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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 - LCP Biological ConsultantCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH • CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Agenda Item No. 3 February 10, 2004 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Planning Department Patrick J. Alford, Senior Planner (949) 644 -3235 palford(a city. newport- beach. ca. us SUBJECT: Professional Services Agreement for LCP Biological Consultant ISSUES: Should the City of Newport Beach approve a professional services agreement with Merkel & Associates, Inc. to provide biological consulting services associated with the Local Coastal Program certification process? • RECOMMENDATION: Approve the professional services agreement with Merkel & Associates, Inc. DISCUSSION: Introduction: Pursuant to SB 516 and the California Coastal Act, the City of Newport Beach is preparing to submit an application for a Local Coastal Program (LCP) to the California Coastal Commission (CCC) for certification. The certification process will involve a number of issues relating to the protection of biological resources in the coastal zone. Some of the more significant issues include adopting polices for environmentally sensitive habitat areas, the definition of wetlands, and protection of eelgrass. Therefore, it is essential that the City have a biological consultant available to advise elected and appointed officials and staff during this process. Consulting Services: The biological consultant will provide the following services: ■ Advising City elected and appointed officials and staff on matters relating to biological resources. • ■ Reviewing and assisting in the preparation of responses to reports and comments relating to biological resources. Biological Consultant PSA February 10, 2004 Page 2 • Assistance in the preparation of policies and implementing ordinances relating to biological resources. • Attendance at meetings with City staff, upon request. • Attendance at California Coastal Commission hearings on the certification of the City of Newport Beach Local Coastal Program. • Attendance at other board, commission, and committee meetings, upon request. ■ Conducting field investigations, when necessary. Selection Process: The Planning Department mailed a request for qualifications (RFQ) to 21 environmental consulting firms. Interviews were conducted with representatives of the 5 firms that responded to the RFQ. Based on the written proposals and the interviews, staff concluded that Merkel & Associates were best suited to the task. While all of the firms were technically proficient, Merkel & Associates best understood the consultant's role as the City's advisor and advocate. Staffs recommendation was submitted to and approved by the LCP Certification Committee. Project Funding: On October 8, 2002, the City Council authorized a budget of $264,125.00 for the LCP certification process. $40,057.37 is still available for technical studies and consulting services, which staff expects to be sufficient to cover the costs of these services over the one -year term of the agreement. Prepared by: Patrick J. Alford Senior Planner Attachments: Submitted by: P Patricia L. Temple Planning Director 1. Draft professional services agreement. 2. Statement of Qualifications by Merkel & Associates. • 11 0 • PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MERKEL & ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR ON -CALL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this day of , 2004, by and between the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, a municipal corporation ( "City"), and MERKEL & ASSOCIATES, INC., a California corporation whose address is 5434 Ruffin Road, San Diego, California, 92123 ( "Consultant"), and is made with reference to the following: RECITALS A. City is a municipal corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of California with the power to carry on its business as it is now being conducted under the statutes of the State of California and the Charter of City. B. City is currently updating its Local Coastal Program (LCP) for submission to the California Coastal Commission. C. City desires to engage Consultant to provide advice on issues relating to the LCP certification process, which is expected to take up to two years, as well • as other advice that may be needed from time to time on matters relating to biological resource protection (the "Project "). D. Consultant possesses the skill, experience, ability, background, certification and knowledge to provide the services described in this Agreement. E. The principal member of Consultant for purposes of Project shall be Keith W. Merkel. F. City has solicited and received a proposal from Consultant, has reviewed the previous experience and evaluated the expertise of Consultant, and desires to retain Consultant to render professional services under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed by and between the undersigned Parties as follows: 1. TERM The term of this Agreement shall commence on the day of 2004, and shall terminate on the 15`" day of February, 2006, unless terminated earlier as set forth herein. 11 4 2. SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED Consultant shall provide "On -Call" Environmental Consulting Services as described in the Statement of Qualifications dated November 15, 2003 attached as Exhibit "A ". Upon verbal request from the Project Administrator, Consultant shall provide the services requested by the City at the hourly rates listed in Exhibit A. 3. TIME OF PERFORMANCE Time is of the essence in the performance of services under this Agreement and the services shall be performed to completion in a diligent and timely manner. The failure by Consultant to perform the services in a diligent and timely manner may result in termination of this Agreement by City. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Consultant shall not be responsible for delays due to causes beyond Consultant's reasonable control. However, in the case of any such delay in the services to be provided for the Project, each party hereby agrees to provide notice to the other party so that all delays can be addressed. 3.1 Consultant shall submit all requests for extensions of time for performance in writing to the Project Administrator not later than ten (10) • calendar days after the start of the condition that purportedly causes a delay. The Project Administrator shall review all such requests and may grant reasonable time extensions for unforeseeable delays that are beyond Consultant's control. 3.2 For all time periods not specifically set forth herein, Consultant shall respond in the most expedient and appropriate manner under the circumstances, by either telephone, fax, hand - delivery or mail. 4. COMPENSATION TO CONSULTANT City shall pay Consultant for the services in accordance with the provisions of this Section and the hourly billing rates set forth in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. No rate changes shall be made during the term of this Agreement without the prior written approval of the City. Consultant's compensation for services performed in connection with this Agreement shall not exceed $30,000 without City Council approval. 4.1 Consultant shall submit monthly invoices to City describing the work performed the preceding month. Consultant's bills shall include the name of the person and /or classification of employee who performed the work, a brief description of the services performed and /or the specific task in the letter proposal to which it relates, the date the services were performed, 2 01 C� the number of hours spent on all work billed on an hourly basis, and a description of any reimbursable expenditures. City shall pay Consultant no later than thirty (30) days after approval of the monthly invoice by City staff. 4.2 City shall reimburse Consultant only for those costs or expenses specifically approved in this Agreement, or specifically approved in advance by City. Unless otherwise approved, such costs shall be limited and include nothing more than the following costs incurred by Consultant: A. The actual costs of subconsultants for performance of any of the services that Consultant agrees to render pursuant to this Agreement, which have been approved in advance by City and awarded in accordance with this Agreement. B. Approved reproduction charges. C. Actual costs and /or other costs and /or payments specifically authorized in advance in writing and incurred by Consultant in the performance of this Agreement. 4.3 Consultant shall not receive any compensation for Extra Work without the prior authorization of the City. As used herein, "Extra Work" means any work that is determined by City to be necessary for the proper completion of the Project, but which the parties did not reasonably anticipate would be necessary. Compensation for any authorized Extra Work shall be paid in accordance with the Schedule of Billing Rates set forth in Exhibit A. 5. PROJECT MANAGER Consultant shall designate a Project Manager, who shall coordinate all phases of the Project. This Project Manager shall be available to City at all reasonable times during the Agreement term. Consultant has designated Keith W. Merkel to be its Project Manager. Consultant shall not remove or reassign the Project Manager or any personnel listed in Exhibit A or assign any new or replacement personnel to the Project without the prior written consent of City. City's approval shall not be unreasonably withheld with respect to the removal or assignment of non -key personnel. Consultant, at the sole discretion of City, shall remove from the Project any of its personnel assigned to the performance of services upon written request of City. Consultant warrants that it will continuously furnish the necessary personnel to complete the Project on a timely basis as contemplated by this Agreement. 