Item 20 Staff Report Consider Adopting a Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into an Agreement with Cotton, Shires & Associates to Serve as the Town Geotechnical Consultantn
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: May 30, 2001
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN.. OUNCIL
FROM: TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT:
MEETING DATE: 06/04/00
ITEM NO. ? o
CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN
MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH COTTON, SHIRES
& ASSOCIATES TO SERVE AS THE TOWN GEOTECHNICAL
CONSULTANT
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider adopting a resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute an agreement with Cotton,
Shires & Associates for services as the Town geotechnical consultant.
BACKGROUND:
On December 4, 2000 the Council considered a report on this subject and directed staff to move
forward with the hiring of a geotechnical firm to serve as a consultant to the Town. The Town
received three responses to the Request for Proposal (RFP). The three geotechnical firms were
interviewed by a staff panel representing the Community Development and Parks & Public Works
Departments. The review panel concluded that Cotton, Shires & Associates (CSA) is the best
qualified to meet the needs of the Town.
DISCUSSION:
The Town geotechnical consultant would serve in a similar capacity to the Town Traffic Engineer
or environmental consultant. When the geotechnical consultant is needed to work on a project, the
following steps will be taken:
•
•
Consultant reviews project plans and determines the type of geotechnical report that is
appropriate given the type of project, site constraints, etc.
Applicant obtains report from consultant of their choice
Geotechnical Review Deposit paid by applicant (amount to be determined)
(Continued on Page 2)
PREPARED BY: BUD N. LORTZ� —
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Reviewed by: Attorney Clerk Finance i/ Community Development
Revised: 5/30/01 9:04 am
Reformatted: 5/23/01
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER HIRING A TOWN GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT
May 30, 2001
• Purchase Order obtained from Finance
• Authorization to Proceed provided to consultant upon approval by the Director of
Community Development
• Consultant bills Town for the work
• Applicant reimbursed for any amount remaining in deposit account
Typical tasks that the geotechnical consultant may be called on to provide include peer review of a
geotechnical report submitted by an applicant, site analysis and preparation of a geotechnical report
for a Town proposed project when warranted, preliminary review of development sites after an
application is submitted, and special projects as needed such as updating the Town's geologic
hazards map. Staff will work with CSA to determine an appropriate deposit amount for peer review
of geotechnical reports.
Qualifications:
Cotton, Shires & Associates has offices in Los Gatos and Carlsbad. The firm was established in
1974 by Bill Cotton and is a full service geotechnical consulting firm that specializes in the
detection, description and evaluation of geologic and geotechnical hazards. CSA was determined
to be the best candidate for the position of Town geotechnical consultant for the following reasons:
•
CSA has extensive experience with hillside development and working with small
communities
CSA has extensive experience and knowledge of the geology and earthquake faults in the
Los Gatos area
CSA has provided geotechnical services, including peer review, to hillside communities
since 1974
CSA has an established peer review process that can be tailored to meet the needs of the
Town
The firms' location in Town will allow easy interaction between consultant and staff, and
will facilitate site visits by the consultant
CSA can provide a relatively short (typically two weeks) turnaround on peer review of
geotechnical reports
CSA has both engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers on staff and enough depth
in these positions that work from the Town can be completed in a timely manner
CSA has an excellent reputation among peers and local government agencies
General Plan Compliance
The following implementing strategies from the General Plan support hiring a Town Geotechnical
Consultant:
S.I.1.1 Geologic reports: Require geological investigations for any development for projects
when warranted.
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER HIRING A TOWN GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT
May 30, 2001
S.I.1.2 Geologic map: The Town shall update periodically its geologic map delineating known
geologic hazards and faults in the Town.
S.I.1.6 Require preparation of a report from an engineering geologist that reviews geologic soils
and engineering reports for developments in identified geologic hazard areas.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the Council adopt the resolution (Attachment 1) authorizing the Town
Manager to enter into an agreement with Cotton, Shires & Associates to serve as the Town
Geotechnical Consultant.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Geotechnical peer review of development proposals will be paid for by the project applicant. The
estimated cost of a peer review is $1500, but the actual cost will be based on the scope of work and
the consultant's fee schedule (see Attachment 2, pages C-1 and C-2). If the Council adopts the
resolution (Attachment 1) staff will prepare a follow-up report to amend the fee schedule to establish
the deposit and an administrative fee for geotechnical peer review. The purpose of an administrative
fee is to reimburse the Town's cost of administering the peer review. Future special projects that
are contemplated for this consultant such as an update of the Town's geologic hazards map will be
forwarded to the Council with a detailed proposal and budget.
Attachments:
1. Draft Resolution
2. Proposal from Cotton, Shires & Associates, Inc.
3. Draft Contract
cc: Ted Sayre, Cotton, Shires & Associates, 330 Village Lane, Los Gatos, CA 95030
BNL:SD
N: \DEV\SUZANNE\Council\Reports1F Y2000-01 \GEOTECH2.wpd
RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR SERVICES
AS THE TOWN GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT
RESOLVED, that the Town of Los Gatos Town Council has determined that there is a need
for a Town geotechnical consultant; and
RESOLVED, that the General Plan 2000 includes policies and implementing strategies
supporting this action; and
RESOLVED, that the Town of Los Gatos sent Requests for Proposals to six Bay Area
geotechnical consulting firms; and
RESOLVED, that the Town received three proposals for geotechnical consulting services;
and
RESOLVED, that the most qualified consultant based on the proposals and interviews
conducted by Town staff is Cotton, Shires & Associates, Inc.; and
RESOLVED, that project manager Ted Sayre has extensive experience with peer review,
working with small communities; and has competent associates and staff to assist with services to
the Town; and
RESOLVED, by the Town Council that the TOWN OF LOS GATOS enter into an
agreement for services as the Town geotechnical consultant.
FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Town Council that the Town Manager is authorized and
directed to execute the attached agreement for services as the Town geotechnical consultant on
behalf of the TOWN OF LOS GATOS.
Attachment 1
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council held on the day
of , 2001, by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED: /s/ Joe Pirzynski
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
ATTEST:
/s/ Marian V. Cosgrove
CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
N:\DE V\RESOS\Geotech.wpd
2
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL
GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT SERVICES
Prepared for the
Town of Los Gatos, California
April 2001
APR 2 0 2001
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
OO1'',I1,MUNiiY a `VELOPMENT
Attachment 2
raCOTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS AND GEOLOGISTS
330 Village Lane • Los Gatos, California 95030 • (408) 354-5542 Fax (408)354-1852
•
s
, COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS AND GEOLOGISTS
April 26, 2001
P0061
Mr. Bud Lortz
Director of Community Development
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
110 E. Main Street/P.O. Box 949
Los Gatos, CA 95031
SUBJECT: Technical Proposal for Town Geotechnical Consultant
RE: Town of Los Gatos, California
Dear Mr. Lortz:
Cotton, Shires and Associates, Inc. (CSA) is pleased to submit this Technical
Proposal to provide geotechnical services for the Town of Los Gatos. The following
proposal was prepared in accordance with the Town's Request for Proposals dated
April 3, 2001.
Upon reviewing this proposal, we trust that you will find our team uniquely
qualified to provide the requested services because:
• We have conducted geotechnical peer review for thousands of hillside
residential developments in many municipalities, where we consider regional
geology, site -specific conditions and standard -of -care issues in the
evaluation of proposed development projects.
For over twenty-five years, we have been working with Bay area communities
to develop and promote usable geologic hazard maps and related land -use
policies for hillside areas.
• Through this process, we have attained a level of flexibility that allows us to
work with each community to develop options and solutions to meet the
particular needs and goals of the community.
• We recognize that existing landslides, potentially active faults and potential
unstable soils are present in some portions of the Town. We have extensive,
internationally recognized experience in the mapping, characterization and
analysis of geologic hazards, including research -level investigations of
faulting and landsliding.
• Many communities consider rigid insurance requirements an essential element
in protecting their interests. As specified in the RFP, we carry levels of
professional liability insurance, worker's compensation insurance, automobile
insurance and professional errors and omissions insurance that will likely
meet or exceed the Town's requirements.
Northern California Office
330 Village Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95030-7218
(408) 354-5542 • Fax (408) 354-1852
e-mail: losgatos@cottonshires.com
www.cottonshires.com
Southern California Office
5245 Avenida Encinas • Suite A
Carlsbad, CA 92008-4374
(760) 931-2700 • Fax: (760) 931-1020
e-mail: carlsbad@cottonshires.com
Mr. Bud N. Lortz April 26, 2001
Paget P0061
• We do not intend to perform any work for private development within the
Town. In addition, private residential developers are not part of our regular
client base and we anticipate a very low potential for conflict of interest
issues. Three members of our staff do own existing residences within the
Town, but we believe that consultation can be provided to the Town without
conflict of interest issues. We have no holdings or interest in undeveloped
property within the Town.
Finally, we wish to emphasize the demonstrated experience and success we have
had over the years in working with community planners, building departments and
public works agencies to implement hillside development policies in geologically
hazardous terrain. We recognize that each community and municipality has unique
goals and evaluation processes. Thus, we understand that our role will be to provide
assistance within your system, and to your staff, in order to create an effective working
relationship with the Town. We are also aware that our objective is to benefit the
community at large and be sensitive to the needs and goals of -its citizens.
We thank you for the opportunity to offer our services to the Town. We would
like to express our sincere interest in undertaking this work on the Town's behalf, and
our commitment to developing a successful relationship with the Town. This proposal
demonstrates our understanding of the objectives and scope of work requested in the
RFP, and the experience and technical ability of our firm to complete the proposed
work. If you have any questions, or need additional information, please call.
WRC:POS:TS:rb
Respectfully submitted,
COTTON, SHIRES AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
,c_
Ted Sayre
Supervising Engineering Geologist
CEG 1795
Patrick O. Shires
Principal Geotechnical Engineer
GE 770
ir6G/v
William R. Cotton
Principal Engineering Geologist
CEG 882
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Technical Proposal
Town Geotechnical Consultant Services
Table Of Contents
Page No.
1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Experience 2
3.0 Qualifications 3
4.0 Organization 8
5.0 Project Approach 10
APPENDICES
A Resumes of Key Personnel A-1
B Geotechnical Review and Public Service Sector Clients B-1
C Estimated Hours and Fees C-1
i
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Town of Los Gatos has requested proposals to provide geotechnical review
services and possible future work on special projects. We are very interested in the
potential for providing these services to the Town, and believe we are uniquely
qualified to perform the requested geotechnical evaluations.
Cotton, Shires and Associates (CSA) is a full -service geotechnical consulting firm that
has provided comprehensive engineering geologic and geotechnical engineering
services throughout California since 1974. Our firm specializes in the detection,
description, and evaluation of geologic and geotechnical hazards, and the application
of this knowledge to sound land -use planning, development, and remediation. Our
expertise in this area has led to an outstanding reputation within our profession and
with academic research institutions.
An important aspect of CSA's services involves providing geotechnical review and
consulting services to a number of communities. In this capacity, we are responsible
for community -wide assessment of existing and potential geotechnical hazards,
preparation of geologic hazard maps, technical review of engineering geologic and
geotechnical investigations, and assistance with the development of appropriate
land -use policies.
1.1 Executive Summary
The following sections of this proposal outline our appropriate experience,
qualifications, staff organization to complete the work, as well as our project
approach. Our experience includes more than twenty-five years of performing
geotechnical reviews for various communities in the greater Bay area. We are
recognized experts in the fields of fault and landslide investigation and design of
engineering mitigation for slope stabilization. We have a staff including 21
professionals with advanced degrees in engineering geology and geotechnical
engineering. Resumes of key technical personnel, who will assist with the completion
reviews, are presented in Appendix A. We have a well established, efficient
1
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
approach to completing geotechnical reviews which has been refined over several
decades of professional practice.
2.0 EXPERIENCE
We currently serve as the City/Town Geotechnical Consultant for thirteen Bay area
communities, and frequently are requested to provide review for special projects in
many other municipalities. A list of current review clients is provided in Appendix
B. For many of these municipalities, CSA has been providing review services for
more than two decades. Examples of three of our long-term municipal clients, and
types of geotechnical hazards in these communities, are:
City of Saratoga (City Geotechnical Consultant since 1974): Expansive soil
and bedrock, abundant landslides, potentially active thrust fault system, and
flooding
Town of Portola Valley (Town Geologist/ Geotechnical Consultant since
1972): Expansive soil and bedrock, abundant landslides, active San
Andreas fault zone, potentially active thrust faults, flooding and erosion
along creeks
Los Altos Hills (Town Geologist/Geotechnical Consultant since 1972):
Expansive soil and bedrock, abundant landslides, potentially active thrust
faults, flooding and erosion along creeks
Representative projects reviewed over the years by our staff range in size and scope
from individual single-family homes and commercial developments to very large
residential subdivisions. In the San Francisco Bay area, we are well known for our
large-scale geologic maps produced for the communities of Portola Valley, Saratoga,
Belmont, Woodside and Los Altos Hills, as well as the Congress Springs Landslide
Map produced for the County of Santa Clara. Maps depicting relative geologic
hazards were prepared as companion map folios for the communities of Los Altos
Hills, Portola Valley, Saratoga, Belmont, and Congress Springs areas. The maps are
utilized on a regular basis to guide development in these areas, and have significantly
reduced the risk associated with building in hazardous terrains.
Based on our experience of performing detailed investigations and geotechnical
review for hillside residential development, CSA has developed a broad knowledge
2
COTTON, SHIRES & A.SSOCIATES, INC.
of prudent safeguards for communities faced with development of geologically
hazardous terrain. Our experience is well suited to the Town's goals of reducing the
potential for injuries and property damages from earthquakes or other forms of
geologic failures. Many years of diligent review of proposed construction projects
has resulted in increased public safety and reduced liability exposure in these
communities. The review procedure we have developed are designed to identify and
require full evaluation of potential geotechnical problems. Accurate identification,
characterization and evaluation of geologic hazards promotes prudent land -use,
reduces the risk to citizens, and limits the liability exposure of public agencies. The
technical background of the key individuals who will assist with completion of
reviews is provided in the following Qualifications and Organization sections.
3.0 QUALIFICATIONS
The designated contact person for review services is Ted Sayre, Supervising
Geotechnical Review Coordinator. Other key technical individuals who will assist
with completion of reviews include William Cole, Managing Engineering Geologist,
David Schrier, Senior Geotechnical Engineer and Patrick Shires, Principal
Geotechnical Engineer. The responsible project manager for review services is William
Cotton, Principal Engineering Geologist. Information regarding the roles that these
staff members will perform in the review procedure is contained in the Project
Approach proposal section. All employees can be reached through our Los Gatos
office number (408) 354-5542, or by leaving voice mail messages (24 hours) at this
number as necessary. Messages for any specific staff member can be transmitted
directly to individual e-mail addresses at our office. We will also provide emergency
home contact numbers. The following statements provide a summary of various
senior -level personnel who would be involved with providing services to the Town:
Mr. William R. Cotton, President and Principal Engineering Geologist of CSA, will be
the overall responsible project manager for completion of reviews. Mr. Cotton is a
Registered Geologist and Certified Engineering Geologist in California, with over three
decades of professional experience in the field of engineering geology. He is one of
the most noted landslide experts in the state of California. His specialties include
slope stability studies and the paleoseismicity of active faults in California. He
3
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
provides geologic consulting and expert witness services for a number of legal firms
and municipalities involved in a variety of litigation cases. His experience enables
him to identify and evaluate potential geologic and seismic hazards throughout the
world. He has held an Industrial Research Associate position with the Regional
Landslide Research group of the U.S. Geological Survey, is a member of the
Association of Engineering Geologists National Committee on landslides, and is the
editor of the International Landslide Research Group Newsletter. Mr. Cotton's duties
include review and supervision of all CSA's engineering geologic studies and
personnel.
Mr. Ted Sayre, Supervising Engineering Geologist, is a Registered Geologist and
Certified Engineering geologist in California with over 18 years of experience in
California and Alaska. Mr. Sayre also has a graduate degree in Geological
Engineering, and uses his combined knowledge of engineering and geology to evaluate
geotechnical issues for new construction, as well as to provide mitigation for distress
to existing structures. He routinely supplements data from research and field
mapping with strategic subsurface exploration and monitoring programs designed to
further characterize landslide, fault, ground water and soil and bedrock conditions.
He has extensive experience with the use of trenches and large -diameter shafts for
fault and landslide characterization. Mr. Sayre is CSA's primary liaison with most
communities, and is the coordinator for review of proposed development projects.
Mr. Patrick O. Shires is the Vice President and Principal Geotechnical Engineer and
Geophysicist of CSA. Mr. Shires provides engineering consultation pertaining to
characterization of geotechnical conditions and constraints, examines the feasibility
of proposed development options, and formulates alternative mitigation measures.
Mr. Shires completes quality control evaluations of all geotechnical engineering
aspects of reviews. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in six western states, a
Registered Geotechnical Engineer in California, and a Registered Geophysicist in
California with over 29 years of professional experience in the fields of geotechnical
engineering and engineering geophysics. His specialties include slope stability and
remedial design studies (including computer applications to slope stability analysis),
dam design and analyses, and foundation engineering. Mr. Shires has also served a
project manager, project engineer, or project geophysicist on a wide variety of
4
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
geotechnical projects involving residential developments, public works projects,
sanitary and hazardous waste landfills, pipelines, water wastewater facilities, dams,
power plants, bridges, roads, residential and commercial structures, mining facilities,
and ground water investigations.
Mr. William F. Cole, Managing Engineering Geologist, is a Registered Geologist,
Certified Engineering Geologist and Certified Hydrogeologist in California, and
Certified Professional Geologist in Wyoming, with 20 years of domestic and
international experience. He has supervised geologic and geotechnical projects in a
variety of different settings, most of which involve evaluations of the behavior of
various earth materials, earth movement, seismic ground shaking, and associated
seismic hazards. Mr. Cole typically directs the technical and administrative phases
of investigations, including analysis of all available documents and data, execution
off field exploration programs, and scheduling of interim deadlines. Mr. Cole is
involved with research of the influence of earthquake shaking on ground deformation
and slope stability. He has served as Principal Investigator of several seismic ground
failure studies funded by the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program.
3.1 Previous Clients and Projects
Over the past 28 years, CSA has provided geotechnical consultation on literally
thousands of individual projects. In lieu of preparing an exhaustive list of all clients
and associated technical investigations for this proposal, we have prepared the
following descriptions of representative geotechnical projects. In addition, as noted
in the previous Experience Section of the proposal, a listing of current review clients
and representative public service clients is presented in Appendix B.
• Roadway and Slope Repair Projects for Municipalities — Over the past 19 years,
CSA has provided integrated engineering geologic/geotechnical/civil
engineering services for mitigation and stabilization of hillside road problems
in several municipalities. Clients have included the Towns of Los Altos Hills
and Portola Valley, Cities of Belmont, Pacifica and Saratoga, and Counties of
San Mateo and Santa Clara. These projects involved geotechnical
investigation, formulation of design criteria, preparation of design drawings,
5
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
evaluation of contractors, and construction inspection and testing services.
The projects address landslide stabilization and erosion control and included
retaining walls, shear pin walls, hillside grading, ocean side revetments and
drainage improvements. Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and
1998 El Nino event, CSA also performed rapid evaluations of damaged
roadways and slopes for the County of Santa Clara, Cities of Saratoga,
Belmont, Pacifica, San Leandro, Millbrae, San Bruno, and Town of Portola
Valley, which aided in the allocation of State and Federal assistance efforts to
these communities. We also assisted the Town of Los Gatos with emergency
services after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.
• Earthquake -Triggered Landslides, Santa Cruz County, California — Large
landslides in the Santa Cruz Mountains re -activated by the 1989 Loma Prieta
earthquake were evaluated under contract to the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. Investigations included detailed engineering geologic mapping,
drilling and sampling of several small diameter borings, installing and
monitoring inclinometers and piezometers (electronic with data loggers), and
characterizing subsurface conditions. Additional studies of these and other
nearby landslides, under contract from U.S. Geological Survey (NEHRP),
included downhole logging and sampling of large -diameter borings, performing
laboratory tests, and performing sophisticated static and seismic slope
stability analyses to evaluate the applicability of current slope stability
analysis methods to actual earthquake -triggered instability. The results of
this research is in review for future publication as part of the U.S. Geological
Survey Professional Paper series describing the geologic effects of the Loma
Prieta earthquake.
• Geotechnical Mitigation of Slope Failures, Pacifica, California — Heavy rains in
the winter of 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 required emergency geotechnical
evaluations and mitigation to protect residential structures. CSA provided
engineering geologic mapping, surveying and engineering design services for the
community of Pacifica so that mitigation measures could be implemented
quickly. El Nino conditions of early 1998 were especially severe and CSA
prepared emergency rip -rap revetment construction plans to protect a portion
6
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
of the City's damaged coastline. Tasks included geologic mapping and
surveying of unstable areas, subsurface exploration and testing, and
preparation of design drawings. Mitigation measures designed for individual
landslides included a catchment fence and geogrid/reinforced earth
stabilization. CSA also has provided similar landslide repair services to the
City of Saratoga, City of Belmont and Town of Woodside in the past several
years.
• Rancho Solano Subdivision, Solano County, California — Adverse geologic
issues, including landslide potential, fill settlement and fault activity, that are
affecting a large (1,000 acres) residential subdivision, were investigated by
CSA as an independent expert for the City of Fairfield. CSA has performed
extensive field exploration as part of this project, including downhole logging
of 20 large -diameter boreholes; drilling, sampling and instrumentation of 22
standard -diameter boreholes; excavation and logging of 40 test pits and
trenches; and detailed engineering geologic mapping. The project also
involved numerical slope stability analyses, assessment of fault activity,
photogeologic mapping from aerial photographs, and coordination with an
extensive number of interested parties and their consultants.
Landslide Characterization and Evaluation, Anaheim Hills, California — CSA
investigated a Landslide that activated in 1993 in response to heavy rainfall.
The landslide impacted at least 30 homes, and has been attributed to a
variety of causes, which CSA evaluated. Our investigation included detailed
distress mapping and surveying of roughly 150 residences, geologic mapping
of the 300-home subdivision, detailed engineering geologic mapping of the
active landslide, subsurface exploration consisting of downhole logging of 10-
learge diameter shafts, monitoring of geotechnical instrumentation and
analysis of slope stability.
• Evaluation of Landslides and Geotechnical Distress, Los Angeles County — CSA
has provided geotechnical consultation to Los Angeles County from the early
1980's to the present time. These projects vary in scope from reconnaissance -
level evaluations of distressed structures to multi -year investigations of
7
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
geologic, geotechnical and hydrogeologic conditions, monitoring of
geotechnical instrumentation, numerical analysis of slope stability, and
detailed analysis of proposed mitigation alternatives. Examples of damaging
landslides investigated in recent years on behalf of Los Angeles County
include the Rambla Pacifico and Big Rock Mesa landslides in Malibu, the
Montellano Avenue landslide in hacienda Heights, and the Calle Montecillo
landslide in Agoura Hills. CSA is also providing consultation to the Los
Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Agency pertaining to ground
settlement and resulting damage claims associated with construction of
subway tunnels beneath Hollywood, California.
Urban Landslides, Oahu, Hawaii — Several large, actively moving, landslides
affecting various communities of Oahu were investigated over a 4-year period
by CSA for the City and County of Honolulu. Work included detailed
engineering geologic mapping of landslide elements, evaluation of previous
consultants' work, logging and sampling of small -diameter boreholes,
downhole logging and sampling of large -diameter boreholdes, installation and
monitoring of inclinometers and piezometers (electronic with data loggers),
laboratory testing and three-dimensional slope stability analyses. The long-
term stability of the landslides was evaluated with respect to the potential
impacts of geologic processes and residential tract development.
3.2 Litigation Status
Beyond serving as expert witnesses for several on -going litigation cases, we are not
involved in any current litigation. We have not been involved in litigation resulting
from our professional services within the past ten years.
4.0 ORGANIZATION
CSA's staff is comprised of 26 employees, including 21 engineers and geologists with
a wide range of applied experience. The core of our technical group is comprised of
key professionals with extensive project experience, academic training in relevant
fields, and proficiency at completing various aspects of review. The principals of our
8
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
firm, William Cotton and Patrick Shires, set aside time on a daily basis to discuss,
render opinions, or finalize review reports to expedite completion of the review
procedure.
Senior -level staff members who would be involved with completing review projects
for the Town of Los Gatos are listed below. In addition, CSA currently employs five
staff geologists and engineers who will complete some of the time consuming data
compilation and data collection phases of the geotechnical review procedure. We
anticipate that 8 to 10 technical staff may assist in providing services to the Town in
any given year. Resumes are provided in Appendix A for the 5 senior staff members
listed below with professional registrations. Additional resumes for all staff level
engineers and geologists will be submitted upon request.
Senior Staff
Ted Sayre
William F. Cole
David T. Schrier
Patrick O. Shires
William R. Cotton
Years Professional
Title Experience
Supervising Engineering Geologist/Engineer
Managing Engineering Geologist
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Geophysicist
Principal Engineering Geologist
4.1 Review Time Constraints
18
20
15
29
33
Our geotechnical review process has been developed and revised over many years to
maximize the efficiency of the system while maintaining the dependability and
consistency of our recommendations. The review procedures is organized to provide
the Town with a ten working day turn -around period from the time we receive a
transmittal of pertinent documents from the Town to the day our completed review
letter -report is mailed, faxed or delivered to the Town. Our review period may
exceed ten working days when: (1) pertinent supporting documents are incomplete
or not submitted, (2) clarification of geotechnical evaluations and / or design
recommendations is necessary from the applicant's consultant, (3) the size of the
property or proposed development is unusually large, or (4) geotechnical conditions
or potential constraints to development are particularly complex. In these cases, we
9
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
will notify the Town of the anticipated schedule changes as soon as the condition
becomes apparent. Conversely, we will respond in less than ten working days when
a more rapid turnaround is needed by the Town. It is not unusual for us to expedite
our review evaluations and provide faxed review recommendations for incorporation
into Planning Commission packets.
5.0 PROJECT APPROACH
The Town of Los Gatos has requested proposals to provide geotechnical review
services consisting of geologic and geotechnical engineering evaluations and
preparation of recommendations to the Town in the form of conditions of approval.
In addition, we understand future work may include special projects such as
preparation of a geologic hazard checklist or updating of the Town's geologic
hazards map.
CSA proposes to provide review services to the Town on an "on -call basis", in a
manner similar to services currently provided to other municipalities, in which our
firm acts as a consultant to the Town staff. An overview of our established review
procedure is presented in Figure 1. This figure illustrates how an individual review is
tracked and completed by appropriate members of our staff. The following
statements summarize our approach to review projects.
CSA recognizes that the process of geotechnical review serves to ensure that potential
geologic and geotechnical hazards (e.g., landslides, earthquake faults, expansive
soils, settlement, shallow groundwater, seepage, etc.) are recognized, characterized,
and mitigated. The importance of competent and reliable geotechnical review has
been magnified over the past decade because of the combined affects of high
property values, declining number of relatively stable and geotechnically
uncomplicated lots remaining within urban hillside areas, and the current legal
climate. Significant financial loss and the need for extensive repair measures may
result solely from poor soil conditions or the utilization of inappropriate foundation
design. Even greater and more expensive problems occur in geologically sensitive
hillside areas. Such potential losses can have devastating economic impacts at the
community level, as well as to individual homeowners. It has been demonstrated
10
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
t
kf§R2 kt{
)ƒf®\_E0=
k§ 582 )k §8#em
c_ co_,=§f {f
= a r 8 @ - e
22 $)»SE£�Eca
22 c�*°[2«/¢=
c00 _
3 � )!v o ƒ° [f
a±§320E\z.
kk
{0
0 kk
d§
+
o
° k
7}} fTk
g.o
[I @ 2 > /
E;a a o.§
CD 2.c E2§%
ES' at E%a
32I�ƒeL§§
I
\ \a) 2
4E
\�/\ c/
- o `/ _
I2=23 CL 20 Ej 2.9
0 �-a $ as
�ecoo
6 . , .
+
cu
„$
E
Ts §;
0 2 • , _.
22 & )
=CDc� o=)��
0$�m #§t00
§�07 = 0. k.52
O U'''' 7bEba
< « 3 2 2
i
0
a)
CL
$
cn
O
@
Cr)
Mail to Town
o.
§
x
At
+
•
Flow chart of Geotechnical Review Procedure established by CSA.
that geotechnical review dramatically reduces potential losses to both private and
public properties.
5.1 Geologic and Geotechnical Review Procedure
Upon receiving authorization by the appropriate Town representative, we will
initiate our review procedure, which typically involves two phases: (1) an initial
Field Review, and (2) subsequent Review of Geotechnical Reports. We have found
that the following two phase approach works best for geotechnically complicated
projects such as proposed subdivisions in a hillside setting. Some communities select
to combine both phases of review together for relatively uncomplicated, single
residential lots.
5.1.1 Field Reviews — This first phase of review provides an opportunity for the
Town to set the stage by defining current site conditions, project concerns and/or
hazards which should be addressed by the applicant/developer's consultants. The
Field Review phase of review includes the following tasks:
• review of available geologic and geotechnical data, induding published maps
and any available property -specific technical maps and reports;
• field inspection of current site conditions for proposed construction (including
upslope and downslope areas with potential impacts to the proposed
development area);
• geologic and geotechnical engineering evaluation of local conditions and
available data with respect to proposed construction; and
• preparation of a written review letter -report summarizing site conditions,
potential constraints to proposed development, and recommended action
to investigate and mitigate site constraints.
Typically, CSA field inspections involve reconnaissance -level field mapping of
topography (slope steepness, cut and fill slopes, etc.), cultural features (existing
11
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
structures, utilities, foundation distress, etc.), drainage patterns and features (gullies,
streams, ground water seeps, residential drainage, leachfields, etc.), and probable
distribution of earth materials and geologic features (artificial fills, soil and
colluvium, bedrock, landslide deposits, geologic contacts, faults, etc.). Photographs
of field conditions acquired during site inspections will be maintained in our project
archives and will be provided to the Town upon request.
5.1.2 Review of Geotechnical Reports — Our review letter -report submitted as part
of the Field Review phase provides recommendations as to how to proceed with the
completion of the site specific Geotechnical Investigation (report). The second phase
of review involves Review of Geotechnical Report that has been prepared by the
Project Geotechnical Consultant for the applicant/developer. Preferably, the
consultants would use the first review letter -report (i.e., submitted as part of the
Field Review) as a guide in providing appropriate geologic data and geotechnical
design criteria.
Investigative soils and/or geology reports that have been prepared for proposed
developments are reviewed and evaluated in order to ensure that: (1) site conditions
have been properly characterized, (2) supporting geotechnical data are adequate and
consistent with conclusions concerning site conditions, (3) constraints to the
proposed development have been identified and evaluated, (4) geotechnical design
criteria and construction recommendations are appropriate for the proposed
development and consistent with the standard of care, and (5) provisions of the
Fremont Municipal Code and pertinent Town policies are satisfied. Particular
attention is given to determining whether potential seismic hazards, slope instability,
flooding, and expansive soils are addressed in geotechnical design recommendations
for foundation design, earthwork activities and site drainage improvements. Surface
and subsurface drainage issues are of particular importance in areas of marginal
slope stability. Evaluation of potential offsite impacts of proposed construction is
also an important consideration for new developments.
Based on review and evaluation of the submitted geotechnical report, development
plans and all other available data, a review letter -report will be prepared that
recommends either approval or non -approval of a particular development application.
12
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
If the application is approved, then the review letter -report will describe the
conditions of approval that need to be satisfied prior to specific development steps
(e.g., issuance of permits, certificates of occupancy). If the application is not
approved, then our review letter -report will provide recommendations for
supplemental investigation, technical analysis or design criteria to be provided in an
addendum report.
Our system of geotechnical review is structured so that experienced staff- and senior -
level geologists and engineers generally perform the most time-consuming tasks (i.e.,
background search, compilation of data, preparation for field inspection and the
actual mapping of site conditions) under the direction of Supervising/Managing or
Principal Geologists and Engineers. Accumulated field data is evaluated in detail at
our office by appropriate, more senior members of our staff. Pertinent geologic issues
and engineering concerns are discussed with the Principals of the firm, and
appropriate review comments or recommendations are formulated. Complicated
geotechnical inspections or response to emergency situation would typically be
handled by Managing- or Principal -level personnel.
5.2 Special Studies — In addition to providing review services, CSA is available to
perform a range of engineering geologic and geotechnical engineering services for the
community, including design -level investigations for municipal projects, construction
inspection, field and laboratory testing services, and other geologic/geotechnical
consultation. CSA also provides a wide variety of other services to communities,
and some of these may be applicable to the Town.
• preparation/update of Town geologic hazard maps;
• preparation of geologic/geotechnical checklists for application packets;
• emergency response and coordination;
• assistance in preparation/revision of hillside development guidelines;
13
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
• full design and preparation of drawings and specifications for roadway
repairs, retaining walls, grading and landslide mitigation projects;
• assistance with formulating measures to reduce maintenance cost of
capital improvements within landslide areas;
• monitoring of landslide hazards; and
• litigation support and expert witness testimony.
Field and laboratory construction testing services can also be performed to verify
compliance with local codes and sound engineering practice. Our field and
laboratory tests are performed in accordance with the most recent ASTM or UBC
procedures. We would typically request 48-hour advance notification for scheduling
of field construction inspection services; however, we can be available for immediate
mobilization when advance scheduling is not possible (e.g., emergency response). We
will provide after-hours telephone numbers for key staff for emergency situations.
The philosophy and goal of CSA is to provide geotechnical services of the highest
quality. Our organization enjoys a widely recognized ability to clearly convey
complicated technical information in a manner suitable to audiences ranging from
other earth science professionals to laypersons with limited technical knowledge.
Additionally, we are experienced at working with interdisciplinary teams composed
of individuals with broad areas of expertise including: architects, engineers,
planners, design professionals, attorneys, city and county staff personnel, and
elected officials. Our principals and senior staff remain actively involved in every
CSA project.
5.3 Review Constraints/Problems and Conflict of Interest
Generally, the cost of the geotechnical review is directly related to the relative
complexity of the site and the adequacy of the submitted documents. In performing
review services, we work closely with both the Town and the Project Geotechnical
Consultant to streamline the review process. Often, telephone communication with
14
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
the Project Geotechnical Consultant followed by appropriate written documentation
can save significant time in addressing technical concerns. It has been our experience
that such open, initial discussion ultimately helps to reduce the cost for review, as
well as expedite the effort put forth by the Project Consultant in addressing review
comments.
CSA does not currently pursue or intend to pursue private land development work
within the Town, and we do not anticipate any significant conflicts of interest. We
have a long term professional relationship with California Water Service Company
which may operate water storage and distribution facilities within the Town. We do
not expect that this relationship would create a conflict of interest. However, if a
geotechnical project for California Water Service Company occurred within the Town
requiring third party geotechnical review, a separate third party reviewer could be
contracted by the Town. In a similar manner, a third party reviewer could be
retained to evaluate proposed development within a specified radius of any
residence owned by CSA staff (three staff members own residences within the
Town). We have effectively resolved potential conflicts of interest in other
communities where we provide geotechnical consulting services in this manner.
5.4 Development in Areas of Natural Hazards
With over 25 years of experience performing detailed investigations and geotechnical
review for hillside residential development, CSA has developed a broad knowledge
of prudent safeguards for communities faced with development of geologically
hazardous terrain. Many years of diligent review of proposed construction projects
has resulted in reduced liability exposure and increased public safety in these
communities. The review procedures we have developed are designed to identify and
require full valuation of potential geotechnical problems. Accurate identification,
characterization and evaluation of geologic hazards promotes prudent land -use,
reduces the risk to citizens, and limits the liability exposure of public agencies.
15
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
5.5 Policies for Updating Maps
Completion of site specific geotechnical investigations, including subsurface
exploration, may provide a basis for modifications to existing geologic hazard maps.
We recommend that a procedure be adopted whereby an applicant, based on site
specific geotechnical data, can propose and apply for a map modification. The
geotechnical reviewer should evaluate the technical merits of proposed map
modifications and recommend approval or denial of the change. In addition, the
geotechnical reviewer should be allowed to submit written recommendations for
modification of the maps if such modification is warranted by available geologic
data.
16
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
APPENDIX A
RESUMES OF KEY PERSONNEL
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CURRICULUM VITAE - WILLIAM R. COTTON
President
Principal Engineering Geologist
Current Address
COTTON, SHIRES AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
330 Village Lane
Los Gatos, California 95030-7218
Phone: (408) 354-5542, FAX: (408) (408) 354-5542
email: losgatos@cottonshires.com
Registration
Registered Geologist in California
Certified Engineering Geologist in California
Certified Professional Geologist
Education
M.S. Geology: San Jose State University, California, 1967.
B.A. Geology: San Jose State University, California, 1962.
Representative Experience
Mr. Cotton has over three decades of professional experience in the field of engineering geology.
He has performed and coordinated numerous geologic and geotechnical investigations,
associated with a broad spectrum of land -use applications, ranging from site specific studies to
broad, regional investigations. He has conducted or supervised hundreds of significant
landslide and slope stability investigations throughout California and Hawaii. He has
studied landslides internationally, participating in field workshops on landslides in Japan,
Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico,
Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Spain and England, as well as being retained by the U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation and the Government of China to study landslides affecting (or affected
by) the Three Gorges Dam project in the People's Republic of China. His extensive experience
throughout California, and continual participation in scientific research, as well as private
consultation, make him uniquely qualified to provide general guidance, as well as specific
information, on projects conducted throughout the state. He recently held the position of
Consulting Professor of Engineering Geology in the Department of Applied Earth Sciences a t
Stanford University.
Mr. Cotton provides consultation to a diverse clientele, including governmental and other public
agencies, utilities, municipalities, engineering and architectural firms, private property
owners, and prospective developers. He is currently providing consultation to the County of Los
Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Agency regarding the influence of geotechnical conditions
on ground settlement associated with subway tunnel construction, and associated impacts on
existing structures. In addition, he is providing consultation to Pacific Gas & Electric Company
and the City and County of Honolulu regarding methods of assessing and stabilizing unstable
hillslopes. He recently served as the Lead Geologist; responsible for evaluating fault activity
and associated seismic parameters, in the preliminary design study for a roller compacted
concrete dam on the Carmel River in Monterey County, California.
Mr. Cotton has studied the impacts of landslides and seismic hazards for his entire career,
including post -earthquake observations and investigations following the 1971 San Fernando,
1983 Coalinga, 1984 Morgan Hill, and 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. He continues to be active
in geologic research, and has performed numerous detailed surface and subsurface geologic
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
WILLIAM R. COTTON (cont.)
investigations of active and potentially active faults, with the support of the U.S. Geological
Survey, to determine the size and recurrence interval of late Quaternary earthquakes. Major
fault systems in California studied by Mr. Cotton include the following:
• San Andreas (Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Marin,
• Sargent-Berrocal (Santa Clara County)
• Calaveras (San Benito County)
• Pilarcitos (San Mateo County)
• Seal Cove -San Gregorio (San Mateo County)
• Hayward (Santa Clara, Alameda counties)
• Tularcitos and Cachagua (Monterey County)
Monterey counties)
• Pleito (Kern County)
• San Gabriel (Los Angeles County)
• San Fernando (Los Angeles County)
• San Jacinto (Riverside County)
• Rose Canyon (San Diego County)
• White Wolf (Kern County
Professional History
President, Principal Engineering Geologist, 1974 - Present; William Cotton and Associates, Inc.,
Los Gatos, California.
Stanford University, Consulting Professor of Engineering Geology, Department of Applied
Earth Sciences, 1990 - 1993.
Geologist, 1970 —1972; U.S. Geological Survey Branch of Western Environmental Geology, Menlo
Park, California.
Senior Engineering Geologic Consultant, 1964 - 1970; Leighton and Associates, Inc., Irvine,
California.
Appointments
Landslide Specialist, U. S. Board of Reclamation, Three Gorges Dam Project, Wuhan, China
Industrial Research Associate, U. S. Geological Survey
National Committee on Landslides, Association of Engineering Geologists
Downhole Logging Subcommittee Association of Engineering Geologists
Field Conference Committee for the 1989 International Geologic Congress, Washington, D.C.
Editor International Landslide Research Group Newsletter
Professional Affiliations
Association of Engineering Geologists
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute
American Society of Civil Engineers
Geological Society of America
Seismological Society of America
American Institute of Professional Geologists
Publications and Research
A bibliography of technical reports, abstracts and publications is available on request.
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CURRICULUM VITAE - PATRICK O. SHIRES
Vice President
Principal Geotechnical Engineer
Principal Geophysicist
Current Address
COTTON, SHIRES AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
330 Village Lane
Los Gatos, California 95030
Phone: (408) 354-5542, FAX: (408) 354-1852
email: losgatos@cottonshires.com
Registration
Registered Geotechnical Engineer in California, Registered Geophysicist in California
Registered Professional Civil Engineer in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and
Washington
Education
M.S., Civil Engineering: Stanford University, Stanford, California, 1975
B.S., Stanford University, Stanford, California, 1972
Representative Experience
As Principal in Charge of all CSA geotechnical and civil engineering projects, Mr. Shires'
responsibilities range from investigation, analysis and product review to final design
participation and project management for large projects. Mr. Shires remains actively involved
in the engineering investigation, design, construction, and review for technical investigations.
In addition, he is qualified as an expert witness in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering and has
testified at over 55 trials and binding arbitrations as an expert witness, including trials
resulting in landmark legal decisions involving natural watercourse and earth movement issues.
Mr. Shires has over 29 years of professional experience in the fields of geotechnical and civil
engineering throughout the western United States. In the early part of his career, h e
supervised the technical investigation and engineering analyses for many water and
wastewater treatment and distribution facilities, dams, nuclear- and fossil -fuel power plant
and high-rise building sites throughout the western United States. He investigated over 50
dam sites and was the chief design engineer for a 160-foot high rockfill dam in Arizona.
