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....,..'E OF SERVICES x Exhibit A Kimley-Horn has an impressive portfolio of completed environmental work that directly correspond to the expertise required to process the wide assortment of projects requiring environmental and planning services for the City of Santa Ana. Potential projects may involve, but would not be limited to, public and/or private sector development projects that may require general plan amendments, zone changes, and/or conditional use permits; office and mixed-use project developments; multi -family infill residential uses, as well projects associated with the revitalization of downtown Santa Ana. Kimley-Horn will bring extensive knowledge to the environmental documentation process. An overview of our approach to preparing environmental documents pursuant to CEQA is summarized below. Overview of Environmental Process and Methodology The benefits and risks of preparing an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) as opposed to an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), should be carefully considered when determining the appropriate level of environmental documentation for a particular project. Kimley-Horn believes that unless there are compelling extenuating circumstances, such as a high level of public controversy surrounding the project and/or a likelihood of litigation, then an EIR should only be prepared when there will truly be significant impacts that would remain significant after mitigation. It is often possible, if the City so desires, to adjust construction schedules and/or techniques to reduce impacts to less than significant levels, thereby allowing for the preparation of an IS/MND. However, as set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(f), if a lead agency is presented with a "fair argument" that a project may have a significant effect on the environment, the lead agency shall prepare an EIR. Therefore, an IS/MND may be rejected by the courts if opponents present a fair argument, which is a relatively low threshold to meet; therefore, the level of controversy and magnitude of the potential environmental impacts of each project should be considered on a case by case basis prior to determining whether to pursue an IS/MND or an EIR Project Initiation It Is critical to the successful completion of a project that all members of a project team meet prior to the commencement of the environmental analysis to ensure that the team is in agreement on a communication protocol and project schedule. During this stage of the project, Kimley-Horn facilitates a kick-off meeting with the team (i.e., Project Applicant, City staff, applicable subconsultants) to discuss the document format, required technical studies, and milestones/schedule. Project initiation efforts are intended to Identify informational needs and project issues; to develop strategies for addressing these issues; to disseminate information to staff and subconsultants; and to identify sensitivities and potential issues of concern to citizens, organizations, or other agencies that need to be considered through the CEQA process. During this stage of the project, Kimley-Horn will work closely with the project team to ensure that all parties understand the project description and have the information they need to commence their respective analyses. Additionally, Kimley-Horn will conduct a site visit to become familiar with the site and surrounding areas and to photographically document the existing conditions for use as the baseline condition. City of Santa Ana j EVOC77009.17 17 Kimley o Horn