Pinole City Council
September 3, 2024

Consulting Services Agreement between City of Pinole
and [Insert Consultant’s Name]
[Insert Date]

d. The policy shall cover inter-insured suits and include a “separation of Insureds” or “severability” clause which treats each insured separately. e. Consultant agrees to give at least 30 days prior written notice to City before coverage is canceled or modified as to scope or amount.

4.3 Professional Liability Insurance.

4.3.1 General requirements. Consultant, at its own cost and expense, shall maintain for the period covered by this Agreement professional liability insurance for licensed professionals performing work pursuant to this Agreement in an amount not less than ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000) per occurrence or claim covering the Consultant’s errors and omissions.

4.3.2 Claims-made limitations. The following provisions shall apply if the professional liability coverage is written on a claims-made form:
a. The retroactive date of the policy must be shown and must be before the date of the Agreement.
b. Insurance must be maintained and evidence of insurance must be provided for at least five (5) years after completion of the Agreement or the work.
c. If coverage is canceled or not renewed and it is not replaced with another claims-made policy form with a retroactive date that precedes the date of this Agreement, Consultant must provide extended reporting coverage for a minimum of five (5) years after completion of work under this Agreement. d. A copy of the claim reporting requirements must be submitted to the City prior to the commencement of any work under this Agreement.

4.4 All Policies Requirements.

4.4.1 Submittal Requirements. Consultant shall submit the following to City prior to beginning services:
a. Certificate of Liability Insurance in the amounts specified in this Agreement; and
b. Additional Insured Endorsement as required for the General Commercial and Automobile Liability Polices.

4.4.2 Acceptability of insurers. All insurance required by this section is to be placed with insurers with a Bests' rating of no less than A:VII.

Consulting Services Agreement between City of Pinole
and [Insert Consultant’s Name]
[Insert Date]

4.4.3 Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions. Insurance obtained by the Consultant shall have a self-insured retention or deductible of no more than ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($100,000).

4.4.4 Wasting Policies. No policy required herein shall include a “wasting” policy limit (i.e. limit that is eroded by the cost of defense).

4.4.5 Waiver of Subrogation. Consultant hereby agrees to waive subrogation which any insurer or contractor may require from Consultant by virtue of the payment of any loss. Consultant agrees to obtain any endorsements that may be necessary to effect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the City has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer.

4.4.6 Subcontractors. Consultant shall include all subcontractors as insureds under its policies or shall furnish separate certificates and endorsements for each subcontractor. All coverages for subcontractors shall be subject to all of the requirements stated herein, and Consultant shall ensure that City, its officers, officials, employees, agents, and volunteers are covered as additional insured on all coverages.

4.4.7 Excess Insurance. If Consultant maintains higher insurance limits than the minimums specified herein, City shall be entitled to coverage for the higher limits maintained by the Consultant.

4.5 Remedies. In addition to any other remedies City may have if Consultant fails to provide or maintain any insurance policies or policy endorsements to the extent and within the time herein required, City may, at its sole option: 1) obtain such insurance and deduct and retain the amount of the premiums for such insurance from any sums due under the Agreement; 2) order Consultant to stop work under this Agreement and withhold any payment that becomes due to Consultant hereunder until Consultant demonstrates compliance with the requirements hereof; and/or 3) terminate this Agreement.

Section 5. INDEMNIFICATION AND CONSULTANT’S RESPONSIBILITIES.

5.1 General Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold City, its officials, officers, employees volunteers and agents free and harmless from and any all claims , demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, liability, loss, damage or injury, in law or equity, to property or persons, including wrongful death, in any manner arising out of or incident to any alleged negligent acts, omissions or willful misconduct of Contractor, its officials, officers, employees, agents, subcontractors and subcontractors arising out of or in connection with the performance of the Services, the Project or this Agreement, including without limitation the payment of all consequential damages, attorneys’ fees and other related costs and expenses. Contractor shall defend, at Contractor's own cost, expense and risk, any and all such aforesaid suits, actions or

Consulting Services Agreement between City of Pinole
and [Insert Consultant’s Name]
[Insert Date]

other legal proceedings of every kind that may be brought or instituted against City, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents, or volunteers. Contractor shall pay and satisfy any judgment, award or decree that may be rendered against City or its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers , in any such suit, action or other legal proceeding. Contractor shall reimburse City and its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents, and/or volunteers, for any and all legal expenses and costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by each of them in connection therewith or in enforcing the indemnity herein provided. Contractor's obligation to indemnify shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by City or its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents and/or volunteers Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent Contractor's Services are subject to Civil Code Section 2782.8, the above indemnity shall be limited, to the extent required by Civil Code Section 2782.8, to claims that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the Contractor. This Section 5.1 shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement.

5.2 PERS Indemnification. In the event that Consultant or any employee, agent, or subcontractor of Consultant providing services under this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to be eligible for enrollment in PERS as an employee of City, Consultant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless City for the payment of any employee and/or employer contributions for PERS benefits on behalf of Consultant or its employees, agents, or subcontractors, as well as for the payment of any penalties and interest on such contributions, which would otherwise be the responsibility of City.

Section 6. STATUS OF CONSULTANT.

6.1 Independent Contractor. At all times during the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall be an independent contractor and shall not be an employee of City. City shall have the right to control Consultant only insofar as the results of Consultant's services rendered pursuant to this Agreement and assignment of personnel pursuant to Subparagraph 1.3; however, otherwise City shall not have the right to control the means by which Consultant accomplishes services rendered pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other City, state, or federal policy, rule, regulation, law, or ordinance to the contrary, Consultant and any of its employees, agents, and subcontractors providing services under this Agreement shall not qualify for or become entitled to, and hereby agree to waive any and all claims to, any compensation, benefit, or any incident of employment by City, including but not limited to eligibility to enroll in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) as an employee of City and entitlement to any contribution to be paid by City for employer contributions and/or employee contributions for PERS benefits.

6.2 Consultant No Agent. Except as City may specify in writing, Consultant shall have no authority, express or implied, to act on behalf of City in any capacity whatsoever as an agent. Consultant shall have no authority, express or implied, pursuant to this Agreement to bind City to any obligation whatsoever.

Section 7. LEGALREQUIREMENTS.

Consulting Services Agreement between City of Pinole
and [Insert Consultant’s Name]
[Insert Date]

7.1 Governing Law. The laws of the State of California shall govern this Agreement.

7.2 Compliance with Applicable Laws. Consultant and any subcontractors shall comply with all laws applicable to the performance of the work hereunder.

7.3 Other Governmental Regulations. To the extent that this Agreement may be funded by fiscal assistance from another governmental entity, Consultant and any subcontractors shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations to which City is bound by the terms of such fiscal assistance program.

7.4 Licenses and Permits. Consultant represents and warrants to City that Consultant and its employees, agents, and any subcontractors have all licenses, permits, qualifications, and approvals of whatsoever nature that are legally required to practice their respective professions. Consultant represents and warrants to City that Consultant and its employees, agents, any subcontractors shall, at their sole cost and expense, keep in effect at all times during the term of this Agreement any licenses, permits, and approvals that are legally required to practice their respective professions. In addition to the foregoing, Consultant and any subcontractors shall obtain and maintain during the term of this Agreement valid Business Licenses from City.

7.5 Pinole Business License. Consultant shall obtain a City of Pinole business license according to the terms of Title 5 of the City of Pinole Municipal Code and deliver to City proof of such business license prior to beginning work under this Agreement. Work under this Agreement cannot begin until the City receives proof that Consultant has obtained a City of Pinole business license.

7.6 Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity. Consultant shall not discriminate, on the basis of a person’s race, religion, color, national origin, age, physical or mental handicap or disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, or sexual orientation, against any employee, applicant for employment, subcontractor, bidder for a subcontract, or participant in, recipient of, or applicant for any services or programs provided by Consultant under this Agreement. Consultant shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, policies, rules, and requirements related to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment, contracting, and the provision of any services that are the subject of this Agreement, including but not limited to the satisfaction of any positive obligations required of Consultant thereby.

Consultant shall include the provisions of this Subsection in any subcontract approved by the Contract Administrator or this Agreement.

Section 8. TERMINATION ANDMODIFICATION.

Consulting Services Agreement between City of Pinole
and [Insert Consultant’s Name]
[Insert Date]

8.1 Termination. City may cancel this Agreement at any time and without cause upon seven (7) day written notification to Consultant. Consultant shall have the opportunity to cure any default or breach of during this seven (7) day period and prior to termination.

In the event of termination, Consultant shall be entitled to compensation for services performed to the effective date of termination; City, however, may condition payment of such compensation upon Consultant delivering to City any or all documents, photographs, computer software, video and audio tapes, and other materials provided to Consultant or prepared by or for Consultant or the City in connection with this Agreement.

8.2 Extension. City may, in its sole and exclusive discretion, extend the end date of this Agreement beyond that provided for in Subsection 1.1. Any such extension shall be specified in writing by the City. Consultant understands and agrees that if City issues such an extension, City shall have no obligation to provide Consultant with compensation beyond the maximum amount provided for in this Agreement. Similarly, unless authorized by the City, City shall have no obligation to reimburse Consultant for any otherwise reimbursable expenses incurred during the extension period.

8.3 Amendments. The parties may amend this Agreement only by a writing signed by all the parties.

8.4 Assignment and Subcontracting. City and Consultant recognize and agree that this Agreement contemplates personal performance by Consultant and is based upon a determination of Consultant’s unique professional competence, experience, and specialized professional knowledge. Moreover, a substantial inducement reason for to City for entering into this Agreement was and is the personal reputation and competence of Consultant. Consultant may not assign this Agreement or any interest therein without the prior written approval of the City. Consultant shall not subcontract any portion of the performance contemplated and provided for herein, other than to the subcontractors noted in the proposal, without prior written approval of the City.

8.5 Survival. All obligations arising prior to the termination of this Agreement and all provisions of this Agreement allocating liability between City and Consultant shall survive the termination of this Agreement as required by law. .

8.6 Options upon Breach by Consultant. If Consultant materially breaches any of the terms of this Agreement, and does not cure such breach within seven (7) days of receiving notice of such breach. City’s remedies shall included, but not be limited to, the following:

8.6.1 Immediately terminate the Agreement;

8.6.2 Retain the plans, specifications, drawings, reports, design documents, and any other work product prepared by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement;

8.6.3 Retain a different consultant to complete the work described in Exhibit A not finished by Consultant; or

Consulting Services Agreement between City of Pinole
and [Insert Consultant’s Name]
[Insert Date]

8.6.4 Charge Consultant the difference between the cost to complete the work described in Exhibit A that is unfinished at the time of breach and the amount that City would have paid Consultant pursuant to Section 2 if Consultant had completed the work.

Section 9. KEEPING AND STATUS OF RECORDS.

9.1 Records Created as Part of Consultant’s Performance. All reports, data, maps, models, charts, studies, surveys, photographs, memoranda, plans, studies, specifications, records, files, or any other documents or materials, in electronic or any other form, that Consultant prepares or obtains pursuant to this Agreement and that relate to the matters covered hereunder shall be the property of the City. Consultant hereby agrees to deliver those documents to the City upon termination of the Agreement. It is understood and agreed that the documents and other materials, including but not limited to those described above, prepared pursuant to this Agreement are prepared specifically for the City and are not necessarily suitable for any future or other use. City and Consultant agree that, until final approval by City, all data, plans, specifications, reports and other documents are confidential and will not be released to third parties without prior written consent of both parties unless compelled by law.

9.2 Consultant’s Books and Records. Consultant shall maintain any and all ledgers, books of account, invoices, vouchers, canceled checks, and other records or documents evidencing or relating to charges for services or expenditures and disbursements charged to the City under this Agreement for a minimum of three (3) years, or for any longer period required by law, from the date of final payment to the Consultant to this Agreement.

9.3 Inspection and Audit of Records. Any records or documents that Section 9.2 of this Agreement requires Consultant to maintain shall be made available for inspection, audit, and/or copying at any time during regular business hours, upon oral or written request of the City. Under California Government Code Section 8546.7, if the amount of public funds expended under this Agreement exceeds TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000.00), the Agreement shall be subject to the examination and audit of the State Auditor, at the request of City or as part of any audit of the City, for a period of three (3) years after final payment under the Agreement.

Section 10 MISCELLANEOUSPROVISIONS.

10.1 10.210.1 Attorneys’ Fees. If a party to this Agreement brings any action, including an action for declaratory relief, to enforce or interpret the provision of this Agreement, each party shall be responsible for its own legal and attorney’s fees. the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees in addition to any other relief to

Consulting Services Agreement between City of Pinole
and [Insert Consultant’s Name]
[Insert Date]

which that party may be entitled. The court may set such fees in the same action or in a separate action brought for that purpose.

10.310.2 Venue. In the event that either party brings any action against the other under this Agreement, the parties agree that trial of such action shall be vested exclusively in the state courts of California in the County of Contra Costa or in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

10.410.3 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or rules that any provision of this Agreement is invalid, void, or unenforceable, the provisions of this Agreement not so adjudged shall remain in full force and effect. The invalidity in whole or in part of any provision of this Agreement shall not void or affect the validity of any other provision of this Agreement.

10.510.4 No Implied Waiver of Breach. The waiver of any breach of a specific provision of this Agreement does not constitute a waiver of any other breach of that term or any other term of this Agreement.

10.610.5 Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall apply to and bind the successors and assigns of the parties.

10.710.6 Use of Recycled Products. Consultant shall endeavor to prepare and submit all reports, written studies and other printed material on recycled paper to the extent it is available at equal or less cost than virgin paper.

10.810.7 Conflict of Interest. Consultant may serve other clients, but none whose activities within the corporate limits of City or whose business, regardless of location, would place Consultant in a “conflict of interest,” as that term is defined in the Political Reform Act, codified at California Government Code Section 81000 et seq.

Consultant shall not employ any City official in the work performed pursuant to this Agreement. No officer or employee of City shall have any financial interest in this Agreement that would violate California Government Code Sections 1090 et seq.

Consultant hereby warrants that it is not now, nor has it been in the previous twelve (12) months, an employee, agent, appointee, or official of the City. If Consultant was an employee, agent, appointee, or official of the City in the previous twelve months, Consultant warrants that it did not participate in any manner in the forming of this Agreement. Consultant understands that, if this Agreement is made in violation of Government Code §1090 et.seq., the entire Agreement is void and Consultant will not be entitled to any compensation for services performed pursuant to this Agreement, including reimbursement of expenses, and Consultant will be required to reimburse the City for any sums paid to the Consultant. Consultant understands that, in addition to the foregoing, it may be subject to criminal prosecution for a violation of Government Code § 1090 and, if applicable, will be disqualified from holding public office in the State of California.

Consulting Services Agreement between City of Pinole
and [Insert Consultant’s Name]
[Insert Date]

Consultant will comply with all conflict of interest laws and regulations including, without limitation, City’s Conflict of Interest Code (on file in the City Clerk’s Office). It is incumbent upon the Consultant or Consultant’s firm to notify the City pursuant to section 10.10 Notices of any staff changes relating to this Agreement. a. In accomplishing the scope of services of this Agreement, all officers, employees and/or agents of Consultant(s), unless as indicated in Subsection b., will be performing a very limited and closely supervised function, and, therefore, are unlikely to have a conflict of interest arise. No disclosures are required for any officers, employees, and/or agents of Consultant, except as indicated in Subsection b.

Initialed by City Attorney’s Office
b. In accomplishing the scope of services of this Agreement, Consultant(s) will be performing a specialized or general service for the City, and there is substantial likelihood that the Consultant’s work product will be presented, either written or orally, for the purpose of influencing a governmental decision. As a result, the following Consultant(s) shall be subject to the Disclosure Category “1-5” of the City’s Conflict of Interest Code:

10.910.8 Solicitation. Consultant agrees not to solicit business at any meeting, focus group, or interview related to this Agreement, either orally or through any written materials.

10.1010.9 Contract Administration. This Agreement shall be administered by the Community Development Director who shall act as the City’s representative. All correspondence shall be directed to or through the Community Development Director or his or her designee.

10.1110.10 Notices. Any written notice to Consultant shall be sent to:
[Consultant Name]
[Attn: Position Name]

Consulting Services Agreement between City of Pinole
and [Insert Consultant’s Name]
[Insert Date]

[Mailing Address]
Any written notice to City shall be sent to:

City of Pinole
Attn: City Manager
2131 Pear Street
Pinole, CA 94564

10.1210.11 Professional Seal. Where applicable in the determination of the City, the first page of a technical report, first page of design specifications, and each page of construction drawings shall be stamped/sealed and signed by the licensed professional responsible for the report/design preparation.

10.1310.12 Integration; Incorporation. This Agreement, including all the exhibits attached hereto, represents the entire and integrated agreement between City and Consultant and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, either written or oral. All exhibits attached hereto are incorporated by reference herein.

Exhibit A Scope of Services
Exhibit B Compensation Schedule and Hourly Fees
Exhibit C City Furnished Facilities

10.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one agreement.

10.14 Force Majeure. Neither party shall be deemed to be in default on account of any delays or failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement, which directly results from an act of God, accident, riots, war, terrorist acts, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, civil commotion, breakdown of communication facilities, breakdown of web host, breakdown of internet service provider, erroneous data provided to consultant, natural catastrophe, government acts or omissions, changes in laws or regulations, national strikes, fire, explosions, generalized lack of availability or raw materials and energy.

The Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

CITY OF PINOLE CONSULTANT
Kelcey Young, City Manager [NAME, TITLE]
Consultant’s City of Pinole Business

Consulting Services Agreement between City of Pinole
and [Insert Consultant’s Name]
[Insert Date]

License #:_
Attest:

Heather Bell, City Clerk
Approved as to Form:

Eric S. Casher, City Attorney

Consulting Services Agreement between City of Pinole
and [Insert Consultant’s Name]
[Insert Date]

EXHIBIT A

SCOPE OF SERVICES
.

The Consultant’s scope of services will include the scope of work listed on pages [insert page numbers] of the Consultant’s proposal of [insert proposal date], and any modifications or additions agreed to by the Parties in writing and signed by the parties pursuant to Section 8.3.

Consulting Services Agreement between City of Pinole
and [Insert Consultant’s Name]
[Insert Date]

EXHIBIT B

COMPENSATION SCHEDULE AND HOURLY FEES
The fees charged by Consultant for work performed on an hourly basis shall not exceed the hourly rates as shown in the fee proposal contained on pages [insert page numbers] of the Consultant’s proposal of [insert proposal date]. Total fees shall not exceed SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($600,000.00).

Consulting Services Agreement between City of Pinole
and [Insert Consultant’s Name]
[Insert Date]

EXHIBIT C

CITY-FURNISHEDFACILITIES
City shall furnish physical facilities such as desks, filing cabinets, and conference space, as may be reasonably necessary for Consultant’s use while consulting with City employees and reviewing records and the information in possession of the City. The location, quantity, and time of furnishing those facilities shall be in the sole discretion of City. In no event shall City be obligated to furnish any facility that may involve incurring any direct expense, including but not limited to computer, long-distance telephone or other communication charges, vehicles, and reproduction facilities.

May 6, 2024
Lilly Whalen
Community Development Director
City of Pinole – Community Development Department
2131 Pear Street
Pinole, CA 94965
Re: City of Pinole Request for Proposal for On Call & Environmental Planning Services Dear Ms. Whalen,
EMC Planning Group is pleased to submit this proposal to provide planning services to the City of Pinole. Our firm is an interdisciplinary land-use and environmental consulting firm that has assisted public agencies throughout California with on-call general and specialized planning services, and environmental review services, since 1978. Our firm is familiar with the planning and environmental compliance needs of the City, having performed numerous planning and environmental projects for Cities and Counties throughout the San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas and the San Joaquin Valley.

Company Location & Contact Person
Official Company Name & Location:

EMC Planning Group Inc.
601 Abrego Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 649-1799
Fax: (831) 649-8399
Contact Person:

Michael J. Groves, AICP, President and Senior Principal (831) 649-1799 ext. 201
[email protected]

Lilly Whalen, Community Development Director
City of Pinole – Community Development Department
May 6, 2024, Page 2
Statement of Proposed Services
EMC Planning Group’s proposal addresses the Request for Proposal issued on April 5, 2024 and the Addendums No. #1 and #2. Our proposal includes an overview of our firm organization, professional staff, our proposal for on-call services, and a representative portfolio of recent and ongoing projects and services, in addition to required statements of assurance. Representative services include long range planning, entitlements for significant development projects and environmental analysis and documentation pursuant to CEQA and NEPA. These are the proposed on-call services that EMC Planning Group looks forward to providing to the City of Pinole.

Should the City have any questions regarding the submission of this proposal or any of our firm’s planning and environmental review services, please do not hesitate to contact me. Our firm greatly appreciates the City’s consideration of our experience and qualifications, and we look forward to the opportunity to work with the City’s Development Services Department.

Sincerely,
Michael J. Groves, AICP
President & Senior Principal

Proposal
On-Call & Environmental
Planning Services
City of Pinole
May 6, 2024
EMC Planning Group has received the following Addendums:

Addendum #01 Issued April 29, 2024: Response to Questions Addendum #02 Issued April 29, 2024: Levine Act Contributions Disclosure Requirements Prepared by
EMC Planning Group

This document was produced on recycled paper.

PROPOSAL

ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL

PLANNING SERVICES

CITY OF PINOLE

PREPARED FOR
City of Pinole, Community Development Department
Lilly Whalen, Director
2131 Pear Street
Pinole, CA 94965
Tel. (510) 724-9832
[email protected]

PREPARED BY
EMC Planning Group Inc.
601 Abrego Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Tel 831.649.1799, ext. 216
Fax 831.649.8399
Stuart Poulter, AICP, MCRP, Senior Planner
[email protected]
www.emcplanning.com
May 6, 2024

Table of Contents
A. COMPANY PROFILE AND FIRM’S QUALIFICATIONS .............................................A-1 A.1 Company Profile....................................................................................................................A-1 A.2 Firm Services..........................................................................................................................A-2 B. ORGANIZATION, STAFFING AND COST PROPOSAL .............................................B-1 B.1 Staffing ....................................................................................................................................B-1 B.2 Understanding of Overall Personnel Qualifications as Requested by the City ............B-3 B.3 Understanding of Personnel Qualifications for Planning Services................................B-4 B.4 Understanding of Personnel Qualifications for Environmental Review.......................B-5 B.5 Electronic Plan Review Submittals.....................................................................................B-5 B.6 Cost Proposal.........................................................................................................................B-5 C. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND APPROACH .......................................................C-1 C.1 Understanding of Overall Scope of Planning Services based upon the Scope of Services...............................................................................................................................C-1 C.2 Understanding of Scope of Services for On–Call Planning............................................C-1 C.3 Understanding of Scope of Services for Environmental Planning (CEQA and NEPA)..............................................................................................................C-3 C.4 Relevant Experience and References..................................................................................C-5 C.5 Project Management Approach and Schedule of Work ..................................................C-5 D. REQUIRED STATEMENTS/DOCUMENTS............................................................... D-1 D.1 Conflict of Interest Statement ............................................................................................ D-1 D.2 Ability and Agreement to Fulfill Indemnification and Insurance Requirements........ D-1 D.3 Proprietary Statement .......................................................................................................... D-1 D.4 Acknowledgement Public Records Act............................................................................. D-1 D.5 Exceptions: Requested Amendments to Standard Contract (RFP Attachment A).... D-1 D.6 History of Termination Due to Breach............................................................................. D-2 E. COMPETENCY OF PROPOSERS ................................................................................E-1

Attachments
Attachment A EMC Planning Group Resumes
Attachment B Schedule Examples
Attachment C Relevant Projects
Attachment D Cost Proposal
Tables
Table 1 EMC Planning Group Personnel............................................................................B-1

Section A: Company Profile and Firm’s Qualifications A-1 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 A. Company Profile and Firm’s Qualifications
A.1 Company Profile
EMC Planning Group is a full-service interdisciplinary land use planning and environmental consulting firm located in Monterey, California. Established in 1978, EMC Planning Group possesses a 46-year history of providing public agencies a with a broad range of services, including land use planning and community planning, development and entitlement services, and environmental review analysis, compliance, and document preparation. The firm’s success and longevity are due in large part to the diverse talents and creativity of our land use planners, environmental planners, biologists, archaeologists, and land use designers. All staff members are skilled professionals with the ability to deliver practical, yet innovative solutions land use planning and environmental review and compliance.

Firm Information
Firm Name: EMC Planning Group Inc.

Firm Location: 601 Abrego Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone Number: (831) 649-1799
Fax Number: (831) 649-8399
Website: https://emcplanning.com
Year Established: 1978
Firm Owner and Contact for RFP Process:

Michael J. Groves, AICP, President & Senior Principal
Phone Number: (831) 649-1799 ext. 201
Email Address: [email protected]
Firm Locations & Number of Employees
EMC Planning Group is operated from a single location in Monterey, CA, and employs up to 25 staff members at any given time. The firm supports in-office, hybrid, and fully remote work styles.

Section A: Company Profile and Firm’s Qualifications A-2 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 A.2 Firm Services
Qualifications For Planning Services
Advance and General Planning
EMC Planning Group brings a wealth of advance and general planning experience to the table. The firm utilizes a “big picture” approach to planning as a reflection of the firm’s vast experience preparing a broad range of planning products. EMC Planning Group prepares plans that are forward thinking, practical and implementable, sensitive to environmental sustainability, and that meet the needs of the communities the plans are intended to benefit. These key elements are highly interrelated, and achieving a balance between them is important. EMC Planning Group provides valuable insight into working with local, regional, and state governments, federal governmental agencies, special districts, and the private sector development community when facilitating plans to achieve that balance. Our practical ability to identify and elicit input on the needs and desires of communities and clients assures the delivery of products that anticipate and meet future planning challenges.

The firm also places great emphasis on the implementation end of the development process by thoroughly identifying implementation processes and actions, responsibilities, and timing. As a result, agencies and the development community can work together seamlessly to consider, process, and implement projects because expectations for all involved parties are well defined.

The following list provides an example of the types of plans that the firm prepared, developed, and implemented:
 General plans, general plan amendments, and general plan updates;  Specific plans;
 Economic development elements;
 Zoning codes and ordinances;
 Design guidelines and revisions;
 Master plans;
 Area plans;
 Housing elements;
 Preparation of agency CEQA guidelines and thresholds of significance;  Downtown vibrancy plans;
 Sphere of Influence amendments and annexations; and
 Local coastal plans.

Section A: Company Profile and Firm’s Qualifications A-3 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 Procedural Planning and Municipal Staff Support
EMC Planning Group has a long history of providing all aspects of staff support for public agencies.

The firm understands public agency needs, which is the foremost key to delivering effective services.

EMC Planning Group has assisted short-staffed cities, counties, and special districts with the processing of development permits, site plan reviews, subdivisions, and major annexations. Our goal is to provide direct and responsive staff support, whether that means taking on specific larger projects or dealing with the day-to-day processing of applications and conducting meetings.

EMC Planning Group personnel offer a diverse range of professional and technical expertise, and deliver planning services with a balanced approach. The following list is representative of the procedural planning and municipal staff support services our firm provides:
 Development review process management;
 Ministerial/Administrative project review;
 Permit processing;
 Policy and regulatory analyses;
 Application preparation, completeness review, and processing for annexations, general plan amendments, zoning amendments, specific and master plans, parcel and subdivision maps, and conditional use permits;
 Land use plan/specific plan preparation;
 Zoning regulation preparation/review;
 Preparation of project consideration packages (staff report, resolutions and ordinances, findings, etc.);
 Environmental documentation review and preparation;
 Public noticing preparation of specialized technical documentation;  Grant writing and funding assistance;
 Coordinate and manage technical consultants; and
 Prepare and monitor project schedules, budgets, and public outreach/participation.

