HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2410-3618CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, February 10, 2025
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
5.Approval of Contract Amendment Number 2 to Contract Number S24189598 with Good
City Company in the Amount of $24,930 for a Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance
Update; CEQA Status: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3).
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: February 10, 2025
Report #:2410-3618
TITLE
Approval of Contract Amendment Number 2 to Contract Number S24189598 with Good City
Company in the Amount of $24,930 for a Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance Update; CEQA
Status: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager or designee to
execute Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. S24189598 (Attachment A), with Good City
Company, for additional public engagement in the amount not to exceed $24,930 for the
Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance Update. This second amendment results in a revised
total compensation not-to-exceed $117,223.
BACKGROUND
The City Council had expressed an urgency for the Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance
update, particularly after facing difficulties approving a residential project in the foothills due to
the lack of updated creek protection measures. The Planning and Development Services (PDS)
faced a significant backlog and staffing shortages, hindering capacity to address this priority
promptly. The update will implement creek protection policies outlined in the Comprehensive
Plan, which has been a longstanding priority for the City Council. Delays could impact riparian
habitat with development encroaching closer to the creek bank. An exemption from
competitive solicitation, pursuant to PAMC 2.30.360(b2), and a contract with Good City
Company for an amount not to exceed $74,173 was executed to support this priority project.
In June 20241, the City Council approved a contract amendment to accommodate a biologist for
a revised total not to exceed of $92,293. On October 30, 20242, the Planning and
1 City Council Staff Report (Agenda Item 13):
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=14311
2 Planning and Transportation Commission Staff Report (Agenda Item 2):
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=13737
Transportation Commission (PTC) recommended that staff conduct a community meeting and
additional hearings before the City Council considers the ordinance update. These additional
meetings will increase the scope and project budget by $24,930.
ANALYSIS
The PTC, along with several property owners, recommended more opportunities for public
input on the proposed ordinance changes, particularly the most recent draft ordinance.
Commissioners stated that it is crucial for those directly affected to share their thoughts,
ensuring the final ordinance considers community needs. To facilitate this, a dedicated
community meeting is scheduled for February 6, 2025, to present the regulations under
consideration to those most directly impacted and hear community concerns. The community
input will then be presented to PTC for consideration as part of their recommendation to City
Council.
Furthermore, this proposal includes optional meetings with the PTC and City Council. This
flexibility allows for ongoing dialogue and refinement of the ordinance based on community
input and evolving project needs.
The additional community engagement and optional meetings with the PTC and City Council
necessitates an increased budget allocation of $24,930, exceeding the City Manager’s contract
authority approval limit. This action increases the not to exceed amount of the contract up to
$117,223. This amendment is recommended to maintain continuity with the project work and
stakeholders thus far. If not approved, the project would likely see a delay as a result of
reprioritization of staff work.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Funding for the contract was included in Planning and Development Services Department
Adopted Operating Budget. The amount of $24,930 will be absorbed through the department’s
FY 2025 operating budget.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
On March 5, 2024, Good City Company along with the City staff conducted a community
information session to hear from the community on potential opportunities and constraints for
future development near creek and waterways for consideration in the ordinance update. A
total of 17 community members attended the virtual information session to provide their input.
Prior to the community information session, Good City Company has contacted and received
input from other stakeholders from neighborhood associations and other public agency
partners. This input shaped the information provided to the Architectural Review Board on
April 4, 2024; and discussed at the August 14, 2024 PTC Study Session.
A community meeting is scheduled for February 6, 2025, where staff and consultants will
present the project timeline and a summary of current staff recommendations. Community
feedback on the staff recommendation will be solicited.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Approval of this contract is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with
certainty that this action will not have a significant effect on the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Good City Company Contract S24189598 Amendment No. 2
APPROVED BY:
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director