July Newsletter
Executive Officer's Report
This fiscal year is off to a great start and the positive momentum continues:
- The regulations have been submitted and accepted by the Office of Administrative Law. We are anticipating that they will be adopted by October 1, 2025.
- The Conservancy submitted our first ever Workforce and Succession Management Plan, which is required by CalHR. Having a comprehensive Workforce and Succession Management Plan is critical and allows staff to plan for and adapt to the inevitable changes in the workforce.
- On July 30 the Fresno Bee ran an article acknowledging the “good work” and progress the Conservancy is making. “The point here is that in many measurable, tangible metrics, the San Joaquin River Parkway is in a much better place. Just in time, too. Because after the pandemic forced thousands of people from Fresno and Clovis to seek out recreational opportunities closer to their homes, the secret was out.” Read the full article here.
- At the August Board Meeting and Workshop we will be discussing the draft Fee Collection Policy, which when adopted will provide much needed funding for operations and maintenance at open parkway properties.
Administrative and Contract Developments
The Administrative Unit has been working on closing out the 24/25 fiscal year budget, purchases, and contracts. Simultaneously they have been inputting data for the 25/26 fiscal year and projecting the budget. Remaining funds from the Environmental License Plate Fund from the 24/25 fiscal year were used to purchase much needed supplies for the office including a commercial copier and printer, so that staff may more efficiently digitalize files and print necessary documents, for example the board packets, without reliance on outside sources. New Surface Pro laptops were purchased in anticipation of there being new staff and interns.
Administrative and Project Management staff met with DGS and CalVets to evaluate the Conservancy’s small business (SB) and disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) supplier participation metrics. Staff will continue to receive outside guidance on how to improve SB and DVBE participation, including attending trainings, networking opportunities, and drafting an official policy on SB/DVBE participation for the Conservancy. The Conservancy has already began to put into practice “SB/DVBE first” in when it comes to service agreements. For example staff are currently working with a DVBE Vendor on plumbing and HVAC Services at Lanes so that it will be more energy efficient and another step towards being able to be used as a conference center in the future.
Partnerships and Property Updates
The Project Management Unit has been busy partnering with local agencies and volunteer organizations on a wide array of projects this month. Project Management staff worked with Beautify Fresno, CHP, Fresno HART, and the Fresno Canoe and Kayak Club for the planning and execution of a major cleanup at River Vista. The cleanup event lead to over 900 pounds of trash removed and had over 70 volunteers participating. Through the contract with the California Conservation Corps fire fuel reduction work was completed at Wildwood and Lanes. Additionally, due to previous fire fuel reduction efforts, the brush fire at River West on July 17 was prevented from spreading to nearby properties and residences. Park Maintenance staff have fabricated and installed new fencing at multiple locations, including a vehicle barrier at Wildwood and new split rail fencing between the launch road at Lanes and Jensen River Ranch Extension. Preparations are also under way for new staff and interns, including creating duty statements and onboarding materials, attending workshops and trainings, and designating new work spaces.
Parkway Visitors
You never know who will show up when you’re on the parkway. This month staff were visited at the Lanes office by a bobcat among many other frequent animal visitors. We invite our board members to join us in the office during work hours, we have wi-fi, desks, and parkway views to share!