CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
Item No.
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Commerce, California, Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Estolano Advisors for the Preparation of a Comprehensive Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Displacement Avoidance Plan for the future Citadel Metro Station MEETING DATE: May 14, 2024
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Estolano Advisors for the preparation of a comprehensive Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Displacement Avoidance Plan for the future Citadel Metro Station.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Commerce is continuously looking to improve its facilities and infrastructure for its residents, providing them with a high-quality lifestyle. This effort includes the development of a Plan surrounding the future Citadel Metro Station that will be a part of the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2.
This Project is funded by the California Air Resources Board’s Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP). STEP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.
The City of Commerce is in partnership with Climate Resolve to coordinate and facilitate Commerce’s STEP Implementation Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee). With the Advisory Committee, educate community residents and businesses about state and local climate funding opportunities, and collect and share lessons learned from the implementation of STEP projects.
On January 16, 2024, the City Council authorized the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals for the preparation of a comprehensive Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Displacement Avoidance Plan. The scope of work Includes the development of a plan that will help members of the community understand the impact of climate change and increase knowledge about climate resilient solutions, such providing zero-emission transportation to residents who are dependent on public transportation for their daily needs. In summary, the Plan should:
1. Evaluate existing conditions of the area
2. Evaluate existing transit
3. Evaluate connections, accessibility to the City’s residential areas and key destinations
4. Conduct community outreach and engagement
5. Provide Recommendations
ANALYSIS:
On March 7, 2024, the City advertised a Request for Proposal (RFP) for professional consultant firms to prepare a comprehensive Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Displacement Avoidance Plan for the future Citadel Metro Station. The RFP had an original submittal due date of March 21, 2024 but was extended an additional week to provide more time for firms to prepare a Proposal. The RFP was advertised for a total of four (4) weeks using the City’s PlanetBids online advertising platform.
On April 4, 2024 a total of two (2) proposals were received through PlanetBids and one proposal by Maroon Society, Inc. was submitted via email. In accordance with the requirements of the RFP, each proposal was required to be submitted electronically through the online platform. An email was sent to Maroon Society, Inc. informing them their proposal did not meet the requirements and was determined by Staff as non-responsive.
The two proposals received through PlanetBids were evaluated based on the firm’s expertise, experience, project approach, schedule control, and compliance with the Project’s RFP. For this RFP, staff focused on Project understanding, project approach, and schedule and budget control. Below is the list of proposals received from lowest cost to highest:
Proposals Received
Estolano Advisors
$172,400.00
Southstar Engineering
$174,994.32
Funding for this project is provided by the California Air Resources Board’s Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP). In accordance with the Grant requirements, all funds must be exhausted by March 31, 2025.
Both Estolano Advisors and Southstar Engineering showed a clear understanding of the RFP and provided a well-qualified proposal that best fit the needs of the project. Based on the RFP’s evaluation, Staff determined Estolano Advisors to be the most knowledgeable about the Project and the needs of the City for this Project. Additionally, Staff took into consideration the Project schedule provided by both firms. It was determined that the Project schedule presented by Estolano Advisors best fits the STEP Grant requirements and funding deadline.
California Air Resources Board’s Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) funds in account number 40-5180-57010.10459 in the amount of $175,000 have been allocated in the FY 23-24 budget for this effort.
In Summary, Staff recommends the adoption of the attached Resolution which in summary approves a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Estolano Advisors to provide a comprehensive Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Displacement Avoidance Plan for the future Citadel Metro in the amount of $172,400.00; and authorizes the City Manager to execute any amendments to the agreement with Estolano Advisors should it become necessary.
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve staff recommendation
Reject staff recommendation
Provide staff with further direction
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of the development of the Plan by Estolano Advisors is $172,400.00. Funds in the amount of $175,000.00 were budgeted in the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year (Account 40-5180-57010.10459) to cover the Project.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
This agenda item relates to the 2022 Strategic Plan:
Economic Growth
Guiding Principle 3, Guiding Principle 3: Support a long-range planning vision through the City’s General Plan, zoning ordinance, and related land use planning documents that incorporate community and stakeholder input and provide a compass for strategic economic growth, infrastructure investments and city fiscal planning.
Respectfully submitted: Louis Morales, Interim Director of Economic Development and Planning Department Prepared by: Norma Lopez, Planning Consultant
Reviewed by: Vilko Domic, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Respectfully submitted by: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager ATTACHMENT:
Resolution
Professional Services Agreement
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