Oakland • November 18, 2024
City of Foster City
AMENDMENT OF SCOPE, FEE, AND SCHEDULE XXXXXXXXX
to Provide Amendment to Foster City’s General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
66 Franklin Street, Suite 300
Oakland, California 94607
510-834-4455
www.rinconconsultants.com
November 18, 2024
Vanessa Brannon - Senior Management Analyst
Community Development
City of Foster City
610 East Hillsdale Boulevard
Foster City, California 94404
Subject: Proposal for Amendment to Foster City's General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element
Dear Vanessa:
We appreciate the City’s continued interest in our proposal and the potential opportunity to collaborate on this important project. In response to feedback, we have revised the project scope, timeline, and budget to better align with your goals and requirements.
To accommodate the City Council’s adoption timeline by the end of 2025, we have streamlined several aspects of the project. Specifically, we have adjusted Task 2.3 by refining the engagement effort, removed the intermediary policy framework development step under formerly Task 4.1, and assumed a common -sense exemption for the environmental review under Task 6.
Additionally, we have reduced the overall budget by further leveraging WRT’s work on the Parks Master Plan.
This includes reducing the number of engagement touchpoints while assuming greater overlap with the Parks Master Plan engagement process and implementing the same adjustments to Task 4.1 and Task 6 as mentioned above.
Should you have any further adjustments to the scope, timeline, or budget in mind, we are happy to discuss them to ensure the project meets the City’s needs. We sincerely thank you for your time and consideration of these revisions.
Sincerely,
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Della Acosta | Project Manager
[email protected]
Contact for clarification
Kimiko Lizardi | Principal-in-Charge
[email protected]
Authorized to contractually obligate and negotiate on
behalf of Rincon
City of Foster City
Proposal for Amendment to Foster City's General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element
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Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
1 Scope of Work ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 Task 1 Project Initiation and Project Management ...................................................................................... 1 Task 2 Community Outreach and Engagement ............................................................................................ 2 Task 3 Existing Conditions Analysis .............................................................................................................. 7 Task 4 Research and Analysis..................................................................................................................... 11 Task 5 Preparation and Adoption................................................................................................................ 11 Task 6 Environmental Review/CEQA .......................................................................................................... 12 2 Schedule ............................................................................................................................................................ 14 3 Cost Proposal .................................................................................................................................................... 17
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Proposal for Amendment to Foster City's General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element
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Scope of Work
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1 Scope of Work
Task 1 Project Initiation and Project Management
Task 1.1 Project Timeline
Rincon will create a Gantt chart timeline in excel that includes all the tasks of the overall project. This timeline will lay out when the City can expect to review deliverables, as well as the timing of engagement events and decision-maker study sessions/hearings. The Gantt chart format will allow for timeframes to be easily adjustable as needed and provide the foundation to ensure coordination with the Parks Master Plan and other City efforts, as well as to provide progress reports to the City Council, and other Commissions/partners as necessary.
The timeline assumes a 12-month project schedule, aiming to complete element updates as close to the SB1425 timeline of January 1, 2026, as feasible. To accomplish this timeline, we are assuming the City will opt for a Common Sense Exemption (see Task 6).
Assumptions Deliverables
• Project schedule of 12 months. • Project timeline (Excel) Task 1.2 Kickoff Meeting with Project Team and Project Goal and Content Framing
Rincon will work with City staff to host an in-person kickoff meeting with the project team to provide and facilitate the following.
I. Introductions of the City team and consultant team (including roles and responsibilities) II. Overview of project scope and timeline
III. Tie-in to the ongoing Parks Master Plan
IV. Initial project research and data needs (see Task 3.1) V. Goal and content framing exercise to refine the goals and framework for addressing SB 1425 and AB 1889 and Executive Order N-82-20 topics
VI. Initial engagement strategy and messaging
The goal and content framing exercise will allow the project team members to provide their project needs, goals, priorities, opportunities, and challenges around the newly required legislation and larger update to the elements.
Providing this overall vision and the initial research will establish the foundation to also discuss critical policy decisions early in the project process, such as park access and shoreline management. To facilitate and record feedback from all project team members, we propose using a collaboration tool, such as Mural. We have found this tool highly effective in many communities in allowing all engaged parties to have their thoughts and ideas captured.
Example of Mural board used for the City of Glendale’s CAAP Working Group Discussion
City of Foster City
Proposal for Amendment to Foster City's General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element
2 Following this kickoff meeting, the Rincon team will provide the final scope of work and deliverables as well as the adjusted project schedule and a summary of themes from the goal and content framing exercise.
Assumptions Deliverables
• Meeting will be in-person and up to four hours.
• City will be responsible for securing the meeting
location.
• City will be responsible for the attendee list and
meeting invite.
• City will be responsible for providing any direct
expenses associated with the meeting, including
beverages and/or snacks.
• Attendees will include Rincon and WRT.
• Kickoff meeting with project team
• Kickoff meeting presentation
• Project goals and content framing summary
• Final scope of work and deliverables
• Final project timeline
Task 1.3 Project Management, Meetings, and Communication Throughout the project , Rincon will provide robust project management with a team experienced in the development of General Plan elements with many partners . The Rincon team will provide 30- minute, virtual, biweekly check-ins with meeting notes and action items summarized after each meeting. Our teaming partner WRT may attend these check -ins as necessary throughout the project to align the deliverables, Parks Master Plan process, and engagement. Rincon’s project management structure includes the Principal and Project Manager being available directly for questions or other needs. This project team not only provides a high level of experience for the City, but also provides for quick turnarounds when questions arise and continuity throughout the project.
Assumptions Deliverables
• Project schedule of 12 months
• Check-in meeting attendance will include at minimum
the Rincon Project Manager and Assistant Project
Manager.
• Budget has been included for additional Rincon team
members and WRT will attend check-in meetings as
necessary.
• Biweekly 30-minute, virtual check-in meetings
• Check-in meeting agendas and meeting notes
• Monthly status reports and invoices Task 2 Community Outreach and Engagement Task 2.1 Community Engagement Plan
Rincon will work with City staff to raise awareness about and solicit input on the Parks and Open Space and Conservation elements through a variety of community outreach and engagement efforts, which are discussed below in Tasks 2.2 through 2.4. WRT will support Rincon in developing the Community Outreach Plan to ensure the approach and messaging is well- coordinated and complementary to the Parks Master Plan’s engagement approach. We propose the public engagement processes for the Parks Master Plan and the Parks & Open Space and Conservation Elements Update read as a combined effort to avoid confusion in the community.
The Rincon team will also use the results of the Project Goal and Content framing activity (Task 1.2 ) to inform the Community Engagement Plan and communicate engagement priorities and outcomes as part of the first City Council study session (see Task 2.3.9 City Council Study Sessions) to ensure City Council buy-in and gain input for the Community Engagement Plan before it is executed. The C ommunity Engagement Plan will also be available to receive feedback from the Project Team and community throughout the planning process.
Scope of Work
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Assumptions Deliverables
• Rincon will respond to one round of consolidated
comments on the Administrative Draft Community
Engagement Plan and one round of consolidated
comments on the Draft Community Engagement Plan.
• Draft Community Engagement Plan
• Final Community Engagement Plan
Task 2.2 Community Priorities Survey
We understand that WRT is undertaking a community survey through the Parks Master Plan project to gain insights on local concerns, goals, and priorities related to park facilities and maintenance. We propose to build upon this effort by leveraging the resu lts of that survey and conduct a second survey focused on shoreline maintenance, open space access, and natural resources. This survey would also allow the project team to include any questions needed to further refine the understanding of parks and recreation topics.
Topics in the survey will include, but are limited to, the following themes • Opportunities to naturalize existing parks through the use of natural vegetation areas and replacement of turf
• Opportunities to enhance local biodiversity, such as native gardens, tree plantings, and wildlife corridor management
• Equity considerations regarding access and programming limitations • Ways the City can better engage residents in conservation and resiliency efforts • Types of funding sources supported for parks, open space, and conservation efforts It will be critical for the results of the survey to represent all demographics within Foster City, especially from residents that have been historically hard to reach. Therefore, the approach to getting an equitable survey response will be included in Task 2.1 Community Engagement Plan and will be built off Task 3.2 Community Profile and the Rincon team’s local experience in Foster City and San Mateo County. The plan will identify target populations, appropriate survey methodology, sampling methods, and de sired sample size to reach a representative data set. This will also ensure the language and messaging in the survey is culturally appropriate for Foster City’s diverse residents.
The survey will also be a main tool for getting feedback and will be marketed at all engagement events in the first phase of the project, including focus groups, workshops, and other creative means, as described in the following tasks.
Assumptions Deliverables
• Rincon will respond to one round of consolidated
comments on the Administrative Draft Community
Priorities Survey and one round of consolidated
comments on the Draft Community Priorities Survey.
• No direct expenses have been allocated to the
provision of the survey. Rincon assumes that the
survey will be hosted on one of the City’s or Rincon’s
existing survey platform subscriptions. If additional
expense is required, then that will be provided
through a contract amendment.
• Draft Community Priorities Survey
• Final Community Priorities Survey
City of Foster City
Proposal for Amendment to Foster City's General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element
4 Task 2.3 Engagement Events and Public Information
The Rincon team understands the importance of involving the local community , including communities which have not been historically engaged in local decision -making processes. We strive to reach all community members using a variety of digital and non -digital methods and work closely with local community groups, organizations, staff, and officials who know the region best. In addition, we believe in aligning and capitalizing on existing efforts to prevent outreach fatigue and confusion. With that goal in mi nd, our approach focuses on combining efforts with the Parks Master Plan project and aligns with that effort’s Public Participation Plan. We have identified opportunities to participate jointly in Parks Master Plan and General Plan element engagement events, allowing the ongoing conversation with the community around parks to remain clear and consolidated while using this project to fill in gaps and bolster participation.
Task 2.3.1 Project Branding
A project brand was developed for the Parks Master Plan process to establish a clear identity for the project from the community engagement process through the final document creation. Rincon and WRT will collaborate to establish a project brand for the El ements Update that unifies it with the Parks Master Plan process while also differentiating it as a separate effort. WRT can provide graphic templates for documents, mapping, and other deliverables to achieve continuity between projects.
Task 2.3.2 Website Content
A project website is needed to keep the community current on the planning process and to provide virtual engagement opportunities through comment forms, online surveys, or other tools. To avoid confusion and gain efficiency, we propose have a combined webpage for the Elements Update and Parks Master Plan, though further discussion is needed with both project teams to assess this approach. Currently the Parks Master Plan webpage is maintained by City staff with WRT contributing and guiding content updates. T he Rincon team would do the same for this effort.
Task 2.3.3 Intercept Events + Pop-Ups
The Rincon team will directly engage with the community at up to two existing community events already being conducted in the City or a highly trafficked area. The Parks Master Plan process will be completing a series of pop-up events at various community functions to understand park needs and priorities. Another series of pop -up events could occur in Summer 2025 to test potential ideas and recommendations for both the Parks Master Plan and the Elements Update providing efficiency and preventing community confusion around the two projects . Rincon and WRT will collaborate on this effort to ensure these events are not repetitious of the Parks Master Plan efforts. We will support these events by developing engagement materials such as flyers or postcards with project information, social media posts, and interactive voting or poster boards where the community can actively participate in the planning process. Additional fun activities may also be included, such as photo booths, program participation trees, zines, or idea walls. A ll materials would be developed in coordination with the City to be easily understandable and culturally relevant to the diverse communities in Foster City . The timing for the Intercept Events and Pop -Ups will be identified within Rincon’s Community Engagement Plan (Task 2.1).
Scope of Work
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Assumptions Deliverables
• Specific logistics and roles will be determined and
described in Task 2.1 Community Engagement Plan.
• Two Pop-Ups will be conducted. Each pop-up will
feature the same information and utilize the same
materials.
• City will oversee all promotional efforts using material provided by Rincon.
• Rincon has included budget for one set of material
printing. If additional materials are needed, they can
be billed as part of the overall task budget.
• City will provide any necessary tables, chairs, tents, and giveaways.
• Rincon will respond to one round of consolidated
comments on the pop-up logistics plan.
• One sets of promotional materials, including postcard design, social media graphic, and website language
and up to five social media blurbs
• Up to three poster designs
• One set of postcards containing project information
• One set of welcome materials (sign-in sheet, paper
surveys)
• Additional activity materials as determined in Task
2.1 Community Engagement Plan (sticky notes,
tokens, etc.)
Task 2.3.4 Open House + Workshop
Rincon will join WRT at the second Parks Master Plan community workshop to incorporate and gather input on Open Space and Conservation priorities from those who live, work, and visit Foster City. The timing and content of the workshops will be coordinated with WRT to ensure full coverage of topics at appropriate times of the project, while preventing outreach fatigue and confusion.
As part of these workshops, the Rincon team will design up to two activities that adds an open space and conservation aspect to the existing Parks Master Plan efforts. Activities will be designed to be fully interactive and directly guide key issues and policy strategies.
Assumptions Deliverables
• Specific logistics and roles will be determined and
described in Task 2.1 Community Engagement Plan.
• The City will oversee all promotional efforts using
material provided by Rincon.
• If additional materials are needed, they can be billed as part of the overall task budget.
• The City will secure venue space and any necessary
tables, chairs, and giveaways, including snacks and
water.
• Materials providing overall project information
(postcards, timeline, etc.) will be the same design as
previous tasks.
• Rincon will respond to one round of consolidated
comments on each engagement deliverable.
• Up to one additional Rincon staff attendance at one
workshop
• Up to four posters
• Additional activity materials as determined in Task
2.1 Community Engagement Plan (sticky notes,
tokens, etc.)
City of Foster City
Proposal for Amendment to Foster City's General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element
6 Task 2.3.5 Focus Group Meetings
The Rincon team would work with the City to identify and conduct up to two focus groups to discuss the Parks and Open Space and Conservation elements with local partners. Representatives and advocates of hard-to-reach populations will be invited to participate to facilitate a broader representation and incorporate new partners into the process. These focus groups will be conducted virtually, and groups will be organized to discuss topics pertinent to their experience and expertise. The Rincon team will also identify opportunities to combine meetings with the Parks Master Plan effort or hold additional meetings that include new and existing members. The focus group task is a critical step in gaining a candid understanding of conditions and issues from a variety of perspectives. These meetings will also create or strengthen the relationship between the project team and the community, which will prove to be a valuable asset as the policies and projects are implemented .
Assumptions Deliverables
• City staff will send and manage invitations.
• Focus groups will be up to one hour in length and
occur virtually.
• Two consultant team members will attend up to two
interviews.
• Additional focus groups can be completed on a time-
and-materials basis, in accordance with our standard
fee schedule.
• Focus group meeting agendas
• Facilitation of up to two small focus groups
• Summary of feedback received
Task 2.3.6 Citizen Advisory Committee Meetings
The Rincon team recognizes the importance of working closely with the City’s Advisory Committees throughout the project. To incorporate regular communications with these committees, Rincon will provide City staff with key information at two major milestones in the project to solicit input on in the form of a PowerPoint presentation .
Milestones may be similar to the ones outlined in Task 2.3.8 City Council Study Sessions. Rincon will prepare a draft and final PowerPoint for staff to use as a discussion tool during the meetings.
Assumptions Deliverables
• No consultant attendance is assumed for these
meetings.
• Up to two draft and final PowerPoint presentations
Task 2.3.7 City Council Meetings
The Rincon team will participate in three City Council meetings. The objective of the first City Council meeting will be to introduce the project, present the Community Engagement Plan (Task 2.1), and gather initial input on the issues, opportunities, and desired outcomes of the Element updates.). The objective of the second City Council meeting will be to gain insight into initial key policy topics, a summary of important information and findings from Tasks 3.2 through 3.4 and high-level policy strategies for discussion and adjustment. The objective of the third City Council meeting will be to present the draft Elements content, and a fourth City Council meeting will be to adopt the Elements. Rincon will provide a draft and final PowerPoint presentation for each meeting.
Assumptions Deliverables
• Attendance will be in-person.
• Up to two consultant team members will be in
attendance.
• Consultant attendance at each City Council study
session will be up to two hours in length.
