CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: July 13, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
TITLE: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. __-26 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MINTIER HARNISH FOR PLANNING
SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF PLEASANT HILL UPDATE TO THE
GENERAL PLAN
SYNOPSIS
The City currently has a Professional Services Agreement with Mintier Harnish to perform planning and environmental consulting services for the update to the City of Pleasant Hill General Plan, the preparation of the 2023-2031 Housing Element, a comprehensive update of the zoning ordinance and associated environmental clearance (Project). That work was completed in various stages, with the final phase completed in November 2025. However, based on feedback and direction received at the November 17, 2025 City Council meeting, staff held a study session on March 16, 2026, as a follow up to the approved rezonings. Direction to Staff included evaluation of potential additional modifications to the General Plan designations for four areas within the City. The City has requested Mintier Harnish to continue to assist the City and an amended scope of work has been provided; reviewed and recommended for approval by the City Council Budget Subcommittee.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
In February 2019, the City approved a professional services agreement with Mintier Harnish to provide planning and environmental consulting services for the preparation of an update of the City of Pleasant Hill General Plan. The City has amended the contact twice since, in January 2021 (Resolution No. 9-21) to include additional tasks related to the preparation of a new Housing Element (2023-2031) to address State Law and required timing, and in February 2025 (Resolution No. 8-25) for an additional $34,000 to complete the remaining work related to the comprehensive Zoning Ordinance amendment. On May 18, 2023, the City adopted the 2040 General Plan and 2023-2031 Housing Element. On November 17, 2025, the City approved a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Amendment (PHMC Title 18) and associated updated Zoning Map, which included the rezoning of 1,072 parcels throughout the City of Pleasant Hill.
On March 16, 2026, the City Council held a Study Session as a follow up to the approved rezonings to provide direction to Staff regarding potential additional General Plan Amendments beyond what was previously approved as part of General Plan 2040. At that meeting, Council directed Staff to evaluate potential modifications to the General Plan designations for four areas within the City. In order to complete this work, the City has requested Mintier Harnish to continue to assist the City and to provide a scope of work and cost estimate for this task. The cost totals $20,047 (including a 10% contingency).
On May 28, 2026, the Budget Committee reviewed the proposed scope of work and recommended that the City Council approve the use of $20,047 from the General Plan Update Fee Fund that would be replenished by the existing General Plan Update Fee.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Mintier Harnish proposal is in the amount of $20,047, including a 10% contingency. The proposal is complete and acceptable considering the scope of the project. The total, not-to-exceed amount of the Professional Services Agreement, including this amendment, is $1,333,932, including a 10% contingency on the proposed amendment. To fund the General Plan Update, the City has a General Plan Update fee that is collected from building permits and is to be used to fund City-initiated General Plan Updates. The fee has been used to fund the recently completed General Plan, Housing Element and associated Zoning Ordinance work. The General Plan Update Fee Fund currently has a balance of $356,509.99 available, with the fee generating $115,695.18 in fiscal year 2025-2026. Therefore, the fund has adequate funds to support the request to use $20,047.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public Contact was made through posting of the City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, and at the Pleasant Hill Police Department. The agenda and staff report are posted on the City’s web page.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Adopt the resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing Professional Service Agreement with Mintier Harnish.
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
Do not adopt the resolution and provide input and feedback to Staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Proposed Resolution – Third Contract Amendment
Exhibit 1 – Professional Services Agreement - Third Amendment Exhibit A - Amended Scope of Work and Budget
Prepared by: Haley Croffoot, Senior Planner
Reviewed by: Troy Fujimoto, City Planner
Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager