Title
Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division, recommending the Board:
1) Make findings in accordance with Section 3.13.030 of the County Ordinance that it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor for environmental clearance, permitting services, and construction support services;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement 3955 with HELIX Environmental Planning, INC. for a two year term and a maximum contractual obligation of $92,267 to provide services related to the mitigation requirements for the California Environmental Quality Act documents, provide site assessment and analysis, and finalize a concept plan for the proposed Bike Park in the unincorporated community of El Dorado; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 3955, including amendments which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In March 2016, Supervisor Veerkamp recommended that the Board direct the Chief Administrative Officer enter into negotiations with the property owners of the parcels located at 40 Old Depot Road and 50 Old Depot Road for the purposes of the potential development of a park. The County has since acquired parcels 327-250-38 and 327-250-37 located at Old Depot Road for the purpose of developing a park as outlined in the Park Division’s priorities and in consistency with the 2012 El Dorado County Parks and Trails Master Plan.
The Parks and Trails Master Plan states that as new development occurs in El Dorado County, the County needs to “identify mechanisms to acquire, develop, and maintain community park resources in proportion to the General Plan guidelines.” The Master Plan also identifies a tremendous demand for biking in El Dorado County and informs of many incentives and economic benefits associated with expanding resources for biking and a functional trail experience.
The property located at Old Depot Road is located adjacent to the Class One section of the El Dorado Trail located on Missouri Flat. The park will be directly accessible from the El Dorado Trail and will provide recreation features for a diverse group of trail users. The proposed site is located within a largely underserved community that has no current park space. Additionally, with the development and restructuring around Missouri Flat and Diamond Springs, the location will continue to be highly accessible and will create a destination for trail users. The park will provide users with a bike park that caters to multiple riding styles, playground equipment, and exercise equipment that is ADA compliant and accessible to all ages and levels.
Staff is requesting the Board of Supervisors make findings that it is more economical and feasible to contract with HELIX Environmental Planning, INC. for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents, provide site assessment and analysis, and finalize a concept plan for the proposed Bike Park. HELIX Environmental Planning, INC is a leader in environmental consulting and natural resource sustainability. Due to the specialized services this vendor provides, the County is currently unable to provide these services internally. Agreement 3955 with HELIX Environmental Planning, INC. is for a two year term and a maximum contractual obligation of $92,267.
The Parks Division is currently in the process of applying for grant funding through the California Department of Parks and Recreation Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) to develop a park at the Old Depot Road parcel. The grant request is for a total funding amount of $2,030,000 to build a BMX track, freestyle/slopestyle bike course, concrete trick area, and install a playground, exercise equipment, and restrooms. However, if the grant funding is not approved, this plan will be altered. In addition, the plan for this site may be altered based on the findings of the vendor through this contract. The anticipated maintenance costs will depend on the features as determined through the final conceptual design. If all of the above features are installed, the Division anticipates that maximum maintenance costs on a per year basis will be around $23,500.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to not approve the agreement.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
16-0188
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact or change to Net County Cost as these services were anticipated and included in the Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division FY 2019-2020 recommended budget. In the 2018-19 Budget, $70,000 was allocated for the Campus Park Project. Upon further review, the decision was made to not move forward with that project and to reallocate that funding to engage a contractor for the environmental clearance, permitting services, and construction support services for the Old Depot Property. The additional $22,267 for this contract was approved in the 2019-20 Recommended Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1. Chair to sign two (2) originals of Agreement 3955.
2. Board Clerk’s Office to return one (1) original of Agreement 3955 to Chelsea Edman in the Parks Division for distribution to vendor.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure, Healthy Communities, Economic Development
CONTACT
Vickie Sanders, Parks Manager, 530.621.7538
Creighton Avila, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, 530.621.5153