HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/05/1989, C-5 - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) CONSULTANT SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE STONERIDGE II ANNEXATI 9-SNG DATE:
p1AI City Of San WIS OBISPO
HOW COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Mu
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FROM Randy Rossi, n rim Community Development Director; BY: Pam Ricci, Assoc. Planner
SUBJECT:
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) consultant services in connection with the Stoneridge
II Annexation & Subdivision Project proposed on a site located immediately west of the
existing Stoneridge I tract, off of Broad Street.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
A. Authorize staff to negotiate a formal contract with the environmental consulting
firm, ERC.
B. Authorize the CAO to sign consultant services contract for an amount not to
exceed $35,000.
DISCUSSION:
The applicant wants approvals to develop about 10.2 acres of land outside the city
limits, but within the urban reserve, with 65 residential units (see vicinity map).
Based on an appeal of the Community Development Director's determination to require a
mitigated Negative Declaration for the project, the city council required that a focussed
EIR be prepared for the project.
The Community Development Department periodically hires consultants to supplement staff
in carrying out work that arises as part of the development review process, especially
the preparation of EIRs. A Request for Proposal (RFP) to prepare the EIR was mailed out
May 24, 1989 to eight consulting firms located locally and throughout the state. Three
consulting firms responded by the RFP deadline of June 21, 1989. Following a review of
the written proposals, the two top-ranked firms were selected for interviews.
These consulting firms were interviewed August 1, 1989 by a panel made up of city and
county staff members. After the interviews, the panel members came up with a composite
ranking of the firms. Staff is asking the council for authorization to negotiate a
formal contract with the top-ranked firm, Environmental and Energy Services Co. (ERC) of
Santa Barbara to prepare the EIR.
SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS:
The council's decision on this item will not incur any direct city expense. Once a
contract is successfully negotiated, the cost of EIR preparation will be borne by the
developer with city administration of the consultant contract. This is the standard
procedure for city-required EIRs.
CONSEQUENCE OF NOT TAKING THE RECOMMENDED ACTION:
If a consultant is not retained to prepare the EIR, it would be the responsibility of the
city to do so. It would be difficult to allocate sufficient staff hours from existing
projects and duties and to find among city staff the necessary technical expertise to
adequately evaluate certain identified impact areas.
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ANftZe COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Stoneridge II EIR
Page 2
EVALUATION
The three firms which submitted proposals were: ERC, Environmental Science Associates,
Inc. (ESA) of Los Angeles, and Envicom Corporation of Calabasas Park. Copies of the
proposals are available for council review in the City Clerk's office.
After reviewing the written proposals submitted by the firms, Envicom was eliminated from
further consideration since their preliminary cost estimate was over $10,000 higher than
the other two firms and their proposal was not as comprehensive.
The interview panel asked a set of standardized general questions and then more specific
questions to each of the firms. After the interview portion,-ERC was ranked first and
ESA second.
Top-ranked ERC had a complete and in-depth proposal and a superior professional
performance in the interview portion that demonstrated a thorough understanding of key
project issues. The firm has in-house expertise in all identified impact areas except
traffic which will be subcontracted to Penfield and Smith Engineers and Surveyors of
Santa Barbara.
If council authorizes negotiations to proceed, staff will work with the top-ranked firm
to refine the workscope and negotiate fees, and to resolve other details of the formal
contract. With council authorization, the CAO could approve the consultant service
contract without further council action. If agreement is not reached with ERC,
negotiations would be discontinued and staff would begin negotiations with the
second-ranked firm until an acceptable agreement is formulated.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Authorize staff to begin negotiations with ERC and authorize CAO to sign a
consultant service contract for the city, with the cost of consultant services not to
exceed $34,180.
Authorizing negotiations at this time would expedite preparation of the EIR. Not
authorizing negotiations would delay the progress of the EIR's preparation, however
if negotiations were to be delayed an additional two to four weeks it would not
significantly affect project status.
The council may also want to review and approve the consultant contract details. In
this case, the item would need to return for final council action once the contract
has been negotiated.
2. Direct staff to negotiate with the second-ranked firm as the council deems
appropriate.
3. Reiect all nronosals and direct staff to redistribute the RFP with any changes deemed
appropriate.
I
The two top-ranked consultants were superior and their proposals adequately addressed
workprogram issues. In staff's opinion, redistributing the RFPs should not be
considered unless negotiations with the two top-ranked firms fail.
IIII��h � �I City of san-lui s OBISPO
mum, = COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Stoneridge II EIk
Page 3
4. Continue the item if additional information is needed.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
A. Authorize staff to negotiate a formal contract with the environmental consulting firm
ERC.
B. Authorize the CAO to sign a consultant services contract for an amount not to exceed
$35,000.