• Two consultant staff members will attend and present
at three City Council study sessions.
• Three draft and final PowerPoint presentations
Scope of Work
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Task 2.4 Engagement Results Summary
The Rincon team will develop an engagement results summary to be provided to all partners and decision - makers and will accompany the Parks and Open Space and Conservation Elements development and adoption.
The engagement results summary will include engage ment metrics, such as number of survey responses, number of agency meetings and focus groups, community events, and number of attendees at each. The engagement results will also illustrate how engagement and feedback represents the diversity of the community.
The engagement results summary will be provided in a memorandum or as a PowerPoint slide deck, whichever format the City prefers.
Assumptions Deliverables
• Rincon will respond to one round of consolidated
comments on the draft Engagement Results
Summary.
• Draft Engagement Results Summary (Word or
PowerPoint)
• Final Engagement Results Summary (Word or
PowerPoint)
Task 3 Existing Conditions Analysis
Task 3.1 Existing Plans, Regulations, Projects, Partnerships, and GIS Data
Policy and document review is a substantial task that must be conducted intentionally and systematically to effectively inform policy. To address this, Rincon will use its Measure Analysis and Success Tracking (MAST) tool to evaluate the City’s existing parks, open space, and conservation policies and programs by summarizing their success and identifying implementation hurdles. The MAST tool enables the consultant team to understand prior and ongoing City efforts related to the Parks and Open Space Element and Conservation Element amendments, guiding the development of updated policies and programs.
As shown in Figure 1 below, the Rincon team will compile evaluation topics aligned with project goals, establishing criteria for assessing existing plans and policies and selecting plans for evaluation. This systematic review will incorporate input from all City departments and is likely to include at a minimum other General Plan elements, the CAP, Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Project, and C apital Improvement Projects. As the Parks Master Plan is still in development, it will not be included in the MAST tool, but Rincon and WRT will work together closely to ensure alignment between the plans.
The MAST tool features drop -down menus to indicate policy and program status (completed, underway, not started) and to rate their effectiveness based on metrics, responsible parties, and funding. This process provides insights into implementation barriers, such as funding or staff time, for the consulting team and the City to address during updates.
Rincon will deliver this analysis along with a summary presentation of key findings and opportunities for use in developing policy strategies as part of Tasks 4.1 and 5.1.
Figure 1 MAST Tool Process
During this task, the Rincon team will also develop an ArcGIS data web portal for use throughout the project.
This portal will contain all relevant data layers such as parks, other land uses, vegetation, wildlife corridors, hazard mapping, and other planning and natural resources spatial data, allowing for the toggling of layers on and off to view interrelationships and overlaps.
Project Goals List of Topics to
Address Goals
Review Foster
City's Existing
Documents that
Address Topics
Draft Issues and
Opportunities
City of Foster City
Proposal for Amendment to Foster City's General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element
8 Assumptions Deliverables
• Project goals will be finalized before this task begins. • Rincon will respond to one round of consolidate
comments on each deliverable of this task.
• Budget to present the results of this analysis at
potential meetings are not included in this task. See
tasks under Task 2.3 Engagement Events and Public
Information for decision-maker meeting participation.
• The ArcGIS data web portal will use existing publicly available data, supplemented by City-provided data
sets.
• List of topics to address goals (Word)
• MAST Tool (Excel)
• Issues and Opportunities Slide Deck (PowerPoint)
• ArcGIS data web portal (ArcGIS web link)
Task 3.2 Community Assessment
The Rincon Team will produce an updated community profile studying current demographics and growth trends in Foster City that may inform the direction of the Parks and Open Space and Conservation elements. The profile will incorporate data gathered as part of the Parks Master Plan, as well as other data sources and related previous efforts, and will analyze:
• Existing Community Demographics. A profile of existing community demographics, including , but not limited to, total population, age, race/ethnicity, language spoken at home, and household composition. • Existing Recreational Services Relative to Community Demographics . Building on and referencing information from the Parks Master Plan effort, summarize whether existing recreational services align with existing community demographics and needs.
• Recent Growth History and Growth Projections. Draw on the City’s existing General Plan and State and regional sources (such as the California Department of Finance and ABAG/MTC ) to summarize recent, current, and projected population, housing, and employment in Foster City through the General Plan horizon. • Areas of Planned Growth . Review the City’s Housing Element, General Plan Land Use Element, and any planned development to identify geographic areas of planned growth that may require additional park and open space access.
• Current and Future Park and Open Space Service. In collaboration with the ongoing Parks Master Plan update, inventory and map existing parks and open space system, including an a nalysis of current park metrics residents citywide and by subarea, such as neighborhood or City Council district. • Existing Access to Parks and Open Space. Assess existing access to open space citywide , including by racial, economic, and social population indicators, such as income. This analysis will enable the project team to identify opportunities later in the update process to improve access to parks and open spaces, consistent with SB 1425.
• Existing Urban Tree Canopy. Use existing data on the urban tree canopy provided by the City and supplementing with dynamic data tools such as the Tree Equity Score to provide an assessment of existing tree coverage and areas of need.
• Climate Adaptation and Resilience. Identify potential impacts of climate change on parks and recreational facilities, opportunities to address community resilience in the parks and recreation system, and potential impacts of climate change on community recreational needs. This analysis will incorporate relevant findings from the 2021 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and Climate Action Plan.
With the results of this analysis, the Rincon Team will prepare a summary of issues and opportunities that may inform the updates . This summary will consider issues and opportunities citywide, by geography (such as City Council districts), and by demographic groups (such as seniors, youth, individuals with disabilities, etc.).
