Carlsbad City Council
September 30, 2025

CA Review TL
Meeting Date: Sept. 30, 2025
To: President and Board Members
From: Geoff Patnoe, Executive Manager
Staff Contact: Keri Martinez, District Engineer
[email protected], 442-339-2354
Dave Padilla, Assistant General Manager
[email protected], 442-339-2356
Subject: Options for the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study District: 2
Reco
mmended Action
Option 1
Adopt a Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors resolution authorizing execution of a professional services agreement with ForeFront Licensing, LLC for Phase 1 of the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study; or
Option 2
Adopt a Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors resolution rejecting all proposals for the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study.

Executive Summary
The City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District have envisioned installing a solar energy generating and battery energy storage system facility at the Maerkle Reservoir site, in the northeastern corner of the City of Carlsbad, to produce renewable energy, promote energy sustainability and potentially offset the CMWD’s energy costs. The next step would be to conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the relevant factors associated with a solar project development, including the potential project scope, development and operational models and the site-specific constraints.

Staff have reviewed proposals from qualified contractors to conduct the feasibility study of the potential project.

Staff are now asking the CMWD Board to authorize an agreement with ForeFront Licensing, LLC for Phase 1 of the Maerkle Reservoir Site solar feasibility study, or to choose not to proceed with the feasibility study and reject all of the proposals received.

The cost of the first phase of the study is not to exceed $470,904. Authorization to proceed with the second phase, for an amount not to exceed $828,307, would be requested from the CMWD Board in the future, based on the findings of Phase 1. The cost of both phases is not to exceed $1,299,211.

Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 1 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED The CMWD Board’s approval is required for this agreement under Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 3.28.060(D)(5) because procuring these services will cost more than $100,000 per agreement year.

Ex
planation & Analysis
Background
The City of Carlsbad’s Climate Action Plan identifies the project’s potential to achieve renewable energy production goals, and the city’s 5-Year Strategic Plan, which covers 2023 to 2027, identified this potential project as a priority.

The Maerkle Reservoir site covers about 56
undeveloped acres in northeast Carlsbad and
is bordered to the north and east by
residential communities in the cities of
Oceanside and Vista, as shown in Exhibit 3.

Staff engaged a consultant in 2023 and 2024
for a preliminary study to identify the principal
site constraints and potential land use issues
including legal, environmental, real estate,
financial and fire safety considerations.

Staff provided an update to the CMWD Board
on recent emerging fire risks for battery
storage sites and site access concerns on Nov.
19, 2024. The CMWD Board directed staff to
proceed with a comprehensive feasibility
study to evaluate these and other relevant issues to assess the viability of a solar-energy generation and BESS project at the Maerkle Reservoir site.

Timeline
• On Jan. 8, 2025, staff received statements of qualifications from three firms. Staff evaluated the qualifications and experience in the following areas:
o System financing, development and operating models
o Potential business models, such as a power purchase agreement or a land lease o System sizing, including energy production and storage capacity o Energy off-taker/load serving entity (the electric service provider to partner with)
o Land use constraints, including access and fire safety, surrounding neighborhood proximity and habitat protection
o Facility design and environmental considerations
o Electrical grid interconnection
• The CMWD Board authorized issuing a request for proposals to prequalified consulting firms for a feasibility study of a solar photovoltaic energy generation and battery energy storage system at the Maerkle Reservoir site on March 25, 2025. (Resolution No. 1766)
• Staff requested proposals for professional services for a feasibility study and preliminary design, environmental permitting, and 30% design of a solar energy Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 2 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED generating and battery energy storage system facility from two prequalified consulting firms on April 17, 2025, in accordance with Carlsbad Municipal Code Sections 3.28.050 and 3.28.060.
• The district received two proposals for the services on May 29, 2025.

A selection committee comprised of staff evaluated and ranked the proposals in accordance with Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 3.28.050(D)(2), which covers the procurement of professional services. The committee ranked ForeFront as the most qualified firm for this project based on the evaluation criteria published in the city’s request for proposals. • Staff and ForeFront began negotiating a scope of work for the feasibility study In July 2025.
• On Aug. 5, 2025, ForeFront submitted a revised proposal for phased services, with the cost of the first phase to be in an amount not to exceed $470,904.

Phased approach
This phased approach provides the CMWD with an offramp based on the findings from the first phase. The funds that have been appropriated to date and available for the project are sufficient only for that first phase.

If the Phase 1 study finds it is a viable project, then staff would return to the CMWD Board to request authorization and appropriation for Phase 2 services, which are estimated to cost $828,307, with an additional $42,000 for staff support costs. These services would include preliminary design, initiating environmental permitting, and the development of 30% of the design, including the final cost estimates, economic analysis and technical reports needed to support a request for proposals for the solar development project.

Proposed agreement
The CMWD Board can authorize execution of the professional services agreement with ForeFront for the first phase of the study by selecting Option 1, in accordance with Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 3.28.060. The term of this agreement will be for a period of one year from the effective date. The Executive Manager may amend the agreement to extend it for up to two (2) additional one (1) year periods.

The total cost for both phases of the feasibility study services to be provided by ForeFront is not to exceed $1,299,211. An additional $67,000 will be needed for staff engineering, communications and administrative costs for both phases.

If the CMWD Board desires not to spend $495,904 to evaluate the project viability’s in the first phase, or potentially more than $1.3 million for both phases, the CMWD Board can reject all proposals by selecting Option 2.

Fiscal Analysis
The estimated cost of the professional services agreement for Phase 1 is $470,904. Sufficient funds are available in Capital Improvement Program Project No 4722 for Phase 1 only, which is funded by the water replacement fund.

Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 3 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED The table below summarizes the estimated costs and available funds for both phases:

Options
Staff provide the following options for the CMWD Board’s consideration:

Opti
on 1: Adopt a resolution authorizing the execution of a professional services agreement with ForeFront Licensing, LLC to conduct Phase 1 of the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study, CIP Project No. 4722 in an amount not to exceed $470,904. (Exhibit 1.) Pros
• Obtains information needed to determine a potential scope and the viability of a solar-energy generation and battery energy storage project at the Maerkle Reservoir site and identify site-specific constraints, risks and potential site- specific mitigation measures.
• Provides an off-ramp to discontinue the project after the completion of Phase 1 services.

Cons
• Requires spending $495,904 of Capital Improvement Program water funds to determine the project’s viability in Phase 1.
• May require an additional, future appropriation of $870,307 to advance the potential project to preliminary design, environmental permitting and related activities to support a solar development project request for proposals.

Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study -Phase 1 Capital Improvement Program Project No. 4722
Total appropriation to date $518,170
Total expenditures and encumbrances to date -$20,588
Total available funds $497,582
Professional services agreement – ForeFront (Phase 1) -$470,904 Staff engineering, communications administrative costs (estimated) -$25,000 Total estimated costs (Phase 1) -$495,904
Remaining balance after Phase 1 $1,678
Additional appropriation needed (Phase 1) $0
Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study – Phase 2 Professional services agreement – ForeFront (Phase 2) -$828,307 Staff engineering, communications administrative costs (estimated) -$42,000 Total estimated costs (Phase 2) -$870,307
Estimated additional appropriation for Phase 2 (rounded) $870,000 Total estimated costs (Phase 1 and Phase 2) -$1,366,211 Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 4 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED Option 2: Adopt a resolution rejecting all proposals for the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study. (Exhibit 2.)
Pros
• Funding that was appropriated for the feasibility study could be reallocated to priority Capital Improvement Program water utility projects.

Con
s
• The information needed to determine the feasibility of a potential solar-energy generation and battery energy storage project at the Maerkle Reservoir site that could contribute toward meeting the city’s Strategic Plan goals and Climate Action Plan goals would remain unknown.
• Any future solar development project at the Maerkle Reservoir site would require a future solicitation for professional services and a comprehensive project feasibility analysis.

Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action to authorize a professional services agreement for a feasibility study for the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study is statutorily exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15262 because it involves only feasibility or planning studies, including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions that have not been approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action. The work to evaluate project feasibility and prepare conceptual designs does not have a legally binding effect on future discretionary actions to approve a project. Public input received and technical information prepared will be used during the project evaluation and planning.

Next Steps
If the CMWD Board authorizes execution of the agreement in Option 1, staff will issue a purchase order and a notice to proceed to ForeFront for the Phase 1 feasibility study. The work is estimated to begin in October 2025, with an estimated completion in spring 2026.

Upon completion of the study, staff will return to the CMWD Board to present the feasibility study findings and, if a viable project is identified, request the Board’s consideration to proceed with Phase 2.

If the CMWD Board selects Option 2, staff will move forward with rejecting all proposals received for the feasibility study.

Exhibits

1. CMWD Board resolution – Option 1

2. CMWD Board resolution – Option 2

3. Lo cation map
Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 5 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED Exhibit 1
RESOLUTION NO. .

A R

ESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CARLSBAD

MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA,

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH FOREFRONT LICENSING , LLC FOR PHASE 1 OF THE MAERKLE

RESERVOIR SITE SOLAR FEASIBILITY STUDY
WHE
REAS, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors, or CMWD Board, of the City of Carlsbad desires to explor e the feasibility of a solar energy generation and battery energy storage system project at the site of the Maerkle Reservoir, which is part of the city’s Five-Year Strategic Plan 2023-2027; and
WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad’s Climate Action Plan identifies the potential for a solar project at the Maerkle Reservoir site to assist in achieving renewable energy production goals; and WHEREAS, the Maerkle Reservoir site is owned by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, or CMWD, a subsidiary district of the City of Carlsbad; and WHEREAS, on March 25, 2025, the CMWD Board adopted Resolution No. 1766, approving issuance of a request for proposals from solar energy consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the project, Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 4722; and WHEREAS, on April 17, 2025, staff issued a request for proposals in accordance with Carlsbad Municipal Code, or CMC, Sections 3.28.050 and 3.28.060 for professional services to conduct a solar energy generation and battery energy storage system feasibility study at the Maerkle Reservoir site ; and
WHEREAS, on May 29, 2025, staff received proposals from two qualified solar industry consulting firms and reviewed the proposals based on best- value criteria specified in the request for proposals and consistent with CMC Sections 3.28.050(D)(2) and 3.28.060; and WHEREAS, staff determined that ForeFront Licensing , LLC is the most qualified consultant and negotiated a final scope of work and fee for professional services to conduct Phase 1 of a feasibility study in an amount not to exceed $470,904 over an initial term of two years with one additional one - year extension if authorized; and
WHEREAS, CMC Section 3.28.0 60(D)(5) requires the CMWD Board to award all formally bid contracts for professional services when the value exceeds $ 100,000 per agreement year , and therefore, the project is subject to this requirement; and Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 6 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED WHEREAS, sufficient funding for t he professional services costs is available in the project budget in the current fiscal year for only Phase 1 of the feasibility study; and WHEREAS, Phase 2 of the professional services agreement is estimated to cost in an amount not to exceed $828,307, and the total of both phases of the agreement is in an amount not to exceed $1,299,211; and
WHEREAS, staff will return upon completion of Phase 1 services to present the findings to the CMWD Board and to request approval and additional appropriation for Phase 2 services, if warranted.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the CMWD Board of Directors of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:

1. That the above recitations are true and correct.

2. That the CMWD Board has determined that t he proposed action to authorize a professional services agreement for a feasibility study for the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study is statutorily exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 1 5262 because it involves only feasibility or planning studies, including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions that have not been approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action. The work to evaluate project feasibility and prepare conceptual designs does not have a legally binding effect on future discretionary actions to approve a project. Public input received and technical information prepared will be used during the project evaluation and planning.

3. That the President of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to execute a professional services agreement with ForeFront Licensing , LLC in an amount not to exceed $470,904 for Phase 1 of the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study, CIP Project No. 4722, which is attached hereto as Attachment A.

4. That the Executive Manager is hereby authorized to amend the Agreement to extend the term for up to two (2) additional one (1) year periods or parts thereof.

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Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Special Me eting of the Board of Directors of the Carlsbad Munic ipal Water District of the Cit y of Carlsbad on the __ day of ________, 20 25, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NAYS:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, President
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, Secretary
(SEAL)
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Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED PSA26-3925UTIL
General Counsel Approved Version 6/20/2025

AGREEMENT FOR MAERKLE RESERVOIR SITE SOLAR FEASIBILITY STUDY SERVICES

FOREFRONT LICENSING, LLC
THIS AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the ______________ day of ___________________, 2025, by and between the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, a Public Agency organized under the Municipal Water Act of 1911, and a Subsidiary District of the City of Carlsbad, California, (“CMWD”), and Forefront Licensing, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Consultant”).

RECITALS
A. CMWD requires the professional services of a consultant that is experienced i n Solar Industry development.

B. Consultant has the necessary experience in providing professional services and advice related to Solar Industry development.

C. Consultant has submitted a proposal to CMWD under Request for Proposals No. RFP25 - 3680UTIL and has affirmed its willingness and ability to perform such work.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these recitals and the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, CMWD and Consultant agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF WORK
CMWD retains Consultant to perform, and Consultant agrees to render, those services ( “Services”) that are defined in attached Exhibit “A”, which is incorporated by this reference in accordance with this Agreement’s terms and conditions.

2. STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE
While performing the Services, Consultant will exercise the reasonable professional care and skill customarily exercised by reputable members of Consultant's profession practicing in the Metropolitan Southern California area and will use reasonable diligence and best judgment while exercising its professional skill and expertise.

3. TERM
The term of this Agreement will be effective from the date first above written to October 8, 2026 . The Executive Manager may amend the Agreement to extend it for two (2) additional 1 year(s) periods or parts of a year. Extensions will be based upon a satisfactory review of Consultant's performance, CMWD needs, and appropriation of funds by the CMWD Board of Directors. The parties will prepare a written amendment indicating the effective date and length of the extended Agreement.

4. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
Time is of the essence for each and every provision of this Agreement.

5. COMPENSATION
The total fee payable for the Services to be performed during the initial Agreement term shall not exceed four hundred seventy thousand nine hundred four dollars ($470,904) . No other compensation for the Services will be allowed except for items covered by subsequent amendments to this Agreement. If CMWD elects to extend the Agreement, the amount shall not exceed four hundred seventy thousand nine hundred four dollars ($470,904) per Agreement year. Payment terms are Net 30 unless otherwise provided in Exhibit “A” or agreed to in writing by the parties. CMWD reserves the right to withhold a ten percent (10%) retention until CMWD has accepted the work and/or Services specified in Exhibit “A”.

Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Attachment A
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Incremental payments, if applicable, should be made as outlined in attached Exhibit “A”.

6. PUBLIC WORKS

6.1 Prevailing Wage Rates . Any construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair, and maintenance work, including work performed during design and preconstruction such as inspection and land surveying work, cumulatively exceeding $1,000 and performed under this Agreement co nstitute “public works” under California Labor Code Section 1720 et seq. and are subject to state prevailing wage laws. The general prevailing rate of wages, for each craft or type of worker needed to execute the contract, shall be those as determined by t he Director of Industrial Relations pursuant to the Section 1770, 1773 and 1773.1 of the California Labor Code. Pursuant to Section 1773.2 of the California Labor Code, a current copy of applicable wage rates is on file in the office of the City of Carlsbad City Engineer. Consultant shall not pay less than the said specified prevailing rates of wages to all such workers employed by Consultant in the execution of the Agreement. Consultant and any subconsultants shall comply with Section 1776 of the Californi a Labor Code, which generally requires keeping accurate payroll records, verifying and certifying payroll records, and making them available for inspection. Consultant shall require any subconsultants to comply with Section 1776.

6.2 DIR Registration. California Labor Code Section 1725.5 requires the Consultant and any subconsultant or subconsultant performing any public work under this Agreement to be currently registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), as specified in Labor Code Section 1725.5. Labor Code Section 1771.1 provides that a Consultant or subconsultant/subconsultant shall not be qualified to engage in the performance of any contract for public work, unless currently registered and qualified to perform public wor k pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5. Prior to the performance of public work by any subconsultant or subconsultant under this Agreement, Consultant must furnish CMWD with the subconsultant or subconsultant's current DIR registration number.

7. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
Procore Project Management and Collaboration System. This project may utilize the CMWD’s Procore (www.procore.com) online project management and document control platform. The intent of utilizing Procore is to reduce cost and schedule risk, improve quality and safety, and maintain a healthy team dynamic by improving information flow, reducing non -productive activities, reducing rework and decreasing turnaround times. Consultant is required to create a free web-based Procore user account(s) and utilize web-based training / tutorials (as needed) to become familiar with the system. Unless the City of Carlsbad City Engineer approves otherwise, Consultant shall process all project documents through Procore because this platform will be used to submit, track, distribute and collaborate on project. If unfamiliar or not otherwise trained with Procore, Consultant and applicable team members shall complete a free training certif ication course located at http://learn.procore.com/procore-certification- subConsultant. Consultant is responsible for obtaining their own Procore support, as needed, either through the online training or reaching out to the Procore support team. It will be the responsibility of Consultant to regularly check Procore and review updated documents as they are added. There will be no cost to the Consultant for use of Procore.

It is recommended that Consultant provide mobile access for Windows, iOS located at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/procore-construction-management/id374930542 or Android devices located at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.procore.activities with the Procore App installed to at least one on -site individual to provide real -time access to current posted drawings, specifications, requests for information, submittals, schedules, change orders, project documents, as well as any deficient observations or punch list items. Providing mobile access will improve communication, Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Sept. 30, 2025
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efficiency, and productivity for all parties. The use of Procore for project management does not relieve the Consultant of any other requirements as may be specified in this Agreement.

8. STATUS OF CONSULTANT
Consultant will perform the Services in Consultant's own way as an independent Consultant and in pursuit of Consultant's independent calling, and not as an employee of CMWD. Consultant will be under the control of CMWD only as to the result to be accomplished, but will consult with CMWD as necessary. The persons used by Consultant to provide services under this Agreement will not be considered employees of CMWD for any purposes.

The payment made to Consultant pursuant to this Agreement will be the full and complete compensation to which Consultant is entitled. CMWD will not make any federal or state tax withholdings on behalf of Consultant or its agents, employees or subconsultants. CMWD will not be required to pay any workers' compensation insurance or unemployment contributions on behalf of Consultant or its employees or subconsultants. Consultant agrees to indemnify CMWD and the City of Carlsbad within thirty (30) days for any tax, retirement contribution, social security, overtime payment, unemployment payment or workers' compensation payment which CMWD may be required to make on behalf of Consultant or any agent, employee, or subconsultant of Consultant for work done under this Agreement. At CMWD’s election, CMWD may deduct the indemnification amount from any balance owing to Consultant.

9. SUBCONTRACTING
Consultant will not subcontract any portion of the Services without prior written approval of CMWD. If Consultant subcontracts any of the Services, Consultant will be fully responsible to CMWD for the acts and omissions of Consultant's subconsultant and of the persons either directly or indirectly employed by the subconsultant, as Consultant is for the acts and omissions of persons directly employed by Consultant.

Nothing contained in this Agreement will create any contractual relationship between any subconsultant of Consultant and CMWD. Consultant will be responsible for payment of subconsultants. Consultant will bind every subconsultant and every subconsultant of a subconsultant by the terms of this Agreement applicable to Consultant's work unless specifically noted to the contrary in the subcontract and approved in writing by CMWD.

10. OTHER CONSULTANTS
CMWD reserves the right to employ other Consultants in connection with the Services.

11. INDEMNIFICATION
Consultant agrees to defend (with counsel approved by CMWD), indemnify and hold harmless CMWD and the City of Carlsbad and its officers, elected and appointed officials, employees and volunteers from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses including attorneys fees arising out of the performance of the work described in this Agreement caused by any willful misconduct or negligent act or omission of the Consultant, any subconsultant, anyone directly or indirectly employed by any of them or anyone for whose acts any of them may be liable.

If Consultant’s obligation to defend, indemnify, and/or hold harmless arises out of Consultant’s performance as a “design professional” (as that term is defined under California Civil Code Section 2782.8), then, and only to the extent required by California Civil Code Section 2782.8, which is fully incorporated in this Agreement, Consultant’s indemnification obligation shall be limited to claims that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the Consultant, and, upon Consultant obtaining a final adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction. Consultant’s Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Sept. 30, 2025
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liability for such claim, including the cost to defend, shall not exceed the Consultant’s proportionate percentage of fault.

The parties expressly agree that any payment, attorney’s fee, costs or expense CMWD or the City of Carlsbad incurs or makes to or on behalf of an injured employee under CMWD’s self -administered workers’ compensation is included as a loss, expense or cost for the purposes of this section, and that this section will survive the expiration or early termination of this Agreement.

12. INSURANCE
Consultant will obtain and maintain for the duration of the Agreement and any and all amendments, insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damage to property which may arise out of or in connection with performance of the services by Consultant or Consultant’s agents, representative s, employees or subconsultants. The insurance will be obtained from an insurance carrier admitted and authorized to do business in the State of California . The insurance carrier is required to have a current Best's Key Rating of not less than “A-:VII”; OR with a surplus line insurer on the State of California’s List of Approved Surplus Line Insurers (LASLI) with a rating in the latest Best’s Key Rating Guide of at least “A:X”; OR an alien non -admitted insurer listed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) latest quarterly listings report.

12.1 Coverages and Limits. Consultant will maintain the types of coverages and minimum limits indicated below, unless the Risk Manager or Executive M anager approves a lower amount. These minimum amounts of coverage will not constitute any limitations or cap on Consultant's indemnification obligations under this Agreement. CMWD, its officers, agents and employees make no representation that the limits of the insurance specified to be carried by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement are adequate to protect Consultant. If Consultant believes that any required insurance coverage is inadequate, Consultant will obtain such additional insurance coverage, as Consultant deems adequate, at Consultant's sole expense. The full limits available to the named insured shall also be available and applicable to CMWD as an additional insured.

12.1.1 Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance. Insurance written on an “occurrence” basis, including personal and advertising injury, with limits no less than $2,000,000 per occurrence. If a general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project/location or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit.

12.1.2 Automobile Liability. (if the use of an automobile is involved for Consultant's work for CMWD). $2,000,000 combined single-limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

12.1.3 Workers' Compensation and Employer's Liability. Workers' Compensation limits as required by the California Labor Code. Workers' Compensation will not be required if Consultant has no employees and provides, to CMWD's satisfaction, a declaration stating this.

12.1.4 Professional Liability. Errors and omissions liability appropriate to Consultant’s profession with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per claim. Coverage must be maintained for a period of five years following the date of completion of the work.

12.2. Additional Provisions. Consultant will ensure that the policies of insurance required under this Agreement contain, or are endorsed to contain, the following provisions:

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12.2.1 CMWD will be named as an additional insured on Commercial General Liability which shall provide primary coverage to CMWD.

12.2.2 Consultant will obtain occurrence coverage, excluding Professional Liability, which will be written as claims-made coverage.

12.2.3 If Consultant maintains higher limits than the minimums shown above, the CMWD requires and will be entitled to coverage for the higher limits maintained by Consultant. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage will be available to the CMWD.

12.2.4 This insurance will be in force during the life of the Agreement and any extensions of it and will not be canceled without thirty (30) days prior written notice to CMWD sent by certified mail pursuant to the Notice provisions of this Agreement.

12.3 Providing Certificates of Insurance and Endorsements. Prior to CMWD's execution of this Agreement, Consultant will furnish certificates of insurance and endorsements to CMWD.

12.4 Failure to Maintain Coverage . If Consultant fails to maintain any of these insurance coverages, then CMWD will have the option to declare Consultant in breach, or may purchase replacement insurance or pay the premiums that are due on existing policies in order to ma intain the required coverages.

Consultant is responsible for any payments made by CMWD to obtain or maintain insurance and CMWD may collect these payments from Consultant or deduct the amount paid from any sums due Consultant under this Agreement.

12.5 Submission of Insurance Policies. CMWD reserves the right to require, at any time, complete and certified copies of any or all required insurance policies and endorsements.

13. BUSINESS LICENSE
Consultant will obtain and maintain a City of Carlsbad Business License for the term of the Agreement, as may be amended from time-to-time.

14. ACCOUNTING RECORDS
Consultant will maintain complete and accurate records with respect to costs incurred under this Agreement. All records will be clearly identifiable. Consultant will allow a representative of CMWD during normal business hours to examine, audit, and make transcripts or copies of records and any other documents created pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant will allow inspection of all work, data, documents, proceedings, and activities related to the Agreement for a period of four (4) years from the date of final payment under this Agreement.

15. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS
All work product produced by Consultant or its agents, employees, and subconsultants pursuant to this Agreement is the property of CMWD. In the event this Agreement is terminated, all work product produced by Consultant or its agents, employees and subconsultants pursuant to this Agreement will be delivered at once to CMWD. Consultant will have the right to make one (1) copy of the work product for Consultant’s records.

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16. COPYRIGHTS
Consultant agrees that all copyrights that arise from the services will be vested in CMWD and Consultant relinquishes all claims to the copyrights in favor of CMWD.

17. NOTICES
The name of the persons who are authorized to give written notices or to receive written notice on behalf of CMWD and on behalf of Consultant under this Agreement.

For CMWD For Consultant
Name Keri Martinez Name Phil Harris
Title District Engineer Title Development Advisory Director Department PW Utilities Address 100 Montgomery Street, Suite 725

Carlsbad Municipal Water
District San Francisco, CA 94104
Address 5950 El Camino Real Phone No. 925-644-1516
Carlsbad, CA 92008 Email [email protected]
Phone No. 442-200-7376

Each party will notify the other immediately of any changes of address that would require any notice or delivery to be directed to another address.

18. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Consultant shall file a Conflict of Interest Statement with the City Clerk in accordance with the requirements of the CMWD Conflict of Interest Code. The Consultant shall report investments or interests as required in the CMWD Conflict of Interest Code.

Yes ☐ No ☒

If yes, list the contact information below for all individuals required to file:

Name Email Phone Number

19. GENERAL COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
Consultant will keep fully informed of federal, state and local laws and ordinances and regulations which in any manner affect those employed by Consultant, or in any way affect the performance of the Services by Consultant. Consultant will at all times observe and comply with these laws, ordinances, and regulations and will be responsible for the compliance of Consultant's services with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations.

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Consultant will be aware of the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and will comply with those requirements, including, but not limited to, verifying the eligibility for employment of all agents, employees, subconsultants and consultants that the services required by this Agreement.

20. CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD (CARB) ADVANCED CLEAN FLEETS REGULATIONS Consultant’s vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 8,500 lbs. and light -duty package delivery vehicles operated in California may be subject to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Advanced Clean Fleets regulations. Such vehicles may therefor e be subject to requirements to reduce emissions of air pollutants. For more information, please visit the CARB Advanced Clean Fleets webpage at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/advanced-clean-fleets.

21. DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND RETALIATION PROHIBITED Consultant will comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

22. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
If a dispute should arise regarding the performance of the Services the following procedure will be used to resolve any questions of fact or interpretation not otherwise settled by agreement between the parties.

Representatives of Consultant or CMWD will reduce such questions, and their respective views, to writing.

A copy of such documented dispute will be forwarded to both parties involved along with recommended methods of resolution, which would be of benefit to both parties. The representative receiving the letter will reply to the letter along with a recommended method of resolution within ten (10) business days. If the resolution thus obtained is unsatisfactory to the aggrieved party, a letter outlining the disputes will be forwarded to the Executive M anager. The Executive Manager will consider the facts and solutions recommended by each party and may then opt to direct a solution to the problem. In such cases, the action of the Executive Manager will be binding upon the parties involved, although nothi ng in this procedure will prohibit the parties from seeking remedies available to them at law.

23. TERMINATION
In the event of the Consultant's failure to prosecute, deliver, or perform the Services, CMWD may terminate this Agreement for nonperformance by notifying Consultant by certified mail of the termination. If CMWD decides to abandon or indefinitely postpone the work or services contemplated by this Agreement, CMWD may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Consultant. Upon notification of termination, Consultant has five (5) business days to deliver any documents owned by CMWD and all work in progress to CMWD address contained in this Agreement. CMWD will make a determination of fact based upon the work product delivered to CMWD and of the percentage of work that Consultant has performed which is usable and of worth to CMWD in having the Agreement completed. Based upon that finding CMWD will determine the final payment of the Agreement.

CMWD may terminate this Agreement by tendering thirty (30) days written notice to Consultant.

Consultant may terminate this Agreement by tendering thirty (30) days written notice to CMWD. In the event of termination of this Agreement by either party and upon request of CMWD, Consultant will assemble the work product and put it in order for proper filing and closing and deliver it to CMWD.

Consultant will be paid for work performed to the termination date; however, the total will not exceed the lump sum fee payable under this Agreement. CMWD will make the final determination as to the portions of tasks completed and the compensation to be made.

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24. COVENANTS AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES
Consultant warrants that Consultant has not employed or retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working for Consultant, to solicit or secure this Agreement, and that Consultant has not paid or agreed to pay any company or person, other than a bona fide employee, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift, or any other consideration contingent upon, or resulting from, the award or making of this Agreement. For breach or violation of this warranty, CMWD will have the right to annul this Agreement without liability, or, in its discretion, to deduct from the Agreement price or consideration, or otherwise recover, the full amount of the fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fees, gift, or contingent fee.

25. CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS
By signing this Agreement, Consultant agrees that any agreement claim submitted to CMWD must be asserted as part of the agreement process as set forth in this Agreement and not in anticipation of litigation or in conjunction with litigation. Consultant acknowledges that if a false claim is submitted to CMWD, it may be considered fraud and Consultant may be subject to criminal prosecution. Consultant acknowledges that California Government Code Section 12650 et seq., the False Claims Act applies to this Agreement and, provides for civil penalti es where a person knowingly submits a false claim to a public entity. These provisions include false claims made with deliberate ignorance of the false information or in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of information. If CMWD seeks to recover pe nalties pursuant to the False Claims Act, it is entitled to recover its litigation costs, including attorney's fees. Consultant acknowledges that the filing of a false claim may subject Consultant to an administrative debarment proceeding as the result of which Consultant may be prevented to act as a Consultant on any public work or improvement for a period of up to five (5) years. Consultant acknowledges debarment by another jurisdiction is grounds for CMWD to terminate this Agreement.

26. JURISDICTION AND VENUE
This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California without regard to, or application of, choice of law rules or principles. Any action at law or in equity brought by either of the parties for the purpose of enforcing a right or rights provided for by this Agreement will be tried in a court of competent jurisdiction in the County of San Diego, State of California, and the parties waive all provisions of law providing for a change of venue in these proceedings to any other county.

27. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
It is mutually understood and agreed that this Agreement will be binding upon CMWD and Consultant and their respective successors. Neither this Agreement nor any part of it nor any monies due or to become due under it may be assigned by Consultant without the prior consent of CMWD, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

28. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
Nothing in this Agreement should be construed to give any rights or benefits to any party other than the City and Consultant.

29. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement, together with any other written document referred to or contemplated by it, along with the purchase order for this Agreement and its provisions, embody the entire Agreement and understanding between the parties relating to the subject matter of it. In case of conflict, the terms of the Agreement supersede the purchase order. Neither this Agr eement nor any of its provisions may be amended, modified, waived or discharged except in a writing signed by both parties. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts.

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30. AUTHORITY
The individuals executing this Agreement and the instruments referenced in it on behalf of Consultant each represent and warrant that they have the legal power, right and actual authority to bind Consultant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

CONSULTANT
CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT, a
Public Agency organized under the Municipal
Water Act of 1911, and a Subsidiary District of
the City of Carlsbad
FOREFRONT LICENSING, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company
By: By:

(sign here) KEITH BLACKBURN, President

Kristen Frooshani, Vice President

(print name/title)
ATTEST:

By: SHERRY FREISINGER, Secretary

(sign here) By:

Deborah Stewart, Secretary
Assistant City Clerk
(print name/title)

If required by CMWD, proper notarial acknowledgment of execution by Consultant must be attached. If a corporation, Agreement must be signed by one corporate officer from each of the following two groups.

Group A Group B
Chairman, Secretary,
President, or Assistant Secretary,
Vice-President CFO or Assistant Treasurer

Otherwise, the corporation must attach a resolution certified by the secretary or assistant secretary under corporate seal empowering the officer(s) signing to bind the corporation.

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

CINDIE K. McMAHON, General Counsel

By: _____________________________
Assistant General Counsel

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EXHIBIT A

SCOPE OF SERVICES AND FEE

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0 Project Approach
Based on the objectives outlined in the RFP and sub sequent Questions and Answers Addendum, ForeFront Power (“FFP”) recommends a two phased approach to complete the scope of work outlined in the RFP. In the first phase—Initial Assessment and Project Conceptualization— FFP will work with CMWD to evaluate various design and contract structure options for the project and provide an early assessment of commercial viability of each option via desktop studies, light-touch civil and environmental engineering work , and FFP’s extensive PV/BESS commercial experience . Should the project meet CMWD’s commercial requirements, CMWD may elect to move to the second phase — Detailed Assessment —to determine complete technical and financial feasibility pursuant to the requirements laid out in the RFP, as well as develop a comprehensive set of project plans that will serve as the basis of any subsequent PV/BESS Project RFP. FFP will not proceed with any work described in Phase 2 – Detailed Assessment below without a written contract amendment executed by both FFP and CMWD. Such amendment will direct FFP to proceed with Phase 2 and detail the scope, schedule, and compensation due to FFP for performing the work described in Phase 2 below.

FFP understands that this approach differs slightly from that outlined in the RFP scope of services , however we are confident that this approach will yield the optimal project outcome for CMWD by leveraging our PV/BESS commercial experience earl y in the process to avoid unnecessary steps or spending should roadblocks be identified. There are several reasons we suggest a two-phased process.

These include:
• Regulatory limitations on how the power output will be sold will shape critical components of the PV/BESS design. Depending on the final buyer of the project output and what regulatory framework is utilized to enable the sale of electricity from the project , there will be significant deviations in final PV and BESS design that will ultimately dictate other aspects of the project like environmental assessment, permitting, and civil design. For example, certain programs involve connection behind existing load meters and generation of utility bill credits while others involve direct connection to the grid and sale to a load -serving entity.

Certain programs have specific capacity limit ations and interconnection requirements that should be taken into consideration prior to performing significant site diligence. • Project economics will vary substantially based on electricity sale and offtake strategy.

Considerable differences exist between regulatory programs for the potential $/kWh value the project will receive for its generation output. Not all programs offer a high enough $/kWh purchase value to make a project economically feasible and program nuances, like PV system capacity limitations, mean that PV system design decisions should be informed not only by how to minimize build cost, but also by how to maximize a project’s revenue stream. • Significant uncertainty exists in the current solar PV market landscape. In addition to the typical time-sensitive factors of PV and BESS project development, future solar projects face additional regulatory headwinds that are not yet fully defined. Potential changes to current Investment Tax Credit (“ITC”) incentives and the possibility of import tariffs on certain PV and BESS equipment could meaningfully change the viability of a particular project. The Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Sept. 30, 2025
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1 implications of these changes should be understood prior to investing significant time and resources into detailed project diligence.

FFP’s goal with the Initial Assessment and Project Conceptualization phase is to provide CMWD with a preliminary but realistic outline of expected economics and a summary of development challenges and considerations for various project options early in the process . This will allow CMWD to make an informed decision as to if more detailed development work is warranted. In addition, this approach enables CMWD and FFP to define the preferred PV/BESS project configuration prior to performing more detailed analysis, providing for a more efficient design development process and avoiding rework and cost overruns. Please see further detail on our proposed project approach below.

Phase 1: Initial Assessment and Project Conceptualization FFP will begin with a phase focused on assessing project commercial viability before proceeding with full technical and feasibility studies. Phase 1 will address all aspects of the project requirements (regulatory, civil design, PV/BESS design, environmental, power off -take, and economics) primarily from a desktop view and leverage FFP’s commercial expertise to conceptualize the Maerkle Reservoir Solar Project. This will help CMWD determine if the project has potential to succeed before moving into complete assessments as well as to focus detailed diligence around a specific project profile . Phase 1 consists of the following:

Phase 1A: ForeFront Power Orientation and Initial Client Discovery The first sub-phase focuses on client onboarding and project plan development. FFP will host discovery sessions and workshops to understand CMWD’s goals for the project , begin data collection, and establish the project schedule. Tasks include:
• Project kick -off, scheduling of coordination and progress meetings, and refinement of proposed project plan
• Discussion on CMWD’s project goals and priorities around project economics, desired contract structure, and sustainability impact
• Initial discussions on pro’s/con's of project specifics and their impact on viability (for ex: BESS requirements and limitations, site access, importance of access road) • Outline of current regulatory landscape for PV/BESS projects of this type based on then current market conditions
• FFP led site-visit (including sub-contractors and CMWD personnel) and data collection (obtain usage data, review existing surveys, etc.)

Deliverables: Project Management Plan, meeting cadence/agendas, begin delivering monthly project status reports and invoices
Team: FFP (P. Harris, S. Worcester, A. Scherzer)
Timeline: 4 weeks
Phase 1B: Initial Diligence
The next sub -phase focuses on initial project diligence across several considerations , including PV design, civil design, environmental planning, and site survey work. ForeFront will continue to provide regular project updates and attend coordination meetings outlined during Phase 1A during this next phase. This stage includes:

Regulatory Review and PV Conceptualization
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2 CMWD will have multiple options for how to configure the project, including determining PV system size, power monetization strategy, and whether to include BESS. This sub-phase will outline the potential programs and layouts that will serve as the basis for continued conceptualization and diligence. Tasks include:
• Research and outline of potential off-take programs (including SDG&E’s RES-BCT and Net Metering programs, CEA Feed -in-Tariff and custom off -take agreements , and PURPA Qualifying Facility) and mapping CMWD’s annual and hourly electricity load against program rules to determine the best fit for the project • Light electrical engineering to identify potential interconnection options in connection to the potential off -take programs above (both behind the meter and grid -connected) and guidance to ensure compliance with SDGE requirements
• Development of three PV layout scenarios with varying degrees of civil work (high, medium, and low) in combination with program and interconnection limitations

Deliverables: Summary and discussion of power off-take and preliminary interconnection plan Team: FFP (P. Harris, S. Worcester)
Timeline: 4 weeks
Site Survey and Real Estate Diligence
Survey and real estate work for the Initial Diligence phase will be focused only on the PV site adjacent to the reservoir and will be limited to review of existing data (2’ contour map, CMWD provided title reports for PV site, CMWD provided easement information, deed and other publicly available information). The provided deliverables will be approximate only and intended only for use within this initial site assessment. They are subject to change when a more thorough survey is completed as part of Phase 2.
• Gather and review existing site records, including property boundary information, right-of- way maps, preliminary title reports, existing easement information, and flood plain studies for PV site
• Site Visit to ground truth the record boundary and determine the vertical datum • High level r eview of available a ccess road information and deed research (Order title reports in Phase 2)
• Generate CAD files per Access Road and PV site record information and combine with 2’ contour data provided by CMWD
• Approximately locate easements, property encumbrances, and other title report information where plottable and feasible

Deliverables: Records research and preliminary title reports for PV site , CAD files of approximate property boundary and 2’ contour data informed by site visit and title report information Team: FFP (N. Sellers, P. Harris, S. Worcester)
Timeline: 6 weeks

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3 Civil Design Initial Assessment
The initial civil design assessment will help FFP and CMWD understand the potential costs of achieving varying amounts of PV capacity and the extent of future civil design work required for project access via Sunny Creek Road. Tasks include:
• Perform civil design review based on available data. Review may include:
o Slope assessment
o Hydrology assessment
o Wetland and waterbody clearances and buffers
o Soils assessment
o Stormwater management and erosion assessment
o Establish on-site base flood elevation to be used for setting PV and ancillary equipment elevations based on information from FEMA mapping, available flood insurance studies, county floodplain administrator, and available site topographic information. • Perform grading study u sing existing 2 -ft elevation topographic data and/or available LIDAR data to develop high level grading concepts and cost estimates for the associated work for three scenarios:
o “High Civil Work” Scenario: civil work and grading design to maximize solar PV capacity o “Low Civil Work” Scenario: civil work and grading design to minimize the amount and cost of site work while still achieving a reasonable PV capacity (~ 1 MW or greater) o “Mid Civil Work” Scenario: civil work and grading design that achieves significant PV scale but avoids areas of the site that would require the most expensive site work • A critical element of this study is tracker and or PV racking technology. There are “Terrain Following” trackers and fixed tile racking systems that have higher slope tolerances. Initial PV racking technology will be evaluated as part of the initial grading study. • High level review of available data and site walk on the planned access road to identify significant issues (either in terms of design viability or expected cost) that will need to be addressed to achieve reliable site access via Sunny Creek Rd • Identify and summarize significant issues at PV site and access road that may impact the project.

Deliverables: Preliminary site grading concepts and costs across varying levels of civil engineering work, summary of initial access road assessment
Team: TRC, FFP (P. Harris, S. Worcester)
Timeline: 4 weeks

Environmental/Permitting Assessment
FFP will engage its sub-contractor for a preliminary environmental feasibility study which will serve as an initial environmental constraints analysis, focused on identifying potential environmental issues that may affect future site development. This high -level assessment will rely on readily available data sources, such as regional and local p lanning documents, environmental databases, and existing technical studies. The study will evaluate the site’s general suitability for development by highlighting key environmental constraints (e.g., sensitive habitats, flood zones, hazardous materials, cu ltural resources), identifying data gaps that may require further investigation, and offering preliminary recommendations to guide the environmental compliance strategy under CEQA or other applicable Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Sept. 30, 2025
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4 regulations. Additionally, the study will review safety considerations for BESS facilities and onsite chlorine dioxide storage and include preliminary community outreach. • Compiling and reviewing existing data from federal, state, and local sources, including CEQA and NEPA thresholds, City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan, 2017 Tribal, Cultural, and Paleontological Resources Guidelines, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), San Diego Air Pollution Control District, Relevant General Plan and zoning documents
• Identifying and mapping known or potential constraints based on readily available information, including biological resources and habitat conservation areas, cultural and tribal cultural sensitivity zones, ha zardous materials, geologic hazards, existing traffic and air quality information, proximity to sensitive receptors, and fire hazards and severity zones • Providing a feasibility -level assessment of environmental factors based on CEQA Appendix G, including Aesthetics, Biological Resources, Air Quality & GHG Emissions, Transportation/Traffic, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources, Noise, Hydrology, Hazards, Utilities, and more • Identify preliminary project triggers, required entitlements & opportunities, such as: Potential permitting triggers (e.g., federal wetland jurisdiction, species impacts, critical habitat) , Recommended approach to CEQA compliance, including the potential for CEQA exemptions or tiering opportunities, Regulatory avoidance strategies
• Develop permitting matrix to identify requirements and permitting responsibility for PV/BESS construction and related activities
• Regulatory Permitting Summary of needs from agencies such as USFWS (Section 7 consultation, if federal funding involved) , CDFW (e.g., 1602 Lake/Streambed, Incidental Take) , RWQCB (401 Water Quality Certification), USACE (404, if jurisdictional waters present) • Perform a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (“ESA”) for the PV/BESS site in accordance with ASTM Standard E 1527 -13. This will include a property inspection, interviews with owners/occupants, research of standard hist oric and regulatory records, and the preparation of a report detailing findings. Please note that while a Phase 1 ESA was not outlined in CMWD’s requested scope of services, FFP highly recommends performing one as it will be required diligence by any third-party PV/BESS owner.
• Identify fire suppression current codes, design standards and available technology for BESS facilities, including current or pending requirements from San Diego County for inclusion in detailed design work to be completed as part of Phase 2 • Assess and identify safety and security requirements applicable to the PV and/or BESS project due to the presence of onsite chlorine dioxide storage . Coordination with the City of Carlsbad and County of San Diego will be conducted to confirm applicable regulatory requirements. • Public Outreach Campaign: attend five meetings with City/CMWD -identified stakeholders (homeowners associations, interested parties) and provide descriptive literature on the proposed facilities. Work with the City’s communication staff to develop a public outreach plan.

Build an online survey with up to 15 questions for posting to an online app by City staff Prepare meeting agendas, meeting minutes and assist with set up/take down. Develop presentations and meeting materials (Powerpoint, maps, charts, etc. ). Prepare a summary of Public Input Report based on outreach and feedback received.

Deliverables: Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment report, Preliminary Environmental Constraints Analysis report, technical memorandum on chlorine storage and initial BESS fire suppression findings, Community Outreach Public Input Summary Report
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5 Team: EPD, FFP (P. Harris, S. Worcester)
Timeline: 8 weeks (please note that we anticipate the Public Outreach Campaign may take significantly longer depending on CMWD stakeholder engagement scheduling and public input) Phase 1C: Project Option Review and Conceptualization
The final phase of the initial assessment will be to refine the initial project concepts, provide estimated ranges for project cost and savings, review available contract structures, and develop preliminary financial models to provide indicative economic analysis for project concepts and contract structures.

FFP will summarize expected project economics and qualitative risks to confirm intended contract structure and recommend whether to move forward with the next phase of project diligence. This will include:

Project Concept Development
• Synthesize findings from regulatory, civil, environmental, and real estate studies to refine PV and BESS development strategy
• Finalize three initial project design s (layouts, civil engineering concepts , interconnection strategy, permitting requirements, and off -take plan) and d evelop high-level cost summaries for each scenario across equipment, civil engineering, environmental permitting, and interconnection costs
• Evaluate available contract structures and financing options for best fit , either a Power Purchase Agreement “PPA” or a CMWD land lease. Qualitative and quantitative analysis outlining the key differences between contract structure options to finance the solar project.

Review of high level economics, obligations, and other pro/cons of each structure to help CMWD decide on the preferred structure.
• Identification of Federal, State, and local incentives available to the project along with outline of incentive structure, process to monetize, schedule and deadlines that must be considered • Build indicative financial model to analyze project savings or cost under various contract structures and project design concepts
• Develop initial project economics , including estimating cost savings and revenue potential of each project design under various contract structure , summary of qualitative project benefits and risks
Qualitative Summary and Discussion
• Summarize findings from the initial diligence phase, highlighting any challenges to project development
• Discuss nuances of project design options on feasibility, permitting, and development effort Phase 2 Go/No-Go and Project Concept Selection
• Summarize and present results of initial diligence to CMWD focusing on project economics and qualitative factors for CMWD review
• Recommendation on whether to move to Phase 2 based on CMWD goals and project feasibility and prioritization of preliminary design

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6 discussion of contract structure qualitative benefits and risks, project headwinds, and FFP recommendations for proceeding.

Team: FFP (P. Harris, S. Worcester, A. Scherzer)
Timeline: 8 weeks
Phase 2: Detailed Assessment
Should CMWD determine the Maerkle Solar Project to be commercially viable following the results of Phase 1, CMWD and FFP will execute a written amendment to the contract releasing FFP to complete the Phase 2 work described herein for the additional fees as outlined for Phase 2 below. For the avoidance of doubt, FFP shall not complete any Phase 2 wo rk without a mutually agreed to written amendment, executed by both parties , directing FFP to proceed with the Phase 2 work described herein.

The detailed assessment will build off of the work done in Phase 1 and will be based on the final project configuration scenario (PV/BESS design , civil design concept, interconnection plan, and off -take strategy) selected by CMWD as part of the Phase 1 process. During Phase 2, all work as detailed in the RFP Tasks 3 – 9 that was not previously completed in Phase 1 will be done.

Phase 2A: Detailed Diligence and Design
At the beginning of Phase 2, several detailed diligence and design activities will be completed, in order to provide a comprehensive view on the technical feasibility and cost for the Maerkle Solar Project. All work shall be done in accordance with the requirements of the relevant tasks of the RFP. This Detailed Diligence and Design subphase will include the following.

Survey and Real Estate Work – PV Site and Access Road
FFP will engage its subcontractor to conduct a topographic survey of the PV and BESS project area as well as the Sunny Creek Road access (if determined necessary to include) and prepare a property base map with a one -foot contour interval. Preliminary title reports will be obtained for all properties potentially affected by the proposed access road with boundaries and easements plotted on base map.

The work will include:
• Gather and review existing site records, including property boundary information, right-of-way maps, preliminary title reports, existing easement information, and flood plain studies for access road
• Perform and prepare topographic and boundary survey, including mapping of property boundaries, existing utilities and easements for PV site and access road , in accordance with Task 3 of the RFP
• Obtain preliminary title reports for other properties potentially affected by the proposed access road alignment and identify and plot existing property boundaries and existing easements on the base map, including properties potentially affected by grading and slope easements for the proposed access road.

