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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSagecrest Planning+Environmental CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PROPOSAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL (CEQA) SERVICES PREPARED BY Amy Vazquez, President avazquez@sagecrestplanning.com 949.996.SAGE (7243) www.sagecrestplanning.com 27128 Paseo Espada, Suite 1524, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar TABLE OF CONTENTS QUALIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 2 PROJECT LIST & SCHEDULE ......................................................................................................13 SCOPE OF WORK .....................................................................................................................16 TASK 1: PROJECT INITIATION & PROJECT DESCRIPTION ....................................................16 TASK 2: TECHNICAL STUDIES ................................................................................................18 TASK 3: PREPARATION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CEQA DOCUMENT, INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION .....................................................................21 TASK 4: FINAL INITIAL STUDY/ MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, PUBLIC REVIEW & COMMENT ...........................................................................................................................23 TASK 5: PROJECT MANAGEMENT, MEETINGS, & CHECK-IN CALLS ...................................24 BUDGET ESTIMATED .................................................................................................................25 PROJECT SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................27 ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS ..............................................................................................28 July 30, 2025 City of Diamond Bar Attn: Rudy Lopez, Assistant Planner 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 SUBJECT: Environmental (CEQA) Consulting Services Sagecrest Planning + Environmental (Sagecrest) is pleased to submit this proposal for environmental consulting services for an Initial Study/Mitigation Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the development of a 49-unit, attached and detached residential condominium project located at 1400 Montefino Avenue in the City of Diamond Bar, CA. Sagecrest is a full-service planning and environmental services firm that assists cities and project applicants with managing environmental review processing, including but not limited to initial studies, exemptions, negative declarations, mitigated negative declarations, environmental impact reports, associated technical studies, i.e., air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, biology, cultural resources, noise and traffic impacts, mitigation and implementation measures, and all related notices and filings. Sagecrest looks forward to your favorable review of our firm’s qualifications, scope of work, and fee. I am authorized to bind Sagecrest in a contract under the terms and conditions prescribed by this proposal. If you require additional information or would like to further discuss our qualifications, please contact me at 714.914.5605 or via email at avazquez@sagecrestplanning.com. Respectfully, Amy Vazquez, President Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 2 QUALIFICATIONS Sagecrest Planning + Environmental (Sagecrest) is an award winning, full service, professional planning firm providing on-call planning, land use, and environmental consulting to public agencies throughout California. With considerable experience in Southern California, the Sagecrest team has strong working relationships with key staff, applicants, and public officials. Our mission is to provide outstanding service at competitive rates to the clients and communities we serve while adding value and making a positive impression with each project. Our team is recognized for the collaborative and insightful approach that results in high quality work and proven results. We take pride in the acknowledgments and recognition earned by the American Planning Association (APA) for the following: • 2018 Emerging Planning & Design Firm by the Orange Section • 2019 Grassroots Initiative Award by the APA California Chapter and the Orange Section • 2024 Award of Excellence for Urban Design by the Orange Section for Sagecrest’s work with the OCVIBE project • 2025 Award of Merit in Planning Excellence by the Inland Empire Section for the creation of Density Bonus Guidelines for the City of Perris • 2025 Award of Merit in Communications Initiative and Outreach for the City of La Mirada Housing For All project The Sagecrest management team has extensive experience in a broad range of land use planning, development activities, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance. The Sagecrest team not only has experience as municipal agency staff but as environmental planners, which gives us insight into the interdisciplinary coordination required to deliver projects that other private consulting firms may not have. The Sagecrest team includes highly qualified and experienced professionals whose skills, qualifications and previous responsibilities are a strong match for the needs of our clients. We ensure this high level of quality by implementing the following practices: • Our planners have experience working for public agencies prior to working with us, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into department operations Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 3 • We know our reputation is our most valuable asset. With that in mind, we do not overcommit our team and only accept work that we have the qualifications to perform • Our team maintains ongoing professional development and we provide extensive training in project management, land use law, CEQA, writing and public presentation skills • We are based in San Juan Capistrano, maintain regular office hours, and are accessible as needed • We reliably meet departmental standards, including deadlines, quality of work products, courtesy and accessibility, accuracy of reports and information given to the public, and responsiveness • We ensure we have a clear understanding of expectations and maintain consistent communication with our clients • We are committed to providing services that are cost effective while maintaining high standards of quality and productivity SERVICES OFFERED • Project Management of Environmental Review as an extension of Client Staff • Review of projects for compliance with the City’s Municipal Code and all other applicable regulations • Coordination of project review by other departments and external agencies • Preparation of staff reports, resolutions, and ordinances • Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) • Initial Studies/ Mitigated Negative Declarations (IS/MND) • Addenda to EIRs and IS/MNDs • Checklists to support the use of a previously certified EIR or previously approved IS/MND • Technical Studies in support of EIRs, IS/MNDs, and Exemptions • Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs • Health Risk Assessments and Noise Analysis of the surrounding environment’s