Land Use Feasibility, Entitlement, and Planning
EMC Planning Group assists clients with the following services related to land use feasibility, entitlement, and planning:
 Development site selection and evaluation;
 Site planning, feasibility, and design;

Section A: Company Profile and Firm’s Qualifications A-4 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024  Master planning;
 Entitlement process coordination and management;
 Permit processing;
 Local agency formation commission application processing; and  Project representation.

Community Engagement and Outreach
EMC Planning Group assists with the following activities related to community engagement and outreach:
 Public outreach;
 Stakeholder outreach; and
 Community engagement through surveys, meetings, the creation of project websites, and participating in community events.

Qualifications For Environmental Review and Compliance Services CEQA Compliance Services
EMC Planning Group has provided CEQA environmental review and compliance services to public agencies since 1978 on a long-term, short-term, and on an “as-needed” or “on-call” basis. In that span of time, the firm has completed over 800 environmental compliance projects for an extensive list of public agencies. EMC Planning Group’s approach for each governmental entity is to thoroughly research and analyze environmental impacts and provide complete informational documents for decision-makers on the environmental effects of land use and development proposals. EMC Planning Group has technical expertise preparing the following types of CEQA documentation:
 Initial Studies/Mitigated Negative Declarations;
 Environmental Impact Reports;
 Noticing;
 Findings; and
 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plans.

EMC Planning Group also has in-house technical expertise to prepare the following types of analyses to support environmental compliance processes:
 Biological Resource Impact Assessments;
 Wetland Assessments;

Section A: Company Profile and Firm’s Qualifications A-5 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024  Cultural and Tribal Resources;
 Important Farmlands Assessment;
 Visual Impact Assessment;
 Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Modeling;
 Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Energy Use Impact Assessment; and  Wildfire Assessment.

NEPA Compliance
The following list of deliverables is inclusive of, but not limited to, those produced by EMC Planning Group to assist public agencies with NEPA compliance, primarily for local agencies seeking federal funding from a variety of federal agencies:
 Categorical Exclusion Reports and Findings;
 Environmental Assessments/Finding of No Significant Impact; and  Environmental Impact Statements.

EMC Planning Group has provided environmental consulting services to local agencies for projects that were federally funded by the following federal agencies:
 Housing and Urban Development (HUD);
 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
 U.S. Department of the Army;
 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
 Federal Highway Administration; and
 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Qualifications For Other Environmental Consulting and Compliance Services
Biological Resources and Regulatory Permitting
EMC Planning Group biologists offer clients adaptive, innovative solutions to environmental compliance challenges. The firm provides comprehensive and scientifically defensible project impact analyses and biological resources documentation to comply with CEQA and NEPA compliance requirements.

Section A: Company Profile and Firm’s Qualifications A-6 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 Biological Consulting Services include:
 Biological Literature Reviews, Database Searches, and Field Surveys;  Biological Constraints Analyses and Plant Community Mapping;  Focused Surveys and Habitat Assessments for Special-Status Species;  Pre-Construction Focused Surveys and Construction Monitoring;  Mitigation Planning and Monitoring including Habitat Restoration Design;  Preliminary Assessment and/or Delineation of Wetlands and Waters of the U.S.; and  Regulatory Agency Consultation, Permitting, and Compliance.

Cultural Resources
EMC Planning Group’s in-house Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) provides cultural and tribal resources services associated with CEQA/NEPA (Section 106) compliance. These services include archaeological surveys and testing; record searches via the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) and Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC); tribal consultation pursuant to AB52 and SB18; construction monitoring; and data recovery.

Air Quality Analysis
EMC Planning Group provides air quality analysis services for public and private sector clients. Inhouse air quality specialists evaluate air pollutant emissions, conduct air quality dispersion modeling using the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) and Emissions Factor Model (EMFAC), conduct impact analysis, and develop emissions reduction/mitigation strategies.

Greenhouse Gas Analysis
EMC Planning Group provides greenhouse gas emissions analysis services for public and private sector clients. In-house greenhouse gas emissions specialists perform emissions modeling using CalEEMod and EMFAC; conduct regulatory, legislative, and impact analyses; and develop emissions reduction/mitigation strategies.

EMC Planning Group has prepared NEPA documentation for federal agencies including:
 U.S. Housing and Urban Development;
 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency;
 U.S. Department of the Army;
 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
 Federal Highway Administration (via the California Department of Transportation); and  United States Department of Agriculture.

Section A: Company Profile and Firm’s Qualifications A-7 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 CEQA Deliverables
CEQA compliance service deliverables include the following:
 Categorical and Statutory Exemption Reports and Findings;  CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 Consistency Reports;
 Initial Studies/Negative Declarations and Mitigated Negative Declarations;  Environmental Impact Reports (public review drafts and final drafts) including addendums and subsequent environmental impact reports;
 Noticing;
 CEQA Findings; and
 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plans.

NEPA Deliverables
NEPA compliance service deliverables for public agencies seeking federal funding for public works and infrastructure projects include the following:
 Categorical Exclusion Reports and Findings;
 Environmental Assessments/Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI); and  Environmental Impact Statements.

CEQA and NEPA Public Outreach
EMC Planning Group’s principals and project managers have significant experience with all CEQA and NEPA-related public outreach tasks, including but not limited to, presentations at scoping meetings and public hearings on draft and final EIRs, and all required CEQA noticing.

Biological Resources and Regulatory Permitting
EMC Planning Group biologists offer adaptive and innovative solutions to environmental compliance challenges. The firm provides comprehensive and scientifically defensible analyses and biological resources documentation to comply with CEQA and NEPA requirements. Services and deliverables include:
 Literature Reviews, Database Searches, and Field Surveys;  Constraints Analyses and Plant Community Mapping;
 Focused Surveys and Habitat Assessments for Special-Status Species;  Pre-Construction Focused Surveys and Construction Monitoring;  Mitigation Planning and Monitoring;
 Preliminary Assessment and/or Delineation of Wetlands and Waters of the U.S.; and  Regulatory Agency Consultation, Permitting, and Compliance.

Section A: Company Profile and Firm’s Qualifications A-8 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 Archaeological and Cultural Resources Services
EMC Planning Group provides the following services related to Archaeological and Cultural Resources:
 CEQA/NEPA (Section 106) Compliant Archaeological Surveys;  California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) searches;  Pedestrian surveys and testing;
 Data Recovery;
 Archaeological Construction Monitoring;
 National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Evaluation and Nomination; and  Tribal Consultation Assistance pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 52 and Senate Bill (SB) 18.

Deliverables
 Reports;
 Historic and Archaeological Records;
 Area of Potential Effect Maps;
 Tribal Consultation Letters; and
 Sacred Land File Record Searches and Findings.

Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis
EMC Planning Group’s air quality and greenhouse gas emissions specialists conduct modeling using the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) and Emissions Factor Model (EMFAC), prepare impact analyses, and develop emissions reduction/mitigation strategies for CEQA and NEPA documentation and development mitigation compliance.

Deliverables
 Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reports;
 Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Sections of Initial Studies; and  Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Sections of EIRs.

Section B: Organization, Staffing and Cost Proposal B-1 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 B. Organization, Staffing and Cost Proposal
B.1 Staffing
Lead Professional Personnel by Area of Expertise
Table 1, EMC Planning Group Key Personnel, lists the names, titles, and years of experience of key personnel who may be assigned to projects undertaken for the City of Pinole based on the scope of services and/or work, and the expertise deemed necessary to complete the project. Full resumes for each of the key personnel listed below are found in Attachment A, EMC Planning Group Resumes.

Table 1 EMC Planning Group Personnel
Staff Member/Title Project Role(s) and Responsibilities/ Years of Experience
Area of Expertise
Planning
Services
Env.

Review
Michael J. Groves, AICP
President & Senior Principal
Planning Manager/Advisor
46 years of project management experience in land-use,
advanced, and community planning, and environmental
compliance.
● ●
Teri Wissler Adam
Senior Principal
Principal-in-Charge/Primary Contact
Planning Manager/CEQA and NEPA
32 years of project management experience in CEQA and
NEPA compliance, and contract staff planning.
● ●
Ron Sissem, MRP
Senior Principal
Planning Manager/Environmental Planner
36 years of project management experience in land use,
entitlement management and CEQA compliance.
● ●
Brian Foucht, AICP
Principal Planner
Planning Manager
45 years of experience in land use planning, planning
program management, community planning, environmental
compliance.
●
Anastazia Aziz, AICP
Principal
Planning Manager
Over 20 years of experience in the areas of strategic
planning and sustainability.
●
Stuart Poulter, AICP, MCRP
Senior Panner
Senior Planner/Environmental Planner
9 years of project management experience in CEQA/NEPA
compliance and land-use planning.
● ●
Shoshana Lutz
Senior Planner
Senior Planner/Environmental Planner
6 years of experience in land use planning and CEQA
compliance
● ●

Section B: Organization, Staffing and Cost Proposal B-2 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 Staff Member/Title Project Role(s) and Responsibilities/ Years of Experience
Area of Expertise
Planning
Services
Env.

Review
Esme Wahl
Associate Planner
Associate Planner/Environmental Planner
3 years of experience in land use planning and staff
support, and CEQA documentation analysis.
● ●
Zane Mortensen, MS
Associate Planner
Associate Planner/Environmental Planner
5 years of experience in the field of environmental planning, 2 years of experience in air quality, greenhouse gas
emission, and energy modeling,
● ●
Anna Bornstein, MUP
Associate Planner
Associate Planner
3 years of experience in the fields of land use design and planning.
●
Janet Walther, MS
Principal Biologist
Environmental Planner/Principal Biologist
21 years of experience in the field of biology, biological resources, and permitting and regulatory compliance.
●
Rose Ashbach, MS
Associate Biologist
Environmental Planner/Associate Biologist
15 years of experience in the field of biology and permitting and regulatory compliance
●
Vanessa Potter, MA, RPA
Registered Professional
Archaeologist
Environmental Planner/Registered Professional
Archaeologist
10 years of experience in the fields of archaeology and anthropology.
●
Subconsultants
EMC Planning Group contracts with subconsultants for environmental and planning specialties not covered by the firm’s in-house staff. Subconsultants are hired on a project-by-project basis depending on the scope of services, and the expertise deemed necessary to complete a project.

Subconsultants typically used by the firm include, but are not limited to, the following firms, depending on project characteristics (Unlisted subconsultants will be contracted based on specific project scopes and with prior written approval from the City):

Hexagon Transportation Consultants, Inc.

Hexagon Transportation Consultants, Inc. was founded in 1998 in San Jose, California with the goal of providing quality, professional transportation consulting services to private and public entities.

Hexagon has California offices in San Jose, Pleasanton, and Gilroy, and provides services in all major aspects of transportation planning and traffic engineering. Hexagon has a wide range of private clients including technology companies, developers, architects, civil engineers, and environmental firms. Public clients include city, county and state agencies and regional planning organizations.

Hexagon has 27 employees within its three offices who have prepared thousands of studies, both large and small, over their professional careers. Hexagon’s professional staff is experienced in all technical aspects of transportation consulting and highly proficient in state-of-the-art computer

Section B: Organization, Staffing and Cost Proposal B-3 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 software including all major modeling packages, traffic simulation software, intersection level of service programs, advanced traffic operations programs, CADD programs and many specialized programs that process and analyze traffic data.

Ninyo & Moore
Ninyo & Moore, a minority-owned business enterprise, was established in San Diego in 1986 to provide exceptional geotechnical engineering, geologic, hydrogeologic, soil testing, materials testing and special inspection, and environmental consulting services to the public and private sectors. For the past 37 years, we have provided these services for the design and construction of municipal and commercial developments, industrial developments, highways and roadways, airports, bridges, dams, educational facilities, harbor and offshore structures, hospitals, landfills, light rail transit lines, pipelines, power stations, railroads, residential developments, reservoirs and tanks, transmission lines, tunnels, water and wastewater treatment plants, and other public and private development.

Ninyo & Moore has 15 locations throughout the western United States including eight in California (San Jose, Alameda, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, Irvine, Fontana, and Los Angeles).

Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc.

Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc. was founded in 1987 and provides a complete range of consulting services. The firm has completed over 5,500 projects over 35 years in architectural acoustics, community noise and vibration, industrial noise and vibration control, energy production noise, hydroacoustics, tire/pavement noise research, transportation noise, and air quality/GHG studies.

I&R employs 15 personnel and is headquartered in Cotati, California. Services include:
 Environmental Studies
 Noise Control Engineering
 Computer Modeling
 Field Monitoring
 Expert Testimony
B.2 Understanding of Overall Personnel Qualifications as Requested by the City
EMC Planning Group understands the City is seeking consultants who employ personnel who are trained and qualified to meet the following requirements:
 Standard of Performance. All employees working directly for the Consultant shall be properly trained and thoroughly experienced in any type of work they perform. The Consultant shall be responsible for the behavior of all their employees;

Section B: Organization, Staffing and Cost Proposal B-4 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024  Sufficient Personnel. The Consultant shall provide sufficient personnel, time, and other resources to deliver on-call services that may arise with short notice, for a period of up to three (3) consecutive fiscal years;
 Assignment of Personnel. If requested by the Project Administrator, the Consultant shall provide a list to the Project Administrator of all employees that perform work for the City. In the event that the City, at any time during the term of this agreement, desires the reassignment of personnel, the Consultant shall reassign such person or persons. Except where mutually agreed upon, such reassignment shall not affect the Consultant’s obligation to provide timely services under this agreement;
 Meetings. The ability to attend meetings, public hearings and/or stakeholder gatherings outside normal business hours such as occasional evening public meetings; and  Levels of Professional Experience. The Consultant shall demonstrate that the firm personnel possess the qualifications equivalent to the following positions as described in Section 5.2.3, Job Descriptions, of the RFP:
• Principal (Planning Manager);
• Senior Planner;
• Associate Planner;
• Assistant Planner;
• Planning Technician; and
• Environmental Planner.

EMC Planning Group uses titles other than those listed above for certain positions. However, the personnel listed in Section B-1, List of Lead Professional Personnel by Area of Expertise, meet the qualifications and requirements as listed in the RFP. Refer to Table 1, presented earlier.

B.3 Understanding of Personnel Qualifications for Planning Services
EMC Planning Group understands that the City of Pinole is seeking planning consultants with the following qualifications:
 Experience with project management, knowledge of applicable Government, Health and Safety and Business and Professions codes and provisions in current and/or long-range planning, including preparation of application completeness letters and decision letters, staff reports, findings and resolutions;

Section B: Organization, Staffing and Cost Proposal B-5 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024  Experience assisting the public, developers, architects, attorneys, and applicants during the project review process for planning applications;
 Ability to write mindful well-organized reports explaining complex planning issues;  Ability to make professional presentations to the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Committee and City Council;
 Ability to coordinate and provide assistance with plan checks and front counter customer support services; and
 Ability to diligently track time spent working on assigned project applications.

B.4 Understanding of Personnel Qualifications for
Environmental Review
EMC Planning Group understands that the City is seeking environmental review consultants with the following qualifications and experience:
 Representation of local governments in the environmental review of development project applications, to include all aspects of environmental impact review per CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines, preparation and/or review of pre-application studies, preparation of cumulative impacts analyses, and development of alternative design recommendations, and NEPA knowledge/experience;
 Preparation and review of all manner of CEQA documents, to include Initial Studies, Environmental Impact Reports, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and Negative Declarations; and
 Representation of local governments in the monitoring and enforcement of environmental mitigation requirements imposed as part of development project approvals.

B.5 Electronic Plan Review Submittals
EMC Planning Group is able to accept and conduct reviews of electronic plan submittals.

B.6 Cost Proposal
EMC Planning Group’s Cost Proposal, contained in Attachment D, includes the hourly rate for services and the billable costs for each team member. Selection of subconsultant team members depends on the type of project and the desired level of assessment for which environmental or planning services are needed. EMC Planning Group uses only registered, certified and licensed firms as subcontractors. Subconsultants and related costs will be established as part of the scope of work and budget for specific planning or environmental review projects.

Section B: Organization, Staffing and Cost Proposal B-6 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 This side intentionally left blank.

Section C: Description of Services and Approach C-1 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 C. Description of Services and Approach
C.1 Understanding of Overall Scope of Planning Services based upon the Scope of Services
Based upon review of the RFP Scope of Services Section A. and B., and responses to questions in Addendum No. #1, the firm understands:
 The City seeks to obtain professional and technical assistance on an as-needed basis from selected consultants beginning on July 1, 2024;
 The City intends to select one or more firms with whom to contract with to provide the services described in Scope of Services, and the Addendum No. #1 either, or both, Environmental Planning and On Call Planning Services on an as needed, ongoing basis;  The selected consultants will provide contract support services under the direction of the Community Development Director;
 Consultants must be able to provide a broad range of specialized on-call planning and/or environmental planning services; and
 On Call and Environmental Planning Services include, but are not limited to, consultation, administration related to deliverables, planning, specialized scientific and technical analytical studies and environmental impact analysis and documentation.

C.2 Understanding of Scope of Services for On–Call Planning EMC Planning Group understands that the City of Pinole desires on-call planning services for all types of projects requesting entitlements. The City requests the services of a Senior Planner for this purpose to provide planning services, in the office, to process ministerial and discretionary entitlements, three (3) days per week with regular office hours.

EMC Planning Group is not proposing to provide staffing for in-the-office on-call planning services.

EMC Planning Group understands, however, based on the “Background” section provided in the RFP, that the City of Pinole may require on-call services described variously as community, comprehensive, or advance planning, e.g. General Plan, Three Corridor Specific Plan, Open Space – Recreation Planning, Zoning Ordinance amendments and updates and design guidelines. EMC Planning Group has substantial experience preparing General Plan, Specific Plan and Zoning

Section C: Description of Services and Approach C-2 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 Ordinance updates. The firm is available to provide planning services related to these programs, including any related environmental planning projects. EMC Planning Group proposes the following on-call advance planning services:
 Collaborate with other City departments to provide an internal annual summary report of current and planned activities, including the annual Housing Element and General Plan Progress Reports. This report is intended to serve as a source of information for the public and decision makers regarding ongoing and new planning initiatives within the City of Pinole in particular related to implementation programs. The report will discuss the following factors affecting planning practice in the City:
• Legislation and published court cases that affect the scope and conduct project review pursuant to planning and zoning law, the subdivision map act and CEQA. Legislation affecting the provision of housing is especially active, with annual legislative initiatives intended to streamline development review and increase affordability and access to housing resources;
• Any related Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance updates in response to City Council initiatives;
• A summary of the progress and schedule of any programmed General Plan, Airport Master Plan, or Zoning Ordinance updates and a summary schedule and program for any amendments necessary during the succeeding year. The report will discuss the need for any updates to the City of Pinole General Plan; and
• An updated “City Facts” document that compiles and analyzes data on economic, social, environmental, and physical factors affecting land use and development.  As part of any advance planning activity, EMC Planning Group staff will establish and maintain excellent collaborative working relationships with State, Regional, County and internal City departments and other North Shore cities and agencies. In particular, the firm will assist the City to coordinate with Contra Costa County, East Bay Regional Parks, East Bay Municipal Services District, and West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee regarding updates to the Three Corridor Specific Plan, Sub-Area Plans (Service, Old Town, and Mixed-Use Sub-Areas) the City’s Priority Development Areas regarding planning and development in accordance with the General Plan policies.
 EMC Planning Group understands the importance of corridor planning to the city and to the economic resiliency of the Bay Front Communities of Hercules, Pinole, Rodeo.  EMC Planning Group has extensive experience preparing 5th and 6th Cycle Housing Elements.

The firm notes that Pinole has approved it’s certified 6th cycle Housing Element and is in compliance with Housing Element law. The firm also notes that the City is a designated “Pro

Section C: Description of Services and Approach C-3 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 Housing” jurisdiction and is eligible for benefits under the program, many of which focus in infill development, which the firm recognizes as a key attribute of the City’s policies to preserve and protect community character while fostering locally supportive economic development and neighborhood integrity. EMC Planning Group is prepared to assist the City to leverage this important designation either directly through the program or through “points” within other grant programs that accrue to the City resulting from this designation. • The City’s focus on infill development provides a variety of CEQA – related streamlining options for the type of development projects under consideration, in particular related to corridor planning.
• EMC Planning Group has extensive shoreline open space recreation and development project and environmental planning experience transferable to the City of Pinole context, in particular as the East Bay Regional Parks continues to enhance the San Pablo Bay Regional Trail and access within the City of Pinole. The firm has several decades of experience obtaining grant funding from the California Coastal Conservancy and conducted development and open space conservation feasibility studies for public and private clients on the Monterey Peninsula including an award – winning plan for the former Ft. Ord and ongoing shoreline planning for the City of Sand City. The firm also has experience in the East Bay and in the vicinity of San Pablo Bay. In particular EMC Planning Group provided planning and CEQA services to the City of San Pablo for the following projects:
 General Plan and Specific Plan amendments to change land use for the City’s existing city hall to mixed-use.
 CEQA services to assess the impacts of reusing the existing Doctor’s Medical Center building for a hotel project. CEQA Guidelines section 15183 was used as a tool to streamline the environmental review process.
 Initial Study, Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan for planned development (Circle-S) of 9.5 acres of a 16-acre site adjacent to Wildcat Creek, and surrounding residential neighborhoods and commercial development. The proposed plan defined street and park locations, community buildings, and established form – based regulations.

C.3 Understanding of Scope of Services for Environmental Planning (CEQA and NEPA)
EMC Planning Group understands that it shall provide the following environmental review services, as needed, if selected as the designated consultant by the City of Pinole:

Section C: Description of Services and Approach C-4 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024  Prepare, or coordinate the preparation of, all environmental documents and notices in the manner required by CEQA and CEQA Guidelines, including, but not limited to: Exemptions, Initial Studies; Draft and Final NDs, MNDs and EIRs; and Notices of Preparation, Intent, and Determination;
 Evaluate CEQA Guidelines carefully for opportunity to streamline CEQA review including Exemptions, Mitigated Negative Declarations and Sections 15162-15164 (Subsequent, Supplement, and Addenda to an EIR), 15175.5 (focused EIRs and small projects, 15182 (Specific Plans), 15183 (community plan Consistency), 15183.3 (infill project streamlining) and 15183.5 (tiering and streamlining greenhouse gas emissions analysis);  Prepare required findings for approval and certification of environmental documents including Statements of Overriding Consideration for approval of development projects;  As necessary, coordinate the preparation of any technical studies needed to complete the environmental review (e.g., geotechnical reports, traffic impact reports, oak tree reports, biological assessments and other studies) and perform peer reviews of the technical studies;  Prepare all notices and file (including fees) with the Contra Costa County Clerk and/or the State Clearinghouse;
 Attend all project hearings before the Architectural Review Committee, Planning Commission and City Council;
 Peer review of technical reports prepared by other consultants, including, but not limited to: air quality studies, cultural resources surveys, biological assessments, geotechnical reports, traffic impact reports, visual impact analyses, noise studies, and hydrological studies;  Work under the supervision of the Community Development Department during the completion of the environmental work;
 Prepare NEPA studies and documents, in accordance with Local, State, and Federal Statutes;  Provide accurate and defensible environmental determinations;  Coordinate with Planning Staff, other city departments, sub-consultants, and outside agencies;  Coordinate and distribute environmental documents and notices;  Provide electronic and printed copies of all environmental documents; and  Prepare Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP).

Section C: Description of Services and Approach C-5 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 The following list of environmental planning services is representative of those provided by EMC Planning Group:

Biological Resources
Conduct biological resources assessment, special-status species surveys, wetland delineations, habitat conservation plans, and compliance permitting.

Archaeological and Cultural Resources
Provide archaeological and cultural resources services associated with CEQA and NEPA (Section 106) Compliance. These services include archaeological surveys, and testing when appropriate; record searches with the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) and Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC); tribal consultation; data recovery, when necessary; and construction monitoring.

Air Quality Analysis
Analyze criteria air pollutant emissions, air quality dispersion modeling, and hazard risk assessments using the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) and Emissions Factor Model (EMFAC).

Greenhouse Gas Analysis
Analyze greenhouse gas emissions modeling using CalEEMod and EMFAC, regulatory and legislative analysis, impact analysis, and emissions reduction/mitigation strategies.

C.4 Relevant Experience and References
Projects representative of the breadth and applicability of EMC Planning Group planning and environmental planning services, along with references, are contained in Attachment E.

C.5 Project Management Approach and Schedule of Work
Since the EMC Planning Group team is located in Monterey, California, it is assumed that a majority of the planning and environmental review services will be provided via email, phone calls, and virtually via Zoom or other virtual conferencing services. Staff will provide “on-site” or “in-person” services on an “as-needed” basis as agreed upon by the City and EMC Planning Group.

Our firm specializes in assisting public agencies with on-call planning and on-call environmental review, technical assessment, and preparation of CEQA/NEPA compliance documentation. EMC Planning Group has the personnel and the experience to take on a small or large role as best fits the needs of the City. Whether that means taking on specific larger projects or dealing with the day-today processing of applications, attending meetings and public hearings, and maintaining project schedules and budgets. A staff of up to 25 team members who assume a variety of roles and

Section C: Description of Services and Approach C-6 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 responsibilities, and who carry out a full-range of tasks from highly-technical assessments to administrative tasks is maintained at all times. This structure allows the firm to reduce costs and maintain flexibility with regard to the management of multiple and simultaneous projects.

Each project is assigned a principal-in-charge, a project manager, and assistant project manager (depending on the size of the project), and the necessary number of team members to assist with research and development; writing staff reports, resolutions/ordinances, findings, and conditions of appeal; coordinating with City staff; writing sections of the environmental documentation; preparation of graphics; and production of the documents.

Each project involving EMC Planning Group planning and environmental services begins with a meeting between the firm’s lead planner (Senior Principal or Principal) and City project management staff. This meeting is to confirm the application filing status and to confirm that a stable, complete project description is available. The City will conduct review in accordance with CEQA Guideline Section 15060 and the firm will prepare a corresponding draft scope of work, schedule and budget for formal approval by the City via professional services agreement. The firm will facilitate a kick-off meeting with City staff to review the scope of work, arrange for any City staff resources, review the overall schedule and thresholds for review of subject area reports, administrative drafts, public review drafts and final documents. Following preliminary review by the City, EMC Planning Group will prepare an Initial Study, if requested, (MND or EIR) to assess and document the scope of environmental review, or proceed directly to complete the requested review. EMC Planning Group is committed to ensuring that environmental documents are prepared in a manner to ensure the City’s independent judgement and will schedule sufficient time to enable review of administrative draft reports prior to publication.

EMC Planning Group routinely subcontracts for technical and scientific professional assistance for areas outside the firm’s area of expertise. Each subcontractor has a discrete role in evaluating and documenting, via individual reports, the potential significant environmental impacts (CEQA Guideline Section 15064) to enable adoption of appropriate findings (CEQA Guideline Section 15065). EMC Planning Group contracts specify a scope of work, deliverables, budget and schedule within the overall schedule and budget for the project.

Examples of deliverable schedules routinely prepared by EMC Planning Group are included in Attachment D.

Staff meetings at EMC Planning Group are held weekly basis to discuss project schedules and workload, and to track deadlines and the progress for all active project deliverables. It is anticipated that the EMC Planning Group team assigned to perform services for the City of Pinole will meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to discuss current and upcoming projects, and other important items.

Project meetings are also held as necessary and on an impromptu basis to address immediate issues that may arise.

Section C: Description of Services and Approach C-7 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 Quality Control for Document Production
The project manager and principal-in-charge review all versions of planning reports/documents and environmental review and compliance documents for technical adequacy following each revision and prior to delivery to the client. Additionally, EMC Planning Group utilizes a variety of document templates for environmental and planning documents, and produces a “Style Guide” for employees to use when preparing documents and reports. This ensures consistency in the documents, especially when several team members are assigned to the same project.

Section C: Description of Services and Approach C-8 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 This side intentionally left blank.

Section D: Required Statements/Documents D-1 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 D. Required Statements/Documents
D.1 Conflict of Interest Statement
EMC Planning Group does not have any past, current, on-going, or foreseeable conflicts of interest that would be considered a conflict of interest with regard to any other work performed for the City of Pinole. EMC Planning Group does, on occasion, represent property owners and developers with projects in various jurisdictions. EMC Planning Group will fully disclose all relevant clients if accepted for this contract.

D.2 Ability and Agreement to Fulfill Indemnification and Insurance Requirements
EMC Planning Group is an independent licensed firm and has the ability to fulfill the indemnifications and insurance requirements, and agrees to do so.

D.3 Proprietary Statement
The content of this proposal is not proprietary to EMC Planning Group or of the listed participating subconsultants.

D.4 Acknowledgement Public Records Act
EMC Planning Group acknowledges that all documents submitted to the City in connection with the subject proposal are subject to the Public Records Act and may disclosed without notice or consent by EMC Planning Group.

D.5 Exceptions: Requested Amendments to Standard
Contract (RFP Attachment A)
EMC Planning Group will request amendment to Standard Contract, SECTION 8.

TERMINAION AND MODIFICATION.

Requested deletion of provisions is by strikeout notation and requested addition is by underline notation as follows:

Section D: Required Statements/Documents D-2 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024

8.1 Termination. City may cancel this Agreement at any time and without cause upon written notification to Consultant. City may, by written notice to Consultant, terminate the whole or any part of this Agreement at any time and without cause by giving written notice to Consultant of such termination, and specifying the effective date thereof, at least 7 days before the effective date of termination.

In the event of termination, Consultant shall be entitled to compensation for services performed to the effective date of termination; City, however, may condition payment of such compensation upon Consultant delivering to City any or all documents, photographs, computer software, video and audio tapes, and other materials provided to Consultant or prepared by or for Consultant or the City in connection with this Agreement.

D.6 History of Termination Due to Breach
EMC Planning Group clients have not terminated any contract due to a breach.

Section E. Competency of Proposers E-1 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 E. Competency of Proposers
EMC Planning Group has been in business for nearly 46 years without cessation. The firm has the necessary personnel, facilities, ability, experience, and financial resources to provide the services as specified in this RFP in a satisfactory and timely manner. The firm also does not have any pending bankruptcies, liens, stop payment notices, judgments, lawsuits, arbitrations, mediations, foreclosures, or any similar actions that have been filed and/or resolved in the past seven (7) years. The firm has never been terminated for a breach of contract.

Section E. Competency of Proposers E-2 EMC Planning Group On-Call & Environmental Planning Services for the City of Pinole May 6, 2024 This side intentionally left blank.

EMC Planning Group Resumes

ATTACHMENT
A

STAFF RESUME | EMC Planning Group
Michael J. Groves, AICP

PRESIDENT/SENIOR PRINCIPAL

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS
 Professional Certification, American Institute of Certified Planners, 1990-Present
 Initiative Measure Author
 Awards, City of Guadalupe 2042 General Plan Update, 2022  Comprehensive Planning, Small Jurisdiction, Award of
Excellence-APA California Chapter, Central Coast Section Outstanding Planning Document (2023)
 Awards, City of Salinas Economic Development Element, 2014  Outstanding Planning Document-AEP (2016)
 Economic Planning and Development Award of ExcellenceAPA California Chapter, Northern Section (2015)  Economic Planning and Development Award of MeritAPA California Chapter (2015)  Award, Fort Ord Reuse Plan Reassessment, 2012
 Best Practices Award of Merit- APA California Chapter, Northern Section, 2013
 Award, Fort Ord Reuse Plan and EIR, 1997
 Comprehensive Planning in a Small Jurisdiction - National Planning Award for Outstanding Planning, APA National
Chapter

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
 Member, American Planning Association
 Former Member, Monterey Peninsula Water Management
District, Policy and Technical Advisory Committees
 Former Member, Sand City Habitat Conservation Task Force  Member, Ventana Chapter, Sierra Club
 Head Coach, Monterey High School Baseball Program,
1980-Present
 Member, National High School Baseball Coaches Association (ranked 51st winningest coach nationwide)
 Member, California High School Baseball Coaches Association and Hall of Fame Member (ranked 2nd winningest coach
statewide)
 President, Save Our Sports (SOS), Local Non-profit Supporting Student Athletes and High School Baseball and Softball
 Former President, Foster Parent Association, Santa Cruz County
 Former Member, Child Welfare Services Systems Improvement Steering Committee
 Former Member, Community Leadership Council - Ending
Oppression Worldwide

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mr. Groves founded EMC Planning Group in 1978.

Through his leadership and commitment to excellence in
client service and the hiring of highly qualified team
members, Mr. Groves has successfully established the firm as one of the leading land use and environmental planning firms in California. With his vast experience as a land use and policy planner, Mr. Groves has provided project
management for over 750 planning projects, within more
than 150 California cities, counties, and special districts.

Mr. Groves is involved in project management and
coordination of a full range of planning projects completed by the firm. His focus within the firm is on client
representation for urban and regional planning projects; coastal planning efforts; conceptual design; real estate due diligence and site evaluation studies; land use planning and permitting efforts; and city, county, school district and special district planning and permitting.

From 1995 - 1997, he served as project manager for the
Fort Ord Reuse Plan, a national award-winning policy
document for the largest base closure in the United States.

The Plan became the model for base closures under
President Clinton.

EDUCATION
B.A. University of California at Santa Barbara, Environmental Studies & Geography (double major), 1977

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
AICP - American Institute of Certified Planners, Professional Certification, 1990-Present

STAFF RESUME | EMC Planning Group
Teri Wissler Adam

SENIOR PRINCIPAL

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Ms. Wissler Adam joined the EMC Planning Group in 1991. Her area of expertise is in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance.

Ms. Wissler Adam directs the CEQA and NEPA compliance projects for the firm. She has been responsible for a large variety of private projects, including residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and large specific plan and general plan projects. She has also managed several projects for public facilities, such as recycled water projects, roadway projects, bikeway projects, bridge projects, elementary schools, high schools, and college campuses, and other public facilities, such as health clinics, landfills, child development centers, and federal research facilities. She has represented public clients throughout Monterey County, San Benito County, Santa Clara County, Merced County, San Luis Obispo County, San Mateo County, Santa Cruz County, and as far south as Los Angeles County.

EDUCATION
B.S. California Polytechnic State University
at San Luis Obispo, Business
Administration, Concentration in
Environmental Management, 1991

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
 Presenter, CEQA Seminar, Lorman
Education Services
 Presenter, CEQA Workshop, Association
of Environmental Professionals
 Member, Association of Environmental
Professionals
 Contributor, Environmental Mitigation
Handbook, California’s Coalition for
Adequate School Housing, February 2009
 Past Director/President/Newsletter Editor,
Monterey Bay Area Chapter, Association
of Environmental Professionals

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
 Member, Association of Environmental
Professionals

STAFF RESUME | EMC Planning Group
Ron Sissem, MRP

SENIOR PRINCIPAL

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mr. Sissem worked for EMC Planning Group for three years writing environmental impact reports in the 1980s before taking on international assignments with USAID and the World Bank. His international experience includes national resource and protected area management in Mongolia, environmental auditing/impact evaluation to address business development lending risks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, clean technology deployment in India to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental compliance for USAID-funded economic development projects.

In 2002, Mr. Sissem returned to EMC Planning Group and has been a principal since 2016. His primary responsibilities are to manage large land planning and environmental review projects. He assists public agencies with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance for diverse, complex projects; manages preparation of specific plans and general plans; and manages planning and entitlement processes for private clients.

Mr. Sissem is the firm’s climate change/greenhouse gas emissions specialist. He manages climate change impact analyses for CEQA documents, consults local agencies on integrating climate planning strategies/policy/emission reduction measures into advanced planning documents (e.g. general plans and specific plans), and consults developers on climate change mitigation project design.

EDUCATION
M.R.P. University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill, Urban and Regional Planning, 1995
B.S. University of California at Santa Barbara,
Geography, 1982
B.A. University of California at Santa Barbara,
Environmental Studies, 1982

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
 Awards, City of Salinas Economic
Development Element, 2014
 Outstanding Planning DocumentAssociation of Environmental Professional (2016)
 Economic Planning and Development
Award of Excellence-American Planning
Association, California Chapter,
Northern Section (2015)
 Economic Planning and Development
Award of Merit-American Planning
Association California Chapter (2015)
 Presenter, Advanced CEQA Workshop,
Association of Environmental Professionals
(2009, 2010, 2013)
 Authored “A Guide to Maximizing Profits and
Business Stability through Environmental
Management,” produced by the World Bank
 Federation of Bosnia, Ministry of
Environment Achievement Award for
advancement of environmental management
in Bosnia

STAFF RESUME | EMC Planning Group
Brian Foucht, AICP

PRINCIPAL PLANNER

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mr. Foucht joined the firm in 2024, bringing a unique balance of public agency and private development experience. He has extensive experience in community development programming and management; community planning, state and local regulation and entitlements; coastal zone planning and permitting; grant–funded program development, writing, implementation and management; and technical and scientific team formation and management.

Mr. Foucht provides assistance on a wide range of community planning services, including the preparation of General Plans, Specific Plans, Zoning Ordinance updates and amendments, environmental review documentation; and community development and planning interim management and staff augmentation.

Mr. Foucht has served as principal staff to City and County planning commissions and citizen advisory committees, including historic preservation, design review, transportation, housing, and economic development. He is the author of several successful Sustainable Communities transportation planning grants for transportation center and recreation trail development, and has served as lead planner on significant coastal and inland planned development projects and LCP amendments on behalf of land owners and public agencies. Mr. Foucht has, for several years, on behalf of the Salinas Regional Sports Authority, provided pro-bono lead planning assistance for CEQA review, entitlements, and technical team formation, for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex project.

Mr. Foucht holds a Master of City Planning degree from San Diego State University and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Urban Studies from San Francisco State University.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL

TRAINING
M.C.P. – Master of City Planning, San Diego
State University.

B.A. – Urban Studies, San Francisco State
University.

California Academy for Economic
Development: Introduction to Economic
Development

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
AICP - American Institute of Certified Planners,
Professional Certification.

STAFF RESUME | EMC Planning Group
Anastazia Aziz, AICP

PRINCIPAL

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Anastazia Aziz, AICP, joined EMC Planning Group as a Principal in January 2022. Anastazia is a strategic planning and sustainability professional with over 20 years of experience. Her main responsibilities include long-range planning; specific plans; local coastal programs; vulnerability assessment and adaptation; housing policy; entitlement planning including CEQA; client communication, agency and stakeholder outreach, team member and subconsultant coordination, document preparation and public meeting representation.

Prior to joining EMC she worked at the City of Pacific Grove for eight years and culminated her time there as the Director of the Community Development Department. During this time, she achieved many significant accomplishments including attaining the first certified Local Coastal Program in the city’s history. She also embarked on a comprehensive update of the Historic Resources Inventory to better align with state and national criteria, and worked on the Welcome Home:

Creating a More Affordable Future Mayor’s initiative.

Ms. Aziz oversaw a wide variety of departmental projects including managing water entitlements for development within the Central Coast’s scarce potable water environment and working with the county on hazard mitigation planning, including addressing sea level rise. She also supervised the planning and building entitlement processes, code enforcement, and housing policy
Prior to working for the City of Pacific Grove, Ms. Aziz was employed at the City of San Jose for 12 years where she gained experience and expertise in three departments: Development Services, Environmental Services, and the City Manager’s Office.

Ms. Aziz holds a Bachelor’s of Environmental Studies degree in urban and regional planning with a minor in English Literature from the University of Waterloo, Canada. She was awarded the Commonwealth Scholarship from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka where she researched urban industrial pollution and related environmental issues.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL

TRAINING
B.E.S. - University of Waterloo, Ontario
Canada, Environmental Studies with a major in
urban and regional planning, and a minor in
English Literature, 1995.

Commonwealth Scholarship – University of
Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1996. Researched urban
industrial pollution and related environmental
issues.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
AICP - American Institute of Certified Planners,
Professional Certification, 2002-Present

STAFF RESUME | EMC Planning Group
Stuart Poulter, AICP, MCRP

SENIOR PLANNER

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mr. Poulter joined the firm in 2015. His responsibilities include project management and preparation of environmental review documentation in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with a primary interest and project experience in addressing impacts associated with wildfire hazards, visual resources, and historical (built) resources.

Mr. Poulter has demonstrated experience across a range of project types including recreation facilities, school sites, residential subdivisions, transportation facilities, coastal development/infrastructure, and commercial/ tourism development.

In addition to his environmental work, Mr. Poulter provides staff support services to various municipal planning departments, including the cities of Gilroy, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Sand City. Processing development applications includes plan review and comments to the applicant, preparation of staff reports, findings, and resolutions, and presentations at public hearing. Additionally, he provides private clients with permit processing and entitlement assistance, constraints analysis, land use assessments, and feasibility analyses.

Prior to joining the firm and while completing his graduate degree in City and Regional Planning at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Mr. Poulter worked as an environmental planning intern/technician in the private sector where he was responsible for the preparation of environmental documents in compliance with CEQA/NEPA and the preparation of permit application packages for various coastal and inland projects.

EDUCATION
M.C.R.P. California Polytechnic State
University-San Luis Obispo,
City and Regional Planning Program,
Environmental Planning
Concentration, 2015
B.A. Santa Clara University, History, 2008

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
AICP – American Institute of Certified Planners
(Certified Planner Number 31038),
2018-Present

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
 Member, Association of Environmental
Professionals (AEP), 2014-Present;
Monterey Bay-Silicon Valley Chapter Board
of Directors, Association of Environmental
Professionals (AEP), Secretary (2017-2019);
Member-at-Large (2024-Present)
 Member, American Planning Association
(APA), California Chapter,
2014-Present

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

COURSES & CONFERENCES
 AEP Conference (Lake Tahoe), April 2023
 Introduction to Land Use Planning for
Wildfires in California, CAL FIRE &
Community Wildfire Planning Center
(CWPC), March 2023
 CLE International – CEQA Conference
(San Francisco), December 2022
 Cultural Resource Management: CEQA,
NEPA and Section 106, UC Davis
Continuing and Professional Education,
January 2022

PROFESSIONAL AWARDS
 Town of Corte Madera 6th Cycle (2023-
2031) Housing Element Update
Subsequent EIR, Award of Merit
(Outstanding Environmental Analysis
Document), 2024 AEP Awards

STAFF RESUME | EMC Planning Group
Shoshana Lutz

SENIOR PLANNER

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mrs. Lutz joined the firm in 2017 with the primary responsibility of writing and managing initial studies, environmental impact reports, and categorical exemptions in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Mrs. Lutz also prepares categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

She has experience across a range of project types including residential and commercial development, school sites, recreation facilities, and coastal development/infrastructure. In addition to her environmental work, Mrs. Lutz provides private clients with permit processing and entitlement assistance as well as ongoing municipal planning assistance and representation at public meetings.

Prior to joining EMC Planning Group, Mrs. Lutz worked for the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Community Planning and Building Department. Her responsibilities included assisting with preliminary plan check review for building and planning applications, conducting preliminary site assessments on residential properties, and conducting preliminary design reviews in residential and commercial areas.

EDUCATION
B.S. California State University Monterey Bay,
Environmental Science Technology and
Policy, Emphasis in Ecology and Natural
Resources, 2014

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
 Member, Association of Environmental
Professionals

STAFF RESUME | EMC Planning Group
Esme Wahl

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Ms. Esme Wahl joined EMC Planning Group as an Associate Planner in April 2023. Her area of expertise is local coastal plan amendments, coastal resiliency and adaption planning, habitat management and restoration, and coastal development permits.

Ms. Wahl previously worked for the California Coastal Commission as a Coastal Planner where she collaborated with local governments on issues such as sea-level rise adaption planning, groundwater basin sustainability, and coastal access maximization. She also worked with the counties of San Luis Obispo and Monterey to ensure local coastal development permits were consistent with the Coastal Act and Local Coastal Programs.

Ms. Wahl earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Earth Science with a concentration in Environmental Geology from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Coursework included coastal geology, ecology, biology, environmental policy, GIS, California native plants, horticulture, geologic hazards, coastal adaption, groundwater modeling, and climate dynamics. Esme gained valuable experience in formal research data collection and interpretation through a two-month internship with CC-RISE at the University of California Santa Cruz, where she participated in an intensive coral research program.

EDUCATION
B.S. – Earth Science, Environmental Geology
concentration, University of Santa Cruz, 2021.

Graduated with highest honors.

SKILLS
 ArcGIS
 MS Word, Excel

STAFF RESUME | EMC Planning Group
Zane Mortensen, MS

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mr. Mortensen joined the firm in 2022 to provide support in the preparation of environmental planning and land use documents for a variety of development projects such as residential sites, schools, subdivisions, specific plans, hospitals, and recreational facilities. Primary responsibilities involve conducting air quality and greenhouse gas emissions modeling and analysis, as well as the preparation of environmental review documentation in compliance with
CEQA/NEPA regulatory standards.

In May 2019, he was awarded a Master’s of Science degree from the Environmental Science Graduate Program at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). During his academic career, he developed a range of skills to apply to environmental issues within the community while working on projects for both State and County entities. He also had the opportunity to participate in research focused on the development of water treatment technology aimed at remediating agricultural pollutants from local tributaries.

Upon receiving his Master’s of Science degree in Environmental Science from CSUMB, Mr. Mortensen was hired by the Rural Community Assistance Corporation to facilitate planning efforts that supported drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure development for low-income rural communities. His role largely involved overseeing State funded consolidation efforts between small rural community water systems and larger local utility providers.

EDUCATION
M.S. California State University Monterey Bay,
Environmental Science, 2019
B.S. California State University Monterey Bay,
Environmental Science Technology and
Policy, 2017
A.S. Cerritos College, Natural Sciences, 2015
A.A. Cerritos College, Automotive Mechanical
Repair, 2013

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
 UC San Diego CEQA Practice
Certification, current enrollment
 The Safe Drinking Water Act, 2019
 Advanced Water Treatment, 2019
 Successful completion Grade I
Wastewater Plant Operator Examination,
2014

PUBLICATIONS
 Current Conditions and Restoration
Scenarios for the Carmel River and
Riparian Corridor at the Rancho Cañada
Parcel of Palo Corona Park: Carmel Valley
CA, Central Coast Watershed Studies,
March 2019
 Hydrology and Water Quality of the Big Sur
Land Trust Property in Carr Lake, Central
Coast Watershed Studies, April 2019
 Isolation of Microbial Populations with the
Ability to Use Pesticides as a Sole Carbon
Source in Multichannel Woodchip
Bioreactors under a Controlled
Environment, American Chemical Society,
October 2018

STAFF RESUME | EMC Planning Group
Anna Bornstein, MUP

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Ms. Anna Bornstein joined EMC Planning Group as an Associate Planner in March 2023. Her areas of expertise are land use planning, client service, and project management.

Ms. Bornstein previously worked as a planner for a design-build firm in Carmel, CA where she managed planning, building, and entitlement applications for luxury residential projects. She conducted site inspections, determined feasibility, and ensured that all projects adhered to jurisdictional zoning, ordinances, codes, and design guidelines. She has demonstrated experience communicating with project stakeholders, and collaborating with consultants providing technical services, to drive projects to completion. Prior employment experience also includes over 8 years with E&J Gallo Winery in Modesto, California where she specialized in account management.

Ms. Bornstein earned a Masters in Urban Planning (MUP) in May 2022 and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a Minor in Urban Studies in 2010. Both educational degrees were awarded from San José State University. Coursework included urban planning public finance, land use law, urban design, GIS, planning for sustainable cities, advanced environmental impact assessment, and land use and facilities planning.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL

TRAINING
M.U.P. – Masters in Urban Planning,
Certificate: Community Design and
Development, San José State University, 2022.

B.S. – Environmental Studies with a Minor in
Urban Studies, San José State University,
2010.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
 AICP Candidate
 American Planning Association, Member
 International Downtown Association,
Member

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
 Architectural Review Board Member, City of
Pacific Grove, January 2023 – Present
 Planning & Community Development
Volunteer, Stanislaus County, 2012
 Downtown Modesto Improvement District,
Director’s Assistant, 2011 - 2012

STAFF RESUME | EMC Planning Group
Janet Walther, MS

PRINCIPAL BIOLOGIST

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Ms. Walther joined the firm in 2003 and has been working in the field of biology since 2000. She is responsible for performing botanical and wildlife surveys; wetland and waters of the U.S. determinations; data analysis; and reports in support of management agreements, permits, and mitigation monitoring. She assists clients in complying with the Federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act, California Fish and Game Code, and local (county and/or city) regulations.

Ms. Walther works with clients to design projects to avoid or minimize impacts to threatened and endangered species. Where impacts are unavoidable, she helps create mitigation strategies and the application documents necessary to obtain the required permits, including habitat conservation and land management plans.

In addition to her experience in biological survey and reporting, Ms.

Walther is responsible for preparation of environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). She produces a variety of graphics for use in environmental and natural resources documents and routinely works with ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Adobe
Illustrator/Photoshop.

In previous positions, Ms. Walther inventoried both native and nonnative species in compliance with regulatory requirements, and assisted in preparing California Energy Commission Applications for Certification for four major power plant projects in California. She also conducted biological survey work in southern California and the High Desert and wetland and endangered species survey work in Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and Florida.

EDUCATION
M.S. California State University Monterey Bay,
Coastal Watershed Science and Policy,
2014
B.S. California Polytechnic State University at
San Luis Obispo, Ecology and Systematic
Biology, 2000 - Concentration:

Environmental Management

CERTIFICATES AND TRAINING
 Biology and Management of California Tiger
Salamander Workshop, Elkhorn Slough
Coastal Training Program, 2007
 Biology and Management of California Redlegged Frog Workshop, Elkhorn Slough Coastal Training Program, 2007
 OSHA 40-hr HAZWOPER Certificate, 2001
and 8-hr Refresher Training, 2002-2007
 California Pesticide Application Certification,
2003/2004
 Army Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Training, 2002

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
 Contributor, Environmental Mitigation
Handbook, California’s Coalition for
Adequate School Housing, February 2009

STAFF RESUME | EMC Planning Group
Rose Ashbach, MS

ASSOCIATE BIOLOGIST

EDUCATION
M.S. California State University; Monterey Bay
Watershed Science and Policy
B.S. California State University; Humboldt
Biology, Minor in Spanish
A.A. Monterey Peninsula College
Emphasis on Geology

CERTIFICATES AND TRAINING
• California Grass Identification (California
Native Plant Society, 2023)
• California Tiger Salamander Training
(Elkhorn Slough Training Program, 2023)
• Burrowing Owl Training (Elkhorn Slough
Training Program, 2022)
• Western Snowy Plover Monitoring Training
(Audubon, 2022)
• CNPS CEQA and NEPA Training (California
Native Plant Society, 2011)
• ESRI GPS and GIS Certification
• Water Quality Training: Handheld
multiparameter water quality meter
MASTER’S PROJECTS
• CSUMB Habitat Management Plan
• Water Policy and Conservation in the
Monterey Bay Area
• Watershed Delineation for the City of Pacific
Grove
• Macroinvertebrate Monitoring at Big Creek
Reserve

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Ms. Ashbach joined EMC Planning Group in 2023.

Responsibilities include general biological field surveys; preparation of focused surveys/habitat assessments for specialstatus wildlife species; jurisdictional wetland and waterway delineation; regulatory agency coordination, permitting and compliance support; and the preparation of resources technical reports and CEQA/NEPA biological resource impact analysis.

Ms. Ashbach’s skills include the preparation reports to regulatory agencies; direction of all aspects of habitat restoration projects; production of graphics through ArcGIS, and biological
monitoring. Monitoring experience of rare plant and animal species includes: California red-legged frogs, Southwestern pond turtle, California tiger salamander, nesting birds, bats, duskyfooted woodrats, Monterey spineflower, etc.

Ms. Ashbach possesses over 15 years of experience in the field of Biology. She previously worked planning, permitting, and implementing large scale restoration projects throughout California with an emphasis in the Monterey Bay region. She conducted biological surveys in Monterey County, as well as throughout the Columbia River Watershed, and in the High Desert of Nevada. Rose has also worked as a science educator for middle school students and as a lecturer at California State Monterey Bay.

STAFF RESUME | EMC Planning Group
Vanessa Potter, MA, RPA

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL

ARCHAEOLOGIST

EDUCATION
M.A. San Jose State University,
Applied Anthropology, 2010
B.A. University of Hawaii, Manoa;
Anthropology, 2000
AWARDS
▪ Microgrant in Applied Anthropology from San
Jose State University, 2009

PUBLICATIONS
An Inventory of Paleoindian Ornamentation, Current Research in the Pleistocene, Volume 22, 2005
A class III cultural resources survey of 38.25 acres near Ina and Artesiano roads, Town of Marana, Pima County, Arizona, Published Tucson, Arizona: WestLand Resources, 2005.

A class III cultural resources survey of 5.36 acres near Cortaro Farms Road, Pima County, Arizona: Desert Son Survey, Tucson, Arizona: WestLand Resources, 2005.

A class III cultural resources survey of approximately 0.1 acres in Willcox, State Route 186: SR 186 Willcox ADOT permit, Tucson, Arizona: WestLand Resources, 2005.

A class III cultural resources survey of approximately 3.5 acres near State Route 77, for the Steam Pump Development, Oro Valley, Pima County, Arizona, Tucson, Arizona: WestLand Resources, 2005.

A class III cultural resources survey of approximately 6.9 acres for State Route 287 in Casa Grande, Arizona: SR 287 Casa Grande ADOT permit, Tucson, Arizona: WestLand Resources, 2005.

Class III cultural resources survey of 54.35 acres near Snyder Hill Road and Desert Sunrise Trail: Snyder Hill Estates, Tucson Arizona:

WestLand Resources, 2005
A class III cultural resources survey of 2.28 acres near River Road and First Avenue, Pima County, Arizona, 1090 East River Road due diligence, Tucson, Arizona: WestLand Resources, 2005
A class III cultural resources survey at the Highway 80 and Country Club 35-acre property, Cochise County, Arizona, Tucson, Arizona:

WestLand Resources, 2006
A class III cultural resources survey of 21 acres at Pima Mine Road, Pima County, Arizona, Tucson, Arizona: WestLand Resources, 2006
A class III cultural resources survey of 22 acres in Benson, Cochise County, Arizona: White Rock Canyon, Tucson, Arizona: WestLand Resources, 2006
A class III cultural resources survey of 55 acres west of Benson, Cochise County, Arizona, Tucson, Arizona: WestLand Resources, 2006

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Ms. Potter joined EMC Planning Group in June 2023
and is a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA)
that meets the Secretary of Interior’s Standards and
Guidelines for her field.

Ms. Potter is responsible for conducting
archaeological surveys, database inquiries, cultural
sensitivity trainings, Sacred Lands records searches,
assisting agencies with Native American consultation,
leading archaeological testing, and making
recommendations for listing through the California
Register of Historical Resources (California Register)
and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

Other responsibilities include preparing cultural
resources sections of environmental documentation in
compliance with the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA).

Ms. Potter has worked in Anthropology since 2000,
and specializes in field archaeology, site protection,
ethnography, osteology, artifact analysis, and data
recovery curation. Previous work experience includes
founding her own ethnography company. She also
held positions within the anthropology departments
of San Jose State University, The University of
Arizona, The University of Hawaii, and the Cultural
Resources Department of California Parks and
Recreation.

Schedule Examples

ATTACHMENT B

Activity Name Start Date Finish Date
26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21
Apr 2023 May 2023
26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21
Authorization to Proceed 4/3/23 4/3/23Research & Development 4/3/23 4/14/23Prepare Draft Cat Ex Findings and Notice of Exemption 4/17/23 4/19/23Lead Agency Review 4/20/23 4/24/23Prepare Final Cat Ex Findings and Notice of Exemption 4/25/23 4/27/23Public Hearing 5/10/23 5/10/23File Notice of Exemption 5/11/23 5/11/23 1234567
Typical, Estimated Timeline for a Categorical Exemption

Activity Name Start Date Finish Date
26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 Apr 2023 May 2023 Jun 2023 Jul 2023 Aug 2023 Sept 2023
26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 Authorization to Proceed 4/3/23 4/3/23Research & Development 4/3/23 4/14/23Prepare Draft Initial Study/MND 4/17/23 6/16/23Lead Agency Review 6/19/23 6/30/23Prepare Public Review Document 7/3/23 7/14/2330-day Public Review Period 7/18/23 8/17/23Response to Comments 8/18/23 10/6/23Public Hearing 10/10/23 10/10/23Notice of Determination 10/11/23 10/11/23 123456789
Typical, Estimated Timeline for an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration

Activity Name Start Date Finish Date
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
2023 2024
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
Notice to Proceed 4/3/23 4/3/23Kick-off Meeting/Site Investigation 4/6/23 4/6/23Prepare Technical Reports 4/3/23 6/30/23Prepare Draft NOP 4/6/23 4/14/23Lead Agency Review 4/17/23 4/21/23Prepare Final NOP 4/24/23 4/26/2330-day Review Period 4/28/23 5/29/23Prepare Administrative Draft EIR 4/17/23 7/28/23Lead Agency Review 7/31/23 8/11/23Prepare Proof Draft EIR 8/14/23 8/25/23Lead Agency Review 8/28/23 9/1/23Prepare Public Draft EIR, NOC, NOA 9/5/23 9/15/2345-day Public Review Period 9/20/23 11/3/23Prepare Administrative Final EIR 11/6/23 12/5/23Lead Agency Review 12/6/23 12/19/23Prepare Final EIR/MMP/NOD 12/20/23 1/12/24Prepare Draft CEQA Findings 12/6/23 12/19/23Lead Agency Review 12/20/23 1/12/24Prepare Final CEQA Findings 1/15/24 1/25/24Public Hearing 2/14/24 2/14/24File NOD 2/15/24 2/15/24 123456789
10 11
12131415161718192021
Typical, Estimated Timeline for an EIR

Activity Name Start Date Finish Date
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept 2023 2024
April May June July August September October November December January February March April May June July August September Admin/Management 4/3/23 6/3/24
Draft/Final NOP 4/17/23 5/8/23
Scoping Meeting 6/8/23 6/8/23
Transportation Analysis 5/8/23 8/7/23
Health Risk Analysis 5/29/23 8/14/23
Noise Analysis 6/5/23 8/21/23
WSA from Cal Water 6/29/23 9/21/23
Administrative Draft EIR 5/8/23 10/9/23
City Staff Review 10/9/23 10/30/23
Screencheck Draft EIR 10/30/23 11/20/23
City Review 11/20/23 12/11/23
Draft EIR 12/11/23 1/1/24
45-Day Public Review 1/3/24 2/16/24
Admin Final EIR/MMRP 2/19/24 3/27/24
City Staff Review 3/25/24 4/15/24
Final EIR/MMRP 4/15/24 4/29/24
Draft CEQA Findings/SOC 4/24/24 5/22/24
City Staff Review 5/22/24 6/5/24
Final Findings/SOC 6/5/24 6/19/24
Draft PC Consideration Pkg 5/8/24 6/19/24
City Staff Review 6/19/24 7/10/24
Final PC Consideration Pkg 7/10/24 7/24/24
PC Hearing 8/7/24 8/7/24
Draft CC Consideration Pkg 7/17/24 7/31/24
City Staff Review 7/31/24 8/28/24
Final CC Consideration Pkg 8/28/24 9/11/24
City Council Hearing 9/16/24 9/16/24
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23 24
25 26
27 FERRASCI SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
June 29, 2023

Activity Name Start Date Finish Date 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 Oct 2022 Nov 2022 Dec 2022 Jan 2023 Feb 2023 Mar 2023 Apr 2023 May 2023 Jun 2023 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 Authorization to Proceed 10/17/22 10/17/22Project Description 10/17/22 11/4/22Tribal Consultation 10/17/22 4/17/23Draft CEQA-Plus Initial Study/MND 11/4/22 3/16/23Lead Agency Review 3/17/23 4/12/23Public Review Document 4/13/23 4/17/23Noticing and Distribution 4/17/23 4/20/23Notice to Westside Connect 4/20/23 4/20/2330-day Public Review Period 4/26/23 5/25/23Response to Comments/MMRP 5/25/23 6/1/23Public Hearing 6/13/23 6/13/23Notice of Determination 6/15/23 6/15/23Draft SFR Environmental Package 4/17/23 6/15/23SWRCB ReviewFinal SFR Environmental Package 123456789
10 11
12131415
City of Newman Influent Sewer Improvement Project CEQA/NEPA Compliance Schedule Updated April 19, 2023

Activity Name Start Date Finish Date
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan 2022 2023
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Contract Execution 11/30/22 11/30/22
Review Background Information 11/30/22 12/15/22
EMC Prepares Draft Project Description 1/3/23 2/3/23
Project Team Review 2/3/23 2/8/23
EMC Prepares Technical Memorandum #1 1/24/23 2/7/23
Project Team Review 2/7/23 2/21/23
EMC Prepares Technical Memorandum #2 2/20/23 3/31/23
Project Team Review 3/31/23 4/5/23
EMC Conducts Field Investigations 1/23/23 3/20/23
EMC Prepares NOP 1/30/23 2/13/23
Project Team Review and Finalize NOP 2/17/23 3/17/23
SFCJPA Circulates NOP 2/20/23 3/21/23
EMC Prepares Administrative Draft SEIR 1/23/23 5/19/23
Project Team Review 5/19/23 6/30/23
EMC Prepares Proof Draft SEIR 7/3/23 7/17/23
Project Team Review and Approval 7/17/23 8/14/23
EMC Prepares Draft SEIR 8/14/23 8/21/23
Draft EIR Distributed 8/21/23 8/21/23
45-day Public Review Period 8/22/23 10/6/23
Public Hearing Window 9/27/23 10/13/23
Response to Comments 10/13/23 10/31/23
EMC Prepares Administrative Final SEIR 10/31/23 11/14/23 Project Team Review 11/14/23 11/28/23
EMC Prepares Final EIR 11/28/23 12/5/23
EMC Prepares NOD 12/5/23 12/12/23
Public Hearing 12/19/23 12/19/23
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23 24
25 26
San Francisquito Creek Flood Protection, Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project Supplemental EIR Preliminary Schedule

Relevant Projects

ATTACHMENT C

EMC PLANNING GROUP 601 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940 • Tel: 831.649.1799 • www.emcplanning.com Sewer Parallel Trunk Line T0-T32 IS/MND
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Client
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
901 Weeks St
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 325-9021
Contact
Akin Okupe, M.B.A.,P.E.

General Manager
901 Weeks St
East Palo Alto, CA 943032
(650) 325-9021
[email protected]
Year Completed
2024
Budget
$47,275.00
EMC Planning Group prepared an initial study/mitigated negative declaration for the East Palo Alto Sanitary District (district) for a proposed a sewer parallel trunk line. The district is proposing to construct an 18-inch new sanitary sewer line, parallel to an existing 24- to 30-inch sanitary sewer line, from manhole T-1 just north of Embarcadero Road and the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant, to manhole T-16, just east of San Francisquito Creek Bridge. The total length is approximately 6,000 linear feet. The proposed improvements are located outside of the district service boundaries and within the City of Palo Alto. Biological resources are the primary environmental concerns.

EMC Assigned Staff
Teri Wissler Adam - Senior Principal
Stuart Poulter, AICP, MCRP - Senior Planner
Janet Walther, MS - Principal Biologist

EMC PLANNING GROUP 601 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940 • Tel: 831.649.1799 • www.emcplanning.com 2194 University Avenue Gas Station
Improvements IS/MND
Location
East Palo Alto, CA
Client
City of East Palo Alto
2415 University Ave 2nd floor
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
(605) 853-3100
Contact
Jia Liu, Associate Planner
City of East Palo Alto
1960 Tate Street,
East Palo Alto, CA. 94303
(650) 853-3169
[email protected]
Year Completed
2024
Budget
$34,687.00
EMC Planning Group prepared an initial study/mitigated negative declaration, which included preparation of a noise study and a construction health risk assessment (HRA) for the proposed addition of a car wash to an existing Shell Gas Station located on University Avenue in the City of East Palo Alto. In addition to the IS/MND, EMC Planning Group also prepared the CEQA noticing, response to public comments, and a mitigation monitoring and reporting program. Impacts associated with the project included air quality, nesting birds associated with tree removal, cultural resources, and noise.

EMC Assigned Staff
Teri Wissler Adam - Senior Principal
Stuart Poulter, AICP, MCRP - Senior Planner
Janet Walther, MS - Principal Biologist

EMC PLANNING GROUP 601 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940 • Tel: 831.649.1799 • www.emcplanning.com Town of Corte Madera 6th Cycle (2023-2031)
Housing Element Update Subsequent EIR
Location
Corte Madera, CA
Client
Town of Corte Madera
300 Tamalpais Drive
Corte Madera, CA 94925
(415) 927-5050
Contact
Martha Battaglia, Senior Planner
(415) 927-5791
[email protected]
Year Completed
2023
Budget
$171,073.00
EMC Planning Group prepared a subsequent EIR (SEIR) for the Town of Corte Madera’s 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Housing Element Update. The EIR was subsequent to the general Plan EIR. The primary action being taken is the 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Housing Element Update. However, updating the housing element also required updating the Safety Element and the Land Use Element of the Town’s 2009 General Plan along with amending Title 18 (Zoning) of the Town of Corte Madera Municipal Code. The SEIR evaluated environmental issues associated with visual resources and aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, public services, utilities, transportation (VMT), and wildfire hazards. The final SEIR was certified by the Town Council in January 2023.

EMC Assigned Staff
Teri Wissler Adam, Senior Principal
Ron Sissem, MRP, Senior Principal
Stuart Poulter, AICP, MCRP, Senior Planner
Shoshana Lutz, Associate Planner
Rachel Hawkins, JD, Associate Planner
Zane Mortensen, M.S., Associate Planner
Janet Walther, M.S., Principal Biologist

EMC PLANNING GROUP 601 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940 • Tel: 831.649.1799 • www.emcplanning.com NewPark Place Specific Plan & CEQA Initial Study
Location
Newark, CA
Client
City of Newark
37101 Newark Blvd.

Newark, CA 94560
(510) 578-4208
Year Completed
2018
Budget
$168,060.00
The NewPark Mall is a suburban-style, enclosed regional shopping mall in Newark, California. It opened in 1980 with over 1.1 million square feet of floor space. Regional competition has contributed to a severe decline in mall revenues and vibrancy. The City of Newark General Plan includes a general vision and policy framework for transforming the mall into a vibrant, premier, regional destination.

EMC Planning Group was retained by the City as the prime consultant to prepare a specific plan to implement the City’s vision for revitalizing NewPark Mall as the City’s primary economic engine. ELS Architecture and Urban Design joined the EMC Planning Group team to help refine the vision and to craft an urban design plan which captures the vision. Main features of the urban design plan include: a new main street adjacent to the existing mall that will function as a retail and entertainment activity hub; a flexible outdoor event space adjacent to the mall and main street for events such as concerts and farmers markets; anchor public spaces at both ends of the existing mall; pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access throughout the area to connect to retail, office, recreation, and entertainment uses; vehicular circulation design to slow speeds and improve safety for alternative modes; and integration of an existing City park.

Capacity for over 1,500 new high-density residential units is included in mixed use buildings along the new main street. The purpose is to dramatically increase activity at the new retail, restaurant, and entertainment uses along the main street and increase (Continued on the next page)
NewPark Place Specic Plan
Conceptual Mixed Use Residential / NewPark Mall Rendering Figure 2-1
Source: ELS 2017
NewPark Place Spe
North/South Magazine and Balentine Drive Street S
F
Sour
KEY

RETAIL PLAZA

PUBLIC EVENT

SPACE /

PARKING

CITY PARK

RETAIL /

ENVIRONMENT

EXTRA WIDE

SIDEWALK FOR

OUTDOOR DINING
NewPark Place Specic Plan
Public Amenities Diagram
Figure 3-9
Source: ELS 2017

(Continued)
EMC PLANNING GROUP 601 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940 • Tel: 831.649.1799 • www.emcplanning.com activity at the existing mall. New office and additional retail uses were placed at the periphery of the residential/commercial mixed uses. Existing large parking fields were replaced with strategically placed public and private structured parking.

The specific plan includes precise policy guidance, development regulations, and design guidelines to steer the design of new individual development projects. However, the specific plan allows flexibility for developers to respond to emerging conditions, the evolving market for retail uses, and the City’s desire to attract Class A office uses.

EMC Planning Group also prepared an initial study to meet CEQA requirements for the specific plan. The tiering provisions in CEQA Guidelines section 15183 were used to validate that the proposed project would not have new or more significant impacts than were identified in the City’s general plan EIR.

EMC Assigned Staff
Michael Groves, AICP, Senior Principal
Ron Sissem, MRP, Senior Principal
Teri Wissler Adam, Senior Principal
Shoshana Lutz, Senior Planner
NewPark Place Specific Plan & CEQA Initial Study

EMC PLANNING GROUP 601 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940 • Tel: 831.649.1799 • www.emcplanning.com NewPark Place Planning Services and CEQA
Location
Newark, CA
Client
City of Newark
37101 Newark Blvd.

Newark, CA 94560
(510) 578-4208
Contact
Steven Turner
Community Development Director
City of Newark
[email protected]
(510) 578-4208
Year Completed
2022
Budget
$162,339.00
EMC Planning Group led a team of architects and technical subconsultants to support the City of Newark (“city”) with municipal planning and CEQA services needed to begin the NewPark Place Specific Plan (“specific plan”) implementation process. Brookfield Properties (Brookfield) proposed amendments to the approved specific plan that triggered amendments to the specific plan. Urban design and traffic planning analyses were conducted to ensure the amendments met the intent of the original specific plan vision. In addition, Brookfield sought project-specific entitlements to develop a Phase A mixed use project. Simultaneous entitlements to construct a new Costco within the specific plan boundary were also requested. Associated planning services included analyzing consistency of the Costco proposal with the historic NewPark Mall and specific plan retail development capacities.

EMC Planning Group also prepared CEQA documentation for the proposed specific plan amendments and the two individual entitlement applications. EMC Planning Group worked with City staff and City legal counsel to determine that an Addendum would serve as legally defensible documentation. The Addendum included individual analyses of each of the three proposed actions. The EMC Planning Group team included ELS Architecture and Urban Design, Kimley-Horn (transportation), and Illingworth & Rodkin (health risk assessment and noise).

EMC Assigned Staff
Ron Sissem, MRP, Senior Principal
Teri Wissler Adam, Senior Principal

EMC Planning Group prepared CEQA and NEPA documentation for the Light Tree affordable housing project at 1805 E. Bayshore Road in East Palo Alto. The project was eligible for funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and for grants through the California Greenhouse Gas Cap and Trade program. The federal grants and/or loans were administered by the County of San Mateo on behalf of HUD. Funding was provided through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) funds, and Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs). EMC Planning Group also prepared an environmental assessment for the purposes of NEPA to assist the City with obtaining federal funding. The City of East Palo Alto was the CEQA lead agency and the County of San Mateo acted on behalf of HUD as the NEPA lead agency. Under contract to the City of East Palo Alto, EMC Planning Group prepared an initial study and mitigated negative declaration for the purposes of CEQA and an environmental assessment for the purposes of NEPA.

The project site is located adjacent to the high-traffic-volume U.S. Highway 101.

The project is the renovation and rehabilitation of 57 existing apartments, and construction of 128 new apartments, increased the number of units by 91 for a total of 185 apartment units. Rehabilitation of existing units included roof replacement, security upgrades, lighting, fencing, windows, seismic and structural upgrades, hardscape upgrades along with accessibility upgrades. Renovations included demolition of 37 occupied units. New buildings would increase the height of the Light Tree Apartments Initial Study
Proposed Site Plan - Ground Floor
Figure 5
Source: Okamoto Saijo Architects 2018
0 60 feet
EMC PLANNING GROUP 601 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940 • Tel: 831.649.1799 • www.emcplanning.com Location
East Palo Alto, CA
Client
City of East Palo Alto
2415 University Avenue
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 853-3100
Contact
Guido Persicone,
Former Community Development Director
(currently with the City of Marina)
[email protected]
(831) 884-1289
Year Completed
2019
Budget
$105,715.00
Light Tree Apartments CEQA/NEPA Compliance

apartment units from three to five stories. The existing complex was constructed in 1961 and a historic evaluation of the buildings was performed. An initial study was prepared to identify significant impacts and mitigation measures to reduce them. Issues analyzed included exposures to noise and criteria pollutant emissions from U.S. Highway 101 and from project construction, traffic impacts on local roadways and intersections, impacts to protected bird species and trees, and historic and archaeological resources. All potentially significant impacts were mitigated to less than significant.

The environmental assessment was informed by the results of the CEQA analysis and also included assessments of environmental justice and socioeconomic impacts, cumulative impacts, and a discussion of alternatives. EMC Planning group represented City staff at public hearings for the project. The project was approved and has been constructed.

EMC Assigned Staff
Teri Wissler Adam, Senior Principal
Ron Sissem, MRP, Senior Principal
Stuart Poulter, AICP, MCRP, Senior Planner
Janet Walther, Prinicipal Biologist
Shoshana Lutz, Associate Planner
(Continued)
EMC PLANNING GROUP 601 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940 • Tel: 831.649.1799 • www.emcplanning.com Light Tree Apartments CEQA/NEPA Compliance

The proposed project consisted of 135 dwelling units on a 2.52-acre vacant site located between the Weeks neighborhood and Ravenswood Industrial Area in the Ravenswood/Four Corners Transit Oriented Development Specific Plan (Ravenswood Specific Plan) and is zoned Urban Residential. The scope of work included preparation of CEQA and NEPA documentation for the project. EMC Planning Group prepared an initial study for the purposes of CEQA to identify the potential significant environmental impacts of the project. A NEPA environmental assessment was prepared by EMC Planning Group pursuant to HUD regulations based on the data developed and information provided in the CEQA analysis.

EMC Assigned Staff
Teri Wissler Adam, Senior Principal
Ron Sissem, MRP, Senior Principal
Stuart Poulter, AICP, MCRP, Senior Planner
Janet Walther, MS, Prinicipal Biologist
EMC PLANNING GROUP 601 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940 • Tel: 831.649.1799 • www.emcplanning.com Location
East Palo Alto, CA
Client
City of East Palo Alto
2415 University Avenue
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 853-3100
Contact
Guido Persicone,
Former Community Development Director
(currently with the City of Marina)
[email protected]
(831) 884-1289
Year Completed
2019
Budget
$151,565.00
Source: ESRI 2019, Santa Clara County GIS 2016
Figure 2
Search Area
965 Weeks Street Affordable Housing CEQA & NEPA
0 200 feet Search Area
Weeks St
Clarke Ave
Bay Rd
Pulgas Ave
Buchanan Ct
965 Weeks Afforadable Housing
CEQA/NEPA Compliance

EMC PLANNING GROUP 601 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940 • Tel: 831.649.1799 • www.emcplanning.com Los Gatos Meadows Senior Living
Community EIR
Location
Town of Los Gatos
Client
Town of Los Gatos
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Tel 408.354.6834
Year Completed
2022
Budget
$124,035.00
EMC Planning Group prepared an EIR for the proposed redevelopment of a senior living community in the Town of Los Gatos in an area that has abundant tree cover, primarily oak woodland. The project includes the demolition of an older, vacant senior housing facility in the hills above downtown Los Gatos, and construction of a new senior living community. The proposed project includes the following:

Eight, three- to five-story buildings rising from a ground level base containing the main building entry and reception, health center, and garage;  174 independent residential apartments totaling 334,574 square feet with 57 one-bedroom apartments and 117 two-bedroom apartments;  A 20,588 square foot health center with 17 supporting care units specializing in assisted living care, memory care and respite care;
 35,429 square feet of total amenity space (including fitness and dining areas);  35,280 square feet for back of house and mechanical space; and  91,827 square feet of parking space, with 77 standard parking spaces in the new garage.

The EIR focused on the following key environmental issues: impacts to visual resources (building massing and height) from various locations within the Town and from State Route 17, biological resources including removal of large protected trees and special-status plant species, forest land/fire

EMC PLANNING GROUP 601 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940 • Tel: 831.649.1799 • www.emcplanning.com (Continued)
Los Gatos Meadows Senior Living
Community EIR
hazards, geologic concerns, noise, public services, sewer capacity, solid waste, vegetation, growth inducement, water supply and groundwater, cultural resources, transportation (vehicle miles traveled), air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy resources.

In addition to the preparation of the EIR, EMC Planning Group also prepared a focused special-status plant survey for the project due to the presence of two special-status plant species on-site during biological surveys as part of the analysis of potential impacts to biological resources. EMC Planning Group also prepared the CEQA findings. The EIR was completed in 12 months.

EMC PLANNING GROUP 601 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940 • Tel: 831.649.1799 • www.emcplanning.com City of Mill Valley 2023-2031 General Plan
Housing and Land Use Element Update and
Zoning Amendments Subsequent EIR
Location
Mill Valley, CA
Client
City of Mill Valley
26 Corte Madera Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 388-4033
Contact
Danielle L. Staude, Senior Planner
[email protected]
(415) 388-4033
Year Completed
2023
Budget
$184,478.00
EMC Planning Group prepared a subsequent EIR, subsequent to the general plan EIR, for the City of Mill Valley’s 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Housing Element Update.

Updating the Mill Valley Housing Element to address the goals, policies, and programs contained in the Housing Element also required updates to the Land Use Element of the General Plan, along with amending Title 20 (Zoning) of the City of Mill Valley Municipal Code. The project included amendments to the City of Mill Valley 2040 General Plan (general plan) elements (including amending the Housing Element and Land Use Element); map amendments, (including the General Plan Land Use Map and Zoning Map); and amending the City of Mill Valley Municipal Code. The Housing Element Update identifies 265 parcels or “sites” appropriate for the development of housing for a range of income levels. Of the 265 sites analyzed in this SEIR, 170 sites were identified in the Housing Element sites inventory, which is required by state law to illustrate that the City has enough sites to accommodate at least 865 new housing units at a range of income levels. The environmental analysis focused on aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, public services, transportation, tribal cultural resources, utilities, and wildfire hazards. EMC Planning Group also prepared all of the CEQA noticing, and prepared the CEQA findings and statement of overriding considerations.

EMC Assigned Staff
Teri Wissler Adam, Senior Principal (Project Manager)
Ron Sissem, MRP, Senior Principal
Stuart Poulter, AICP, MCRP, Senior Planner
Shoshana Lutz, Associate Planner
Rachel Hawkins, JD, Associate Planner
Shoshana Lutz, Associate Planner
Zane Mortensen, M.S., Associate Planner
Janet Walther, M.S., Principal Biologist

EMC PLANNING GROUP 601 Abrego St, Monterey, CA 93940 • Tel: 831.649.1799 • www.emcplanning.com Sand City Sustainable Transportation Plan
IS/MND
Location
Sand City, CA
Client
City of Sand City
1 Pendergrass Way
Sand City, CA 93955
Contact
Vibeke Norgaard, City Manager
(831) 394-6700
[email protected]
Year Completed
2022
Budget
$20,000.00
EMC Planning Group prepared an initial study and negative declaration for the Sand City Sustainable Transportation Plan. The Plan is designed to complete gaps in the circulation system for bicyclists, pedestrian, and the mobility-challenged, including improvements to transit access. The analysis focused on the following construction-related impacts: air quality, noise, biological resources, and cultural resources.

EMC Assigned Staff
Stuart Poulter, AICP, MCRP, Senior Planner
Janet Walther, MS, Principal Biologist
Patrick Furtado, MS, Senior Biologist

Cost Proposal

ATTDACHMENT

FEE SCHEDULE
(Effective January 1, 2024)
Principals Hourly Billing Rate
Senior Principal ............................................................. $295.00 Principal .......................................................................... $275.00 Planners
Principal Planner ........................................................... $235.00 Senior Planner ................................................................ $205.00 Associate Planner .......................................................... $175.00 Assistant Planner ........................................................... $140.00 Biologists Monitoring Rate
Principal Biologist ......................................................... $225.00 ($150.00) Senior Biologist............................................................... $185.00 ($130.00) Associate Biologist ......................................................... $170.00 ($120.00) Assistant Biologist.......................................................... $125.00 ($100.00) Archaeologist
Registered Professional Archaeologist ....................... $145.00 Support Staff
Desktop Publisher ......................................................... $150.00 Executive Assistant/Production Manager .................. $125.00 Administrative Assistant .............................................. $115.00 GIS/Graphics Technician .............................................. $140.00 This fee schedule is exclusive of direct reimbursable expenses, such as word processing, editing, printing, copying, travel, lodging, dining, communications, supplies, equipment rental, etc. All expenses are billed at cost plus fifteen percent (15%) for administration. All outside services are billed at cost plus fifteen percent (15%) for administration. This fee schedule is subject to revision at any time.

A retainer of up to fifty percent (50%) of the approved contract amount may be required for new clients or projects. Invoices are due and payable within 30 days. Past due balances are subject to a service charge of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month. Service charges are in addition to approved contract amount.

Expert witness services are provided at a fifty percent (50%) mark-up.

9635 Granite Ridge Drive ⋅ Suite 300 ⋅ San Diego, CA 92123

SUBMITTED TO
City Of Pinole Community Development Department
2131 Pear Street, Pinole, CA 94965 MAY 6, 2024

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

ON- C A L L &

ENVIRONMENTAL

PLANNING SERVICES

SUBMITTED BY

Ms. Lilly Whalen, Community Development Director
City of Pinole
2131 Pear Street
Pinole, CA 94965
Submitted via Email
RE: Statement of Qualifications, On-Call & Environmental Planning Services Dear Ms. Whalen,
Michael Baker International, Inc. (Michael Baker) appreciates the opportunity to submit our qualifications for planning and environmental consulting services to assist the City of Pinole (City) Community Development Department. We have had a long history of on-call environmental and planning services to numerous cities, counties, agencies, water districts, and energy and private sector clients throughout California.

Michael Baker is a recognized industry leader in providing contract planning, extension of staff and municipal support services throughout California. We offer the following distinct advantages:
• A dedicated team of experienced on-call and extension-of-staff planners with a full range of skills to meet your planning needs;
• Experience and knowledge working with the City including the Housing Element, Safety Element and Health and Environmental Justice Element, and Impact/User Fee Schedule; and • The full support and resources of a 3,500+ person organization with comprehensive planning, transportation, environmental, landscape architecture, architecture, economics and engineering services.

We take pride in our ability to quickly and seamlessly integrate with the Community Development Department. Our goal is to provide exceptional service to staff, applicants and the public with a minimum of staff oversight. We understand the importance of fully adopting the City’s plans, standards, practices and protocols, and will work with you to implement plans and ordinances in order to enhance the well-being of the residents, visitors, property owners, and businesses of Pinole.

ON-C A LL & ENVIRONMENTA L

PLANNING SERVICES
MAY 6, 2024
EXPERIENCE MATTERS | Bob Stark, AICP, who will serve as PIC, has successfully managed more than 20 on call contracts with agencies throughout California, including the County of San Diego and the Cities of San Marcos, Chula Vista, and Encinitas, among others. Mr. Stark is supported by Dan Wery, AICP, LEED AP, as contract manager and point of contact, and the other in-house environmental professionals that make up our team offer the City an unparalleled understanding of the intricacies required in preparing and peer reviewing environmental documentation and supporting studies in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Our team at Michael Baker is passionate, committed, and experienced, and is uniquely qualified to help the City address any tasks that arise with an on-call contract.

FULL RANGE OF IN-HOUSE SERVICES |Michael Baker’s value stems from our team of experienced planners and an established track record of responsive and trusted service. We are a full-service firm offering a wide array of environmental services including CEQA documentation; resource-specific technical studies; hazards analyses; community impact, environmental justice, and socioeconomic evaluations; and various support services including grant preparation and management, community planning, stakeholder engagement, and public outreach support. Our team is therefore able to quickly and adequately fulfill any role in response to the City’s on-call service needs.

PROVEN SYSTEMS | Quality assurance, schedule management, and cost controls are essential components to our management approach. All work products undergo technical and editorial review prior to submittal, and our automated project management tools ensure clear communication of key task metrics on demand. In sharing the City’s commitment to quality, we aim to help minimize the City’s time and work effort needed to review and move a project through the City’s discretionary process to approval.

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ A. COVER LETTER ▬ PAGE 2
Based on our vast experience and expertise in planning and environmental services, we are confident that we can deliver highquality results for any service we provide to the City of Pinole. Michael Baker is willing and able to sign the City’s agreement without alteration of the standard indemnification and insurance language and we look forward to the opportunity to continue assisting the City of Pinole.

WE ARE READY AND AVAILABLE TO SERVE YOU
I acknowledge and accept the terms and conditions of the Consulting Services Agreement (Attachment A). This proposal is valid for 90 days. We acknowledge receipt of Addendum no. 1 and Addedum no. 2 (both issued April 29, 2024).

Sincerely,
MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL,INC.

Bob Stark, AICP
Principal-in-Charge/Authorized Signatory
[email protected]
858-614-5000

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ TABLE OF CONTENTS ▬ PAGE 3
A. Cover Letter .......................................................................................................................................1 Table of Contents
B. Company Profile ................................................................................................................................4 C. Organizing & Staffing ........................................................................................................................8 D. Description & Approach ..................................................................................................................12 E. Schedule of Work .............................................................................................................................15 F. Subconsultants ................................................................................................................................16 G. Cost Proposal...................................................................................................................................17 H. Resume, Projects, References ........................................................................................................18 I. Required Statement/Documents.......................................................................................................23

TABLE OF CONTENTS

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ B. COMPANY PROFILE ▬ PAGE 4
PRIMARY CONTACT: Dan Wery, AICP, LEED AP
Principal Community Planner
(858)354-0116 | [email protected]
B. COMPANY PROFILE
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNERS. Michael Baker International , Inc. (Michael Baker) has a proven track record of bringing the Pinole community together to create shared and implementable plans for the future. Michael Baker’s recent experience offers unparalleled experience delivering sustainable, and implementable efficiencies and solutions.

I N T R O D U C T I O N
Michael Baker is a full-service planning, environmental, architecture, engineering, design, and construction
management firm founded in 1940. We have had a strong
California presence for over 80 years. Michael Baker’s
dedication to providing municipal consulting services has established our reputation as an industry leader.

Our relationship with the City goes back nearly two decades, collaborating with residents, stakeholders, elected/appointed officials, and City staff to develop a balanced and forwardthinking plans to safeguard the quality of life. We continue to offer experienced and personable planning, engineering, and building professionals to assist the City, and we have the resources and experience necessary to get the job done.

As demonstrated on the City's 2022 General Housing Element (HE) and Safety Element Updates, this included defining and updating plans that are user-friendly and guide future policy in a manner that does not compromise existing character, but also offers reasonable flexibility to make future decisions that are in the best interest of the City. Michael Baker offers the following depth of knowledge and our accompanying qualifications:

R E L AT I V E E X P E R I E NC E T O T H E S C OP E

OF WORK (SOW)
NEED FOR A DIVERSE LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE: The City’s
community-wide needs are diverse, which makes planning for that diversity dependent on a consultant that is knowledgeable on the many technical issues that go beyond fundamental land use planning, City ordinances that need to be updated, contrasts of development patterns, harmonizing economic development in a manner that respects residential properties, looking beyond individual modes of travel to account for the entire Bay Area transportation system, balancing environmental conditions with service and infrastructure needs, and upholding a high standard of public safety within the community just to name a few. Michael Baker has career experiences working for public agencies within Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, across California, and the Country, that yields our team a critical understanding of the dynamics.

The City of Pinole will continue to benefit from Michael Baker's broad range of experience providing planning and environmental services to advance projects efficiently to municipal, state, federal, and governmental agencies, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), private developers, school districts, and various conservation and preservation groups.

COMPANY PROFILE
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 3,902
HEADQUARTERS: 500 Grant Street, Suite 5400
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
BRANCH OFFICES: 11 in California
■ 500 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 300,
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
■ 3100 Zinfandel Drive, Suite 125
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
■ 9635 Granite Ridge Drive, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123

COMPANY HISTORY
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 84 ORGANIZATION: Corporation
STAFF: 585 in California
DISCIPLINES: Civil Engineering
Cultural Resources
Economics

PLANNING SERVICES
▬ Agency Management
▬ Code Compliance
▬ Community Engagement
▬ Development of
Procedures, Policies, &
Forms
▬ General Plan Updates &
Amendment
▬ Land Use & Policy Planning
▬ Management of Outside
Consultants
▬ Objective Design Standards

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES
▬ Environmental Documents
▬ Air Quality Modeling &
Permitting
▬ Archaeology
▬ Architectural History
▬ Mitigation & Monitoring
Program
▬ Native American Consultation
▬ Environmental Transportation & Mobility
▬ Civil Engineering & Design
Environmental
Planning
Urban Planning
▬ Natural Resources
▬ Paleontology
▬ Public Outreach
▬ Regulatory Assistance &
Permitting
▬ Specialized Technical
Studies
▬ Ordinance Preparation
▬ Organization Review
▬ Permit Streamlining
Programs
▬ Plan Review and Code
Compliance
▬ Project Tracking
▬ Public OutreachIn-person and Virtual
▬ Specific Plans and Vision
Plans
▬ Urban Design

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ B. COMPANY PROFILE ▬ PAGE 5

PLANNING SERVICES
Michael Baker’s planners bring significant experience to their work, accompanied with awareness of our role in implementing the City’s policies and procedures. We will continue to work with you to fully understand not only the specifics of the development proposals we review but the history and background that will help us to create an analysis and recommendation reflecting the City’s policies and practices.

When we commit the identified key staff to you, we are
also committing the resources of the entire firm. Staff with expertise in landscape architecture, environmental compliance, community development, transportation
planning, development review, code compliance, climate
change, GIS, engineering, building inspection, and regulatory documentation can be called upon to support and offer the City a wealth of knowledge.

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES
We offer a broad range of experience providing environmental services to advance projects efficiently through the
environmental documentation/permit process, acquisition, mitigation, and construction stages. We maintain a highly qualified team of environmental scientists, engineers,
planners, geologists, and cultural resources specialists who prepare documents, perform environmental investigations, assess impacts, document findings, obtain permits, and
development and implement mitigations. In doing so,
Michael Baker offers considerable experience in preparing environmental documents in compliance with CEQA/NEPA,
including associated technical analyses such as air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; biological, cultural, and natural resources; noise and vibration; and transportation.

We structure contracts to match your needs — We can provide entry-level staff or experienced managers. We build flexibility into our on-call contract work programs to better respond to a fluctuating workload, resulting in cost savings to our clients. The City will also benefit from the continuity, proven client responsiveness, and the creative, pragmatic approach of our planning and environmental planning leadership team.

A B I L I T Y T O P R O V I DE A F U L L R A NG E

O F S E R V I C E S
The Michael Baker team’s complete set of in-house
professional services aligns well with the potentially
broad scope of tasks under this contract. Our extensive team offering a wide range of expertise enables us the
ability to address any issues that may arise during the contract term, allowing the City to have all its resources available within a single integrated team. The Michael Baker team is large enough to respond to any task order or critical issue while being flexible to varied and shifting needs.

Further, Michael Baker offers the City a team that
has prepared and peer reviewed countless CEQA/
NEPA documents for agencies across California—
many of which have been prepared under on-call
service agreements—such as environmental impact reports (EIRs), initial studies/mitigated negative declarations (IS/ MNDs), categorical and statutory exemptions, as well as categorical exclusions, Environmental Assessments (EAs), and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs). Our experience as an environmental consultant to hundreds of public agencies throughout California, including in the San Diego and Southern California regions, has given us exceptional environmental planning qualifications and a wide range of problem-solving abilities. Our in-house experts understand legal issues, best practices, and special considerations to develop innovative, appropriate, and defensible solutions.

Under our on-call agreements, our clients routinely turn to us as a trusted advisor on CEQA/NEPA topics, including developing strategies for addressing unique environmental challenges, conducting training sessions for staff and elected and appointed officials, and conducting peer reviews of environmental documents and technical studies submitted by project applicants. As our staff have extensive experience with all steps in the CEQA and NEPA processes, Michael Baker regularly assists agency staff with conducting preliminary reviews, preparing and circulating public notices, conducting public meetings, preparing responses to comments, presenting at public hearings, and drafting and implementing mitigation monitoring and reporting programs, among other services.

REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS
Program 1 has a mid-cycle review by Q1 2027. With
identification of additional sites or programs by Q3 2027.

The City will see cost and schedule savings due to our
team's familiarity with city-owned sites, the intricacies of lower-income development eligibility, and SB 166. As part of the 2022 General HE and Safety Element Updates,
Michael Baker developed a short list of six additional
development opportunity sites. Where we can assist:
▬ Mid-Cycle Review: A short memo to provide a status
update on affordable housing developments.
▬ Prioritize Replacement Sites: Add to the RHNA site
inventory should the City have a net loss
▬ Ensure SB 166 Compliance: Unmet RHNA (83 total
units) by increasing housing opportunities for all
existing and future residents

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ B. COMPANY PROFILE ▬ PAGE 6

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE & REFERENCES
Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements | City of Pinole, CA Completed: 2024
Value: $481,360
Reference: Lilly Whalen, (510) 724-9832; [email protected] Michael Baker prepared a comprehensive set of revisions to the city's 6th Cycle General Plan housing element and safety element and prepared a new environmental justice element. The project involved a comprehensive public engagement plan in four languages and multiple city council and planning commission workshops.

We updated the current safety element to align with the OPR guidelines, bolstering the wildfire section, and the addition of several new topics including climate resiliency, evacuation, drought, dam inundation, the impact of the tsunami, emergency preparedness, crime, and health crises. The safety element update included a vulnerability assessment of critical facilities that will guide the climate resiliency policies. Michael Baker also conducted an evacuation routes study in accordance with AB 747 that will evaluate the capacity and viability of evacuation routes during a wildfire event and a dam breach event.

On-Call Planning Services | County of San Diego, CA
Completed: Ongoing
Value: $2.1M
Reference: Camila Easland, (858) 495-5491;
[email protected]
On-Call Environmental & Planning Services | City of Encinitas, CA Completed: Ongoing
Value: $375,000, to date
Reference: Anna Colamussi (760) 633-2724;
[email protected]
Michael Baker is providing planning and environmental services for discretionary projects which may include third-party peer review of CEQA documents and environmental technical studies; tribal consultation assistance in compliance with AB 52 and SB 18; strategic CEQA processing decisions; and other CEQA-related assistance, on an as-needed basis.

Presently, Michael Baker is peer reviewing the El Camino Real Specific Plan (ECRSP) which is intended to provide a framework to guide future development and improvements within the approximately 228-acre ECRSP Specific Plan Area. A key goal of the ECRSP is to support revitalization of the Specific Plan Area through implementation of streetscape improvements and objective design standards and guidelines to ensure that future redevelopment activities achieve the land use vision and design objectives intended for the SPA.

Michael Baker is providing comprehensive long-range planning services for the County of San Diego.

Projects include the adoption of a compliant Housing Element, Zoning Ordinance Update, development of a Community Benefits Agreement framework, “Let’s Talk Housing,” middle income/workforce housing review, Fallbrook Subarea Plan, and the award-winning Campo Road Corridor Revitalization Specific Plan.

The preparation of comprehensive zoning amendments that implemented over 120 state housing laws, addressing 20+ bills adopted by the state since 2019. These updates provide clarity to staff and applicants on aspects of the code in response to new requirements.

This project helped implement the County’s recently adopted Housing Element that Michael Baker prepared.

Michael Baker's long-range planning approach includes integrated stakeholder engagement and outreach plans. The team provided workshop facilitation, a web page, direct stakeholder outreach, and several presentations and workshops for the public, County staff, and the Board of Supervisors.

Retail Recovery Study | City of Palo Alto, CA
Michael Baker is conducting a retail recovery study for four commercial areas in Palo Alto to provide recommendations to retain, attract, and reinvigorate existing commercial areas, particularly areas that provide retail services. The research and analysis included stakeholder and peer city interviews, comparison of City’s commercial zoning code with two peer cities, in depth analyses of city’s zoning code, national retail trends analysis, local analysis based on CoStar and ESRI data, best practices. As a result of analysis several high-level modifications to zoning code were proposed that included eliminating or reducing regulatory constraints, conflicts, and outdated zoning strategies that deter, discourage, or overcomplicate the attraction, retention, and adaptation of retail business in Palo Alto.

A large part of the study is also within half mile of two train stations. Hence, the team also evaluated the implications of AB 2097 on study areas in order analyze the adequacy of the existing parking inventory and potential impacts on retail establishments and other future development in these parking relief areas. The outcome included providing recommendation for updates to parking regulations and management strategies.

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ B. COMPANY PROFILE ▬ PAGE 7

PROJECT CLIENT
On-Call Planning Services City of Eastvale ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ On-Call Environmental Services City of Chula Vista ✔ ✔ ✔ On-Call Environmental Services City of San Marcos ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ On-Call Planning Services County of San Diego ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ As-Needed Planning Services Riverside County ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
On-Call Planning Support San Bernardino County
Trans. Authority ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
CEQA Peer ReviewCEQA Document Prep.CEQA & NEPA Strategy Technical Study Prep.Outreach & Engagement
Inter-agency Coordination
Site Assessment
Plan Review
Housing Policy
Additional Relevant Projects List
These projects outline our experience and understanding of the work requested for the on call and environmental planning services. Staff Support

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ C. ORGANIZATION & STAFFING ▬ PAGE 8

ORGANIZATION CHART
Bob Stark, AICP *

PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE

CITY OF PINOLE
Dan Wery, AICP, LEED AP *

CONTRACT MANAGER

CEQA GENERAL
Bob Stark, AICP *
Nicole Marotz, AICP, LEED AP *
Shannon Liska, AICP *
Ian Plascencia

AIR QUALITY/ENERGY/GHG/NOISE
Eddie Torres, INCE
Zhe Chen, LEED Green
Tina Yuan

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Marisa Flores
Ryan Henry
Samantha Martinez

CULTURAL & HISTORIC RESOURCES
James Daniels, MA, RPA
Susan Wood, PhD

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/

ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS
Kristen Bogue

TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY
Dawn Wilson, PE, TE
Jacob Swim PE

VISUAL RESOURCES
Nicole Marotz, AICP, LEED AP

HYDROLOGY & WATER QUALITY
Jay Sullivan, PE, CFM, QSP/D

HOUSING & ZONING
Shannon Liska, AICP *
Hannah Kreitman, AICP Candidate
Cameron Savois, LEED Green Associate

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Noelle Anderson

URBAN DESIGN
Surabhi Barbhaya, AICP, LEED AP *
Pedro Peter Quintanilla
Kristin Compitello

TRANSPORTATION/TRANSIT
Dawn Wilson, PE, TE
Jordan Gray, PE, TE
Rick Williams, AICP

ECONOMICS
Dino Serafini, PE
Rick Williams, AICP
GIS
Rick Hendrickson, GISP
Lauren Winkler, GISP
C. ORGANIZATION & STAFFING
FULL SERVICE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE. Michael Baker has a proven track record of success on annual consultant agreement contracts across the state — including a tremendous amount of planning experience right here in the City of Pinole.

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SERVICES

CEQA/ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
KEY
* Key Staff

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ C. ORGANIZATION & STAFFING ▬ PAGE 9
Name || Role || Years of Experience /with Firm || Licenses/Certifications || Education || Representative Projects Bob Stark, AICP || PIC, QA/QC || 27; 12 || AICP, 17175 || MCRP, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Bob has full authority to perform contractual matters,
commit firm resources, and is ultimately responsible for the quality and timeline throughout the contract. Bob has successfully managed 20+ On-Call CEQA contracts.
▬ 2022 Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements. City of Pinole. PIC ▬ On-Call Planning Services. City of Chula Vista. PM.
▬ As-Needed Environmental Planning Services. City of Eastvale. PM/CEQA Reviewer.

Dan Wery, AICP, LEED AP || Contract Manager || 37; 19 || AICP, 010438; LEED AP, 10037662 || BA, Urban Studies, Columbia University Dan applies his 37 years of experience to solve problems in a holistic, responsible, and pragmatic manner that best serves the community and environment.
▬ 2022 Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements. City of Pinole. PM ▬ As Needed Advance Planning Services. County of San Diego. PM. » Housing Zoning Ordinance/Element Update
» Housing, EJ, and Safety Element Strategies
Surabhi Barbhaya, AICP, LEED AP || Planner, Land Use, Urban Design, Public Outreach || 20; 6 || AICP, 022061; LEED AP || MCRP, Land Use Planning, University of Cincinnati; B Arch., Architecture, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India Surabhi specializes in Socioeconomics, Title VI and
EJ, Land Use Planning, Zoning, Mitigation Plans and
Environmental Commitments. She is experienced in
urban planning, urban design, active transportation,
comprehensive planning, design guidelines, complete
streets, bike master plans, trail and greenway planning, and pedestrian studies.
▬ 2022 Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements. City of Pinole. PM/ Safety Element Lead.
▬ Commercial District Parking and Market Study. City of Rolling Hills Estates. PM/ Primary Author.
▬ Housing Prototype Study and Objective Design Standards. City of Cañada Flintridge.

PM/Land Use Planner.
▬ Retail Recovery Study. City of Palo Alto. PM/Land Use Planner.

Shannon Liska, AICP || Planner, Public Outreach || 4; 3 || AICP, 35033 || MCP, City Planning, San Diego State University; BA Economics, Gonzaga University; BA, Sociology, Gonzaga University Shannon contributes to policy, ordinance, and land
development projects, applying her expertise to CEQA
categorical exclusions and environmental research,
community planning, entitlement support, housing
elements, and general plan updates.
▬ 2022 Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements. City of Pinole Planner. ▬ Housing Zoning Ordinance/Element Update. County of San Diego. Planner. ▬ ADU Program Support. SANBAG. Planner.
▬ HE and Safety Element Revisions. City of Modesto. Planner. ▬ HE Update. City of Escondido. Planner.

Hannah Kreitman, AICP Candidate || Planner, Public Outreach || 4; 1 || AICP Candidate || BA, Urban Studies and Planning, UC San Diego Hannah supports housing related projects including
preparation of housing elements, zoning ordinances, and housing policy. She is an effective communicator and
experienced researcher.
▬ 22022 Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements. City of Pinole Planning Support.
▬ HE Revisions. City of Modesto. Planner.
▬ HUE Amendment Two. City of Norwalk. Planner.
▬ ADU Program Support. SANBAG. Planner.

Noelle Anderson || Hazard Mitigation, Environmental Justice, Land Use, Public Outreach || 10; 10 || MUP, University of Southern California; BA Environmental Studies/Environmental Planning, UC Santa Barbara Noelle provides hazard mitigation and vulnerability
analysis services. Her experience includes both local and multijurisdictional hazard mitigation plans. Her skill set includes identifying community hazards, evaluating past mitigation measures to develop future mitigation policy, plan implementation and maintenance.
▬ 2022 Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements. City of Pinole.Task Lead. ▬ Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, Safety Element, Emergency Operations Plan Update. City of South Gate. Project Manager.
▬ Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Element Update. City of Seal Beach. Project Manager.

Jordan Gray, PE, TE || Transportation Planner || 9; 8 || PE - Civil, C 89288 ; TE - TR 2987 || BS, Civil Engineering, San Diego State University Jordan is skilled with traffic modeling software including Synchro and SimTraffic which he utilizes to analyze
existing traffic operations and develop proposed
improvements.
▬ 2022 Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements. City of Pinole.

Transportation Planner.
▬ On-Call Engineering Services. City of Oakland. Transportation Engineer. ▬ On-Call Environmental Services. SANBAG. Transportation Planner. ▬ Civic Center Revitalization IS/MND. City of Garden Grove. Transportation Engineer.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, & EXPERIENCE OF STAFF » Housing Affordability
Strategy Support

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ C. ORGANIZATION & STAFFING ▬ PAGE 10
Name || Role || Years of Experience /with Firm || Licenses/Certifications || Education || Representative Projects Rick Williams, AICP || Transit, Economics || 21; 19 || AICP, 019892 || BA, Management Development, Fresno Pacific University Rick specializes in economic development and
predevelopment planning services to government
agencies
authoring more than 300 plans and economic studies.
▬ 2022 Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements. City of Pinole. Planning Support.
▬ Housing Zoning Ordinance/Element Update. County of San Diego. Planner. ▬ ADU Program Support. SANBAG. Planner.

Dawn Wilson, PE, TE || Transportation, Mobility || 29; 21 || PE - Civil, C62562; TE - 2548 || MS and BS, Civil Engineering, UC Irvine Dawn specializes in transportation planning and
multimodal studies that focus on balancing transportation modes within the built environment.
▬ 2022 Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements. City of Pinole. Planning Support.
▬ Housing Zoning Ordinance/Element Update. County of San Diego. Planner. ▬ ADU Program Support. SANBAG. Planner.

Lauren Winkler, GISP || GIS, Mapping || 20; 20 || GISP, 49870 || MS, Car tography & GIS, University of Wisconsin at Madison; BS, Information Systems/French & Francophone Studies, Carnegie Mellon University As a GIS specialist and cartographer, Lauren has created and managed geospatial data and has designed print and
web maps for high-visibility federal and local clients. ▬ 2022 Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice Elements. City of Pinole.

Applications Developer.
▬ Master Address Database Development. City of San Jose. GIT Specialist. ▬ GIS Trash Dashboard. Caltrans. GIT Specialist.

Rick Hendrickson, GISP || GIS, Mapping || 27; 26 || GISP, 52598 || BA , Environmental Studies, UC Santa Barbara Rick has experience working with and managing GIS
projects for the utility industry, municipalities, and
governmental agencies. He has designed and developed
web-based interactive project viewers.
▬ Tesoro Extension Project Environmental Assessment. Transportation Corridor Agencies. GIT Analyst.
▬ On-Call GIS Services. Mesa Water District. Project Manager. ▬ Port of San Diego Trash Amendment Support. San Diego Unified Port District. GIT Manager.

Dino Serafini, PE || Economics || 27; 17 || PE - Civil, C 51164 || MA, Environmental Policy & Management and BS Resource Economics, UC Riverside Dino has extensive experience in the development of
public facilities financing plans, cost estimates, phasing plans, threshold criteria, and the financial implications of land development policies.
▬ Public Facilities Financing Plans and Fiscal Impact Analysis. City of Chula Vista. PM. ▬ Development Impact Fee Program Review and Update. City ofCoachella. PM. ▬ Peer Review of Fiscal Impact Analyses. Riverside County. PM. ▬ Community Benefits Agreements Program. County of San Diego. PM.

Peter Quintanilla || Land Use, Public Outreach || 26; 7 || M. Arch Architecture/Urban Design and BA Chemistry, University of Miami Peter leads a team of innovative urban designers,
engineers and planners. He utilizes live drawing to
engage the community in decision-making during the
design process for comprehensive plans, specific plans, vision workshops.
▬ Campo Road Corridor Revitalization Specific Plan. San Diego County. Urban Design Lead.
▬ Casa de Oro Specific Plan. San Diego County. Urban Design Lead. ▬ Comprehensive Planning Services. City of Eastvale. Urban Design Lead.

Kirsten Compitello, AICP || Urban Design, Development Review || 12; 6 || AICP, 33164 || MA , Cultural Anthropology, Columbia University; B Arch, University of Notre Dame
Kirsten is an experienced planner with a focus on public engagement, planning policy, community planning,
and visual storytelling.
▬ General Plan Update. City of Rolling Hills Estates. Senior Planner. ▬ Quality Development Design Guidelines, Adaptive Reuse Program, and Update of Subdivision Regulations. City of Mesa, AZ. Planner.

ENVIRONMENTAL
Nicole Marotz, AICP, LEED AP || CEQA Lead || 27; 21 || AICP, 127424; LEED AP || MUP, Urban & Environmental Planning, University of Virginia; BA, Architectural Studies, University of Kansas, Lawrence Nicole is responsible for the preparation and review of environmental technical reports, in addition to providing land use planning and environmental permitting services for development and redevelopment projects.
▬ 2022 General HE and Safety Element Updates. City of Pinole. Senior Environmental Specialist.
▬ On-Call Environmental Services. City of San Marcos. Senior Environmental Specialist. ▬ On-Call Peer Review Services. City of Chula Vista. Senior Environmental Specialist.

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ C. ORGANIZATION & STAFFING ▬ PAGE 11
Name || Role || Years of Experience /with Firm || Licenses/Certifications || Education || Representative Projects Cristina Trevizo || Environmental Planner || 18; 3 || BS, Environmental Policy Analysis & Planning, UC Davis Cristina provides environmental support services to
Plymouth, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, Fullerton, San Pablo, South San Francisco,
Cupertino, Sacramento County, and Riverside County.
▬ On Call Planning Support. City of Palo Alto. Environmental Planner. ▬ Parkside Apartments NEPA EA and FONSI.Lakeport, CA. Environmental Planner. ▬ Inland Branch 2020 Fire Emergency Clean-Up Response Programr. CalRecycle.

Environmental Planner.

Cameron Savois, LEED GA || Environmental Planner || 8; 2 || LEED GA, 0011504898 || MURP, Planning & Urban Design, University of Colorado at Denver; BAE Environmental Planning, University of New Mexico Cameron supports a variety of design, transportation, and community development projects including preparing active transportation plans, safe routes to school plans, design guidelines, conceptual site plans and GIS services.

Ian Plascencia || Environmental Planner || 4; <1 || BA, Public Administration, San Diego State University Ian supports a variety of design, transportation, and community development projects for municipal clients.

James Daniels, MA, RPA || Cultural & Historical Resources || 18; 2 || RPA, 52140 || MA , Anthropology, Cal State Long Beach; BA, Anthropology, North Carolina State University
Experience includes archaeological surveys, evaluations of historic and prehistoric sites for listing in the California and National Registers, site mitigation data recoveries, mitigation monitoring, and preparation of archaeological resource management reports and cultural resources technical reports.

Susan Wood, PhD || Cultural & Historical Resources || 12; 11 || PhD, Histor y, UC Riverside; MA , Public Histor y, UC Riverside; BS, Anthropology, Cal Poly
Susan is a senior architectural historian experienced in historic preservation and cultural resource management. She meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Architectural History, History, and Archaeology.