Scope of Work
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Assumptions Deliverables
• The Rincon Team will respond to one set of
consolidated comments on the Community Profile.
• Community Profile will be in Memorandum format
with concise narrative and findings in the form of
tables or bullet point lists.
• Draft Community Profile (Word)
• Final Community Profile (PDF)
Task 3.3 Park and Recreation Needs Assessment and Inventory WRT is providing an assessment of the City’s parks and recreation programs as part of the Parks Master Plan effort. Therefore, this task will primarily serve as an opportunity for Rincon and WRT to collaborate on integrating the information into the Elements Update and identify key areas for policy direction.
Assumptions Deliverables
• The Rincon team will review findings from the park
and Recreation Needs Assessment conducted as part
of the Parks Master Plan and evaluate key policy
topics for integration into the Elements Update.
• Memorandum of Elements Update Key Topics
Task 3.4 Open Space and Conservation Assessment
The Rincon team will develop an Open Space and Conservation Assessment that will inventory the open spaces, biological resources, and open space, shoreline, and other natural resources in Foster City. Rincon will use a variety of existing data sources, inc luding desktop databases, literature review, previous local findings, and information provided through the first phase of community engagement, to develop the assessment in an efficient manner. The following describes the approach to developing the assessment for each of the major topic areas.
Biological Resources
Rincon will conduct a citywide biological resources literature review and desktop analysis, which queries and reviews the California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database, the California Native Plant Society’s Inventory of R are and Endangered Vascular Plants of California, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Information for Planning and Conservation System, to determine what observations of special- status or locally important species, habitats, or other special- status biol ogical resources near the city have been documented. We also review readily available topographic maps, aerial photographs, or other relevant materials provided by the City to better understand the existing biological resources in the city and immediate vi cinity.
Additionally, we review available information on relevant biological spatial data; and relevant federal, State and local plans, ordinances, policies and regulations. Using data and findings from the literature review and desktop analysis, a table of special -status species with potential to occur is developed. Areas that are known to have threatened and endangered species occurrences, designated critical habitat areas, wetlands, and riparian or jurisdictional waters will also be identified.
Rincon will take this data and analysis and integrate it into the Open Space and Conservation Assessment to provide a comprehensive analysis of all the resources that will inform the parks and Open Space and Conservation elements policies. Because the elements are policy documents and no projects are being evaluated, we assume that no field work will be necessary to inform policy development. Therefore, biological field surveys are not included as part of this analysis. Aerial imagery and other data sources , such as staff expertise, will be used to confirm vegetative communities and other biological resources in Foster City.
Open Space and Shoreline Resources
The open space analysis will include an inventory of existing natural and environmental resources and provide a discussion of their value for conservation and protection, or any issues and development constraints. Rincon will provide a summary of the open space resources and watersheds in the area and describe the creeks, streams, City of Foster City
Proposal for Amendment to Foster City's General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element
10 parks, trails, freeways, and roads within these boundaries. Flooding mapping and concerns will be described, as will the area’s surface water quality. This inventory will also provide a summary of the City’s groundwater, stormwater, dams, or levee issues.
Rincon will use the best available science and tools, such as the Coastal Modeling System (CoSMoS) prepared by U.S. Geological Survey to evaluate potential impacts due to storm surges and assess the risks of sea level rise and its effects on groundwater levels. The team will incorporate key regional frameworks such as the One Bay Area Vision, Strategic Regional Priorities, and the Shoreline Adaptation Plan Guidelines. These guidelines will provide a regional context, ensuring that our assessment is aligned with broader adaptative and planning efforts across the Bay Area.
The team will use updated flood mapping to evaluate vulnerabilities and identify key areas along Foster City that may require specific measures and policies. Surface water quality, stormwater management, and issues related to dams or levees will also be examined to understand how these factors intersect with the potential impacts on open spaces and shoreline resources.
The results of this assessment will provide a better understanding of Foster City’s open space and shoreline resources, identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities to these resources. In addition, the outcomes will help guide the development of goals, actions, and policies to be incorporated into the GPAs, highlighting conservation priorities, development limitations, potential environmenta l risks, and in alignment with regional strategies and compliant with new legislation.
Other Natural Resources
In addition to evaluating biological resources, open space, and shoreline resources, the Rincon team will conduct a review and analysis of other significant natural resources to inform the Conservation Element update. This assessment will at a minimum include air quality, water quality, water supply, energy conservation, and renewable energy, ensuring a holistic approach to Foster City’s sustainability and environmental resilience.
Air Quality and Water Quality
The team will assess current air quality conditions by analyzing existing monitoring data, identifying major pollution sources, and evaluating compliance with state and federal air quality standards. This analysis will include an examination of particulate matter, ozone levels, and other key pollutants that impact public health and the environment. Similarly, the water quality assessment will involve evaluating surface and groundwater resources, identifying potential contamination sources, and reviewing com pliance with relevant water quality standards. Knowing the Foster City Lagoon and local beaches in particular have been a notable concern, we will review recently collected water sample data and long -term trends in water quality, as well as the Lagoon Management Plan and regional management plans.
Water Supply
Ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply is critical for Foster City’s growth and resilience. The Rincon team will evaluate existing water sources, including surface water and groundwater, and assess their long -term sustainability in the face of population growth and climate variability. This assessment will include an analysis of local and regional water supply assessments and the most recent Foster City Urban Water Management Plan to gain an understanding of the current water usage patterns, demand projections, and the effectiveness of existing water management practices. Additionally, the team will compile current water conservation measures and alternative water sources, such as recycled water and stormwater capture, to support future needs.
Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
The assessment will also summarize Foster City’s energy landscape, identifying current and planned efforts for energy conservation and the adoption of renewable energy technologies. The team will evaluate current energy consumption trends across residentia l, commercial, and municipal sectors, identifying key areas where energy efficiency can be improved. Much of this data was collected through the recent update to the City’s Climate Action Plan and can be integrated into the Conservation Element.
Scope of Work
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Assumptions Deliverables
• A field survey is not included in this scope of work. If the desktop analysis identifies areas that need more
investigation, Rincon’s natural resources scientists
will conduct the analysis on an additional time-and-
materials basis.
• Cultural and tribal resources are not included in this scope of work, as that is not in the current elements
nor requested in the RFP. If desired, Rincon can
provide additional qualifications, scope, and budget
to address cultural and tribal resources.
• Rincon will respond to one round of consolidate
comments on the Draft Open Space and Conservation
Assessment.
• Draft Open Space and Conservation Assessment
• Final Open Space and Conservation Assessment
Task 4 Research and Analysis
Task 4.1 Financial Evaluation and Prioritization
WRT is completing a financial evaluation as part of the Parks Master Plan. Therefore, this task will include identifying funding priorities and strategies to include in the Elements update. No deliverable will be included for this task, as funding strategies will be included as part of the Elements Implementation Program.
Assumptions Deliverables
• Financial evaluation will be done as part of the Parks Master Plan, and relevant information integrated into
the Elements Update.
• N/A
Task 5 Preparation and Adoption
Task 5.1 Administrative Drafts Parks and Open Space and Conservation Elements
The Rincon team will prepare administrative draft versions of the Parks and Open Space and Conservation Elements for City staff, the City’s Committees, Planning Commission and City Council, and community review.
The elements will conform to applicable provisions of State General Plan law. T he policy document will be organized into elements containing an introduction; issues identification; goals, policies, and implementation plan. The Rincon team will confirm the outline s of the Element updates with the City prior to beginning the administrative drafts.
Information gathered and concepts developed in previous tasks will form the basis of the planning framework for each element, with technical updates and reorganization to improve usability, comply with legislation, reflect Foster City trends, and align with the updated City goals and vision.
Each element will include an implementation plan that will serve to provide clear guidance on governance and inter-departmental implementation of the updated elements. This section will detail actions needed to realize the goals and policies in the Elements , including the responsible department, implementation timeframe, and potential funding sources, likely presented in tables within each element. This implementation plan can also be provided as an excel matrix that allows for filtering by topic, department, or implementation mechanism.
Given the necessary timeline for project completion, we are assuming no formal public review period for the draft Elements. Instead, public draft elements will be used to facilitate conversations and gather input from key community members, advisory committees, and Planning Commission and Council.
City of Foster City
Proposal for Amendment to Foster City's General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element
12 Assumptions Deliverables
• The Rincon team will respond to one round of
consolidated comments on the Administrative Draft
Elements.
• The Rincon team will respond to one round of
consolidated comments on the Screencheck Draft
Elements.
• The Rincon team will respond to one round of
comments on the Public Draft Elements.
• Administrative Draft Parks and Open Space Element
• Administrative Draft Conservation Element
• Screencheck Draft Parks and Open Space Element
• Screencheck Draft Conservation Element
• Public Draft Parks and Open Space Element
• Public Draft Conservation Element
Task 5.2 Final Parks and Open Space and Conservation Elements Upon completion of the public review, we assume the City will consolidate all public comments and decide if any changes should be made to the draft Elements. If the City would like to make any changes to the Elements, Rincon will address those to develop final Elements for City adoption.
Attendance to adopt the Parks and Open Space and Conservation Elements at City Council meetings is included in Task 2.3.6 City Council Meetings.
Assumptions Deliverables
• Final Elements will be submitted in an electronic
format (Word/PDF).
• The Rincon team will respond to one round of
comments on the final Elements.
• Final Parks and Open Space Elements
• Final Conservation Element
Task 6 Environmental Review/CEQA
Task 6.1 Administrative Draft Common Sense Exemption Report Rincon will prepare an internal review (Administrative) Draft Common Sense Exemption Report (Report) that demonstrates the General Plan Parks and Open Space and the General Plan Conservation Element s would be consistent with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15061(b)(3) (“general rule” or “common sense exemption”). The Report would demonstrate that the General Plan Elements fall within the sphere of the general rule or common sense exemption, which states that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment, and where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the project is not subject to CEQA.
Because the General Plan Elements would only involve the adoption of a policy document for consistency with State law and do not in and of themselves include any proposed developmen t or projects, t he Report would illustrate that the General Plan Elements would not propose or approve any physical development and would not result in changes to the physical environment, nor would they result in potential environmental impacts. T o ensure adequate factual support for the C ommonsense Exemption, the Report will include a thorough description of the General Plan Elements and a high -level analysis of each area of potential impact included in CEQA Guidelines Appendix G . Rincon will submit an electronic copy of the Administrative Draft Common Sense Exemption Report for City review in Word format. The following describes our general approach to all items on the Report.
Scope of Work
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 13
Assumptions Deliverables
• No substantive changes to the project description will occur after City approval of the Project Description.
• Rincon will respond to one round of comments on the
Administrative Draft Common Sense Exemption Report.
Comments will be provided as a consolidated set of
comments in editable electronic format (i.e., as track
changes in Microsoft Word).
