Council tables proposed lease of city farmland to James F. Cook

A proposed lease would let James F. Cook farm about 305.88 acres of city-owned land near the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility for four years, with two possible one-year extensions. Cook would pay the city $80,227.05 per year, generating $320,908 over four years and up to $481,362 over six years. Crops would be limited to non-human consumption, and recycled wastewater would be used on part of the property. The City Council tabled the matter on Nov. 5, 2026.

Actions pertaining to the lease of city-owned agricultural land at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Bid File #9704) (District 3) 1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination pursuant to Sections 15301/Class 1 and 15304/Class 4 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines 2. Approve a Lease Agreement between the City of Fresno and James F. Cook in the amount of $80,227.05 annually for lease of approximately 305.88 acres of City-owned agricultural land at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (RWRF) for an initial term of four years, plus two optional one-year extensions totaling $481,362 in rent

Nov 5, 2026ID 26-1443: Actions pertaining to the lease of city-owned agricultural land at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Bid File #9704) (District 3) 1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination pursuant to Sections 15301/Class 1 and 15304/Class 4 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines 2. Approve a Lease Agreement between the City of Fresno and James F. Cook in the amount of $80,227.05 annually for lease of approximately 305.88 acSource documentPDF 1PDF 2PDF 3PDF 4PDF 5