City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: February 7, 2022
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: René L. Mendez, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2022-13 - Agreement with EMC Planning Group for the Preparation of CEQA/NEPA Documents for the Community Center Complex Project
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-13, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Execution of a $45,000 Agreement with EMC Planning Group for the Preparation of CEQA/NEPA Documents for the Community Center Complex Project and Amend the FY 2021/2022 City Budget by increasing the General Fund (Fund 100), Department 850 Measure X, Contractual Services - General (Object Code 624) by $45,000.
BACKGROUND
Design/Build delivery of the Community Center Complex is underway. The City is required to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) prior to approving the proposed project. The project is partially funded with Community Development Block Grant monies from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and therefore must also comply with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and HUD procedures for NEPA compliance.
In 2013, conceptual architectural drawings were prepared for the Community Center Project, along with the following Technical Studies:
• Geotechnical Investigation
• Environmental Site Assessment Phase I
• Environmental Site Assessment Phase II
• Site Civil drawings
AGENDA
ITEM
14 • Traffic and Parking Analysis
• Acoustic Study
• Photometric Lighting Study
These technical studies will be used or updated to support the CEQA/NEPA documents.
The Program Manager for the Community Center Complex (Swinerton Management & Consulting) prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP) for City staff’s review. The final RFP was issued on October 29, 2021 to eight consulting firms. Staff issued Addendum 1 and Addendum 2 to provide additional information on the project, including the Design Criteria materials presented at the December 6th City Council meeting.
Proposals were received by the January 20, 2022 deadline from the following consulting firms:
• EMC Planning Group, Monterey, CA
• LSA, San Luis Obispo, CA
• Rincon Consultants, Monterey, CA
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
City staff and staff with Swinerton Management & Consulting, reviewed the three proposals and concluded that EMC’s proposal was the most suitable proposal as they believe the project should qualify for a Class 32 In-Fill Development Project categorical exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15332.
This site was previously a County Housing Authority site with 24 dwelling units. So, the Community Center Project can be considered in-fill redevelopment of a previously occupied site. Class 32 under CEQA Guideline Section 15332 exempts projects characterized as in-fill development meeting the conditions described as follows.
(a) The project is consistent with the applicable general plan designation and all applicable general plan policies, as well as with applicable zoning designation and regulations. (b) The proposed development occurs within City limits on a project site of no more than five acres substantially surrounded by urban uses.
(c) The project site has no value as habitat for endangered, rare or threatened species. (d) Approval of the project would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality.
(e) The site can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services.
EMC’s scope of work will include:
1. Program Management
2. Technical Documentation
a. Transportation Evaluation
b. Environmental Noise Assessment
c. Biological Resources Analysis
d. Cultural Resources Analysis
e. Air Quality Analysis
f. Water Quality Analysis
3. Prepare necessary findings to support a categorical exemption addressing CEQA Guidelines Exemption Findings
4. Complete HUD’s Environmental Assessment Checklist and Environmental Assessment Worksheet
5. Attend the Planning Commission meeting when the CEQA/NEPA Documents are presented for approval
City staff reviewed the fee estimate from EMC Planning Group and staff recommends that the City Council authorize execution of an agreement with EMC Planning Group for the preparation of the CEQA/NEPA Documents for the Community Center Complex Project in an amount not-to-exceed $45,000.
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: Constructing a Community Center will provide residents with a facility for various public functions, arts & recreation programs for all ages, private events, and other activities which will enhance the quality of life of Gonzales residents and visitors.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ____ No____ N/A
Explain: Please see explanation above for the Mission.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to insure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ____No ____ N/A Explain: See Vision explanation above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing X Yes No N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: See Vision above.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Direct staff to seek additional proposals for this contract.
2. Amend or modify staff recommendation.
BUDGET IMPACT
EMC’s contract will be funded by Measure X and the other monies that will make up the funding for the Community Center Complex Project.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-13, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Execution of a $45,000 Agreement with EMC Planning Group for the Preparation of CEQA/NEPA Documents for the Community Center Complex Project and Amend the FY 2021/2022 City Budget by increasing the General Fund (Fund 100), Department 850 Measure X, Contractual Services - General (Object Code 624) by $45,000.
Attachments:
1. Request for Proposal for Preparation of CEQA/NEPA Documents for the Community Center Complex Project
2. Resolution No. 2022-13
3. Agreement with EMC Planning Group