UNITED STATES
T +1 888 826 5814
T +1 714 508 4100
F +1 714 508 4110
E [email protected]
Irvine
250 Commerce
Suite 250
Irvine, CA 92602
Bay Area
1350 Treat Boulevard
Suite 380
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Central Valley
7726 N. First Street
#413
Fresno, CA 93720
Inland Empire
967 Kendall Drive
#A-537
San Bernardino, CA 92407
Sacramento Valley
2351 Sunset Boulevard
Suite 170-301
Rocklin, CA 95765
Utah
2901 Bluegrass Boulevard
Suite 200-62
Lehi, UT 84043
Connecticut
2 Corporate Drive
Suite 450
Shelton, CT 06484
New York
10 Monument Street
Deposit, NY 13754
56 Broome Corporate Parkway
Conklin, NY 13748
CANADA
UNITED KINGDOM
PORTUGAL
FRANCE
KENYA
AUSTRALIA
PHILIPPINES
CHINA
MALAYSIA
SINGAPORE
Cover Letter
October 13, 2021
Robert Reber, Community Development Director
City of Hercules
111 Civic Drive
Hercules, CA 94547
Subject: Scope of Work to Provide Planning Services and Prepare an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Associated Technical Studies for the Skelly Residential Project in Hercules, California
Dear Robert:
FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS) is pleased to submit this Scope of Work, schedule, and fee for planning services and preparation of an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) and associated technical studies for the proposed Skelly Development Project (project) at 215 Skelly in the City of Hercules (City).
FCS has been providing planning and environmental consulting services for more than 38 years to public and private sector clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including the City of Hercules and has extensive knowledge and key expertise regarding residential projects. We have completed and are completing several environmental documents and technical studies for residentials projects throughout Northern California including the Del Hombre Apartments Project Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CityWalk Master Plan EIR in the City of San Ramon, 100 38th Street Residential Project Initial Study/Consistency Checklist in the City of Richmond, and the Stonebridge Subdivision Project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) in the City of Santa Rosa to name just a few. In addition to our in-house team of technical experts and CEQA/legal counsel, FCS is proposing a seasoned management team to oversee this project.
FCS welcomes the opportunity to continue our successful relationship with the City of Hercules and provide environmental review for the proposed project. FCS is committed to responding to project needs in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Should you have any questions regarding this Scope of Work, please contact me at 415.713.5223 or via email at [email protected] or Jason Brandman at 925.200.1656 or at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Mary Bean, Project Director
FirstCarbon Solutions
1350 Treat Boulevard, Suite 380
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
1 Scope of Work
PROJECT UNDERSTANDING
FCS understands that the proposed project is located at 215 Skelly, in the City of Hercules, California with Assessor’s Parcel Number 404-020-012-5. The project site currently contains a single-family residence, 58 horse paddocks, a permitted 2,400 square foot storage building, and miscellaneous other outbuildings. There are mature trees throughout the site. The site is bordered by single-family homes to the north and east; Pinole Creek forms the western property line along with two single family homes located on separate lots. The BNSF rail line runs adjacent to the southern project boundary. The Pinole Senior Center Building and undeveloped land is to the south of the BNSF rail line.
The site is designated and zoned Residential Single-Family Low Density (RS-L), which allows for 2-7 units per acre, a minimum parcel size of 6,000 SF, and a maximum building height of 35 feet.
The proposed project would remove the existing trees, vegetation, and existing structures and would construct 40 single family homes on the approximately 7.3-acre site with lot sizes ranging from approximately 4,230 to 6,882 square feet. The proposed project would also include a bioretention parcel; three separate utility easement parcels; and internal streets.
It is assumed that the project applicant would provide the following studies:
• Biological Resources Assessment, including an arborist report • Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
• Geotechnical Investigation
• Hydrological Supporting Information, including a stormwater control plan showing capacity/volume of the proposed bioretention basin(s).
Based on our understanding of the proposed project, it appears that a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) may be appropriate. FCS recommends the preparation of an initial study (IS) to identify and confirm the level of potential impacts. The following Scope of Work reflects the level of effort required to prepare an IS/MND.
SCOPE OF WORK–PLANNING SERVICES
As a subconsultant to FCS, MIG would provide planning entitlement services. The proposed project is seeking the following entitlements:
• Planned Development Plan per Hercules Municipal Code (HMC) Chapter 13-48, including any deviations to development standards
• Tentative Subdivision Map per HMC Chapter 10-2
• Design Review per HMC Chapter 13-42
• Environmental Review
2 Scope of Work
Planning services to be provided by MIG include the following tasks:
Task 1: Preliminary Review
Subtask 1.1: Project Initiation
At the beginning of the project, the Project Manager will participate in two meetings to initiate the project:
• Kick-off meeting with FCS and City staff to finalize protocols and communications, discuss involvement by organizations outside the City, and outline overall expectation and desired outcomes, and
• Development Review Meeting with relevant City departments
Subtask 1.2: Background Data Collection and Review
At the project initiation, MIG will gather project data and information and review relevant plans, studies, and any other pertinent data such as technical studies or previous staff reports and resolutions. Data collection will include sample public notices, staff reports, resolutions, and standard conditions of approval.
Subtask 1.3: On-Going Management
Throughout the project, MIG will coordinate with FCS, City staff and the applicant team to ensure thorough, accurate, and timely application processing. As needed, MIG will participate in meetings with City staff, the applicant team, and FCS to identify strategies for addressing issues, and maintain open communication between all parties.
Task 2: Permit Processing–Conditional Use Permit, Design Review, and Tentative Map
Subtask 2.1: Application Coordination and Initial Review MIG will prepare memoranda and circulate project information for up to three rounds of review and comment. MIG will generate letters to the applicant identifying the status of their application (e.g. complete, or incomplete) and identifying necessary materials to support project analysis. Services will focus on coordinating communication between Planning Staff, City departments, FCS, community organizations, and decision-makers.
Subtask 2.2: Analysis and Recommendations
MIG will prepare written analysis of project issues, possible responses to issues, and a comparison of project conformance with applicable state and city policies and programs, as well as conditions from the different sources mentioned above. This information will be presented as a staff report and resolution
3 Scope of Work
and will include a list of recommended changes that may be necessary. The analysis will be provided as an Administrative Draft, Draft, and Final report. At each stage of report development, MIG would meet with City staff and, if appropriate, the project sponsor, to explore opportunities to streamline project complexities.
Subtask 2.3: Decision Making
MIG will prepare materials (typically a PowerPoint) for presentation at public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council. The scope of services assumes there will be one Planning Commission hearing and one City Council hearing.
Deliverables
• Transmittal Memoranda describing the project and soliciting input • Incomplete/Incompleteness Letters
• Notice of Public Hearing for 1 Planning Commission and 1 City Council meeting; this Scope of Works assumes that City staff will be responsible for sending notices to neighbors, newspaper, etc. • Planning Commission Staff Reports, Conditions of Approval, Resolution, and Exhibits • City Council Staff Reports, Conditions of Approval, Resolution, and Exhibits • Attendance and Presentation at 1 Planning Commission and 1 City Council hearing
Assumptions
• There will be no more than one round of project review to determine whether the application is complete for processing.
• Quality assurance/control will be done by MIG.
• MIG staff will visit the property; public hearings will occur virtually; all other meetings will occur by phone.
• Direct expenses, such as for any significant copying costs, will be billed at cost, and will be in addition to the above total; this would first be discussed with the City. • Notice and agenda preparation and similar administrative tasks would be the responsibility of City • Attendance at any additional meetings, changes to the project description, or expansion of this Scope of Work or level of analysis required will be billed on a time and materials basis.
4 Scope of Work
SCOPE OF WORK–INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Task 1: Project Initiation and Kick-off Meeting
FCS will review relevant background material, develop an initial data needs list, and coordinate with the City to schedule a kick-off meeting via teleconference. FCS will clarify and confirm relevant aspects of the Project Description, identify key points of contact, and review pertinent background documents to ensure project understanding. FCS will also provide a Request for Information (RFI), which will detail additional information needed to complete CEQA analyses for specific technical areas (Air Quality, Energy, etc.). A site visit will be conducted as part of the project initiation process.
This Scope of Work, schedule, and fee assume that the applicant will provide the following information to FCS at the kickoff meeting:
• Existing and proposed site plans and building evaluations • Phase lengths of construction, including any overlapping of phases • Approximate start/end of construction and approximate start/end of operations • Types and number of construction equipment anticipated • On-site and off-site soil movement, in cubic yards (if any) • Sustainability project design features
• Landscape plans
• Biological Resources Assessment
• All other applicant-prepared technical studies
Task 2: Preparation of Comprehensive Project Description Using the information obtained during project initiation, FCS will prepare a comprehensive Project Description for the City’s review and approval. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15124, the Project Description will identify the project location, describe the project characteristics, identify necessary approvals, and list other agencies that may use the document for environmental review. The Project Description will describe the relationship of the proposed project to the City’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The Project Description will use graphics and tables to clearly convey relevant information to the reviewer and will include all of the information required to define the proposed project for the purposes of CEQA, including a clear explanation of the development components of the proposed project, a description of the construction and operational activities associated with the proposed project, and clearly illustrated project components displayed in exhibits based on Geographic Information System (GIS) data.
The approved Project Description will form the basis for evaluating the proposed project in the IS/MND.
The draft Project Description will be submitted to the City for review and approval prior to the development of the Administrative Draft IS/MND. It is assumed that the City will provide one set of consolidated, vetted comments (with tracked changes in the Word document) on the draft Project
5 Scope of Work
Description and a complete RFI to FCS within 2 weeks of submittal. Changes to the Project Description made after the City has issued their approval may require a Change Order and may extend the project schedule.
