SR-802-005 (2)
SF:JT:AS:SDL:F:\PPD\SHARE\PierRamp\Contract Staff report.doc
COUNCIL MEETING: October 23, 2001 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Contract for $153,500 to Rincon Consultants, Inc., for Preparation of an
Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment analyzing the
Santa Monica Pier Access Improvements
Introduction
This report recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a contract with Rincon Consultants, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $153,500
including a 20% contingency ($25,582), to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Santa Monica Pier Access
Improvements.
Background
The Santa Monica Pier Access Improvement Project involves the construction of a ramp from
the Santa Monica Pier to the parking lot below, as well as the widening of the existing pier
bridge that extends from Colorado Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier. The project will provide
for seismic strengthening of the circa 1940 bridge, wider sidewalks and reuse of the historic
Pier entrance sign. The Pier bridge will be reinforced and is proposed to be widened by
approximately 11 feet, to include 8-foot wide sidewalks on both the north and south sides of the
1
Pier bridge. The ramp from the Pier to the parking lot below is contemplated to improve
pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
The Pier Access Improvement project is subject to the standard City approval process that
includes environmental analysis. The Planning and Community DevelopmentDepartment
has determined that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and environmental assessment
(EA) will be required. The EIR will examine environmental issues regarding the proposed
project including air quality, water, construction effects, fiscal impacts, recreation,
aesthetics, neighborhood effects, noise, traffic, transportation and circulation, cultural
resources, and project alternatives.
The reconstruction of the bridge will be partially funded by FEMA as an earthquake repair
project. Therefore, the consultant will be required to write an Environmental Assessment
according to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) guidelines, and thus produce
two documents using the same data. Once an EIR is prepared, there will be a public
comment period during which interested persons can review and comment on the
environmental analysis. The project will be presented to the Planning Commission and
public hearings on the project will be conducted by the City Council.
Discussion
After reviewing proposals submitted by three firms, staff recommends the selection of
Rincon Consultants. Rincon Consultants was chosen due to the thoroughness and clarity
2
of their proposal, an understanding of the complexity of the issues, and experience in
preparing both EIR and EA documents. Additionally, Rincon is familiar with environmental
issues within the City and has an excellent experience in preparing comprehensive, clearly
written environmental documents.
Budget/Financial Impact
Funds for this study are available in the Coastal Circulation and Parking Improvements
Capital Account # C01045400.589000.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a contract with Rincon Consultants, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $153,500
including a 20% contingency, for preparation of an EIR/EA for the proposed Santa Monica
Pier Access Improvement Project.
Prepared by: Suzanne Frick, Director of PCD
Jay M. Trevino, AICP, Planning Manager
Amanda Schachter, Principal Planner
Kimberly Christensen, Senior Planer
Sarah Lejeune, AICP, Associate Planner
3