impact on a proposed project, not otherwise required by CEQA • Public Notices • Peer Reviews of Environmental Documents • Presentation of the entitlements to community groups, the Planning Commission, and the City Council Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 4 PROJECT TEAM The Sagecrest team is comprised of a diverse group of planners and other professionals with expertise in urban planning and design, environmental planning, public policy, and project management. Our team is recognized for the collaborative and insightful approach that results in high quality work and proven results. Detailed qualifications for our subconsultants, RK and South, can be provided upon request. AMY VAZQUEZ, PRESIDENT FEBRUARY 2017 Bachelor of Arts, Urban Studies University of California, Irvine Amy has been a professional planner since 1999 and is the Owner and President of Sagecrest Planning + Environmental. She is a practiced planner who has experience successfully managing large and controversial planning projects throughout California. Amy will serve as the representative responsible for all contract matters and negotiations through project completion. LINDSAY ORTEGA, AICP, VICE PRESIDENT NOVEMBER 2017 Master of Urban and Regional Planning University of California, Irvine Bachelor of Arts, Political Science University of California, Los Angeles Minor in Public Affairs Lindsay is a certified planner and has worked in the areas of planning, development, marketing, and community outreach since 2006. Lindsay has extensive project management experience and leads a team of experienced project planners responsible for managing and processing a variety of advanced planning projects, environmental documents, and project entitlements. Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 5 Lindsay Ortega – Relevant Recent Project Experience Toll Brothers Residential Development Class 32 Infill Exemption, City of Laguna Hills (In Process) Rancho Ridge Infill Residential Project Section 15183 Exemption, City of Orange (In Process) Brandywine Homes Santa Barbara Towns Development IS/MND, City of Garden Grove (2025) Pauling Industrial Development Class 32 In-Fill Exemption (2025) City of Perris General Plan Housing Element Implementation IS/MND (2025) San Juan Plaza Class 32 In-Fill Exemption Peer Review (2024) Camino Twelve Townhomes Project Class 32 Infill-Exemption Peer Review (2024) Brandywine Homes Route 66 Residential Development IS/MND, City of Glendora (2024) Brandywine Homes Dale Residential Development IS/MND, City of Buena Park (2024) Lincoln Colony Apartments IS/MND (2022) MB Durian Industrial Development Class 32 In-fill Exemption, City of Fontana (2022) Sunrise Senior Living Long Beach Class 32 In-Fill Exemption, City of Long Beach (2021) Sunrise Senior Living Oceanside IS/MND, City of Oceanside (2021) Anaheim 1600 W Lincoln ISMND, City of Anaheim (2021) Sunrise Senior Living Class 32 In-fill Exemption (2019) Alder Industrial Project IS/MND (2019) LAUREL REIMER, AICP, PRINCIPAL JULY 2017 Master of Urban and Regional Planning University of California, Irvine Bachelor of Arts, Geography University of California, Los Angeles Laurel has worked in the public and private sector since 2008 focusing on entitlements, compliance, and meeting client needs through creative problem solving. She has worked with several jurisdictions throughout the West Coast and has a keen understanding of government procedures, laws, ordinances, and zoning. Laurel is a skilled environmental writer and manages complex environmental documents. Laurel would serve as an alternate CEQA Document Project Manager. Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 6 Laurel Reimer – Relevant Recent Project Experience Brandywine Homes Dale Residential Development IS/MND, City of Buena Park (2024) Liberty Park IS/MND, City of Westminster (In Process) KB Home Sunkist Residential Development Appendix N Checklist, City of Anaheim (2023) KELLY RIBUFFO, SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER JUNE 2022 Master of Historic Preservation University of Oregon Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology and Asian Studies University of Florida Kelly has worked in the areas of current planning and historic preservation since 2011. As a public sector planner in Florida and California she has extensive experience processing a variety of complex entitlement and environmental projects. Kelly also specializes in historic preservation design review for 19th and 20th century historic resources. She has a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Oregon. She also meets the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards in the disciplines of History and Architectural History. Kelly would provide services related to environmental document writing and historic preservation expertise. Kelly Ribuffo – Relevant Project Experience Haven Winery IS/MND, County of Riverside (In Process) Highgrove Residential IS/MND, County of Riverside (2024) Brown Strauss Steel Distribution IS/MND, City of Banning (2024) Brandywine Carson MND Addendum, City of Carson (2023) Evergreen Commercial Development ISMND, City of Lake Elsinore (2022) Magnolia Flats Appendix N Streamlining Checklist (2022) Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 7 JACKIE TRAN, PROJECT MANAGER JUNE 2024 Bachelor of Arts, Urban Studies University of California, Irvine Jackie is a planner with experience in both the public and private sector. She specializes in environmental technical documents, including Categorical Exemptions, Phase I ESAs, Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, Noise, and Energy, under CEQA/NEPA for a variety of planning projects involving residential, redevelopment, infrastructure, and commercial uses. Her work focuses on existing conditions analysis, regulatory compliance, and community outreach. She has also worked on long-range comprehensive planning projects, including General Plan updates, specific plans, and development code amendments as well as entitlement and construction documents processing. Jackie is a strong technical writer and has task managed environmental technical documents and long-range planning projects. Jackie’s primarily role would serve as the lead CEQA document writer, specializing in Hazard Mitigation, Phase I ESAs, Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, Noise, and Energy. Jackie Tran – Relevant Recent Project Experience Haven Winery IS/MND, County of Riverside (In Process) Rancho Ridge Infill Residential Project Section 15183 Exemption, City of Orange (In Process) Toll Brothers Residential Development Class 32 Infill Exemption, City of Laguna Hills (In Process) Brandywine Homes Santa Barbara Towns Development IS/MND, City of Garden Grove (2025) City of Perris General Plan Housing Element Implementation IS/MND (2025) Pauling Industrial Development Class 32 In-Fill Exemption (2025) San Juan Plaza Class 32 In-Fill Exemption Peer Review (2024) Camino Twelve Townhomes Project Class 32 Infill-Exemption Peer Review (2024) Artesia Place EIR Peer Review (2024) Pioneer Place IS/MND Peer Review (2024) Brandywine Homes Route 66 Residential Development IS/MND, City of Glendora (2024) Brandywine Homes Dale Residential Development IS/MND, City of Buena Park (2024) Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 