Kristen Bogue || Haz Mat/ESA || 19; 19 || BS, Environmental Analysis & Design, UC Irvine Kristen prepares environmental studies focused on due diligence planning activities. She prepares Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Initial Site Assessments, Preliminary Hazardous Materials Assessments pursuant to CEQA.

Eddie Torres, INCE || Air Quality/Energy/GHG/Noise || 25; 25 || MS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California; BS Mechanical Engineering; BA Environmental Analysis and Design, UC Irvine Zhe Chen, LEED GA || Air Quality/Energy/GHG/Noise || 9; 5 || LEED GA || MBA ,Business Administration, UC Ir vine; MS Environmental Science & Engineering, Stanford University; BS Chemistry, Peking University Tina Yuan ||Air Quality/Energy/GHG/Noise || 3; 3 || MS, Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California; BS, Environmental Science, University of Arizona
Ryan Henry ||Biologist || 26; 24 || USFWS, TE031848-4 || BS, Applied Ecology, UC Irvine Marisa Flores || Biologist || 19; 17 || BS, Ecology and Evolution, UC Davis Samantha Martinez || Environmental Associate || 2; 2 || BS, Biological Sciences, Cal State San Marcos Jay Sullivan, PE, CFM, QSP/D || Hydrology & Water Quality || 20; 18 || PE - Civil, 77445; CFM, US-13-07186; QSP/QSD, 20571 || BS, Civil Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Jacob Swim, TE || Transportation & Mobility || 20; 8 || TE - 2873 || BS, Civil Engineering, San Diego State University

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ D. DESCRIPTION & APPROACH ▬ PAGE 12

U N DE R S TA N D I NG & A G R E E M E N T

W I T H S C OP E O F WO R K
Michael Baker understands Pinole has been experiencing a dramatically increased planning workload including five new development housing developments and a large industrial building. We are also keenly aware that Pinole has also been very busy in the last few years with several significant policy and ordinance development projects. It was our pleasure to assist Pinole with the preparation and the recent adoption and HCD certification of Pinole’s 6th Cycle Housing Element, update of the Safety Element, and preparation of a new
Health and Environmental Justice Element. Through these efforts, we have come to intimately understand Pinole’s land use, regulations, and have enjoyed working very closely and effectively with Pinole’s staff.

We helped prepare the Housing Element programs and are
prepared and uniquely qualified to help the city implement the programs in accordance with the commitments in the Housing Element. We understand that the Housing Element relies on the existing and future success of the mixed-use corridors in Pinole and that the Three Corridor Specific Plan is ripe for review and update to grow with the cities new housing and commercial activity. We have prepared a number of specific plans, new mixed-use zoning and corridor revitalization plans in the last few years that should prove directly relevant to Pinole’s goals.

We also understand that Pinole requires additional staff to help absorb the increased workload. The city needs consulting staff with experience in a broad range of development
projects to effectively administer the goals and vision of the Pinole General Plan, Housing Element, Zoning Code and
Three Corridor Specific Plan. Our staff not only prepare such plans, but also seamlessly serve as extension of city staff to many cities throughout California. This helps bring a level of understanding and examples that will benefit Pinole with project reviews, policy development and updates, and code amendments where necessary.

An important part of our municipal planning and environmental services at Michael Baker includes assisting cities and other public agencies with the review of development projects from the conceptual stage through final occupancy. Michael Baker’s planners have extensive public agency experience and can provide a wide-range of services related to development review, writing staff reports, resolutions and conditions approval, and working with developers to design projects consistent with the City’s goals and objectives. Michael Baker has been a recognized leader of entitlement planning services for over 40 years. The projects types range from simple to complex and are located throughout California. Team members work closely with each client to ensure a committed and professional approach to delivering successful projects.

Our client commitment, quality of work and professionalism has been the cornerstone of repeat work and existing client relationships. Our personnel possesses a wide diversity of specialized experience in land development planning, infrastructure phasing, due diligence, coastal planning, and transportation planning. The Michael Baker Team members have direct experience in successfully providing these services to other cities.

As noted in our qualifications, available staffing and references, we offer the full range of planning services that Pinole may need including:
▬ General Plan, Master Plan, Specific Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Grading Ordinance, and other
Municipal Code Updates and Revisions.
▬ Policy and procedure development in support on-going
process improvement. Examples include developing
standard staff report templates, establishing substantial conformance procedures and thresholds and creating
planning counter content including FAQs and public
handouts.
▬ Processing private development applications and cases including managing and review of CEQA documents.
▬ Reviewing projects for consistency with traditional and form-based codes and architectural design guidelines.
▬ Providing general project management and process
implementation services.
▬ Providing support at the planning division’s public counter. ▬ Preparing and presenting staff reports to community
workshops, Planning Commissions, and City Council hearings. ▬ Working directly with applicants to efficiently guide them through the entitlement process.

A P P R O A C H T O O N - C A L L P L A N N I NG

S E R V I C E S
Michael Baker is a recognized leader in the provision of on-call services. We have multiple on-call and extension of staff services throughout California and understand well the unique challenges and techniques of providing on-call services.

We regularly provide contract staff to augment city planning department staff and contract to lead and prepare special community engagement, studies, and policy and ordinance development projects.

D. DESCRIPTION & APPROACH
FULL SERVICE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE. Michael Baker has a proven track record of success on multiple on-call planning and environmental contracts across the state. This section identifies the understanding and acceptance of the scope of work, the approach to providing on-call and extension of staff services, the process for assigning and completing task orders, and recommended best practices for providing on-call services.

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ D. DESCRIPTION & APPROACH ▬ PAGE 13
We are prepared to provide the City with a team of highly experienced, professional planners who are fully capable of successfully performing all of the tasks associated with the processing discretionary development applications
and preparation of most policy and ordinance documents
and plans. Our approach to assisting the City is to work in close cooperation with the City as a seamless extension of your own staff. Our planners bring significant experience to their work, having provided similar services to various other cities within California. We are cognizant of our role and the need to implement the policy direction given by the City’s elected officials and the procedures developed by internal departments.

We will work with City staff to fully understand not only the specifics of the projects we are assigned but the history and background that will help us to create an analysis and recommendation that reflects City policies and practices.

Since we work for agencies throughout California, we can also provide examples of successful programs, policies, and documents from other agencies, something our clients have found particularly helpful.

H O U S I NG E L E M E N T I M P L E M E N TAT I O N
Michael Baker will assist the City in its goal to implement programs that preserve, conserve, improve, and address
housing needs in the current (2023 – 2031) planning period.

Michael Baker will continue to translate Housing Element goals, policies, and programs into actionable items by collaborating with residents, stakeholders, elected/appointed officials, and City staff to balance forward-thinking visions to decisions that safeguard the quality of life for Pinole residents. This includes defining polices that are user-friendly and guides future development in a manner that does not compromise existing character, but also offers reasonable flexibility to make future decisions that are in the best interest of the City. Below is a brief summary our knowledge of the City's Housing Element implementation actions that we are uniquely qualified to help develop and administer:

Program 1: Mid-cycle review of RHNA progress and
identification of additional RHNA sites as necessary.

Timeline: Mid-cycle review by Q1 2027. Identification of additional sites or programs by Q3 2027.

Program 4: Development of an Accessory Dwelling Unit
(ADU) Amnesty Program and Zoning Ordinance
Timeline: By April 2025
Program 5: SB 9 Zoning Code Amendments and
development of Objective Design Standards
Timeline: By Q2 2025.

Program 6: Prepare, update, or revise EIR as appropriate to provide CEQA clearances for projects that comply
with existing zoning. Review and update as necessary
the EIR prepared for the GP and Specific Plan so that
individual projects can utilize opportunities for tiering from environmental documentation and streamlining
provided under CEQA, where applicable, which can reduce duplicative analyses and streamline environmental review.

Timeline: Begin by April 2026 and complete by April 2029 Program 7: Creation of an In-Lieu Fee Alternative for
inclusionary housing policy
Timeline: By April 2026
Program 8: Create and adopt a set of incentives for
projects that provide a minimum of 15 percent of total
units affordable to low and moderate income households.

Provide additional affordable housing beyond the City’s 15 percent inclusionary requirement.

Timeline: By April 2025
Program 12: Zoning Ordinance Amendments – Necessary
to comply with state law.

Timeline: By April 2025
Program 22: Promote ADU, JADU, SB9 Education. Create
educational materials such as fliers, FAQs, guidance on the ADU/SB 9 process, pamphlets, workshops, etc.

Timeline: Ongoing
Miscellaneous: A number of programs involve contacting
developers, providing workshops, fliers, and other
educational/outreach materials. Michael Baker can assist as needed.

Timeline: Ongoing

PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPROACH
Before we start any project, our Program Manager Dan Wery, AICP, LEED AP, will work with the City project manager to determine the scope of a project in its entirety. From this, we will develop a detailed SOW as a task order, highlighting our project understanding, approach, cost, and timeline. We will assign personnel based on any experience with the project, familiarity with the area, and ability to complete the project within the appropriate budget and schedule.

The task order will include our project expectations, such as availability of previous studies and access to technical information. We will then discuss our estimate with the City and make adjustments to meet the City’s needs. Because every project is unique in duration, requirements, or other specifics, our team will identify the specific steps with the City during the scoping process of each task order. Then, at each step of task order execution, our PM will consult with the City to confirm processing strategy, timing, and goals for project success.

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ D. DESCRIPTION & APPROACH ▬ PAGE 14
Our management team will provide close coordination with the City, ensure technical accuracy, and carefully monitor budget and schedule compliance, ensuring the overall success of the project. The early identification and resolution of critical issues is imperative to keep a project on track. Dan's role will be to coordinate the project directly with the City’s project manager, be fully cognizant of the day-to-day technical issues, and develop consensus with City staff and the project team. Dan will oversee the project team and be responsible for ensuring Michael Baker’s successful completion of each task, as well as ensuring that the City’s goals and expectations are being met.

PLANNING SERVICES
Our team members are on the forefront of their respective technical disciplines. Whether it is tracking housing legislation or training agency staff on climate action planning, our team includes professionals who stay up to date on the most relevant regulations related to your projects and are leaders in their disciplines. Specific tasks associated with project application processing may include but are not limited to the following:
▬ Application intake and reporting
▬ Consultation with other City departments as needed
▬ Preliminary project and application review
▬ Formal application review and evaluation for completeness ▬ Analysis of zoning, the General Plan, specific plans, master plans, and area plans, including applicability of state density bonus law
▬ Site visits and applicant meetings
▬ Preparation of staff reports for review by advisory bodies, the Planning Commission, and the City Council
▬ Historic resource evaluation and permitting
▬ Engagement and management of technical consultants
▬ Presentations and/or assistance to City staff with project presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, or other City hearing bodies as needed
▬ Conduct of scoping, outreach, or public information
meetings with City staff
Any and all tasks will be established and assigned by senior managing staff. Per Addendum no. 1, planning staffing services can be provided at City Hall; however, we are comfortable working remotely.

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES
Michael Baker’s experience in urban planning, transportation, and air quality management helps develop and assess project designs that minimize impacts to the natural environment and community. Our team includes a bench of staff with expertise in biological, cultural, and water resources; air quality and noise; CEQA/NEPA planning; regulatory permitting and wetland
delineations; traffic and circulation; and GIS and GPS. Michael Baker possesses the full range of disciplines necessary to provide turnkey environmental, planning, design, and implementation of a wide range of projects.

C A PA C I T Y T O B A L A NC E M U LT I P L E

P R O J EC T S / P R I O R I T I E S
Michael Baker has the depth of resources to properly respond to all potential task orders under this contract. This contract will be managed from our San Diego office and supported by our robust capacity of 500 local professionals in nearby offices of Oakland, Davis, and more than 3,900 nationwide. We have the resources and capacity to provide the City with continuous undisrupted service while performing complex projects
simultaneously. Our staff knows how to meet demanding
project schedules by pooling our resources from expert staff throughout the region and will provide the City with the highest quality service and on-time performance.

Michael Baker has held more than 150 on-call contracts with over 60 Southern California municipal agencies and institutions.

We understand that key aspects to a successful on-call service contract pivot on establishing a proper management plan with clear goals and well-defined deliverables. Although deliverables with each task order may differ, they will be managed with the agreed set of expectations, monitored in accordance with the agreed time and budget, and executed in accordance to jurisdictional requirements and industry best practices. We possess the in-house management experience and technical breadth to respond effectively to a full range of task order assignments.

Michael Baker’s approach is designed for regular interaction between City staff and our environmental team, as appropriate, which allows for frequent information sharing among project members. This approach will assist in data exchange without loss of time or resources and will give City staff advance input on issues that arise. Such participation improves the technical quality and accuracy of analysis, and ultimately reduces the cost of services.

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ E. SCHEDULE OF WORK ▬ PAGE 15

SCHEDULING METHODOLOGY & APPROACH TO SCHEDULE MANAGEMENT E. SCHEDULE OF WORK
Michael Baker’s recent experience offers unparalleled experience delivering sustainable, and implementable efficiencies and solutions on planning projects in the City. Michael Baker will perform all tasks in-house.

Michael Baker is accustomed to working within budgetary constraints to provide maximum value to our clients. This is done through close communication with the City and careful project monitoring. We are committed to informing City staff, as appropriate, as soon as possible of any potential or proposed revisions that will affect the established budget.

Michael Baker’s adherence to the original SOW
and initial budget is achieved through timely,
open, honest, and continuous communications
with City staff. Frequent monitoring through
Michael Baker’s Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Earned Value Management (EVM) systems evaluates costs at each
milestone submittal against the established baseline fee to control consultant contract costs. Each task and subtask in the WBS will have its own budget. All tasks will be included in one EVM report, which will be the basis for invoicing. Progress will be monitored on the EVM against the percentage of budget spent. This analysis will alert Michael Baker immediately if the project is going over budget and will assist in developing an action/recovery plan to achieve success.

In addition to closely monitoring and tracking
project budgets and schedules, our environmental
planning team regularly seeks opportunities to
streamline environmental documentation to shorten
environmental review timelines and conserve budget where possible. Public Resources Code Sections 21080 et seq. and the CEQA Guidelines include a list of projects that can be either statutorily or categorically exempted from the CEQA review process. Additionally, CEQA Guidelines Section 15152 allows for tiering by using the analysis of general matters contained in a broader EIR, such as one prepared for a general plan or policy statement, with later EIRs and negative declarations on narrower projects. Depth of knowledge in applying such options allows Michael Baker to assist an agency in potentially expediting a project through the CEQA process.

Michael Baker will work with the City to determine an
appropriate timeline once project specifics for each task order are determined. Overall, the anticipated timeline will be influenced by the complexity of the project, the type of CEQA document prepared, the number of technical studies, degree of controversy, and other such conditions.

QUALITY CONTROL/QUALITY ASSURANCE
As part of our commitment to quality service, Michael Baker's QA/QC program is implemented and scaled for each task order.

We build in quality at every step, promoting prevention rather

PLANNING
» Ensure the proposed scope
addresses the project
purpose and need

INITIATION
» Meet deliverables
and drive task order
milestones
1 2

DELIVERY
» Maintain realistic perspective
on project budget while
striving for optimal solutions

QUALITY CONTROL
» Perform detailed
internal reviews
6 CEQA DOCUMENT / KEY TASKS EST.

TIMELINE
Notice of Exemption
4-6 weeks
Project Kick-off/Initial Research/Project
Description
Prepare Notice of Exemption
File Notice of Determination
IS/MND or EIR
8-12
months
(IS/MND)
12+ months
(EIR)
Project Kick-off/Initial Research/Project
Description
Notice of Preparation/Public Scoping
Meeting (EIR only)
Prepare (or Peer Review) Technical Studies/
Commence Tribal Consultations (as needed)
Prepare Administrative Draft/Draft CEQA
Document
Public Review & Comment
▬ 20-30 days (IS/MND)
Prepare Final Documents/Responses to
Comments/Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program
Public Hearing
File Notice of Determination
▬ 45 days (EIR)
Our team has proven success with City projects and will continue to develop action-ready solutions through an inclusive, transparent, and forward-thinking task-order process.

TYPICAL TASK ORDER PROCESS

MONITORING & CONTROL
» Address all design
challenges through expert
engineering and survey
services
4 EXECUTION
» Establish a clear
responsive line of
communication
3 5

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ E. SCHEDULE OF WORK ▬ PAGE 16

PROJECT SPECIFIC

QUALITY

MANAGEMENT PLAN

PROJECT CONTROLS

WORK STANDARDS

QA PROJECT REVIEWS QUALITY AUDIT

QUALITY ASSURANCE QUALITY CONTROL

QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The QA/QC process provides assurance through
comprehensive, thorough, and effective measures to
meet the City’s expectations and goals.
than detection. Senior staff conduct independent project review at milestone stages. We analyze all project documents for constructibility, cost control, code requirements, stakeholder coordination, clarity, schedule control, errors and/or omissions and compliance.

Our team is fully committed to Quality Management and QA/QC and has a strong history of delivering quality products to the City. We are committed to completing projects that meet your requirements with respect to scope, schedule, budget, and technical quality.

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ F. SUBCONSULTANTS ▬ PAGE 17
F. SUBCONSULTAN T S
Michael Baker anticipates performing all tasks in-house and will not require teaming partners at this time.

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ G. COST PROPOSAL ▬ PAGE 18
G. COST PROPOSAL
The City can continue to achieve successful and streamlined project delivery by taking advantage of Michael Baker’s unmatched experience and availability.

Note: These rates are binding for the first year of the on-call contract. An annual adjustment of 4% may be applied based on inflation/cost of living with City approval. Reproduction costs will be billed at cost plus 10%.

CLASSIFICATION HOURLY RATES
Project Principal $255.00 - $300.00
Program Manager $200.00 - $225.00
Project Director $180.00 - $250.00
Senior Advisor $175.00 - $235.00
Project Manager $155.00 - $250.00
Planner IV/Environmental Planner IV/ Technical Specialist IV $165.00 - $195.00 Planner III/Environmental Planner III/Technical Specialist III $140.00 - $160.00 Planner II/Environmental Planner II/Technical Specialist II $120.00 - $140.00 Planner I/Environmental Planner I/Technical Specialist I $90.00 - $120.00 GIS/Graphics Specialist $120.00 - $155.00
Administrative $85.00 - $130.00
Technical Editor $115.00 - $150.00
No Subconsultants

COST CONTROL PROCESS
Dan is highly skilled in his abilities to organize, evaluate, and oversee costs. This technical ability allows us to accurately evaluate workload and make appropriate staffing decisions for timely project completion.

Weighing any proposed improvements against the project’s purpose and needs while considering cost and longevity is critical. We will address the primary purpose while maintaining a firm perspective on the budget.

Cost control processes to be performed by Dan and other supporting discipline managers include:

Scope, Fee and Schedule Development Upon
request of the City, Dan will meet with City staff
to determine the scope of services. Michael Baker
will then prepare a detailed SOW, fee estimate and
schedule in compliance with City requirements. The
scope, fee and schedule will be submitted to City staff for approval and notice-to-proceed. Michael Baker
has a track record of finishing projects on time within allocated budget.

Progress Updates – According to the complexity of
the project, Dan will provide routine project updates
at major milestones.

Project Budgets – In most cases, services will be
provided lump sum or fee-not-to-exceed. Approved
project costs will not exceed the contract amount
without prior written approval.

Coordination – We are readily available to City
staff, we coordinate review and regulatory agency
approvals, and schedule and administer project
meetings. We keep the City apprised of the work
progress, schedule, and anticipated review dates by
means of phone calls, emails or progress reports.

Production – A key component independent of the QC
process is to ensure the overall design is consistent
with the City’s desired objectives. Review of all plans, reports, minutes, schematics, and calculations will
take place to ensure these objectives are met.

▬ H. RÉSUMÉ, RELEVANT PROJECTS/SERVICES WITH REFERENCES ▬ PAGE 19 ▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ PIC
Bob Stark, AICP
Mr. Stark prepares and manages environmental review documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA.

His expertise in guiding high-profile and controversial projects through the rigors of state and federal environmental review and permitting processes has made him a valued advisor to public agencies throughout California. His broad base of knowledge ranges from air quality, noise, and traffic analysis to habitat restoration and climate change. Mr. Stark created the curriculum for the UCSD Extension CEQA Course, which he has instructed over the past 10+ years.

Years of Experience
26 Education
MA, City and Regional
Planning, CalPoly San
Luis Obispo
BA, Urban Studies and
Planning, UC San Diego
Licenses/Certifications
AICP # 017175
Professional Affiliations
Association of
Environmental
Professionals
American Planning
Association
County of San Diego
Approved EIR Preparer
References
Gustavo Gonzalez
City of Eastvale
(951) 703-4499
Patty Anders
City of Encinitas
(760) 633-2721
Saima Qureshy
City of San Marcos
(760) 744-1050

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
On-Call CEQA Services. San Diego County, CA.

PROJECT MANAGER. Oversaw all as-needed
environmental support work efforts and
developed scopes of work, fee estimates, and
schedules to meet County needs.

On-Call Environmental Services. City of Chula
Vista, CA. PROJECT MANAGER. Led the ongoing
provision of environmental services. Current
services include managing peer review of EIRs
and Addendums, along with supporting technical
studies, to ensure accuracy and conformance
with CEQA requirements. Projects include the
Otay Ranch Village 8 East SPA, Rohr/Wohl
Specific Plan, Otay Ranch Freeway Commercial
South SPA Plan Amendment, and Otay Ranch
Village 7 SPA Plan Amendment.

On-Call Environmental Services. City of San
Marcos, CA. PROJECT MANAGER. Responsible
for providing technical third-party peer review
services. Provided peer review of an EIR and
supporting technical reports for a 14.5-acre,
192-unit multifamily residential development
with open space, active recreation areas, and
utility/public service improvements.

On-Call CEQA Services. San Diego County Water
Authority, CA. PROJECT MANAGER. Managed a
team of environmental planners, biologists, and
other specialists in helping the Water Authority
comply with a host of environmental regulations
as it implemented its Facilities Master Plan. Task
orders included biological monitoring for Water
Authority maintenance activities within its rightof-way and assistance with implementing its Habitat Conservation Plan. Mr. Stark also served
as a strategic consultant to the Water Authority,
assisting with the Quantification Settlement
Agreement and Mitigation Plan for the Salton
Sea. He coordinated regularly with agency
staff, the outside legal team, and other agency
representatives to help steer a course toward
acceptable mitigation projects for the Salton
Sea.

On-Call CEQA Services. Civic San Diego, CA.

PROJECT MANAGER. Managed the preparation
of CEQA studies for more than 30 projects,
encompassing over 1,000 new residential units
in downtown San Diego. Services included
providing environmental counsel to Civic San
Diego to review all development projects
proposed for downtown San Diego. In providing
environmental review, Mr. Stark helped the
agency determine if proposed projects were
consistent with the Program EIR for the
downtown planning area. Responsibilities
included accommodating extremely aggressive
turnaround times required by the client—
sometimes less than two weeks. He developed
and implemented a standardized report format
and workflow procedure to ensure both high
quality and quick delivery of reports.

On-Call CEQA Services. City of Solana
Beach, CA. PROJECT MANAGER. Managed
an adjunct staffing contract with the City.

Provided municipal planning staff and strategy
on achieving CEQA compliance for several
projects. Under the contract, Mr. Stark managed
the preparation of an EIR for a proposed
condominium and hotel resort on Highway 101 at
the northern end of Solana Beach. The property
abuts San Elijo Lagoon, and therefore, the EIR
placed great emphasis on biological and water
quality impacts. Computer-generated visual
simulations were prepared and included in the
EIR to address concerns about blocking ocean
views to surrounding residences.

▬ H. RÉSUMÉ, RELEVANT PROJECTS/SERVICES WITH REFERENCES ▬ PAGE 20 ▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬

CONTRACT/PROGRAM MANAGER
Dan Wery, AICP LEED AP
Mr. Wery's 30 years of comprehensive public and private sector planning experience includes preparation of general plans, zoning ordinances and subdivision codes, project entitlement review and processing, policy planning, community engagement, and environmental impact document review and preparation. His areas of expertise include policy and ordinance development, land use and corridor revitalization planning; housing element update preparation and land development and permitting and advisory services. Project types include comprehensive plans, specific plans, general plans, housing element updates and implementation, zoning, community plans, and design guidelines. Mr. Wery applies his experience to solve problems in a holistic, responsible, and pragmatic manner that best serves the community and environment. Principled and pragmatic, Dan maintains a perspective on long-term goals with a focus on implementation and achieving near-term results.

Years of Experience
30 Education
BA, 1987, Urban
Studies, Columbia
University
Licenses/Certifications
AICP # 010438
LEED AP #10037662
Professional Affiliations
American Planning
Association
U.S. Green Building
Council
Urban Land Institute
References
Lilly Whalen
City of Pinole
(510) 724-9832
Mike Madrid
County of San Diego
(619) 964-6918
Sofia Mangalam
City of Foster City
(650) 286-3239

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
General Housing Element and Safety Element
Updates. City of Pinole, CA. PROJECT
MANAGER. Responsible for the preparation
of the City of Pinole housing and safety
element updates. Michael Baker prepared a
comprehensive set of revisions to the city's 6th
Cycle General Plan housing element and safety
element and prepared a new environmental
justice element. The project involved a
comprehensive public engagement plan in four
languages and multiple city council and planning
commission workshops.

As-Needed Municipal Planning Services. City of
Chula Vista, CA. TASK MANAGER. Michael Baker
provided municipal planning services for various
as-needed assignments. Assignments included
serving as the consultant for City staff and
preparing staff reports, resolutions, ordinances,
and other related documents for the Design
Review Committee, Planning Commission, City
Council, and other decision- making bodies.

Michael Baker also made presentations to
various committees, planning commissions,
City Council, citizen planning groups, and other
organizations.

Housing Prototype Study. City of Cañada
Flintridge, CA. PROJECT MANAGER. Developed
and tested models to determine the capacity of
the existing multi-family and mixed-use zones
to achieve the necessary development densities
to comply with California Regional Housing
Needs Allocation and Housing Element Update
requirements. Michael Baker is assisting the City
of La Cañada Flintridge in developing a housing
prototype feasibility study as a vital component
of its housing element efforts.

As-Needed Advance Planning Services.

County of San Diego County, CA. PROGRAM
MANAGER. Responsible for the management
and preparation of projects from a multiyear
on-call contract with the County of San Diego
Planning and Development Services Department
for advanced planning (policy and ordinance
development). Michael Baker provided longrange planning and associate support services on an as-needed basis to the County for three
years. Our services included preparation
and review of draft policies and ordinances,
zoning and community planning, urban design,
community outreach, stakeholder engagement
and facilitation, environmental review and
compliance, and attendance at hearings and
meetings. Dan managed the following projects
over the last few years:
▬ Housing Element Update
▬ Housing Affordability Strategy Support
▬ Residential Density Yield Analyses
▬ Active Transportation Plan
▬ Casa de Oro Campo Road Corridor
Revitalization Plan Specific Plan
▬ General Plan Amendment Comprehensive
Property Specific Request Study
▬ Valley Center South Village Form-Based
Code
▬ Urban Agricultural Incentive Zone
▬ Dark Sky Communities Light Ordinance
▬ Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety
Element Strategies
▬ Housing Zoning Amendments
▬ Carbon Farming Pilot Program
▬ Let’s Talk Housing/Middle Income Housing
Engagement

▬ H. RÉSUMÉ, RELEVANT PROJECTS/SERVICES WITH REFERENCES ▬ PAGE 21 ▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER / PROJECT MANAGER
Nicole Marotz, AICP, LEED AP
Ms. Marotz assists in the management and preparation of environmental and planning studies for public and private sector clients in accordance with CEQA, NEPA, and other local, state, and federal laws. Her primary work involves preparing and coordinating EIRs and IS/MNDs for a variety of project types. She is responsible for the preparation and review of environmental technical reports, in addition to providing land use planning and environmental permitting services for development and redevelopment projects in San Diego County and central/southern California.

