Rincon Consultants Inc 2009 EIR Lower Point Vicente QT' C
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AGREEMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT is executed this 7th day of July, 2009, by and between the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes (hereinafter called "CITY"), and Rincon Consultants, Inc.
(hereinafter called ("CONSULTANT").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, on September 2, 2008, the City Council adopted the Rancho Palos
Verdes Coast Vision Plan (Vision Plan). The Vision Plan is an informational and
advisory planning document for the City's coastal areas (including five key sites not
included in the City's Palos Verdes Nature Preserve), with public access, interpretive
materials, recreational amenities, and other facilities to improve the coastal open space
experience for Palos Verdes residents and visitors. One of the five key sites identified
in the Vision Plan is Lower Point Vicente. According to the goals identified in the
Council-adopted Vision Plan, improvements to the Lower Point Vicente site should
integrate, in terms of design and amenities, existing and proposed educational facilities.
These facilities include the PVIC and its proposed outdoor education components
(Phase III, relating to cultural, social, physical and natural history and environments),
surrounding public parkland, and other potential, complementary educational public
uses. The goals also direct that an integrated approach to access and parking for all
site users be implemented; and,
WHEREAS, in accordance to the Council-adopted Vision Plan, Lower Point
Vicente is proposed to be improved with the construction a new animal educational
center, an outdoor history museum, and site improvements intended to complement the
existing Point Vicente Interpretative Center (PVIC) and to enhance the public
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ANIMAL EDUCATION CENTER EIR SERVICE AGREEMENT-RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.
JULY 7,2009
PAGE 2
educational use of the site. The improvements are proposed to be constructed
by the Annenberg Foundation in partnership with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes; and,
WHEREAS, the Annenberg Foundation is proposing to construct an
approximately 45,000-square-foot building to house the animal education center. The
building will be publicly accessible, and complement the educational mission of the
PVIC, as well as contribute to telling the compelling and unique story of animal life on
the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The center will include indoor uses, such as museum
exhibits, multipurpose classrooms, limited accommodations for adoptable companion
animals and their related care, and multipurpose theatre space which could be used for
teaching, as well as available for community and civic events and meetings. The
proposal will also include outdoor improvements, such as outdoor gathering and seating
areas in a promenade, plaza spaces linking the center to PVIC, an on-site outdoor
history museum consisting of a Tongva village, a geology display, an interactive
archaeology exhibit, and a dry farming/water wise landscaping demonstration; and,
WHEREAS, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA
Guidelines, and CITY'S Local Guidelines require the preparation of an Environmental
Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed project; and,
WHEREAS, CONSULTANT represents that it is professionally qualified and able
to prepare the necessary Environmental Documentation in compliance with the
applicable state laws and state, local guidelines, and in a format consistent with CEQA
requirements.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
Section 1. CONSULTANT'S Services. Consultant shall perform
professional services by preparing Environmental Documentation for the proposed
Animal Education Center as set forth in the "Scope of Work", attached hereto as Exhibit
"A" and made part hereof by reference, including the following services:
(a) CONSULTANT, shall prepare, under consultation with the CITY,
the following for the proposed project; (1) an Initial Study, (2) a Notice of Preparation (3)
a Draft EIR, (4) a Responses to Comments on the Draft EIR, (5) a Final EIR, (6) a
ANNENBERG PROJECT AT LPV EIR SERVICE AGREEMENT-RINCON CONSULTANTS,INC.
JULY 7,2009
PAGE 3
Mitigating Monitoring and Reporting Program, (7) a Statement of Overriding
Consideration (if necessary), and (8) a Notice of Determination as specified in Section II
of Exhibit 'A'.
The EIR shall be prepared in compliance with the "Scope of Work" attached as
Section 5.0 of Exhibit 'A' and shall contain all items required by CEQA (as amended),
the State Guidelines, and CITY'S Local CEQA Guidelines.
(b) When requested, CONSULTANT shall attend and participate in
meetings with CITY staff as well as Public Hearings, which are necessary for the
preparation and completion of the environmental documentation. Any meeting for which
CONSULTANT is requested to attend by CITY beyond the number of meetings
identified in Section 5.0 of Exhibit 'A', CONSULTANT shall be compensated on a time
and materials basis at the rates set forth in the "Budget" contained in Exhibit 'B', which
is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
(c) CONSULTANT shall supply CITY with the deliverables described in
the "Scope of Work" attached as Exhibit 'A', including the following documents for the
proposed project:
(1) Administrative Draft and Final Initial Study (IS)/Notice of
Preparation (NOP)
(2) Administrative Draft and Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR)
(3) Draft Responses to Comments
(4) Administrative Draft and Final Environmental Impact Report
(including the final responses to comments) (FEIR)
(5) Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
(6) Statement of Overriding Considerations (if necessary)
(7) Notice of Determination
(8) Computer files for all documentation, with processing documents in
a format useable by Microsoft Word and Adobe for the City's
Website.
ANNENBERG PROJECT AT LPV EIR SERVICE AGREEMENT-RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.
JULY 7, 2009
PAGE4
(d) All reports, information, data and exhibits prepared or assembled
by CONSULTANT or any sub-consultants in connection with the performance of its
services pursuant to this Agreement are confidential until released by CITY to the
public, and CONSULTANT agrees that they shall not be made available to any
individual or organization without prior written consent of the CITY prior to such release.
All such reports, information, data and exhibits shall be delivered to CITY upon demand
without additional cost or expense to CITY. All charts, tables, figures, and maps, which
are prepared with computer-based mapping or spreadsheet programs, shall be provided
to CITY in their original formats and in electronic formats as described in Section 1.c.8
of this Agreement.
(e) CONSULTANT shall respond to those comments raised by CITY
staffs review of the documents in order to facilitate completion thereof. Consultant shall
also respond to all comments from the public, responsible agencies, and/or other
interested parties regarding the EIR to CITY's satisfaction. Letters identifying the
response shall be sent to each commenting public agency pursuant to CEQA.
(f) This agreement and the scope of work to be performed by
CONSULTANT may only be amended in a written document executed by both of the
parties to this agreement.
Section 2. Time of Performance. CONSULTANT shall timely perform
the services described above as shown in the schedule within the attached Section 7.0
of Exhibit 'A'.
Section 3. Compensation. CITY agrees to compensate
CONSULTANT, and CONSULTANT agrees to accept in full satisfaction for the services
provided for hereunder, a fixed fee not to exceed $116,559.00 for the EIR, which
includes all labor and sub-consultant costs, as described in the "Budget" attached as
Exhibit 'B'. In addition, this fixed fee shall include all expenses for printing, word
processing, delivery, fax, phones, mileage, etc. Prior to printing of any documents,
CONSULTANT shall verify with CITY the total number of documents to reproduce.
ANNENBERG PROJECT AT LPV EIR SERVICE AGREEMENT—RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.
JULY 7, 2009
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Not included in this fixed fee are expenses incurred for attending meetings
beyond those specified in Exhibit 'B' of this contract; analysis of key issues in addition to
those identified within the attached Section 5.0 of Exhibit 'A', changes in the project
description, plans, or scope of work requiring additional work; and printing additional
copies of any document beyond the number of copies specified in Sections 5.0 of
Exhibit 'A' and Exhibit 'B.'
The actual costs of CONSULTANT'S services and expenses shall be itemized on
the Invoice form, and CITY shall pay CONSULTANT for said undisputed services and
expenses. Payments shall be made based upon Consultant's monthly invoices up to
the maximum amounts set forth in the following schedule:
EIR
Benchmark Item Maximum Amount of Payments'
Initial Study/ Project Description $17,484.00 (15% of total cost)
Administrative Draft EIR $58,280.00 (50% of total cost)
Draft EIR $23,311.00 (20% of total cost)
Final EIR/Statement of Overriding
$17,484.00(15% of total cost)
Considerations
Receipt of Notice of Determination Release of 5% Retention
Any work approved pursuant to section 1(f) of this agreement shall be included in
the appropriate segment of the foregoing schedule, as determined by the City, and the
maximum billing amounts shall be adjusted accordingly..
1The maximum amount of payments serves as a cap on payments until the correlated benchmark
item is completed,therefore completion of one benchmark item allows for billing up to the maximum
identified for the following benchmark item. All amounts of payments shall be less the 5% retention.
ANNENBERG PROJECT AT LPV EIR SERVICE AGREEMENT-RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.
JULY 7,2009
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Five percent (5%) of each bill submitted by CONSULTANT shall be held by CITY
in a retention account. The retained funds will be released to CONSULTANT when the
environmental documentation project is successfully completed by the submittal of the
final Notice of Determination/Statement of Overriding Consideration (if necessary).
If CONSULTANT is requested by CITY to correct any identified errors or defects
to the environmental documentation with additional data, information or analysis solely
as a result of the CONSULTANT'S failure to comply with the requirements of CEQA, or
the State or local CEQA Guidelines, CONSULTANT shall provide such revision or
supplement at no additional cost to the CITY.
If changes to existing laws, rules, regulations or policies of any state, federal or
local governmental authority having jurisdiction over the project occur, new, unforeseen
issues arise, or comments on the documents are received from attorneys other than the
City Attorney during or following the circulation of the draft environmental document,
during the term of this Agreement that require modification of the environmental
documentation, CONSULTANT will perform such additional services on a time-and-
materials basis, at the rates set forth in Exhibit `B'.
The CITY and CONSULTANT hereby acknowledge and agree that the terms of
CONSULTANT'S compensation are not dependent upon the CITY'S final action on
these items of the Project.
Section 4. Independent Contractor. CONSULTANT will act hereunder as an
independent contractor. This Agreement shall not and is not intended to constitute
CONSULTANT as an agent, servant, or employee of the CITY and shall not and is not
intended to create the relationship of partnership, joint venture or association between
the CITY and CONSULTANT.
Section 5. Assignment. This agreement may not be assigned in whole or in
part, without the prior written consent of CITY.
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ANNENBERG PROJECT AT LPV EIR SERVICE AGREEMENT-RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.
JULY 7,2009
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Section 6. Consultant. Responsible Project Manager. The CONSULTANT
shall have a Responsible Project Manager who shall be principally responsible for the
CONSULTANT'S obligations under this Agreement and who shall serve as principal
liaison between CITY and CONSULTANT. The name of the Responsible Project
Manager is Abe Leider. Designation of another Responsible Project Manager by
CONSULTANT shall not be made without the prior written consent of CITY.