• No printed copies will be provided.
• Administrative Draft Common Sense Exemption Report
Task 6.3 Final Common Sense Exemption Report
Rincon will respond to one round of consolidated comments from the City on the Administrative Draft Common Sense Exemption Report and prepare the Final Common Sense Exemption Report (Final Report). Rincon will prepare the Notice of Exemption (NOE) and any other required State Clearinghouse forms (e.g., Notice of Completion and Summary Forms). We assume the City will file the NOE with the County Clerk . Rincon will upload the NOE and State Clearinghouse forms to the State Clearinghouse website on the City’s behalf , if desired. We will provide one electronic (PDF) copy of the Final Report for posting on the City’s website. Hard copies can be generated upon request for an additional fee.
Assumptions Deliverables
• The City will file the NOE with the County Clerk
• No filing fees and/or hard copies would be provided.
• If the City requests that Rincon upload the project to the State Clearinghouse, the City will approve Rincon
as a submitter in the CEQASubmit portal.
• NOE, NOC, and State Clearinghouse Summary Form
• Final Common Sense Exemption Report (electronic
format)
City of Foster City
Proposal for Amendment to Foster City's General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element
14 2 Schedule
We revised the project schedule p er our discussion last Friday afternoon , November 15, 2024. The following pages reflect the schedule adjusted to a 12-month timeframe.
Schedule
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 15
City of Foster City
Proposal for Amendment to Foster City's General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element 16 Cost Proposal
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 17
3 Cost Proposal
Rate Hours Labor Budget
Direct
Expenses Total Budget
Task 1 Project Initiation and Project
Management
134.00 $32,422.00 $11,214.28 $43,636.28
Task 1.1 Project Timeline
3.00 $817.00 $0.00 $817.00
Principal $307 1.00 $307.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 1.00 $272.00
Senior Planner I $238 1.00 $238.00
Task 1.2 Kickoff Meeting and Project Goal and
Content Framing
21.00 $4,835.00 $7,121.80 $11,956.80
Principal $307 1.00 $307.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 8.00 $2,176.00
Planner III $196 12.00 $2,352.00
Rincon Direct Expenses
$100.00
Travel - Mileage
$201.00
WRT
$6,820.80
Task 1.3 Project Management, Meetings,
Communication
110.00 $26,770.00 $4,092.48 $30,862.48
Principal $307 10.00 $3,070.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 68.00 $18,496.00
Planner III $196 20.00 $3,920.00
Administrative Assistant/Billing Specialist $107 12.00 $1,284.00
WRT
$4,092.48
Task 2 Community Outreach and Engagement 262.50 $56,482.50 $25,587.85 $82,070.35 Task 2.1 Community Engagement Plan
27.00 $5,899.00 $1,023.12 $6,922.12
Principal $307 1.00 $307.00
Senior Supervisor Planner II $292 2.00 $584.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 4.00 $1,088.00
Planner III $196 20.00 $3,920.00
WRT
$1,023.12
Task 2.2 Community Priorities Survey
14.00 $3,103.00 $1,023.12 $4,126.12
Principal $307 1.00 $307.00
Senior Supervisor Planner II $292 1.00 $292.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 2.00 $544.00
Planner III $196 10.00 $1,960.00
WRT
$1,023.12
Task 2.3 Engagement Events and Public
Information
188.50 $41,037.50 $23,541.61 $64,579.11
Task 2.3.1 Project Branding
4.00 $878.00 $3,361.68 $4,239.68
Supervisor Planner I $272 2.00 $544.00
GIS/CADD Specialist II $167 2.00 $334.00
WRT
$3,361.68
City of Foster City
Proposal for Amendment to Foster City's General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element
18 Rate Hours Labor Budget
Direct
Expenses Total Budget
Task 2.3.2 Website Content
19.00 $3,987.00 $3,142.44 $7,129.44
Principal $307 1.00 $307.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 2.00 $544.00
Planner III $196 16.00 $3,136.00
WRT
$3,142.44
Task 2.3.3 Intercept Events + Pop-Ups
47.00 $9,779.00 $3,171.92 $12,950.92
Principal $307 1.00 $307.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 6.00 $1,632.00
Planner III $196 40.00 $7,840.00
Rincon Direct Expenses
$406.00
Travel - Mileage
$573.52
WRT
$2,192.40
Task 2.3.4 Open Houses + Workshops
32.50 $6,707.50 $8,437.16 $15,144.66
Principal $307 0.50 $153.50
Supervisor Planner I $272 6.00 $1,632.00
Planner III $196 20.00 $3,920.00
GIS/CADD Specialist II $167 6.00 $1,002.00
Rincon Direct Expenses
$580.00
Travel - Mileage
$573.52
WRT
$7,283.64
Task 2.3.5 Focus Group Meetings
14.00 $3,048.00 $2,247.21 $5,295.21
Supervisor Planner I $272 4.00 $1,088.00
Planner III $196 10.00 $1,960.00
WRT
$2,247.21
Task 2.3.6 Citizen Advisory Committee Meetings
17.00 $3,689.00 $2,180.22 $5,869.22
Principal $307 1.00 $307.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 4.00 $1,088.00
Planner III $196 10.00 $1,960.00
GIS/CADD Specialist II $167 2.00 $334.00