Years of Experience
26 Education
Masters, 1997, Urban
and Environmental
Planning, University of
Virginia, Charlottesville
BA, 1994, Architectural
Studies University of
Kansas, Lawrence
Professional Certificate
- Green Energy
Management, 2011, San
Diego State University
Licenses/Certifications
AICP # 127424

LEED AP
Professional Affiliations
American Planning
Association
San Diego County
Certified Consultant
for EIR Preparation and
Visual Analyses
References
Dahvia Lynch
County of San Diego
(858) 694-2962
Anna Colamussi
City of Encinitas
(760) 633-2724
Saima Qureshy
City of San Marcos
(760) 744-1050 x 32222

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
General Housing Element and Safety
Element Updates. City of Pinole, CA. SENIOR
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST. Assisted with
preparation of CEQA documentation. Michael
Baker prepared a comprehensive set of revisions
to the city's 6th Cycle General Plan housing
element and safety element and prepared a
new environmental justice element. The project
involved a comprehensive public engagement
plan in four languages and multiple city council
and planning commission workshops.

On-Call Environmental Services. City of
San Marcos, CA. SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL
SPECIALIST. Currently providing peer review
of an EIR and supporting technical reports for
a 14.5-acre, 192-multifamily residential unit
development with supporting open space, active
recreation areas, and utility and public service
improvements.

On-Call Environmental Services. City of
Eastvale, CA. SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL
SPECIALIST. Assisting in the provision of
technical review for CEQA documentation
and associated technical studies for a variety
of development projects in order to ensure
compliance with CEQA requirements and City
goals, policies, and regulations.

On-Call Environmental Services. City of
Solana Beach, CA. SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL
SPECIALIST. Provided ongoing environmental
services and peer review as needed. Projects
have included peer review of applicant-prepared
technical reports and preparation of an IS/
MND for an 8-unit multifamily residential infill
development with supporting open space and
parking.

On-Call Environmental Services. Riverside
County, CA. CEQA LEAD. Responsible for
providing third-party technical review of
CEQA-related documents such as EIRs and
MNDs, as well as supporting technical analyses,
to ensure compliance with CEQA requirements,
overall adequacy of environmental analysis,
conformance with County policies and
regulations, and QA.

On-Call Peer Review Services. City of
Chula Vista, CA. SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL
SPECIALIST. Current services include peer
review of EIRs and Addendums, along with
supporting technical studies to ensure accuracy
and conformance with CEQA requirements.

Projects undergoing peer review include:
▬ Otay Ranch Village 8 East SPA
▬ Rohr/Wohl Specific Plan
▬ Otay Ranch Freeway Commercial South
SPA Plan Amendment
▬ Otay Ranch Village 7 SPA Plan Amendment
Housing Safety EJ Element. City of San Juan
Capistrano, CA. SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL
SPECIALIST. Assisted in preparation of
CEQA Addendums for General Plan Safety
and EJ Elements. Michael Baker prepared a
comprehensive set of revisions to the city's
housing element and safety element and
prepared a new EJ element. The project involved
a comprehensive public engagement plan in
multiple languages, including special workshops
and outreach to areas of concentrated needs
and coordination with community-based
organizations to promote fair housing and EJ.

The safety element focused on natural and manmade hazards and includes policies addressing health crises and crime prevention through
urban design. Multiple consultation sessions
were conducted with the California Department
of Forestry and Fire Protection since parts of city
are in a very high fire hazard zone.

▬ H. RÉSUMÉ, RELEVANT PROJECTS/SERVICES WITH REFERENCES ▬ PAGE 22 ▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ROLE
Shannon Liska, AICP
Ms. Liska’s experience is focused on providing services for a variety of projects requiring planning and environmental studies, CEQA/NEPA, and GIS services. Ms. Liska contributes to policy, ordinance, and land development projects, applying her expertise to CEQA categorical exclusions and environmental research, community planning, entitlement support, housing elements, and general plan updates. Ms. Liska is also a skilled researcher and participates frequently in public outreach in support of the documents she prepares.

Years of Experience
4 Education
MCP, 2020, City
Planning, San Diego
State University
BA, 2017, Sociology,
Gonzaga University
BA, 2017, Economics,
Gonzaga
Licenses/Certifications
AICP #35033
Professional Affiliations
American Planning
Association
References
Lilly Whalen
City of Pinole
(510) 724-9832
Robert Dalaquest
City of Upland
(909) 931-4148
Scott Hunter
City of Grand Terrace
(909) 954-5177

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
General Housing Element and Safety Element
Updates. City of Pinole, CA. PLANNER. R.

Responsibilities included drafting major portions
of city's compliant 6th Cycle Housing Element
including the review of past accomplishments,
constraints on the provision of housing, sites
and resources, and programs. Responsible
for creating and executing the sites selection
strategy to help the city meet its 6th Cycle RHNA.

Corresponded with California State Department
of Housing and Community Development to
achieve a compliant housing element for the
city. Supported city staff at adoption hearings
for the housing element. The project involved a
comprehensive public engagement plan in four
languages and multiple city council and planning
commission workshops.

Housing Element Unpdate. City of Gilroy, CA.

PLANNER. Responsibilities include drafting
major portions of the Housing Element in
including the needs analysis, constraints, sites,
and programs chapters of the housing element.

Created model used for selecting parcels to
include in the sites inventory to meet the RHNA.

Conducted public outreach by compiling a list
of, contacting stakeholders and facilitating
focus groups. Incorporated comments from the
public outreach process into the draft Housing
Element. Assisted in creating public outreach
presentations and running the workshops.

ADU Program Support. San Bernardino
Associated Governments (SANBAG), CA.

PLANNER. Responsibilities included GIS site
analysis for the City of Redlands housing element
update. Identified sites with potential for lowincome developments to include in housing element update. Conducted GIS analysis of RHNA
sites and to identify parcels included in various
HE programs. Drafted the fair housing section
of the HE, including necessary fair housing
mapping and spatial analysis. Completed HCD
sites inventory form and appropriate revisions
in the HE in response to multiple rounds of HCD
review. Michael Baker is assisting the client with
the ADU program to help the communities in the
San Bernardino County area. The project includes
developing a toolkit of policies and programs for
use by various communities to include in their
housing elements. The Michael Baker team
also developed plan sets for 13 ADUs varying
from studio to two-bedroom configurations.

Each plan set is accompanied by three different
elevation styles. A total of 10 architectural styles
were used to produce elevations. Of the 13 sets,
four sets were developed to the construction
documentation stage.

Housing Element and Safety Element Revisions.

Town of Los Altos Hills, CA. PLANNER.

Responsible for drafting major portions of the
housing element draft including the needs
assessment, constraints, and analysis of fair
housing. Conducted public outreach by drafting
a survey, compiling a list of stakeholders, and
organizing and facilitating focus groups. Assisted
in revisions in several rounds of HCD comment
letters to achieve a compliant housing element.

Supported staff in adoption hearings. Michael
Baker prepared a comprehensive set of revisions
to the city's HE and safety element. The project
involved a comprehensive public engagement
plan in multiple languages, including special
workshops and outreach. The safety element
focused on updating the established conditions
analysis in accordance with the new regulation
and OPR Guidelines, integrating county led
HMP into the safety element. Michael Baker
also conducted an evacuation routes study in
accordance with AB 747 to study the capacity
and viability of evacuation routes.

▬ H. RÉSUMÉ, RELEVANT PROJECTS/SERVICES WITH REFERENCES ▬ PAGE 23 ▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬

SENIOR SUPPORT/PLANNER
Surabhi Barbhaya, AICP, LEED AP
Ms. Barbhaya is experienced in urban planning, urban design, and active transportation. She has worked on a spectrum of projects, including comprehensive planning, design guidelines, complete streets, bike master plans, trail and greenway planning, and pedestrian studies. Her urban planning background helps her take a holistic approach towards projects by integrating land use, transportation, and sustainable development to respond to demographic, market, economic, physical, and organizational forces.

Years of Experience
20 Education
MCP, 2005, Land Use
Planning, University of
Cincinnati
B.Arch., 1999,
Architecture, Maharaja
Sayajirao University of
Baroda, India
Licenses/Certifications
Certified Planner,
Worldwide, #022061
LEED Accredited
Professional, 2006
Professional Affiliations
American Institute of
Certified Planners
American Planning
Association
References
Jeannie Naughton
City of Rolling Hills
Estates (310) 377-1577
Mike Madrid
San Diego County
(619) 964-6918
Josh Lee
San Bernardino
County Transportation
Authority
(909) 884-8276

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
General Housing Element and Safety Element
Updates. City of Pinole, CA. PM AND SAFETY
ELEMENT LEAD. Responsible for the preparation
of the city's housing and safety element updates.

Michael Baker prepared a comprehensive set
of revisions to the city's 6th Cycle General
Plan housing element and safety element
and prepared a new environmental justice
element. The project involved a comprehensive
public engagement plan in four languages and
multiple city council and planning commission
workshops.

Commercial District Parking and Market
Study. City of Rolling Hills Estates, CA. PM AND
PRIMARY AUTHOR. The parking and market
study focused on the commercial district in
Rolling Hills Estates. Michael Baker analyzed
the District's market conditions and made
recommendations for future absorption of
residential and non-residential uses. Market
leakage/surplus analysis was conducted, and
comparables were drawn from successful
developments to understand sales and tenant
mix. Proformas were developed for various
housing types to analyze the residual land value
to recommend housing development density.

Housing Prototype Study and Objective Design
Standards. City of Cañada Flintridge, CA. PM
AND LAND USE PLANNER. Michael Baker
developed a housing prototype feasibility study
as a vital component of the City's Housing
Element efforts and a visual preference survey
that will lead to revising development standards.

The project involves using the existing design
standards and guidelines spread across various
documents including zoning code and creating a
new set of objective design standards that could
be applicable to both Mixed use and multifamily
zones.

Town Center Specific Plan. City of Santa Clarita,
CA. DEPUTY PM AND PRIMARY AUTHOR. The
City is shaping the next generation of the Town
Center that will include a thriving district with a
mix of uses, experiential retail spaces, housing
options, employment centers, and civic spaces
connected with a variety of mobility options and
accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, motorists,
and transit riders. This is being strategically
planned while being mindful of the changing
trends in retail and office uses and that some
of the existing commercial uses are vital to
the economy of Santa Clarita. The Plan will
further establish and enhance the Town Center
as a regional destination for employment,
entertainment, dining, retail, and services.

Retail Recovery Study. City of Palo Alto, CA.

PM AND LAND USE PLANNER. Michael Baker
is conducting a retail recovery study for various
commercial areas in Palo Alto. The high-level
research and analysis from this effort will
contribute to the evaluation of proposed changes
in local regulations that enable diverse retail
and retail-like uses. As impacts on the retail
landscape continue to unfold from the COVID19 pandemic, the City is prudent in evaluating its land-use controls relative to evolving economic
and market conditions. The study also includes
best practices research, peer city interviews,
and developer interviews to understand the
gaps related to retail recovery. The analysis
will lead to recommendations on changes to
the zoning code and permitting process. As a
part of the study the team also evaluated the
implications of AB 2097 on areas that are within

0.5 miles of high quality transit stop and provided
recommendation reated to management of
parking.

▬ CITY OF PINOLE ▬ ON-CALL & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES ▬ ▬ I. REQUIRED STATEMENT/DOCUMENTS ▬ PAGE 24

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT
Michael Baker provides services to public and private
clients nationwide and has a major presence in
California where much of our work is with municipalities and other public agencies. We adhere to an objective third party approach to our services and outside of business
contractual arrangements, we have no financial interest with any of our clientele. Michael Baker, to the best of our knowledge, does not have any financial, business or other relationships with the City of Pinole, that may impact the outcome of this contract, and there would be no potential conflict of interest should Michael Baker be selected for this on-call contract.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Bob Stark, AICP, official authorized to sign for the
proposal, affirmatively represents that he has the
requisite legal authority to do so on behalf of Michael Baker International, Inc. Michael Baker acknowledges and agrees to fulfill the indemnification and insurance requirements contained in the standard contract.

PROPRIETARY DATA
Michael Baker affirmatively states that nothing
contained in this proposal is proprietary. None of the
data within is a confidential commercial trade secret.

CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
Michael Baker International, Inc. understands that all
documents submitted to the City in connection with the
proposal are subject to the California Public Records Act and may be disclosed without notice to the Consultant.

CONTRACT AGREEMENT
A description of any and all proposed exceptions,
alterations or amendments to the Scope of Services
or other requirements of this RFP, including the Standard Contract (Attachment A).

JUDGEMENTS, LAWSUITS, ETC.

Michael Baker is a large international firm working
on a variety of complex projects at any given point
in time. Through the normal course of business the firm can become involved in litigation or claims, not untypical of the work it performs. For a company of its size, Michael Baker has had very few lawsuits directly arising from an issue or dispute on a project. If an issue or dispute arises on a project, Michael Baker encourages equitable settlements of the issues or disputes. It is not anticipated that any litigation would have an effect on the firm's ability to perform the services contemplated under this proposal. The firm's legal department may make certain nonconfidential information regarding litigation or claims (if any) available upon specific written request.
6 I. REQUIRED STATEMENT/DOCUMENTS
The City can continue to achieve successful and streamlined project delivery by taking advantage of Michael Baker’s unmatched experience and availability.
1 2
3 4
5

a new design on urban planning

M-GROUP STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL + ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES

PRESENTED TO

CITY OF PINOLE

SUBMITTED BY M-GROUP
MAY 2, 2024
GROUP

POLICY PLANNING

URBAN DESIGN

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

STAFFING SOLUTIONS

M-GROUP
51 E Campbell Ave #1247
Campbell, CA 95009
(408) 340-5642
m-group.us
Photo credit: wikipedia commons

a new design on
urban planning
a new design on urban planning • m-group.us CITY OF PINOLE | ENVIRONMENTAL + ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES ● 2 GROUP
May 2, 2024
Lilly Whalen
Community Development Director
City of Pinole
2131 Pear Street
Pinole, CA 94564
(via eMail: [email protected])
RE: On-Call and Environmental Planning Services
Dear Lilly Whalen,
M-Group recognizes the City of Pinole’s (City) recent housing and industrial development boom and the Planning Division’s anticipated workload with comprehensive General Plan updates on the horizon. Demonstrated by this response to the City’s RFP for (1) Environmental and (2) On-Call Planning Services, we express our wish to continue our commitment to the success of Pinole in these service areas.

We understand the City is seeks qualified planners to subsidize the City staff efforts in a range of planning tasks including but not limited to:
ƒ Environmental Services will involve crafting key documents like Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, and Environmental Impact Reports, preparation of supporting technical studies, facilitate public engagement processes, and participate in meetings to present findings and recommendations. ƒ On-call Planning Services will function as an extension of the City’s Planning Department, assisting with project compliance review, applications, data analysis, consultations, reports, public engagement, and address public inquiries.

Our proven record serving the City of Pinole since 2018 uniquely positions us to meet the City’s needs. Our team’s understanding of Pinole, fostered through past projects, allows us to hit the ground running on both Environmental Services and as-needed current and long range planning services.

M-Group’s commitment to Pinole goes beyond technical expertise. We understand the City’s unique character – its historic downtown, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant commercial areas. This knowledge allows us to tailor solutions and services that are sensitive to the community’s context. By continuing our successful A. COVER LETTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. COVER LETTER ..................... 2
B. FIRM PROFILE ...................... 4
C. STAFFING ............................. 6
D. APPROACH........................... 9
E. SCHEDULE OF WORK ......... 13
F. SUBCONSULTANTS............ 14
G. COST................................... 16
H. EXPERIENCE
+ REFERENCES..................... 17
I. REQUIRED STATEMENTS .... 22
APPENDIX A - Resumes ........ 23
APPENDIX B - RATE SHEETS .. 68

a new design on
urban planning

POLICY PLANNING

URBAN DESIGN

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

STAFFING SOLUTIONS

M-GROUP
51 E Campbell Ave #1247
Campbell, CA 95009
(408) 340-5642
a new design on urban planning • m-group.us CITY OF PINOLE | ENVIRONMENTAL + ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES ● 3 GROUP
a new design on
urban planning
collaboration, we’re confident we can efficiently and economically address the Planning Department’s staffing needs.

We have compiled the following team to serve the City’s environmental and on-call planning needs:
ƒ Principal-in-Charge | Planning —Tom Ford, AICP, Planning ƒ Principal-in-Charge | Environmental — Olivia Ervin
ƒ Principal Planners — Ranu Aggarwal, AICP; Suzanne Avila, AICP ƒ Senior Planners — Justin Shiu, AICP; Mandy Kang
ƒ Associate Planners — Alaina Lipp, Sean Manalo, Bhavani Potharaju (remote only) ƒ Assistant Planners — Jelani Mora, Laylonni Laster
M-Group embraces the strong working relationship that has been established with Pinole over the last six years and appreciate the opportunity to continue our support to the City of Pinole. We trust that information contained in our proposal is sufficient for your evaluation. Should any additional information be necessary, it can be provided upon request. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of our proposal please do not hesitate to contact us.

M-Group acknowledges the acceptance to the terms and conditions of the Consulting Services Agreement.

Our proposal is valid for ninety (90) days from date of submittal.

Sincerely,

TOM FORD, AICP
Principal-in-Charge | Planning
[email protected]
(510) 473-3090 x301

OLIVIA ERVIN
Principal-in-Charge | Environmental
[email protected]
(707) 540-0723 x202

a new design on urban planning • m-group.us CITY OF PINOLE | ENVIRONMENTAL + ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES ● 4

ABOUT M-GROUP
M-Group exists to bring innovative, equitable, and effective planning solutions to Bay Area cities and beyond.

Since the creation of the S-Corp firm in 2006, we have brought the full range of planning services to over 90 Northern California communities.

Our team of 50 planners is focused on delivering the following services:
ƒ POLICY PLANNING
ƒ URBAN DESIGN
ƒ ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ƒ HISTORIC PRESERVATION
ƒ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
ƒ STAFFING SOLUTIONS
We are committed to a new design on urban planning. This approach to planning takes many forms both in our work and in our relationships with our clients. This new design includes:
ƒ Very clear communication
ƒ An enthusiastic and fun approach to planning
ƒ A commitment to social justice and equity
ƒ Creating a sustainable future by balancing the needs of the natural and built environments
ƒ Creating a long-lasting, employee-centered, client focused firm M-Group planners have extensive experience working on complex and high-profile projects throughout the region. Our planning group brings together a broad range of planning expertise and substantial real-world experience to help cities plan for the future.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW SERVICES
M-Group provides a thorough range of Environmental Review Services that enable our clients’ projects to withstand critical examination during the public review process.

Our team has extensive
experience working on
environmental review projects
of varying size, scope, and
complexity throughout the
San Francisco Bay Area and
beyond. Our past projects
include typical community
development and infrastructure
projects; large scale residential
M-Group offers the full
range of CEQA services
from Exemption
Justifications to Initial
Studies and EIRs.

B. FIRM PROFILE

CAMPBELL
408.340.5642
51 E. Campbell Ave
#1247
Campbell, CA 95009

SANTA ROSA
707.540.0723
1275 4th St
#265
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

BERKELEY
510.473.3090
2808 Adeline St
Unit 1
Berkeley, CA 94703

a new design on urban planning • m-group.us CITY OF PINOLE | ENVIRONMENTAL + ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES ● 5

FIRM PROFILE

PLANNING SERVICES
M-Group provides Planning Services that allow cities to respond to changing demand.

Our team of planners bring
diverse expertise and extensive
experience managing
development projects in
communities across the Bay
Area. We are a committed group
of professionals with the ability
to seamlessly integrate into
existing planning teams and
help our client cities manage
and plan for the future.

M-Group is able to provide both short- and long-term staff to assist with peak workloads and fill temporary vacancies and interim positions.

We have a proven track record of building strong relationships within the cities we work and the communities they serve.

Staffing solutions vary widely but can include counter duty, processing minor development permits, managing large scale multi-family residential and commercial developments, completing special projects, performing research, writing staff reports, and preparing resolutions and ordinances.

Our extensive experience in a full range of planning projects gives us the ability to effectively manage projects from preliminary meetings to public hearings with decision makers and engaged community members. We consistently provide outstanding
customer service, clear communication with all parties, and detailed project analysis, findings and recommendations. Many of our projects are high profile, large scale projects that deal with politically sensitive issues.

We have a proven
record of building
strong relationships
within the cities
we work and the
communities they serve.
and commercial developments; and comprehensive long range planning documents. Our expertise in environmental, policy, design, and preservation disciplines allows us to provide evidencebased and technically sound documents that meet California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provisions.

M-Group offers the full range of CEQA services from Exemption Justifications to Initial Studies and Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs). We believe in a future where urban development and natural systems coexist. Accordingly, we work diligently through the CEQA process to ensure that development occurs in the most responsible and sustainable manner.
“Thank you once again for your patience. M-Group did a wonderful job and it wasn’t an easy one. We are all grateful for your work.” — Barbara Towner, Craig S. Meltzner & Associates, Hearns Veterans Village EIR, City of Santa Rosa

a new design on urban planning • m-group.us CITY OF PINOLE | ENVIRONMENTAL + ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES ● 6

M-GROUP TEAM
M-Group currently has a staff of 50 planners throughout the bay area in three offices - Berkeley, Campbell, and Santa Rosa. The City of Pinole will primarily be served by our Berkeley and Campbell offices with access to all our staff around the region.

Our proposed Pinole team has been selected based on their experience working in Pinole and Bay Area communities with similar expectations and development patterns as Pinole. We strive to build strong professional relationships from day one on the job. This approach, enables us to quickly adapt to the City’s policies and procedures and integrate ourselves with City staff.

Full resumes are provided in Appendix A.

TOM FORD, AICP | PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE - PLANNING
Tom served as Project Manager for the awardwinning El Camino Real Specific Plan which garnered APA Northern California’s 2023 Award
of Merit as well as the Sausalito 2040 General
Plan which earned the 2022 Award of Merit. He
also recently completed the development of
objective design standards for the City of Monte
Sereno and the Town of Los Gatos. Tom’s professional planning career spans more than 30 years and a variety of unique clients, experiences, and locations – both in California and overseas in Asia. He has a deep portfolio of project management and design guideline experience, from historic, pedestrian-oriented town centers, such as the Irvington Concept Plan for the City of Fremont, to the city-wide Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Livermore. At a previous firm, Tom was the Project Manager and lead author for the award-winning Designing for Smart Growth:

Creating Great Places in the San Diego Region for SANDAG.

OLIVIA ERVIN | PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE - ENVIRONMENTAL
Olivia has a strong background in environmental
planning with over 16 years of experience. Her
hands-on management style, ability to navigate
political situations and to work with a wide
range of groups, commissions, committees, and
organizations provides leadership that ensures
successful project implementation. She has
assisted multiple jurisdictions with environmental review of mixeduse projects, residential development, business and office park, and industrial projects. In addition to land use and development projects, Olivia has also managed public infrastructure projects including roadway widening, bridges, flood control projects and water supply planning. She is well-versed in the CEQA process as well as all aspects of environmental review and compliance. Olivia is an effective team leader and assists jurisdictions in fulfilling lead agency obligations in accordance with CEQA.

RANU AGGARWAL, AICP | PRINCIPAL PLANNER
Ranu has over 23 years of experience in
environmental, long range and current planning
and design. She has worked with both local
governments and non-profit organizations.

Ranu has a valuable ability to combine a big
picture perspective with attention to detail when
managing planning applications. Her knowledge
and interpersonal skills enable her to prepare thorough reports C. STAFFING

a new design on urban planning • m-group.us CITY OF PINOLE | ENVIRONMENTAL + ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES ● 7

STAFFING
MANDY KANG | SENIOR PLANNER
Mandy is a highly organized, determined, and
motivated planner with over 17 years in the
profession. She has acquired in-depth knowledge
of project management, environmental review,
and current planning that only comes with handson experience. Mandy has worked with several California public planning departments including
the Cities of Dublin, Manteca, and Benicia where she managed entitlement projects, prepared CEQA compliant environmental documentation, General Plans, and developed policies and procedures. She has developed scopes and budgets, staff reports, and authored Request for Proposals. Her direct communication approach builds trusted professional relationships with both public and private stakeholders making her a valued planning consultant and effective problem solver.

ALAINA LIPP | ASSOCIATE PLANNER
Alaina is a highly educated and astute planner
with a professional resume emphasizing
environmental services, sustainability, and
wastewater and stormwater management. She
is well versed in land use planning, development
review, policy planning, and grant writing. Her
strong project management skills are founded on organization and open, fluid communication. She is an intentional planner who conducts thorough research and produces concise reports. She is a thoughtful speaker able to present effectively to commissions, councils, and the public.
and CEQA documents, give clear and concise presentations, and serve as technical adviser to stakeholders and government bodies.

She enjoys contributing to a team, managing complex projects and providing excellent service to the communities she serves.

SUZANNE AVILA, AICP | PRINCIPAL PLANNER
Suzanne has 34 years of municipal planning
experience working for Bay Area government
agencies and has been providing consultant
planning services to California municipalities
since 2019. Work experience includes current
and advance planning, administration,
and management. Suzanne has strong
communication, writing and technical skills and is experienced with hillside development, historic preservation, processing of development entitlements, environmental review, and working with elected officials, citizen groups, and volunteer committees. Suzanne is generous with her knowledge and enjoys collaborative projects.

JUSTIN SHIU, AICP | SENIOR PLANNER
Justin brings experience in a variety of current,
long-range, and environmental planning
assignments. His long-range planning experience
includes several Housing Elements in the 5th
cycle, General Plan progress report preparation,
zoning code updates, land use mapping, and
development of design guidelines. Justin has
played an integral part in developing environmental documents and policy documents for long-range planning projects around the Bay Area. He has worked on exemption justifications, Initial Studies for a variety of projects, and EIR addenda for General Plan Amendments. Justin is experienced in preparing staff reports and resolutions, and presenting findings to decision makers.

a new design on urban planning • m-group.us CITY OF PINOLE | ENVIRONMENTAL + ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES ● 8

STAFFING
SEAN MANALO | ASSOCIATE PLANNER
Sean is a dedicated, detail-focused professional
with a background in State Legislative Policy and
Municipal Planning with extensive experience
in leadership, administration, and project
management. He has a proven track record of
forging solid professional relationships with
community members and officials alike. He
demonstrates excellence in research, analysis, data collection, and written and verbal communication. Sean is experienced in development review, application processing, writing staff reports, and presenting to councils, boards, and commissions.

BHAVANI POTHARAJU | ASSOCIATE PLANNER
Bhavani has experience in architecture and
urban design, bringing an educated awareness
and understanding to development review
projects. She is a diligent researcher and astute
in her analyses. Her project management, GIS,
and design skills lend to her high-level visual
communication as well as solid verbal and
written communication. She works creatively and analytically to offer thoughtful planning solutions. Bhavani is collaborative and organized, enabling her to navigate multiple priorities to successful outcomes.

JELANI MORA | ASSISTANT PLANNER
Jelani is an energetic planner with skills in
community engagement, research and data
analysis, project management, and public
speaking. He is passionate about transportation
planning, local and federal legislation, and
especially environmental work as demonstrated
by his initiative as a founding member of a Green Committee for a retailer at Los Angeles Airport. He has exceptional communication skills, with a strong ability to connect with and educate the public.

Jelani is able to adapt to varying work environments with ease and values creating a sense of community wherever he goes.

LAYLONNI LASTER | ASSISTANT PLANNER
Laylonni is an emerging planner with knowledge
of sustainable urban development, land use law,
and climate action planning. She has experience
in technical writing, specifically city and special
district Municipal Service Reports, research and
analysis, and GIS applications. She has a particular
interest in environmental issues and is motivated
to find sustainable solutions to current planning problems. Laylonni is bilingual (English/Spanish) and skilled in public speaking as well as written communication.

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APPROACH
With a focus on serving local communities in the Bay Area, M-Group has consistently demonstrated an ability to provide outstanding planning services for over 90 Bay Area jurisdictions.

Our mission is to create a new design on urban planning by working seamlessly with City staff, stakeholders, and decision makers to address community planning needs in a manner that is tailored to the uniqueness of the community of Pinole with an eye toward the future. Timeliness, efficiency, best practices and excellent customer service are at the core of our approach to planning and environmental consulting.

It is our intention to provide the City of Pinole with a team of experienced planning professionals who will provide clear communication and work effectively to assist and guide City staff, and manage projects and applicant teams from project inception through completion as needed to help the City ensure a quality-built environment, healthy neighborhoods, and strong economic base.

ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACH
M-Group’s environmental approach is rooted in our close coordination, high level of technical expertise, and commitment to disclosing environmental impacts and identifying design solution and feasible mitigation measures to avoid, reduce and offset impact.

The following key items are central to our success in completing a wide variety of environmental documents for public agency clients throughout the area:

SEAMLESS COORDINATION. Communication is integral to
the success of any project. M-Group Project Managers work collaboratively with City staff and outside agencies to resolve concerns as they are identified.

We take the initiative to keep
projects on track by working
proactively with our team of
sub-consultants, City staff,
and responsible agencies.

CLEAR AND STABLE PROJECT
DESCRIPTION. Stability of
the project description is
a common tactic used by
project opponents to assert
inadequacy of environmental
documents. M-Group will
prepare a clear and stable
project description to
incorporate all components
of CEQA Guidelines Section
15124 including regulatory
D. APPROACH
; Seamless Coordination
; Clear & Stable Project
Description
; Key Environmental
Considerations
; Internal Consistency
; Technical Expertise
; Full Disclosure of Impacts
; Feasible & Effective
Mitigation Measures

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APPROACH

PLANNING SERVICES
M-Group planners consistently demonstrate an ability to conduct detailed development review for complex projects, balancing the goals of both the community and applicants while providing timely results.

Our extensive experience in
reviewing development projects
gives us the ability to effectively
manage projects from preliminary
meetings with applicants to
public hearings with decision
makers and engaged community
members. We consistently
provide outstanding customer
service, clear communication
with all parties, and detailed project analysis, findings and recommendations. Many of our projects are high profile, large scale projects that deal with politically sensitive issues.

M-Group planners are accustomed to interacting with project applicants and planning department customers via internet and phone as well as in person. M-Group takes full advantage of modern technology and does not require on-site accommodations to be of service to city planning departments. Equipped with laptop computers and workspace at any of the M-Group offices around the Bay Area, our team is mobile and responsive. M-Group offices supply all resources our planners need to conduct business and act seamlessly on behalf of our municipal clients.

M-Group’s approach to on-call planning services is based on our breadth of knowledge, unparalleled customer service, and drive to have a positive and impactful influence on the communities setting, environmental context and temporary and permanent project activities.

KEY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS. M-Group is adept at
recognizing primary areas of concern for each project in relation to the existing site conditions. At the onset of each project, we identify the key environmental consideration and pull together a team of professionals best suited to address the project circumstances.

INTERNAL CONSISTENCY. Our team will ensure that the existing conditions and environmental setting provides the most relevant and up to date material in a manner that clarifies and reconciles any conflicting information.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE. M-Group has long-standing relationships with a suite of sub-consultants. M-Group’s partners includes a wide range of technical disciplines whose expertise is leveraged depending on the unique needs of individual projects.

FULL DISCLOSURE OF IMPACTS. We excel at translating complex technical speak into terms that are easily understood. Our environmental documents provide a clear statement of impact and a well-reasoned analysis. We recognize that disclosure allows the public, interested parties, and decision makers to engage in a productive and informed dialogue regarding the project, appropriate range of alternatives, and means to mitigate impacts.

FEASIBLE AND EFFECTIVE MITIGATION MEASURES. To fulfill
obligations under CEQA, feasible and implementable mitigation measures must be developed that avoid, minimize, or offset impacts. M-Group’s environmental planners and suite of subconsultants can develop project specific mitigation measures, consistent with the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.4. Our team is adept at identifying opportunities to avoid impacts and developing creative and targeted mitigation measures that are feasible to implement.

Communication
and generosity of
information are the
cornerstone of our
approach for all
facets of planning.

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APPROACH
PROJECT MANAGEMENT. M-Group Project Managers (as identified per project) will serve as the single point of contact for the project assigned, which includes, but is not limited to the following:
ƒ Establish an effective working relationship with applicants, City staff and other project consultants
ƒ Coordinate between applicant, City staff, and consultants ƒ Schedule, facilitate, and lead project meetings with City staff, subconsultants, and applicant teams
ƒ Proactive application processing within City established timelines
ƒ Maintain organized and complete project files
ƒ Provide frequent updates to the responsible City contact ƒ Be responsive to City requests for information and project updates
ƒ Ensure overall quality of work
ƒ Effectively manage subconsultants as necessary
ƒ Seek guidance from City contact as needed
ƒ Create public notices and ensure public noticing goes out on time and meets City requirements
ƒ Conduct site visits
TECHNICAL REVIEW & RESEARCH. M-Group will review projects in compliance with applicable codes, City requirements, and state and federal laws as they apply to the project. M-Group will diligently apply these rules, regulations, and procedures.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION. Our capabilities in preparing
historic resource evaluations, performing CEQA and Section 106 compliance, and creating historic preservation policy and regulatory documents allows us to support the preservation planning process from multiple sides and to seamlessly integrate historic preservation with both short and long term planning goals. we serve. Communication and generosity of information are the cornerstone of our approach for all facets of planning.

M-Group current planning services may include but are not limited to:
ƒ Public counter customer service
ƒ Processing small scale projects
ƒ Managing complex development projects
ƒ Executing special projects
ƒ Preparing well written staff reports
ƒ Making findings and preparing resolutions
ƒ Conducting research and analysis for ordinance
preparation and update
ƒ Geographic Analysis and GIS services
ƒ Managing consultant teams for long range planning and environmental projects
ƒ Preparation of CEQA documents
“M-Group and the staffing and services provided has
demonstrated the ability to be responsive to the City Council and to the community’s needs related to land use and sustainability.” — Peggy Flynn, City Manager
City of Petaluma

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APPROACH
MEETING ATTENDANCE. M-Group will attend public hearings such as City Council, Planning Commission, or other commissions on an as-needed basis. Applicant-initiated meetings will occur remotely via conference calls or video calls.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW. M-Group will assess all projects in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

M-Group will review all projects for eligible CEQA exemptions, prepare Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, and Mitigated Negative Declarations, as well as Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), including mitigation monitoring and reporting programs (MMRP), and ensure that they meet CEQA and City standards for completeness and quality. Project Managers will coordinate interstaff meetings with relevant City Department staff, coordinate CEQA noticing and collect and organize comments on EIRs. Project Managers will facilitate scoping meetings and additional comment meetings as needed for projects. M-Group will coordinate and direct our team of subconsultants for technical reports to augment environmental documents, as needed.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. M-Group will organize and
implement all City required community engagement efforts.

This includes public noticing and may include facilitation of early outreach meetings. M-Group can design and manage website pages for specific projects or City programs, such as ADUs, SB 9 implementation, or other needs.

REPORT OR DOCUMENT PREPARATION. M-Group will utilize
the City’s internal report processing protocols to initiate and prepare reports, including all applicable attachments. M-Group will draft staff reports that include the identification of issues and preparation of conditions of approval following the City’s templates. They will follow guidance and instruction from the City contact on format and report-related procedures. M-Group will pro-actively monitor report review progress and adhere to report timelines, as directed.

PRESENTATIONS. M-Group will be responsible for preparing PowerPoint presentations and submitting them for review to the City contact prior to any commission or City Council meetings.

M-Group will attend and make a presentation of relevant work to any board commission or council meeting when necessary. “I want to thank M-Group. Your team has been an
extraordinary resource.”
— Joseph Simitian, District 5 Supervisor
County of Santa Clara
Stanford Community Plan

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SCHEDULE MANAGEMENT
M-Group will work with the City to manage the planning, organization, and control of time-related aspects of environmental project review process.

SCHEDULE. At the environmental review kickoff meeting, M-Group collaborates with the City to create a schedule for project milestones and deliverables. This includes identification of uncertainties that could impact the project schedule and strategies to minimize delays. M-Group proactively manages the project schedule and provides routing updates to the City to share with applicants as appropriate to ensure that realistic expectations are maintained and commitments are realized.

STRATEGIES. M-Group employs several strategies to keep projects on track and meet identified milestones. M-Group maintains an internal schedule that includes content and quality assurance review prior. The M-Group project manager identifies personnel and task assignments to complete the environmental analysis in alignment with the agreed-upon schedule. M-Group communicates internal deadlines with subconsultants and maintains routine check-ins to address potential issues as they arise and works collaboratively to fulfill data needs so that technical reports can be completed in a timely manner.

PROACTIVE. M-Group recognizes that proactive project
management is key to the successful advancement of the project schedule and emphasizes clear and effective communication among the project team and stakeholders throughout the
environmental review process.

EXAMPLE SCHEDULE
The following identifies a typical project schedule for the completion of an Initial Study.

E. SCHEDULE OF WORK
Deliverables and Milestones Target Date

1. Project Management + Kick-off Meeting
• Project Management and Team Coordination
• Kick-off Meeting/ Confirm Scope
• Project Coordination Meetings
• Ongoing
• Week 1
• Bi-weekly or as Needed

2. Background Research + Tech Studies
• Routing and Referrals
• Tribal Noticing and Consultation
• Technical Studies
• Weeks 1-2
• Weeks 1-2 and Ongoing
• Weeks 2-6

3. Project Description
• Deliver Admin Draft Project Description
• City to Provide Comments
• Week 4
• Week 4-6

4. Community Engagement
• Facilitation of Community Meetings • As appropriate

5. Draft Environmental Document
• Deliver Admin Draft Document
• City to Provide Comments on Draft
• Prepare Public Draft
• Week 10
• Week 10-12
• Week 13

6. Final Draft
• Prepare Admin Final Draft in Redline
• Prepare Public Final Draft
• Prepare Draft Environmental Notice
• TBD
• TBD
• TBD

7. Public Hearings + NOD
• Public Hearings
• File NOD with County Clerk
• Post NOD to SCH
• TBD
• Within 5 days of approval
• Within 5 days of approval

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SUBCONSULTANTS
Our team comprises industry-leading consultants with whom we have built seamless collaboration over past projects.

When specialized technical
studies are needed, we partner
with trusted subconsultants
who contribute their expertise
throughout environmental
review, development,
and planning processes.

M-Group maintains long-term
partnerships with key technical
specialists through Master
Service Agreements.

We leverage our subconsultants’ specialized knowledge for projectspecific studies or peer review of applicant-prepared materials.

Our network includes arborists, geologists, hydrologists, and civil engineers, ensuring access to the right expertise whenever needed.

Subconsultants anticipated to be called upon for work with Pinole are included below. Should project conditions dictate, we can amend our subconsultant team to meet the City’s needs depending on the project.

Full resumes of Subconsultant Key Staff are included in Appendix A.

EVANS & DE SHAZO | CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES
www.evans-deshazo.com
Evans & De Shazo, Inc. (EDS)
is a certified Women Business
Enterprise (WBE), Small
Business Enterprise (SBE) and
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) that offers a variety of consulting services to help identify, evaluate, mitigate, and resolve impacts to significant cultural resources, including buildings, structures, and features within the historic built environment, and prehistoric and historic archaeological resources.

EDS was founded in 2014 by Sally Evans, M.A. RPA and Stacey De Shazo, M.A. who have a combined professional experience extending more than 46 years in the fields of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. EDS regularly performs studies in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and local agency regulations and guidelines. EDS serves federal, state, and local agencies, educational facilities, private and municipal utilities, tribal and non-profit organizations, as well as environmental planning, architecture, and engineering firms, and private individuals, and excels at working collaboratively with clients and stakeholders to achieve project success.

Key Staff: Sally Evans, Stacey De Shazo
F. SUBCONSULTANTS
M-Group maintains longterm partnerships with
key technical specialists
through Master Service
Agreements.

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SUBCONSULTANTS
MONK & ASSOCIATES | BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
www.monkassociates.com
Monk & Associates Inc. (M&A)
provides a variety of biological
services to both public and private
organizations for 32 years. M&A specializes in the preparation of EIR/EIS biology sections pursuant to CEQA and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). M&A assists lead agencies with the preparation of biological constraints analyses (assessments), mitigation and monitoring plans, and habitat restoration plans.

M&A has extensive experience conducting special-status plant and animal surveys as required to address environmental permitting concerns. M&A’s current projects from Healdsburg to Santa Barbara.

Key Staff: Sarah Lynch, Christina Owens, Mark Jasper, Sarah McNamara
FEHR & PEERS | TRANSPORTATION
www.fehrandpeers.com
Fehr & Peers (F&P) has specialized in
providing transportation planning and
engineering services to public and private
sector clients since their founding in 1985 in Lafayette. They develop creative, cost-effective, and results-oriented solutions to planning and design problems associated with all modes of transportation. For 37 years, they have been offering clients the right combination of leading-edge technical skills and extensive knowledge of the communities in which they work to deliver comprehensive solutions and superior client service. They are nationally recognized experts who routinely publish original research, serve on national committees, and teach courses to others in the industry. Fehr & Peers has a deep bench of nearly 80 local planners and engineers based in the Bay Area.

Key Staff: Sam Tabibnia
ILLINGWORTH & RODKIN | AIR QUALITY, GHG, HRA, NOISE ASSESSMENTS https://illingworthrodkin.com
Illingworth & Rodkin (I&R) provides
a complete range of consulting
services in acoustics, vibration,
and air quality (including greenhouse gases) to governmental agencies, private sector clients, and other environmental and design professionals. Over the past 30 years, they have completed approximately 5,000 projects in architectural acoustics, community noise and vibration, industrial noise and vibration control, hydroacoustics, tire/pavement noise research, transportation noise, and air quality/ GHG studies. Their goal is to provide their clients with the benefit of their expertise and experience with an emphasis on objective and thorough analyses of issues, timeliness, teamwork, and practical solutions.

Key Staff: Michael Thill, James Reyff
“M-Group made another solid and detailed presentation to the Commission and fielded numerous questions from the
Commission.”
— Jeremy Lochirco, City of Hayward

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BILLING METHODOLOGY
ƒ M-Group will invoice the City by billable hours per month. ƒ Hourly rates are subject to annual adjustment on January 1st.
ƒ Annual increases on Jan 1 will not exceed 5% or the current year’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase for the San
Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA Core Based Statistical
Area, whichever is lower.
ƒ A 10% administration fee is added to Sub-consultants
rates.
ƒ M-Group will provide a detailed cost proposal with a notto-exceed budget based on the scope of work specific to each project.

M-GROUP 2024 HOURLY RATES
M-GROUP STAFF 2024 HOURLY RATES
Admin Analyst
Planning Tech $95
Assistant Planner
Assistant Urban Designer
Social Media Coordinator
$115
Associate Planner
Associate Urban Designer
GIS Services
$145
Environmental Planner
Historic Preservation Specialist
Public Art Specialist
$160
Senior Planner
Senior Urban Designer
Senior Environmental Planner
$175
Project Manager $185
Principal Planner
Principal Environmental Planner
Principal Policy Planner
Director of Urban Design
$195
Principal $280-$300
* M-Group will invoice the client by billable hours per month. * Hourly rates are subject to annual adjustment on January 1st. * M-Group adds a 10% administration fee to Subconsultant rates. “The City appreciates the high-quality and professional work performed by M-Group.”
— Steven Turner, City of Newark

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EXPERIENCE
To demonstrate the breadth of our abilities we have included a sampling of Planning and Environmental Services that M-Group provides for Bay Area jurisdictions.

M-Group currently serves several East Bay jurisdictions including the Cities of Newark and San Ramon and the Town of Danville.

M-Group planners are nimble in their ability to asses a community’s needs and characteristics and adapt quickly to the jurisdiction they are serving.

CITY OF NEWARK | ON-CALL PLANNING + ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT The City of Newark engaged M-Group in an
On-Call Planning and Environmental support
agreement in 2020. M-Group provides oncall staffing to serve as extension of City staff processing entitlement applications and
conducting environmental review adhering to the
City and CEQA documentation protocol. M-Group staff interfaces with stakeholders, city officials, subconsultants, and the public on behalf of Newark. Projects have included:
ƒ Timber Street Senior Housing IS/MND. M-Group
managed the environmental review of a conversion of a
light industrial and warehouse space to a senior housing development containing 79 units, on an approximately
1-acre site. This project included a zone change from
RM to RH and a General Plan Amendment from Medium
Density Residential to High Density Residential. The
Timber Senior Housing project utilized the density bonus provisions to get to 79 units exceeding the proposed
General Plan designation.
ƒ Cedar Blvd Residential Project IS/MND. M-Group
managed the environmental review of an application
for a residential planned development consisting of
130 residential units on a 7.75 acre site currently under industrial use. The proposed development would
incorporate 70 detached single-family homes and 60
attached single-family (“duet”) homes accessed by new
private streets.

H. EXPERIENCE + REFERENCES
“M-Group was a tremendous asset to our Planning Department team during a time when their excellent planning and
communication skills were greatly needed.”
— Ned Thomas, City of Milpitas

a new design on urban planning • m-group.us CITY OF PINOLE | ENVIRONMENTAL + ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES ● 18 EXPERIENCE + REFERENCES
ƒ 2481 Deerwood Drive IS/MND. M-Group provided
project management, review of technical studies, CEQA
compliant project description, and preparation of IS/MND including attendance at public meetings and responding
to comments, draft CEQA notices. The applicant is
sought to redevelop the site, a 4.4 acre property zoned for administrative offices, with a 61 unit three-story
townhome.
ƒ Church of the Valley IS/MND. M-Group prepared
a comprehensive IS/MND, conducted peer review of
technical studies, integrated results into the CEQA
analysis and coordinated with the project team to
address environmental concerns. M-Group developed a
mitigation monitoring and reporting program, prepared
a comprehensive response to comments, and responded
to questions raised by the public and decision makers
at public hearings for Church of the Valley Memory Care and Education Facilities Project. The project involved
expansion of the existing facility to accommodate 195
students preschool to 8th grade. The project included
a subdivision of the existing approximately 5.45-acre
property into two separate parcels of approximately 1.53 acres and approximately 3.92 acres; construction of an
approximately 22,730-square-foot, single-story memory
care facility on the 1.53-acre lot, and the development of an 11,650-square-foot, two-story educational building and associated site improvements on the 3.92-acre lot
with retention of the existing, operational, Church of the Valley administrative offices and education facilities on site. ƒ FMC Willow Bayside TOD Development Review and
Environmental Peer Review. M-Group managed the
development and environmental peer reviews for the
conversion from industrial use to residential and mixeduse of the FMC parcel as previously approved in the Dumbarton Transit Oriented Development Specific Plan.

The 17-acre site located on Willow Street was one of the last remaining undeveloped parcels in the Specific Plan area. The plan for this site included the transit station, approximately 400 residential units, of which 88 are
affordable housing, plus 12,000 square feet of commercial space.

CITY OF SAN RAMON | ON-CALL PLANNING + ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT M-Group has been providing Environmental
consulting services to San Ramon since 2015.

In 2019 the arrangement was solidified with a
contract for On-Call Planning and Environmental
Services. M-Group provides a range of services
to the City of San Ramon including the processing of various development applications and specific plans, and complete preparation and processing of CEQA-compliant environmental documents. Projects have included:
ƒ San Ramon Valley Apartments IS/MND M-Group
prepared an expanded Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration for a mixed-use development on an
underutilized parcel within the City of San Ramon.

M-Group managed a team of technical specialists, worked collaboratively with City staff to release the public review document and prepared a comprehensive response to
comments on the MND.

a new design on urban planning • m-group.us CITY OF PINOLE | ENVIRONMENTAL + ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES ● 19 EXPERIENCE + REFERENCES
ƒ M-Group acts as project managers for discretionary
review of single-family design review, development review of multi-family, commercial, hospitality, office projects and city-sponsored projects. Recent past projects include comprehensive plan amendments, zoning amendments,
architectural review, subdivision maps, variances, and
conditional use permits. M-Group ensures the projects
are consistent with adopted policies and regulations.

M-Group prepares staff reports and presents at the
Historic Resources Board, Architectural Review Board,
Planning Commission and City Council.
ƒ As part of project review, M-Group has managed
Comprehensive Plan and zoning text and map updates.
ƒ M-Group reviews building permits for consistency with approved entitlements and conducts inspections ensuring compliance with approved building permits.
ƒ M-Group staff have prepared informational graphic
charts and diagrams to explain complex city processes.

CITY OF MENLO PARK | ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES
M-Group has been providing on-call professional
planning services to the City of Menlo Park since
2017. M-Group provides supplemental planning
staff acting as an extension of City staff. M-Group
integrates seamlessly to provide services including
environmental review, development application
review, and special project management. M-Group
staff interfaces with applicants, prepares staff reports, and presents to commissions, City Council, and the public. Sample projects include:
ƒ Menlo Portal. M-Group prepared the environmental
impact report and processed the requested use permit,
architectural control, and building permit for the
CITY OF PALO ALTO | ON-CALL PLANNING + ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT Since 2006, M-Group has been in contract with
the City of Palo Alto providing a variety of oncall planning services, environmental review and historic evaluations. M-Group provides the
City of Palo Alto with supplemental planning
staff ranging from Principal Planners to
Assistant Planners. The M-Group team acts as
an extension of staff and integrates seamlessly to provide these services.
ƒ CEQA Infill Exception on Park Boulevard. M-Group
completed environmental review on a Major Architectural Review application for exterior alterations, partial
demolition of 2,198 square feet and additions of 5,564
square feet to an existing 4,501 square foot commercial building on a 20,442 square foot lot located at 3241 Park Boulevard in the GM (General Manufacturing) zoning
district. The existing use of the property is for Automotive Services and the proposed use will be for Research and
Development. The existing building on the property was
constructed in 1970, meeting the 50-year threshold of
potential historic resources. M-Group coordinated with
the City to provide a document that supports the City’s determination that the project is exempt from CEQA
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15332 (Infill Development).

M-Group prepared a Historic Resource Evaluation to
support the findings and conducted all other analyses in conjunction with the work.
ƒ M-Group responds to public inquiries regarding the
planning process and development regulations in a
timely fashion. M-Group tackles problems with solutionoriented responses.

a new design on urban planning • m-group.us CITY OF PINOLE | ENVIRONMENTAL + ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES ● 20 EXPERIENCE + REFERENCES
CITY OF PACIFICA | ON-CALL PLANNING + ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES M-Group has been providing on-call planning and
environmental services to the City of Pacifica since
2016. Our services include all types of projects
requesting entitlements including new residential
and commercial subdivision, in-fill redevelopment
of residential and commercial buildings, hillside
development, General Plan and zoning amendments, annexations, use permits, variances, coastal development permits, design review and preparation of Initial Studies and CEQA documents.

Projects have included:
ƒ EIR for 930 Oddstad Boulevard. M-Group managed
and prepared the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for
the Pacifica School District Workforce Housing Project.

The project included demolition of a non-operational
elementary school and construction of 70 residential units of which 11 are below market rate affordable housing
units, 34 are subsidized units for teachers and staff of the Pacifica School District, and 25 are market rate units. The project also included community amenities, and other site improvements such as landscaping and parking. Primary
concerns for the project included transportation/traffic, biological resources, and wildfire as the site is within the wildland urban interface (WUI) and adjacent to an area
designated as a fire hazard severity zone. The EIR was
certified by the City Council on April 24, 2023.
ƒ IS/MND for San Pedro Terrace. M-Group managed
and prepared the IS/MND for the San Pedro Terrace
Subdivision. The project consisted of a tentative
subdivision map to subdivide a 2.42-acre parcel into six (6) lots for single family residential development. Project entitlements included a General Plan Amendment to
change the Land Use Designation from High Density
Residential to Low Density Residential, rezoning the site proposed Menlo Portal project. The project comprised
two buildings: a seven-story multifamily residential
building, and a three-story commercial building with
neighborhood-serving commercial space on the ground
level and office above. Both buildings included abovegrade, two-story parking ƒ 123 Independence Drive. Processed a request for a use permit, architectural control, below-market rate housing agreement, community amenities agreement, heritage
tree removal permit, environmental review, and density
bonus to redevelop five parcels with approximately 116
townhomes and 316 apartments (for 432 dwelling units
total) on a 8.15-acre site.
ƒ Commonwealth Building 3. Processed proposal to
construct a new 249,500 square-foot, four-story office
building and a new approximately 404,000 square-foot
four-story, five-level parking structure with 1,340 parking spaces. The site contains two existing four-story office buildings, each approximately 129,960 square feet in
size, to remain on the project site. The total existing and proposed office development on the parcel would be
approximately 509,420 square feet.
ƒ CS Bio Expansion Project. Processed an application
to construct a new seven-story office and research and
development building with a ground-floor restaurant,
partially demolish an existing office and R&D building, and construct a new five-story parking structure.

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from C-3, Service Commercial Zoning to R-1, Single Family Residential Zoning, a tentative subdivision map for six (6) single family lots, and the removal of mature trees, including three (3) Monterey Cypress trees that qualify as Heritage Trees.
ƒ Harmony at One, Lot 3 and Lot 5, EIR Addendums.

M-Group conducted environmental review of proposed
single family residential development for two different projects within the Harmony @ 1 subdivision. An EIR
was adopted for the subdivision. M-Group prepared
an EIR addendum for each project, which proposed
modifications to the initial design concepts considered in the EIR, to evaluate whether the project may result in new significant impacts or substantial increases in severity of previously identified significant impacts in the EIR.
ƒ CEQA Exemptions. M-Group prepared CEQA Categorical
Exemptions including but not limited to Class 1, Class 3, and Class 32 for projects ranging from the subdivision
of existing parcels, a marijuana business, roadway
extensions, and expansion of business operations.
“Wow, the M-Group definitely gets after it! This is really good stuff!” — Rob Simonds, Director of Housing Development
Habitat for Humanity EB/SV

a new design on urban planning • m-group.us CITY OF PINOLE | ENVIRONMENTAL + ON-CALL PLANNING SERVICES ● 22

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
M-Group does not have any financial, business or other relationships that may have an impact upon the outcome of services provided.

M-Group contracts primarily with city and county government agencies and does not represent private business developers.

INSURANCE
M-Group fully accepts the City’s insurance requirement in accordance with Attachment A – Standard Professional Services Contract.

PROPRIETARY CONTENT
The information contained in this proposal is considered nonproprietary and may be shared at your discretion.

CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
M-Group understands that all documents submitted to the City in connection with the proposal are subject to the California Public Records Act and may be disclosed without notice to the Consultant.

EXCEPTIONS
M-Group fully accepts the RFP Scope, content, terms and conditions detailed in the City’s Standard Contract (Attachment A).

LITIGATION
There are no pending and/or current violations, claims or legal actions filed against M-Group in the last seven years. Further, M-Group does not have any terminated contracts within the past seven years.

I. REQUIRED STATEMENTS