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Environmental and Planning Services Consultant Agreements <br />December 1, 2020 <br />Page 3 <br />environmental services and June 5, 2021 for planning services. The current proposal will authorize <br />the list of firms for a period of three years until November 30, 2023 <br />Consultant services under this work scope could include environmental analysis conducted for City <br />projects, such as an ordinance amendment, that requires preparation of required technical studies, <br />peer review of technical studies prepared by others, preparation of Initial Studies, Negative <br />Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, Subsequent or <br />Supplemental Environmental Impact Reports, Addendums, Environmental Assessments, and <br />Environmental Impact Statements. <br />The Planning Division's workload fluctuates and oftentimes increases as development applications <br />rise. Having on -call consultants for planning services will assist the Planning Division in maintaining <br />high customer service levels, meeting deadlines, and keeping pace with development schedules. <br />Occasionally, the Planning Division needs technical expertise to assist with City projects related to <br />urban design, historic preservation and environmental assessments, or needs specialized <br />assistance with zoning ordinance amendments pertaining to off -premise advertising (billboards), <br />short-term rentals, and parking. Utilizing a consultant's knowledge and experience can help reduce <br />the timeframe needed for completing a planning project and ensure that best practices are used <br />by the City. <br />In addition, under City planning staff supervision, consultants may be assigned to staff the public <br />Planning counter. Consultants may assist with reviewing project plans, responding to public <br />inquires, and case management. Consultants may also assist with review and processing of <br />ministerial permits such as tenant improvements, small additions, sign permits, reroof permits, and <br />window permits. With consultant assistance at the counter, full-time planning staff can focus their <br />efforts on current development projects and updating the General Plan. Firms hired for planning <br />consultant services will be paid from the Planning Agency's Contract Services -Professional and <br />Air Quality Management District accounts. <br />Appointment to the pre -approved list does not guarantee work to a consultant. If needed, firms will <br />be selected based upon their ability to perform the required work within the timeframe needed and <br />budget constraints. Approval of the list will allow the Planning Division to hire qualified, experienced <br />consultants for specific projects or tasks in a timely manner. As a result, the staff will be better <br />able to respond quickly to fluctuating demands and ultimately provide better service to customers <br />of the City of Santa Ana. It is recommended that the consultant list be approved due to the <br />expertise that the firms have demonstrated in the field of planning. <br />FISCAL IMPACT <br />Service fees shall be paid by the developer prior to the consultant commencing any work and the <br />fees will be deposited by the developer into the appropriate revenue account (No. 05316002- <br />53607). In addition, 10% of administrative fees will be deposited by the developer into the EIR <br />Developer Fees account (No. 01116002-53607). Development projects will be assigned activity <br />25C-3 <br />