REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director Public Works Department BY: BRIAN E. RUSSELL, Assistant Director Public Works Department, Streets, Landscape, and Graffiti Divisions ERIK LAFON, Project Manager Public Works Department, Landscape Maintenance Division SUBJECT ..Title ***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the Public Works Director to execute an Operating Agreement with the San Joaquin River Conservancy for the San Joaquin River Parkway (Council District 2 and 6) (Subject to Mayor's Veto). ..Body RECOMMENDATION Approve a Resolution authorizing the Public Works Director to execute the Operating Agreement with the San Joaquin River Conservancy for maintenance and operation of the San Joaquin River Parkway. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This item requests City Council approval of the Resolution pertaining to the Operating Agreement between the City of Fresno and the San Joaquin River Conservancy. The Agreement outlines the City's responsibilities for maintenance and operations at Jensen River Ranch and the Jensen River Ranch Extension, both properties are owned by the Conservancy and located along the San Joaquin River. The Agreement formalizes an ongoing partnership, clarifies the scope of work, and includes an approved fire break plan to support fire prevention. All work will be performed using existing staff and funded through Measure P San Joaquin River Parkway subprogram funds. BACKGROUND The San Joaquin River Conservancy owns and manages land along the San Joaquin River within the City of Fresno. Since 2003, the City has maintained portions of these properties, including Jensen River Ranch, beginning with the design and construction of the MacMichael Loop Trail. Although a draft operating agreement was circulated in 2005 to formalize the City's maintenance responsibilities, it was never finalized. This new Operating Agreement establishes clear roles and responsibilities for maintenance and operations at Jensen River Ranch and the adjacent extension area. Under the Agreement, the City will be responsible for routine maintenance such as trash removal, trail repairs, weed abatement, irrigation system maintenance, fire hazard mitigation and graffiti abatement. The Conservancy retains ownership of the land and oversight of improvements. An approved fire break plan is included in the Agreement. The City is not responsible for riverbank and shoreline management, encampment removal or hazardous cleanup. The Native Garden maintenance will continue to be handled by Native partners. This Resolution is to authorize the Public Works Director to execute the Agreement. The Agreement has been reviewed and approved to form by the City Attorney's Office. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS This Action is not a project under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities). Any future physical improvements will be subject to separate environmental review. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference is not included because this resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract. FISCAL IMPACT There is no impact on the General Fund. Maintenance will be funded through Measure P appropriations previously approved by Council as part of the FY2026 budget for the Public Works Department. Attachment: Resolution