REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director Public Works Department BY: JILL M. GORMLEY, TE, Assistant Director Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division JASON A. CAMIT, PLS, Chief Surveyor Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division SUBJECT ..Title RESOLUTION - Dedicating portions of City-owned property to accommodate the construction of the new public utilities associated with the Les Kimber Park Project (Council District 3) ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Council approve the resolution dedicating portions of City-owned property to accommodate the construction of the new public utilities associated with the Les Kimber Park Project. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Les Kimber Park Project ("Project") includes acquisition of residential and commercial properties. One of these properties (Assessor's Parcel Numbers 479-060-18T, previously 479-060-15, and 479-060-17) is located within the Walnut-Jensen-Martin Luther King-Church quadrant, along South West Creek Village Way. The project will require the construction of new public utility facilities onto this City-owned property to accommodate the construction of and long-term operation of electrical facilities for the Project. The proposed public utility easement deeds are listed as Exhibits "A" and "B", respectively on the attached resolution. BACKGROUND The Project represents a significant municipal investment in the revitalization and enhancement of public spaces within Southwest Fresno. The project site, located within the Walnut-Jensen-Martin Luther King-Church quadrant, was officially designated as "Les Kimber Park" by City Council resolution in recognition of the late Councilmember Les Kimber's contributions to the community and his legacy of civic engagement and advocacy for West Fresno residents. The park is envisioned as a central recreational and cultural hub, supporting the City's broader goals of equitable access to quality public amenities and neighborhood revitalization. The City has purchased several residential and commercial properties to accommodate the construction of this Project. One of these properties (Assessor's Parcel Numbers 479-060-18T, previously 479-060-15, and 479-060-17) is located within the Walnut-Jensen-Martin Luter King-Church quadrant, along South West Creek Village Way. With the construction of this Project, a portion of this land has been designated to have public utilities constructed adjacent to the existing street right of way. The new public utility facilities in the construction area will need City-owned property with a public utility easement to energize said Les Kimber Park and the surrounding area. City Attorney's Office has approved the attached Resolution to Vacate as to form. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS Based upon the attached findings, it has been determined that no further environmental documentation is required for Environmental Assessment Application No. PW13227. This Project was found to be categorically exempt pursuant to 15301 (b) and 15304 Class 4 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and was certified by Fresno City Council on August 24, 2023. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference does not apply because the dedication of a public utility easement does not involve bidding or contracting. FISCAL IMPACT The Project is within Council District 3. The project is funded by a combination of Transformative Climate Communities grant funding, local Development Park Impact Fees and one-third developer contribution for a portion of the supporting improvements, as detailed in the West Creek Village Development Agreement. All funds necessary for the acquisition are included in the current fiscal year budget as previously adopted by the City Council. Attachments: Resolution Vicinity Map Location Map