Camarillo City Council
AGENDA REPORT
Date: December 11, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Greg Ramirez, City Manager
Submitted by: David Sanchez, Community Development Director Subject: Award On-Call Professional Services Agreements for CEQA Consulting Services to Rincon Consultants, Inc. and Michael Baker International
BACKGROUND
The City of Camarillo utilizes on-call agreements to efficiently address specialized consulting needs, including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance.
These agreements streamline processes by providing prequalified consultants with set time-and-material rates to support environmental review for development projects.
DISCUSSION
On October 7, 2024, the City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) inviting firms to provide CEQA consulting services on an as-needed basis. The RFQ outlined the City's need for professional services in preparing various environmental documents, including Initial Studies, Environmental Impact Reports, and Mitigated Negative Declarations, as well as technical studies and public meetings.
After receiving and evaluating proposals, staff recommends approving agreements with both Michael Baker International and Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Michael Baker International is a nationally recognized firm with extensive experience in CEQA consulting services, providing on-call environmental services for cities such as Ventura, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, and Long Beach. Their expertise includes preparing Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), Initial Studies, and Mitigated Negative Declarations, along with technical studies such as air quality analyses, noise assessments, and greenhouse gas emissions evaluations. Michael Baker’s familiarity with the CEQA process and strong relationships with state and local agencies streamline the environmental review process, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The rates of compensation are consistent with their agreements for similar services with other
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municipalities. Specific details regarding hourly rates can be found on page 29 of the SRQ provided by Michael Baker International.
Rincon Consultants, Inc. is a Ventura-based firm with over 30 years of CEQA consulting experience, specializing in Initial Studies, EIRs, and other environmental documentation.
Rincon has successfully completed on-call contracts with cities including Ventura, Oxnard, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks, establishing a deep understanding of regional planning and environmental requirements. Their local knowledge and ability to navigate CEQA processes ensure efficient project approvals and lower costs for clients. The rates of compensation are consistent with their agreements for similar services with other municipalities. Specific details regarding hourly rates can be found on the Fee Schedule located on pages 23-25 of the SRQ provided by Rincon Consultants, Inc.
These firms have demonstrated strong qualifications, extensive experience, and a proven track record of successful CEQA compliance projects in Camarillo and surrounding jurisdictions.
The agreements are for a one-year term, with the option of a two-year extension, and will support the City's ability to respond promptly to environmental analysis needs.
Engaging both Michael Baker International and Rincon Consultants, Inc., as on-call CEQA consultants provides the City of Camarillo with flexibility, expertise, and capacity to manage diverse environmental compliance needs. Michael Baker offers technical expertise in large-scale projects and specialized studies, while Rincon brings strong local knowledge and a proven track record in Ventura County. Having two firms ensures the city can handle multiple projects efficiently, reduces reliance on a single provider, and promotes cost-effectiveness through competition for task orders. This approach minimizes risks and ensures the city is well-prepared to meet its CEQA obligations.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no budget impact as a result of this action. The services provided by Michael Baker International and Rincon Consultants, Inc. will be on an as-needed basis through task orders. Applicants will deposit funds into a trust account with the City for payment to Michael Baker International and Rincon Consultants, Inc. Any funds remaining in the trust account after the task is completed will be returned to the Applicant.
CEQA DETERMINATIONS
City staff has determined, in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, that this action is exempt from CEQA review because awarding the agreements will not result in any physical changes to the environment or have the potential to cause significant environmental impacts.
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RECOMMENDATION
1. Find that approving on-call CEQA consulting services agreements is exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guideline 15061(b)(3).
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement No. 2024-196 with Michael Baker International.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement No. 2024-197 with Rincon Consultants, Inc.
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute amendments and change orders, if required, within the approved budget limits.
ATTACHMENTS
1. CC Agreement No. 2024-196 – Michael Baker International
2. CC Agreement No. 2024-197 – Rincon Consultants, Inc.
3. Statement of Qualifications – Michael Baker International
4.Statement of Qualifications – Rincon Consultants, Inc.
REFERENCE MATERIALS – AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT CITY HALL None