At his present position, Mr. Shires has specialized in slope stability investigations on over 350
landslide projects, 30 of which have been in southern, 11 in central, and over 300 in northern
California, and eight in Hawaii. He has supervised many major landslide investigation
projects, including the Big Rock Mesa, Rambla Pacifico, and Anaheim Hills landslides in
southern California; the Love Creek, Permanente Quarry, Codorniu Napa and hundreds of
other landslides in northern California; and the Manoa, Ailuna-Leighton and other landslides
in Hawaii, as well as flooding issues associated with major storm events on the big island of
Hawaii. In addition, he has specialized in the investigation of failures associated with river
and creek flooding, including levee failure and design issues. Mr. Shires regularly participates
in International Field Workshops on Landslides, including workshops in Japan, Australia, New
Zealand, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Spain and England.
He is experienced in the use of sophisticated slope stability analysis tools, including two- and
three-dimensional limit equilibrium methods and finite element modeling.
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
PATRICK O. SHIRES (cont.)
Mr. Shires has specialized in the design of remedial measures for dealing with slope stability
problems, including the design of grading plans, retaining wall structures, shear pins, tiebacks
and extensive drainage works.. He has been the chief design engineer on over 100 landslide
repair projects, including designing a coastal revetment to protect the Esplanade Avenue bluff in
Pacifica and extensive slope repairs to protect homes below the Knockash Hill rockslides in
San Francisco. He investigated landsliding for the Yangtze Water Resource Commission's
Three Gorges Dam project in China and is the MTA geotechnical engineering expert for their
Redline Tunnel distress litigation in Los Angeles. His areas of expertise include:
• Landslide mitigation and flooding and levee stability
• Waterway and coastal engineering and design
• Geotechnical design for water and wastewater facilities
• Grading (filling & excavation) design and practice
• Roadway, parking, pavement and drainage design
• Earth movement expert
• Foundation design
• Retaining wall design
• Expansive soil design
• Construction inspect-ion/testing
As Principal Geophysicist, Mr. Shires has provided Quality Assurance for investigations a t
P.G.&E.'s nuclear power plants in California. Over the past 28 years, he has conducted and
managed a wide variety of geophysical studies, including:
• Seismic surveys for buried pipelines • Gravity and seismic surveys for tunnels
• Surface surveys for regional seismic analyses • Magnetic and earth resistivity surveys
for environmental hazards exploration
• Surface and downhole seismic surveys for landslide investigations
• Seismic studies of waste disposal landfills and tailings dumps
• Downhole, crosshole and/or surface seismic surveys for over 30 dams
Professional History
Vice President, Principal Engineer, Principal Geophysicist, 1983 - Present; Cotton, Shires and
Associates, Inc., Los Gatos, California
Supervising Geotechnical Engineer and Geophysicist, 1972-1983; Earth Sciences Associates, Inc.,
Palo Alto, California
Professional Affiliations
American Society of Civil Engineers
Computer Oriented Geologic Society
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute
Society of Exploration Geophysicists
Appointments
American Society for Testing and Materials
California Geotechnical Engineers Association
Bay Area Geophysical Society
Consulting Engineers Association of California
Industrial Research Associate: United States Geological Survey, Menlo Park, California
Past Member /Chairman: Architectural Site Control Commission, Portola Valley, California
Expert Consultants Panel Member: City of Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Arbitrator: California Ridge Development, San Jose, California
Independent Geotechnical Expert: Rancho Solano Development, Fairfield, California;
Knockash Hill Rockslides, San Francisco, California; Buck Center/Partridge Knolls Landslide,
Novato, California; Jackson Meadows Subdivision Slope Stability, Morgan Hill, California
Selected Publications Available Upon Request
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CURRICULUM VITAE - TED M. SAYRE
Supervising Engineering Geologist/Geological Engineer
Registration
Registered Geologist in California, RG 5711;
Certified Engineering Geologist in California, EG 1795; and
Engineer in Training (EIT passed 1986).
Education
M.E., Geological Engineering: Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, 1985
B.A., Geology: University of California, Berkeley, California, 1981
Representative Experience
Mr. Sayre has 18 years of experience in the fields of engineering geology, geological
engineering, and hydrogeology. As a supervising engineering geologist with Cotton, Shires and
Associates, Inc., Mr. Sayre helps to administer a variety of projects. In this capacity, he is
responsible for overall project supervision and coordination, compilation, collection and
analysis of geologic and geotechnical data, and preparation and presentation of technical maps
and reports. In addition, his duties include analysis of aerial photographs, field mapping of
bedrock and surficial deposits and subsurface geologic exploration.
Mr. Sayre uses his combined background of engineering geology and geological engineering to
investigate and resolve interrelated geologic and geotechnical issues. This background is
especially useful when investigating landslide or seismic hazards that require close
coordination between geologic characterization and engineering mitigation of the hazard. As a
geologist, he has worked on a variety of projects in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and
Oregon. As a geological engineer and hydrogeologist with the U. S. Geological Survey Nuclear
Hydrology Program, Mr. Sayre conducted research to investigate water flux through the
unsaturated zone at Yucca Mt., Nevada. This work was part of a detailed characterization
program to evaluate candidate sites for the nation's first high-level nuclear waste repository.
Mr. Sayre currently is responsible for the coordination of geotechnical peer review, including
evaluation of proposed land divisions and building permit applications, for several San
Francisco Bay Area communities. Proper recognition, characterization and mitigation of
unstable ground are topics Mr. Sayre critically examines in his review capacity on a regular
basis. In addition, evaluation of other common Bay Area seismic hazards such as surface fault
rupture, amplified ground shaking, liquefaction and seismically induced slope failure are also
part of Mr. Sayre's responsibility as a quality control reviewer of development safety. After
the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, Mr. Sayre worked with the Santa Cruz County Earthquake
Recovery Unit as a Supervising Engineering Geologist where he assisted in technical review of
hundreds of building permit applications for repair of seismically damaged structures. More
recently, Mr. Sayre has completed many residential damage assessments for local communities
impacted by El Nifio induced landslides.
Affiliations
Association of Engineering Geologists
Geological Society of America
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CURRICULUM VITAE - WILLIAM F. COLE
Managing Engineering Geologist
Current Address
COTTON, SHIRES AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
330 Village Lane, Los Gatos, California 95030-7218
Phone: (408) 354-5542, FAX: (408) 354-1852
email: bcole@cottonshires.com
Registration
Registered Geologist in California and Wyoming
Certified Engineering Geologist in California
Certified Hydrogeologist in California
Education
M.S. Geology: Texas A & M University, College Station Texas, 1980
B.S. Geology: Texas A & M University, College Station Texas, 1977
Professional History
Supervising - Managing Engineering Geologist, 1986-Present; Cotton, Shires and Associates, Inc.,
Los Gatos, California
Senior Project Geophysicist/Engineering Geologist, 1980-1986; McClelland Engineers, Inc.,
Ventura, California
Project Geologist, 1978-1980, Center for Engineering Geosciences, Texas A & M University,
College Station, Texas
Exploration Geologist, 1977, Paul J. Weir Company, Chicago, Illinois.
Professional Experience
Mr. Cole has more than 20 years of consulting experience in engineering geology, coastal processes,
mineral and water resource evaluation, hazard assessments and related earth sciences. He has had a
variety of experience with geotechnical projects in numerous domestic and international settings, with
particular expertise in slope stability, seismic hazards and evaluation of construction -related
geotechnical issues. He is currently responsible for supervising and conducting various types of
engineering geologic investigations with the firm of Cotton, Shires and Associates, Inc. He is familiar
with field investigative techniques for the assessment of earth movement, flooding and erosion,
sedimentation, and fault rupture hazards, has performed coastal erosion and marine (offshore)
geotechnical studies, and evaluates post -construction distress. His experience has led to requests to
serve on National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program review panels and participate in U. S.
Geological Survey instructional workshops.
Recent examples of Mr. Cole's experience with the evaluation of active geologic processes include: (1)
investigation of a landslide that was discovered during construction of a buried water storage tank in
Santa Barbara County, California; (2) evaluation of several landslides on the island of Oahu, Hawaii;
(3) detailed investigations of deep-seated bedrock landslides in Marin, Contra Costa, Orange and Los
Angeles Counties, California; (4) dam deformation study of Coyote Dam, Santa Clara County; (5) slope
stability and fault rupture evaluation for reconstruction of an elementary school in Berkeley,
California; (6) seacliff erosion study in Santa Cruz County, California; (7) geologic studies of harbor
siltation and contamination problems for the City of San Buenaventura, California; and (8) risk
assessment of pipeline damage associated with landslides impacting PG&E gas lines in San Benito and
Monterey Counties, California.
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
WILLIAM F. COLE (cont.)
His consulting experience includes the following types of projects:
• Geologic studies of earth movement and earth processes, such as landslide, liquefaction,
shallow groundwater, flood, and fault rupture potential, for the design and construct -ion of
engineered works in northern and southern California, including buildings, roads, oilfield
facilities, landfills, power plant, dams, tunnels and pipelines;
Evaluation of coastal and fluvial processes pertaining to erosion and protection of
facilities in California and Texas;
• Seismic hazard analyses of large engineered structures located in Alaska, California,
Utah, and Saudi Arabia;
• Drilling hazard investigations for oil and gas wells located offshore Alaska, California,
Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida, west Africa, Peoples' Republic of China, and
Brazil;
• Geotechnical studies of distressed structures involving expansive soil and bedrock
materials, earthquake shaking, ground settlement, landslide and creep processes, and
ground water; and
• Peer review of land -development projects for local and regional agencies in the San
Francisco and Los Angeles metropolitan areas.
Professional Affiliations
Geological Society of America
American Geophysical Union
Association of Engineering Geologists
American Society of Civil Engineers
International Association of Engineering Geologists
American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute
Publications and Research
A bibliography of technical reports, abstracts and publications is available on request.
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CURRICULUM VITAE - DAVID T. SCHRIER
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Registration
Registered Geotechnical Engineer in California, No. 2334
Registered Professional Civil Engineer in California, No. 47816
Education
M.S., Civil Engineering: Stanford University, Stanford, California, 1986
B.S., Applied Earth Science: Stanford University, Stanford, California, 1985
Professional History
Senior Geotechnical Engineer, 1996 - present; Cotton, Shires & Associates, Inc.,
Los Gatos, California.
Project Geotechnical Engineer, 1990 - 1996; Harlan Tait Associates, Inc.,
San Francisco, California.
Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, 1988 - 1990; University of Los Andes,
Bogota, Colombia.
Staff Geotechnical Engineer, 1986-1988; Harlan Tait Associates, Inc.,
San Francisco, California.
Representative Experience
Mr. Schrier has over 15 years of professional experience in the field of geotechnical engineering.
Recently he has acted as project engineer for several landslide investigation and repair projects
including: the investigation and repair of a deep seated landslide which was affecting several houses,
a roadway, and an 8-foot diameter municipal water pipeline in San Mateo County; the investigation
and repair of a debris flow affecting residence in the City of San Bruno; the investigation and
preparation of plans and specifications for the repair of slopes affecting roads for the cities of
Woodside, Healdsburg, Los Altos Hills, and Belmont; and analysis of slope failure in residential areas
for litigation. He also assists in geotechnical peer reviews by evaluating foundations design and
hillside stabilization plans for San Francisco Bay area communities.