Deliverable
• Electronic version (via email in Microsoft Word and PDF) of the Project Description to the City
Task 3: Technical Analysis and Peer Review of Applicant-Prepared Studies Subtask 3.1: Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Energy Analysis FCS will prepare an air quality, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions, and energy analysis. The analysis will include an evaluation of short-term (construction) and long-term (operation) impacts. The analysis will be performed in accordance with CEQA Guidelines and applicable standards and guidance from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). The analysis will be wholly contained in the IS/MND and supporting technical data will be appended to the document. The tasks below will be required to perform the analysis.
Air Quality Analysis
FCS will include a general discussion and quantitative estimate of potential short-term construction and long-term operational regional criteria air pollutant and precursor emissions. Emissions will be quantified using the latest version of the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod). The modeling will incorporate the type and size of the proposed uses, construction phasing schedule, and other construction data (duration of construction, area of land to be disturbed/graded, etc.).
Long-term (i.e., operational) regional criteria air pollutant and precursor estimates will include emissions from the proposed project’s area-, stationary-, and mobile-sources. Mobile-source emissions will be based, in part, on the traffic analysis to be prepared for this project. Stationary sources, if any are proposed as part of the proposed project, will be quantified using appropriate emission factors and methodologies from BAAQMD, California Air Resources Board (ARB), and/or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis
FCS will quantify the project’s construction and operational GHG emissions using assumptions and methodologies consistent with those used in the air quality analysis. Estimated GHG emissions will be evaluated against appropriate cumulative significance thresholds established in the BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines. BAAQMD quantitative thresholds of significance will be used to determine if the proposed project’s generation of GHG emissions, based on its mass emissions or GHG efficiency (GHG emissions per service population where service population equals the sum of residents and employees), is considered a significant impact. Pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G, FCS will also evaluate the project’s design and purpose in the context of consistency with applicable GHG reduction plans. The
6 Scope of Work
GHG Emissions Analysis will also address the California Supreme Court ruling on the Newhall Ranch project and will utilize current approved methods for quantifying GHG impacts. Additional measures or design considerations will be proposed, as necessary, to reduce potential impacts to less than significant.
Energy Analysis
FCS will provide an analysis of energy impacts consistent with the current CEQA Guidelines Appendix F Energy analysis requirements. The analysis will summarize relevant federal, state, and local regulations and policies that address energy consumption and demand, alternative fuels, and nonrenewable resources, to determine whether the proposed project would conflict with or obstruct any required policies or mandatory measures related to energy conservation. Using the model inputs and assumptions associated with the air quality and greenhouse gas emissions analyses, FCS will provide energy consumption estimates associated with anticipated operation of the proposed project, dependent on the level of detail provided by the applicant. Specifically, the analysis will calculate on-site construction equipment fuel and electricity consumption, off-site construction vehicle fuel consumption, and project operation electricity, natural gas, and vehicle fuel consumption. The analysis will consider project design features that may affect the energy efficiency of the proposed project.
Health Risk Assessment
There are two scenarios that result in toxic air contaminant (TAC) exposure: when a generator of TACs is constructed near a sensitive receptor, or when a sensitive receptor is placed near a source of TACs.
Based on the proximity of sensitive receptors (residential land uses located within 50 feet of the project’s west, north, and east boundaries), FCS recommends performing a health risk assessment (HRA) to evaluate potential construction-related toxic air contaminant (TAC) impacts.
The major TAC that affects health impacts in the air is diesel particulate matter (DPM). DPM from the operation of diesel trucks and heavy construction equipment has been identified by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) as a carcinogen that can result in long-term health impacts. The proposed project has the potential to generate substantial DPM emissions during construction that would expose nearby sensitive receptors to elevated levels of TACs. The following tasks will be required for the HRA:
• Define what a sensitive receptor is and identify nearby sensitive receptors. • Identify applicable federal, State, and BAAQMD rules and regulations. • Identify health risk standards and acceptable cancer risk and the chronic and acute non-cancer risk thresholds from diesel emissions that are detailed in the HRA Guidelines. • Obtain the on-site construction equipment DPM emissions rates that were calculated in the air quality analysis prepared for the proposed project.
• Obtain the daily construction truck trip estimates used in the air quality analysis and calculate each truck trip’s DPM emissions rates.
7 Scope of Work
• Calculate the DPM concentrations at the nearby sensitive receptors associated with the on-site construction equipment and off-site truck emissions up to 1,000 feet from the project site, using the emissions rates provided in the previous steps and the methodology described in the HRA Guidelines. • Utilize the prior task’s calculated toxic air emission levels to calculate the cancer risk and the chronic and acute non-cancer health impacts at the nearby residential uses from construction of the proposed project.