Attachments: Vicinity Map
Draft Resolution
EIR Workprogram
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Resolution No. (1989 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
AUTHORIZING STAFF TO NEGOTIATE A FORMAL CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING
THE CITY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER TO SIGN A CONSULTANT SERVICES
CONTRACT WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING FIRM ERC
FOR PREPARATION OF THE STONERIDGE II RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Community Development Director determined. that an Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) for the project needed to be prepared; and
WHEREAS, several consulting firms were solicited to prepare the EIR through a request
for proposal; and
WHEREAS, proposals from three consulting firms were received; and
WHEREAS, the three proposals were reviewed and two of the firms interviewed.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED as follows:
C' SECTION 1. That staff be authorized to negotiate a contract with the top-ranked
firm, ERC, to prepare the EIR.
SECTION 2. That the City Administrative Officer be authorized to sign a consultant
services contact for an amount not to exceed $35,000.00.
On motion of , seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this _ day of
1989.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Resolution No. (1989 Series)
Page 2
APPROVED:
City dministrative Officer
City Attorne
rte, ,
Community Development Director
-1-07irector of Finance
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EIR WORKSCOPE
STONERIDGE II DEVELOPMENT
TASK I
Transportation and Circulation
' What are the expected trip generation rates for the project (morning and afternoon
peaks and average daytime)?
' Compare existing rates of traffic with projected traffic levels.
' How will the estimated amount of project traffic affect the carrying capacity of area
streets?
• What are the cumulative traffic impacts of site development and build-out of other
vacant properties in the Rockview Drive area?
' Will there be a need for intersection improvements at Stoneridge Drive and Broad
Street (Highway 227) as a direct result of the project?
' Evaluate turning movements at the Stoneridge Drive and Broad and Lawrence Drive and
Broad intersections to determine potential conflicts and safety concerns. Suggest
any necessary mitigations.
' Discuss the need for additional guest/off-street parking spaces to serve the project
given the proposed lot layout and amount of street frontage.
• Evaluate the suitability of the proposed private drive for emergency vehicle access.
' Discuss air quality impact associated with mobile sources generated by the project.
EXPECTATIONS
City engineering staff can conduct traffic counts upon direction by the consultant.
Analyses of traffic impacts and the need for improvements at intersections shall be
the consultant's responsibility to analyze and recommend specific mitigation.
TASK II
Cumulative Water Supply Impacts
In response to three years of below-average rainfall, resulting in water storage at
31.4% of capacity, the city has instituted a mandatory water conservation program.
Under current conditions, development of the project would reduce the level of water
service for city customers. As long as the mandatory conservation program is in
effect, no annexations will be allowed. When the drought lifts, or the city has more
water available from other sources (such as ground water), annexations will be
considered on the basis of policies in the general plan land use element.
C' Workscope
Page 2
The general plan policies say that the project should not increase the demand for
city water supplies. The developers can accomplish this by either providing an
on-site water source that meets criteria contained in the element or by making
improvements off-site that reduce water service elsewhere. The developers feel that
on-site water use is infeasible, and would prefer not to make off-site adjustments.
General plan policies offer an option to the council: to approve annexations that do
not meet one of the criteria (including the water use criterium) if the project
includes a substantial public benefit. The council may accept an offer of dedication
of about 45 acres of open space to be developed with hiking trails. Therefore, it
would be possible for the project to be accepted into the city and for the project to
place an additional demand on the city's water supply.
However, the city is currently under a development moratorium because of limited
water supply. Under such circumstances, policy states that the council shall not
exempt a minor annexation proposal from the requirement to provide an on-site water
source or off-site water service reductions. Since the water supply situation may
improve and the development moratorium may be lifted by the time that the project is
reviewed by the council, the merits of granting a policy exception based on the
substantial public benefits the project supplies need to be analyzed.
° Discuss long-range impacts of retrofitting existing buildings to offset water
C- use of the project (option discussed in the city's Water Management
Regulations).
• Underground springs exist on the property. Is there any possibility of using
these springs for a part of the water supply? Discuss reliability and
maintenance of systems designed to use this water.
• Analyze locations for water system improvements (tanks, pumps, etc.)
' Discuss necessary improvements and impacts associated with the extension of city
water service to the project.
° Discuss cumulative impacts on the city's water supply if this and other
annexations are allowed to connect to the city's service.
EXPECTATIONS
Consultant will be responsible for complete analysis of water supply options,
including offsets, underground springs, and connection with the city's water service
(without offsets). City will provide land use data for other annexation proposals
for cumulative impacts analysis. Discussion should include associated impacts and
suggested mitigation measures.
TASK III
Parks and schools
° Evaluate the proposed open space offer for its suitability as a public park.
Determine if access to the park for the general public is adequate, including
availability of parking spaces. e
Workscope
Page 3
' Discuss how project open space ties in with open space areas in the vicinity.
' Determine if the small existing park and the proposed trail system into the open
space area are consistent with the city's Parks and Recreation Element:
` Evaluate the consequences of the city's obtaining the open space as part of this
development, but not obtaining the land on the other side of the hill (part of the
Margarita annexation currently under consideration by the city).
