Title
Development Services Department recommending Chairman be authorized to sign Agreement for Consultant Services with Environmental Stewardship and Planning, Inc. in the amount of $146,969 for the term of one year for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Rancho Dorado Subdivision Tentative Map Application TM06-1426; and recommending Reimbursement Agreement with El Dorado Hills 2006 to provide funding for same.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve.
FUNDING: Applicant Reimbursed.
Body
BUDGET SUMMARY: |
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Total Estimated Cost |
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$146,939.00 |
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Funding |
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Budgeted |
$ |
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New Funding |
$ |
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Savings |
$ |
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Other |
$146,939.00 |
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Total Funding Available |
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$146,939.00 |
Change To Net County Cost |
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$0.00 |
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost:
No change to net County cost.
Background:
In late February 2005, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for as-needed environmental review services. All 14 responding firms met the minimum standards as outlined in the RFQ materials, as determined by a team of three reviewers from two different County departments (Transportation and Planning). The 14 firms were interviewed in April 2005 by a two-member team representing the Department of Transportation and Planning Services. The team obtained supplemental information through reference checks. Based on the results of review of the submitted Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), the interview, and supplemental reference checks, the firm of Environmental Stewardship & Planning (ESP), Inc., was selected as well-qualified to assist the Department with environmental review services on an as needed basis. Environmental Stewardship & Planning, Inc., has a substantial amount of experience assisting jurisdictions with environmental review and public scoping associated with complex capital projects. The Board of Supervisors approved Professional Services Agreement AGMT 05-853 with ESP on July 12, 2005, to assist the DOT with as-needed environmental review services.
Subsequently, ESP was tasked by DOT with preparation of the environmental documentation for the Saratoga Road CIP project in El Dorado Hills (this project is being administered by DOT and is currently underway). Since a portion of the Saratoga Road CIP project extends through the site of the proposed Rancho Dorado subdivision, last fall, Planning Services requested ESP to submit a proposal to complete the update of the project EIR for the Rancho Dorado subdivision in order to expedite completion of the environment document by avoiding duplication of work. Having one consultant prepare both analyses would also ensure greater consistency in the analysis. With the applicant's concurrence (since this contract is applicant reimbursable), Planning Services worked with ESP to prepare an appropriate scope of work for the Rancho Dorado environmental review. This scope of work will be implemented with approval of this contract by your Board. This contract with ESP will be separate from the contract for as-needed environmental services that was previously approved.
The Purchasing Agent has coordinated the review of the consultant's qualifications to perform the needed services with Bob Slater, Deputy Director, Engineering, Tahoe Engineering/West Slope Construction Division, Department of Transportation to reaffirm that Environmental Stewardship and Planning, Inc. is qualified and able to perform the necessary services and that the selection process previously utilized by the Department of Transportation is consistent with the scope of work requested under this agreement.
Based on the selection process utilized by the Department of Transportation, the Purchasing Agent concurs that Environmental Stewardship and Planning, Inc. has demonstrated its qualifications and ability to perform the work based on prior experience with this consultant on County projects of similar scope and size, qualifications of the consultant's personnel assigned, and the availability of the consultant to perform the services.
The County Purchasing Agent has reviewed the Department's request to contract with Environmental Stewardship and Planning, Inc. and concurs that the use of this consultant is appropriate and that the Department's request is in compliance with Board of Supervisors Policy C-17, Sections 7.5 and 7.10. This concurrence is provided with the understanding that the Department will submit a request to solicit competitive proposals for future work as the selection process used to contract with this consultant will expire within the next twelve months.
The Department recommends the Board make findings pursuant to Article II, Section 210 b (6) of the El Dorado County Charter that, in part, there are specialty skills required for the work performed under this Agreement that are not expressly identified in County classifications and in part, an independent contractor can more economically and feasibly perform the services required within the timeframe required by law pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
The approval of the reimbursement agreement will relieve the County of fiscal expenditure as the applicant for the Rancho Dorado subdivision will deposit with the County the sum of the proposed contract amount with the consultant.
The Development Services Department will administer both agreements.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact to the County. The amount of the consultant agreement is $146,939.00 and will be reimbursed by the applicant for the Rancho Dorado subdivision in a separate reimbursement agreement.
Action To Be Taken Following Approval:
The Board Clerk's office will forward the executed Agreements to the Development Services Department for distribution.
Contact: Gregory L. Fuz (5445)/Jeffrey L. Meyer (7536)