03 Staff Report.Planning Consultant Services
PREPARED BY: Sally Zarnowitz, AIA, LEED AP
Planning Manager
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 406-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 03/16/2021 ITEM NO: 3
DATE: March 11, 2021
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Authorize the Town Manager to Execute an Agreement with M-Group for
Consultant Services as Provided in the Los Gatos SB 2 Planning Grant Program
Application and Authorize Revenue and Expenditure Budget Adjustments in
the Amount of $88,185 to Recognize Receipt and Expenditure of SB 2
Planning Grant Funds.
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the Town Manager to execute an agreement with M-Group for consultant services as
provided in the Los Gatos SB 2 Planning Grant Program application and authorize revenue and
expenditure budget adjustments in the amount of $88,185 to recognize receipt and
expenditure of SB 2 Planning Grant funds.
BACKGROUND:
On November 5, 2019, the Town Council adopted Resolution 2019-053 (Attachment 3) to
authorize application for and receipt of Planning Grant Program funds, including execution of
an agreement with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
by the Town Manager. Planning staff submitted an application with a proposal to develop
objective development standards and by right findings for the review of housing development
applications, and to identify amendments to the Town Code necessary to add the objective
standards and findings to Chapter 29 of the Town Code (Zoning Regulations). The Town
received approval of the application and entered into an agreement with HCD (Attachment 2)
to receive reimbursable grant funding for the proposed scope of work in an amount not to
exceed the maximum allowable.
PAGE 2 OF 4 SUBJECT: SB 2 Planning Grant Program Planning Consultants Agreement DATE: March 11, 2021
DISCUSSION:
Staff sent out a request for qualifications (RFQ) to provide services for preparation of by right
findings and objective standards for the review of housing development applications as
provided in the Town of Los Gatos SB 2 Planning Grant Program application. The RFQ was
distributed to planning consultants, posted under the “What’s New” page on the Town’s
website, and posted on the Town’s social media accounts to encourage additional submittals.
Staff received proposals from four firms. After reviewing the submittals and conducting
interviews, staff concluded that planning consultants M-Group provides the best fit, capacity,
and professional expertise for the proposed scope of work within the established time frame.
M-Group has provided planning services since 2006 to over 65 northern California cities and
counties. The firm has extensive experience creating planning documents and policies based on
comprehensive analyses and technical expertise, with specific experience with objective
standards and by right findings.
The estimated cost to complete the proposed scope of work described in the proposal is
$88,185 (Attachment 1, Exhibit A), by February 28, 2022, consistent with the terms of the HCD
agreement.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the Town Council authorize the Town Manager to execute an
agreement (Attachment 1) with planning consultants M-Group for the reasons stated in this
report.
COORDINATION:
This report has been coordinated with the Town Manager’s Office, Town Attorney’s Office, and
the Finance Department.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The grant reimbursement funds will be added to the Town’s budget prior to payment of the
invoices of the planning consultants. Expenditures in the amount of $88,185 will be reimbursed
by an equal amount of grant revenue received.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Environmental review is not required for this agreement as it is not a project defined by the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PAGE 3 OF 4 SUBJECT: SB 2 Planning Grant Program Planning Consultants Agreement DATE: March 11, 2021
Attachments:
1. Draft Agreement with M-Group with Exhibits A and B
2. HCD Agreement
3. Resolution 2019-053
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank