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HomeMy WebLinkAbout25J - FIRST & FOURTH STREETS STUDY AREA REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION . ~~ ~ ~ CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: FEBRUARY 6, 2006 TITLE: CONTRACT AWARD WITH EIP ASSOCIATES TO PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND ZONING AMENDMENT FOR THE FIRST AND FOURTH STREETS STUDY AREA AND APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENT APPROVED o As Recommended o As Amended o Ordinance on 1 st Reading D Ordinance on 2nd Reading o Implementing Resolution o Set Public Hearing For \J~ UJ, I0J CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. Direct the City Attorney to prepare and authorize the City Manager and Clerk of the Council to execute an agreement with EIP Associates to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and related technical studies and zoning amendment for the First and Fourth Streets Study Area in an amount not to exceed $391,200, pending receipt of funding from developers. 2. Approve an appropriation adjustment recognizing $391,200 in the 2005-2006 FY revenue account for environmental review fee for the First and Fourth Streets Study Area (account 11-01-5452-113) and appropriating $391,200 to the Planning and Building Agency 2005-2006 FY budget allocation in the account for contractual services (account no. 11-505-6291) for payment to EIP Associates. DISCUSSION In 2005 a conceptual vision plan and development framework for the First and Fourth Streets study area east of the 1-5 Freeway was presented to the City Council and direction given to staff to pursue a comprehensive planning framework for the study area. That vision plan outlined where residential and mixed use development might be appropriate for future development, as well as provided general direction to guide the design of any future development of this type. The purpose at that time was to serve as a strategic guide for decisions regarding the development proposals, general plan updates and zone changes. Since that time staff has been working with two developers, Shea Homes and Makar Properties, who wish to pursue residential mixed-use projects in the study area. Staff has prepared a preliminary environmental analysis and identified a number of potentially significant environmental impacts that could be associated with the implementation of the proposed 25J-1 Contract Award with EIP Associates February 6, 2006 Page 2 project. Therefore the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project is required, as well as the preparation of zoning level documents that can allow for the proposed development. Both Shea Homes and Makar Properties have agreed to share the cost of these studies and will be funding the recommended contract in its entirety. Staff is recommending a sole source agreement for this project with EIP Associates due to the technical expertise that they have in both environmental analysis for complex projects, as well as for their experience in developing urban design zoning standards. EIP Associates previously prepared the land use study for the project area. This contract will continue to build on that successful effort. Presently, EIP Associates is included in the City's list of qualified environmental consultants and is not under contract with the City or the applicant on any other project. At this time, staff recommends that EIP Associates be awarded the contract to prepare the Environmental Impact Report and zoning amendment for the First and Fourth Street study area. The total amount would be $391,200. Environmental Impact The awarding of a contract for preparation of an environmental impact report and zoning amendment is statutorily exempt from CEQA. FISCAL IMPACT The applicants of the proj ect, Shea Homes and Makar Properties will deposit the full amount with the City of Santa Ana, in a special account for the proposed project for 2005-2006 fiscal year. The total appropriation adjustment will increase the anticipated revenue in the special revenue account for the project (account no. 11-01-5452-113) by $391,200 and increase the Planning and Building Agency expenditure allocation for contractual services by $391,200 (account no. 11-505-6291) for payment to EIP Associates. APPROVED AS TO FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS: . Trevino utive Director Planning and Building Agency '\,("\.('0,,,","" I>.,t . , ~ ' .~ ~ Francisco G~tierrez ~ Executive D~rector ~ Finance & Management Services Agenc~_ SK:rb sk\east fourth atreet 8tudy\18t-4thoverlay zone cc report 25J-2