COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

 

PLANNING AND BUILDING DEPARTMENT

 

DATE:

September 15, 2008

BOARD MEETING DATE:

September 30, 2008

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Four-fifths

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

   

FROM:

Lisa Grote, Director of Community Development

   

SUBJECT:

Second Amendment to Agreement with Environmental Science Associates (ESA) for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the Pilarcitos Quarry Expansion Project

 

RECOMMENDATION

A)

Adopt a Resolution:

 

1)

Authorizing the execution of a Second Amendment to the Agreement with Environmental Science Associates to prepare Draft and Final Environmental Impact Reports for the Pilarcitos Quarry Expansion project to extend the term from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 and increase the amount by $39,829 from $318,265 to $358,094; and

 

2)

Authorizing the Director of Community Development or the Director’s designee to execute contract amendments which modify the County’s maximum fiscal obligation by no more than $25,000 (in aggregate), and/or modify the contract term and/or services so long as the modified term or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.

     

B)

Authorize an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) in the amount of $39,829 from Unanticipated Revenue to Contractual Services.

   

VISION ALIGNMENT

Commitment: Responsive, effective and collaborative government.

Goal 20: Government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain.

This Second Amendment contributes to the goal by providing the Board of Supervisors with sufficient information about potential impacts of this project upon which to make an informed decision regarding this land use request.

Performance Measure

FY 2007-08 Actual

FY 2008-09 Projected

Percent of compliance with California Environmental Quality Act requirements

100%

100%

BACKGROUND

On March 7, 2006 the County entered into a multi-phase Agreement with Environmental Science Associates (ESA) to perform environmental consulting services to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) and a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and a Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program for the expansion of an existing quarry located at 11700 Highway 92. The applicant is proposing to expand mining operations onto a west-facing slope located adjacent to and immediately north of the current mining area in Phase 1. This expansion area is approximately 20.48 acres in size. The applicant has future plans (over a 20+-year period) to conduct additional mining operations on 287 acres of the total 593-acre project site.

 

DISCUSSION

As originally planned, the Final EIR was to have been completed in early 2007. However, the contract was amended on May 15, 2007 to extend the term to June 30, 2008 to allow additional time for the consultants to complete their work. The Administrative Draft version of the EIR was delivered to the County in September 2007. At that point, after a series of meetings, the applicant requested a delay while they prepared project alternatives for consideration in the EIR. Because of the complexity of this project and the alternatives, staff has requested the consultant to do a more robust analysis of the alternatives than would normally be included in an EIR. The consultant has determined that this more extensive analysis is beyond what was originally considered in the project budget and has requested an Amendment to the contract.

 

Staff hopes to complete the EIR process by the end of 2008. However, staff is requesting an extension to June 30, 2009 in case any additional unforeseen issues arise. The additional analysis proposed for the Alternatives section will require an additional $39,829, to which the applicant has agreed.

 

The Contractor has assured compliance with the County's Contractor Employee Jury Service Ordinance, as well as all other contract provisions that are required by County ordinance and administrative memoranda, including but not limited to insurance, hold harmless, non-discrimination and equal benefits. County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution and Amendment as to form.

 

FISCAL IMPACT

The proposed Second Amendment to the Agreement with ESA increases the amount by $39,829, from $318,265 to $358,094, which is being paid for by the applicant, West Coast Aggregates. The proposed Amendment will extend the term from July 1, 2008 until June 30, 2009 to allow for additional time to complete the remaining work. There is no Net County Cost impact associated with the proposed Amendment.