8 KADEN LIKINS, ASSISTANT PLANNER APRIL 2024 Bachelor of Arts, Urban Studies and Planning University of California, San Diego Minor, Climate Change Studies Kaden is a dedicated planner working with our Development, Environmental and Planning Services teams. His passion for climate adaptivity led him to the City of San Diego’s Bioregional Center where he was responsible for coordinating policy decisions, planning improvements, and sustainability across multiple departments within the jurisdiction. Kaden is talented environmental writer and will support the team with research, document preparation, and graphic creation. Kaden supports the team with document setup, preparation, GIS Mapping, and graphic creation. Kaden Likins – Relevant Project Experience Rancho Ridge Infill Residential Project Section 15183 Exemption, City of Orange (In Process) Toll Brothers Residential Development Class 32 Infill Exemption, City of Laguna Hills (In Process) Brandywine Homes Residential ISMND, City of Garden Grove (2025) Brandywine Homes Route 66 Residential Development IS/MND, City of Glendora (2024) Brandywine Homes Dale Residential Development IS/MND, City of Buena Park (2024) EMILY TRAGOS, OPERATIONS MANAGER JULY 2022 Bachelor of Arts, Communications California State University, Fullerton Minor, Public Relations Emily has worked in marketing, creative services, event planning, and account management since 1995. She supports the management team with administrative duties, quality, and editorial control reviews, and manages all aspects of electronic and print deliverables. Emily will support the consultant team through quality control review and copy editing of draft documents to ensure consistency across all documents. Emily would support the consultant team through quality control review and copy editing of draft documents to ensure consistency across all documents. Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 9 SUBCONSULTANTS Sagecrest partners with RK Engineering Group, Inc. (RK Engineering) and South Environmental (South) to prepare required environmental technical studies (e.g. biological resources, air quality, greenhouse gas, transportation/traffic analysis, cultural and historic resources). The following are key personnel for RK Engineering and South. RK Engineering (Transportation, Noise, Air Quality, Green Gas Emissions, Energy) RK Engineering uniquely combines engineering expertise and professionalism with creative thinking and innovative problem solving. The result is an extraordinary transportation engineering firm that possesses requisite expertise as well as the ability to look across disciplinary boundaries for solutions others may overlook. This innovative approach is evident by the breadth of services available to RK Engineering’s diverse clientele that includes regional governments, counties, cities, special districts, school districts, community associations, private developers and contractors, engineering and planning firms. Each client receives what RK Engineering is known for on time, on target, on budget professional service. RK Engineering’s staff represent more than 70 years of cumulative experience in traffic engineering and related disciplines. Beyond this experience, RK Engineering’s personnel are recognized leaders in the fields of transportation planning, traffic impact analysis, circulation planning, multi-modal planning, parking studies, and environmental engineering. The combination of this experience and expertise means that major program assignments and small technical studies are all successfully completed to the satisfaction of RK Engineering’s clientele. Perhaps the best measure of a firm’s capabilities is the quality of the clientele it attracts. RK Engineering is pleased to count among its satisfied clientele, the Orange County Transportation Authority, and the Transportation Corridor Agencies as well as the counties of Orange and Riverside. Municipal clients have included the cities of Canyon Lakes, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Mammoth, Mission Viejo, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Newport Beach, Perris, Rancho Santa Margarita, and San Juan Capistrano. Institutional clientele has included a range of school districts as well as respected institutions like the University of California, Irvine; Pomona College, Western State University College of Law, and California Baptist College. Community Association clients include the CZ Master Association in Coto de Caza, Aliso Viejo Community Association and numerous other associations. Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 10 BRYAN ESTRADA, AICP, PTP, PRINCIPAL JULY 2007 Bachelor of Arts, Urban Studies University of California, Irvine As Principal at RK Engineering Group, Inc., Bryan oversees the Environmental Department and provides Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, Noise, and Energy Conservation consulting services. Bryan also oversees Transportation Planning projects and has led RK’s effort to be at the forefront of offering Vehicle Miles Traveled modeling services. Bryan’s experience includes traffic engineering and transportation planning, air quality and greenhouse gas analysis, and environmental acoustics and noise analyses. He has also contributed to the design of traffic signals, signing and striping plans and traffic control plans. Bryan frequently engaged with clients and developers, local government agencies, and community groups to help craft innovative solutions to mitigate traffic, noise and air quality impacts. Areas of Expertise Transportation Planning Traffic Engineering Traffic Impact Studies Traffic Calming Parking Vehicle Miles Traveled Active Transportation & Bicycle Planning Air Quality Emissions Greenhouse Gas and Global Climate Change Acoustical Engineering Noise & Vibration Impact Studies Energy Conservation Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 11 South (Biological Resources and Cultural Resources) Founded in 2018 in Pasadena, California, South is a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) specializing in natural and cultural resources consulting in Southern California. South provides architectural history, archaeology, biology, arboricultural, and paleontological resources consulting services. Established as a partnership between Cultural Resources Director Samantha Murray and Principal Biologist Matthew South, their team of specialists provides the full suite of cultural, paleontological, and natural resources compliance services. South helps clients navigate federal, state, and local regulatory and permitting processes, from small-scale private development projects to large-scale infrastructure and energy projects. South provides technical studies and compliance documentation to satisfy the regulatory requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and works closely with federal and state permitting agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the State Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). South uses the latest technologies and best science available to further the conservation and preservation of natural, cultural, and paleontological resources in California while helping clients obtain their project goals and objectives. South assists with the planning and implementation of projects dedicated to the preservation and conservation of California’s natural areas and rare species. South offers the following major service categories: Cultural Resources Services including architectural history and historic built environment resource significance evaluations, historic preservation, stakeholder engagement, historic context statements, intensive-level archaeological surveys and technical reports, and tribal cultural resources services. Natural Resources Services include preparation of biological resource assessments and impacts analyses, wetland delineations, special-status species surveys, and conservation planning. We also offer arborist services including tree inventories, surveys, risk assessments, and tree permitting services. Paleontological Resources Services include paleontological resource assessments, surveys, and construction monitoring, as well as fossil salvage, identification, preparation, and curation. GIS and Data Science Services include database construction and management, mobile data collection, mapping, web applications, and spatial data creation and analysis. Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 12 SAMANTHA MURRAY, MA, RPA, CULTURAL RESOURCES DIRECTOR APRIL 2021 Master of Anthropology California State University, Los Angeles Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology California State University, Northridge Samantha is the cultural resources director and archaeological principal investigator at South Environmental with over 18 years’ experience in all elements of cultural resources management, including project management, archaeology and architectural history studies, and significance evaluations Ms. Murray has conducted thousands of Phase I archaeological studies, historical resource evaluations, and has developed detailed historic context statements for a multitude of property types and architectural styles. Areas of Expertise CEQA, NEPA, and Section 106 of the NHPA compliance documentation in consideration of impacts to historical, archaeological, and tribal cultural resources, and historic properties Resource significance evaluations in consideration of NRHP, CRHR, and local designation criteria Project design review for conformance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards Assistance with complex mitigation including HABS/HAER/HALS, salvage, and interpretive displays REFERENCES The team at Sagecrest includes a collaboration of managing principals and planners who have extensive experience of performing work of a similar nature to that solicited in this request for services. Three (3) Environmental (CEQA) Review Services references are provided. Additional references are available upon request. Term City/Agency Contact Person Description of Services 2020 – Current City of Lake Forest Amy Stonich, AICP Assistant Director of Community Development City of Lake Forest 949.461.3479 astonich@lakeforest.gov On-Call Environmental Planning Services; Pauling Industrial Development Class 32 In-Fill Exemption Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 13 Term City/Agency Contact Person Description of Services 2024 – Current City of San Juan Capistrano Laura Stokes, Principal Planner City of San Juan Capistrano 949.443.6313 Lstokes@sanjuancapstraino.org On-Call Environmental Services; San Juan Plaza Class 32 and associated studies Peer Review 2024 – Current City of Garden Grove Monica Rodriguez Senior Planner 714.741.5316 monicar@ggcity.org Santa Barbara Towns IS/MND PROJECT LIST & SCHEDULE The team at Sagecrest includes a collaboration of managing principals and staff who have experience in performing work of a similar nature to that solicited in this request for qualifications. The following is a list of relevant projects completed within the last five (5) years. Year Started and Completed: June 2024 – April 2025 Type of Contract: Environmental Services Contracting Agency/Client: City of Garden Grove Project Description: Santa Barbara Towns IS/MND for the development of a 26-unit townhome development on a 1.73-acre site. Project Manager: Monica Mercado-Rodriguez, Senior Planner Telephone: 714.741.5316 Developer of Project: Brandywine Homes Year Started and Completed: June 2024 – January 2025 Type of Contract: Environmental Services Contracting Agency/Client: City of Lake Forest Project Description: Pauling Industrial Development Class 32 In-Fill Exemption to allow for the construction of a 54,652 sf manufacturing and storage industrial building on a 3.71- acre site. Project Manager: Ron Santos, Senior Planner Telephone: 949.461.3449 Developer of Project: LPA, Inc. Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 14 Year Started and Completed: May 2022 – August 2022 Type of Contract: Environmental Services Contracting Agency/Client: City of Artesia Project Description: Artesia Place EIR Peer Review for a 120-unit residential townhome development (September 2024), Pioneer Place IS/MND Peer Review of a six-story residential mixed use development, specific plan amendment, and general plan amendment (October 2024), Artesia Arkansas IS/MND Peer Review for a 59-unit residential townhome development (May 2022), Addendum to Artesia Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan ISMND for the construction of a 30-unit residential development. Project Manager: Art Bashmakian, AICP, Planning Manager Telephone: 562.537.3333 Developer(s) of Project: G3 Urban, Brandywine Homes, Atlas Development Year Started and Completed: May 2024 – Present Type of Contract: Environmental Services Contracting Agency/Client: City of San Juan Capistrano Project Description: San Juan Plaza Class 32 In-Fill Exemption Peer Review of a 278-unit residential mixed-use development on a 3.5-acre in-fill site (August 2024); Camino Twelve Townhomes Project Class 32 Infill-Exemption Peer Review of a 12-unit townhome development on a .61-acre site (May 2024) Project Manager: Laura Stokes, Principal Planner Telephone: 949.443.6313 Developer(s) of Project: Winebright Capistrano, Camino 12 Townhomes, LLC Year Started and Completed: January 2024 – October 2024 Type of Contract: Environmental Services Contracting Agency/Client: City of Glendora Project Description: Route 66 Townhome Development IS/MND of a 39-unit residential townhome development on a 1.85-acre site including a specific plan amendment and zone change Project Manager: Mark Carnahan, City Planner Telephone: 626.914.8214 Developer of Project: Brandywine Homes Year Started and Completed: January 2024 – November 2024 Type of Contract: Environmental Services Contracting Agency/Client: City of Buena Park Project Description: Dale Townhome Development IS/MND for 93-unit residential townhome development Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 15 Project Manager: Harald Luna, Senior Planner Telephone: 714.562.3620 Developer of Project: Brandywine Homes Year Started and Completed: January 2022 – April 2024 Type of Contract: Environmental Services Contracting Agency/Client: City of Banning/Brown Strauss Steel Project Description: IS/MND to develop a steel distribution facility including a 42,510 sf warehouse, 3,434 sf administrative office, and two 500 sf saw sheds Project Manager: Ted Lopez, Senior Planner Telephone: 951.922.3125 Developer of Project: Brown Strauss Steel Year Started and Completed: August 2023 – January 2025 Type of Contract: Environmental Services Contracting Agency/Client: City of Perris Project Description: City of Perris General Plan Housing Element Implementation IS/MND to amend the General Plan, Municipal Code, and Specific Plans to implement the policies of the Housing Element, as well as ensure the municipal code and specific plans are compliant with adopted State housing law Project Manager: Patricia Brenes, Planning Manager Telephone: 951.943.5003 ext. 355 Developer of Project: N/A Year Started and Completed: April 2020 – December 2022 Type of Contract: Environmental Services Contracting Agency/Client: City of Anaheim Project Description: KB Home Sunkist Residential Appendix N Streamlining Checklist for an 83-unit residential townhome development (September 2022 – December 2022); Lincoln Colony Apartments IS/MND of a 43-unti apartment community (April 2021 – January 2022); Anaheim Adventure Water Park Addendum to the Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan EIR No. 348 to allow for the seasonal operation of a water park at the Miraloma Recharge Basin Facility (May 2020 – April 2021), 1600 W. Lincoln Residential Development IS/MND for the development of a 315-unit residential mixed use project (January 2019 – April 2020); 740 E La Palma Ave/Downtown Anaheim 39 Residential IS/MND for the development of a 3-unit attached residential development (February 2019 – April 2021) Project Manager: Heather Allen, Planning & Building Director Telephone: 714.765.4311 Developer(s) of Project: KB Homes, Lincoln Colony, Anaheim Adventure Park, Tri-Point Homes, Greg McCafferty Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 16 Year Started and Completed: October 2019 – August 2024 Type of Contract: Environmental Services Contracting Agency/Client: City of Riverside Project Description: Magnolia Flats Appendix N Streamlining Checklist to develop a 450 unit residential development, office, amenity space, and two single-story commercial buildings (2020 – 2021); Marriott AC/Residence Inn Hotel Class 32 In-Fill Exemption for the development of a 226-room hotel and 3-level subterranean parking garage on a developed site with an existing historic resource (October 2019 – November 2021); Highgrove Residential IS/MND for the development of 72 single-family residences (2019 – August 2024) Project Manager: Brian Norton, Senior Planner Telephone: 951.826.3965 Developer(s) of Project: Magnolia Flats, Marriott, Highgrove Residential SCOPE OF WORK Sagecrest is pleased to provide this proposal for environmental services for the preparation of an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the development of a 49-unit, attached and detached residential condominium project located at 1400 Montefino Avenue in the City of Diamond Bar, CA. The subject property is a developed, 3.93-acre parcel located on the south side of Montefino Avenue, between South Diamond Bar Boulevard and Porto Grande Drive. The site is surrounded by residential condominiums to the north and west, residential condominiums and single-family residences to the south, and the Montefino Plaza shopping center to the east. The site is characterized by a south facing, descending slope that starts from the west of the adjacent condominiums to the east property line of the project site. The property is located within the Commercial Office (CO) zoning district, with an underlying General Plan land use designation of General Commercial (C). The Assessor’s Parcel Numbers are 8293-044-015 & 8293-044-016. Sagecrest will utilize the site plan, architectural plans, civil engineering documents, and associated materials prepared for the proposed Project in order to prepare an IS/MND analyzing impacts of the proposed project. Sagecrest’s work plan details our approach to developing, managing, and implementing all actions for the preparation of an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and review of supporting technical studies as follows: TASK 1: PROJECT INITIATION & PROJECT DESCRIPTION Kick-off Meeting: Upon receipt of the Notice to Proceed (NTP), the Sagecrest Project Manager will meet with city staff to review the Proposed Project and collect all Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 17 available project information, including project applications, site plans, elevations, narrative descriptions, comment letters, and previously prepared technical studies. The Kick-Off Meeting will accomplish the following: • Identify the roles and responsibilities of each team member involved in the project • Define communication protocol • Review current project information including site plan, elevations, landscape plans, utility plans, project applications, narrative descriptions, comment letters, and previously prepared technical studies • Refine the project schedule Request for Information: Sagecrest will review all available project-related data provided by the Applicant and City to identify any gaps. Sagecrest will prepare a Request for Information document to be completed by the City and/or Applicant. Project Description: Once all relevant information is collected, Sagecrest will write a comprehensive description for the Proposed Project, to form the basis for the analysis of the potential impacts of the Proposed Project on the environment. The project description will detail all phases of the project to meet the requirements of CEQA and will be based on the project information provided by the Applicant. The project description will include: • Narrative and graphical presentation of the Proposed Project • Project site location and boundaries • Environmental setting and surrounding land uses • Regional and vicinity topographical maps • Site plan, conceptual landscape plans, and utility plans • Construction phasing and schedule • Off-site improvements • Operational characteristics • Statement of objectives and purpose • Responsible agencies and their potential approvals or permits required • Discretionary approvals by the City Tribal Consultation Per Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52): Sagecrest will work with City Staff to support tribal consultation meetings pursuant to Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52) and incorporate the findings into the MND. Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 18 Sagecrest will assist the City in meeting AB 52 requirements by drafting consultation letters to those Tribes that have previously requested notification from the City regarding projects within the City’s jurisdiction and within the Tribe’s traditional use area. Task 1 Deliverable(s): An electronic copy (both MS Word and Adobe PDF) of the Draft Project Description for review. An electronic copy (both MS Word and Adobe PDF) of draft AB 52 Tribal consultation letters. TASK 2: TECHNICAL STUDIES Prepare Technical Studies: Sagecrest has assembled a team of technical specialists that will prepare the following technical studies to support the CEQA analysis. Sagecrest will manage and coordinate the technical work of the subconsultants to ensure quality and consistency across all topical issues examined in the Initial Study. Trip Generation Screening and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Screening Analysis – RK Engineering The purpose of this Trip Generation and VMT screening analysis memorandum is to demonstrate that a full traffic impact study for Level of Service (LOS) and VMT is not required. If the City ultimately requires a formal level of service analysis and/or detailed VMT analysis and model run, this scope and related budget will be amended for the Client’s approval to accommodate the additional tasks under an increased budget. Noise Impact Analysis – RK Engineering The purpose of this noise study is to determine the environmental noise impacts from the project site to the nearest adjacent receptor locations. Future noise levels will be compared to the City of Diamond Bar noise standards and CEQA noise impact criteria. If necessary, mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce the project’s noise impacts. The noise impact study will also review the existing environmental noise setting at the project site to determine noise/land use compatibility. The project site is located adjacent to existing roadways which may expose future residents to noise levels above the recommended standards for habitable areas, as described in the City’s General Plan and California Building Code requirements. RK will provide preliminary recommendations for meeting State of California/City interior noise standards. Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Impact Analysis – RK Engineering The purpose of this study is to evaluate the criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the construction and operation of the project. The analysis will determine whether the emissions levels associated with the project will exceed the thresholds set by the City, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 19 the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Biological Resources Assessment – South A reconnaissance level site survey will be conducted to map biological resources on the parcel including plant communities, special-status species, and potential jurisdictional waters. Plants and animals observed on the site will be recorded in a field notebook and representative photos will be taken. The survey area will include the entire project site and a 500-foot buffer where access is possible. A detailed biological resources assessment report will be prepared that describes the project, environmental and regulatory settings, maps plant communities and sensitive habitats, discusses the potential for jurisdictional features and special-status species to occur on the parcel, wildlife movement corridors and habitat linkages, and assesses the potential impacts from the proposed development to any protected resources that might occur (if any). Relevant literature will be reviewed, including but not limited to California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants, National Wetlands Inventory (NWI), National Hydrography Database (NHD), and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soils Database. An analysis of the cumulative impacts to biological resources anticipated by both the project and other unrelated projects that are proposed in the area will be included. Recommendations will also be made to include CEQA regulations and guidance for avoidance and mitigation measures that reduce or eliminate the potential project impacts to a less than significant level. Cultural Resources Report – South South will prepare the following tasks in support of the environmental document: CHRIS Records Search: South will request a California Historical Resources Information Systems (CHRIS) records search of the project site and a one-half-mile radius at the South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC), which houses records for Los Angeles County. The purpose of a records search is to identify any previously recorded cultural resources; review historical maps of the project site; review the Archaeological Resource Directory and Built Environment Resource Directory lists; and gather information on ethnographies. In addition, South will review the lists for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), and the lists of California State Historical Landmarks, and California Points of Historical Interest. We assume the direct costs associated with the records search will not exceed $600. Sacred Lands File Search: South will contact the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) for a review of their Sacred Lands File. The NAHC will determine if Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 20 any NAHC-listed Native American Sacred Lands are located within or adjacent to the project APE. In addition, the NAHC will provide a list of Native American contacts for the project who should be contacted for additional information. South will prepare and email a letter to each of the NAHC-listed contacts. The letters will request that they contact us if they know of any Native American cultural resources within or immediately adjacent to the project APE or have any questions or comments. South will also conduct follow-up outreach to non-responsive contacts. No meetings with tribes are included in this scope of work. An all-tribal outreach will be provided as an appendix to the report. Assistance with Assembly Bill 52 of 2014 government-to-government consultation is also not included in this scope of work. Cultural Resources Survey: South will conduct an intensive-level pedestrian survey of the project APE for cultural resources. The archaeologist(s) will walk transects spaced no greater than 10 meters apart, taking detailed notes and photographs. We assume that the survey will be negative for cultural resources (i.e., no newly discovered archaeological or historic built environment resources will be encountered, and no previously recorded resources will require updates). No artifacts, samples, or specimens will be collected during the survey. Should any cultural resources be identified as a result of the records search or survey requiring recordation or collecting, we will work with the City to augment this scope of work and associated costs. Cultural Resources Report: South will prepare a cultural resources technical report that will summarize the results of the records search, NAHC Sacred Lands File search, survey and research methodologies, and results. The report will also discuss the proposed project description, regulatory framework, all sources consulted, recommendations for appropriate management, and analysis of the proposed project’s potential to impact cultural resources under CEQA. We assume no more than two (2) drafts and one (1) final version of the report will be required. We further assume no hard copies are required. The first draft of the report will be provided within eight (8) weeks of contract execution, barring unforeseen delays. Deliverable(s): Electronic copies in both MS Word and Adobe PDF of the technical studies, which will also be appendices in the environmental document. It is assumed that the technical studies will undergo two (2) rounds of review by the City and revision by the technical authors. Paleontological Resources Assessment – South Upon receipt of the paleontological records search results, South will prepare a paleontological resource technical report in accordance with the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standard