Report Prepared by: Bill Osmer, Public Works Manager - Wastewater
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of an Agricultural Lease Agreement for the Bloss Ranch Property with Joel A. Cozzi for Cattle Grazing from December 21, 2026, to May 31, 2030, with an Option to Extend for One Additional Three-Year Term, in the Amount of $29,000 Per Year
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers an agricultural lease agreement for the Bloss Ranch Property, located at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, with Joel A. Cozzi, for cattle grazing in an annual amount of $29,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council – Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the agricultural lease agreement with Joel A. Cozzi; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2026/2027 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
In 2005 the City purchased approximately 349 acres of land south and east of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) from the Vander Woude Dairy as an odor buffer. This land is called the Bloss Ranch in reference to a former owner. Since the purchase of Bloss Ranch, the WWTP has leased the land to local farmers for cattle grazing. The most recent lease agreement ends in December 2026.
In July 2026, the WWTP sent out a Request for Proposals to lease the Bloss Ranch Property with a specified minimum rental of $27,584 per year. The WWTF received one proposal.
Proposer
Proposal Amount
Joel A. Cozzi
$29,000
As the only responsive bidder, WWTF staff would like to award the agricultural lease to Joel A. Cozzi.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No funding needed. Revenue from the agricultural lease will be deposited into the Wastewater Enterprise Fund account line 60006070-417307 Rent &...
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