Report Prepared by: Valeria Renteria, Associate Planner, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of an Agreement for Services with J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning for Environmental and Planning Services, Relating to the CP-42 North Annexation of Approximately 40 Acres of Land at the Southwest Corner of East Gerard Avenue and South Tyler Road
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Professional Services Agreement with J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning in the amount of $238,089 to perform environmental and planning services for the annexation to the City of Merced of the CP-42 North project (40 acres generally located at the southwest corner of East Gerard Avenue and South Tyler Road).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving an Agreement for Services with J.B. Anderson Land Use and Planning in the amount of $238,089 to perform environmental and planning services for the annexation of the CP-42 North project to the City of Merced.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approving the Professional Services Agreement as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Amending the Professional Services Agreement (with specific amendments to be specified in Council motion); or,
3. Direct staff to make changes and return to Council at a later date; or,
4. Deny; or,
5. Continue the matter to a future Council meeting (date and time to be specified in motion).
AUTHORITY
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act of 2000 establishes procedures for city annexations and other local government changes in organization. Merced Municipal Code Title 19 Environmental Protection. Merced Municipal Code 3.04.210 Exemptions from Competitive Bidding, Professional Services.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2024-25 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
On October 17, 2023, Merced City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Merced, the County of Merced, Merced Union High School District (MUHSD), and the Merced County Office of Education to allocate ARPA funds to the planning phase of the CP-42 project (Attachment 2). The CP-42 project encompasses City owned property located at the northwest corner of Mission Avenue and Tyler Road, known as CP-42, annexed into the City September 15, 2008.
The MUHSD owns property adjacent to CP-42 located at the southwest corner of Gerard Avenue and Tyler Road, known as CP-42 North. The City Property and the MUHSD Property encompass a total of seventy-six (76) acres that the Parties intend to develop jointly for use as a sports complex, for community, efficiency, and economies of scale, including, without limitation storm drainage, road design upgrades, and other public improvements. The Parties agreed to collaborate on the initial planning phase of the MUHSD Property (CP-42 North), including environmental review, design, entitlements, and annexations. The Parties intend to form a Joint Powers Authority (“JPA”) to own and operate the Sports Complex following the annexation of the MUHSD property. The County hosted public meetings and administered surveys to solicit input from the community which resulted in a determination that improved facilities and parks are a priority to the community. On June 7, 2022, the County Board of Supervisors approved an allocation of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000) in ARPA funds to be used for this project.
The proposed Professional Services Agreement with J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning (Attachment 3) in the amount of $238,089 is for environmental and planning services for the annexation to the City of Merced of the CP-42 North project, which involves the MUHSD Property.
The Professional Services Agreement between J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning (consultant) and the City of Merced would allow the consultant to complete all necessary environmental and planning services necessary to finalize the annexation of the northern portion of the property that has been designated for the CP-42 Project. The consultant would complete the General Plan Amendment, Prezone, and Annexation entitlement processes through the City and the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). The Consultant would manage and process these entitlements which also include the preparation of applicable CEQA and/or NEPA documents, staff reports, attending meetings and public hearings.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No additional appropriation of funds is needed. Funding is available within Fund 5000-Parks and Community Service CIP, under project CP250062-Community Park 42 North.
ATTACHMENTS
1. CP-42 North Project
2. Memorandum of Understanding
3. Professional Service Agreement with J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning