California Department of Public health, not ourselves.” 
  • Bredefeld continued, “I’m not going to support this. I’m not going to indemnify people who’ve already proven a terrible record, hurt people so much, made sure that people don’t trust the science anymore.” 
  • After questions for clarification from Supervisor Nathan Magsig, Cederborg said the indemnification is for any action or malfeasance on the part of the county. 
  • Magsig made a motion to clarify the language of the contract to state that the county only indemnifies the CDPH for acts that the county caused, as well as language stating the CDPH will indemnify the county for acts caused by the state. 
  • The contract was approved with Magsig’s changes on a 4-1 vote, with Bredefeld casting the lone vote in opposition. 

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