3 �j 7 8. ADMINISTRATION . This Agreement will be administered by the Planning Department. Patrick J. Alford, Senior Planner, shall be the Project Administrator and shall have the authority to act for City under this Agreement. The Project Administrator or his /her authorized representative shall represent City in all matters pertaining to the services to be rendered pursuant to this Agreement. CITY'S RESPONSIBILITIES In order to assist Consultant in the execution of its responsibilities under this Agreement, City agrees to, where applicable: A. Provide access to, and upon request of Consultant, one copy of all existing relevant information on file at City. City will provide all such materials in a timely manner so as not to cause delays in Consultant's work schedule. B. Provide blueprinting and other services through City's reproduction company for bid documents. Consultant will be required to coordinate the required bid documents with City's reproduction company. All other reproduction will be the responsibility of Consultant and as defined above. C. Provide usable life of facilities criteria and information with regards to new facilities or facilities to be rehabilitated. STANDARD OF CARE 8.1 All of the services shall be performed by Consultant or under Consultant's supervision. Consultant represents that it possesses the professional and technical personnel required to perform the services required by this Agreement, and that it will perform all services in a manner commensurate with community professional standards. All services shall be performed by qualified and experienced personnel who are not employed by City, nor have any contractual relationship with City. 8.2 Consultant represents and warrants to City that it has or shall obtain all licenses, permits, qualifications, insurance and approvals of whatsoever nature that are legally required of Consultant to practice its profession. Consultant further represents and warrants to City that Consultant shall, at its sole cost and expense, keep in effect or obtain at all times during the term of this Agreement, any and all licenses, permits, insurance and other approvals that are legally required of Consultant to practice its profession. Consultant shall maintain a City of Newport Beach business license during the term of this Agreement. 4 b 8.3 Consultant shall not be responsible for delay, nor shall Consultant be responsible for damages or be in default or deemed to be in default by reason of strikes, lockouts, accidents, or acts of God, or the failure of City to furnish timely information or to approve or disapprove Consultant's work promptly, or delay or faulty performance by City, contractors, or governmental agencies. 9. HOLD HARMLESS To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless City, its City Council, boards and commissions, officers, agents and employees (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties ") from and against any and all claims (including, without limitation, claims for bodily injury, death or damage to property), demands, obligations, damages, actions, causes of action, suits, losses, judgments, fines, penalties, liabilities, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorney's fees, disbursements and court costs) of every kind and nature whatsoever (individually, a Claim; collectively, "Claims "), which may arise from or in any manner relate (directly or indirectly) to any work negligently performed or services provided under this Agreement (including, without limitation, defects in workmanship or materials and /or design defects [if the design originated with Consultant]) or Consultant's presence or activities conducted on the Project (including the negligent and /or willful acts, errors and /or omissions of Consultant, its principals, officers, agents, employees, vendors, suppliers, consultants, subcontractors, anyone employed directly or indirectly by any of them or for whose acts they may be liable or any or all of them). Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall be construed to require Consultant to indemnify the Indemnified Parties from any Claim arising from the active negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnified Parties. Nothing in this indemnity shall be construed as authorizing any award of attorney's fees in any action on or to enforce the terms of this Agreement. This indemnity shall apply to all claims and liability regardless of whether any insurance policies are applicable. The policy limits do not act as a limitation upon the amount of indemnification to be provided by the Consultant. 10. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR It is understood that City retains Consultant on an independent contractor basis and Consultant is not an agent or employee of City. The manner and means of conducting the work are under the control of Consultant, except to the extent they are limited by statute, rule or regulation and the expressed terms of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute approval for Consultant or any of Consultant's employees or agents, to be the agents or employees of City. Consultant shall have the responsibility for and control over 5 1 the means of performing the work, provided that Consultant is in compliance with the terms of this Agreement. Anything in this Agreement that may appear to give City the right to direct Consultant as to the details of the performance or to exercise a measure of control over Consultant shall mean only that Consultant shall follow the desires of City with respect to the results of the services. 11. COOPERATION Consultant agrees to work closely and cooperate fully with City's designated Project Administrator and any other agencies that may have jurisdiction or interest in the work to be performed. City agrees to cooperate with the Consultant on the Project. 12. CITY POLICY Consultant shall discuss and review all matters relating to policy and project direction with City's Project Administrator in advance of all critical decision points in order to ensure the Project proceeds in a manner consistent with City goals and policies. 13. PROGRESS Consultant is responsible for keeping the Project Administrator and /or his /her duly authorized designee informed on a regular basis regarding the status and progress of the work, activities performed and planned, and any meetings that have been scheduled or are desired. 14. INSURANCE Without limiting Consultant's indemnification of City, and prior to commencement of work, Consultant shall obtain, provide and maintain at its own expense during the term of this Agreement, a policy or policies of liability insurance of the type and amounts described below and in a form satisfactory to City. A. Certificates of Insurance. Consultant shall provide certificates of insurance with original endorsements to City as evidence of the insurance coverage required herein. Insurance certificates must be approved by City's Risk Manager prior to commencement of performance or issuance of any permit. Current certification of insurance shall be kept on file with City at all times during the term of this Agreement. B. Signature. A person authorized by the insurer to bind coverage on its behalf shall sign certification of all required policies. C. Acceptable Insurers. All insurance policies shall be issued by an insurance company currently authorized by the Insurance Commissioner 6 0 . to transact business of insurance in the State of California, with an assigned policyholders' Rating of A (or higher) and Financial Size Category Class VII (or larger) in accordance with the latest edition of Best's Key Rating Guide, unless otherwise approved by the City's Risk Manager. D. Coverage Requirements. 1. Workers' Compensation Coverage. Consultant shall maintain Workers' Compensation Insurance and Employer's Liability Insurance for his or her employees in accordance with the laws of the State of California. In addition, Consultant shall require each subcontractor to similarly maintain Workers' Compensation Insurance and Employer's Liability Insurance in accordance with the laws of the State of California for all of the subcontractor's employees. Any notice of cancellation or non - renewal of all Workers' Compensation policies must be received by City at least thirty (30) days prior to such change. The insurer shall agree to waive all rights of subrogation against City, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers for losses arising from work performed by Consultant for City. 2. General Liabilitv Coverage. Consultant shall maintain commercial . general liability insurance in an amount not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage, including without limitation, contractual liability. If commercial general liability insurance or other form with a general aggregate limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to the work to be performed under this Agreement, or the general aggregate limit shall be at least twice the required occurrence limit. 3. Automobile Liability Coverage. Consultant shall maintain automobile insurance covering bodily injury and property damage for all activities of the Consultant arising out of or in connection with work to be performed under this Agreement, including coverage for any owned, hired, non -owned or rented vehicles, in an amount not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit for each occurrence. 4. Professional Errors and Omissions Insurance. Consultant shall maintain professional errors and omissions insurance, which covers the services to be performed in connection with this Agreement in the minimum amount of One Million Dollars • ($1,000,000). 7 1 15. D. Endorsements. Each general liability and automobile liability insurance • policy shall be endorsed with the following specific language: L The City, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds with respect to liability arising out of work performed by or on behalf of the Consultant. ii. This policy shall be considered primary insurance as respects to City, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers as respects to all claims, losses, or liability arising directly or indirectly from the Consultant's operations or services provided to City. Any insurance maintained by City, including any self- insured retention City may have, shall be considered excess insurance only and not contributory with the insurance provided hereunder. iii. This insurance shall act for each insured and additional insured as though a separate policy had been written for each, except with respect to the limits of liability of the insuring company. iv. The insurer waives all rights of subrogation against City, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers. V. Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not affect coverage provided to City, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents or volunteers. vi. The insurance provided by this policy shall not be suspended, voided, canceled, or reduced in coverage or in limits, by either party except after thirty (30) days written notice has been received by City. A. Timely Notice of Claims. Consultant shall give City prompt and timely notice of claim made or suit instituted arising out of or resulting from Consultant's performance under this Agreement. B. Additional Insurance. Consultant shall also procure and maintain, at its own cost and expense, any additional kinds of insurance, which in its own judgment may be necessary for its proper protection and prosecution of the work. PROHIBITION AGAINST ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS Except as specifically authorized under this Agreement, the services to be . provided under this Agreement shall not be assigned, transferred contracted or 8 10 subcontracted out without the prior written approval of City. Any of the following shall be construed as an assignment: The sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition of any of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Consultant, or of the interest of any general partner or joint venturer or syndicate member or cotenant if Consultant is a partnership or joint- venture or syndicate or cotenancy, which shall result in changing the control of Consultant. Control means fifty percent (50 %) or more of the voting power, or twenty -five percent (25 %) or more of the assets of the corporation, partnership or joint- venture. 16. SUBCONTRACTING The parties recognize that a substantial inducement to City for entering into this Agreement is the professional reputation, experience and competence of Consultant. Assignments of any or all rights, duties or obligations of the Consultant under this Agreement will be permitted only with the express written consent of City. Consultant shall not subcontract any portion of the work to be performed under this Agreement without the written authorization of City. 17. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS Each and every report, draft, map, record, plan, document and other writing or graphic produced (hereinafter "Documents'), prepared or caused to be prepared • by Consultant, its officers, employees, agents and subcontractors, in the course of implementing this Agreement, shall become the exclusive property of City, and City shall have the sole right to use such materials in its discretion without further compensation to Consultant or any other party. Consultant shall, at Consultant's expense, provide such Documents to City upon written request. Documents, including drawings and specifications, prepared by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement are not intended or represented to be suitable for reuse by City or others on any other project. Any use of completed documents for other projects and any use of incomplete documents without specific written authorization from Consultant will be at City's sole risk and without liability to Consultant. Further, any and all liability arising out of changes made to Consultant's deliverables under this Agreement by City or persons other than Consultant is waived against Consultant and City assumes full responsibility for such changes unless City has given Consultant prior notice and has received from Consultant written consent for such changes. 9 j\ 18. COMPUTER DELIVERABLES • All written documents shall be transmitted to City in the City's latest adopted version of Microsoft Word, Access, or and /or Excel. All digital maps shall be provided in the State Plane Coordinate System NAD83 Feet Zone VI (1991.35 Epoch OCS GPS Adjustment) and in an compatible format (e.g., .SHP, .DWG, .DXF). All documents and data must be formatted for the City's computer hardware and software and delivered to the City on CD -ROM. 19. CONFIDENTIALITY All Documents, including drafts, preliminary drawings or plans, notes and communications that result from the services in this Agreement, shall be kept confidential unless City authorizes the release of information. 20. OPINION OF COST Any opinion of the construction cost prepared by Consultant represents his judgment as a design professional and is supplied for the general guidance of City. Since Consultant has no control over the cost of labor and material, or over competitive bidding or market conditions, Consultant does not guarantee the accuracy of such opinions as compared to contractor bids or actual cost to City. 21. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INDEMNITY • The Consultant shall defend and indemnify City, its agents, officers, representatives and employees against liability, including costs, for infringement of any United States' letters patent, trademark, or copyright infringement, including costs, contained in Consultant's drawings and specifications provided under this Agreement. 22. RECORDS Consultant shall keep records and invoices in connection with the work to be performed under this Agreement. Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to the costs incurred under this Agreement and any services, expenditures and disbursements charged to City, for a minimum period of three (3) years, or for any longer period required by law, from the date of final payment to Consultant to this Agreement. All such records shall be clearly identifiable. Consultant shall allow a representative of City to examine, audit and make transcripts or copies of such records during regular business hours. Consultant shall allow inspection of all work, data, documents, proceedings and activities related to the Agreement for a period of three (3) years from the date of final payment under this Agreement. • \a 10 . 23. WITHHOLDINGS City may withhold payment of any disputed sums until satisfaction of the dispute with respect to such payment. Such withholding shall not be deemed to constitute a failure to pay according to the terms of this Agreement. Consultant shall not discontinue work as a result of such withholding. Consultant shall have an immediate right to appeal to the City Manager or his designee with respect to such disputed sums. Consultant shall be entitled to receive interest on any withheld sums at the rate of return that City earned on its investments during the time period, from the date of withholding of any amounts found to have been improperly withheld. 24. ERRORS AND OMISSIONS In the event of errors or omissions that are due to the negligence or professional inexperience of Consultant which result in expense to City greater than what would have resulted if there were not errors or omissions in the work accomplished by Consultant, the additional design, construction and /or restoration expense shall be borne by Consultant. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to limit City's rights under any other sections of this Agreement. 25. CITY'S RIGHT TO EMPLOY OTHER CONSULTANTS • City reserves the right to employ other Consultants in connection with the Project. 26. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The Consultant or its employees may be subject to the provisions of the California Political Reform Act of 1974 (the "Act "), which (1) requires such persons to disclose any financial interest that may foreseeably be materially affected by the work performed under this Agreement, and (2) prohibits such persons from making, or participating in making, decisions that will foreseeably financially affect such interest. If subject to the Act, Consultant shall conform to all requirements of the Act. Failure to do so constitutes a material breach and is grounds for termination of this Agreement by City. Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless City for any and all claims for damages resulting from Consultant's violation of this Section. 11 \5 27. NOTICES . All notices, demands, requests or approvals to be given under the terms of this Agreement shall be given in writing, and conclusively shall be deemed served when delivered personally, or on the third business day after the deposit thereof in the United States mail, postage prepaid, first -class mail, addressed as hereinafter provided. All notices, demands, requests or approvals from Consultant to City shall be addressed to City at: Patrick J. Alford, Senior Planner Planning Department City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, CA, 92658 -8915 Phone: 949 - 644 -3235 Fax: 949 - 644 -3229 All notices, demands, requests or approvals from City to Consultant shall be addressed to Consultant at: Keith W. Merkel, Chief Ecologist Merkel & Associates, Inc. 5434 Ruffin Road San Diego, CA 92123 Phone: 858 - 560 -5465 . Fax: 858 - 560 -7779 28. TERMINATION In the event that either party fails or refuses to perform any of the provisions of this Agreement at the time and in the manner required, that party shall be deemed in default in the performance of this Agreement. If such default is not cured within a period of two (2) calendar days, or if more than two (2) calendar days are reasonably required to cure the default and the defaulting party fails to give adequate assurance of due performance within two (2) calendar days after receipt of written notice of default, specifying the nature of such default and the steps necessary to cure such default, the non - defaulting party may terminate the Agreement forthwith by giving to the defaulting party written notice thereof. Notwithstanding the above provision, City shall have the right, at its sole discretion and without cause, of terminating this Agreement at any time by giving seven (7) calendar days' prior written notice to Consultant. In the event of termination under this Section, City shall pay Consultant for services satisfactorily performed and costs incurred up to the effective date of termination for which Consultant has not been previously paid. On the effective date of termination, Consultant shall deliver to City all reports and other information developed or accumulated in the performance of this Agreement, whether in • draft or final form. 12 -Ja 0 29. COMPLIANCE WITH ALL LAWS • Consultant shall at its own cost and expense comply with all statutes, ordinances, regulations and requirements of all governmental entities, including federal, state, county or municipal, whether now in force or hereinafter enacted. In addition, all work prepared by Consultant shall conform to applicable City, county, state and federal laws, regulations and permit requirements and be subject to approval of the Project Administrator and City. 30. WAIVER A waiver by either party of any breach, of any term, covenant or condition contained herein shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other term, covenant or condition contained herein, whether of the same or a different character. 31. INTEGRATED CONTRACT This Agreement represents the full and complete understanding of every kind or nature whatsoever between the Parties hereto, and all preliminary negotiations and agreements of whatsoever kind or nature are merged herein. No verbal agreement or implied covenant shall be held to vary the provisions herein. 32. CONFLICTS OR INCONSISTENCIES In the event there are any conflicts or inconsistencies between this Agreement and the Scope of Services or any other attachments attached hereto, the terms of this Agreement shall govern. 33. AMENDMENTS This Agreement may be modified or amended only by a written document executed by both Consultant and City and approved as to form by the City Attorney. 34. SEVERABILITY If any term or portion of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. 