REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
December 8, 2016
FROM: THOMAS C. ESQUEDA, Director
Department of Public Utilities
THROUGH: BRIAN S. SPINDOR, PE, Assistant Director
Department of Public Utilities
BY: ROSA LAU-STAGGS, Wastewater Manager-Environmental Services
Department of Public Utilities - Wastewater Management Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions related to leasing 550 acres of City-owned land at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Council District 3):
1. Adopt findings of Categorical Exemptions pursuant to Sections 15301/Class 1, 15304/Class 4, and 15325(b)/Class 25 of the CEQA Guidelines.
2. Approve an agricultural Lease and Agreement with James Cook in the amount of $795,300 for lease of 550 acres for a three-year term.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends City Council adopt findings of Categorical Exemptions pursuant to Section 15301, 15304, and 15325(b) of the CEQA Guidelines; approve an agricultural Lease and Agreement with James Cook, an individual, at the lease rate of $265,100 per year for 550 acres of City-owned land at the Fresno-Clovis Reclamation Facility (RWRF); and authorize the Director of Public Utilities or designee to execute the Lease and Agreement and subsequent extensions on the City's behalf.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Wastewater Management Division (WMD) completed advertising and competitive proposal process for leasing 550 acres, various parcels, at the RWRF for APN 327-030-41, APN 327-030-22s, APN 327-040-08, APN 327-040-11 and APN 327-040-26. Of three proposers, James Cook submitted the highest proposal amount per acre. The Lease and Agreement provides for an initial three-year term (January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2019) with an option of two additional one-year extensions. Approval of the Lease and Agreement will result in lease revenues to the Wastewater Enterprise Fund of $795,300, or up to $1,325,500 if the two one-year extension terms are exercised.
BACKGROUND
Wastewater Management Div...
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