There are no known existing major TAC sources in the project vicinity, therefore FCS assumes that an operational HRA will not be warranted to identify and quantify the potential cumulative health risks during project operation. However, in the process of evaluating operational air quality emissions, FCS will confirm whether potential operation emission levels would warrant an operational HRA; if an operational HRA is required, it would be accomplished as an additional service not included in this Scope of Work.
Data Needs and Assumptions
FCS will provide the applicant with an RFI that includes all necessary construction and operational parameters required for modeling. This Scope of Work assumes relevant data (e.g., heavy-duty equipment, hours of use for equipment or emergency generators, if proposed) for the construction and operational analysis will be provided by the applicant. However, if project-specific information is not available, FCS can work with the applicant to develop reasonable assumptions based on professional experience. If changes are made to the Project Description that would require re-modeling for the above Scope of Work, it would be accomplished as an additional service not included in this Scope of Work.
Subtask 3.2: Peer Review of Biological Resources Assessment FCS will peer review the applicant-provided Biological Resources Assessment (BRA) to ensure the BRA is prepared according to established industry best practices and accurately characterizes the project site.
The information will be reviewed for consistency, completeness, and adequacy for purposes of CEQA. As part of the peer review process, a qualified FCS Biologist will perform a field visit to verify the existing conditions of the project site. FCS will provide a brief peer review memorandum to the City that documents the peer review findings. Should the peer review result in revisions to the BRA, FCS will review a revised report for a second round of revision (this subtask assumes two rounds of peer review and one peer review memorandum). Once the BRA is deemed complete by the City, FCS will incorporate the applicant-provided BRA and additional information provided from the field visit into the Biological Resources Section of the IS/MND. This information will be appended to the CEQA document.
Deliverables
• Electronic version (via email in PDF) of the peer review memorandum to the City • Two rounds of peer review of the applicant-provided BRA
8 Scope of Work
Subtask 3.3: Cultural Resources Analysis
FCS will assess the potential for existing and undiscovered cultural and tribal cultural resources (TCRs) on the project site. The Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment (PI CRA) will detail the results of the field investigation, record searches, and any additional resources discovered because of the cultural resources analysis. This analysis will include recommendations for further study and/or mitigation within the project site, as needed. Copies of all correspondence and site survey photographs will be included in the appendices. The analysis will be provided in a stand-alone PI CRA and will require the following tasks.
Note that this Scope of Work assumes only one round of City comments and revisions to the PI CRA.
Record Searches
FCS will review and incorporate records search information from the Northwest Information Center affiliated with Sonoma State University and located in Rohnert Park. The record search will include a search of previous studies and identified cultural resources within the project site and a 0.5-mile radius.
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), the California Historical Resources Inventory, the California Historical Landmarks, the California Points of Historical Interest listings, and the Historic Property Data File, historic maps, and photographs will be consulted along with other pertinent historic data.
FCS will obtain a paleontological records search from the Regional Paleontological Locality Inventory at the University of California, Berkeley. The records search will provide information regarding the relative sensitivity of the parcel to contain fossils. The results of the records search will be included in the Geology and Soils section of the IS/MND.
As part of the records search, FCS will prepare and submit a request to the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to check their Sacred Lands File for Tribal Cultural Resources that may be adversely impacted by the proposed project. The request will include lists of Native American representatives that may wish to consult on the project pursuant to Public Resources Code Sections 21080.3.1 and 21080.3.2 (also known as Assembly Bill [AB] 52). FCS will reach out to the Tribal Representatives for additional information about the project site. Please note that compliance with tribal notification and consultation under AB 52 are the responsibilities of lead agencies under CEQA. FCS is available to assist in the process if so desired, and additional consultation services beyond the current Scope of Work are available upon request.
FCS will also attempt to locate and contact local historical societies that may have additional information about the project site, or interest in the proposed project. All records search results and correspondence will be included in an appendix.
Pedestrian Field Survey
A pedestrian field survey will be conducted for the approximately 7.3-acre project site by an FCS Project Archaeologist utilizing standard 15 meter transect intervals and will include all portions of the project area, where possible.
9 Scope of Work
Subtask 3.3.1: Historic Assessment Report
As a subconsultant to FCS, South Environmental will provide historical consulting services with regards to performing a survey and evaluation of the horse training and boarding facility. Review of the history of the historic topographic maps of the project site has revealed that there may have been buildings and structures on the site since 1873.
The tasks associated with this Scope of Work will include the following:
Property Survey
A qualified Cultural Resources Specialist will survey all accessible exterior portions of the built environment within the project site, taking detailed photographs of each building, structure, and object on the site, including close-ups of windows and building materials. Overviews of the property showing the larger setting and spatial relationships between buildings are also necessary to analyze this property type.
