SR 08-09-2016 3G
Ci ty Council
Report
City Council Meeting : Augus t 9, 2016
Agenda Item: 3.G
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Susan Cline, Director , Public Works, Architecture Services
Subject: Environmental Consulting Services Agreement for the Airport Park Expansion
Project
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Award Requ est for Proposals (RFP # 11062015 ) to AMEC Environment &
Infrastructure, Inc., a California -based company for environmental consulting
services for the Airport Park Expansion Project ; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement wit h AMEC
Environment & Infrastructure, Inc. for a total amount not to exceed $257 ,933
(including a 10% contingency).
Executive Summary
An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is required in order to approve and construct the
proposed Airport Park Expansion Pro ject, expansion of sport fields into 12 acres of non -
aviation land adjacent to the existing Airport Park, and is currently in the Feasibility
phase of the design. Staff is requesting authoriza tion to negotiate and execute an
agreement with AMEC Environmen t & Infrastructure, Inc. to provide environmental
consulting services for the Airport Park Expansion Project for a total not to exceed
amount of $257,933 (includ ing a 10% contingency) to comply with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Backg round
On March 25, 2014 (Attachment A), a City Council Hearing was held on the future of the
Santa Monica Airport leasing, planning, environmental and legal work that would enable
the City to determine the future use of its land now occupied by the Airport , including
possible closure of all or part of th e Airport, among other things. Council gave staff
various directions, including direction on leasing policy, but did not make any decisions
about the Airport's future. The Council did direct staff to work on contingency plans for
the Airport's future, continue its efforts to establish the City's right to control use of the
land, and take other actions to enable the City to determine the future use of the land,
including possible closure of all or part of the Airport.
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On March 24, 2015 (Attachment B), a City Council Hearing was held regarding future
operations and land use at the Santa Monica Airport. Council gave direction to City staff
to begin design and development of the recreational uses on two parcels (12 acres) of
non -aviation land at the southeastern portion of the airport, with the goal of developing
the site for recreational use within three years, if possible.
On January 26, 2016 (Attachment C), Council approved an agreement with Rios
Clementi Hal e Studies to provide feasibility study and design services for the Airport
Park Expansion Project in an amount not to exceed $211,200.
Discussion
The City of Santa Monica is developing 12 acres of public park space on non -aviation
land located at the sout heasterly portion and within the boundary of the Santa Monica
Airport. The project site is comprised of two separate parcels . The east parcel is
presently occupied by open tie -down areas for small aircraft , which have been relocated
elsewhere at the Santa Monica Airport. T he west parcel is occupied by a small office
structure, several small metal storage hangars as well as automobile parking and
stagin g area for the Barker Hanger. The Airport Park Expansion Project would require
removal of the existing uses on the eastern and western parcels and development of
public park space. Proposed park space uses include play fields of varying sizes for
soccer , lacrosse, rugby and football, universally accessible playground and/or exercise
equipment, and accessory use s/facilities including restrooms and small storage and
staffed maintenance building.
Feasibility and design work for the Airport Park Expansion Project is currently underway
by the City’s selected design consultant, Rios Clementi Hale Studios . In additio n, a
community workshop was held on June 18, 2016 to gather public input on the Airport
Park Expansion Project. Three concepts were presented at the workshop describing
variations on the number and locations of playing fields, the location of a community
g arden, restrooms, playgrounds, and parking. The attendants were invited to give their
opinions about these topics and to provide input on amenities to occur between the
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playing fields and along a new organizing circulation “promenade .” An online survey
fol lowed the workshop, as well as presentations to both Recreation and Parks and
Airport Commissions.
The Airport Park Expansion Project will require an environmental clearance process to
comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA ).
Cons ultant Selection
On October 27, 2015, the City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ #102715 ) for
envi ronmental consulting services in accordance with City specifications. The RFQ was
posted on the City’s on -line bidding site and notices were advertised in the Santa
Monica Daily Press in accordance with City Charter and Municipal Code provisions. The
RFQ sought qualifications from environmental consulting firms to prepare environmental
documents pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and/or National
En vironmental Policy Act (NEPA). One hundred twenty -three vendors downloaded the
RFQ. Twenty -four responses were received and evaluated based on the criteria in
SMMC 2.24.072, including past experience in urban infill development projects,
adequacy of the response, records of past performance, and demonstrated
thoroughness in work approach. The City selected eleven qualified firms to be placed
on a p re -q ualified l ist based on these criteria.
O n March 29 , 2016, the City issued a Request fo r Proposals (RFP) to prepare an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Airport Park Expansion Project. Three of the
City’s pre -qualified firms for environmental consulting services received the RFP and all
firms responded to the RFP with proposals.
Ve ndor
CAJA Environmental Services, LLC
AMEC Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc.
IFC
City staff reviewed all proposals and interviewed the three firms. Evaluation of the
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submitted materials was based on the following selection criter ia in SMMC 2.24 .073 ,
including:
Training, credentials and prior experience in preparing EIR ’s for the City of Santa
Monica
Competence and knowledge of CEQA/NEPA regulations
Understanding and experience in airport -related projects, project goals and
approach
Understanding of the federal aviation regulations and requirements
Ability of the team to successfully complete the full scope of work on time and
within budget
Evidence of a productive team structure and sufficient resources (i.e., financial,
staff, etc.)
The firm’s c haracter and reputation in preparing high quality EIR’s in similar
municipalities
A budget that reflects a fair, reasonable, and competitive price
Understanding of the specific scope of work of the Airport Park Expansion
Project
AMEC Environment & Infrast ructure, Inc. is not the lowest bidder, but the firm best
demonstrated knowledge of the City and CEQA, has a strong record of preparing legally
defensible environmental documentation in the City and other jurisdictio ns, prepared the
most comprehensive scop e of work and showcased a flexible approach for the work
required. The firm has had recent experience in preparing complicated EIR
documentation in the City of Santa Monica, and has demonstrated a strong
understanding of the City’s regulatory structure and neighborhood concerns.
Furthermore, AMEC has extensive experience in working with the Federal Aviation
Administration on other airport -related projects. Based on these criteria, AMEC
Environment & Infrastructure, Inc. is recommended as the best bidder. It is anticipated
that the CEQA process can be completed within approximately one year.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
The agreement to be awarded to AMEC Environment & Infrastructure, Inc. is for an
amount not to exceed $257 ,933 . Fu nds are available in the FY 2016 -17 Capital
Improvement Program budget in account P019120.589000 Feasibility Study/Airport
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Park .
Prepared By: Jean Bellman, Architect
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. March 25, 2014 Staff Report
B. March 24, 2015 Staff Report
C. January 26, 2016 Staff Report
Reference:
Agreement No. 10352
(CCS)