35. CONTROLLING LAW AND VENUE The laws of the State of California shall govern this Agreement and all matters relating to it and any action brought relating to this Agreement shall be adjudicated in a court of competent jurisdiction in the County of Orange. 13 �5 36. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT . Consultant represents that it is an equal opportunity employer and it shall not discriminate against any subcontractor, employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, handicap, ancestry, sex or age. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first written above. APPROVED AS TO FORM: CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH A Municipal Corporation Oit.XQ ) By: City Attorney Tod W. Ridgeway, City of Newport Beach Mayor for the City of Newport Beach ATTEST: Merkel & Associates, Inc. By: By: LaVonne Harkless Keith W. Merkel City Clerk Principal Consultant Attachments: Exhibit A — Statement of Qualifications f: \users \pbw \shared\agreements \fy 03 -04 \on -call agreements\Merkel & Associates Agreement.doc 0 14 �tz e '.vim -, 4..— .=.i _ •n—, Y., _ s.' Ji1Ji'• . i TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................2 -8 Famosa Slough Enhancement Plan Wetland Treatment Marsh Basins ............................................. ............................2 -9 1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... ............................1 -1 DOCUMENTOVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................... ............................... 1 -1 MERKEL& ASSOCIATES, INC .............................................................................................................. ............................... 1 -1 2.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE .................................................................................... ............................2 -1 BIOLOGICALADVISORY SUPPORT ....................................................................................................... ............................... 2 -1 BIOLOGICAL DOCUMENT REVIEW AND PREPARATION ........................................................................ ............................... 2 -2 MEETING AND HEARING ATTENDANCE ............................................................................................... ............................... 2 -2 FIELDINVESTIGATIONS ....................................................................................................................... ............................... 2 -2 RELEVANTPROJECT EXAMPLES .......................................................................................................... ............................... 2 -3 San Diego River Natural Resource Management Plan ...................................................................... ............................2 -4 San Mateo Bridge Emergency Repairs and Tidewater Goby Reintroduction ................................... ............................2 -5 Batiquitos Lagoon Enhancement Project Long -term Biological Monitoring and Pilot Vegetation Program ................2 -6 Coastal Surveillance Program for the Invasive Green Algae, Caulerpa taxifolia, in High Risk Waters of Southern Mission Bay Shoreline Protection Project and Marine Resource Invent ories ................................... ............................2 -8 Famosa Slough Enhancement Plan Wetland Treatment Marsh Basins ............................................. ............................2 -9 3.0 LOCAL EXPERIENCE .................................................................................................................... ............................3 -1 NEWPORTBAY .................................................................................................................................... ............................... 3 -1 REGIONALCOASTAL PROJECTS ........................................................................................................... ............................... 3 -1 4.0 KEY PERSONNEL .......................................................................................................................... ............................4 -1 5.0 COMPENSATION ........................................................................................................................... ............................5 -1 6.0 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................. ............................6 -1 0 r1 L J November 15, 2003 i 1`� 0 0 SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION DOCUMENT OVERVIEW Merkel & Associates (M &A) appreciates the opportunity to respond to the request for qualifications to provide biological consulting services to the City of Newport Beach. In the material that follows we have introduced M &A and highlighted our strengths to perform the work requested (Section 1) and have focused on M &A's relevant qualifications to conduct the required work (Section 2). We have provided additional information on projects we have completed in the City of Newport Beach and nearby coastal cities (Section 3). We have presented our team organization and summarized the qualifications of key staff (Section 4). A summary of our billing rates and expense schedule has been provided (Section 5). Finally, we have listed additional reference contacts that we encourage you to contact regarding our capabilities and performance record (Section 6). MERKEL & ASSOCIATES, INC. Merkel & Associates, Inc. (M &A) is a San Diego - based environmental consulting firm specializing in biological resource and regulatory issues. M &A provides its clients with a full range of ecological services in terrestrial, freshwater aquatic and marine environments. The stated mission of M &A is to offer technical information and insightful solutions to difficult and complex biological and regulatory issues. Merkel & Associates is a firm strongly based on the reputation of its principals and senior biologists for technical expertise and client service. The staff of M &A has extensive experience in the biological consulting field, offering specialized expertise in botany, zoology, wetland issues, natural resource - based legislation, resource and regulatory agency interface and permitting. M &A has completed over 2,800 projects in southern and central California, along with additional work conducted in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. The company has served federal agencies, municipalities, special districts, and utilities through over a dozen as- needed sery ices contracts. The firm frequently serves as a member of multi - disciplinary technical teams to address the needs of complex projects and to provide technical strengths to general environmental and engineering November 15, 2003 1 -1 firms. M &A's biologists are noted for their experience in coastal biological resource assessment, environmental planning, regulatory permitting, and shallow marine habitat management and restoration projects. Since its inception, M &A has been heavily involved in marine and freshwater aquatic resource investigations for the purposes of impact assessment, habitat valuation and mitigation exchanges, as well as habitat restoration planning. M &A is nationally recognized for its work in eelgrass restoration. Further, the firm has conducted considerable environmental monitoring work for marine dredging and construction, aquatic discharges, as well as for habitat restoration programs. Through management of a number of high profile coastal resource projects, M &A has gained valuable experience working with federal, state and local agencies and governments, and private enterprise and has provided considerable insight to the field of ecological resource management in coastal environments. The M &A terrestrial division specializes in conducting biological inventories, sensitive resource studies, and GIS -based assessments to support technical documents in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). M &A has prepared Habitat Conservation Plans and Natural Community Conservation Program Subarea Plans for special districts and public agencies. M &A has worked extensively on assessing the potential impacts of land use changes from proposed General Plan Amendments and/or policy changes for cities throughout southern California (e.g., Temecula, Moreno Valley, Escondido, Valley Center, San Juan Capistrano, etc.). The M &A terrestrial division also specializes in the preparation of natural resource monitoring and management plans and watershed management plans for both public and private entities (e.g., City of San Diego, City of Escondido, County of San Diego, San Diego County Water Authority, California Department of Fish and Game). The majority of the natural resource management plans produced by M &A were designed to meet the requirements of a Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Program Plan. M &A is also known for following projects through the entire approval process including attending or leading public meetings; responding to comments from the public, resource agencies, and municipalities; and acquiring permits. 0 SECTION 2.0 2.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Merkel & Associates has considerable experience providing services similar to the terrestrial and marine environmental consulting support sought by the City of Newport Beach (City). This section addresses our ability to provide the particular services requested in the Request for Qualifications. Following are summaries of past project experience and record of performance, providing numerous client and agency contacts for the work performed. We strongly urge the selection committee to contact client and agency references provided in order to verify past performance records and client satisfaction. BIOLOGICAL ADVISORY SUPPORT In support of the Local Coastal Program certification process, the City is seeking advisory assistance for elected and appointed officials on biological issues, working particularly with the California Coastal Commission (CCC) and the Coastal Act. M &A has extensive experience providing permitting support for coastal projects, frequently guiding clients through the permitting requirements of the CCC. Support typically includes assessment and collection of biological data in the context of CCC requirements, preparation of permit documents, and preparation and graphical support, attendance, and participation in meetings and CCC hearings. M &A has worked regularly with federal and state resource agencies, and non - governmental organizations on project permitting, habitat analyses, impact investigations, and restoration projects. M &A has considerable expertise with environmental regulations as they apply to numerous programs and jurisdictions. The firm is very