Section 7. Personnel. CONSULTANT represents that it has, or shall secure
at its own expense, all personnel required to perform CONSULTANT'S services under
this Agreement. CONSULTANT may associate with or employ associates or sub-
consultants in the performance of its services under this Agreement, but at all times
shall be responsible for their services. CONSULTANT may not employ additional sub-
consultants without prior written approval of CITY.
Section 8. City: Liaison. CONSULTANT shall perform under the general
supervision of the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement of CITY
("Director") or his or her designee, and all communications, instructions and directions
on the part of the CITY shall be communicated exclusively through the Director or his or
her designee. Any direct communication between CONSULTANT and the project
proponent shall be appropriately authorized as determined by the Director.
Section 9. Data and Services to be Furnished by CITY. All information,
data, records, reports and maps as are in possession of CITY and necessary for the
carrying out of this work shall be available to CONSULTANT without charge.
Section 10. Interests of CONSULTANT. The CONSULTANT affirms that it
presently has no interest and shall not have any interest, direct or indirect, which would
conflict in any manner with the performance of the services contemplated by this
Agreement. No person having any such interest shall be employed by or be associated
with the CONSULTANT or any sub-consultant.
ANNENBERG PROJECT AT LPV EIR SERVICE AGREEMENT-RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.
JULY 7, 2009
PAGE 8
The parties agree:
(a) CITY has sole discretion to direct the work and evaluate the performance
of CONSULTANT and CITY retains the right to terminate this Agreement or replace
CONSULTANT at any time, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 herein.
(b) CITY has sole discretion to determine the amount of compensation paid to
CONSULTANT, in accordance with the provisions of this agreement.
(c) CITY shall pay CONSULTANT from a CITY account under the exclusive
control of CITY.
Section 11. Insurance. CONSULTANT shall submit to CITY certificates
indicating compliance with the following minimum insurance requirements, to be
maintained during the term of this agreement, not less than one (1) day prior to the
beginning of performance under this Agreement.
1. Worker's Compensation Insurance to cover its employees as required by
the California Labor Code.
The CONSULTANT shall require all subcontractors similarly to provide such
compensation insurance for their respective employees.
2. General liability protecting CONSULTANT in an amount no less than
$1,000,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 in the aggregate, for bodily injury, personal
injury and property damage. Automobile liability protecting CONSULTANT in an
amount not less than $500,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage.
Employer's liability protecting CONSULTANT in an amount no less than $1,000,000 per
accident, bodily injury or disease. CONSULTANT agrees to maintain in full force and
effect during the term of this Agreement professional errors and omissions insurance in
an amount not less than $1,000,000 per claim, and in the aggregate. Such policies of
insurance shall:
(a) Be issued by an insurance company which is admitted to conduct
business in the State of California and which is rated in Best's Insurance Guide with a
rating of A VII or better.
ANNENBERG PROJECT AT LPV EIR SERVICE AGREEMENT-RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.
JULY 7, 2009
PAGE 9
(b) Except for Worker's Compensation and Employer's Liability, name
and list as additional insureds the CITY, its officers and employees.
(c) Except for Worker's Compensation and Employer's Liability, such
insurance policies shall be primary to any other similar insurance and shall name the
CITY, its officers, agents and employees, as additional insureds. Each insurance policy
shall contain a provision that prohibits cancellation, without thirty (30) days prior written
notice to the CITY. The insurance certificates evidencing such insurance and
endorsements naming the CITY, its officers, employees, and agents as additional
insureds, shall be submitted to the CITY for review and thereafter the CITY shall have
the right to approve or disapprove any insurance procured by CONSULTANT under the
standards of this section.
Procurement of insurance by CONSULTANT shall not be construed as a
limitation of CONSULTANT'S liability or as full performance of CONSULTANT'S duties
to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend under this Agreement.
(d) Except for Worker's Compensation and Employer's Liability,
indemnify the CITY from liability from loss, damage or injury to persons or to property
arising from CONSULTANT'S negligent acts in connection with the performance of
services under this Agreement.
(e) Except for Worker's Compensation and Employer's Liability, include
a severability of interest clause substantially similar to the following: "The insurance
afforded by this policy applies separately to each insured against whom a claim or suit
is made or suit it brought, except with respect to the limit of the insurer's liability."
(f) Contain a clause substantially in the following words: "It is hereby
understood and agreed that this policy shall not be canceled nor materially changed
except upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the CITY of such cancellation."
(g) Cover the operations of CONSULTANT pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement.
(h) Acceptable to the City Attorney and failure to comply with these
insurance requirements shall be a material breach of the Agreement.
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ANNENBERG PROJECT AT LPV EIR SERVICE AGREEMENT-RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.
JULY 7, 2009
PAGE 10
3. CONSULTANT shall not commence the performance of its services under
this contract until the above insurance has been obtained and appropriate Certificates of
Insurance have been filed with CITY. CONSULTANT further agrees that a clause
substantially similar to this Section 11 will be included in any subcontract executed
under this contract.
Section 12. Indemnification. CONSULTANT agrees to defend and indemnify
the City, its officers, employees, and agents against, and will hold and save them and
each of them harmless from damages to persons or property, penalties, obligations,
liabilities, and costs, including but not limited to reasonable costs of defense, that may
be claimed by any person, firm, entity, corporation, political subdivision or other
organization to the extent caused by the negligent acts or intentional tortious acts,
errors or omission of CONSULTANT or those for whom CONSULTANT is legally
responsible. However, if any information or data prepared or provided by consultant is
misused by an agent of the City, consultant shall not be responsible for such misuse of
data.
Section 13. Termination. The executory provisions of this Agreement may be
terminated by CITY upon five (5) days written notice to the CONSULTANT without
further action by CITY. The executory provisions of this agreement may be terminated
by the CONSULTANT upon thirty (30) days written notice to the CITY. In the event of
such termination by the CITY, the CITY shall pay the CONSULTANT for work
satisfactorily completed to date of such termination, but in no event to exceed the
compensation described in Section 3 of this agreement, based on the percentage of
completion of CONSULTANT's work on the date of termination, provided such work is in
a form usable by CITY.
Section 14. Notice. Any notice or materials required to be given to the
CONSULTANT shall be deemed duly and properly given upon delivery, if sent to
CONSULTANT postage prepaid to:
ANNENBERG PROJECT AT LPV EIR SERVICE AGREEMENT-RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.
JULY 7,2009
PAGE 11
Michael Gialketsis, Vice-President
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
790 East Santa Clara Street
Ventura, CA 93001
or personally delivered to CONSULTANT at such address or other address specified to
the CITY in writing by CONSULTANT.
Any notice or materials required to be given to the CITY shall be deemed duly
and properly given upon delivery, if sent to the CITY postage prepaid to:
Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement
do City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
or personally delivered to CITY at such address or other address specified to the
CONSULTANT in writing by the CITY.
Section 15. Entire Agreement. This agreement represents the entire
integrated agreement between CITY and CONSULTANT, and supersedes all prior
negotiations, representations or agreements, either written or oral. This Agreement
may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both CITY and CONSULTANT.
Section 16. Litigation Costs. Should any dispute under this Agreement lead
to litigation, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees for the
prosecution of the action.
ANNENBERG PROJECT AT LPV EIR SERVICE AGREEMENT-RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.
JULY 7,2009
PAGE 12
Section 17. Applicable Law. This Agreement and any dispute arising
hereunder shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of
California. Venue for any action arising from this Agreement, including but not limited to
matters concerning validity, construction, performance or enforcement shall be
exclusively in the state of federal courts located in Los Angeles County.
•
Section 18. Business License Required. Consultant shall obtain and
maintain a City Business License prior to commencing preparation of the
Environmental documentation as outlined in this agreement.
Section 19. Merger Clause. This Agreement and its Exhibits are the entire
understanding of the parties, and there are no other terms or conditions, written or oral,
controlling this matter. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this
Agreement and any of its Exhibits, the provisions of this agreement shall prevail.
Section 20. Provisions Cumulative. The foregoing are cumulative and in
addition to and not in limitation of any other rights or remedies available to the CITY.
Section 21. Anti-Waiver Clause.None of the provisions contained herein shall
be waived because of previous failure to insist upon strict performance, nor shall any
provision be waived because any other provision has been waived in whole or in part.
ANNENBERG PROJECT AT LPV EIR SERVICE AGREEMENT-RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.
JULY 7,2009
PAGE 13
EXECUTED the day and year first stated above.
"CITY" CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
By
Larry Clark, YOR I
"CONSULTANT" Rincon Consultants, Inc.
By
M I akei-L I 0\. ( k-e5 h S (c--e— Pr`al
(Name/Title)
Attachments:
Exhibit 'A' - Proposal Scope of Work and Project Schedule
Exhibit `B' - Budget Schedule
RECEIVED
MAR302009
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PLANNING,BUILDING AND
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Proposal to Prepare
Animal Education Center CEQAEnvironmental Documentation
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Submitted to:
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Submitted by:
Rincon Consultants, Inc
March 27, 2009
L. f l v ! ! L, I I men t al 5 c I e it t I S I j Planners Engine et 5
Rinc o n su lta nts, Inc.
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Ventura, Callforn+a 93001
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March 27,2009
Job No.09-64000
Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Attn: Ara Michael Mihranian, Principal Planner
Re: Proposal to Prepare CEQA Documentation—Animal Education Center
Dear Mr. Mihranian:
Rincon Consultants, Inc. is pleased to submit the enclosed proposal to assist the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
with there aration of the CEQA environmental documentation for the proposed Animal Education Center. We
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have assembled a team of skilled environmental sciences and planning professionals who combine extensive
technicalq ualifications and knowledge of CEQA requirements with widespread experience on institutional,
educational, and coastal hillside projects similar to that currently proposed. We are confident that you will find
our team highly qualified in all of the technical and planning issues that are required for this project.
The Rincon team includes specialists in all of the technical issue areas of concern for the proposed project.
Rincon has on staff certified planners, biologists,air quality and noise specialists,geologists,engineering
geologists and hydrogeologists, Registered Environmental Assessors(REAs), and GIS experts.
Rincon canP erform most of the tasks needed for the EIR in-house. To augment our team,we have included
.
the following subconsultants to provide specialized expertise:
• RRM Design Group to prepare realistic photosimulations of the project
• Robert Wlodarski to perform a Phase I archaeological study
• Linscott,Law&Greenspan Engineers to perform a traffic and parking study
We are confident that you will find that our proposed work program meets the needs of the City and the Rancho
Palos Verdes community in a thorough,cost effective manner. We look forward to the opportunity to meet with
you to further discuss our proposal. If you have any questions regarding this submittal,please contact us at
your convenience.
Sincerely,
RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.
/ i/fitititx
/,-;-1/ Joe Power,AICP Michael Gialketsi ,
Principal Principal
En v i r o n m e n t a l S c i e n t i s t s Planner s E n g Engine
• •Proposal to Prepare
Animal Education Center Envi ental Document 40
Proposal to Prepare
Animal Education Cerner Environmental Document
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Table of Contents
Page
Cover Letter
1.0 Introduction to Rincon Consultants 2
2.0 Rincon Team Experience 4
2.1 Recreational Projects 4
2.2 Educational Projects 6
2.3 Other Coastal and Hillside Projects 7
3.0 No Conflict of Interest Statement 11
4.0 Project Team 11
Team Organization Chart 12
5.0 Scope of Work 14
5.1 General Work Program 15
5.2 Technical Approach to Key Issues 18
6.0 Cost 24
7.0 Schedule 24
7.1 IS/MND Scenario 25
7.2 Focused EIR Scenario 25
8.0 References 26
Attachments:
Table 1:Cost Estimate-IS/MND Scenario
Table 2: Cost Estimate-Focused EIR Scenario
Appendices:
Select Rincon Consultants Statement of Qualifications Sections
Team Resumes
RRM Design Group Information
Linscott,Law &Greenspan Engineers Information
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
PFoposal to Prepare
Animal Education Center Enviror.tal Document4111
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This proposal was printed on 50% recycled paper with 50% post-consumer content.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
ii
Proposal to Prepare •
Animal Education Center Environmental Document
Rincon Consultants, Inc. is pleased to submit this proposal to prepare the California
Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) environmental documentation for a proposed animal
education center,which includes an outdoor history museum and associated site
improvements. The proposed facilities are intended to complement the existing Point Vicente
Interpretive Center(PVIC) and to enhance the public educational use of the site.
The animal education center will consist of a two-level, approximately 30,000 square foot
building that will be integrated into the physical contours of the land and consistent with the
design guidance in the Rancho Palos Verdes Coast Vision Plan. The building will encompass
no more than 5% of the overall site area and a
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portion of the parking will be under the building.
�4 frbi'�nyll�l'-
,,,,,y,:" h**It The outdoor history museum will encompass
"}~ t about 69,000 square feet,or about 7.8% of the
overall site area. The outdoor exhibits are
intended to convey the story the site by focusing
on the ecology of the site and marine,coastal,
bluff top, and terrestrial life within it.
Components of the museum will include: (1) a
Tongva village; (2) a geology display; (3) an
interactive archaeology exhibit; and (4) a dry
v farming/waterwise landscaping demonstration.
Other proposed site improvements include:
• Parking-approximately 180 parking spaces, including 30 garage spaces below the animal
education center building
• Circulation and Access -parking, driveways, and drop off areas to serve all site users
(these areas will encompass about 102,000 square feet or 11.4% of the site area)
e Drainage -drainage improvements incorporated best management practices for storm water
management, including capture and treatment of site runoff in retention areas and bio-swales
® Open Space -open space and picnic areas to be planted with native and locally appropriate
vegetation, as well as a new trailhead and trail system that provides connectivity to the City's
Preserve trail system
• Alternative Energy Source-photovoltaic or other alternative energy sources for the
project's power needs (the project team is exploring the feasibility of this item)
The project would require about 42,000 cubic yards of earth movement. Cut and fill would be
balanced on-site so no import or export of material is anticipated.
ThepJro'ect site is currently in agricultural use,but is not designated as"important" farmland
under the Important Farmlands Inventory. Testing of the site for contamination relating to past
andp resent activities has been conducted and contaminant levels were determined to be below
remedial action levels.
In accordance with the City's Request for Proposal, this proposal includes: (1) a firm
introduction; (2) a description of the Rincon team's experience; (3) a statement regarding
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Proposal to Prepare
Animal Education Center Enviltental Document
conflicts of interest;(4) a description of the project team; (5) a detailed scope of work; (6) a cost
estimate; (7) an estimated time schedule for completing the project;and(8) a list of Rincon
references.
The required CEQA document will either be a Mitigated Negative Declaration(MND)supported
by an Initial Study(IS)or a Focused Environmental Impact Report(EIR). If it is determined
through the IS and early consultation process that an EIR is required,the work scope will focus on
those issues that are potentially significant. For the purposes of this proposal,we have outlined
two work programs that describe the two options that could ultimately be required: 1)
preparation of an IS/MND; and 2) preparation of a focused EIR.
1.0 INTRODUCTION to RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.
Rincon Consultants, Inc. is a California type S
corporation, founded in 1994. Since its founding,
Rincon hasgrown to a firm of over 57 professionals
Rincon Consultants, inc.
located in three California offices: Ventura,San Luis
Obispo, and Carlsbad. We have successfully managed
numerous environmental documents on projects
throughout Los Angeles County.
Rincon's principals and senior staff have considerable experience on a broad range of projects,
including many large and controversial developments. We also have extensive experience on
coastal and hillside projects,having performed environmental reviews of numerous projects in
such municipalities as Malibu,Ventura,Santa Barbara,Santa Monica,Calabasas, Hidden Hills,
and Long Beach. Finally,we have experience in Rancho Palos Verdes,having prepared an
environmental assessment on proposed improvements to Palos Verdes Drive for the Los
Angeles County Community Development Commission as well as biological surveys of several
projects in the City.
Our approach to environmental planning and permitting entails providing clients with high
level of professional expertise with principal-level involvement in all projects. We have
structured the firm to minimize unnecessary overhead costs, thus allowing us to be highly cost
effective for both large and small projects. Our approach to the CEQA environmental review
process is to streamline the documentation to the maximum extent feasible, relying on existing
documentation and studies wherever possible and focusing the document on truly relevant
issues through the initial study process.
During Rincon's 15-year history,we have received multiple awards for excellence from
environmental planning industry organizations, including the American Planning Association
and the Association of Environmental Professionals. Our financial strength was recognized in
2004 by ZwiegWhite,when the nationally recognized A/E/P industry tracking group named us
to its Hot 100 Firm list, recognizing revenue growth over time. In 2007, Rincon was named to
the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing companies nationwide. 2008 brought Rincon another
round of recognition from ZweigWhite when we were again named to the Hot Firm list.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Proposal to Prepare • 0
Animal Education Center Environmental Document
Rinconp rovides a broad range of environmental consulting services. The following is a brief
summary of these services.
Environmental Impact Analysis and Land Use Planning
• CEQA Compliance (EIRs, Initial Studies, and Mitigation Programs)
• NEPA Compliance(EISs, Environmental Assessments) �' r%7ll
• Land Use Planning and Development FeasibilityStudies
..
• Air Quality, Noise, and Traffic Studies
• Cultural Resources Studies
• Land Use Entitlement Permit Processing
® Coastal Development Permitting
p
®
Redevelopment and Site Reuse Programs
• Visual Resources Analysis (Including Computer Generated
Photosimulation)
Ff.
• Infrastructure Analysis
® General Plans, S eci and Contract
c Plans, Neighborhood Planning, onrac
p .�
Planning Services ,t,-,
• Transportation and Corridor Studies
O Community Involvement Programs
• Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs
• Construction Monitoring
Biological Services and Regulatory Compliance
O Baseline Biological Resources Inventories and Vegetation Mapping
® Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plant and Wildlife Species Surveys
• Wetland Delineations
• Complete Regulatory Compliance and Mitigation Planning Y , k fa wx 1 ! � ;t
�r�
• US ArmyCorps of Engneers Section 404 and Section 10 w , ,
P
,
Compliance
.7-, fik ,
® California Department of Fish and Game Streambed Alteration
41' ,{
Agreements
e ESA Section 7 Consultations '/f
.
ESA•
Section 10 Habitat Conservation Plans
• Wetland, Riparian, and Upland Habitat Revegetation and
Restoration Planning - --1,:ii
-1
CESA Permits and Natural Community Conservation Plans
6* Floodplain and Watershed Management Programs
• Compliance Training Programs
• GIS Database Management
Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation
• Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments
• Hazardous Waste Characterization and Remediation
• Health Risk Assessments
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• Geological and Seismic Studies
•
• Groundwater Evaluations and Modeling
• Groundwater Monitoring Programs
• Soils Studies
• Litigation Support
4.
• Remedial Construction Monitoring111
• Asbestos and Lead-based Paint Testing
• NPDES Compliance Programs
p g
2.0 RINCON TEAM EXPERIENCE
For the past ten years, Rincon has had an open services contract with the Los Angeles County
Community Development Commission (CDC)to perform all CEQA and NEPA reviews for the
CDC-administered CDBG program. Under that contract, we performed a NEPA review of a
project involving reconstruction of portions of Palos Verdes Drive at Portuguese Bend. In the
past two years,we have also conducted biological assessments on two properties in Rancho
Palos Verdes. Finally,we have worked for the City of Carson and, for the past four years,have
been one of a select group of CEQA consultants for the City of Long Beach,having prepared
EIRs on several key projects. Therefore, we are familiar with the South Bay area and the
relevant issues on the environmentally-sensitive Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Rincon has also prepared CEQA environmental documents on many recreational and
educational facilities as well as on projects in environmentally sensitive coastal and hillside
locations. Some of our most relevant experience is described below. Relevant experience of our
subconsultants is described in the appendix to this proposal.
2.1 Recreational Projects
Trancas Community Park EIR
City of Malibu
Rincon prepared an EIR for an approximately 13.5-acrea community park project on four
undeveloped,residentially zoned lots at the west end of the Malibu West residential subdivision.
The proposed park would include a multi-use sports field as well as a picnic and dog park area.
In addition, it includes restrooms, storage and staff office building, and parking areas. Key
issues have included traffic and circulation, hydrology and drainage,neighborhood impacts,
public service impacts and construction effects.
San Buenaventura State Beach Facilities Development Plan and CEQA Documentation
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Rincon worked as the environmental planning team lead in the development of a Facilities
Development Plan for a State Beach facility in Ventura,California. The park unit is an active
day use facility,with ocean beaches, sand dune habitat,extensive picnic and day use grounds,
and a linear multi-purpose trail facility. The Facility Development Plan addresses a range of
park planning issues, including a changing user-group base and a need to better integrate a
regional facility with the adjacent neighborhood. Rincon prepared key components of a dune
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Proposal to Prepare 4110
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restoration mitigation program,which includes limiting fencing, interpretive signage, and
redirected pedestrian trails from the day use area to the beach. Following plan development,
Rincon prepared and processed an IS/MND for the proposed Master Plan.
Malibu Community Park Initial Study
City of Malibu
Rincon prepared an Initial Study on a proposed 24-acre
azo
x n*y community park in the City of Malibu in conjunction
with a City grant proposal for park funding. The
community park is to comprise 12 acres of the site,
while 12 acres would be left in its native condition.
The new park facility would replace an existing 10-acre
park,which is located adjacent to the western
boundary of the site and would be returned back to the
State of California Department of Parks upon
completion of the new City park. Key Initial Study
issues included biological resources,hydrology,
geologic stability, and parking availability. The Initial
Study concluded that a Mitigated Negative Declaration could be processed for CEQA
compliance.
East-West Ranch Public Access and Resource Management Plan
Cambria Community Services District and R.RM Design Group
Rinconp repared the CEQA documentation and environmental constraints analysis for the East-
West Ranch Public Access and Resource Management Plan,which guides the long-term use of
this large and valuable open space parcel along the Pacific coast in the community of Cambria.
Specifically, we evaluated the biological,land use, and cultural resource constraints of the site,
and recommended management techniques to preserve the key resources while allowing public
access. The Management Plan responds to a multi-agency effort to preserve the site for public
access, and included a 2-year public participation effort.
River Park Biological Assessment and Permitting
City of Santa Clarita
Rincon assisted the City of Santa Clarita with the development of a new passive park along the
biologically important Santa Clara River. Our tasks included providing input to the park
� Y
planningand design team relative to the biological resources present at the site, and the
preparation of application materials for Clean Water Act permits and Streambed Alteration
Agreements for submittal to the regulatory agencies. The work included field consultation
meetings with regulatory personnel and specific wetland and jurisdictional boundary
delineation.
Lake Piru Master Plan Biological Survey and Master Plan CEQA Documentation.
United Water Conservation District
Rincon completed a biological inventory and survey in preparation for the implementation of a
Master Plan for the recreational component of the Lake Piru reservoir. Rincon prepared a detailed
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Proposal to Prepare •
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vegetation map and species inventory to be used for planning and development purposes. Key
environmental issues in the CEQA document,a Mitigated Negative Declaration,included
biological and cultural resources,and traffic.
2.2 Educational Projects
California State University,Channel Islands Master Plan Program EIR
California State University
Rincon prepared the EIR for the conversion of the Camarillo State Developmental Hospital into
the 23rd campus of the CSU system. The document was unanimously certified by the
California State University Board of Trustees in September, 1998. This allowed the completion
of the formal transfer of the property to the University system. The campus will
eventually provide educational facilities for 15,000 full-time students, growing
from the current 1,100 CSU Northridge Ventura Off-Campus Center. Unique in its
mission among CSU system institutions, the campus was managed by a Site
Authority which was charged with the development and oversight of a range of
private developments integrated into the campus. These uses will primarily be residential and
leased science and technology space, and must be linked to the university's academic mission.
Westmont College Master Plan FIR
County of Santa Barbara
Rincon prepared an EIR for the update of the Master
Plan for a 1,200-student liberal arts college in Montecito.
The Master Plan addresses increases in the square
footage of academic facilities and student housing, as
well as revisions to the circulation system. The
environmental issues of particular concern included
aesthetics,transportation,noise,and biological
resources. The EIR addressed a number of conditional
use permit conditions, inasmuch as many of the
permitted features were incorporated into the Master
Plan. The project involved an extensive community
outreach component,which included newsletters and community workshops.
Biological Resources Analyses for the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report UCSB -
North Campus Project
PBR/University of California Santa Barbara
Rincon was part of the planning team to prepare the biological resources section of an SEIR for
the UCSB-North Campus Project. This project involved the development of UCSB faculty and
student housing on the North Campus, including 122 dwelling units,a community meeting
room,exercise area, streets and parking areas on approximately 13 acres of the 28.9-acre site.
The site contains approximately 1.9 acres of identified wetlands, and the project would include
approximately 14 acres dedicated as wetland buffer for a total of 15.9 acres of wetland and
buffer. Community gardens, a picnic area, pedestrian and bike trails and wetland restoration
areas were also planned within the wetland buffer open space area. Seventy-five percent of the
parcel or approximately 21.8 acres would remain in open space, including walks, patios and
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Proposal to Prepare • •
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pools. Key tasks included the identification of biological impacts,including downstream
impacts to the Devereux Slough and Coal Oil Point Reserve, assessment of cumulative impacts,
and review and updating of the existing mitigation program. Specific subtasks included a
wetland delineation confirmation,spring special-status plant species surveys, and review and
integration of the proposed open space and habitat management plan.
California NanoSystems Institute and Parking Facility Environmental Impact Report
University of California Santa Barbara
Rinconprep
ared an EIR for the California NanoSystems Institute(CNSI)building proposed for
the UCSB campus. This project involved the development of an approximately 65,995 net
assignable square foot(ASF)building to house the proposed California NanoSystems Institute
(CNSI), a partnership between UCSB and UCLA that will act as a catalyst of interdisciplinary
and cross-disciplinary research and innovation. Because the project exceeded planned
development capacity for the site and introduced an unplanned parking facility, the EIR was
used to amend the Campus Long Range Development Plan(LRDP). Key issues included traffic
and parking, cultural resources,biological resources, aesthetics, and land use.
Avila Pier Marine Research Facility IS/MND
California State University San Luis Obispo/Unocal Corporation
Rinconprep
ared an Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the proposed reuse of the Avila
Beach Unocal Oil Pier. This project involved a regional collaboration of several California State
University (CSU)campuses with CSU San Luis Obispo
developing plans to apply the latest techniques in marine
instrumentation, computer modeling, 3D visualization,
and the Internet to assess the long-term effects of natural
(e.g., El Nino, and La Nina) and unnatural (e.g.,human-
induced habitat destruction, pollution, and pathogens)
perturbations on marine and estuarine environments.
The unique nature of the pier allows direct student and
facultyaccess to the coastal environment, including a
f73- protected intertidal habitat at the pier's base,the
opportunity for deep water sampling and monitoring at
the pier's end, and the ability to launch and receive
vessels for more extensive ocean investigations. Undergraduate and graduate students would
be able to conduct interdisciplinary research projects with their faculty mentors in many areas
of
study, includingmarine science, oceanography, marine ecology, meteorology, environmental
biotechnology,bioremediation, molecular biology, biochemistry, and computer and statistical
modeling.
2.3 Other Coastal and Hillside Projects
2902 Vista Del Mar Focused Biological Assessment and Rare Plant Surveys
AEI Consultants
Rincon conducted a Focused Biological Assessment(BA) for a 1.43-acre hillside property in
Rancho Palos Verdes. Key biological concerns revolved around the potential for habitat for the
California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), the Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Proposal to Prepare
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(Glaucopsyche Iygdamus palosverdesensis) and its associated host plant,Atragalus trichopodus
Rincon's work effort included a floristic inventory listing all vascular plants observed onsite
and within the proposed brush clearance zone.
28160 Palos Verdes Drive East Biological Assessment
AEI Consultants
Rincon prepared a Biological Assessment Report(BAR)for a 0.72-acre hillside property in
Rancho Palos Verdes. The report included: (1) a plant and wildlife inventory compiled from
field reconnaissance; (2) mapping of wildlife and botanical habitats and location of sensitive
biological resources; (3) identification of all special-status species observed or expected onsite;
and (4) analysis of project impacts on onsite habitats.
Rambla Pacifica Street Reconstruction/Reconfiguration EIR
City of Malibu
Rincon is currently preparing an EIR examining
fhrw �.
J r. itis
aK r,J 3'0'#�%�r),x•�5�>�°i� ori�``f,{S q��M'�n V
the proposed reconstruction and realignment of
_,. T����.�.'QRr{.k k Myo• f .
Rambla Pacifico Street, which was destroyed by
+x a landslide in 1984. The proposed 1,800 linear
foot road segment would re-establish a linkage
between the northern and southern sections of
Rambla Pacifico Street. The area of impact for
the proposed road alignment encroaches into
Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area
(ESHA). The site is also within a landslide
Y, hazard zone. The EIR focuses on biological and
geologic impacts.
Biological Inventory Reports (BIR) and Biological Assessments (BA),Malibu,Los Angeles
County
Multiple Clients
The City of Malibu began issuing coastal development permits in December 2004,after it was
ruled by the Los Angeles Superior Court and upheld by the Court of Appeal. Rincon
Consultants has conducted field reconnaissance surveys and prepared Biological Inventory
Reports BIR and Biological Assessments (BA) for an approximate 3-acre parcel located off
Sweetwater Mesa Road in the City of Malibu, Los Angeles County,California. The site was
disturbed as a result of previous activities, including weed abatement measures (e.g. disking).
Rincon also provided information about the dominant plant species present onsite;wildlife
observed and anticipated onsite; photo-documentation of existing site conditions; description of
site conditions, including habitat types and surrounding development; and biological resources
that meet the definition of an Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) pursuant to
guidelines in the City of Malibu Local Coastal Program(LCP) adopted by the California Coastal
Commission (CCC) in 2002.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Proposal to Prepare
Animal Education Center Environmental Document
Surfers Point Managed Shoreline Retreat Project EIR/EA
City of San Buenaventura
Rincon prepared an EIR for the proposed Surfers Point Managed Shoreline Retreat project,
which involved a plan for the restoration of an 1,800 foot stretch of beach and relocation of an
erosion-damaged shorefront bike path about 65 feet inland. The managed shoreline retreat plan
was the result of a collaborative effort among the City of Ventura,31st Agricultural District,
California Coastal Commission, and local interest groups to find an acceptable approach to
addressing shoreline erosion problems at Surfers Point. The EIR was an "alternatives style"
document that examined a range of possible options for the design of the project. Key
environmental concerns included impacts to coastal geologic processes, marine and terrestrial
biological resources, and coastal access and recreation.
Promenade Stairs and Seawall Restoration Project IS/ND
City of San Buenaventura
Rincon completed an Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the proposed improvements to
the City of San Buenaventura Beach Promenade and Seawall project. The improvement
program was designed to address damage and deterioration of the structure that had occurred
since its initial construction in 1970. Key features of the program included replacement of
deteriorated concrete, extension of the toe wall to prevent undermining of the structure,
rehabilitation of the existing revetment to restore its ability to provide storm protection,lateral
stability and foundation support,and relocation of damage to beach access stairs. Key issues
addressed in the MND included intertidal and subtidal biological resources, geological hazards,
construction effects, and water resources.
Palisades Bluffs Improvements Project IS/MND
h •
City of Santa Monica
Rincon prepared an IS/MND studying the effects of
proposed techniques to improve the stability of the
Bluffs and Palisades Park. The project involved a
h >
variety of specific methods to improve overall bluff
stability and safety, and stabilize the bluff rim, bluff
face,and bluff toe. Key environmental issues included
changes in the aesthetic character of the bluffs, slope
stability,and temporary disruption of traffic and park
access.
Goleta Beach Master Plan EIR
Chambers Group/County of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation
Rincon was part of a team to prepare an EIR for the Goleta Beach Master Plan update.
Specifically, Rincon prepared biology, traffic, and alternatives analysis sections of a
comprehensive EIR that examined full buildout of Goleta Beach. Future development plans
included several options for stabilizing the beach including a managed shoreline retreat
alternative,pier extension and widening, a subsurface break wall, full beach retreat,
nourishment with full revetment, as well as a groin and other alternatives. Key issues included
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Proposal to Prepare4110
Animal Education Center Envir ental Document
shoreline erosion and stabilization measure effectiveness, utility and service system protection,
temporary construction impacts, impacts to recreational activities,impacts to sensitive species.
Seaside Park Master Plan MND
Main Street Architects/Ventura County Fair Board, State of California,31st District Agricultural
Association
Rincon worked along with Main Street Architects during their development of the Seaside Park
Master Plan to analyze the physical environmental effects associated with implementing the
Master Plan in an MND. The Master Plan included infrastructure upgrades, structure
revitalization,and reorganization of the assemblage of structures, parking, landscaping and
circulation. The objective of the Master Plan is to create a guiding plan for Seaside Park that
promotes the year-round use and public enjoyment of the park property in ways that
compliment,support and benefit the annual Ventura County Fair event and the cultural
heritage it represents. Key environmental issues included historic resources and hazards and
hazardous materials.
Tentative Tract 5475 Specific Plan and EIR
City of Santa Paula
Rincon is currently preparing a specific plan and EIR
for a project involving development of a 32.5-acre site
for a hillside subdivision. The proposed project entails
74 hillside residential lots averaging 9,685 square feet.
Public streets would be built to serve the residential
development according to city standards. Key EIR
issues include hillside grading and associated aesthetic
effects,biological resources, landsliding, and traffic.
Golden Valley Ranch EIR
City of Santa Clarita
Rincon prepared an EIR on the Golden Valley Ranch mixed use project proposed on a 1,300-
acre undeveloped hillside property adjacent to the City of Santa Clarita. The project involved
the development of over 500 residential units and about 600,000 square feet of
commercial/retail development on undeveloped hillside terrain. Key issues for the highly
controversial project included geotechnical (landslide) concerns, biological resources (including
the California gnatcatcher),hydrology, and hazards (several abandoned oil wells were located
onsite). The EIR examined numerous alternatives developed by the consulting team, in
conjunction with the applicant. Ultimately, one of the alternative scenarios studied in the EIR
emerged as the applicant's preferred project and was approved by the City Council.
Ashley Construction Development Project EIR
City of Hidden Hills
Rincon prepared an EIR for a Vesting Tentative Map to subdivide an 18-acre undeveloped
hillside site into 8 lots that would be developed with custom single family residences. Of the 18
acres to be subdivided, 10 acres were within Hidden Hills and the remaining 8 acres were
within unincorporated Los Angeles County. The unincorporated portion of the site was
10 City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Proposal to Prepare • •
Animal Education Center Environmental Document
proposed to be annexed into the City. Key environmental issues included aesthetics associated
with grading of a hilltop, geology, land use policy, and biological resources.
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy Environmental Technical Studies
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy
Rincon analyzed the conservation value of an approximately 66,000 acre Area of Interest(IA)
surrounding the City of San Buenaventura for the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy. The goal of
the study was to assist the VHC in determining which parcels within the IA represent priorities
for future purchase and conservation. High priority � , f za, .�_ rya ���y
acquisition parcels, as defined by the VHC, include
ti[�d/�.[f'4 .cb uip.,trc{�} fQ V'[!•k 'xc,^,f a r.,c�,, .c 5'dS+.>>'n.f. .cF�N y
th o Se with highvisual, and recreational
biological,'cal,
>
n. To measure these values Rincon performed
function. Rp
biological,cultural,historical,hydrological, and
geological cal technical analyses, as well as a development
�
potential analysis. Using ArcGIS Spatial Analyst,the
results of these technical studies were modeled to
score each individual parcel within the IA according to
its resource value. The final output of the model was a
ranked list of parcels within the IA, detailing those
parcels with the highest resource value and
conservation potential.
3.0 NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT
Neither Rincon Consultants, Inc. nor any member of the Rincon team has any conflicts of
interest with respect to the proposed Animal Education Center.
4.0 PROJECT TEAM
Rincon has compiled a team that understands both CEQA's environmental review requirements
and the issues specific to Rancho Palos Verdes and the project site. We can conduct most of the
needed analyses in-house and have augmented our team with the following subconsultants to
provide specialized expertise in several key areas:
• RRM Design Group-photosiinulations
• Robert wlodarski-archaeological/cultural resources
• Linscott,Law & Greenspan Engineers - traffic and parking
Rincon has worked extensively with each of these firms/individuals on past projects and is
therefore very familiar with their work. This familiarity will ensure an efficient, seamless
environmental review process.
Rincon Consultants' proposed team organization for the Animal Education Center IS/MND is
shown in the chart below. Summaries of the qualifications and experience of the key
professionals who will be responsible for the management and oversight of the EIR follow,
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Proposal to Prepare •
Animal Education Center Enviro ental Document
while resumes are included in the appendix to this proposal. Staff assigned to this project will
be available over the timeframe of the Animal Education Center EIR. We are committed to
meeting or exceeding the City's scheduling requirements. Our firm size enables us to adjust
workloads as necessary to meet the scheduling needs of our clients.
Team Organization Chart
Cit,, f Pnr o o s verde.,
Joe Power, AJCP
Duane Vander Pluyrn. O.Env
B;o og O:uar3
.+ Assurance/JQua irkf r:
Abe k:er,. ICP
iri 3 ;o
Steve Hongola WaitHamann, P , CEG
Julie Broughton, PhD (
+q+� �(j(rip �,j Resource(, ,A'... (..)p y' :i`f a'
..1 i o i o e i C a i
Chris Dufour
Patrick Nichols
RRMDc if::n Group
Hy d?rc Ugy 'y't arc1
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Robert Wiodarski Clare Look-Jaeger: P .
Joe Power,AICP,will serve as Principal-in-Charge of the project. Joe has more than 18 years of
experience in CEQA and NEPA document preparation. He recently oversaw the Calabasas
General Plan and EIR and is currently overseeing the Parklands Specific Plan EIR for the City
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Proposal to Prepare
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of Ventura and the Tentative Tract 5475 FIR for the City of Santa Paula. He also managed the
Surfers Point Managed Shoreline Retreat EIR for the City of Ventura and Palisades Bluffs
Improvements Project IS/MND for the City of Santa Monica. He also oversaw the preparation
of technical environmental studies for a property acquisition prioritization analysis conducted
for the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy.
Abe Leider, Senior Associate with Rincon, will serve as Project Manager. In this role,he will be
the primary City contact and will manage the day-to-day activities of both Rincon and
subconsultant staff. Abe is currently managing the North Village Center Redevelopment EIR
for the City of Long Beach and recently managed the Press-Telegram Mixed Use Development
EIR for the City of Long Beach and the Trancas Canyon Community Park EIR for the City of
Malibu. He also managed the Lagunitas Mixed Use Development SEIR for the City of
Carpinteria as well as EIRs on several mixed use projects in the City of Santa Monica.
Duane Vander Pluym,D. Env, Principal and Senior Environmental Scientist with Rincon, will
oversee preparation of the biological, air quality, and noise analyses, and will serve in a quality
control capacity for other technical sections. Duane has more than 25 years of environmental
consulting experience, during which time he has conducted numerous environmental studies
for public agencies and private clients. His areas of technical expertise include biology,
ecosystem analysis, noise, air quality,hydrology, and water quality.
Duane Vander Pluym will be assisted on the biological resource analysis by Steve Hongola,
senior biologist and Julie Broughton,PhD (candidate). Steve has more than seven years of
professional experience, with expertise in biological resource assessment, focused surveys for
sensitive species,jurisdictional waters and wetlands delineations, habitat restoration and
management, and regulatory permit acquisition and compliance. He has conducted or assisted
in focused protocol surveys for numerous sensitive wildlife species, including California
gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, burrowing owl, desert tortoise,
arroyo toad, Los Angeles pocket mouse, and San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Julie is a senior
botanist with expertise in plant habitat evaluation, plant identification, general biological
surveys, and preparation of biological reports for compliance with both NEPA and CEQA, She
has performed biological assessments for two projects in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Walt Hamann,RG,CEG, Principal with Rincon, will oversee the geologic/geotechnical
analysis. Walt has a Master's degree in geology and more than 20 years of experiencing
performing environmental site assessments and geologic studies. He has performed hazard
assessments and geologic studies on hundreds of sites throughout southern California. He
recently oversaw the geotechnical analyses for the Trancas Canyon Park EIR and the Rambla
Pacifico Street EIR for the City of Malibu. He has also prepared geotechnical analysis for
numerous projects for the Cit of Santa Monica as well as safety elements for the cities of
Thousand Oaks,Santa Clarita, and Calabasas.
Patrick Nichols, an Associate with Rincon, will prepare the hydrology/water quality analysis.
Patrick is involved in a wide range of urban planning and land use studies, CEQA/NEPA
environmental documentation, technical research and modeling, as well as community
involvement and permitting activities. He has developed a focus in the area of urban planning,
water-use issues and hydrological systems. Patrick recently performed hydrological analyses
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for the Trancas Canyon Park EIR for the City of Malibu, the Calabasas General Plan FIR, and
the Agoura Village Specific Plan EIR.
Chris Dufour of RRM Design Group will prepare the photosimulations for the project. A
project manager with RRM, Chris is a landscape architect with more than nine years of
professional experience. He has prepared photosimulations on a variety of projects, ranging
from urban infill developments to hillside developments involving extensive grading and
topographic modifications. He recently worked with Rincon to prepare photosimulations for a
proposed mixed use hillside development on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood.
Robert Wlodarski, Principal Investigator with H.E.A.R.T., will oversee the cultural resource
analysis. Rob has been actively involved in California Archaeology for over 33 years,
completing over 1,075 projects. He is certified in archaeology by the Register of Professional
Archaeologists (RPA), and as a professional historian by the California Committee for the
Promotion of History (CCPH) (see attached resume). Rob's work has ranged from conducting
Phase 1 archaeological investigations and creating cultural and historical CEQA documents to
performing required monitoring and oversight of construction activities in the vicinity of
sensitive cultural resources. He has conducted hundreds cultural, historical and archaeological
projects in Los Angeles County, including numerous projects in the South Bay. Rob has
performed two major investigations within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes: (1) a Phase 1
Archaeological Study for Marineland, 100-acre parcel (Myra Frank& Associates); and (2) a
Phase 1 Archaeological Study for the Rancho Palos Verdes Storm Drain Project (SFC
Consultants).
Clare M. Look-Jaeger,P.E., Principal with Linscott, Law &Greenspan Engineers, will oversee
the traffic and parking study preparation. Clare has more than 20 years of experience and has
prepared numerous traffic impact studies for various jurisdictions in and around the greater
Los Angeles region. Projects include the Universal City Master Plan (three million square feet of
retail, office and hotel uses), Kaiser Permanente Medical Facilities (Woodland Hills, Pasadena,
West Los Angeles), Constellation Place (proposed 800,000 square foot office tower in Century
City), Inland Empire Business Center (five million square feet of industrial uses), and Universal
CityWalk.
5.0 SCOPE OF W
As noted previously, we believe that an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration
(IS/MND) will be the appropriate CEQA document as we anticipate that any significant
environmental effects associated with the project can be reduced to below a level of significance
through imposition of appropriate mitigation measures. This proposal assumes the preparation
of an IS/MND. However, if during the course of the preparation of the IS we determine that a
project impact would, or arguably would be, significant and unavoidable, we will notify the
City immediately to discuss an appropriate course of action. If it is agreed that an impact
would or may be significant, preparation of a focused environmental impact report(EIR) may
be warranted. In such an instance, we would need to revise our proposed work program to
facilitate the circulation of a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft EIR and a Draft EIR.
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5.1 General Work Program
As noted above, the final work program required for this project will involve the preparation of
an IS/MND if all potential impacts of the project can be mitigated and there is no substantial
evidence to suggest that the project will have a significant environmental impact. If the
potential for a significant impact is identified or an interested party makes a"fair argument"
that the project would result in an unavoidable significant impact and that an EIR is required, a
focused EIR will be the appropriate CEQA document.
Thisp roposal outlines our general approach under each of these scenarios. The major tasks in
the process are described below.
ISAVIND Scenario
1. Kickoff Meeting- Rincon's principal in charge and project manager will attend a kickoff
meeting for the project. This meeting will serve as a forum to review and confirm study
objectives and establish an operational protocol. Working schedules will be finalized and
details for scheduled tasks will be discussed. The consultant team will use this opportunity
to collect any relevant studies and information not already transmitted. The kickoff meeting
will also allow the City/consultant team an opportunity to thoroughly discuss the approach
to environmental evaluation and possible project alternatives. Community concerns that
have surfaced to date will also be discussed. Additionally,we will have an opportunity to
confirm the cumulative project list.
2. Administrative Draft IS - Rincon will prepare an Administrative Draft IS for City review.
Rincon will use the City's preferred IS format. The Administrative Draft IS will address all
of the items on the environmental checklist. Whenever possible, impacts will be quantified.
To the maximum extent feasible,existing technical studies will be used. In support of the IS,
Rincon will prepare separate technical studies in the following issue areas: (1) biological
resources; (2) cultural resources; (3) geology (peer review); (4) noise; and (5) traffic/parking.
Other issues will be addressed within the text of the IS.
Rincon will submit an electronic copy of the Administrative Draft IS/MND in PDF and
Word format. Our technical approach to the key issues to be addressed in the
Administrative Draft IS/MND is described below. At this point in the process, Rincon will
meet with City staff to review the findings of the IS and make a recommendation on the
type of CEQA document that will be required for the project.
3. Draft IS/MND - Assuming that the Administrative Draft IS concludes that all impacts can
clearly be reduced to a less than significant level, Rincon will respond to City comments on
the Administrative Draft IS/MND and submit one electronic copy of the Draft IS/MND and
up to 40 bound hard copies. If necessary, we will provide a single screencheck version of
the Draft IS/MND for City review and approval prior to publication. We assume that
Rincon will be responsible for mailing of the IS/MND to the Clearinghouse and responsible
agencies, and that the City will be responsible for newspaper and other noticing required
under CEQA.
4. Final IS/MND - Upon receipt of public comments on the Draft IS/MND, Rincon will
prepare draft responses to comments for City review. Upon receipt of City comments on
the draft responses, we will incorporate changes and prepare the Administrative Final
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IS/MND. This will include the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program(MMRP),
which will be a table listing all mitigation measures and indicating what monitoring actions
are required, the departments) responsible for monitoring, and when monitoring is to
occur. Prior to or following IS/MND approval,we will provide a PDF of the Final IS/MND
(including responses to comments and the MMRP) and up to 20 bound hard copies. The
City will be responsible for filing a Notice of Determination (NOD).
The Final IS/MND will include a mitigation monitoring and reporting plan (MMRP) in
accordance with City requirements. The MMRP will be provided in a format designed for
use by planners,environmental monitors,or code enforcement officers. Essentially, this
plan will take the form of a detailed table, which will compile all of the mitigation measures
developed within the body of the EIR, as well as information necessary to monitor
compliance with each measure. The program will include:
• Suggested wording as a condition of approval
• Identification of persons/agencies responsible for monitoring compliance with each condition
• Timing when monitoring must occur
• Frequency of monitoring
• Criteria to be used to determine compliance with conditions
5. Public Hearings - Rincon's principal in charge and/or project manager will attend two
public hearings on the project. If desired,we will make a presentation to the Planning
Commission and/or City Council summarizing the environmental review process and
IS/MND conclusions.
Focused EIR Scenario
1. Kickoff Meeting. Rincon's principal in charge and project manager will attend a kickoff
meeting for the project. This task is also identified under"IS/MND Scenario" and will be
performed under either processing scenario.
2. Administrative Draft Initial Study. Rincon will prepare an Administrative Draft IS as
described under the IS/MND scenario and meet with City staff to review the findings of
the IS. If the project team concludes that there is the potential that a "fair argument" can be
made that one or more of the project effects may be significant after mitigation, we will
proceed with the preparation of a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft EIR and
preparation of a focused EIR.
3. Final Initial Study/Notice of Preparation. Upon City approval of the IS, that document will
be circulated along with the NOP for the required 30-day review period. We have assumed
that the Rincon will be responsible for circulation of the NOP to the State Clearinghouse and
responsible agencies.
4. Scoping Meeting. Though not necessarily required under CEQA, we propose to conduct a
p g
scoping meeting during the 30-day NOP review period since the project is arguably of
regional significance. The scoping meeting will provide a forum for concerned agencies and
g �
thep ublic to provide input on the EIR scope and content. Rincon staff will make a brief
presentation providing an overview of the project, the CEQA process, and the anticipated
EIR work scope.
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5. Administrative Draft EIR. Upon confirmation that the project description is accurate,
Rincon will prepare an Administrative Draft EIR (ADEIR) for City review. Given that the
issues will have already been studied thoroughly in the Administrative Draft IS, preparation
of the ADEIR will largely consist of reformatting of IS discussions, with expansion of
content to meet EIR requirements. The ADEIR will include the following:
• Executive Summary-This section will summarize the proposed project and associated
environmental consequences. Impacts will be presented in tabular format to simplify
review by decision-makers and the general public.
• Project Description. Prior to initiating the environmental analysis, Rincon will prepare
a draft project description for City review. This section will include descriptions of the
site and its location, project characteristics relevant to the analysis, project objectives,
and required discretionary approvals. The project description will include textual,
tabular, and graphic presentation.
• Introduction and Environmental Setting- These introductory sections (required by
CEQA) will lay the groundwork for and summarize the substantive analysis to follow.
The introduction will describe the purpose and legal authority of the study, and
provides a discussion of lead, responsible and trustee agencies. The environmental
setting will provide a general description of the existing urban geographic character of
the city and the site vicinity.
• Environmental Impact Analysis -This section will analyze impacts determined in the
Initial Study to be potentially significant,which we assume will include aesthetics,
traffic and circulation and hazards and hazardous materials. Each issue area analysis
will include four main components:
o Setting (description of current conditions with respect to the issue are in question,
including the existing regulatory environment)
o Impact analysis (discussion of potentially significant effects of the proposed project; impacts
are typically compared to established "thresholds of significance")
o Mitigation measures (methods by which significant effects can be reduced or eliminated)
o Level of significance after mitigation (discussion of whether or not proposed mitigation
measures reduce impacts to below the adopted significance threshold)
The EIR impact analysis will be in the same alphabetical order of environmental factors
as Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. For each environmental issue analysis section,
the"Impacts" subsection will begin with a discussion of the thresholds for significance
to be used and a brief discussion for all environmental issues determined to be No
Impact or Less Than Significant Impact in the Initial Study, explaining why these
determinations were made and that no further analysis in the EIR is warranted. The
analysis will then proceed with the detailed analysis of each issue determined to be
"Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporation" or"Potentially Significant
Impact" in the same order as these issues are provided in the Initial Study. For each
environmental issue requiring EIR analysis, the EIR will state the level of significance as
determined in the IS, followed by an analysis discussion, mitigation measures specific to
the environmental issue, and discussion of the level of significance after mitigation.
Other CEQA-Required Discussions - This section will include discussions of other
sections required by the CEQA Guidelines and will include an analysis of potential growth-
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inducing impacts and global climate change(GCC).
• Alternatives -This section will include the analysis of up to four alternatives intended
to represent a"reasonable range" of alternatives required under CEQA. Up to four
alternatives will be identified during the course of the study in consultation with City
staff. The evaluation will be in less detail than for the proposed project, but will provide
decision-makers and the public adequate information to decide between alternatives.
6. Draft EIR. The Draft EIR will incorporate all relevant City staff comments on the ADEIR.
This document will be circulated for public comment for a period of 45 days, as required by
CEQA. We assume that Rincon will circulate the document to the State Clearinghouse and
responsible agencies and that the City will be responsible for required newspaper and other
noticing of the document's availability.
7. Final EIR. The Final EIR will include all comment letters received during the public review
period, responses to all comments received on the Draft EIR, and any necessary text
changes. The Final EIR will also include a mitigation monitoring and reporting program in
accordance with City requirements. Rincon will deliver a .PDF version of the document to
the City for its website posting. The MMRP will be included and will be as described under
"IS/MND Scenario."