Property Evaluation
South Environmental will complete a historic significance evaluation of the property in consideration of NRHP , CRHR, and local designation criteria to determine if the property is considered an historical resource for the purposes of the CEQA (Guidelines Section 15064.5). This may include accessing local libraries, archives, and contacting relevant historical societies. South Environmental will also review all available building permits and construction documents to determine the nature and extent of alterations made to the property overtime. The property will be evaluated on the required State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Series 523 Forms (DPR forms).
Historic Assessment Report
South Environmental will prepare an Historic Assessment Report in conformance with all state and local requirements that will summarize the results of the property significance evaluation. The report will also discuss the proposed project description, regulatory framework, all sources consulted, research and field methodology, and will analyze the proposed project’s potential to impact historical resources under CEQA. All DPR forms will be included as an appendix to the report. Note that this Scope of Work assumes only one round of City comments and revisions to the report.
Deliverables
• Electronic version (via email in Microsoft Word and PDF) of the draft PI CRA to the City. • Electronic version (via email in PDF) of the PI CRA to the City. • Electronic version (via email in Microsoft Word and PDF) of the draft Historic Assessment Report to the City.
• Electronic version (via email in PDF) of the Historic Assessment Report to the City.
10 Scope of Work
Subtask 3.4: Noise Analysis
FCS will complete a noise analysis that will include an evaluation of short-term (construction) and long- term (operation) noise impacts to satisfy the City’s noise impact analysis requirements. The analysis will be wholly contained in the IS/MND and the supporting technical data will be appended to the document; it is assumed no stand-alone study will be prepared. To perform this analysis, the tasks below are required.
Compile and Summarize Background Information
The general characteristics of sound and the categories of audible noise will be described. The City’s regulatory framework related to noise, including applicable plans, policies, and standards will be summarized. The dominant noise source on the project site is traffic from adjacent roadways and the railroad noise (the rail line is located approximately 65-feet south of the project stie). Therefore, the existing noise environment will be documented through traffic noise modeling and reference to the City’s railroad noise contour data. A long-term (minimum 24-hour) ambient noise monitoring effort will also be performed to document the existing ambient noise levels on the project site.
Conduct Construction Noise and Vibration Impact Analysis Construction of the proposed project would require the short-term operation of heavy equipment.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended noise emission levels will be used for the construction equipment. The construction noise impact will be evaluated in terms of maximum levels (Lmax) or hourly equivalent continuous noise levels (Leq) and their frequency of occurrence. The analysis will determine if construction noise would generate a substantial temporary increase in ambient noise levels that would result in annoyance or sleep disturbance of nearby sensitive receptors. FCS will also analyze potential vibration impacts associated with construction activities through application of the methodology used in the Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (September 2018), prepared by the Federal Transit Administration.
Conduct Operational Noise Impact Analysis
A quantitative assessment of noise impacts from project-specific and cumulative vehicular traffic trips will be performed. Traffic noise impacts will be assessed using the United States Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108, December 1978). Required model input data include without-project and with-project average daily traffic (ADT) volumes on adjacent roadway segments, based on the traffic study prepared for the project. Traffic impacts will be determined based on whether the proposed project would generate a substantial increase in traffic noise levels in the project vicinity in excess of standards established in the General Plan or noise ordinance.
Potential noise impacts from project-related stationary noise sources, such as mechanical system operations, will also be evaluated to determine if the proposed project would generate a substantial increase in ambient noise levels in excess of the City’s operational noise performance standards.
11 Scope of Work
Data Needs and Assumptions
This Scope of Work assumes necessary project data, including site plan, traffic data, and mechanical system plans, will be provided by the applicant. If changes are made to the Project Description that would require re-modeling for the above Scope of Work, it would be accomplished as an additional service not included in this scope.
Subtask 3.5: Transportation Analysis
FCS has teamed with TJKM to prepare a transportation analysis for the proposed project considering current thresholds and guidance from the State. The analysis will be provided in a stand-alone technical report. The study would include the trip generation, trip distribution, and trip assignment for the proposed project. TJKM will verify existing conditions and collect weekday a.m. and p.m. peak hour turning movement counts at the following study intersection:
• Hercules Avenue and Skelly
• Hercules Avenue and San Pablo Avenue
For Hercules Avenue and San Pablo Avenue, TJKM will be guided by current and cumulative traffic volumes contained in the General Plan in order to deal with any reduced volumes due to Covid-19 conditions. TJKM will make new counts at both study intersections and make appropriate adjustments.
TJKM will conduct a level of service (LOS) traffic operations analysis using synchro software for the weekday a.m. and p.m. peak hours at the study intersections under the following scenarios. • Existing Conditions
• Existing plus Project Conditions
• Cumulative Conditions
• Cumulative plus Project Conditions
TJKM will conduct a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis for the proposed project along with an analysis of site access and on-site circulation and analysis of potential impacts to bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities.
