Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Peggy Jensen, Interim Parks Director
Subject: Agreement with CSW|ST2 for the professional services required to design and permit the Tunitas Creek Beach Improvement Project
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) The Parks Director, or her designee, to execute an agreement with CSW|ST2 for the professional services required to design and permit the Tunitas Creek Beach Improvement Project, for an amount not to exceed $939,470, and a term expiring August 6, 2022; and
B) The Parks Director, or her designee, to execute amendments to the agreement to modify the County’s maximum fiscal obligation by no more than $25,000, and/or modify the agreement’s terms and/or services, so long as the modified term(s) and/or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.
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BACKGROUND:
In December 2018, the Parks Department (“Department”) released a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) seeking a qualified firm to plan, permit, and design the Tunitas Creek Beach Improvement Project (“Project”). The Project consists of identifying and implementing visitor-serving amenities essential to converting the property into a county park. Some of the required improvements include the engineered reinforcement of the emergency access path, vault-style restrooms, pedestrian overlook(s), picnic tables and benches, parking stalls, storage for supplies and equipment necessary to manage the property as a county park, pedestrian pathways connecting all improvements, and non-potable water storage tanks. To the greatest extent practicable and feasible, improvements will be ADA compliant.
The Project also includes two feasibility studies: one to determine the feasibility of using the adjacent pullout for parking, and a second to ascertain whether a Ranger station, Ranger residence, or visitor center could be constructed on the property.
In February, the Department received five proposals from firms interested in providing the requested services. Of the five firms, three were interviewed. After a comprehensive interview process, which included staff from the Department, Supervisor Horsley’s Office, Public Works, Peninsula Open Space Trust, and California State Coastal Conservancy, CSW|ST2 was selected as the preferred firm.
DISCUSSION:
CSW|ST2 will be responsible for (1) reviewing all available information pertaining to the property, (2) engaging with all applicable regulatory and resource agencies, and (3) conducting further site investigations as necessary before preparing the project alternatives. This will ensure the project alternatives are able to provide sustainable coastal access and recreation opportunities to the public and preserve the sensitive natural and cultural resources on the property.
Once the project alternatives have been developed, they will be presented to the public for refinement and the eventual selection of the preferred project alternative. Included in CSW|ST2’s scope of work is the requirement that online tools and opportunities to provide feedback are offered. Special efforts will also be made to engage with disadvantaged communities and produce outreach and meeting materials in multiple languages. Once selected, the preferred alternative will be presented to your Board for consideration.
Once the preferred project alternative is selected, CSW|ST2 will prepare the project designs and required permit applications. At 35% and 65% completion, the designs will be presented to the public for feedback. Upon completion of the 35% plans and specifications, CSW|ST2 will commence the environmental review and permitting process. It is anticipated that, under the California Environmental Quality Act, a Mitigated Negative Declaration will be required for the Project, but the type of review may change based on further study. The Department expects that permits and approvals will be required from County Planning and Building, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the California Department of Transportation.
Based on the current project schedule, the reviews, permits, and project designs are anticipated to be completed in February 2021.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution and agreement as to form.
Approval of this action contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of an Environmentally Conscious Community because the Project will enable the Department to provide a new coastal access and recreation opportunity for the public while preserving the property’s natural and cultural resources.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The agreement with CSW|ST2 is for a not-to-exceed amount of $939,470; however, all expenses associated with this project up to $3 million are reimbursable by a California State Coastal Conservancy grant.