8. Public Hearings. Rincon's principal in charge and/or project manager will attend two
hearings on the project. At the City's request,we will prepare and deliver a presentation
that summarizes the CEQA process and the findings of our analysis.
5.2 Technical Approach to Key Issues
Rincon's technical approach to the key issues for the project, which would generally be the
same under either processing scenario, is described below. Though the format of the analysis
would be different depending upon whether or not an MND or an EIR is ultimately processed,
the general approach to the analysis would be the same under either scenario. The key issues,
which we anticipate would be the focus of the EIR if it is determined that an EIR is necessary,
include:
• Aesthetics • Hydrology/VVater Quality
• Biological Resources • Noise
• Cultural Resources • Traffic/Parking
® Geology ® Greenhouse Gases/Global Climate Change
Aesthetics
The proposed project would involve grading and construction in an undeveloped hillside
location. As such, although the project is anticipated to generally blend into the site, it would
entail changes to the area's visual character, it would also add light and glare sources that
could be visible from neighboring uses.
The analysis of aesthetic impacts will address such issues as: (1) changes in visual character; (2)
alteration of views from public and private view locations; (3) increase light and glare,
particularly at neighboring residences. The analysis will consider the physical changes to the
site within the context of adopted City policies relating to aesthetics and view preservation.
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The analysis will be supplemented with photosimulations to be prepared by RRM Design
Group. The photosimulations will show a graphical representation of the project pre-
construction,and post-construction conditions from four vantage points. This visual will help
illustrate the project from key locations pre-determined by the City. The basis of the visual
study will be gathering pertinent electronic 3-dimensional data for the key site elements into a
cohesive computer model. RRM will require the following electronic data for completion of this
task:
• Existing Topography(1 foot contour resolution)
• Proposed Grading(Autocad format)
• Elevations and Floor Plans for all Proposed Built Elements
• Landscaping Plan
• Site Plan/Hardscape Plan (Au toCad format)
• Color and Material Boards for Built Structures
The modeled elements will be illustrated with photorealistic textures based upon
predetermined building materials.
RRM will take high resolution photographs of the existing conditions of the site. These
photograph aph locations will be pre-determined by the client and are assumed to support ground
plane perspective views (as opposed to birdseye or aerial views). Together with the modeling
created, the photographs will be used to compile photorealistic view(s) of the proposed design.
Biological Resources
A review of the information provided and readily
available aerial photography indicate that the project site
has been highly modified,with natural habitat limited to
the verysteep ocean bluffs. Nonetheless, the site is
within designated critical habitat for the California
gnatcatcher, and critical habitat for the Palos Verdes and
El Segundo blue butterflies is relatively nearby, as are
Natural Community Conservation Plan lands. Rincon
aassessment that includes a site
will prepare biological
reconnaissance of the project area to document the
general biological and botanical conditions of the area
�
and the potential for special-status species and other protected biological resources to occur at
the site. We will consult with the California Department of Fish and Game (California Natural
Diversity Data Base) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and other appropriate
resource agencies and conservation organizations for information on the potential presence of
special-status species, species of local importance, and potential migration corridors present on
or adjacent to the site. The biological assessment will identify and map the potential for special-
status species or habitat based on a suitability level analysis. Specifically,we will identify
whether or not the site provides suitable foraging or nesting habitat for the California
gnatcatcher,and whether or not the food plants needed by the blue butterflies are present
within the project site. The site reconnaissance will include an initial floristic survey to
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determine if there is the potential for any special status plants to be present within the proposed
park development area. We will also identify if any resources at the site meet the definition of
Environmentally Sensitive Habitat(ESH) under the Coastal Act. The following will be included
in this report:
• Dominant plant species present;
• Wildlife observed and anticipated onsite;
• Photo-documentation of the existing site conditions;
• Description of site conditions, including habitat types and surrounding development;
• Biological resources that meet the definition of an ESH;
• Discussion of physical site characteristics (e.g. topography, soil,wildlife corridors,
microclimate);
• Map (drawn to scale) habitats and identified special-status species;
• Mapping of significant populations of blue butterfly larval food plants (Eriogonum
parvifoliurn, Astragulus trichopodus lonchus, and Lotus scoparius) if present at the site;
• Identification of all special-status species observed or expected onsite;
• Assessment of the potential impacts of proposed park development to identified habitat or
species;and
• Identification of mitigation measures to minimize and mitigate impacts to biological
resources.
The product of this task will be a technical report that will be included as an appendix to the
IS/MND or EIR. The report will document the methods and results of the study and the
anticipated impacts of the park development and associated activities.
Based on our initial review of the site, it does not appear that the critical elements for California
gnatcatcher are present within the site and a protocol survey is not presently recommended.
After the field reconnaissance, we will further discuss the site with USFWS biologists to
determine if a protocol survey is considered warranted. Rincon can provide such a survey for
the City for a cost and scope to be determined if this survey is required. Given the sensitivity
of the project, its location on a coastal bluff top, its proximity to the City's Preserve, Rincon
recommends conducting floristic surveys to confirm the presence or absence of special-status
plant species. This is provided below as an optional task.
As an optional task, a floristic survey would be conducted according to accepted survey
protocols to determine the presence or absence of rare plants. This floristic survey would be
conducted during the spring blooming period for plants in this region, typically March to June.
The survey will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines recommended by the California
Native Plant Society and the California Department Fish and Game Guidelines for Assessing
the Effects of Proposed Projects on Rare,Threatened, and Endangered Plants and Natural
Communities (Revised 2000), which includes but is not limited to the following:
• Conducting the survey at the proper time of year when plants are both evident and
identifiable, typically during the flowering period of March - June.
• Surveys will be floristic in nature; namely, all plant species noted in the field should be
identified to the level necessary to determine if it is rare, threatened or endangered.
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® Surveys will be conducted using systematic field techniques in all habitats of the site to
ensure a reasonable and thorough coverage.
• Up to three visits to the site may be necessary to ensure that seasonal variations in the
flowering period are adequately covered.
Cultural Resources
The cultural resource analysis will involve the preparation of
a Phase 1 archaeological study that will either be included as
an appendix to the IS/MND or placed on file with the City.
The findings of the study,to be prepared by Robert
Wlodarski,will be incorporated as appropriate into the IS.
The scope of work of the Phase 1 survey will entail:
• Archival Research and Native American
Consultation: A record search will be pei formed at the South Central Coastal Information
Center(SCCIC), California State University Fullerton, and contact will be made with the
Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), Sacramento, California.
• Field Reconnaissance: An intensive systematic pedestrian survey of the project area will be
performed by archaeologists who will address any cultural resource issues associated
with project area.
• Report Phase: Preparing a report documenting the results of the records search, research,
and field reconnaissance phases in compliance with CEQA and existing guidelines,policies
andfor procedures conducting phase I cultural resource investigations within the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes and County of Los Angeles.
Geology
It is our understandingthat a geotechnical study will be provided for use in the environmental
document. Walt Hamann, a Rincon principal and certified engineering geologist(CEG), will
review theg eotechnic al study to verify its accuracy. A brief"peer review" letter summarizing
Walt's findings will accompany the geotechnical study in an appendix to the IS/MND or EIR.
As appp ro riate, the findings of the geotechnical study and peer review will be incorporated into
the IS. Thisp pro osal assumes that the study will be generally adequate and that major re-work
of the geotechnical study will not be required.
Hydrology/Water Quality
The
hydrology/water quality analysis will consider both temporary hydrological changes
during construction and long-term changes in hydrology due to project operation. It is our
understanding that an engineering hydrological study is being prepared for the project. The
analysis of changes in surface water volume will rely on this study. The water quality analysis
Y
will discuss regulations under the federal Clean Water Act and the State,which require projects
disturbing greater than one acre during construction to comply with the State General
Construction NPDES permit and likely Best Management Practices (BMPs) that would be
implemented under the required Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The analysis
will also discuss the requirements of the Los Angeles County Municipal Storm Water NPDES
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Permit issued by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board,which governs non-
point discharges associated with storm water drainage. The permit includes implementation of
a Los Angeles County Standard Urban Storm Water Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) and appropriate
BMPs for long-term control of storm water runoff.
Noise
The primary noise generators associated with the proposed project would be traffic to and from
the site and on-site parking lot activity. Adjacent residences are the noise-sensitive uses that
would be most affected by the project.
Rincon will prepare a letter noise report analyzing the effects of traffic and parking lot activity
on sensitive receptors. The report will be included as an IS/MND appendix and summarized in
the IS. The traffic analysis will consider key roadways affected by project traffic and will be
based upon data from the LLG traffic study and modeling conducted using the FHW A's
Transportation Noise Model (TNM). The model will be calibrated based upon field noise
measurements to be conducted on and around the project site. Post-project noise levels will be
compared to both existing noise levels and"baseline" noise levels (i.e.,existing noise+noise
increases associated with planned and pending development). The analysis of parking lot
noise will utilize Rincon file data to estimate noise from typical parking sources(i.e.,moving
vehicles,horns, alarms, door slams) at nearby sensitive receptor locations.
Traffic/Parking
The traffic and parking analysis will be performed
by Linscott, Law &Greenspan Engineers (LLG).