' Determine the project's effects on schools.
EXPECTATIONS
The consultant will be responsible for an evaluation of the open space and existing
minipark in terms of its benefit to the general public. The consultant will be expected
to determine the number of children that would be added to the school system as a result
of the development. Mitigation measures for significant impacts must be suggested.
TASK IV
Public Services
' Estimate the project's impact on fire and police protective services, including the
effect on the remainder of the city.
EXPECTATIONS
The consultant will estimate the number of incidents likely to require intervention
by the police or fire departments. The consultant will be required to assess the
design of the subdivision in terms of access for these services.
TASK V
Geologic and Seismic Hazards and Tonogranhic Modifications
' Identify areas subject to landslides and suggest alternatives to lot configurations
if appropriate.
' Identify existing springs and discuss potential concerns with soil stability and
seepage.
' Discuss proposed grading, its impacts given site soils and geology, and its
conformity with city grading regulations and standards.
EXPECTATIONS
Analysis of identified issues by consultant with inclusion of appropriate mitigation
measures.
C� Workscope
Page 4
TASK VI
Groundwater and Surface Hvdroloav
' Evaluate the applicant's proposed drainage plan to determine whether proposed
improvements and facilities will adequately address areawide drainage problems.
' How will drainage from Lots 19-35 be accommodated?
EXPECTATIONS
Analysis of identified issues by consultant with inclusion of any necessary
mitigation measures.
TASK VII
Plant and Animal Life
' Determine how the development would affect native plants and animals, and rare or
endangered species, whether native or not. Be sure to include birds. Owls and hawks
have been spotted in the vicinity.
EXPECTATIONS
The consultant will be responsible for a complete analysis of the project's impacts
on plants and animals, and will identify mitigation measures for significant
impacts. City staff would advise the consultant to contract with a local botanist to
perform the necessary fieldwork to identify whether rare or endangered plants exist
on the site. A list of qualified botanists is attached.
TASK VIII
Archaeological
' Review existing archaeological reconnaissance of the site. Determine whether
additional field survey is needed.
EXPECTATIONS
Determine whether archaeological resources exist and suggest any mitigations
required. In case additional field survey is required, a list of qualified local
consultants is attached.
�a TASK IX
Aesthetic
° Address visual prominence of development from selected vantage points. Will project
visually intrude on the hillside area backdrop?
Workscope ^
Page 5
' What are the specific visual impacts associated with development of Lots 19 and 20?
EXPECTATIONS
Consultant will evaluate and discuss the extent to which the project will alter the
visual character of the site and the surrounding area. Photographs of the site and
surrounding hillside from four selected vantage points with proposed development
overlaid have been submitted by the consultant. The accuracy of submitted photo
documentation should be evaluated.
TASK X
Neighborhood Comvatibility
* Evaluate applicant's proposed development restrictions to determine for Lots 1-18
backing up to older residential lots along Lawrence Drive. Determine whether
additional restrictions in terms of building height, building setbacks, screening,
window locations or other limitations are necessary to address overlook, privacy and
solar access concerns.
EXPECTATIONS —�
Analysis by consultant with any necessary mitigation measures included.
TASK XI
Alternatives
Suggest other lot configurations and project designs (including alternative
densities) that address identified potential impacts and function better in light of
site constraints.
REQUIRED PRODUCTS
The required end products are the draft and final editions of the Environmental
Impact Report that can be used by citizens, city staff, the applicant, City and
County Planning Commissions, County Board of Supervisors and City Council during
development review. Clear, concise, and well-organized writing is essential. The
draft EIR should include recommended mitigation measures in an executive summary
format to allow easy inclusion into the project and/or conditions of approval.
OWorkscope
Page 6
SCHEDULING
It is expected that an administrative review draft of the EIR would be completed
within 90 days (or other reasonable period of time that the consultant suggests) of
the signing of the agreement for the study. This draft would be edited by staff and
returned to the consultant for changes. The consultant would then have an additional
15 days to make changes and return to the city a camera-ready copy of the draft
supplement for publication and circulation. Public comment and review of the draft
EIR would take an additional 45 days..
Text corrections, additions, and responses to comments would be included in the Final
EIR to be submitted within 15 days following close of the public review period. The
consultant will be expected to meet with city and county staff during the drafting of
the EIR and attend no more than four public hearings to explain findings and response
to comments or questions which could include both city and county review boards.
PROVIDED BY CONSULTANT
The consultant shall identify any additional studies, documents, maps, photos, or
C similar information required for the study but currently not available. This
information shall also be listed in the consultant's proposal to the city, along with
estimated cost and/or method of getting the information.
Consultant is responsible for providing:
1. Five preliminary administrative review draft EIRs.
2. Necessary supporting graphics for EIR.
3. One camera-ready copy each of the draft and final EIR.
Attachments: List of Botanists
List of Archaeologists
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