Once these analyses are complete, TJKM will identify significant impacts and provide recommendations to mitigate those impacts. Impacts of the proposed project on the study intersections will be identified by comparing the results of the project level of service calculations for Existing and Cumulative Conditions to the results for plus Project Conditions. If there are significant issues with VMT, they will recommend mitigation measures. They will determine expected maximum (95th percentile) queue lengths at each intersection approach under all scenarios. TJKM will evaluate peak hour signal warrants and recommend appropriate intersection controls. Finally, TJKM will prepare a draft Traffic Report consistent with the City of Hercules standards that summarizes the analysis and recommendations that
12 Scope of Work
will be submitted to the City. If necessary, minor comments from the City regarding the Traffic Report will then be incorporated into a final Traffic Report.
Deliverables
• Electronic version (via email or Dropbox in Microsoft Word and PDF) of the draft Traffic Report to the City
• Electronic version (via email or Dropbox in PDF) of the final Traffic Report to the City
Task 4: Preparation of Administrative Draft IS/MND
FCS will prepare an Administrative Draft IS/MND for City staff review that will evaluate the proposed project’s impacts. The IS/MND format will include separate sections for discussion of each CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist impact category, and it will be adequately supported by exhibits (including color GIS mapping, as appropriate). The IS/MND will evaluate project impacts against each question on the Appendix G Environmental Checklist and determine whether a potentially significant impact could occur that requires mitigation or if impacts would be less than significant and would not require mitigation. If potentially significant impacts are identified, FCS will draft mitigation measures that would reduce the impact to a less than significant level.
The following issues will be evaluated in the IS/MND:
• Aesthetics • Land Use
• Agriculture and Forestry Resources • Mineral Resources • Air Quality • Noise
• Biological Resources • Population and Housing
• Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources • Public Services • Geology, Soils, and Seismicity • Recreation
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Transportation
• Energy • Utility Systems
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials • Wildfires
• Hydrology and Water Quality
Deliverables
• Electronic version (via Dropbox in Microsoft Word and PDF) of the Administrative Draft IS/MND to the City
Task 5: Preparation of Screencheck Draft IS/MND
This Scope of Work assumes the City will provide one set of consolidated, vetted comments (with tracked changes in the Word document) on the Administrative Draft IS/MND. Once FCS receives these comments, FCS will complete revisions and prepare a Screencheck Draft IS/MND for final review.
13 Scope of Work
Note that this Scope of Work assumes only one round of City comments and revisions to the Administrative Draft IS/MND. Should hours spent on this task exceed the cost identified herein, FCS shall coordinate with the City regarding the need for additional funds to ensure implementation of all comments in the Screencheck Draft IS/MND.
Deliverable
• Electronic version (via Dropbox in Microsoft Word and PDF) of the Screencheck Draft IS/MND to the City.
Task 6: Preparation of Public Review Draft IS/MND
Following receipt of any City comments on the Screencheck Draft IS/MND, FCS will complete revisions and prepare the Draft IS/MND. The City will distribute copies of the Draft IS/MND to responsible agencies and the public for a 30-day public review period. FCS will post the Draft IS/MND, NOC, and Summary Form to the State Clearinghouse’s online portal, CEQAnet, to formally commence the 30-day review period. This Scope of Work assumes that the City will be responsible for local distribution and noticing, including but not limited to newspaper noticing or radius mailing and preparation of the Notice of Intent to Adopt (NOI) an IS/MND pursuant to Section 15072(a) of the CEQA Guidelines.
Deliverables
• Electronic version (via Drobox in PDF) of the Draft IS/MND to the City • Electronic submittal of the Draft IS/MND (including appendices), Summary Form, and NOC to the State Clearinghouse via CEQAnet
Task 7: Preparation of Administrative Final IS/MND
The CEQA Guidelines indicate that lead agencies are not required to respond to written comments submitted in response to Draft IS/MND. However, lead agencies often request that written responses be provided to all written comments in order to demonstrate that the lead agencies considered the concerns, questions, or objections raised by public agencies or private parties. Accordingly, FCS has budgeted 40 hours of the Project Manager’s time to prepare responses to written comments that would be included in the Staff Report prepared for the meeting(s) at which the IS/MND would be considered for adoption.
Should the volume of comments or the level of technical detail require more than 40 hours of key staff time, FCS will require approval of an augment to cover the additional time. Note that FCS has budgeted for one (1) round of City comments on the draft Responses to Comments prior to finalizing them for inclusion in the Staff Report. FCS will also upload the Final IS/MND to the City’s website.
Deliverable
• Electronic version (via email in Microsoft Word and PDF) of the Administrative Draft Final IS/MND to the City.