LLG's full work scope is provided in the appendix
to this proposal. Generally, their work scope will
• involve the following tasks:
1. Project Mobilization-obtaining required background data
2. Data Collection and Research-conducting research at the City and neighboring
jurisdictions and obtaining 24-hour machine counts at up to 12 intersections and 10
street segments
3. Trip Generation,Distribution and Assignment-preparation of trip generation
forecasts for typical weekdays and weekends as well as special events; development of
an assumed trip distribution pattern;assignment of project trips to the study area
circulation system
4. Project Evaluation and Mitigation-preparation of weekday AM and PM and weekend
midday hour level of service calculations at the study intersections for existing
conditions, as well as future conditions with and without the proposed project traffic;
assessing project impacts based on City of Rancho Palos Verdes criteria;coordinating
with City staff to identify potential roadway improvement measures for identified
significant impacts
5. Street Segment Analysis -preparation of separate street segment analyses utilizing the
existing weekday and weekend day Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volumes;evaluation of
weekday and weekend day project-related ADT growth on the analyzed street segments
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based on the City's street segment impact threshold criteria; if necessary, provision of
recommendations to reduce the street segment impacts to less than significant levels
6. Site Access and Circulation Review- Review of the proposed site plan and provision
of recommendations to address any City or County concerns regarding site access and
internal circulation; provision of recommendations regarding the location of the site
access driveways, the number of driveways, potential turn restrictions, planned bicycle
facilities and connectivity with the internal site circulation system;qualitative review of
internal roadways for motorist visibility issues
7. Congestion Management Program (CMP) Roadway Impact Analysis -Analysis of
potential impacts at monitoring location(s) identified in the 2004 Congestion
Management Program for Los Angeles County manual, Metropolitan Transportation
Authority,July 2004; analysis of potential impacts to public transit consistent with
procedures outlined in the CMP manual
8. Project Parking Analysis -Tabulate the parking accumulation data and determine the
existing hourly and peak parking demand for a typical weekday and weekend
conditions; forecast the anticipated parking demand for the project based on the unique
site characteristics and information provided by City staff(the peak parking demand for
the project will be forecast for a typical weekday and weekend condition, as well as a
special event scenario); comparison of the project parking demand with the proposed
parking supply and identify any surplus or deficiency; forecasting of future parking
demand at the Lower Point Vicente Park with the completion of the proposed project
based on the existing parking demand characteristics of the site and the forecast parking
demand for the proposed project; review of the project parking layout scheme as shown
on the site plan and provision of recommendations regarding parking access, number
and location of handicap accessible spaces, valet parking, tandem spaces,etc.
LLG's work scope also includes preparation of a traffic report that will be included as an
appendix to the IS/MND or EIR. Rincon will summarize the findings of the traffic report in the
IS/MND or EIR. LLG will also prepare responses to comments on the draft study and attend
two hearings on the project.
Greenhouse Gases/Global Climate Change
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) and global climate change(GCC) has recently emerged as a critical
topic under CEQA. The IS/MND will discuss this topic as part of the cumulative impacts
analysis. The analysis will discuss the general nature and sources of GCC,current efforts to
regulate GHGs (including recent Office of Planning and Research publications and guidelines
relating to how GCC should be addressed in CEQA documents), and the proposed project's
potential contribution to this cumulative issue. The project analysis will quantify emissions
using the latest version of the URBEMIS air quality model and compare emissions to the
statewide GHG inventory. The discussion will also compare project emissions to suggested
thresholds from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA). Finally, the discussion will
compare the project to applicable recommendations of the California Climate Action Team and
recommend measures that would minimize the project's contribution to GCC to the maximum
extent feasible.
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6.0 COST
Rincon Consultants, Inc. will prepare the IS/MND for the proposed Animal Education Center,
in accordance with our proposed scope of services, for an estimated cost of$133,438. With the
optional floristic survey, the cost would be$137,438. Table 1 provides a breakdown of costs by
major work item. For this scenario, we have budgeted 32 hours of Rincon professional staff
time to prepare responses to comments on the Draft IS/MND. We have also budgeted for
printing of 40 copies of the Draft IS/MND and 20 copies of the Final IS/MND.
If it is determined that a focused EIR is required,we will complete the work scope described
above for an estimated cost of$169,884. With the optional floristic survey, the cost would be
$172,884. Table 2 provides a breakdown of costs by major work item. For this scenario, we
have budgeted 48 hours of Rincon professional staff time to prepare responses to comments on
the Draft EIR. We have also budgeted for printing of 40 copies of the Draft EIR and 20 copies of
the Final EIR.
Attendance at a project kickoff meeting and two public hearings is included in the budget for
either scenario. At the City's request, Rincon's project manager or principal in charge will
attend additional hearings on a time-and-materials basis. Meetings with City staff at key points
in the process are included in our project management budget.
The proposed scope of services and associated costs are fully negotiable to meet the needs of the
City. Additional work, not included within our proposed work program, will be completed
only upon written City authorization in accordance with our standard fee schedule. This offer
for professional services will remain in effect for a period of 60 days from the date of this
proposal. During this period, questions regarding our proposed scope of services may be
directed to Mr. Michael P. Gialketsis, REA, Principal of Rincon Consultants, Inc.
7®0 SCHEDULE
The following is a list of deliverable products that will be provided for each of the CEQA
compliance scenarios. Our proposed schedule will complete the environmental review process
faster than the schedules outlined in the City's RFP, though the timeframes for individual
components of the process are somewhat different than those suggested by the City. Based on
our experience, preparing the required technical studies early in the process rather than in
conjunction with the Draft EIR will better facilitate a decision regarding the type of document
that will be needed and streamline the overall process. Thus, preparation of the Administrative
Draft IS(including technical studies) will take somewhat longer than what is outlined in the
RFP, though the Draft IS/MND or Draft EIR can be completed much more quickly than
suggested in the RFP.
Assuming three weeks for City review of draft work products, we believe that the IS/MND
process can be completed in about 7-8 months. Based on the same assumption, we believe that
the EIR process can he completed within about 10-12 months. Thus, assuming a late April
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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Proposal to Prepare •
Animal Education Center Environmental Document
kickoff, the IS/MND process could be completed in November or December of 2009 while the
EIRp rocess could be completed early in 2010 (between about February and April).
7.1 IS/MND Scenario
1. Kickoff Meeting. Rincon will arrange and manage a project kickoff meeting within ten
working days of receipt of notice to proceed. Within one week of the kickoff meeting,
Rincon will provide a summary of the meeting proceedings.
2. Administrative Draft IS. Five (5) copies of the Administrative Draft IS (including technical
studies)will bep rovided within ten weeks of authorization and receipt of all completed site
plans,Tansgradingplans, landscape plans, technical studies, and other relevant project-related
materials.
3. Draft IS ND. Forty (40) copies of the Draft IS/MND will be provided within three weeks
of receipt of Citycomments on the Administrative Draft IS. Rincon will also deliver a .pdf
version of the document to the City for website posting.
4. Final IS/MND. Draft responses to comments on the Draft IS/MND will be provided for
City review within three weeks of receipt of all comment letters. Twenty (20)copies of the
Final IS/MND will be provided in the form of a single document that includes the Final
text,
IS/MND responses to comments, and the MMRP within two weeks of receipt of City
/
comments on the draft responses to comments. Rincon will also deliver a .pdf version of the
document to the City for website posting.
7.2 Focused EIR Scenario
1. Kickoff Meeting. Rincon will arrange and manage a project kickoff meeting within ten
days of receipt of notice to proceed. Within one week of the kickoff meeting, Rincon will
p
provide a summary of the meeting proceedings.
2. Administrative Draft IS. Five (5) copies of the Administrative Draft IS (including technical
studies)will be provided within ten weeks of authorization and receipt of all completed site
plans, gradingplans, landscape plans, technical studies, and other relevant project-related
materials.
3. Final IS/NOP. The Final IS/NOP will be circulated to the State Clearinghouse and
responsible agencies within two weeks of receipt of City comments on the Administrative
p
Draft IS.
4. g g Scoping Meeting. Rincon will conduct the scoping meeting within the 30-day NOP period.
p
5. Administrative Draft EIR. Five (5) copies of the Administrative Draft EIR will be
delivered within six weeks of the release of the IS/NOP.
6. Draft EIR. Forty (40) copies of the Draft EIR will be delivered within three weeks of
receipt of Citycomments on the Administrative Draft EIR. If review of additional
versions of the Administrative Draft EIR is required, Rincon will respond to comments
on subsequent versions within one week.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
25
Proposal to Prepare •
Animal Education Center Environ ental Document
7. Final EIR. Draft responses to comments on the Draft EIR will be provided for City
review within three weeks of receipt of all comment letters. The Final EIR will consist of
the responses to comments,corrections to the Draft EIR, and the MMRP. We will submit
twenty (20) copies of the Final EIR within two weeks of receipt of all comments on the
Draft EIR.
8.0 REFERENCES
Rincon isp roud of its reputation as a leader in the CEQA environmental review industry. We
inviteY ou to contact any of the individuals listed below regarding our qualifications, skills, and
project management.
Vince Bertoni,AICP Andy Agle
Assistant Director Director
City Planning Department Housing and Economic Development Department
City of Los Angeles City of Santa Monica
213-978-1272 310-458-8341
vince.bertoni@lacity.org andy.agle@smgov.net
Susan Healy-Keene,AICP David Reyes
Director Principal Planner
Community Development Dept. Planning Department
City of West Hollywood City of Beverly Hills
323-848-6400 310/285-1123
shkeene@weho.org dreyes@beverlyhills.org
Craig Chalfant Tom Bartlett,AICP
Environmental Review Project Manager Community Development Director
Comprehensive Planning Division City of Calabasas
Long Beach Development Services 818-878-4225
562-570-6368 tbartlett@ci.calabasas.ca.us
craig_chalfant@longbeach.gov
Donald Dean Allison Cook
Environmental Officer Senior Planner
County of Los Angeles City of Agoura Hills
323-890-7186 818-597-7310
donald.dean@lacdc.org acook@ci.agoura-hills,ca.us
r City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Animal Education Center
Cost Estimate-Focused EIR
Task Cost Hours Principal Sr.Assoc. Associate Graphics Clerical
_ $175/hr $125/hr $95/hr $75/hr $55/hr
1. Administrative Draft Initial Study $5,540 56 4 6 36 6 4
2. Final Initial Study/NOP $2,200 24 2 4 8 2 8
3. Scoping Meeting $1,980 16 4 6 4 2
4. ADEIR
Executive Summary $695 7 1 6
Introduction/Environmental Setting $1,400 14 1 1 10 2
Project Description $2,700 28 2 4 12 8 2
Aesthetics $3,200 32 2 4 20 6
Biological Resources $3,380 32 4 2 24 2
Cultural Resources $1,060 10 1 1 8
Geology $2,960 28 4 2 18 4
Hydrology/Water Quality $3,050 30 2 4 20 4
Noise $3,720 36 4 2 26 4
Traffic/Parking $2,250 22 2 4 12 2 2
Other CEQA Discussions(including GHG) $2,560 24 2 4 18
Alternatives $4,790 46 4 6 32 4
5. Draft EIR $5,630 58 6 12 20 4 16
6. Final EIR $9,710 90 12 24 40 2 12
7. Public Hearings(6) $9,000 60 30 30
Project Management(includes 6 team meetings) $23,220 172 60 80 24 8
Subtotal $89,045 785 146 197 338 52 48
OTHER COSTS
RRM Design Group(photosimulations-4) $15,000
IS/NOP Printing(5 admin draft,30 final) $1,050
EIR Printing(5 admin draft,40 draft,20 final) $4,875
Miscellanous Expenses $3,000
General and Administrative $3,589
Subtotal $27,514
TOTAL COST $116,559
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