Deliverables: Records research and preliminary title reports for Access Road , Topographical and Property base map ( PV/BESS Site ), Topographical and Property base map ( access road ), plans and maps of existing utilities
Team: KWA, FFP (N. Sellers, P. Harris, S. Worcester)
Timeline: 12 weeks
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7 Geotechnical Reconnaissance
FFP will engage its sub-contractor to perform a subsurface exploration program and geotechnical engineering service to provide geotechnical -related foundation design recommendations for the proposed solar array and battery energy storage system (BESS) development at the site., in accordance with Task 5 of the RFP. Tasks include:
• Performing an exploration and testing program to obtain information that is pertinent to the interpretation of subsurface conditions relative to foundation design of the proposed solar arrays and BESS
• Contacting California 811 One-Call utility locator service to verify public utility locations . Work with CMWD to identify possible underground private utility locations and offset borings and test pit locations as necessary to avoid conflicts. A private utility locator will be utilized to scan and clear the test boring and test pit locations.
• Drilling and excavating test pits, the test borings for the solar array ground sites and BESS will be advanced to approximate depths of 20 ft each below existing ground surface (bgs). The test pits will be excavated to a depth of 10 feet bgs. A total of 5 borings and 10 test pits will be performed for the solar array ground sites and BESS. The test borings and test pits will be conducted using a truck-mounted drilling equipment and a backhoe, respectively. • A total of 6 with possibly up to 10 seismic refraction test locations will be performed for the site access road and solar array ground site and BESS
• Drilling and sampling will be conducted in general accordance with ASTM D1586 • All samples obtained in the field will be delivered and/or shipped to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) accredited Soil Mechanics laboratory where they will be visually inspected by geotechnical engineering staff. Representative samples will be tested for pertinent properties, including, but not limited to, determination of grain size analysis, plasticity characteristics (Atterberg Limits), natural moisture content, and thermal resistivity.
• A portion of the composite soil samples representative of the surficial soil materials encountered will be submitted to an accredited laboratory for corrosivity testing (including electrical resistivity, pH, chlorides, sulfides, and sulfates). The remainin g portions of the bulk sample will be used for thermal resistivity testing in general accordance with ASTM D 5334, including Modified Proctor compaction characteristics, and soil classification • Upon completion of the field and laboratory testing, a draft geotechnical report summarizing the work will be provided to CMWD for review and comment. Any comments will be incorporated into the final geotechnical report.

Deliverable: Draft Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation report, Final Geotechnical Investigation Report.

Team: TRC, FFP (P. Harris, S. Worcester)
Timeline: 12 weeks

Civil Design 30% Development
FFP will engage its sub-contractor to perform 30% Civil design development for both the PV/BESS site and access road, in accordance with Task 4 of the RFP. This 30% Civil Design development will build on Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 26 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED Carlsbad Municipal Water District
Maerkle Reservoir Solar Project
8 the initial work performed as part of Phase 1 and will be based on the project configuration scenario selected in Phase 1. Tasks include, but are not limited to:
• Research and obtain available as -built utility and roadway plans which fall within or are adjacent to the development footprint and confirm facility setback requirements. Review applicable zoning-code or discretionary development permit and plot appropriate setbacks. • Hydrology & Hydraulics Studies:
o Identify on-site and off-site storm water flow, overland drainage release patterns and elevations for grading, drainage, and BMP design.
o Identify contributing watersheds to the Project site. o Model the hydrology and hydraulics of off -site contributing watersheds, flow patterns and quantities.
o Establish the on -site base flood elevation to be used for setting PV and ancillary equipment elevations.
o Incorporate re -routing of existing local drainage paths to accommodate changes to graded topography, as necessary.
• Prepare a preliminary grading and drainage site plan that will address conveyance of offsite storm flows through the site, tracker and tracker foundation tolerances, and development constraints and setbacks.
• Develop access road horizontal and vertical alignment 30% design with earthwork, paving, curb and gutter, and guardrail quantities.
• Recommend creek crossing improvements at a 30% design level based on hydraulic study • Preliminary assessment of constructability based on observed subsurface conditions

Deliverables: Draft Technical Memorandum and 30% plans (half -size, PDF), Final Technical Memorandum (PDF and 3 hard copies) all per Task 4 of the RFP Team: TRC, FFP (P. Harris, S. Worcester)
Timeline: 16 weeks

PV/BESS System Design
Building on the initial work performed as part of Phase 1 and based on the project configuration scenario selected in Phase 1, FFP will refine the PV/BESS design and layout to incorporate the findings of the various Phase 2 – Detailed Diligence steps outlined above. Tasks include, but are not limited to:
• Develop finalized PV/BESS layouts based on site specific factors, setbacks, constraints, 30% civil design, existing easements, and various other site specifics identified via detailed diligence .

Layouts will be developed to accommodate existing easements and CMWD facilities , if necessary, and will consider planned site access. L ayouts will show the overall size of the PV/BESS project , location of solar panels and storage equipment and identification of anticipated physical interconnection point(s). FFP will incorporate feedback from CMWD as necessary.
• Development of solar energy production estimates based on the specific layout developed per the above, using industry standard software tools (PVSyst or Helioscope). Confirmation of expected production being appropriate for the electric load(s) the project is intended to serve if appropriate, based on final off-take strategy
Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 27 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED Carlsbad Municipal Water District
Maerkle Reservoir Solar Project
9 • Refresh fire suppression analysis related to current codes and design standards for BESS facilities based on final PV/BESS design
• Electrical feasibility and preliminary interconnection plan based on the conceptual layout developed, a ssessment of the existing electrical infrastructure at the site, and further discussions with CMWD as to the desired end-user of the electrical energy (for ex: is this project intended to serve onsite load, to output directly into SDGE’s grid or some combination) .

Forefront will identify planned and/or preferred interconnection points based on assessment of electrical infrastructure and optimal cost savings proposition to CMWD. Discussion of Utility interconnection and applicable offtake program rules and any pending or proposed changes to these that may impact desired project timeline.
o It should be noted that in order to get an accurate estimate of SDGE’s costs for interconnection, an interconnection application must be submitted, and a study must be completed by SDGE. In order to complete this process, significant electrical engineering must be performed. While Forefront can develop and submit an interconnection application package on CMWD’s behalf, and has done so for other clients, this scope is most typically performed by the solar developer tasks with building the project. Forefront recommends CMWD consider its options related to the timing of interconnection application submittal in order to control its costs during the feasibility assessment. Forefront would be happy to discuss these options in further detail with CMWD if desired.
• Develop an initial electrical design and single line diagram.

Deliverables: Draft PV and BESS Technical Memorandum (PDF), Final PV and BESS Technical Memorandum (PDF and 3 hard copies), PV and BESS Layout, Initial PV and BESS Single line diagram Team: FFP (A. Sanders, P. Harris, S. Worcester)
Timeline: 12 weeks (in collaboration with Civil Design Work as it is an iterative process)

Final Environmental/Permitting Assessment
The final environmental and permitting assessment will build upon the preliminary analysis and respond directly to the planned PV/BESS layout and Civil site plan. This refined assessment will provide a detailed evaluation of site -specific environmental constraints, such as biological resources, cultural resources, hazards, hazardous materials, and regulatory buffers , all in accordance with Task 6 of the RFP. The final report generated from this work will identify the most likely permitting and CEQA compliance pathways, outline potential mitigation requirements, and offer targeted recommendations to support an environmentally responsible site layout and design. This document will serve as a foundational tool for advancing the project through entitlement and environment al review. The work here will include
• Site Plan Review and Impact Overlay : Overlay the site plan on identified environmental constraint areas, evaluate potential impacts from site layout, access points, grading, and building footprints, identify potential areas requiring redesign or avoidance measures, provide early-stage mitigation concepts, particularly for sensitive species, cultural areas, or critical habitat if necessary.
• Updated CEQA/NEPA and Entitlement Feasibility Matrix: Refine evaluation of CEQA/NEPA and entitlement pathways with project -specific details, recommend a preferred Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 28 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED Carlsbad Municipal Water District
Maerkle Reservoir Solar Project
10 environmental clearance strategy (e.g., MND, EIR, tiering under a Master EIR, federal nexus requiring NEPA, etc.)
• Environmental Cost and Level -of-Effort Estimates Provide planning -level cost estimates and timelines for future CEQA/NEPA documentation and associated technical studies • Photo-realistic visual simulations will be created to show Proposed grading contours and slopes (as visible in terrain modeling), PV array layouts, racking heights, panel angles, and associated equipment (inverters, fencing, etc.), BESS facility massing and enclosure design (based on avail able concept details), Creek crossing structure, showing bridge/culvert, embankments, and nearby vegetation or access paths . A total of (4) visual simulations of the grading concept and PV/BESS facilities and a total of (1 ) visual simulation of the proposed creek crossing will be provided.

Deliverables: Draft Environmental Constraints Analysis (PDF), Final Environmental Constraints Analysis (PDF and 3 hard copies), Visual Simulations
Team: EPD, FFP (P. Harris, S. Worcester)
Timeline: 6 weeks

Phase 2B: Final Design, Conclusions, and Economic Analysis Report The final phase of the Detailed Assessment will be to develop final costs estimates, economics, and technical feasibility reports and presentations outlining all analysis and findings on the final project design. This will include:

Economic Analysis
• Detailed cost estimate development based on 30% design (including civil, landscaping, PV/BESS, access road, interconnection, etc.) and including and expected range of construction, O&M, and debt service costs
• Refresh available incentives, structure, process to monetize, schedule and deadlines that must be considered based on final project design and any changes to incentives that occurred after completion of Phase 1 work
• Economic modeling for the final developed project design utilizing FFP’s industry knowledge of current pricing of similar p rojects. Provide expected range of costs and savings to gauge economic feasibility for the transaction. Development of a financial model of the project for CMWD’s manipulation and use.
• Final economic analysis of project based on project design specifics . Refresh and update of assumptions used in Phase 1 with more granular cost and economic data developed as a part of Phase 2 . Generate initial estimates of expected PPA or land lease offers that CMWD could expect to obtain via a competitive RFP process,
Deliverables: Draft Economic Modeling and Financing Technical Memorandum (PDF), Final Economic Modeling and Financing Technical Memorandum (PDF and 3 hard copies) Team: FFP (P. Harris, S. Worcester)
Timeline: 4 weeks
Final Technical and Feasibility Report
Technical Memorandum Drafting
• System design summary narrative
Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 29 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED Carlsbad Municipal Water District
Maerkle Reservoir Solar Project
11 • Permitting/Development summary narrative including red flags and discussion of significant challenges that must be considered
Final Feasibility Report
• Write first draft of final report, Submit Draft Feasibility Report to CMWD staff • CMWD Staff Final workshop (present and review feasibility report) • Finalize Feasibility Report and Final Presentation to CMWD Board Deliverables: Draft Feasibility Report (PDF), Final Feasibility Report (PDF and 3 hard copies), Presentation at CMWD Board Meeting
Team: FFP (P. Harris, S. Worcester, A. Scherzer)
Timeline: 2 weeks

Services Beyond the Initial Feasibility Assessment
We understand that this RFP is only focused on the Feasibility Assessment portion of this effort and so therefore have focused our response on the work during this portion of the processes. However, FFP regularly consults our clients during solar project implementation, including solar contractor RFP management, contract negotiation, and construction monitoring advisory services. Should CMWD elect to move forward with implementation of the subject project, we would be happy to discuss follow up services for any or all these offerings. In the interim, please refer back to our Request for Qualifications (RFQ) response for further detail on our project implementation services.

Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 30 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED Carlsbad Municipal Water District
Maerkle Reservoir Solar Project
25 Project Schedule
See below for ForeFront Power’s initial schedule estimate for Phase 1 and Phase 2 as described in the Project Approach section. We generated this projected schedule based on internal expectations and schedules provided by our intended partners. Where possible, we plan to run multiple workstreams in parallel. The schedule is subject to change pending the award of the RFP and discoveries made during the scope of work. We would be happy to go through the schedule in detail and make adjustments based on CMWD’s needs.

Phase 1 Schedule (Oct 2025-Mar 2026):

Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 31 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED Carlsbad Municipal Water District
Maerkle Reservoir Solar Project
26 Phase 2 Schedule (Mar 2026 – Oct 2026):

The Phase 2 schedule shown below is based on the assumption of a fully executed amendment between FFP and CWMD to begin Phase 2 on March 25, 2026. If CMWD and FFP do not execute and amendment until later than this date, the Phase 2 schedule will need to be adjusted accordingly.

Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 32 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED Phase 1a Forefront Orientation and Initial Discovery 40,226$ Phase 1b Initial Diligence 348,443$
1b.1 Regulatory review and PV Conceptualization 29,286$ 1b.2 Survey and Real Estate Work - PV Site only 33,341$ 1b.3 Civil Design Initial Assessment 97,344$
1b.4 Environmental/Permitting Assessment 188,472$
Phase 1c Project Option Review and Conceptualization 82,235$ Total Phase 1 470,904$
Project Team Role
Advisory Director/
Project Manager
Advisory
Associate Engineer
Engineering
Director
Development
Director
Advisory
Manager
Development
Manager
Project
Coordinator Sales Analyst
Land
Technician
Land
Manager
Director of
Land Civil Engineering
Environmental
Constraints and
Entitlements Services
Surveying and
Mapping
Total Subconsultant
Fees
Billable Rate 275$ 191 $ 172 $ 240$ 275$ 205$ 164$ 103$ 172$ 126 $ 191 $ 289$ TRC Companies Inc EPD Solutions Inc. KWA Inc.

Phase 1a Forefront Orientation and Initial Discovery
Kick-off Meeting and Site Walks 66 4 4 20 4,138$ -$ Review and catalogue existing site documentation 4 8 2 4 4 4 26 5,686$ -$ Review and catalogue electric account and utility bill info 2 4 2 8 1,656$ -$ Analysis and Discussions with client on project design nuance, contract structure options and goals/priorities 4 4 6 4 4 4 26 5,609$ -$ Coordination Meetings with other Carlsbad departments 12 12 24 5,587$ -$ Analysis and Discussions on current regulatory landscape, market conditions, and contract structure options 8 12 8 2 30 7,015$ -$ Project Management, Schedule Development, management, and tracking 8 8 4 4 2 26 5,974$ -$ M
eetings. Presentation and report drafting materials, Client coordination, Ad-hoc support and Q&A 4 6 2 4 2 2 20 4,562$ -$ 1a Subtotal 48 60 14 10 24 6 18 0 180 40,226$ 0 0 0 -$ Phase 1b Initial Diligence
1b.1 Regulatory review and PV Conceptualization
Research available offtake programs 4 8 2 2 4 20 4,051$ -$ Utility Bill analysis and mapping to available programs (BTM, VNEM) 2 4 4 10 1,999$ -$ Credit value analysis (Front of the meter) 44 4 12 2,549$ -$ Initial outreach and discussions to Load Serving Entities and Utility (SDGE, CEA, etc.,) 4 4 2 10 2,191$ -$ Interconnection research 4 2 2 2 2 1 13 2,804$ -$ Analysis of available topo and satellite site data 24 2 8 1,565$ -$ Develop 3 layout scenarios and initial sizing (approximate PV areas desired) 2 4 9 2 2 2 21 4,216$ -$ Conceptual interconnection design for 3 scenarios (grid-connected vs BTM generic plan) 2 8 2 2 2 16 3,281$ -$ Project Management, Schedule management and tracking 2 4 2 4 2 2 16 3,286$ -$ Meetings. Presentation and report drafting materials, Client coordination, Ad-hoc support and Q&A 3 8 1 2 2 16 3,344$ -$ 1b.1 Subtotal 29 38 23 9 4 8 14 17 142 29,286$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 1b.2 Survey and Real Estate Work - PV Site only
Records Examination and title report review - PV Site 1 2 6 16 2 27 5,044$ -$ Site Visit to ground truth the record boundary and determine vertical datum 8 8 2,314$ -$ High level access Road existing data review/deed research 2 12 4 18 3,698$ -$ Generate CAD files per Access Road, PV Site record information and combine with contour data provided 24 24 8 QA/QC 24 3 1 8 4 22 4,615$ -$
High level review of curative items 2 2 16 4 24 5,088$ -$ Subcontractor management, coordination, iteration 0- $
Proje
ct Management, Schedule management and tracking 4 8 3 2 8 4 29 6,176$ -$ Meetings. Presentation and report drafting materials, Client coordination, Ad-hoc support and Q&A 4 6 2 4 2 2 4 4 28 6,406$ -$ 1b.2 Subtotal 13 20 0 2 4 5 5 0 0 37 88 38 156 33,341$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 1b.3 Civil Design Initial Assessment
Basis of Design Development 22 4 8 1,618$
Analyze and incorporate site development constraints. 2 2 4 4 4 16 3,374$ Initial Civil Design Review (Slope, hydrology, wetland/water body, soils, stormwater, flood plain, etc.) 4 4 4 2 2 16 3,624$ Prepare Civil Base Maps 2 2 343$
Grading Study (Low, Medium, High Earthwork scenario development) 4 8 12 4 4 4 36 7,402$ Preliminary access road site red flag assessment 4 2 4 2 2 2 16 3,526$ Subcontractor management, coordination, design iteration 4 4 1 8 17 2,892$ Results Synthesis and Analysis, Conclusion development, and Technical write-up 8 8 6 4 2 28 6,264$ Project Management, Schedule management and tracking 4 6 4 2 16 3,394$ Meetings. Presentation and report drafting materials, Client coordination, Ad-hoc support and Q&A 4 4 2 2 12 2,822$ 1b.3 Subtotal 36 36 36 14 16 7 14 8 0 167 35,258$ 62,086$ -$ -$ 62,086$ 1b.4 Environmental/Permitting Assessment
Compile and review existing data from federal, state, local sources (CEQA/NEPA, Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan, CDFW, etc.) 1 1 164$ Identify and Map known or potential constraints (Biological, cultural, HazMat, etc.) 2 2 1 5 1,264$ Develop feasibility assessment of environmental factors based on CEQA Appendix G 4 4 2 2 12 2,741$ Preliminary project triggers, required entitlements and permitting matrix 22 4 878$ Due Diligence BESS Fire Hazard Assessment 22 2 2 8 1,740$ 22,969$ 22,969$ Identify current codes, design standards and available technology for fire suppression, including new San Diego County best 2 2 126 4 2 28 5,858$ San Diego county other AHJ Chlorine storage safety requirements, including coordination with the County 4 4 4 2 4 2 20 4,457$ Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment 2 2 550$ 4,274$ 4,274$ Community Outreach per Outline in RFP Amendment 12 12 4 6 2 36 8,246$ 68,250$ 68,250$ Subcontractor management, coordination, meetings, expenses 6 8 4 8 10 36 6,341$ 18,544$ 18,544$ Review and iteration of feasibility assessment, Phase 1 ESA, Permitting matrix, BESS Fire Hazard Assessment 8 12 5 2 8 2 6 43 9,421$ -$ Analysis, Q&A, technical write-up 41 0 2 4 2 2 24 5,189$ -$ Project Management, Schedule management and tracking 8 12 4 2 26 5,638$ -$ Meetings. Presentation and report drafting materials, Client coordination, Ad-hoc support and Q&A 8 12 4 4 28 6,408$ -$ 1b.4 Subtotal 62 78 23 12 34 22 32 10 0 273 58,895$ -$ 129,577$ -$ 129,577$ Phase 1c Project Option Review and Conceptualization
Analysis of all above output and synthesize findings 12 16 2 4 2 2 38 8,532$ -$ Finalize (3) conceptual designs (layout, civil concept & cost, interconnection strategy, permitting implications, offtake plan) 64 4 4 4 22 4,855$ -$ Develop high level cost estimates for 3 scenarios 4 16 2 22 5,825$ 10,500.00$ 10,500.00$ Outline and summarize available incentives, programs and timelines 2 4 4 4 14 3,098$ -$ Develop economic analysis for various contract structures (PPA, land lease) 4 8 10 4 8 16 50 10,255$ -$ Financial model development, analysis, Q&A, and iterations 4 4 8 8 24 4,550$ -$ Outline of various contract structure options 24 6 1,313$ -$ Discuss and present expected economics, obligations, and other Pros/Cons of each structure 2 4 6 1,313$ -$ Summarize initial diligence findings and project challenges 6 8 2 1 2 19 4,259$ -$ Review and present nuances of project design options on feasibility, permitting, and development effort 2 4 2 2 4 2 8 1 25 4,945$ -$ Review and present economics and qualitative factors of options for CMWD final review 2 4 2 2 4 14 2,930$ -$ Review and present recommendation on whether to more to Phase 2 and which concepts to pursue 6 10 6 2 4 28 6,274$ -$ Project Management, Schedule Development, management, and tracking 6 8 4 1 19 4,160$ -$ Meetings. Presentation and final report drafting, Client coordination, Ad-hoc support and Q&A 12 12 4 8 6 42 9,425$ -$ 1c Subtotal 70 90 10 8 50 21 37 0 32 2 8 1 329 71,735$ -$ 10,500.00$ -$ 10,500.00$ Totals 258 322 106 55 132 69 120 18 49 39 96 39 1247 268,741$ 62,086$ 140,077$ -$ 202,163$ Total Cost - Phase 1
Proposed Phase 1 travel expense budget of $20,000 for Forefront employees only. Travel expenses would be reimbursed at cost. 15,540$
62,086$
Total Forefront
Hours
Total Forefront
Cost
Subconsultant Fees
62,086$
Forefront Labor Hours and Rates
15,540$
PSA26-3925UTIL
Exhibit "A" (Cont.)
Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 33 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED Phase 2a 753,412$
2a.1 Survey and Real Estate work - PV and Access Road 204,734$ 2a.2 Geotechnical Reconnaissance 201,567$
2a.3 Civil Design Detailed (30%) Development 234,325$
2a.4 Final PV/BESS System Design 47,638$
2a.5 Final Environmental/Permitting Assessment detailed 65,149$ Phase 2b Final Design, Conclusions, and Economic Analysis and Report-Out 74,894$ Total Phase 2 828,307$
Project Team Role
Advisory Director/
Project Manager
Advisory
Associate Engineer
Engineering
Director
Development
Director
Advisory
Manager
Development
Manager
Project
Coordinator
Sales
Analyst
Land
Technician Land Manager
Director of
Land
Civil and Electrical
Engineering /
Geotech Services
Environmental
Constraints and
Entitlements Services
Surveying and
Mapping
Preliminary Title
Reports
Total Subconsultant
Fees
Billable Rate 275$ 191 $ 172 $ 240 $ 275 $ 205 $ 164 $ 103 $ 172 $ 126$ 191$ 289 $ TRC Companies Inc EPD Solutions Inc. KWA Inc. TBD Phase 2a Detailed Diligence and Design
2a.1 Survey and Real Estate work - PV and Access Road
Records Examination - PV Site 1 2 8 4 15 3,210$ -$ Underground Utility Locating - PV Site 1 1 126$ 12,348$ 12,348$ Topographic survey & boundary - PV Site 12 2 1 2 8 1,675$ 26,250$ 26,250$ QA/QC - PV survey 24 3 2 2 4 17 3,596$ -$ Review of curative items - PV Site 2 2 8 4 16 3,562$ -$ Or
der preliminary Access Road title reports (~10) - Access Rd 6 12 18 2,908$ 15,750$ 15,750$ Records research/examination - Access Rd 46 16 20 8 54 10,390$ -$ Survey Scoping 2 2 2 4 4 4 10 28 6,326$ -$ Underground Utility Locating - Access Rd 2 2 252$ 12,348$ 12,348$ Topographic survey & boundary - Access Rd 1 1 2 2 2 8 1,577$ 42,000$ 42,000$ QA/QC - Access Rd 44 2 2 12 8 32 7,046$ -$ Analysis, Conflict and easement needs identification and resolution recommendations 4 6 4 2 40 24 16 96 17,918$ -$ Subcontractor management, coordination, iteration 4 16 4 6 30 5,246$ -$ Project Management, Schedule management and tracking 6 16 6 2 6 12 40 88 20,875$ -$ Meetings. Presentation and report drafting materials, Client coordination, Ad-hoc support and Q&A 8 12 4 4 4 4 6 8 50 11,330$ -$ 2a.1 SubTotal 33 44 1 4 12 12 12 22 0 76 94 96 406 96,038$ -$ -$ 92,946$ 15,750$ 108,696$ 2a.2 Geotechnical Reconnaissance
Geotech scoping 2 4 4 2 2 1 15 3,451$ -$ Geologic and Geotech Reconnaissance per RFP (PV/BESS site and access road) 1 2 2 5 947$ 168,473$ 168,473$ QA/QC , Analysis, Interpretation, Technical Write-up 12 10 8 12 10 16 68 14,837$ -$ Subcontractor management, coordination, iteration 2 4 4 4 4 8 10 36 6,404$ -$ Project Management, Schedule management and tracking 48 4 1 17 3,611$ -$ Meetings. Presentation and report drafting materials, Client coordination, Ad-hoc support and Q&A 4 8 2 2 2 18 3,845$ -$ 2a.2 SubTotal 25 30 14 22 18 8 31 11 0 0 0 0 159 33,094$ 168,473$ -$ -$ -$ 168,473$ 2 a.3 Civil Design Detailed (30%) Development
Hydrology and hydraulics studies 11 1 3 686$
Drainage and Grading Site Plan 11 2 2 1 7 1,640$
Develop Initial 30% Civil Design for PV Site in accordance with RFP 2 2 4 4 4 2 18 4,006$ Develop Initial Civil Design for Access road improvements in accordance with RFP 4 4 6 10 8 4 36 8,148$ 17,977$ 17,977$ Review, Analysis, Design Iterations 12 8 20 24 24 2 16 106 23,652$ -$ Subcontractor management, coordination 81 2 4 4 4 4 36 7,891$ -$ Project Management, Schedule management and tracking 12 16 4 6 6 2 12 58 11,755$ -$ Meetings. Presentation and report drafting materials, Client coordination, Ad-hoc support and Q&A 12 10 2 4 2 4 34 7,879$ -$ 2a.3 SubTotal 52 52 38 53 50 12 29 12 0 0 0 0 298 65,658$ 168,667$ -$ -$ -$ 168,667$ 2a.4 Final PV/BESS System Design
Developed detailed PV and BESS (if desired) layout in conjunction with 30% civil design development 8 8 12 4 2 34 7,212$ -$ Develop energy production estimates (PVSyst) for final layout 2 2 4 2 10 2,167$ -$ Comparison of production against onsite load and/or offtake plans 1 2 4 7 1,343$ -$ Refresh of codes and standard for BESS fire suppression based on final design 1 4 2 1 8 1,716$ -$ Develop planned point of interconnection and required electrical infrastructure in accordance with net metering/interconnection rules f 24 4 2 2 1 15 3,193$ Develop initial electrical design and single line diagram 22 8 2 1 15 2,948$ Analysis, Review and iterations 66 8 4 4 2 4 34 7,294$
Subcontractor management, coordination 2 2 2 2 2 8 18 2,907$ -$ Project Management, Schedule management and tracking 44 4 2 14 3,012$ -$ Meetings. Presentation and report drafting materials, Client coordination, Ad-hoc support and Q&A 4 8 2 2 1 2 19 4,189$ -$ 2a.4 SubTotal 32 38 42 14 15 7 14 8 4 0 0 0 174 35,982$ 11,656$ -$ -$ -$ 11,656$ 2a.5 Final Environmental/Permitting Assessment detailed Site Plan Review and overlay on environment constraint areas 2 2 2 2 4 2 14 3,182$ Evaluate final PV/BESS and access design for potential impacts 1 1 2 4 2 10 2,237$ Update CEQA/NEPA and entitlement matrix/pathways with final design details 2 2 4 8 1,757$ Environmental Cost and Level-of-Effort estimates/timelines for CEQA/permitting 4 4 2 2 8 8 28 6,199$ Visual Simulations 24 2 8 1,642$ 10,080$ 10,080$ Subcontractor management, coordination, meetings, expenses 4 4 2 4 14 3,070$ 6,598$ 6,598$ Analysis, Review and iterations 10 6 4 4 6 8 38 8,503$ -$ Subcontractor management, coordination 4 6 2 4 16 3,206$ -$ Project Management, Schedule management and tracking 24 4 10 2,134$ -$ Meetings. Presentation and Technical write-up materials, Client coordination, Ad-hoc support and Q&A 2 4 2 2 2 2 14 3,082$ -$ 2a.5 SubTotal 33 35 10 10 30 6 32 4 0 0 0 0 160 35,010$ -$ 30,139$ -$ -$ 30,139$ Phase 2b Final Design, Conclusions, and Economic Analysis and Report-Out Detailed cost estimate development based on ~30% design (including civil, landscaping, PV/BESS, access road, interconnection, etc.) 6 8 2 4 12 20 52 11,064$ -$ Final economic analysis, Analysis includes cost savings/revenue, utility bill estimates, incentive and tax modeling (including ITC treatmen 8 8 4 8 28 6,197$ -$ Financial model iterations, analysis, Q&A 88 4 16 36 7,128$ -$ System design summary narrative 44 4 4 8 10 34 7,351$ -$ Permitting/Development summary narrative including red flags and discussion of significant challenges that must be considered 4 8 48 1 0 34 7,154$ -$ Write first draft of final report and presentation 12 12 4 8 10 46 9,718$ -$ Review, QA/QC, iteration 16 16 8 4 10 8 62 13,486$ -$ CMWD Staff Final workshop (present and review full feasibility report) 4 4 8 1,862$ -$ Finalize Feasibility Report 22 2 4 10 2,138$ -$ Final Presentation to CMWD Board 44 8 1,862$ -$ Project Management, Schedule management and tracking 36 3 12 2,585$ -$ Meetings. Presentation and report drafting materials, Client coordination, Ad-hoc support and Q&A 6 12 2 20 4,349$ -$ 2b SubTotal 77 92 10 8 46 9 66 0 42 0 0 0 350 74,894$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ Totals 252 291 115 111 171 54 184 57 46 76 94 96 1547 340,676$ 348,796$ 30,139$ 92,946$ 15,750$ 487,631$ 11,656$ 11,656$
13,461$ 13,461$
Total Cost - Phase 2
Proposed Phase 2 travel expense budget of $20,000 for Forefront employees only. Travel expenses would be reimbursed at cost.

Total Forefront
Hours
Total Forefront
Cost
Forefront Labor Hours and Rates Subconsultant Fees and Costs 150,690$ 150,690$
PSA26-3925UTIL
Exhibit "A" (Cont.)
Docusign Envelope ID: 22E4CC25-7926-408C-AB98-60F18ECE461E Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 34 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED Exhibit 2
RESOLUTION NO. 1786 .

A RES

OLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CARLSBAD

MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA,

REJECTING ALL PROPOSALS FOR THE MAERKLE RESERVOIR SITE SOLAR

FEASIBILITY STUDY
WHEREA
S, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors, or CMWD Board, of the City of Carlsbad desires to explor e the feasibility of a solar energy generation and battery energy storage system project at the site of the Maerkle Reservoir, which is part of the city’s Five-Year Strategic Plan 2023-2027; and
WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad’s Climate Action Plan identifies the potential for a solar project at the Maerkle Reservoir site to assist in achieving renewable energy production goals; and WHEREAS, the Maerkle Reservoir site is owned by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, or CMWD, a subsidiary district of the City of Carlsbad; and WHEREAS, on March 25, 2025, the CMWD Board adopted Resolution No. 1766, approving issuance of a request for proposals from solar energy consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Project, Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 4722; and
WHEREAS, on April 17, 2025, staff issued a request for proposals in accordance with Carlsbad Municipal Code, or CMC, Sections 3.28.050 and 3.28.060 for professional services to conduct a solar energy generation and battery energy storage system feasibility study at the Maerkle Reservoir site ; and
WHEREAS, on May 29, 2025, staff received proposals from two qualified solar industry consulting firms and reviewed the proposals based on best-value criteria consistent with CMC Sections

3.28.050(D)(2) and 3.28.060; and
WHEREAS, staff negotiated with ForeFront Licensing, LLC for Phase 1 services in an amount not to exceed $470,904, Phase 2 in an amount not to exceed $828,307, and the total of both phases in an amount not to exceed $1,299,211; and
WHEREAS, on Sept. 30, 2025, staff presented two options to the CMWD Board to either award an agreement to ForeFront Licensing, LLC in an amount not to exceed $470,904 for Phase 1 of the feasibility study or reject all proposals; and
Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 35 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED WHEREAS, the CMWD Board selected Option 2 to reject all proposals received for the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study, CIP Project No. 4722.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the CMWD Board of Directors of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:

1. That the above recitations are true and correct.

2. That the CMWD Board has determined that t he proposed action to authorize a professional services agreement for a feasibility study for the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study is statutorily exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15262 as it involves only feasibility or planning studies, including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions that have not been approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action. The work to evaluate project feasibility and prepare conceptual designs does not have a legally binding effect on future discretionary actions to approve a project. Public input received and technical information prepared will be used during the project evaluation and planning.

