AgdaPkt 2010-05-24 special, clsd and jnt

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6.1 F Page 2 approach for the environmental review process, which will include preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR}. This process will likely involve development of pre- scoping informational meetings}, the development of a preliminary Project Description, the development of a Purpose and Needs Statement, and the preparation of a Notice of Preparation (NOP). The purpose of the pre-scoping informational meetings} will be to provide the public an opportunity to understand the environmental review process so that they may participate in an informed and effective way. Following the initial contract, staff would return to City Council for additional scope of work, including selection of sub- consultants, schedule, budget and/or contract amendments for the lead environmental consultant. Hauge Brueck Associates HBA as a firm, and specifically the Project Management team of Anders Hauge and Patricia Collins, provides the City with experienced and tested managers. Their understanding of key aspects of the environmental process such as public involvement, environmental documentation, and program management established HBA as the top choice in the City's selection process. HBA is awell-established environmental consulting firm with extensive experience in both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA} and the National Environmental Policy Ac# (NEPA). HBA's high level of commitment to the preparation of a thorough and in-depth environmental analysis will aid the general public and the City's policymakers in their ability to make informed decisions about the Saltworks development proposal. Reimbursement Agreement The Developer is seeking land use entitlements including a General Plan Amendment, a rezoning of land, and an environmental assessment. The magnitude of this application and potential implications for Redwood City are significant and will require specialized review. This application comes while the City is engaged in bringing forth a new General Pian for Redwood Gity, which itself is requiring significant review. Under these circumstances, City staff and the Developer have discussed and negotiated a reimbursement agreement, which provides for the Developer to advance funds to the City to pay the costs of staff and consultant services related to review of the Project. ALTERNATIVES Council may choose not to approve the preliminary agreement with HBA and direct staff to modify the scope of work and/or select another consultant. Council may choose not to approve the reimbursement agreement and direct staff to process the review of the development proposal through the City's cost recovery system. FISCAL IMPACT The development proposal is subject to the Redwood City Planning Services cost recovery system; hence, the applicant has submitted an initial deposit to cover the cost of staff time needed for reviewing the development proposal. With the approval of the aforementioned contract and associated reimbursement agreement, the applicant will be required to submit funds to the City in order to cover the costs incurred to hire consultants. Consequently, no fiscal impact to the City's general fund is to be expected while reviewing the development proposal.