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HomeMy WebLinkAbout101-Staff Report - Environmental and Planning Consultant Contract Extension.pdf SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: May 18, 2011 AGENDA ITEM: DEPARTMENT: Community Development CITY MANAGER: Dave Anderson PREPARED BY: Michael Fossati DIRECTOR: Christopher Riordan, AICP Assistant Planner Interim CDD Director SUBJECT: Contract Renewal for Environmental and Planning Consulting Services RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve a two-year contract renewal with LSA Associates (LSA) and Metropolitan Planning Group (M-Group) for environmental and planning contract services and authorize the City Manager to execute the same. REPORT SUMMARY: LSA and M-Group have been providing environmental and planning consulting services for the City of Saratoga for the past three years. LSA provides environmental planning support for both the Public Works and the Community Development Department (CDD) while M-Group only supports Community Development. Both consulting groups have provided excellent service and are very responsive when requested by the City. It is therefore recommended that City Council approve an extension of the existing contracts with LSA and M-Group for environmental and planning support services and authorize the City Manager to execute the same. FISCAL IMPACTS: Both consulting groups have agreed not to increase their existing rates. Rate sheets for both companies are included as Exhibit B in the attached contracts. Each consultant will perform work on a time and materials basis, at the discretion of the Community Development Director. The environmental consultant will be utilized on development projects requiring a more thorough environmental analysis above the requirements of Categorical Exemptions allowed by CEQA. The planning consultant will only be used if there is significant temporary staffing need due to an influx of development projects that require planning review. Both environmental services and contracted planning services will be charged directly to the applicant, without the need for supplemental City funding. CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED ACTION: The existing contract would not be executed. ALTERNATIVE ACTION: City Council could direct staff to solicit additional proposals. FOLLOW UP ACTION: The contract extension would be executed. ADVERTISING, NOTICING AND PUBLIC CONTACT: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, this item was properly posted as a City Council agenda item and was included in the packet made available on the City’s website in advance of the meeting. A copy of the agenda packet is also made available at the Saratoga Branch Library each Monday in advance of the Council meeting. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Independent Contractor Agreement - LSA Associates 2. Independent Contractor Agreement - M-Planning Group