14 Scope of Work
Task 8: Preparation of Screencheck Final IS/MND
This Scope of Work assumes the City will provide one set of consolidated, vetted comments (with tracked changes in the Word document) on the Administrative Final IS/MND. Once FCS receives these comments, FCS will complete revisions and prepare a Screencheck Final IS/MND for final review. Note that this Scope of Work assumes only one round of City comments and revisions to the Screencheck Final IS/MND. Should hours spent on this task exceed the cost identified herein, FCS shall coordinate with the City regarding the need for additional funds to ensure implementation of all comments in the Screencheck Final IS/MND.
Deliverable
• Electronic version (via email in Microsoft Word and PDF) of the Screencheck Final IS/MND to the City.
Task 9: Preparation of Final IS/MND
Upon approval of the Screencheck Final IS/MND, FCS will finalize the Final IS/MND (which will include RTCs and Errata). FCS will reproduce the Final IS/MND electronically for City use and distribution. This Scope of Work assumes that City staff will be responsible for distribution of copies of the Final IS/MND to agencies, organizations, and individuals who submitted comments.
Deliverable
• Electronic version (via email in PDF) of the Final IS/MND to the City.
Task 10: Preparation of Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program FCS will prepare a comprehensive Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15097. The MMRP will contain all mitigation measures identified in the Draft IS/MND. This comprehensive MMRP will provide the City with a single source of reference to the full range of mitigation measures to be implemented. For each measure or group of similar measures, the agency responsible for ensuring proper implementation will be identified, along with the timing and method of verification.
Once FCS receives consolidated, vetted comments (with tracked changes in the Word document) on the MMRP , FCS will complete revisions and provide the City with a final MMRP .
Deliverables
• Electronic version (via email in Microsoft Word and PDF) of the draft MMRP to the City. • Electronic version (via email in PDF) of the MMRP to the City.
15 Scope of Work
Task 11: Attend Public Hearings
This scope of work assumes that FCS’s Project Director or Project Manager will attend up to two, two- hour long meetings (Planning Commission and/or City Council) in Hercules and/or teleconference. A not- to-exceed budget has been established to cover attendance at the public hearings. If the City staff and/or the applicant requests additional meeting attendance by FCS staff, or if the amount of time involved in these meetings exceeds the initial budget allocation, FCS will notify the applicant of the additional costs and obtain authorization for the extra meeting time.
Task 12: Preparation of Notice of Determination
FCS will prepare the Notice of Determination (NOD). Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15075 and 15094, City staff would be responsible for filing the NOD with the Contra Costa County Clerk’s Office within 5 business days of IS/MND adoption. The applicant will be responsible for paying the associated filing fees: CEQA filing fee (currently $2,480.25) and any County filing fees (currently $50).
Deliverable
• Electronic version (via email in PDF) of the Notice of Determination (in PDF) to the Town
Task 13: Project Management and Meetings
In addition to the research, analysis, communications, and report writing tasks described above, FCS will perform a variety of project management duties to ensure that the IS/MND meets the City’s standards of quality, and that it is delivered on time and within budget. These duties will include team supervision and coordination, oral and written communications with City staff, the applicant Team, project accounting, and quality assurance review by FCS’s Project Director and Technical Editor of all deliverable products. These services will also include ongoing support to City staff, such as providing input to staff reports, regular schedule updates, and discussions of technical issues. FCS’s Project Director or Project Manager will attend up to three, hour-long virtual team meetings. A not-to-exceed budget has been established to cover attendance at these meetings. If the City staff requests additional meeting attendance by FCS staff, or if the amount of time involved in these meetings exceeds the initial budget allocation, FCS will notify the City of the additional costs and obtain authorization for the extra meeting time. This task assumes 30 hours of Project Director and/or Project Manager time over the duration of the project.
Tasks Outside the Scope of Work
The following are tasks FCS has identified as falling outside its scope of work for the proposed project.
Newspaper Noticing/Local Noticing
FCS assumes that City staff will be responsible for any public noticing related to the certification of the IS/MND.
16 Scope of Work
Notice of Determination Filing/Payment of Fees
FCS assumes the applicant will be responsible for filing the Notice of Determination with the Contra Costa County Clerk’s Office within 5 business days of certification of the IS/MND.
SCHEDULE
FCS has prepared the following schedule outlining the anticipated timing of each task.
