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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-12 - AGENDA REPORTS - AUGMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERV C (2)y I . CONSENT CALENDAR DATE: AGENDA REPORT May 12, 1998 City Manager Item to be presented by: (Conal McNamara SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO AUGMENT A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT WITH RINCON CONSULTANTS TO PREPARE A CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER SURVEY FOR THE GOLDEN VALLEY RANCH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (MASTER CASE NO. 97-212) DEPARTMENT: Planning & Building Services RECOMMENDED ACTION Authorize the City Manager or designee to augment the professional services contract between the City and Rincon Consultants to prepare the California Gnatcatcher survey for the Golden Valley Ranch Development, for a total amount not to exceed $35,000.00 to account 501-2380, subject to City Attorney approval. On February 10, 1998, the City Council authorized staff to enter into a contract with Rincon Consultants to prepare an environmental impact report (EIR) for the Golden Valley Ranch project, which proposes approximately 866 residential units and 100 acres of commercial development on 1,300 acres. The project site lies on the east side of State Route 14, north of Placerita Canyon Road; within the unincorporated portion of the County of Los Angeles. An annexation will be required. Rincon Consultants has been preparing the document; however, during the course of the biological assessment, a California Gnatcatcher was observed on-site. As the Gnatcatcher is an endangered species, it will now be necessary to complete a separate Gnatcatcher survey as part of the EIR.. As the proximity of the bird to the project site was not known at the time of the initial proposal, no monies have been allocated to prepare the study. The study will be incorporated into the EIR currently being prepared and will be used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California State Department of Fish and Game when conducting their analyses. Rincon Consultants has estimated that the cost of preparing the study will not exceed $35,000. The applicant will submit a check to the City in this amount. Sapphos Environmental, a firm specializing in this type of study, has been retained as a subconsultant under Rincon Consultants. It is estimated that the effort will take approximately 12 weeks to complete. APPROVED Agenda Items 5' ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS There are no alternative actions as identified by staff. FISCAL IMPACT The applicant will deposit funds into account 501-2380. Authorization to proceed with the study does not create a fiscal impact to the City's budget. ATTACHMENTS None. council\97212s2.doc