WRT
$2,180.22
Task 2.3.7 City Council Meetings
55.00 $12,949.00 $1,000.98 $13,949.98
Principal $307 2.00 $614.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 26.00 $7,072.00
Planner III $196 26.00 $5,096.00
GIS/CADD Specialist II $167 1.00 $167.00
Travel - Mileage
$1,000.98
Task 2.4 Engagement Results Summary
33.00 $6,443.00 $0.00 $6,443.00
Principal $307 1.00 $307.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 4.00 $1,088.00
Planner III $196 8.00 $1,568.00
Planner II $174 20.00 $3,480.00
Cost Proposal
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 19
Rate Hours Labor Budget
Direct
Expenses Total Budget
Task 3 Existing Condition Analysis 192.00 $40,884.00 $20,139.63 $61,023.63 Task 3.1 Existing Plans, Regulations, Projects,
Partnerships, and GIS Data
25.00 $5,315.00 $2,941.47 $8,256.47
Principal $307 1.00 $307.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 4.00 $1,088.00
Planner III $196 20.00 $3,920.00
GIS/CADD Specialist II $167 0.00 $0.00
WRT
$2,941.47
Task 3.2 Community Assessment
68.00 $13,846.00 $511.56 $14,357.56
Principal $307 2.00 $614.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 10.00 $2,720.00
Planner III $196 40.00 $7,840.00
GIS/CADD Specialist II $167 16.00 $2,672.00
WRT
$511.56
Task 3.3 Park and Recreation Needs Assessment
and Inventory
3.00 $851.00 $16,686.60 $17,537.60
Principal $307 1.00 $307.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 2.00 $544.00
WRT
$16,686.60
Task 3.4 Open Space and Conservation
Assessment
96.00 $20,872.00 $0.00 $20,872.00
Principal $307 8.00 $2,456.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 16.00 $4,352.00
Planner IV $211 20.00 $4,220.00
Planner III $196 40.00 $7,840.00
GIS/CADD Specialist II $167 12.00 $2,004.00
Task 4 Research and Analysis 2.00 $579.00 $6,406.68 $6,985.68 Task 4.1 Financial Evaluation and Prioritization
2.00 $579.00 $6,406.68 $6,985.68
Principal $307 1.00 $307.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 1.00 $272.00
WRT
$6,406.68
Task 5 Preparation and Adoption 158.00 $32,028.00 $39,122.16 $71,150.16 Task 5.1 Administrative Drafts OSCR
Elements/General Plan Amendments
128.00 $25,806.00 $30,230.76 $56,036.76
Principal $307 4.00 $1,228.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 10.00 $2,720.00
Planner III $196 100.00 $19,600.00
GIS/CADD Specialist II $167 10.00 $1,670.00
Technical Editor $147 4.00 $588.00
WRT
$30,230.76
City of Foster City
Proposal for Amendment to Foster City's General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and the General Plan Conservation Element
20 Rate Hours Labor Budget
Direct
Expenses Total Budget
Task 5.2 Final OSCR Elements/General Plan
Amendments
30.00 $6,222.00 $8,891.40 $15,113.40
Principal $307 2.00 $614.00
Supervisor Planner I $272 4.00 $1,088.00
Planner III $196 20.00 $3,920.00
GIS/CADD Specialist I $150 4.00 $600.00
WRT
$8,891.40
Task 6 Environmental Review/CEQA 63.00 $14,206.00 $0.00 $14,206.00 Task 6.1 Administrative Draft Common Sense
Exemption Report
45.00 $10,224.00 $0.00 $10,224.00
Principal $307 8.00 $2,456.00
Senior Planner II $255 12.00 $3,060.00
Planner III $196 20.00 $3,920.00
GIS/CADD Specialist II $167 4.00 $668.00
Publishing Specialist $120 1.00 $120.00
Task 6.2 Final Common Sense Exemption Report
18.00 $3,982.00 $0.00 $3,982.00
Principal $307 2.00 $614.00
Senior Planner II $255 6.00 $1,530.00
Planner III $196 8.00 $1,568.00
GIS/CADD Specialist I $150 1.00 $150.00
Publishing Specialist $120 1.00 $120.00
Reimbursable Expense 0.00 $0.00 $1,740.00 $1,740.00
WRT
$1,740.00
Project Total 811.50 $176,601.50 $104,210.60 $280,812.10
Direct Expenses Summary Amount
Rincon Direct Expenses $1,086.00
Travel - Mileage $2,349.02
WRT $100,775.58
Direct Expenses Subtotal $104,210.60
Carlsbad
2215 Faraday Avenue
Suite A
Carlsbad, California 92008
760-918-9444
Fresno
4589 North Marty Avenue
Suite 102
Fresno, California 93722
559-228-9925
Los Angeles
250 East 1st Street
Suite 1400
Los Angeles, California 90012
213-788-4842
Monterey
80 Garden Court
Suite 240
Monterey, California 93940
831-333-0310
Oakland
66 Franklin Street
Suite 300
Oakland, California 94607
510-834-4455
Palm Springs
777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Suite 200-127
Palm Springs, California 92262
760-203-5120
Riverside
11801 Pierce Street
Suite 200
Riverside, California 92505
951-405-0979
Sacramento
4825 J Street
Suite 200
Sacramento, California 95819
916-706-137 4
San Diego
8825 Aero Drive
Suite 120
San Diego, California 92123
760-918-9444
San José
99 South Almaden Boulevard
San José, California 95113
408-577-3008
San Luis Obispo
1530 Monterey Street
Suite D
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
805-547-0900
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319 East Carrillo Street
Suite 105
Santa Barbara, California 93101
805-319-4092
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180 North Ashwood Avenue
Ventura, California 93003
805-644-4455
Office Locations