Task Week
Planning Services 1-Ongoing
Task 1: Project Initiation and Kick-off Meeting 1-2
Task 2: Preparation of Comprehensive Project Description 2-4 Task 3: Technical Analyses and Peer Review of Applicant-Prepared Studies1, 2 4-14 Subtask 3.1: Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Energy Analysis 14 Subtask 3.2: Peer Review of Biological Resources Assessment 4 Subtask 3.3: Cultural Resources Analysis 3 6-8
Subtask 3.4: Noise Analysis 6
Subtask 3.5: Transportation Analysis 7
Task 4: Preparation of Administrative Draft IS/MND 16
City review of Administrative Draft IS/MND 18
Task 5: Preparation of Screencheck Draft IS/MND 20
City review of Screencheck Draft IS/MND 21
Task 6: Preparation of Public Review Draft IS/MND 22
30-day review period 22-26
Task 7: Preparation of Administrative Final IS/MND 4 28 City review of Admin Final IS/MND 29
Task 8: Preparation of Screencheck Final IS/MND 30
City review of Screencheck Final IS/MND 30
Task 9: Preparation of Final IS/MND 31
Task 10: Preparation of Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 31 Task 11: Attend Public Hearings To Be Determined
Task 12: Preparation of Notice of Determination within 5 days of IS/MND certification
Task 13: Project Management and Meetings Ongoing
File NOD by City Staff To Be Determined
17 Scope of Work
Task Week
Note:
1 Assumes the Transportation Analysis is complete within 7 weeks of project initiation. Air quality analysis will be conducted 7 weeks after receipt of the Transportation Analysis and the responses to the RFI, whichever is later. 2 All analyses will be incorporated directly into the Draft IS/MND; stand-alone technical reports are not part of this Scope of Work.
3 Assumes receipt of record search results from the Northwest Information within 4-6 weeks. 4 Dependent on the volume and complexity of public comments
BUDGET
FCS has prepared the following budget identifying the costs of each task.
Task Fee
Planning Services $36,800
Task 1: Project Initiation and Kick-off Meeting $2,700
Task 2: Preparation of Comprehensive Project Description $2,900 Task 3: Technical Analyses and Peer Review of Applicant-Prepared Studies Subtask 3.1: Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Energy Analysis $12,400 Subtask 3.2: Peer Review of Biological Resources Assessment $3,900 Subtask 3.3: Cultural Resources Analysis $5,400
Subtask 3.3.1: Historic Assessment Report $6,900
Subtask 3.4: Noise Analysis $5,800
Subtask 3.5: Transportation Analysis $21,700
Task 4: Preparation of Administrative Draft IS/MND $18,600 Task 5: Preparation of Screencheck Draft IS/MND $7,500
Task 6: Preparation of Public Review Draft IS/MND $2,200 Task 7: Preparation of Administrative Final IS/MND $5,500 Task 8: Preparation of Screencheck Final IS/MND $2,300
Task 9: Preparation of Final IS/MND $1,000
Task 10: Preparation of Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program $800 Task 11: Attend Public Hearings $1,900
Task 12: Preparation of Notice of Determination $300
Task 13: Project Management and Meetings $6,700
Direct Costs $1,600
Total Fee $146,900
18 Scope of Work
Assumptions
The assumptions used in determining the above project schedule are:
• Receipt of all approved project description and conceptual plans, project-related information, base maps, photographs, and previous environmental documentation at the project initiation meeting.
• Receipt of all technical information and confirmation of a stable project description by Week 2. • The periods shown assume a set amount of time for concurrent review of the document by the City for each submittal. If review schedules change, the elapsed time of other tasks will be maintained.
• Up to one round of revisions to the reports and analysis described in this Scope of Work shall be provided based on comments provided by the City. Please note that this Scope of Work assumes that comments and revisions to the reports will not require re-modeling or additional site visits. If a remodeling effort or additional site visits are requested, a budget augment would be required. • The review period for the IS/MND will be the State-mandated 30 days.
The assumptions used in calculating the above fees are:
• Reimbursable expenses have been included in the table above. These direct costs, including, but not limited to those items presented below, will be reimbursable upon provision of proper documentation:
- Purchases of project materials
- Reproduction, reprographics, document production, printing and photographic - Postage, messenger, delivery, and overnight mailing
- Mileage, noticing, and record searches
- Other miscellaneous costs directly related to the project • There will be no significant revisions to the development application once submitted. If there is a change in the project description by the applicant, a budget adjustment will be required to account for the project revisions.
• The fee is valid for up to 30 days from the date of this scope, after which it may be subject to revision.
• This price is based on completion of the work within the proposed schedule. If delays occur, an amendment of the price would be warranted to accommodate additional project management and other costs and to reflect adjustments for updated billing rates. • Costs have been allocated to tasks based upon FCS’s proposed approach. During the work, FCS may, on its sole authority, re-allocate costs among tasks and/or direct costs, as circumstances warrant, so long as the adjustments maintain the total price within its authorized amount.
19 Scope of Work
• The FCS Project Manager will be the primary representative at the project meeting and public hearing.
• Printing costs are based on the method of printing and binding proposed, numbers of copies proposed as work products, and estimated page lengths. Document printing costs are estimated and will be finalized at the time of printing. On further clarification of the documents and Town’s (paper and/or digital CD) that Town staff will need during the preparation effort, FCS will specifically identify a detailed reproduction work plan with more specific costs.
Invoice Billing
Invoices will be submitted monthly and will identify project progress on a percent complete basis.