City of Gonzales
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 16, 2023
FROM: Taven Kinison Brown, Community Development Director THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Vista Lucia Specific Plan EIR – Amendment #3 to Consulting Services Agreement Between the City of Gonzales and EMC Planning Group for Preparation of the Vista Lucia Specific Plan EIR – New Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analysis Consistent with the City’s Adopted VMT Policy.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of, and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment #3 to the Consulting Services Agreement between the City of Gonzales and EMC Planning Group for Preparation of the Vista Lucia Specific Plan EIR – New Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analysis Consistent with the City’s Adopted VMT Policy.
BACKGROUND
The VMT analysis previously performed for the Vista Lucia Specific Plan project was written prior to the City of Gonzales adopting its VMT Policy in October of 2022. Hexagon, EMC’s subconsultant, has advised staff that the VMT analysis needs to be redone to support a defensible EIR document. A scope of work has been presented by EMC that includes (Hexagon) sub-consultant fees of $15,000, 10% overhead of $1,500, and the EMC staff tasks and hours to update the EIR with a cost of $4,875.00, totaling $21,375.00. The project applicant has expressed a willingness to pay and keep the EIR on track for public circulation this winter.
AGENDA
ITEM
14 REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The transportation impact analysis for the Vista Lucia Specific Plan EIR must be consistent with a locally adopted policy. This contract Amendment #3 will allow the City to update the transportation analysis for the EIR using the City’s adopted VMT Policy.
The additional scope of work (Amendment #3) and the reimbursement agreement between the City and the developer are attached, as well as the original contract and Amendments #1 and #2.
Explain the Recommendation and How it 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.
Explanation: Staff and the environmental consultant are working collaboratively to have a strong and defensible Environmental Impact Report for the Vista Lucia Specific Plan Project.
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.
Explanation: Please see the Vision above.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explanation: Amendment #3 to the Consulting Services Agreement between the City of Gonzales and EMC Planning Group for preparation of the Vista Lucia Specific Plan EIR is cost effective without burden to the City in that the developer has agreed to pay for these environmental services in furtherance of their development proposal, subject to the provisions of the existing Reimbursement Agreement with the City.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
Explanation: Please see the Vision above.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council could opt not to approve Amendment #3, effectively opening the EIR to a greater risk of challenge for inconsistency with the City’s adopted VMT Policy (once completed). • Public Safety Yes X No N/A
• Housing X Yes No N/A
• Recreation Yes X No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education Yes X No N/A
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no budget impact associated with Amendment #3. A Reimbursement Agreement is in place with the developer to pay for the environmental review for the Specific Plan.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends approval of, and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment #3 to the Consulting Services Agreement between the City of Gonzales and EMC Planning Group for Preparation of the Vista Lucia Specific Plan EIR – New Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analysis Consistent with the City’s Adopted VMT Policy.
Attachments:
1. Amendment #3 For VLSP EIR - VMT Consistency
2. Amendment #2 For VLSP EIR
3. Revised VL Contract Amendment #1
4. Resolution No. 2020-06 Contract with EMC Planning Group
5. Vista Lucia Reimbursement Agreement.FINAL.SIGNED