guidelines. This report will detail the results of the literature review and museum records search, summarize the paleontological sensitivity of the geologic units within and in the vicinity of the project site, and assess potential impacts from project implementation. Based on the results of the analysis, South will develop recommended measures (as necessary), to avoid potential impacts to paleontological resources during project implementation. We assume no more than Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 21 one (1) draft and one (1) final version of the report will be required. We further assume no hard copies are required. The first draft of the report will be provided within 6 weeks of contract execution, barring unforeseen delays. TASK 3: PREPARATION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CEQA DOCUMENT, INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Screencheck Draft Initial Study Checklist: Sagecrest will prepare a detailed Initial Study Checklist that meets the requirements of the CEQA Statue and Guidelines. The Initial Study will assist Sagecrest and the City in determining the appropriate level of CEQA review for the Proposed Project (Section 15063). If further environmental review is required, as a result of the Initial Study, Sagecrest will prepare an amended proposal. The Initial Study will use the most recent version of the CEQA Environmental Checklist Form (based on Appendix G, updated January 2019) and will contain the following: • Most updated site plan and project elevations • Detailed project description and location of the project site • Identification of the environmental setting • Identification of the potential environmental effects of the Proposed Project for each topical issue, with evidence to support the analysis • The significance criteria or threshold used to evaluate each topical issue • The mitigation measures identified, if any, to reduce the potential impact to less than significant • Examination of consistency with existing zoning, plans and other applicable land use controls The environmental topics outlined in the CEQA Initial Study Checklist include: • Aesthetics • Agriculture/Forestry Resources • Air Quality • Biological Resources • Cultural Resources • Energy • Geology/Soils • Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Hazards and Hazardous Materials Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 22 • Hydrology/Water Quality • Land Use/Planning • Mineral Resources • Noise • Population/Housing • Public Services • Recreation • Transportation and Traffic • Tribal Cultural Resources • Utilities/Service Systems • Wildfire • Mandatory Findings of Significance The discussion for each environmental topic will be supported by technical studies, as appropriate, attached as appendices to the Initial Study Checklist. Sagecrest will transmit the Screencheck Draft Initial Study Checklist to the City in Microsoft Word to facilitate comments in tracked changes, and in Adobe Acrobat to include all figures and technical study appendices. The City will review and comment on the Screencheck Draft Initial Study and appendices and provide a consolidated set of comments to Sagecrest for revisions. The studies will be submitted to the City for review and two (2) rounds of revision to the studies will be prepared, if necessary, to respond to City comments. Proofcheck Draft Initial Study Checklist: Upon receipt of one (1) set of consolidated comments on the Screencheck Draft Initial Study and appendices from the City, Sagecrest will revise the documents accordingly to produce the Proofcheck Draft document. This will include coordination with subconsultants to revise technical study appendices as needed and facilitate the review and approval of the final versions of each technical study. Sagecrest will transmit the Proofcheck Draft Initial Study Checklist to the City in Microsoft Word to facilitate comments in tracked changes, and in Adobe Acrobat to include all figures and technical study appendices. The City will review and comment on the Proofcheck Draft document and provide a consolidated set of comments to Sagecrest for a final round of revisions. Public Review Draft Initial Study Checklist: Upon approval by the City, Sagecrest will prepare the public review draft initial study checklist for distribution as follows: Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 23 • Printed Copies – Once the City approves the Public Review IS/MND, Sagecrest will prepare prints of the Public Review Initial Study (direct reimbursable expense). • Electronic Version – Sagecrest will provide the Public Review Initial Study to the City electronically in Adobe PDF for the City to post on its website. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan: For Initial Studies that identify mitigation measures to reduce a potentially significant impact to less than significant, Sagecrest will consolidate all mitigation measures into tabular format to serve at the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan (Section 15097) and provide an electronic copy to the City. Task 3 Deliverable(s): Electronic copies in both MS Word and Adobe PDF formats of the Administrative Draft IS/MND. All appendices (technical studies) will be provided in both MS Word and Adobe PDF formats. It is assumed that the Administrative Draft IS/MND will go through two (2) rounds of review by the City and revision by the CEQA document authors. TASK 4: FINAL INITIAL STUDY/ MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, PUBLIC REVIEW & COMMENT Public Noticing: Sagecrest will prepare the draft and final Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (NOI) according to Section 15072(g) and distribution list for the City to distribute as the City deems necessary and in compliance with established CEQA Guidelines: • File with the County Clerk Recorder and State Clearinghouse according to Section 15072(d) and Section 15073(a) • Publish in a local newspaper whose general circulation includes the project area according to Section 15072(b) • Deliver via certified mail for the 30-day public review period to the final distribution list, which will include responsible and trustee agencies, reviewing agencies, adjacent cities according to Section 15073(c) • Deliver via first class mail to nearby property owners and interested parties according to Section 15072(b)(3) Sagecrest will compile all certified receipts and document when and where the IS was mailed; these will be provided to the City for its records. Response to Comments: Under this task, responses to all public and agency comments that raise substantive environmental issues associated with the proposed project will be prepared by Sagecrest on a time and materials basis. Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 24 Revisions to the Draft IS/MND: Should comments received to the Draft IS/MND result in revisions or updates to the IS/MND text, these changes would be identified in the Final IS/MND via strikethrough and double underline. Upon incorporation of two (2) rounds of comments to the response to comments, MMRP, and revised IS/MND (if necessary), the Final IS/MND, and MMRP will be submitted. Revisions or changes to the IS/MND text and technical studies to be prepared by Sagecrest on a time and material basis. Attendance at Public Hearing(s): Sagecrest will attend up to two (2) public hearings and be available to answer questions from the public and/or decision-making body at the public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council on a time and materials basis. Notice of Determination: A draft NOD will be prepared and submitted to the City for review. Upon written approval by the City, Sagecrest will prepare a Notice of Determination according to Section 15075(b) and file it with the County Clerk Recorder and the State Clearinghouse on behalf of the City after City Council project approval. The NOD will also be submitted to the California Fish and Wildlife (CDFG) on the City’s behalf as part of the distribution of the Draft IS/MND and NOI for public review. Fee to be paid directly to the County Clerk Recorder at the time of filing the NOD. The environmental filing document would be prepared and filed with the CDFW with the NOD by Sagecrest. CDFW and filing fees will be a reimbursable expense to be paid by the applicant. Task 4 Deliverable(s): Electronic copies of the Draft IS/MND in MS Word and Adobe PDF will be provided via Dropbox along with one (1) hard copy of the main CEQA document. Hard copies of the NOI will be provided for the City’s mailing list. All appendices (technical studies) will be provided electronically. Additional hard copies can be provided, as needed, and will be invoiced based on direct cost. TASK 5: PROJECT MANAGEMENT, MEETINGS, & CHECK-IN CALLS Sagecrest’s environmental team is always available by phone and email for ongoing communication and project management. This task will include coordination with Sagecrest’s environmental project manager and the Client. Such tasks shall be billed based on actual hours worked in accordance with the included budget estimated. Sagecrest will allocate budget to attend the following meetings: • One (1) kick-off meeting with City staff • Up to two (2) additional meetings with City staff to discuss work program and progress, resolve issues, review comments on administrative documents and/or receive any necessary direction from City staff • Up to two (2) public hearings Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 25 • A minimum of three (3) conference calls with City staff to discuss the project status and issues related to the environmental review process BUDGET ESTIMATED Sagecrest will manage the project and prepare a Mitigated Negative Declaration in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act at the following cost. All costs are per task, unless otherwise noted below. TASK ESTIMATED FEE TASK 1: PROJECT INITIATION & PROJECT DESCRIPTION Kick-Off Meeting $1,000 Request for Information $1,000 Project Description $2,000 Tribal Consultation Per AB52 $2,500 SUBTOTAL TASK 1 $6,500 TASK 2: TECHNICAL STUDIES Review and Comment on Technical Studies $3,500 Trip Generation and VMT Screening Analysis – RK $3,080 Noise Impact Analysis – RK $6,050 Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Analysis – RK $6,050 Biological Resources – South $7,625 Cultural Resources Assessment – South $6,600 Paleontological Resources Assessment – South $5,020 SUBTOTAL TASK 2 $37,925 TASK 3: CEQA DOCUMENT PREPARATION Screencheck Draft Initial Study Checklist $25,000 Proofcheck Draft Initial Study Checklist $8,000 Public Review Draft Initial Study Checklist $3,000 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan $1,250 SUBTOTAL TASK 3 $37,250 TASK 4: PUBLIC REVIEW & COMMENT Public Noticing $3,000 Response to Comments (billed hourly) $4,000 Revisions to the Draft IS/MND (billed hourly) TBD Attendance at Public Hearing(s) (billed hourly) $5,000 Notice of Determination $800 SUBTOTAL TASK 4 $12,800 TASK 5: PROJECT MANAGEMENT & MEETINGS Project Management (billed hourly) $7,500 Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 26 TASK ESTIMATED FEE SUBTOTAL TASK 5 $7,500 PROJECT TOTAL $95,475 Sagecrest Planning + Environmental Billing Rates Position Hourly Rate President $250.00 Vice President/Planning Director $230.00 Principal/Planning Manager $220.00 Senior Project Manager/Principal Planner $180.00 Senior Planner $160.00 Project Manager/Associate Planner $140.00 Assistant Planner $120.00 Planning Aide $100.00 Planning Administration $80.00 RK Engineering Billing Rates Position Hourly Rate Founding Principal $190.00 Principal $185.00 President $170.00 Associate Principal $170.00 Senior Associate Engineer/Planner/Designer $160.00 Associate Engineer/Planner/Designer $130.00 Senior Engineer/Planner/Designer $120.00 Engineer/Planner/Designer III $115.00 Engineer/Planner/Designer II $105.00 Engineer/Planner/Designer I $100.00 Assistant Engineer/Planner/Designer $90.00 Transportation Analyst $75.00 Senior Engineering Technician $85.00 Engineering Technician $70.00 Engineering Aide $50.00 Office Manager $70.00 Executive Assistant $70.00 Administrative Assistant $55.00 Administrative Aide $45.00 Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 27 South Billing Rates Position Hourly Rate Principal Biologist $200.00 Senior Biologist $170.00 Biologist $150.00 Biological Field Technician $110.00 Principal Architectural Historian/Archaeologist/Paleontologist $190.00 Senior Architectural Historian/Archaeologist/Paleontologist $160.00 Architectural Historian/Archaeologist/Paleontologist 2 $140.00 Architectural Historian/Archaeologist/Paleontologist 1 $125.00 Archaeological/Paleontological Field Technician $110.00 GIS Specialist $150.00 Reimbursable Expenses: Expenses incurred related to the Applicant’s project will be billed at actual cost plus ten percent, in addition to hourly rate, if applicable. Reimbursable expenses include, but are not limited to, reprographics, postage, certified mailings, office supplies, and document recording fees. Vehicle mileage will be billed at $0.70/mile (or current IRS allowable rate) and parking expenses incurred by Sagecrest employees are charged at cost. PROJECT SCHEDULE TASK ESTIMATED SCHEDULE TASK 1: PROJECT INITIATION & PROJECT DESCRIPTION Kick-Off Meeting Week 1 Request for Information Week 1 Project Description Week 2 Tribal Noticing Per AB52 Week 2-16 TASK 2: TECHNICAL STUDIES Sagecrest to Review and Comment on Technical Studies provided by applicant. (within 2 weeks of receipt) Week 3-4 Prepare Technical Studies Week 1-6 City to Review and Comment on Technical Studies prepared by Sagecrest (within 2 weeks of receipt) Week 1-8 Proposal for Environmental (CEQA) Services – City of Diamond Bar 28 TASK 3: CEQA DOCUMENT PREPARATION Screencheck Draft Initial Study Checklist Week 8-16 City Review of Screencheck Draft Week 16-17 Proofcheck Draft Initial Study Checklist Week 18 City Review of Proofcheck Draft Week 19-20 Public Review Draft Initial Study Checklist Week 21 City Review of Printcheck Draft Week 22 TASK 4: PUBLIC REVIEW & COMMENT Public Noticing – Prepare NOI Week 19 City Review of NOI Week 20 Public Comment Period Week 23-27 Response to Comments Week 28 City Review of Response to Comments Week 28-29 Attendance at Public Hearing(s) TBD Notice of Determination Within 5 Days of Decision TASK 5: PROJECT MANAGEMENT & MEETINGS Project Management Ongoing ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS Sagecrest accepts all conditions listed in the RFP document issued by the City of Diamond Bar.