As a project engineer, Mr. Schrier performed geotechnical engineering analysis, and prepared reports,
designs, plans and specifications. His experience in engineering analysis for landslide related projects
includes: analyzing laboratory data, determining static and seismic slope stability, and determining
seismic displacement magnitudes. Mr. Schrier has designed retaining walls, buttress repairs, and
drainage mitigation measures. He has an extensive background working with UTEXAS3 slope stability
programs, FEADAM for the finite element analysis of dams, SHAKE for the determination of surface
acceleration from earthquakes, and DISPLMT for determination of permanent seismically induced
displacements.
His areas of expertise include:
• Slope stability analysis;
• Design of repairs and mitigation measures for failed slopes;
• Erosion control and drainage design;
• Grading design and practice; and
• Construction inspection and testing.
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
APPENDIX B
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW CLIENTS
AND
PUBLIC SERVICE SECTOR CLIENTS
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
GEOTECHNICAL REVIEW CLIENTS
CITY OF BELMONT
1070 Sixth Avenue, Suite 306
Belmont, CA 94002
CITY OF BRISBANE
50 Park Lane
Brisbane, CA 94005
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
CITY OF FREMONT
39550 Liberty Street
Fremont, CA 94530
CITY OF LARKSPUR
400 Magnolia Avenue
Larkspur, CA 94939
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
CITY OF MORGAN HILL
17555 Peak Avenue
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
CITY OF PACIFICA
170 Santa Maria Avenue
Pacifica, CA 94044
CITY OF PLEASANTON
P.O. Box 520
Pleasanton, CA 94566
TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
765 Portola Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028
John Curtis, Director of Public Works/
City Engineer
(650) 595-7427
Carlos DeMelo/John Livingston, Planners
(650) 595-7440
Carole Nelson, Planning Director
(415) 508-2120
Ciddy Wordell, Planner
(408) 777-3236
Rob Wilson, City Engineer
(510) 494-4680
Ronn Fong, Senior Civil Engineer
(510) 494-4698
Jan Vazquez, Planning Director
(415) 927-5025
John Hill, City Engineer
(415) 897-6177
Carl Cahill, Planning Director
(650) 941-7222
Joan Hall, Building Division
(408) 779-7241
Scott Holmes, Director of Public Works/
City Engineer
(650) 359-9777
Steven Brandvold, Building Official
(650) 738-7342
Joseph Elliott, Director of Public Works & Utilities
(925) 484-8015
Leslie Lambert, Planning Coordinator
(650) 851-1700 ext. 12
George Mader, Town Planner
(650) 854-6001
B-1
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
Department of Building Inspection
San Francisco Permit Center
San Francisco, CA 94103
CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
32400 Paseo Adelanto
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
CITY OF SARATOGA
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
315 Maple Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Les Evans, City Manager
(310) 544-5205
Dean Allison, Director of Public Works
(310) 544-5252
Hanson Tom, Manager, Department of Building
Inspection
(415) 558-6157
Bill Huber, City Manager
(949) 443-6336
Dan McFarland, Building Official
(949) 443-6340
John Cherbone, Public Works Director
(408) 868-1224
Dennis Chuck, Acting City Engineer
(650) 829-6652
Richard Harmon, Development Review Specialist
(650) 829-6654
B-1
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
PUBLIC SERVICE SECTOR CLIENTS
In addition to our current municipal clients, we are providing a representative list
of clients for other projects that included public service components:
David Casselman
Wasserman, Comden and Casselman
(law firm representing Los Angeles County
in geotechnical distress cases)
(818) 705-6800
George Mader, President
Spangle Associates
(urban planners for several communities)
(650) 854-6001
Mike Rossi, Chief Engineer
California Water Service Company
(408) 367-8245
Bruce Schwartz
Schwartz, Wisot & Wilson
(law firm representing client
in Anaheim Hills landslide case)
(310) 277-2323
Alan Jones, Manager, Roads Engineering
Santa Clara County Roads & Airports Department
(408) 299-2372
William D. Page
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Geosciences Department
(415) 973-6784
Michael Ray
Granite Construction Company
(831) 763-6100
B-2
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
APPENDIX C
ESTIMATED HOURS AND FEE
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
COTTON, SHIRES AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
PROPOSED
2001 FY Fees
for
The Town of Los Gatos
Personnel Charges
Principal Geologist/Engineer $150.00/ hr.
Supervising Geologist/Engineer $120.00/hr.
Senior Geologist/Engineer $100.00 / hr.
Staff Geologist/Engineer $ 85.00/hr.
Word Processor/ Clerical No Charge
Approximately 70% to 80% of the geologic and geotechnical review procedure will be
completed by a Supervising, Senior, or Staff Geologist/Engineer ($85.00/hr. to
$120.00/hr.), with the remainder of project evaluation completed by a Principal
Geologist/Engineer ($150.00/hr.). The indicated fees reflect an approximate 30 percent
reduction from our 2001 Schedule of Charges for private clients. We are able to offer the
Town this discount because the ongoing work generated from a Town Geotechnical
Consultant agreement typically proceeds without significant proposal costs. In addition,
such consulting work does not involve us directly as a design professional for proposed
structures, and consequently results in somewhat reduced liability exposure.
C-1
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
ESTIMATED HOURS AND FEE
We have estimated the time required for completion of a typical single-family
residence geotechnical peer review in terms of individual tasks to be completed:
TASK HOURS RATE ($/hr.)
Log in documents, assign project number and due 0.5 $120
date
Preliminary review of documents, define scope of 0.5 150
work
• Discussions with staff geologist 0.5
• Compile maps and assemble file 0.5
• Review project plans 1.0
• Review project reports 1.5
• Perform field inspection (includes travel) 2.0
• Discuss site conditions and constraints with 1.0
senior staff
• Preparation of draft report 2.0
• Draft report evaluated by review coordinator 1.0
• Revised draft report evaluated by principals 2.0
Finalize report, mail, file documents 0.5
120
85
120
85
120
120
85
120
150
120
Total Estimated Cost, approximately $1,500
The above estimated cost covers review of all initially submitted documents and
completion of our established review procedures including preparation of a single letter -
report. If adequate documents have been submitted, then there should not be additional
geotechnical review fees. Costs may exceed this estimate when supplemental technical
evaluations must be completed by the Project Geotechnical Consultant, or when an
unusually long and complex history is associated with a particular property.
Generally, the cost for geotechnical peer review of a large subdivision is less than
that obtained by simply multiplying the number of lots by the estimated single residential
lot peer review fee. A reasonable estimate for the cost of subdivision peer review can
often be obtained after preliminary examination of the proposed development plan and
available technical supporting documentation.
C-2
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
AGREEMENT FOR GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT is entered into this day of June, 2001, by and between
Town of Los Gatos, State of California, herein called "Town", and COTTON, SHIRES &
ASSOCIATES, INC., engaged in providing GEOTECHNICAL consulting services herein
called "Consultant".
RECITALS
A. Town is considering undertaking activities to PROVIDE GEOTECHNICAL
SERVICES FOR TOWN OF LOS GATOS.
B. Town desires to engage a GEOTECHNICAL Consultant to provide consulting
services to REVIEW, ANALYZE, AND COMMENT ON DEVELOPMENT
PROJECTS; PREPARE GEOTECHNICAL ANALYSES AND REPORTS;
CONDUCT PEER REVIEW OF OUTSIDE GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANTS
REPORTS AND STAFF PUBLIC MEETINGS because of Consultant's experience
and qualifications to perform the desired work.
C. Consultant represents and affirms that it is qualified and willing to perform the
desired work pursuant to this Agreement.
AGREEMENTS
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
1 Scope of Services. Consultant shall provide the services listed in the Consultant's
Scope of Work, attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and by this reference incorporated
herein, and the services listed below.
Administrative Duties
When needed by Town, assess the potential geotechnical impacts
associated with proposed development and redevelopment projects. This
shall include evaluating geotechnical reports and/or identifying mitigation
measures and recommending requirements and conditions of approval.
II. When needed by Town, work on special studies or projects including but not
limited to: updating the Town's geologic hazards map, preparation of
geologic/geotechnical checklists for application packets, emergency
response and coordination, assistance with preparation/revision of hillside
design guidelines, preparation of drawings and specifications, monitoring of
landslide hazards and litigation support and expert witness testimony.
Revised: May 30, 2001
N:1DE V\S UZANNE\Geoteclmical\CSA-CON.wpd
Page 1 of 8
Attachment 3
III. When needed by Town, conduct field investigations, studies, and prepare
reports related to geotechnical hazards and develop recommendations for
mitigation measures.
IV. When needed by Town, assist in the establishment and subsequent
modification of Town's geotechnical-related ordinances, design guidelines,
policies, and development fees.
V. When needed by Town, attend meetings with Town staff, public officials,
community leaders, developers, contractors and the general public.
VI. When needed by Town, advise, support and assist Town departments,
committees, commissions, and Town Council. In addition, act as a liaison
between Town and Federal, State, and Regional agencies.
VII. When needed by Town, attend Town Council, Planning Commission, and
special study session meetings when geotechnical issues and project
applications with geotechnical considerations are being considered.
VI II. As requested by Town, provide copies of draft and final draft work products
of reports and studies prepared for Town. Consultant shall provide electronic
file copies of these documents as needed.
Other miscellaneous services
IX. Town may occasionally have the need for other services not specifically
listed in this document that the consultant has the necessary experience and
capabilities to provide. Town or Redevelopment Agency may authorize
consultant to perform such selected services on an as -needed basis.
2. Time of Performance. The services of Consultant are for a fixed one year period
that will commence upon the execution of the contract. Town retains the option with
the mutual consent of Town Manager and Consultant to renew the contract for a
maximum of three optional years. Should Town not renew a contract, the award
and authorization of the contract shall automatically expire. Town shall give
Consultant at least 15 days notice, prior to the cancellation or expiration of the
contract.
3. Compliance with Laws. Consultant shall comply with all applicable laws, codes,
ordinances, and regulations of governing federal, state and local laws. Consultant
represents and warrants to Town that it has all licenses, permits, qualifications and
approvals of whatsoever nature which are legally required for Consultant to practice
its profession. Consultant represents and warrants to Town that Consultant shall,
at its sole cost and expense, keep in effect or obtain at all times during the term of
this Agreement any licenses, permits, and approvals which are legally required for
Consultant to practice its profession. Consultant shall maintain a Town of Los
Gatos business license pursuant to Chapter 14 of the Code of Town of Los Gatos.
Revised: May 30, 2001
N:\DE V\SUZAN NE\Geotechnical\CSA-CON.wpd
Page 2 of 8
4. Sole Responsibility. Consultant shall be responsible for employing or engaging all
persons necessary to perform the services under this Agreement.
5. Information/Report Handling. All documents furnished to Consultant by Town and
all reports and supportive data prepared by Consultant under this Agreement are
Town's property and shall be delivered to Town upon the completion of Consultant's
services or at Town's written request. All reports, information, data, and exhibits
prepared or assembled by Consultant in connection with the performance of its
services pursuant to this Agreement are confidential until released by Town to the
public, and Consultant shall not make any of the these documents or information
available to any individual or organization not employed by Consultant or Town
without the written consent of Town before such release. Town acknowledges that
the reports to be prepared by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement are for the
purpose of evaluating a defined project, and Town's use of the information
contained in the reports prepared by Consultant in connection with other projects
shall be solely at Town's risk, unless Consultant expressly consents to such use in
writing. Town further agrees that it will not appropriate any methodology or
technique of Consultant which is and has been confirmed in writing by Consultant
to be a trade secret of Consultant.
6. Compensation. Compensation for Consultant's professional services shall be based
upon Town approval of each task as noted in the Scope of Services. Compensation
for each task shall not exceed the amount per task noted in Consultant's Schedule
of Charges (attached hereto as Exhibit "B" and incorporated by reference herein).
Billing shall be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the work performed by
whom at what rate and on what date. Billing invoices submitted for payment must
reference Town Purchase Order Number, and if applicable, the appropriate project
address and Town Application Number (e.g. 290 Wooded View Drive/S-00-84).
Also, plans, specifications, documents or other pertinent materials shall be
submitted for Town review, even if only in partial or draft form.
Payment shall be net thirty (30) days.
Only one (1) purchase order number per invoice will be accepted. All invoices and
statements to Town shall reference Town's purchase order number and be
addressed as follows:
Invoices: Town of Los Gatos
Attn: Accounts Payable
P.O. Box 949
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Revised: May 30, 2001
N:1D E V\S UZA N N E\Geotechni cal\C S A-C ON. wpd
Page 3 of 8
Statements: Town of Los Gatos
Attn: Sandy Ortiz
P.O. Box 949
Los Gatos, CA 95030
7 Availability of Records. Consultant shall maintain the records supporting this billing
for not less than three (3) years following completion of the work under this
Agreement. Consultant shall make these records available to authorized personnel
of Town at Consultant's offices during business hours upon written request of
Town.
8. Project Manager. The Project Manager for Consultant for the work under this
Agreement shall be Ted Sayre.
9. Assignability and Subcontracting. The services to be performed under this
Agreement are unique and personal to Consultant. No portion of these services
shall be assigned or subcontracted without the written consent of Town.
10. Notices. Any notice required to be given shall be deemed to be duly and properly
given if mailed postage prepaid, and addressed to:
To Town:
To Consultant:
Bud N. Lortz
Director of Community Development
Town of Los Gatos
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Fax: (408) 354-7593
Phone: (408) 354-6874
E-mail: blortz@town.los-gatos.ca.us
Ted Sayre
Cotton, Shires & Associates, Inc.
330 Village Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Fax: (408) 354-1852
Phone: (408) 354-5542
E-mail: tsayre@cottonshires.com
or personally delivered to Consultant to such address or such other address as
Consultant designates in writing to Town.
Revised: May 30, 2001
N:1DE V\S UZANNE\Geotechnical\CSA-CON.wpd
Page 4 of 8
11. Independent Contractor. It is understood that Consultant, in the performance of the
work and services agreed to be performed, shall act as and be an independent
contractor and not an agent or employee of Town. As an independent contractor
he/she shall not obtain any rights to retirement benefits or other benefits which
accrue to Town employee(s). With prior written consent, Consultant may perform
some obligations under this Agreement by subcontracting, but may not delegate
ultimate responsibility for performance or assign or transfer interests under this
Agreement.
Consultant agrees to testify in any litigation brought regarding the subject of the
work to be performed under this Agreement. Consultant shall be compensated for
its costs and expenses in preparing for, traveling to, and testifying in such matters
at its then current hourly rates of compensation, unless such litigation is brought by
Consultant or is based on allegations of Consultant's negligent performance or
wrongdoing.
12. Conflict of Interest. Consultant understands that its professional responsibilities is
solely to Town. Consultant has and shall not obtain any holding or interest within
Town of Los Gatos. Consultant has no business holdings or agreements with any
individual member of Staff or management of Town or its representatives nor shall
it enter into any such holdings or agreements. In addition, Consultant warrants that
it does not presently and shall not acquire any direct or indirect interest adverse to
those of Town in the subject of this Agreement, and it shall immediately
disassociate itself from such an interest should it discover it has done so and shall,
at Town's sole discretion, divest itself of such interest. Consultant shall not
knowingly and shall take reasonable steps to ensure that it does not employ a
person having such an interest in this performance of this Agreement. If after
employment of a person, Consultant discovers it has employed a person with a
direct or indirect interest that would conflict with its performance of this Agreement,
Consultant shall promptly notify Town of this employment relationship, and shall, at
Town's sole discretion, sever any such employment relationship.
13. Equal Employment Opportunity. Consultant warrants that it is an equal opportunity
employer and shall comply with applicable regulations governing equal employment
opportunity. Neither Consultant nor its subcontractors do and neither shall
discriminate against persons employed or seeking employment with them on the
basis of age, sex, color, race, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, physical
or mental disability, national origin, religion, or medical condition, unless based upon
a bona fide occupational qualification pursuant to the California Fair Employment
& Housing Act.
Revised: May 30, 2001
N:\DEV\SUZANNE\Geotechnical\CSA-CON.wpd
Page 5 of 8
14. Insurance.
A. Minimum Scope of Insurance:
Consultant agrees to have and maintain, for the duration of the
contract, General Liability insurance policies insuring him/her and
his/her firm to an amount not less than: one million dollars
($1,000,000) combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury,
personal injury and property damage.
ii. Consultant agrees to have and maintain for the duration of the
contract, an Automobile Liability insurance policy ensuring him/her
and his/her staff to an amount not less than one million dollars
($1,000,000) combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and
property damage.
Consultant shall provide to Town all certificates of insurance, with
original endorsements effecting coverage. Consultant agrees that all
certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by
Town before work commences.
iv. Consultant agrees to have and maintain, for the duration of the
contract, professional liability insurance in amounts not less than
$1,000,000 which is sufficient to insure Consultant for professional
errors or omissions in the performance of the particular scope of work
under this agreement.
B. General Liability:
Town, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers are to be
covered as insured as respects: liability arising out of activities
performed by or on behalf of Consultant; products and completed
operations of Consultant, premises owned or used by Consultant.
This requirement does not apply to the professional liability insurance
required for professional errors and omissions.
ii. Consultant's insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as
respects Town, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers. Any
insurance or self -insurances maintained by Town, its officers, officials,
employees or volunteers shall be excess of Consultant's insurance
and shall not contribute with it.
Revised: May 30, 2001
N:\DE V\S UZANNE\Geotechnical\CSA-CON.wpd
Page 6 of 8
iii. Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not
affect coverage provided to Town, its officers, officials, employees or
volunteers.
iv. Consultant's insurance shall apply separately to each insured against
whom a claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the
limits of the insurer's liability.
C. All Coverages: Each insurance policy required in this item shall be endorsed
to state that coverage shall not be suspended, voided, canceled, reduced in
coverage or in limits except after thirty (30) days' prior written notice by
certified mail, return receipt requested, has been given to Town. Current
certification of such insurance shall be kept on file at all times during the term
of this agreement with Town Clerk.
D. In addition to these policies, Consultant shall have and maintain Workers'
Compensation insurance as required by California law and shall provide
evidence of such policy to Town before beginning services under this
Agreement. Further, Consultant shall ensure that all subcontractors
employed by Consultant provide the required Workers' Compensation
insurance for their respective employees.
15. Indemnification. Consultant shall save, keep and hold harmless indemnify and
defend Town its officers, agent, employees and volunteers from all damages,
liabilities, penalties, costs, or expenses in law or equity that may at any time arise
or be set up because of damages to property or personal injury received by reason
of, or in the course of performing work which may be occasioned by a willful or
negligent act or omissions of Consultant, or any of Consultant's officers, employees,
or agents or any subconsultant.
16. Waiver. No failure on the part of either party to exercise any right or remedy
hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any other right or remedy that party may
have hereunder, nor does waiver of a breach or default under this Agreement
constitute a continuing waiver of a subsequent breach of the same or any other
provision of this Agreement.
17. Governing Law. This Agreement, regardless of where executed, shall be governed
by and construed to the laws of the State of California. Venue for any action
regarding this Agreement shall be in the Superior or Municipal Court of the County
of Santa Clara.
18. Termination of Agreement. Town and Consultant shall have the right to terminate
this agreement with or without cause by giving not less than fifteen (15) days written
notice of termination. In the event of termination, Consultant shall deliver to Town
Revised: May 30, 2001
N:1DEV\SUZANNE\Geotechnical\CSA-CON.wpd
Page 7 of 8
all plans, files, documents, reports, performed to date by Consultant. In the event
of such termination, Town shall pay Consultant an amount that bears the same ratio
to the maximum contract price as the work delivered to Town bears to completed
services contemplated under this Agreement pursuant to the noted Scope of
Services and Exhibit A hereto, unless such termination is made for cause, in which
event, compensation, if any, shall be adjusted in Tight of the particular facts and
circumstances involved in such termination.
19. Amendment. No modification, waiver, mutual termination, or amendment of this
Agreement is effective unless made in writing and signed by Town and Consultant.
20. Disputes. In any dispute over any aspect of this Agreement, the prevailing party
shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees, including costs of appeal.
21. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including Exhibits A & B, constitutes the
complete and exclusive statement of the Agreement between Town and Consultant.
No terms, conditions, understandings or agreements purporting to modify or vary
this Agreement, unless hereafter made in writing and signed by the party to be
bound, shall be binding on either party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Town and Consultant have executed this Agreement as
of the date indicated on page one (1).
Town of Los Gatos Consultant:
Debra Figone, Town Manager William R. Cotton, President
Town of Los Gatos Cotton, Shires & Associates, Inc.
ATTEST:
Clerk of Town of Los Gatos,
Los Gatos, California
Marian V. Cosgrove, Town Clerk
Approved as to Form:
Orry P. Korb, Town Attorney
Revised: May 30.2001
N:1DEV\SUZANNE\Geoteclmical\CSA-CON.wpd
Page 8 of 8
Geologic and Geotechnical Review Procedure
Upon receiving authorization by the appropriate Town representative, we will initiate our
review procedure, which typically involves two phases: (1) an initial Field Review, and
(2) subsequent Review of Geotechnical Reports. We have found that the following two
phase approach works best for geotechnically complicated projects such as proposed
subdivisions in a hillside setting. The Town may decide to combine both phases of review
together for relatively uncomplicated, single residential lots.
Field Reviews — This first phase of review provides an opportunity for the Town to set the
stage by defining current site conditions, project concerns and/or hazards which should
be addressed by the applicant/developer's consultants. The Field Review phase of
review includes the following tasks:
• review of available geologic and geotechnical data, induding published maps and
any available property -specific technical maps and reports;
• field inspection of current site conditions for proposed construction (including
upslope and downslope areas with potential impacts to the proposed
development area);
• geologic and geotechnical engineering evaluation of local conditions and available
data with respect to proposed construction; and
• preparation of a written review letter -report summarizing site conditions, potential
constraints to proposed development, and recommended action to investigate
and mitigate site constraints.
Typically, CSA field inspections involve reconnaissance -level field mapping of
topography (slope steepness, cut and fill slopes, etc.), cultural features (existing
structures, utilities, foundation distress, etc.), drainage patterns and features (gullies,
streams, ground water seeps, residential drainage, leachfields, etc.), and probable
Exhibit A
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
distribution of earth materials and geologic features (artificial fills, soil and colluvium,
bedrock, landslide deposits, geologic contacts, faults, etc.). Photographs of field
conditions acquired during site inspections will be maintained in our project archives and
will be provided to the Town upon request.
Review of Geotechnical Reports — Our review letter -report submitted as part of the Field
Review phase provides recommendations as to how to proceed with the completion of the
site specific Geotechnical Investigation (report). The second phase of review involves
Review of Geotechnical Report that has been prepared by the Project Geotechnical
Consultant for the applicant/developer. Preferably, the consultants would use the first
review letter -report (i.e., submitted as part of the Field Review) as a guide in providing
appropriate geologic data and geotechnical design criteria.
Investigative soils and / or geology reports that have been prepared for proposed
developments are reviewed and evaluated in order to ensure that: (1) site conditions have
been properly characterized, (2) supporting geotechnical data are adequate and consistent
with conclusions concerning site conditions, (3) constraints to the proposed development
have been identified and evaluated, (4) geotechnical design criteria and construction
recommendations are appropriate for the proposed development and consistent with the
standard of care, and (5) provisions of the Fremont Municipal Code and pertinent Town
policies are satisfied. Particular attention is given to determining whether potential
seismic hazards, slope instability, flooding, and expansive soils are addressed in
geotechnical design recommendations for foundation design, earthwork activities and site
drainage improvements. Surface and subsurface drainage issues are of particular
importance in areas of marginal slope stability. Evaluation of potential offsite impacts of
proposed construction is also an important consideration for new developments.
Based on review and evaluation of the submitted geotechnical report, development plans
and all other available data, a review letter -report will be prepared that recommends
either approval or non -approval of a particular development application. If the application
is approved, then the review letter -report will describe the conditions of approval that
need to be satisfied prior to specific development steps (e.g., issuance of permits,
certificates of occupancy). If the application is not approved, then our review letter -
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
report will provide recommendations for supplemental investigation, technical analysis or
design criteria to be provided in an addendum report.
Our system of geotechnical review is structured so that experienced staff- and senior -level
geologists and engineers generally perform the most time-consuming tasks (i.e., background
search, compilation of data, preparation for field inspection and the actual mapping of
site conditions) under the direction of Supervising/Managing or Principal Geologists and
Engineers. Accumulated field data is evaluated in detail at our office by appropriate,
more senior members of our staff. Pertinent geologic issues and engineering concerns are
discussed with the Principals of the firm, and appropriate review comments or
recommendations are formulated. Complicated geotechnical inspections or response to
emergency situation would typically be handled by Managing- or Principal -level personnel.
Special Studies — In addition to providing review services, CSA is available to perform a
range of engineering geologic and geotechnical engineering services for the community,
including design -level investigations for municipal projects, construction inspection, field
and laboratory testing services, and other geologic/geotechnical consultation. CSA is also
able to provide a wide variety of other services including, but not limited to:
• preparation/update of Town geologic hazard maps;
• preparation of geologic/geotechnical checklists for application packets;
• emergency response and coordination;
• assistance in preparation/revision of hillside development guidelines;
• full design and preparation of drawings and specifications for roadway
repairs, retaining walls, grading and landslide mitigation projects;
• assistance with formulating measures to reduce maintenance cost of capital
improvements within landslide areas;
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
• monitoring of landslide hazards; and
• litigation support and expert witness testimony.
Field and laboratory construction testing services can also be performed to verify
compliance with local codes and sound engineering practice. Our field and laboratory
tests are performed in accordance with the most recent ASTM or UBC procedures. We
would typically request 48-hour advance notification for scheduling of field construction
inspection services; however, we can be available for immediate mobilization when
advance scheduling is not possible (e.g., emergency response). We will provide after-hours
telephone numbers for key staff for emergency situations.
The philosophy and goal of CSA is to provide geotechnical services of the highest quality.
Our organization enjoys a widely recognized ability to clearly convey complicated
technical information in a manner suitable to audiences ranging from other earth science
professionals to laypersons with limited technical knowledge. Additionally, we are
experienced at working with interdisciplinary teams composed of individuals with broad
areas of expertise including. architects, engineers, planners, design professionals,
attorneys, city and county staff personnel, and elected officials. Our principals and
senior staff remain actively involved in every CSA project.
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
rA
lq
oii
It.
0
A
H
x.
n.
1 1141
I 4519,01
1
Q1
Id go
0
0
q
jf 1/1
ga4.s 01
0
sg3 ��� ��
•
COTTON, SHIRES AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
PROPOSED
2001 FY Fees
for
The Town of Los Gatos
Personnel Charges
Principal Geologist/ Engineer $150.00 / hr.
Supervising Geologist/Engineer $120.00/ hr.
Senior Geologist/Engineer $100.00/hr.
Staff Geologist/Engineer $ 85.00/hr.
Word Processor/Clerical No Charge
Approximately 70% to 80% of the geologic and geotechnical review procedure will be
completed by a Supervising, Senior, or Staff Geologist/Engineer ($85.00/hr. to
$120.00/hr.), with the remainder of project evaluation completed by a Principal
Geologist/ Engineer ($150.00 / hr.). The indicated fees reflect an approximate 30 percent
reduction from our 2001 Schedule of Charges for private clients. We are able to offer the
Town this discount because the ongoing work generated from a Town Geotechnical
Consultant agreement typically proceeds without significant proposal costs. In addition,
such consulting work does not involve us directly as a design professional for proposed
structures, and consequently results in somewhat reduced liability exposure.
Exhibit B
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
RESOLUTION 2001 - 59
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH
COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR SERVICES
AS THE TOWN GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT
RESOLVED, that the Town of Los Gatos Town Council has determined that there is a need
for a Town geotechnical consultant; and
RESOLVED, that the General Plan 2000 includes policies and implementing strategies
supporting this action; and
RESOLVED, that the Town of Los Gatos sent Requests for Proposals to six Bay Area
geotechnical consulting firms; and
RESOLVED, that the Town received three proposals for geotechnical consulting services;
and
RESOLVED, that the most qualified consultant based on the proposals and interviews
conducted by Town staff is Cotton, Shires & Associates, Inc.; and
RESOLVED, that project manager Ted Sayre has extensive experience with peer review,
working with small communities; and has competent associates and staff to assist with services to
the Town; and
RESOLVED, by the Town Council that the TOWN OF LOS GATOS enter into an
agreement for services as the Town geotechnical consultant.
FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Town Council that the Town Manager is authorized and
directed to execute the attached agreement for services as the Town geotechnical consultant on
behalf of the TOWN OF LOS GATOS.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council held on the 4th day
of June, 2001, by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES: Randy Attaway, Steven Blanton, Sandy Decker, Steve Glickman,
Mayor Joe Pirzynski.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SIGNED: /s/ Joe Pirzynski
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
ATTEST:
/s/ Marian V. Cosgrove
CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
2
Town Council Minutes June 4, 2001
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
ANNEX/LINDA AVENUE #2/LINDA AVENUE 15951/RESOLUTION 2001-58 (19.14)
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mr. Blanton, that Council adopt Resolution 2001-58 entitled,
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS ORDERING THE REORGANIZATION OF
CERTAIN UNINHABITED TERRITORY DESIGNATED AS LINDA AVENUE #2 TO THE
TOWN OF LOS GATOS. Carried unanimously.
GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT/COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOC/RESOLUTION 2001-59 (20.38)
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mr. Blanton, that Council adopt Resolution 2001-59 entitled,
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER
TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH COTTON, SHIRES & ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR
SERVICES AS THE TOWN GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT. Carried unanimously.
RECRUITMENT/CONSULTING SERVICES/AVERY & ASSOC/RESOLUTION 2001-60 (22.29)
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mr. Blanton, that Council adopt Resolution 2001-60 entitled,
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER
TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR RECRUITMENT CONSULTING SERVICES WITH
AVERY & ASSOCIATES. Carried unanimously.
UNIVERSITY AVENUE 75/VADAS/RESIDENTIAL ADDITION/RESOLUTION 2001-61 (23.15)
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mr. Blanton, that Council adopt Resolution 2001-61 entitled,
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS GRANTING AN APPEAL OF A DECISION
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO DENY A REQUEST TO CONSTRUCT A NEW
COMMERCIAL BUILDING WITH ACCESSORY LIVING QUARTERS AND TO REDUCE
THE REQUIRED SETBACKS ON PROPERTY ZONED C-1:LHP. Carried unanimously.
3% AT 50/RETIREMENT BENEFITS/POLICE OFFICERS/ORDINANCE 2085 (24.06 & 29)
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mr. Blanton, that Council adopt Ordinance 2085 entitled,
ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AND THE
BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES'
RETIREMENT SYSTEM. Carried unanimously.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
Winchester Avenue Elks Club:
Dick Erbst, 143 Newell Ave, opposed the zone change for the Elks Club proposal.
William Burns, 145 Newell Ave, spoke against the Elk's Club plans and asked that the Town speak to
the neighborhood to see what they would like in this area.
Max Perlman 183 Newell Ave, asked that the zoning for this proposal be considered residential.
Gerald Ames, 108 Brocastle, asked that the character of the neighborhood be maintained and that
residential zoning be approved.
Wedgewood Development:
Don Cordero, 123 Calle Marguerita, spoke concerning two lots to be developed on Wedgewood. He
noted the problem with the drainage ditch on this road and requested that no more construction be
allowed until the Water District addresses the care and maintenance of the drainage ditch.
Government in General:
Ray Davis, resident, spoke about handling growth appropriately and referred to bumping someone with
his walking stick. These items have been referenced by Mr. Davis at prior meetings and can be heard
on the tapes of record.
TC:D13:MM060401
3