City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 2 April 28, 2026
Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 3.6
DATE: April 28, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joan Malloy, City Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Consulting Services Agreement Between the City of Union City and David L. Gates and Associates, Inc., in a Form Approved by the City Attorney, for On-Call Landscape Consulting Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $300,000
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a consulting services agreement with David L. Gates and Associates, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney, for on-call landscape consulting services in an amount not to exceed $300,000.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
While this agenda item does not align with a specific Strategic Plan goal, approval of the agreement facilitates timely and consistent review of landscape projects citywide, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and contributing to the quality, sustainability, and visual character of the community.
BACKGROUND
In the mid-2010s, the State adopted a Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, which was subsequently incorporated into the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 18.112) in 2016. Due to the complexity of the requirements, a technical background in landscape architecture is required to review landscape plans effectively for compliance. Consultant firms provide the necessary technical expertise to ensure that project landscaping and irrigation are consistent with applicable City and State standards. The Planning Division has historically retained qualified landscape architecture consultant firms to review proposed landscape plans for larger development projects subject to the MWELO requirements.
Agenda Item No. 3.6
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 2 April 28, 2026 4
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DISCUSSION
David L. Gates and Associates, Inc. (“Gates”) is an established landscape architecture firm that has previously provided similar consulting services to the City. In addition, Gates has prepared and filed the City’s required MWELO State reporting and has also designed new City landscape projects, including the Union Landing Gateway Walls project and the Courthouse Drive/Union Landing Boulevard Median project.
The firm’s familiarity with the City’s standards, procedures, and design requirements will allow for efficient, consistent, and timely review of landscape plans for development projects. The City previously entered into an agreement with Gates for a similar scope that has since expired. Execution of this on-call agreement will streamline administrative processes, improving overall efficiency in consultant management. The proposed scope of work is provided in Exhibit A of the resolution.
FISCAL IMPACT
Applicants and/or property owners will pay fees for landscaping projects, which will not impact the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with David L. Gates and Associates, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney, for on-call landscape consulting services in an amount not to exceed $300,000.
Prepared by: Natalie Dean, Associate Planner
Submitted by: Carmela Campbell, Economic and Community Development Director Attachments
1. Draft Resolution
2. Exhibit A - Scope of Work