HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdditional appropriation for as-needed General EnvironmentalDept. ID FD 13 001-Page 1 of 2
Meeting Date: 2/4/2013
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: 2/4/2013
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Fred A. Wilson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Patrick McIntosh, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Approve additional appropriation for as -needed General Environmental
Enqineerinq Services
Statement of Issue: The Fire Department uses professional environmental engineering services
on an as -needed basis for the oversight of soil remediation activities. An appropriation of $85,000
is requested for these services. These expenditures are cost -neutral since they are reimbursed by
developers.
Financial Impact: The recommended action is cost -neutral since professional environmental
engineering service expenditures are fully offset by revenue generated through developer
reimbursement.
Recommended Action:
Approve appropriation of $85,000 to the Fire Prevention business unit (10065201.69365) for
environmental engineering services.
Alternative Action(s): Do not appropriate the funds and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis: The City of Huntington Beach Fire Department is responsible for soil remediation
oversight, as required by the Fire Code and City specifications. To provide these services City staff
has used environmental and engineering firms who possess the technical expertise to perform
these duties.
This expertise provides guidance for City staff in evaluating and approving soil remediation
activities, which is usually associated with development activities.
Typical environmental engineering services include:
• Environmental studies
• Review mitigation plans for contaminated soil sites
• Review mitigation plans for naturally occurring and petroleum -based methane gas
• Provide field and laboratory oversight as necessary to evaluate the sampling and remedial
actions to ensure compliance with all applicable city, state and federal standards
• Submit written reports of findings and recommendations regarding testing results,
remediation plans and closure reports
• Provide representation when requested at meetings and presentations regarding soil
remediation plans and associated activities.
HB -93- Item 5. - I
Dept. ID FD 13 001-Page 2 of 2
Meeting Date: 2/4/2013
Development activity that the Fire Department processes has increased considerably with
plan checks up 66% in Fiscal Year 2011/12. Examples of significant current and upcoming
projects that will require these services include:
• Boardwalk Project (former Levitz property)
• Archstone Residential Project (former Standards of Excellence property)
• Beach and Ellis Residential/Retail Project
• Beachwalk Residential Project (Beach Boulevard and Utica)
• Hoag Health Center
Due to this increase in development activity, the $50,000 budgeted for FY 2012/13 for this
purpose has been fully expended. In addition, the budgeted amount for FY 2011/12 was
exhausted before the end of the fiscal year and some billings were carried forward to this
fiscal year.
Based on a projection of expenditures thus far this fiscal year, which is consistent with the
last quarter of last fiscal year, an appropriation of $85,000 to the Fire Prevention business
unit (10065201.69365) is requested for these services. Because development activity has
continued to increase and the activity levels are difficult to project, this amount includes a
contingency of approximately 10%. The expenditures are cost -neutral since they are
reimbursed by developers.
Environmental Status: None.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Enhance economic development.
Attachment(s):
None.
Item 5. - 2 xB -94-