3. That the proposals received for the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study, CIP Project No. 4722, are rejected.

Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 36 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Carlsbad Municip al Water District of the City of Carlsbad on the 30th day of Septembe r, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

ABSENT: None.
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, President
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, Secretary
(SEAL)
Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 37 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED

J

LOCATION MAP

CITY OF OCEANSIDE

PROJECT NAME

MAERKLE RESERVOIR SOLAR

PROJECT

CIP PROJECT

EXHIBIT
3 NUMBER
PROJECT - FEASIBILITY STUDY NO. 4722

PROJECT SITE

CITY OF VISTA

CITY OF CARLSBAD
Exhibit 3
Sept. 30, 2025
Item #4 Page 38 of 38
Docusign Envelope ID: F316AEF0-B206-4C38-AEB4-AB4C42B006ED All Receive - Agenda Item# !i_
For the Information of the:

CITY COUNCIL
Adriana Trujillo
Date 11:ttfa...,-c.A V--CC--=::­
CM _ "1i:CM _ -OC M (3) ~
From: Laurie Kemp <[email protected] >
Sunday, September 28, 2025 3:55 PM
City Clerk; Council Internet Email
Sent:

To:

Subject: Item 4 on the 9/30/25 Agenda
Attachments: I MG_0187.png; I MG_0188.png
Dear Board Members,
We are submitting comments on item 4 on the City Council agenda. The item does not appear to be agendized as a CMWD matter and includes a recommendation from the City Manager, not the Executive Manager.

This is a zombie project. It continues to plod forward, spending staff time and ratepayer money while being dead in the water. It is easy to see why, it was presented to the Board years ago as a way to utilize open space land to provide carbon free electricity, however staff has not pointed out the obvious issues that would kill the project without the expense of a feasibility study that continues to grow in cost. The item before you triples the estimated cost from $460,000 last March to $1.3 million for the now proposed phases 1 & 2. The following is a list of issues that should be resolved prior to awarding an RFP. • CMWD staff states they are bringing the project forward because it is in the City's Climate Action Plan. It is not . The recently updated CAP supersedes the original CAP. There is no mention of the Maerkle Reservoir project in the update . The original CAP mentions it once as an afterthought on a list of potential energy projects, hardly a mandate to proceed. In the updated CAP the city is directed to do a feasibility study on placing solar panels in city parking lots and the water department is directed to continue to improve water systems to increase energy efficiencies and work on the reliability of local water sources. The city's strategic plan is also mentioned as authority, but the project is mentioned just once in 44 pages as "complete Maerkle Reservoir Solar Project." In any event , these are city directives, not CMWD. As Board members you represent a subset of the City. Should CMWD ratepayers pay for a project that may or may not benefit the whole city? Is there a planning document or directive from the CMWD Board that requests this project be done?
• After fires at two different BESS facilities in 2024 staff came back to the board with an update. The project is located in a "very high fire severity zone." Members of the surrounding communities of Oceanside and Vista are justifiably concerned that they will be affected by toxic gases from battery fires and that the fires could ignite the adjacent UCSD preserve. This will be looked at in the feasibility study. In a best practices report on BESS facilities prepared for the County of San Diego and easily available on its website, one of the most important factors in siting a BESS is wildfire risk. The BESS facility may not start a fire, but is very vulnerable to wildfires. Many homeowners in our neighborhood have been dropped from their insurance coverage once Calfire updated the wildfire maps . Before you spend money to go forward a basic question to ask is whether CMWD would be able to procure adequate insurance coverage to protect ratepayers from potential lawsuits should the facility burn and affect the surrounding communities. • The Request for Proposals you approved in March did not envision a two phase $1.3 million feasibility study. The contractor has proposed doing that work in two phases at triple the 1 cost of the original estimate. Separating the project creates a fundamental conflict of interest for the contractor. As it is now constructed, the contractor is to give CMWD advice on whether CMWD should proceed with Phase 2 of the project, thus participating in the award of an additional contract to itself. You should be concerned about the independence of the advice. • We are attaching the comments we made back in 2024 regarding land use that were never addressed and are fundamental. Will the the City change the zoning to allow solar panels and battery storage on open space? If so, will that apply to all open space in the city? If the city plans to remove 56 acres of open space from the plan, where will it find replacement land? All of the above points should/could be addressed before committing to a $1.3 million feasibility study. If they cannot be resolved now, would it not be better to direct ratepayer's funds to projects that directly benefit them and not fund, what are in actuality, city initiatives? Money allocated is not money spent and there are plenty of worthier projects that come under staff's expertise.

Ron & Laurie Kemp
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Laurie Kemp <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, Apr 16, 2024 at 10:1 O AM
Subject: Item 15 on Tonight's Agenda
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>, <[email protected]> Dear Council,
Tonight you have before you an item to consider whether to authorize CMWD to go forward with a feasibility study for a solar panel farm adjacent to the Maerkle Reservoir and several neighborhoods in the cities of Vista and Oceanside. Staff estimates this will cost ratepayers $460,000. Although you will not be authorizing the expenditure tonight there are some questions staff should be prepared to answer now.

The parcel is currently zoned as open space. As you know, Carlsbad has a permissive zoning code, which means that only uses authorized by the code are allowed. Solar panel farms are not listed on the table found in CMC 21.33.020.

Under the general plan the property is designated as "Category 2: Open Space for Managed Production of Resources (forestry; agriculture; aquaculture; water management; commercial fisheries; and major mineral resources)" will staff be considering the production of power a resource such as agriculture, water management, fisheries, etc.?
If a Solar power farm is authorized on this open space area will they then be allowed in all open spaces? If staff concludes the property must be rezoned to allow solar panels, how will the city make up for the loss of the 56 acres of open space. It appears to be counted in the total for open space in the general plan. See table 4-1.
2 These are basic questions that staff should be able to address before looking into the technical feasibility of the project.

The staff report identifies several stakeholders in the project but does not include the surrounding properties in the list. You have been shown a graphic map of the area that does not show the density of the housing that will be affected by this project.

I am attaching an overhead from google maps. The neighborhood to the left is the Ocean Hills retirement community in Oceanside and the other sides are in Vista.

If staff were proposing to put a project of this size next to residences in Carlsbad would you be considering it? Although not comparable in size, would it not be similar to dropping a solar farm in the recently purchased Aura Circle parcel?
So I ask that surrounding neighbors be considered stakeholders.

Lastly, the report mentions buffers. A quick scan of the internet, which may not be too accurate, shows a 1 km (1100 yards) buffer from residences. What is contemplated here? Please be a good neighbor and proceed in due diligence on this project.

Ron & Laurie Kemp
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From:

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Cc:

Subject:

Jose Torre-Bueno <[email protected] >
Sunday, September 28, 2025 4:19 PM
City Clerk
Don Christiansen
Suggestions on Agenda Item 4. OPTIONS FOR THE MAERKLE RESERVOIR SITE SOLAR

FEASIBILITY STUDY
I would lil<e to point out that any decision the Council mal<es with respect to developing the site should tal<e into account the deadlines the OBBBA (Public Law No. 119-21) created with respect to collecting the incentives for PV systems. Depending on how the project is scheduled it may still be possible to collect 30 or even 40% of the project costs from the federal government.

Under the new legislation the project must either finish by Dec 31 2027 or start by July 4 2026 to receive the incentive. The incentives are 30% plus 10% if the project pays prevailing wages plus another 10% if it uses at least 10% US made materials.

For a large project "start" requires actually breaking ground by July 2026 however there is another alternative. If the city decides on a smaller scale project less than 1.5MW then spending 5% of the project cost by July 2026 counts as starting and for projects this size physical work is not required, funds spent on planning count.

Therefore the contract should call for two designs, one for a 1.5MW system and one for a system of the maximum size. If the consultant's worl< exceeds 5% of the cost of a 1.5MW system before July 2026 then the city would have until 2030 to build such a system and still collect the incentives.

I would be happy to advise city staff on the subtleties of navigating the loopholes in the new law.

Jose Torre-Bueno, Ph.D.

Executive Director
Center for Community Energy
(619) 977-0553
1° ~-----------1-
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Dear City Council,
[email protected]
Sunday, September 28, 2025 5:11 PM
City Clerk; Council Internet Email; Manager Internet Email Jason Haber; Keith Blackburn; Priya Bhat-Patel; Teresa Acosta; Melanie Burkholder; Kevin Shin
Essential Battery Safety Information -- Maerkle Reservoir Project Kronus Engineering - Battery Safety Overview.pdf
Please find attached a PDF file describing battery safety for large scale clean energy projects.

I ask that you include this document in the record for your City Council meeting Sept. 30, 2025.

Kronus Engineering are experts at building battery systems: quality work equals safe batteries.

Cheers,
Phil
Dr. Phil Watts
CEO, Chair Resource
Cell: 562-607-2132
https://urldefense.com/v3/ _http://www.resourcerenewables.com_; ! !E_ 4xU6-vwMWK­ Q!vwrowDIBLDsZPvuhNUO2NICOfFoNg2QSDzcXw07NkR4A3nekoA6MW0CpYluSqTzkJRzx24G8vNq8FQNMtlwQh8EF$ CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 J.
----------• • KronusEngineering --~I, n,i::- a,, 11 f•1yf'<pc1 1'i

KRONUS ENGINEERING
The Battery Experts
A Quick Guide to Batteries
September 25th, 2025
1 Kronus Engineering
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1. OVERVIEW
A clean energy project developer must submit a land use plan as part of the licensing and permitting process with a city. This is the appropriate time to review equipment safety and safety procedures. Both the public and the fire department participate in the review of a land use plan, and it usually requires or can be made to require City Council approval. Therefore, any and all concerns can and should be met by every kind of clean energy project.

The goal of this quick guide to batteries is to provide additional information about Kron us Engineering, battery history and behaviors, safety measures and operations. and permitting processes.

2. ABOUT KRONUS ENGINEERING
Kronus Engineering is an expert on all-things energy storage. Our systems range from small-format battery packs for Robotics or UAVs all the way up to large scale systems with MWh of storage for buildings or small communities. Our specialty falls between 100kWh and 20MWh.

We have a team of engineers with expertise in mechanical, electrical, and software design, as well as high-voltage technicians to make sure your system is fully tested and safely installed on-site.

Ideally, we join the project at the scoping or design stage so that we can ensure the final system will meet the project's needs from the starting line, but we can jump in during any of the stages of scoping, design, programming, procurement, assembly, testing, installation, or commissioning to ensure that the project is a success. Whether you are at the beginning stages of designing a system, or you need help with a partially completed project, our team of battery experts will make sure your system is successful using creative and innovative solutions specific to your project's scope.

Kronus Process

1. The typical process for our clients begins with a system scoping to define the true battery needs.

2. Once system specifications are approved, we will design the initial system diagrams including flow charts, schematics, 3D models, and a bill of materials. We can also investigate programming system controllers or the Battery Management System (BMS) at this time.

3. During the procurement and assembly stage our high-voltage technicians take the time to order parts as well as carefully assemble and wire the system.

4. Our team will test the system in a controlled environment before shipping to the project site.

5. The batteries are then carefully packaged and shipped to a site where our technicians will install and integrate the system.

Kronus Services
• Schedule Development
• Manufacturing Support
• System Testing and Validation
• On Site Installation
• Support and Troubleshooting
2 Kronus Engineering
Tll'" A.111r 1yExp rt'i
• Energy Analysis for Battery Sizing
• System Diagram and Schematic Development
• Design Consultation
• Software Support
• Bill of Materials Development
Kronus Engineering started in 2018 and has installed over 50 Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) within that timeframe. We have yet to have any issues with thermal runaway because of the diligence our team puts into the design of our systems. We are studious regarding the brands we partner with, making sure we understand their product's performance and using them in the safe ways they were designed. We can monitor each battery we install to make sure it continues to act as specified. We walk every client through the process of picking out the correct sensors and fire suppression systems based on their needs as well as the needs of the the site, and each system comes with an operations and maintenance manual to allow for onsite check-ups on the system. Battery safety is a matter of quality design, quality build, and quality operations.

3. BATTERY HISTORY AND BEHAVIORS
All batteries store a large amount of chemical energy in a relatively small space. There are hundreds of possible chemical batteries, from the old lead-acid batteries in cars to new sodium-based cells. This makes battery chemistry highly varied and battery stability an important consideration for each kind of cell. Lithium -ion batteries are some of the highest energy density batteries available, but they are also highly reactive and potentially unstable. The specific chemistry in these batteries varies, but some can form dendrites when stressed that short circuit the battery. This concern promoted the development of more stable battery chemistries, and an awareness of how to manage battery use over time .

New requirements have been put into place to make sure battery manufacturers keep safety in mind.

The UL 9540A designation gives insight regarding how a battery reacts were it to go into thermal runaway from a cellular, modular, and system level perspective. The UL 1973 battery requirements verify the battery system has proven to be safe in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The battery module used must meet these stringent requirements to make it into any system Kronus Engineering designs and builds. There are standards in place to deliver the safety customers expect.

The current standard battery for clean energy projects is a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cell. LFP batteries are renowned for their thermal stability, which makes the chemistry safer and more stable than older technologies . Specifically, LFP cells have a higher threshold for heat compared to other battery types, with a thermal runaway temperature of 270 °C in contrast to 210 °C for NMC cells and 150 °C for NCA cells. LFP cells also typically have a lower energy density which also reduces the likelihood and severity of a potential incident. These batteries are still storing considerable energy in a small space. LFP technology has been implemented around the world for the last 15 years, which is effectively the full lifetime of a battery, and so this safety record is well documented and well understood . 3 Kronus Engineering
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4. BESS SAFETY MEASURES AND OPERATIONS
Kronus Engineering designs Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with multiple layers of safety to ensure reliable and secure operation. Each BESS is housed in a custom-engineered container, built with internal firewalls and advanced safety features. In the unlikely event of a fire, the container is designed to contain it, preventing spread to the surrounding area. The containers are HVAC-controlled and insulated to maintain optimal internal temperatures for system performance and battery health . At the component level, batteries are monitored by a robust Battery Management System (BMS) that operates at the cell, module , and rack levels. This system continuously checks for performance and detects early signs of thermal increases, helping to prevent thermal runaway before it can occur. To further enhance safety , Kron us systems can incorporate either clean-agent or water-based fire suppression systems, as well as hydrogen sensors to detect potentially hazardous conditions.

In the rare event that thermal runaway does occur, the safest response is typically to isolate the area and allow the event to run its course while ensuring safety per emergency protocols . BESS installations must meet all clearance and siting requirements to support safe operation. Access to the BESS should always be restricted to trained , authorized, and qualified personnel.

Kron us Engineering is committed to the ongoing safety and performance of your BESS. Our systems can support 24/7 real-time monitoring of batteries , inverters , solar generation, and other microgrid components. We strongly recommend regular preventative maintenance to ensure optimal system function and long-term reliability. Quality operations are safe operations .

5. PERMITTING PROCESSES
Developers of large clean energy projects are required to submit a detailed land use plan in accordance with city ordinances . These projects often fall outside the scope of traditional city licensing and perm itting processes, which makes the land use plan an essential tool for comprehensive review by various city departments, including the fire department . The land use plan typically includes critical site design elements such as setbacks from residential areas, concrete pads for battery containers, and designated fire lanes to ensure clear access for emergency response. These measures are standard practice in clean energy development and reflect the significant safety considerations associated with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

As part of the permitting process, local fire departments and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) are typically involved in reviewing proposed safety protocols, inspecting facilities, and verifying that operational standards are met . Kron us Engineering recognizes that AHJ requiremen ts can vary significantly by region. For this reason, Kron us actively engages early in the permitting and planning stages to support these discussions and provide expert technical guidance tailored to local needs. The solution is to build in the desired quality and safety from the beginning . 4 Adriana Trujillo
From: City Clerk
Sent:

To:

Monday, September 29, 2025 9:46 AM
Adriana Trujillo
Subject: FW: Maerkle Reservoir
From: Keri Martinez <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 8:09 AM
To: Ruth Schafer <[email protected]>
Cc: Dave Padilla <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Maerkle Reservoir
Hello good morning Ruth.

Good to hear from you. Yes, I recall our conversation regarding a potential solar project at the Maerkle Reservoir site and remember your concerns with the battery storage onsite. We discussed Davies' measure then and I appreciate you updating me on that. I know there are several guidelines and regs in development that we are tracking and trying to stay current on.

As far as a land use study, in 2023 we did we look into allowable land use per the zoning and specifically restrictions with regard to the Surplus Land Act. There are limited uses for the site and this real property analysis will be a part of this feasibility study.

As we discussed on our call, we are still in the phase of determining what, if any, type of project would be viable. Our Board directed us to hire a solar industry consultant to help answer all the questions and compile information as well as engage stakeholders in this early phase. Agreed, it is a costly study and if approved should compile the information necessary for our Board to make a decision on moving forward or not. Please be assured, community input will be an important part of this determination.

Thanks again for your email, Ruth.

All the best,
Keri
Respectfully,
(Carlsbad
Munldpal \','ater Dhtr'ct
Keri Martinez, P.E.

District Engineer
m: 442-200-7376 I [email protected]
From: Ruth Schafer <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 26, 2025 11:53 AM
To: Keri Martinez <[email protected]>
Subject: Maerkle Reservoir
1 I spoke to you on April 9th re: this proposed project. I see that it is up for discussion on Monday, Sept. 30th and the city manager is recommending the feasibility study. Are you aware that our Cal.. Rep., Laurie Davies' measure passed? It is AB 615. It states that any application for a solar energy storage facility has to have an emergency response plan with the initial application. This plan must include the advice of the first responders.

I certainly hope that you and Mr. Padilla discourage the passage of this measure. Perhaps a land use study would be more appropriate. It would be a huge waste of city funds to do a feasibility study. I believe the residents of Vista and Oceanside that border the reservoir will be very troubled by this study.

Ruth Schafer, Ocean Hills
9097037116
6045 Patmos Way, Oceanside, CA 92056
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Hi,
Dee Forsberg, Global Hire <[email protected] >
Monday, September 29, 2025 10:23 AM
City Clerk
Solar project
All Receive - Agenda Item # !t_
For the Information of the :

CITY COUNCIL
Date~ .........----cc _::::­
CM _ ~ CM --=::-f:)CM (3) _!:::---
I am writing you to express my deep concern over the location of the project. We've already have had fires in our community and this project has a strong potential to cause more.

Delinda Forsberg
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize , Conquer
en attachments or click on links unless ou recognize the sender and know the content i 1 Adriana Trujillo
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Expires:

Monday 29 September 2025
[email protected]
Monday, September 29, 2025 11 :36 AM
City Clerk
no on agenda 4
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 12:00 AM
Dear Mayor Blackburn and Council Members,
The proposed solar farm and battery storage facility in Carlsbad, near Vista neighborhoods, will impact Vista's community and fire department, particularly due to wildfire risks.

The Phase 2 option (which begins actual design work) is much more than just an early stage idea.

I am asking the council to vote no and not move forward with this plan.

Thank you,
Tamara Dixon
T=OiKm,,
619-787-7396
[email protected]
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Dear Sherry Freisinger,
Gayle Martin <[email protected]>
Monday, September 29, 2025 12:08 PM
City Clerk
Carlsbad Clerk: Maerkle Resevoir Site Solar Feasibility Study- Opposed Regarding the Carlsbad City Council September 30, 2025 meeting, agenda item 4. Maerkle Resevoir Site Solar Feasibility Study
I live in Vista, this proposed site is directly next to Vista. I oppose this project due to the high fire risk posed by battery storage facilities' history of fires, including the prolonged fire at the Gateway Energy Storage facility in San Diego in 2024, and the massive fire & subsequent re-ignition of that fire at the Vistra Moss Landing facilities in January and February of this year.

I strongly urge you to vote NO.

Thank you.

Gayle Martin
Vista, CA
I 0 ~2-4 Virus-free.www.avast.com
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Cindy DiChiara <[email protected]>
Monday, September 29, 2025 12:15 PM
City Clerk
proposed solar farm and battery storage facility
This is NOT an appropriate site for this use. The risk of environmental hazard is high. Put it out in the desert instead.

Look at the pollution and damage from the recent Target charging station fire. Why this, why here? Has the EPA been notified? The threat to homes, air, people and wildlife are reasons to relocate this facility. We already cannot get insurance if the trees are too high or too close to homes. I'm sure the insurance companies are going to love this. And no, the industrial park is NOT a viable solution. That is all we need - a battery storage facility fire igniting an industrial park. Battery fires are left to burn because they cannot be extinguished. Whose harebrained idea was this? Who is getting a kickback? This makes no sense and is in wanton disregard for the health, safety and well-being of residents.

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Dear Board Members,
Julie H <[email protected] >
Monday, September 29, 2025 2:25 PM
City Clerk
All Receive - Agenda Item# !f:_
For the Information of the :

CITY COUNCIL
Date ~ A ..-C C ,__
CM ~ CM _ --e-( M {3) ___1=.,-
Opposition to Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study Resolution I am writing to express my strong opposition to the resolution before the City of Carlsbad regarding the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study (CIP Project No. 4722).

While I support the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions in principle, the Maerkle Reservoir site presents significant concerns that make this project unsuitable for this location. Moving forward with this resolution would raise serious issues for our community.

Key concerns include:
• Risks to public access, safety, and the surrounding environment. • Increased fire danger posed by solar installations in a high-risk area, which could endanger both nearby homes and critical infrastructure.
• Questionable long-term cost-effectiveness compared to alternative renewable energy initiatives in more appropriate locations.
• Lack of sufficient community outreach and transparency regarding potential impacts.

Given these concerns, I respectfully urge the Board to reject the proposed fea·sibility study at the Maerkle Reservoir site and instead direct staff to explore renewable energy opportunities at sites that do not present such risks to our community.

Thank you for considering this perspective. I urge you to place the community's best interests at the forefront in making your decision.

Sincerely,
Julie H.

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Manager Internet Email
Monday, September 29, 2025 3:01 PM
City Clerk
FW: Agenda Item 4: Maerkle Reservoir Site
From: Becky Evanson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 2:20 PM
To: Manager Internet Email <[email protected]>; Council Internet Email <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Item 4: Maerkle Reservoir Site
Dear City Manager and Board Members,
We were informed this past weekend that tomorrow there will be a vote at the Carlsbad City council meeting whether to move ahead with Phase 1 of the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study.

As Vista residents, whose property sits along the fence line of the reservoir site where the proposed plan exists, we have serious concerns about the impact this project will have on the quality of life in our home, as well as the longer term financial impact and safety. We will be speaking at the meeting tomorrow night about these concerns.

In advance, we are attaching a few photos from various rooms inside our home to provide the visual perspective we have of the proposed site. Our concern is not that the project will create a view obstruction, but that it would place large, foreboding metal structures that would rise up the hill visible from the inside of our home. It would essentially be in our "backyard." Aside from it being unsightly to live with, our property value would plummet. In addition, we are already in a high risk fire zone and our insurance could be dropped or increased if a battery storage facility is contained on that hill.

Based on the diagrams created to display the scope of this project, it is clear the vast majority of the residents who would be impacted by this construction project are Vista and Oceanside residents. Most of these residents are still unaware of this proposed plan. We assure you, the number of people attending tomorrow's meeting does not represent the number of concerned residents who will later have strong opinions in opposition of the idea of a solar farm being planted in the middle of our neighborhood.

Thank you in advance for reading this and taking a glimpse into our situation.

Sincerely,
Becky Evanson
2023 Sequoia Crest, Vista
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1 Adriana Trujillo
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Sept. 30, 2025
From: Mary Oren
Carlsbad resident 26 years
760.271.3059
Dear Carlsbad Leaders -
maryoren < [email protected] >
Monday, September 29, 2025 4:20 PM
City Clerk
Option 1, Agenda Item 4 Tuesday, Sept 30, 2025
It's always encouraging when innovative and action are up for a vote in Carlsbad - because as leaders - you know how to act quickly regarding safe and exciting new opportunities that move us forward and this time it involves a local solar farm right here now - that will help residents in so many ways and get us closer to meeting the goal of providing 100% clean energy locally!! We want to be responsible because we can be - with the chance to proceed in our community, city, state and let's just say it - planet! We become part of the solution and not as big a part of the problem. It's a courageous domino event that starts here with us now! Some homeowners have invested in solar on rooftops, are driving electric cars, choose transit (we love the Coaster and Blue Line that give us DTSD travel options) and we love Amtrak! The station in nearby Oceanside is something to be really proud of locally. That was a big step in the right direction years ago and we have a chance to do more here in Carlsbad, now! Every community is doing it's part and it's time to take a leap toward a new power investment with the creation of a solar farm! By doing this - we provide savings to tax payers, make progress in our commitment to reduce reliance on outdated power options, reduce or carbon footprint, improve air quality, improve grid stability, move closer toward providing a microgrid that can protect our community during crisis, while de centralizing power production. There a too many great wins to list that I'm sure others will mention in their correspondence with you. My hope is you will remember our pledge, our united effort to allow our community to move forward not backward in our power literally, choose solar, set an example, do what will make us grateful and proud and let's create local power now, there's no need to wait. We know how to do this, let's get started.

Thank you for your courage, vision and for representing us. We are counting on you and behind you all the way and are united in moving Carlsbad closer to our goals! Mary Oren
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To whom it may concern,
[email protected]
Monday, September 29, 2025 4:38 PM
City Clerk

MAERKLE RESERVOIR SITE SOLAR
I am very concerned about the possibility of a solar farm and battery storage facility being built right by my neighborhood. I have seen too many fires due to battery explosions. We do not want this in our backyard and feel there are other places where you can create this mess. Please explain why you would want to build such a hazardous "farm and storage facility" in the middle of an area surrounded by families?
PLEASE DO NOT BUILD THIS IN OUR BACKYARD.

Regards,
Diane Casey
1919 Cherrywood Street
Vista, CA 92081
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1 Adriana Trujillo
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phillip rogul <[email protected]>
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 9:42 AM
Adriana Trujillo
Would like to please offer public comment on the question of the feasibility study listed in todays Council Agenda for the proposed Merkel Reservoir Solar Energy Project Good morning Adriana and Carlsbad City Council Members, I'd like to respectfully and strongly encourage City of Carlsbad to please vote YES on this question of having (another?) feasibility study done for this proposed project.

As a local engaged citizen - dating to the original Carlsbad City sponsored program "Envision Carlsbad" in 2008 and continuing with our own Carlsbad Sustainability Coalition (2008 thru today 2025) in order to allow interested local residents to continue their participation - many of us have been directly involved with implementing renewable energy technologies beginning with the first EV's (BMWs and Leafs) and continuing thru the adoption of rooftop solar panels + battery systems, etc.

This particular project was originally proposed by former City Manager Steve Sarkozy, during our collaborative work between Carlsbad and our local Sierra Club "5-member-working group" who helped draft (with city staffers and city manager) one of the 1st Climate Action Plans in SD County. Back in about 2014/2015.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Phil Rogul
Carlsbad Sustainability Coalition - since 2008
CA Alliance for Community Energy member
North County Climate Change Alliance - founding and board member 760-804-1870
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1 All Receive - Agenda Item # .:/­
For the Information of the:

Adriana Trujillo

CITY COUNCIL
Date7[~ /t-'>cA 7cc _:::­
CM ~ M ~ CM {3) ~
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Donti <[email protected] >
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 10:39 AM
City Clerk
Subject: MAERKLE RESERVOIR SOLAR PROPOSAL
Dear Board Members,
I am writing to address the upcoming proposal of a battery/solar farm. As a resident of Vista, this would literally be in my backyard.

My backyard fence line is Carlsbad. I have lived in my home for 32 years.

I have always enjoyed the open field and how Carlsbad has cared for it keeping the brush down to protect from fires and giving the wildlife space to roam.

I recently had a hard time getting fire insurance and it went up 45%. This solar/battery farm would definitely put all of us in the surrounding areas in a spot to be cancelled or have our fire insurance go so astronomically high we would have to move .

This would make everything hotter and would run the wildlife out. Where are they going to go? I am extremely concerned . You are also putting this right next to RETIREMENT HOUSING. These elderly cannot protect their homes in case of a fire.

I appreciate you listening to myself and the countless others this would affect. I have worked hard to have my home and work on building up the equity. You would be taking that lifelong goal from so many.

Our property values would go down, not to mention our Fire Insurance would likely be unmanageable .

You are creating a problem that is not good for your city, Vista, or Oceanside.

Thank you,
Donti Burgner
Dont i Burgner
Buyer I Aztec Global Soluti ons, Inc.
1201 Activity Dr. Vista, Ca 92081
Office: (760) 305-4073
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1 Adriana Trujillo
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Cc:

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To Carlsbad City Council:

Sara Petros <[email protected]>
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 2:11 PM
City Clerk
Sara Petros
Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar
I am a 35 year resident of Sea Vista Community in Vista, which backs up to the Carlsbad reservoir site that is being reviewed for possible solar farm and battery storage facility.

The installation of solar farm and storage facilities, I feel, would greatly impact my community, my home and surrounding areas in a negative way. I believe it would:
-negatively impact the natural habitats in nearby preserves -cause noise pollution with solar storage
-impact our property values
-impact our homeowners' insurance ... what if we can't get fire insurance coverage due to this proposed solar installation? Then what?
-potential fire concern (just take a look at what happened in Escondido with their battery storage) I urge the City of Carlsbad not to go forward with these plans ... we have Escondido to confirm the dangers of solar storage facilities to learn from and as a nearby resident to its location, I am concerned.

Sincerely,
Sara (Petros) Armstrong
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1 Adriana Trujillo
From:

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Hope Nelson < [email protected] >
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 2:50 PM
All Receive - Agenda Item# !/:­
For the Information of the:

CITY COUNCIL
Date ~ -CC___:;­
CM ~ CM _ /4C M (3) _,!;;;-
To: City Clerk; Keith Blackburn; Priya Bhat-Patel; Teresa Acosta; Melanie Burkholder; Kevin Shin
Subject: City Council Meeting 9/30/25, Agenda Item #4
Honored Council Members:

This is surely not our area of expertise but, in our opinion, common sense should prevail here.

Reading through the documentation provided and letters submitted, we find the idea that Carlsbad would take designated open space in a very high fire zone, vulnerable to wildfire spread, essentially out of the question for this project.

In addition, one of the respondent letters brings up the issue of the ability to procure adequate insurance coverage to protect ratepayers from potential lawsuits should the facility burn and affect surrounding communities. We own a single family home surrounded in part by greenbelt property. We also were under mandatory evacuation during the 2014 fires in Carlsbad. Obtaining homeowners fire insurance has continued to be more problematic over the years. The simple issue of insurance in this situation should be evaluated prior to committing over $1,000,000 . to a study.

Please consider the above comments prior to your decision.

Sincere appreciation for our staff and Council,
Hope and Vince Nelson
Carlsbad Residents
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2 Adriana Trujillo
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Judy Barrio <[email protected]>
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 3:16 PM
City Clerk
Agenda item #4
I, and many of my neighbors in Chateau Del Norte are against you going forward with the proposed battery storage facility at Maerkle Reservoir site. This proposal does not seem to impact houses in Carlsbad, but would impact houses in Vista and Oceanside, which are directly surrounding the site. This is already a high fire danger area. Will our insurance be affected? Are our local fire services sufficient? And who would be responsible for responding to any battery fire? Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista? Have they been included in the process? Yet these city residents were not included or notified of the ongoing proposal process you have been considering. There are plenty of safety questions surrounding these battery storage sites and many cities are reviewing their concerns. After their facility fire in Escondido, they have paused a while to study safety options. Some have even issued moratoriums! I ask that you also pause taking any further actions until the affected residents in Vista and Oceanside can be included in the process.

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1 Adriana Trujillo
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Geraldine Brandt < [email protected]>
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 3:32 PM
City Clerk
Geraldine Brandt
OPPOSITION to Proposed solar farm & battery storage area on property owned by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District; Agenda #4 on the 09/30/25 Carlsbad City Council meeting
I want to express my OPPOSITION to the Carlsbad City Council regarding the proposed solar farm & battery storage area on property owned by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District. I live in the Sea Vista development in Vista which is adjacent to the area being considered for this proposal. Our homes back up to the proposed area. The proximity to our residential neighborhood is no place for a battery storage faculty which is in a high risk fire area. There are numerous homes in the Sea Vista & Ocean Hills (senior living community also adjacently located) housing developments that would be negatively affected as was the case of a recent fire at the battery storage area experienced in Escondido. I am a senior with Parkinson's & have mobility issues & am very concerned about being able to evacuate in an emergency. I purchased my home 37 years ago & I thought the location next to the undeveloped Carlsbad Municipal Water District property was a plus. If this proposal passes, it turns into a negative. Please be a good neighbor, Carlsbad City Council, & reject the proposal for the safety of my neighbors & the seniors living here. How would you feel if the City of Vista was in your place?
Geraldine Brandt
1945 Pinewood Road
Vista, CA 92081
(760)842-3448
Sent from my iPhone
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From:

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Subject:

To Whom it may concern -
Devin Rickey <[email protected]>
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 4:32 PM
City Clerk
Concerns with the proposed solar field at the Maerkle reservoir site.

As a Vista resident that lives adjacent to the Carlsbad water district land housing the Maerkle reservoir, and the proposed site for a solar power/battery storage facility, I would like to voice my concern over this plan.

Our back fence looks on to the field where the solar site is being proposed. We are concerned about the environmental impact that this would have on the wildlife that thrives in this habitat. We have Coyotes, Squirrels, Red Tail Hawks, Owls, California Gnat Catchers (on the endangered species watch list), and various other birds, rodents and reptiles. I don't think that this wildlife would be able to continue to thrive amongst a solar field. It is hard for us to imagine losing this wildlife.

Additionally, the land at the proposed site is zoned "Open Space" which doesn't allow for the proposed use. The land is also nearly completely surrounded by existing residential developments and open space, not leaving an easy way to get the power back to the required infrastructure.

Another large concern is the potential fire hazard of a battery storage facility. In the event of a fire, the wind prevailing Westerly wind would drive any fire/smoke/hazardous fallout directly into the surrounding neighborhoods. We are already at the highest fire risk level, and I don't imagine this would help our problems with finding and maintaining insurance for our homes. Additionally, there is only one way into the proposed site, which is through the adjacent neighborhoods. This would likely complicate any firefighting activities. A further complication would be that evacuating elderly and disabled people from the Ocean Hills development would consume needed emergency resources.

It seems like the battery storage facility might be better placed at the old Encinas Power Plant site. There is probably remaining infrastructure that ties into the power system already, and it is an industrial site with no residential neighbors.

Another thought regarding this is that the marine layer regularly sits over the proposed site, which will greatly reduce the efficiency of the output. My understanding is that the solar panels could be put anywhere (in Carlsbad, or outside the city) and that Carlsbad would still be credited for putting the power on the grid. It may make more sense to put the panels further East to increase the output due to more time under the sun. There appear to be other locations further East and still within the city limits that might be sunnier, and with less residential exposure.

Please consider looking at other options to meet these needs.

Thank you for your consideration,
Devin Rickey
2136 Redwood Crest
Vista, CA 92081
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2 Adriana Trujillo
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Subject:

Taylor Fletes <[email protected] >
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 4:38 PM
City Clerk
Public comment 9/30 meeting
Dear Carlsbad City Council,
My name is Taylor Fletes, and I am a Vista resident. My property is directly adjacent to the proposed Maerkle Reservoir Solar site, and my back fence overlooks this land.

I am writing to express my firm opposition to the solar farm and battery storage facility proposed for Carlsbad Water District land. While I fully support renewable energy, this site is not an appropriate location. Though today's vote concerns whether to move forward with a feasibility study, I believe any forward movement on this project should be stopped.

There are several reasons I strongly oppose this project. First, the site is currently designated as open space, which serves as a buffer between neighborhoods and development. Converting this land into an industrial-scale energy facility would permanently eliminate green space, degrade scenic views, and change the character of our community. This shift would also unfairly displace the wildlife that thrives in the area, including coyotes, squirrels, hawks, and owls.

Second, this project would put nearby residents at greater risk. We already live in a high fire hazard area. Adding a battery storage facility and large-scale solar infrastructure would increase the potential for fire, drive up insurance costs, and endanger surrounding homes. In the event of a fire, evacuations would be more complex, and the risk of property loss would rise dramatically.

Finally, the proximity of an industrial solar facility to homes could have lasting impacts on property values, quality of life, and the safety and wellbeing of residents. Glare, noise, and increased traffic from maintenance and construction would erode the peaceful character of the neighborhood. Once this land is developed, it cannot be reclaimed for open space or community use.
1 For these reasons, I urge you to reject the proposal for the solar feasibility study and prevent this project from advancing. Carlsbad has other sites-industrial, commercial, or already disturbed lands-that would be more suitable for renewable energy development without sacrificing the health, safety, and character of our neighborhoods.

Thank you for considering the voices of residents who will be most directly affected.

Sincerely,
Taylor Fletes
2152 Redwood Crest
Vista, CA 92081
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2 Adriana Trujillo
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Attachments:

Dick Brody <[email protected]>
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 4:59 PM
City Clerk
Agenda 4 Solar Panels for the Maerkle Reservoir
2688207164317742552.png
Opposed to the installation of solar panels for the Maerkle Reservoir. A myriad of environmental impacts to the ecosystem will occur to include:

Higher temperatures for the the surrounding Oceanside, Vista, areas ... , Irrigation issues ...

Wildlife impacted ...

PETA has been notified
Thanks for your consideration,
Dick Brody
2108 Redwood Crest
Vista CA
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1 ,II 5G~ IJ:,
<
Posts
odonnellforvista Follow
ue~111::; dClUdl ue::;1~11 WUI K.J llldK.111~ llll!:> IIIUCII 111u1e than just an early stage idea. It's critical we pay
attention now.

Carlsbad Fire Chief Calderwood has stated that fire
danger will be part of the study, and that the project
wouldn't proceed without considering those risks.

However, given our region's wildfire history, and how
close this land is to Vista neighborhoods, we must stay involved to ensure our public safety concerns are fully addressed.

Meeting Date: Tuesday, September 30 at 5pm
Item #4 on the Agenda https://www.carlsbadca.gov/
home/showpublisheddocument/21963
How to Participate:

Attend in person or submit public comment online:

In Person: 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA
92008 Submit Public Comment: [email protected]
Agenda & Details: Carlsbad City Council Meeting
Agenda 4. OPTIONS FOR THE MAERKLE RESERVOIR
SITE SOLAR FEASIBILITY STUDY, CIP PROJECT NO.
4722 1) Adoption of a Carlsbad Municipal Water
District Board of Directors resolution authorizing
execution of a professional services agreement with
ForeFront Licensing, LLC for Phase 1 of the Maerkle
Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study; or 2) Adoption of a Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors
resolution rejecting all proposals for the Maerkle
Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study. (Staff contact:

Keri Martinez and Dave Padilla, Public Works)
Carlsbad City Manager's Recommendation: Adopt the
resolution.
sheila_uplifts_ 4 This would be so upsetting for our
neighborhood. Thanks for the alert about the
meeting.
,. odonnellfc.,1 s ista a::el f oU :c: s
Adriana Trujillo
From:

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Subject:

Jp Nevins <[email protected]>
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 5:13 PM
City Clerk
Agenda Item 4 Proposed Maerkle Solar Farm
Good evening, I hope this arrives in time for the discussion during the council meeting.

I would urge that the city include in the feasibility study a financial comparison between a solar farm at the reservoir vs siting solar generation and battery storage at the city's current properties that would be using the power. Carport panels would reduce the costs associated with transformer and line losses from a remote power source, extend the life of the parking lot pavement, protect the city's vehicles from sun damage and provide the structure for EV charging outlets.

There can be up to a 30% loss in the transmission of power from a solar panel inverter to the end user when the generating system is located as little as a few miles away.

A floating solar panel system on the reservoir sized to the demand would be the most efficient economical solution and greatly reduce evaporation loss of water.

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To Whom it may concern,
kim dvrdesigns.com <[email protected]>
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 5:48 PM
City Clerk
Carlsbad solar and battery storage project at Maerkle Reservoir My name is Kim Rickey and I reside at 2136 Redwood Crest in Vista, with the Maerkle Reservoir Solar and Battery storage project directly connected to our back yard.

I am deeply concerned about the ramifications of this project and implore that it NOT be approved for many reasons.
-We are currently in a high risk zone for fire and it seems irresponsible to put another risk factor on the residential area that is connected on 3 sides of this proposed project. One of the residential sides is Ocean Hills Senior community and if evacuation is ever necessary there could be difficulty evacuating seniors that have physical limitations and medical conditions.

There is limited access to the project site, except through the residential neighborhoods. Again, in case of emergency evacuation, it could be a nightmare for any and all of the residents.

Environment- If, there was any fire event in battery storage or any other part of the project site, as in the fire in Escondido, it cannot be put out, but must burn out. During the time it's burning the prevailing winds that blow towards the east from the west will send all the smoke, fumes, chemicals, and debris directly into the back of our home. I have asthma and migraines and it would be a significant health hazard for me.
-Currently, we are having a hard time getting homeowners insurance because of our high fire risk zoning, and again it seems irresponsible to add more burden to an already difficult situation.
-The wildlife would be permanently affected and reduced because they will not be able to live in a solar field. We frequently see from our back yard an endangered California Gnat Catcher bird that is on the endangered species watchlist. There are also Red Tail Hawks, Coyotes, Squirrels, Bunnies and Reptiles that call that field home.
-Our property values will be affected, and I'm not in our favor. 1 • Please, Please, Please, consider other locations for this project that would not have so many permanent negative results for so many residents, wildlife and potential harm to our health and environment.

Thank you,
Kim Rickey
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2 Adriana Trujillo
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To:

Subject:

Phyllis Mahi <[email protected]>
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 8:24 AM
City Clerk
Solar panels
Sent from my iPhone I am very much against having solar panels that I will have to look at every time. I am in my backyard or on my deck. I believe it would be very dangerous to have the heat of those panels so close to my house and my neighbors.

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From: Council Internet Email
Sent:

To:

Wednesday, October 1, 2025 9:25 AM
City Clerk
Subject: FW: Agenda Item 4: Maerkle Reservoir Site
-----Original Message-----
From: Becky Evanson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 9:09 PM
To: Becky Evanson <[email protected]>
Cc: Manager Internet Email <[email protected]>; Council Internet Email <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Agenda Item 4: Maerkle Reservoir Site
Carlsbad council members,
Thank you for taking the time to hear the Vista and Oceanside residents' concerns this evening. We are grateful that you prioritized the safety of all North County residents over fiscal gain or strategic planning goals. Your constituents should be proud.

Sincerely,
Becky
> On Sep 29, 2025, at 2:20 PM, Becky Evanson <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> Dear City Manager and Board Members,
>
> We were informed this past weekend that tomorrow there will be a vote at the Carlsbad City council meeting whether to move ahead with Phase 1 of the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study. >
> As Vista residents, whose property sits along the fence line of the reservoir site where the proposed plan exists, we have serious concerns about the impact this project will have on the quality of life in our home, as well as the longer term financial impact and safety. We will be speaking at the meeting tomorrow night about these concerns. >
> In advance, we are attaching a few photos from various rooms inside our home to provide the visual perspective we have of the proposed site. Our concern is not that the project will create a view obstruction, but that it would place large, foreboding metal structures that would rise up the hill visible from the inside of our home. It would essentially be in our "backyard." Aside from it being unsightly to live with, our property value would plummet. In addition, we are already in a high risk fire zone and our insurance could be dropped or increased if a battery storage facility is contained on that hill.
>
> Based on the diagrams created to display the scope of this project, it > is clear the vast majority of the residents who would be impacted by this construction project are Vista and Oceanside residents. Most of these residents are still unaware of this proposed plan. We assure you, the number of people attending tomorrow's meeting does not represent the number of concerned residents who will later have strong opinions in opposition of the idea of a solar farm being planted in the middle of our neighborhood. >
> Thank you in advance for reading this and taking a glimpse into our situation. 1 >
> Sincerely,
> Becky Evanson
> 2023 Sequoia Crest, Vista
>
> <IMG_5394.jpeg>
> <image0.jpeg>
> <IMG_5399.jpeg>
> <IMG_5397.jpeg>
>
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 2 Feasibility Study for Potential
Solar Energy & Battery Energy Storage
at Maerkle Reservoir
Dave Padilla, Assistant General Manager
Keri Martinez, District Engineer
September 30, 2025

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution to

1. Authorize execution of a professional services
agreement with ForeFront Licensing, LLC for Phase
1 of the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility
Study; or

2. Reject all proposals for the Maerkle Reservoir Site
Solar Feasibility Study.

ITEM 4: MAERKLE SOLAR FEASIBILITY STUDY

3 POTENTIAL BENEFITS
Generate renewable
energy
Receive renewable
energy credits
Potentially offset
CMWD electric costs
ITEM #4: MAERKLE SOLAR FEASIBILITY STUDY

4 TIMELINE
2022/2023
Project identified in
Strategic Plan and
as potential for
CAP goals
2023-2024
Preliminary site
study/
Interdepartmental
coordination
April 16, 2024
Board received update
on study findings.

Board authorized
issuance of Solar
Consultant RFQ
Nov. 19, 2024
Discussion re: Battery
Storage Fire risks. Board
authorized release of
RFQ for firms qualified to
conduct feasibility study
March 25, 2025
Board authorized
staff to issue RFP to
qualified firms
Sept. 30, 2025
Board consideration of
Phase 1 of feasibility
study contract
Spring 2026
Phase 1 Feasibility complete;
Recommendations provided
to Board for direction on
next steps
Fall 2026
Feasibility Phase 2
w/ 30% Concept
Designs for Board
consideration of
next steps
ITEM #4: MAERKLE SOLAR FEASIBILITY STUDY

PROJECT

LOCATION

POTENTIAL

PROJECT LOCATION
Ocean Hills, Oceanside
Sea Vista
Shadowridge
, Vista
PHASE 1 FEASIBILITY STUDY SCOPE
• Energy Generation and Storage Capacities
• Financing and Operating Models
• Site access
• Fire risk/Emergency access
• Safety and Security
• Community Engagement / Meeting(s)
• Energy Off Taker / Load Serving Agency
• Electrical Grid Interconnection
• Environmental Permitting
ITEM #4: MAERKLE SOLAR FEASIBILITY STUDY

SITE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
ITEM #13: Maerkle Solar Project
8 SITE CONSIDERATIONS

NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES
& SITE ACCESS
9 Site Access

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

SITE ACCESS
10 SITE CONSIDERATIONS

HABITAT MANAGEMENT

PRESERVE

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

HIGH FIRE SEVERITY ZONE

SITE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
ITEM #13: Maerkle Solar Project
11 SITE CONSIDERATIONS

HABITAT MANAGEMENT

PRESERVE

SITE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
ITEM #13: Maerkle Solar Project
12 SITE CONSIDERATIONS

CMWD FACILITIES &

OPERATIONS
Regulatory review/Fire risk assessment
Recommend Go/No-Go for CMWD Board
Consideration
Develop initial high level design concepts for
cost analysis
Environmental or permitting assessment
Site survey/Civil design assessment
ITEM #4: MAERKLE SOLAR FEASIBILITY STUDY
PHASE 1 FEASIBILITY SUMMARY
Community engagement
Phase 1 Feasibility Costs
Consulting fees $ 470,904
Staff resources $ 25,000
Phase 2 Feasibility/Preliminary Design Costs
Consulting fees $ 828,307
Staff resources $ 42,000
Total Estimated Costs $1,366,211
ITEM #4: MAERKLE SOLAR FEASIBILITY STUDY

COST ESTIMATES

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution to

1. Authorize execution of a professional services
agreement with ForeFront Licensing, LLC for Phase
1 of the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility
Study; or

2. Reject all proposals for the Maerkle Reservoir Site
Solar Feasibility Study.

ITEM #4: MAERKLE SOLAR FEASIBILITY STUDY