strong relative to its expertise with the Coastal Act, Clean Water Act, Federal Endangered Species Act, Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act, including the 1996 amendments addressing Essential Fish Habitat. A notable M &A accomplishment was the successful CCC permitting of Caulerpa tazifolia eradication efforts at all current and future affected sites in Southern California. M &A was involved in all aspects of the permitting process, from QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE preparation of application documents, to interagency coordination, to attendance at CCC hearings. M &A staff played the lead role in guiding the San Mateo Bridge Emergency Repair Project through the CCC permit process. This accomplishment is notable due to the highly controversial nature of the project, requiring the need to obtain an after -the- fact permit following emergency bridge repair work in San Mateo Creek, one of the few locations where the federally Endangered tidewater goby occurs. Additional projects where M &A has been contracted to conduct all steps of the CCC Coastal Permit process include: Buena Vista Lagoon Weir Replacement Project (Oceanside), Islandia Marina in Mission Bay, Fiesta Island Youth Camp in Mission Bay, Evans Point Riparian Revegetation Project in Carlsbad, and San Diego Princess Resort Marina. For each of these projects M &A was also contracted to prepare all other biological permits required by the proposed project, typically including applications to the RWQCB, CDFG, USFWS, ACOE, and local governments. M &A has provided biological support to ports in the preparation or amendment of their Port Master Plans. The certification process for these plans is parallel to that of LCP certification, which must comply with coastal zone management guidelines and is subject to review by the CCC. In addition to document preparation, advisory support, and data collection, M &A's role in these processes often includes facilitation and coordination with the CCC and other involved agencies. M &A staff are well known and respected by clients and agencies for their skill at moderating constructive discussion and negotiating technically and biologically sound solutions to coastal management issues. M &A also provided biological support and water quality issues for the North Bay Revitalization and Redevelopment Project EIR. Through this effort, M &A presented technical data and facilitated discussions between City, resource and regulatory agencies, as well as environmental group representatives. The focus of the discussions aimed at developing water quality management approaches to be incorporated into urban revitalization planning. M &A worked with other consultants and the City to prepare environmental documentation that adequately characterized and 11 0 E November 15, 2003 2 -1 P • • 0 SECTION 2.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE conditioned plan approvals so that a framework for compliance was clearly developed. Work on the North Embarcadero Port Master Plan Amendment and the homeporting of the U.S.S. Midway as a floating museum provides a very recent example of Merkel & Associates coordination and facilitation role on coastal issues. For this work, M &A was instrumental in assisting the Port of San Diego and the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum ( SDACM) in securing early concurrence on environmental mitigation from the CCC, NMFS, USFWS, CDFG, Port of San Diego, Audubon Society, as well as others. M &A conducted informal Endangered Species Act consultation, Essential Fish Habitat coordination, and Clean Water Act permitting. Upon completion of the Coastal Commission certification of the Port Master Plan amendment, M &A processed a Coastal Development Permit for the U.S.S. Midway under this amended Plan. Presently, M &A is working with the SDACM to implement mitigation for the project. M &A staff provided technical advice and support to the City of Chula Vista for their LCP Resubmittal EIR. Substantial changes to proposed land uses within the mid - bayfront had prompted the requirement for new environmental of the LCP covering the region. M &A staff conducted biological analyses for this highly - publicized, political project pursuant to CEQA requirements. M &A staff directed marine resource and avian studies on the Chula Vista Bayfront, providing a technical report for inclusion in the Draft EIR. BIOLOGICAL DOCUMENT REVIEW AND PREPARATION The firm's biologists have prepared numerous complex biological studies and assessments, as well as resource management plans and conservation plans. M &A regularly reviews environmental documents and provides insightful responses to comments and issues raised. Examples of larger projects demonstrating our extensive experience providing support in preparing environmental documents include: City of Vista Subarea Plan, San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) NCCP /HCP, SDCWA Emergency Storage Program; SDCWA Capital Improvement Program and Endangered Species Act Coordination; Otay November 15, 2003 Water District's (OWD) Habitat Conservation Plan; OWD's Five -Year Capital Improvement Program Biological Assessment and Mitigation Program for the California Gnatcatcher, OWD's Biological Regulatory Programs and Permitting Manual; Sweetwater Reservoir Urban Runoff Diversion System; Mission Bay Shoreline Protection Project; and the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. MEETING AND HEARING ATTENDANCE The City is seeking consultant participation in meetings with City staff as well as attendance at CCC hearings, as needed. M &A staff are fully available to attend all meetings as requested, regardless of meeting site. On behalf of other clients we have attended and participated in CCC hearings in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Carmel, San Francisco, and Eureka. As requested, M &A would be available to participate in board, commission and committee meetings. The firm frequently attends such meetings, both during and after business hours, in order to provide technical support on biological issues. M &A staff specialize in providing clear, understandable explanations to complex, multi- disciplinary issues and facilitating discussion to arrive at solutions acceptable to all parties. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS M &A is also fully prepared and equipped to conduct any necessary field investigations if needed. We have extensive experience conducting surveys for all aspects of biological resource assessment including habitat mapping, rare plant surveys, sensitive fauna surveys, avian surveys, wetland delineations, and eelgrass mapping. M &A staff includes 10 individuals permitted to independently survey for coastal California gnatcatchers, two individuals permitted to independently survey for southwestem willow flycatcher, four individuals permitted to independently survey for vernal pool branchiopods, seven individuals permitted to independently survey for quino checkerspot butterfly, and additional staff permitted to assist with each of these surveys. Staff also includes six certified wetland delineators. 2 -2 1� SECTION 2.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE We have a wide array of field sampling and laboratory analysis equipment. A considerable amount of the marine, estuarine and aquatic work performed by the firm involves diving or vessel - assisted sampling efforts. M&A operates 8 vessels, including four small crafts suited to operating in shallow bay environments. The firm owns considerable field sampling gear including topographic survey equipment, 4 differential Global Positioning System units, 20 water quality monitoring units, 3 grab - samplers, sidescan sonar, fish sampling nets, and other sampling gear. M &A has an unparalleled degree of experience providing services for eelgrass surveys, restoration and monitoring. M &A specializes in assessing eelgrass resources, assisting in project design to minimize impacts to eelgrass, and preparing and implementing mitigation plans for unavoidable impacts to eelgrass. M &A staff have conducted 38 eelgrass transplants over the past 18 years. Included among these projects are the largest transplants completed on the U.S. Pacific Coast. M &A has conducted approximately 400 eelgrass surveys covering over 22,000 acres and has similarly conducted approximately 250 eelgrass restoration project monitoring reports. RELEVANT PROJECT EXAMPLES Of the many projects completed by M &A, six have been summarized on the following pages. They are intended to highlight: • Our comprehensive experience and expertise in biological sampling in marine, aquatic, riparian, and terrestrial environments; • Our extensive experience with resource analyses including work in avian, benthic, fisheries, water quality, vegetation, and eelgrass assessments; • Our participation in, and understanding of, regional planning efforts; and, • Our well - developed relationships with state, federal, and local resource and regulatory agencies. In the Section 3, additional studies that have been conducted in Newport Beach and surrounding coastal area are described briefly. November 15, 2003 2 -3 Baseline data collection at the Northern Wildlife Reserve for use in Crown Point Shores cordgrass marsh restoration Field coordination with contractors on marsh plain grading and acceptable Biologists conduct water quality sampling in a coastal lagoon in San Diego County M&A staff facilitate agency input at afield workshop addressing project goals and conceptual restoration design ..wm� E J • • SECTION 2.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE San Diego River Natural Resource Management Plan Client: City of San Diego Client Contact: Ms. Robin Stribley Client Phone: (619) 525 -8230 Work Period: 2002 -2004 The San Diego River Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP) project area includes the native and semi- native habitats associated with the San Diego River from Interstate 5 to Mission Trails Regional Park, excluding the area from State Route 163 to Qualcomm Way. M &A leads the NRMP project team has overseen the compilation of a biological inventory of the project area, made determinations regarding existing and proposed land uses and property ownership, identified archaeological resources and sewer outfalls and integrated the existing information into a Geographic Information System (GIS) database. A broad view of the NRMP project area within the greater urbanised context. M &A is working on the land use and easement aspects of the plan as well. This includes researching and locating storm drain facilities in the project area and coordinating the biological and land use components of data collection and reviews and edits the existing and planned land use sections of the NRMP. November 15, 2003 M&,4 biologists conduct surveys within riparian habitat The NRMP will identify proposed management actions and recommendations based on existing biological, cultural, geological, and hydrological conditions, current and planned land uses, and recreational uses within the project area. The existing conditions outlined above have been identified and development of management recommendations is underway. The NRMP management recommendations will take into account the public and private ownerships involved and assign the proposed implementation actions for MSCP target species and guidelines to the appropriate management entities. Area specific management directives will be provided to restore native habitat and reduce impacts from public use and adjacency issues. The NRMP addresses agency jurisdiction and applicable plans; existing physical conditions; management issues /challenges; constraints and opportunities; land use proposals; maintenance, usage, and development guidelines; mitigation options and guidelines; enhancement and restoration guidelines; interpretive and research guidelines; and implementation. 2-4 �3 SECTION 2.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE San Mateo Bridge Emergency Repairs and Tidewater Goby Reintroduction Client: North County Transit District Client Contact: Mr. Tom Lichterman Client Phone: (760) 967 -2855 Work Period: 1999 -2004 San Mateo Lagoon, located in northern San Diego County, is fed by San Mateo Creek and is an intermittently breached coastal lagoon, similar to the Santa Clara River Estuary. San Mateo lagoon has intermittently supported a population of federally endangered tidewater gobies (Eucyclogobius newberryi) that have apparently been extirpated at various times in the past two decades. Merkel & Associates (M &A) has worked on evaluating habitat suitability of the Lagoon for reintroduction of the tidewater goby into San Mateo Lagoon. In addition, M &A successfully reintroduced tidewater gobies to the Lagoon in 2000. During the winter of 1997/1998, the prevailing El Nino conditions rendered rainfall events both more numerous and more severe than normal, creating conditions of flooding throughout San Diego county. During this flood period, the San Mateo Lagoon was nearly tripled in size due to storm delta outflows and the trestle crossing the lagoon was severely damaged. The flooding event and subsequent habitat changes observed at San Mateo Lagoon in 1997/1998, along with emergency repairs to the trestle, may have flushed gobies out of the Lagoon. M &A was retained to complete continuous monitoring of emergency trestle repairs, and to address impacts to the tidewater goby, arroyo toad, California brown pelican California least tern, western snowy plover, least Bell's vireo, California gnatcatcher, and southwestern willow flycatcher and spearhead efforts for the restoration of the tidewater goby. Of the species considered, only the tidewater goby is believed to have been potentially present within the affected region during the time of the emergency actions. The loss of fringing marsh and protected environments for the goby are considered to be the most critical habitat impacts which occurred with the storm and trestle repair work. M &A developed a restoration plan to mitigate adverse impacts. Following the habitat i •�0 V „n�.��' -`. Imo. •rS 14� Biologists prepare to reintroduce tide atergoby at San Mateo Lagoon restoration M &A conducted vegetation mapping, water quality testing and hydrological analysis prior to reintroduction of the tidewater goby. Faunal sampling was conducted using small beach seines dragged through the flood plain and along the shore of the creek, and non - native predators were removed from the lagoon. In January 2000 approximately five hundred to one thousand tidewater gobies were transferred from nearby San Onofre Lagoon to San Mateo Lagoon. Gobies were collected with small seines at San Onofre Lagoon and immediately transported to San Mateo Lagoon for release. The reintroduction has been successful, effectively reestablishing this endangered fish to the Lagoon. On -going population monitoring continues. Key project elements have included: • Development of reintroduction plan for federally endangered species; • Composition of Biological Assessment; • California Coastal Commission permit preparation and processing; • Management of long -term monitoring. Including: vegetation mapping, lagoon profiling, water quality testing, goby surveys, and exotic species removal; • Development and oversight of a specific restoration plan for San Mateo Lagoon; • Rapid response to an emergency situation; and, • Coordination with North County Transit District, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Railroad Agency, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Marine Corps — Camp Pendleton, Environmental Protection Agency, Cal State Parks Department. • • November 15, 2003 2 -5 91A r1 U 11 SECTION 2.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Batiquitos Lagoon Enhancement Project Long -term Biological Monitoring and Pilot Vegetation Program Client: Port of Los Angeles City of Carlsbad Client Contact: Dr. Ralph Appy Client Phone: (310) 732 -3497. Work Period: 1997 -2007 Batiquitos Lagoon is a coastal wetland in Carlsbad, California that was restored to a tidal system in December 1996 after 90 years of being largely non - tidal. Merkel & Associates (M &A) was retained to perform the long -term biological monitoring program for the lagoon. M &A has been monitoring the development of estuarine communities since the restoration of tidal influence and has completed the fifth year of monitoring for the 10 year long project. Batiquitos Lagoon offers a unique opportunity to explore the roles of environmental influences on the development of natural communities and the dynamics of shallow marine and adjacent coastal upland habitats. Monitoring elements include: annual vegetation mapping and coastal salt marsh recovery monitoring, quarterly avian monitoring, quarterly fish community sampling, biannual benthic and epibenthic surveys including grain size sediment analyses, and water quality sampling, along with bathymetric mapping. In addition, M &A has implemented a pilot vegetation program for eelgrass and cordgrass communities within the lagoon. Work involves the preparation of quarterly and annual reports and presentation of data to resource and regulatory agencies and the public. Findings from the project are presented during annual interagency meetings, and at regional scientific meetings. Staff have led field workshops with environmental and community groups, and schools to discuss the restoration, biology, and future of the lagoon. Subsequent to the restoration of tidal flow in Batiquitos Lagoon, M &A implemented pilot restoration programs for eelgrass and cordgrass communities. In 1997, suitable habitat for restoration was identified, and experimental plots of vegetation were transplanted. These experimental plots were monitored in order to gain information November 15, 2003 Biologists prepare to measure a California needlefish (Strongylura exilic) captured with the purse seine. that would improve success in future restoration efforts both within Batiquitos and in other similar systems. Vegetative restoration in the lagoon has had substantial success; eelgrass now covers much of the suitable habitat within the lagoon and the cordgrass communities are known to support light - footed clapper rail (Rallus longirostris levipes), a federally endangered species. A final element of the project has included creation of an integrated spatial and relational database for management and analysis of all Batiquitos data. The project team has worked to incorporate millions of bits of field data into this database for ecological information management and analysis. Data can be summarized and linked to spatial information (such as aerial photographs) to display species distributions or density across study regions. 2 -6 f ^_ Benthic sampling in restored eelgrass beds at Batiquitos Lagoon allows M&A biologists to monitor the success ofLagoon restoration. a5 SECTION 2.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Coastal Surveillance Program for the Invasive Green Algae, Caulerpa taxifolia, in High Risk Waters of Southern California Client. California Department of Fish and Game Client Contact: Mr. Bill Paznokas Client Phone; (858) 467 -4218 Work Period: 2000 -2005 Caulerpa taxifolia is an extremely invasive green alga that has devastated ecosystems of the northern Mediterranean Sea. Caulerpa has been banned from importation into the U.S., but is still widely available in the aquarium trade. However, the species was not identified in Western Hemisphere waters until infestations were discovered in Agua Hedionda Lagoon and Huntington Harbor (S.D. and Orange Counties). Caulerpa taxifolia displacing eelgrass at Agua Hedionda Lagoon, Carlsbad, CA. M &A is an integral part of the Southern California Caulerpa Action Team (SCCAT), a group assembled as a public /private partnership with the goal of combating the introduction and spread of Caulerpa. The SCCAT includes representatives of numerous public and resource agencies, scientific researchers, and private interests including SWRCB, USFWS, Cabrillo Power I, LLC, NOAAINMFS, CDFG, USDA, CDFA, and the U.S. EPA. Under the guidance of SCCAT, M &A developed a Rapid Response Eradication Program for known infestations and a Surveillance Program for high risk waters. Other work completed by the SCCAT and M &A includes media relations and a large - scale public education and outreach program. M &A has also implemented the first phases of eradication at Agua Hedionda Lagoon and Huntington Harbor includine field surveys, isolation and containment of Caulerpa, and controlled herbicide application. November 15, 2003 In order to best allocate limited fiscal resources, M &A and SCCAT evaluated areas along the coast for risk of infestation, using information collected from known infestations and the Mediterranean experience as a guide. A total of 75 sites high risk sites (including coastal wetlands, harbors, outfalls, offshore reefs and kelp beds) were then prioritized based on predicted level of risk of infestation and spread. Field marine teams equipped with dGPS, sidescan sonar, towed camera arrays, aerial surveys, and SCUBA divers have been dispatched to survey the highest risk sites. All major water bodies in Orange County have been surveyed, including Newport Bay. All data collected (side scan images, video tapes, diver notes) will be incorporated into a Microsoft Access and ESRI ArcView structured relational and spatial database. The database will allow for ongoing future management updates by recourse agencies. A web -based public interface is being developed which will provide updated database information using ARC /l MS to serve spatial data. The web page is also an element of the SCCAT public outreach program and will allow recreational and research SCUBA divers enter data regarding recent dives. A habitat classification system is being developed to assist divers with identification of common habitat types of southern California and associated species to refine data analysis. Data are being incorporated into the project database for future resource management users. vim:, /,�f.�"`•,` .. ' •�� `_ Southern California sites surveyed by Merkel & Associates.for Caulerpa taxifolia. 2 -7 0 • 11 AID u L J 0 SECTION 2.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Mission Bay Shoreline Protection Project and Marine Resource Inventories Client: City of San Diego, Dept. of Parks and Recreation Client Contact: Ms. Robin Stribley Client Phone: (619) 525 -8230 Work Period: 1999 -2001 As part of overall efforts to stabilize erosion within Mission Bay, M &A staff provided biological consulting services to the City and its consultants from project inception through construction phases. The work involved numerous project and mitigation areas, impact assessment and endangered species coordination needs, mitigation planning, and multiple agency involvements as well as inter- departmental coordination requirements. As a result, this project indicates the wide range of services and capabilities of the M &A. M &A staff has managed several concurrent activities with two different project managers at the City and has successfully completed habitat mapping using sonagraphic, digital imaging, and computer mapping. Further efforts have included both environmental document preparation and long- term quantitative biological studies on a pilot beach replenishment project, involving quarterly fish and benthic sampling, eelgrass monitoring, and sediment grain size analyses, as well as numerous public hearings and workshops on this high profile and often controversial project. Due to timing constraints and staff shortages at the Corps, M &A prepared all permitting documents including the required environmental assessment for completion of the section 404/10 permits for the pilot study and Phase 11 work. Additional work included City staff support for processing City Planning Department approvals and required Coastal Commission permits. M &A is providing on -going biological monitoring of the construction and is conducting work under a contingency budget to provide on -call services for permit modifications and agency coordination, additional testing requirements, and other as- needed services which may arise during construction. This on -call availability has been extremely valuable in maintaining construction schedules and ensuring conformance with permits. November 15, 2003 M &A has prepared numerous mitigation and restoration plans for the project including eelgrass, coastal salt marsh, and upland habitats. Work has included concept restoration designs, agency and task force coordination, and final design preparation. M &A oversaw the construction and planting effort for the development of an approximately 7 acre coastal salt marsh. M &A will also provide monitoring and maintenance for the restoration effort. RN Image of Mission Bay showing results of 1997 side scan eelgrass survey. Dark green polygons represent 76% -100% areal coverage of eelgrass. A4id- -green and light green polygons represent 26 % -75% and <25% areal coverage, resepectively. gl SECTION 2.0 Famosa Slough Enhancement Plan Wetland Treatment Marsh Basins Client: Client Contact: Client Phone: Date Awarded: Work Period. City of San Diego and Friends of Famosa Slough Jim Peugh (619) 224 -4591 1998 1999 -2001 The Famosa Slough is an urban, coastal wetland near the central portion of San Diego, surrounded by residential and commercial uses. Because of its unusual setting, the Slough has withstood many abuses. Yet it is this uniquely visible setting that has also brought the plight of the Slough to the attention of citizens groups, the Coastal Conservancy, and the City of San Diego. M &A, was re part of a team of scientists, engineers, hydrologists and landscape architects that were involved in the preparation of restoration, preservation, and enhancement plans for Famosa Slough. The primary goals of the Famosa Slough Enhancement Plan were: • to provide a natural habitat and wildlife refuge by restoring and maintaining Famosa Slough as a functioning, healthy wetland ecosystem; • to educate the public by identifying Famosa Slough as a community resource with both aesthetic and educational functions; and, • to provide for storm water pollution abatement through the establishment of water wetlands, tidal flow improvements, drainage channels, and construction of an urban runoff system to divert dry weather runoff into the sanitary system. Project design included the evaluation and documentation of existing conditions, identification of enhancement opportunities and constraints, development of refined statements of goals and objectives, and the development of enhancement alternatives, conceptual designs, phasing and cost estimates. The plan has been praised by the various agencies and public and private interest groups involved in the process. The project received an American Planning Association award for project design. Recent work to implement the Plan has focused on construction of a series of wetland treatment November 15, 2003 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Schematic view of multi phase treatment ponds at the southern end ojFamosa Slough. marshes and ponds to capture and treat urban run- off within the Slough and curb inputs of sediments and contaminates. Project design included the evaluation and documentation of existing conditions, opportunities and constraints identification, development of refined statements of goals and objectives, and the development of enhancement alternatives, conceptual designs, phasing and cost estimates. M &A worked closely with the City and Friends of Famosa Slough to stretch contract funds using volunteers and donated materials. This work, completed in the summer of 2000, received an AEP /APA environmental project award. Other project work has included: • Assistance with permit processing and development of memoranda with regulatory agencies. • Development of a system to allow controlled tidal circulation into the Slough, increase wetland habitat, and reduce the impacts of storm water runoff • Development of a monitoring program to study biological productivity and tidal flow • Coordination of public meetings and organization of public response to the proposed plan • Creation of a user - friendly report detailing the history of the Slough, the components of the enhancement plan, and the requirements for the implementation of the plan • Helping community groups implement ongoing Slough maintenance and educational outreach programs 2 -9 P5 0 0 SECTION 3.0 LOCAL EXPERIENCE 3.0 LOCAL EXPERIENCE Merkel & Associates has worked on numerous projects in Orange County, including several within the City of Newport Beach. We have worked in every coastal community in Orange County, including San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Seal Beach. NEWPORT BAY Most recently, M &A provided biological services for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Newport Bay Harbor Maintenance Dredging program completed in October 2003. M &A performed pre- dredge surveys for eelgrass (Zostera marina) at five locations throughout the bay. Based on the survey results M &A was able to assist the dredger in realigning the dredge footprint to reduce impacts to eelgrass. Also prior to the dredging, M &A conducted NMFS and CDFG protocol surveys for the invasive marine alga Caulerpa taxiifolia. In a related project, M &A designed an Eelgrass Protection Plan to be implemented during the dredging operations to minimize impacts to adjacent eelgrass beds. Following completion of dredging a post- dredge eelgrass survey, along with an impact analysis and mitigation recommendations was completed. Under another contract to CDFG and NMFS, Merkel & Associates surveyed all of Lower Newport Bay for C. taxifolia in 2001. The investigations were conducted using sidescan sonar, remote cameras and SCUBA divers. Fortunately, this highly invasive seaweed was not detected in Newport Bay. Merkel & Associates worked with MEC in 1997 to characterize the fish communities of Upper Newport Bay prior to dredging associated with the enhancement projects there. In 1996, M &A conducted a biological and water quality assessment of the Upper Newport Bay Sediment Control and Enhancement Project, Unit III Dredging Program for Helix Environmental and the City of Newport Beach. This assessment investigated impacts to a wide range of habitats in Upper Newport Bay, sensitive plant and animal November 15, 2003 species, and water quality. M &A provided recommendations to avoid or mitigate impacts to biological communities, sensitive species and water quality. Several years earlier, M &A staff assisted the County of Orange in preparation of the Upper Newport Bay Master Plan. REGIONAL COASTAL PROJECTS Other projects completed by M &A in nearby coastal communities include: • San Onofre State Park Sensitive Species Surveys- 2002 (CA State Department of Parks and Recreation). M &A conducted surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher and sensitive, rare, threatened and endangered plant species within approximately 42 acres of coastal bluff/coastal sage scrub at San Onofre State Beach. • San Juan Capistrano General Plan Amendment EIR— 1999 (Cotton Beland Associates for the City of San Juan Capistrano) M &A prepared the biological resources section of this EIR, evaluating the effects of proposed land use designations on the environment and project compliance with the proposed Orange County Southern Subregion Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP). • Irvine Spectrum General Plan Amendment/ Zone Change EIR— 2000 (Cotton Bridges Associates) M &A conducted a biological resources analysis for this EIR. Biological resources were mapped in the field and regional databases were researched. Potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts to biological resources resulting from the proposed GPA/zone change were addressed and recommendations and mitigation measures were included in order to help the project avoid some of the potential impacts or minimize others to a level that would be considered less than significant. • San Clemente Rail Trail Biological Constraints Analysis— 2002 (CBA and the City of San Clemente) As part of compliance with CEQA and NEPA standards, a proposed beach trail situated in the railroad corridor was surveyed by M &A. The biological assessment included a wetland 3 -1 ay SECTION 3.0 LOCAL EXPERIENCE delineation, mapping of sensitive species, an analysis of the impacts of the project, and recommendations to reduce or mitigate impacts. Surveys were also conducted for fairy shrimp in suitable habitat at the site. • Biological Assessment for San Mateo Bridge Emergency Repairs, Camp Pendleton - 1999 (North County Transit District) M &A prepared the Biological Assessment (BA) for the San Mateo Bridge Emergency repairs, addressing impacts to sensitive habitats and species, and identifying mitigation opportunities and actions. It included a plan to reintroduce the Tidewater Goby to the San Mateo Lagoon. The BA was reviewed and conditionally approved by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USFWS, Camp Pendleton, and the California State Parks Dept. • Huntington Harbour Caulerpa taxifolia Eradication Program — 2000 - present (Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board) M &A is currently conducting the eradication efforts in the portion of Huntington Harbour that is infested by C. tazifolia. M &A has been responsible for managing all aspects of the multi - million dollar effort, including processing of the required action permits, designing and implementing the eradication plan, as well as having a major role in outreach and research efforts being undertaken. • Rancho Capistrano EIR - 1999 (North County Transit District) M &A conducted a biological resource analysis in support of EIR. preparation. Existing County land use and vegetation databases were queried to find existing information and identify biological data gaps. Fieldwork included surveys of wetlands/riparian areas and potential wildlife corridors and focussed surveys for California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, and southwestem willow flycatcher. Biological resources were analyzed with regard to quality and wildlife habitat value. Habitats were assessed with a special emphasis on unique and sensitive habitats identified in the Orange County NCCP or applicable Subarea Plans. • San Clemente- Ocean Point Resort and Spa — 2000 (Cotton Beland Associates) M &A conducted a biological resources assessment for the preliminary phase of the Ocean Point Resort and Spa development design. Included on the site are beach bluffs. The investigations included surveys for rare plants, protected animal species, and sensitive habitats. • Binion Estates Property Maritime Chaparral Mitigation - 1996 (City of Laguna Niguel). M &A located and evaluated potential enhancement/restoration sites and opportunities for Southern Maritime Chaparral, working closely with the City of Laguna Niguel Community Development Department staff, the project proponent, and a number of land owners and public land managers with potentially suitable restoration sites. In addition M &A facilitated a scrub oak and biological resource protection program for fuel management programs at the site. • Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles Biological Baseline Study of San Pedro Bay — 2000- 2001 (MEC for the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles) M &A served as task leader for field studies pertaining to distribution of kelp and eelgrass communities in San Pedro Bay. M &A also conducted avian monitoring surveys and fisheries sampling for the effort, and was responsible for data analysis and reporting for avian, kelp, and eelgrass elements. • Laguna Niguel- O'Hill Property - 1997 (City of Laguna Niguel) M &A prepared a biological constraints analysis for the 41 acre O'Hill Property. This site contained high quality Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub and sensitive species of plants and animals. Survey also included surveys for the 4 pair of coastal California gnatcatchers. The analysis included an impact assessment and recommended mitigation measures. November 15, 2003 3 -2 • • 0 SECTION 4.0 KEY PERSONNEL 4.0 KEY PERSONNEL This section provides brief resumes for key staff available to provide biological consulting services to the City of Newport Beach. Full resumes are included at the end of this document. Keith W. Merkel, Principal Biologist Mr. Merkel has over 21 years of professional experience and has coordinated, conducted, or assisted in over 2,800 biological investigations performed for a broad range of public and private clients. Mr. Merkel is a hands -on principal and is recognized for his ability to develop solutions to difficult ecological problems. He has worked extensively within southern California, predominantly providing services to public agencies and public and quasi- public utilities dealing with mitigation banking, habitat assessment and restoration, permit negotiation, and biological impact evaluation. He has also managed the completion of permitting on well over 100 projects involving federal and state wetland permits, coastal development permits, and/or endangered species act issues. He is widely recognized as an expert on Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act, Section 1600 et seq. of the California Fish and Game Code, and the California and federal Endangered Species Acts. He is well- versed in resource and regulatory agency mandates, guidelines, and policies as well as the legal tests of various regulatory boundaries. Furthermore, he is experienced in completing environmental analyses under both NEPA and CEQA. He has developed a long- standing professional relationship with a wide variety of agencies and staff at multiple levels. He is also well versed in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the California Coastal Act, and has experience with the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Mr. Merkel has frequently worked as an extension to regulatory agency staff to assist in document preparation including the completion of draft environmental documents and permits for the ACOE, preparation of draft BOs issued by the USFWS, as well as section 2081 MOUs issued by CDFG pursuant to state and federal endangered species acts. In addition, he has processed numerous take authorizations pursuant to subregional and subarea NCCP/HCPs within San Diego County and has been November 15, 2003 FS an author of many such plans. He participates in all aspects of CCC certification and permit processes at M &A. Mr. Merkel is respected in the biological and regulatory community, earning strong support from agency staff, environmental groups, and technical experts. On the basis of nominations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Waterways Experiment Station, Mr. Merkel has served on a National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council technical advisory panel to the Committee on the Role of Technology in Marine Habitat Protection and Enhancement. Mr. Merkel has also served as an advisor to the Army Corps of Engineers and the Oregon State Lands Commission in their evaluation of suitable restoration sites for marine resource mitigation projects. In addition, he has worked with state and federal resource and regulatory agencies in the development of resource management and mitigation policies. He has authored numerous papers and spoken at several national conferences on the topic of ecological impact assessment and marine habitat restoration. He was requested by the Congressional Joint Powers Commission for Base Realignment to serve on the Environmental Technical Advisory Committee for base closures in California. Mr. Merkel is a Corps of Engineers identified wetland delineation instructor, and is an active member of the Society of Wetland Scientists and Association of State Wetland Managers. As principal biologist at M &A, he has coordinated biological investigations, managed numerous subconsultants, and designed and implemented major marine resource programs as well as coastal habitat restoration projects. He has conducted work in nearly every major coastal drainage basin and lagoon in the Southern California Bight. He has experience with marine and aquatic habitat ecological studies and habitat enhancement programs in nearly every coastal bay and estuary system from the U.S./Mexican Border to Morro Bay in addition to systems in central and northern California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Rachel Woodfield, Project Manager Ms. Woodfield has 8 years of professional field biological experience in southern California and is a Senior Biologist at Merkel & Associates. Her work has focused largely on coastal salt marsh, eelgrass, and marine resource issues. Currently Ms. 31 SECTION 4.0 KEY PERSONNEL Woodfield is the project manager of the effort to eradicate the exotic invasive alga, Caulerpa taxifolia, from two infested bays in southern California. She coordinates and participates in all aspects of the project, including agency presentations, permitting, data management, research and development, fieldwork, outreach, and reporting. Additionally, her work at M &A focuses on biological monitoring in coastal waters. She has conducted extensive investigations in marine systems, and was a participant in the 2000 biological baseline study elements of kelp, eelgrass, fisheries, and avian resources in Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors. She also served as the project manager for a three - year study of the fish communities in south San Diego Bay. She has extensive water quality monitoring experience including three years of data collection for a study to determine environmental controls on eelgrass distribution in San Diego Bay. Ms. Woodfield frequently conducts work in Orange County and the City of Newport Beach. In 2002, she was invited by the City of Newport Beach Harbor Resources Department to provide a C. taxifolia training workshop at the City. Her unparalleled understanding of the surveying, reporting, and permitting protocols for C. taxifolia surveillance allowed her to help City staff, dredgers, marine contractors, and biologists to become familiar with the topic and better understand the CDFG and NMFS permit requirements. The City of Newport Beach has adopted the same permit requirements and requires that all surveyors attend this training. Ms. Woodfield also coordinated and presented at the Caulerpa taxifolia Outreach Workshop at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, educating coastal city staff, environmental groups, and teachers about C. taxifolia permitting requirements and outreach opportunities. In 2001, Ms. Woodfield worked integrally with the Orange County Coast Keepers on their volunteer effort to survey Upper Newport Bay for C. taxifolia. She provided training and survey design support, ultimately incorporating their negative survey results into the coastwide C. taxifolia surveillance database that she manages. She also directed the M &A survey of Lower Newport Bay for C. taxifolia using SCUBA divers and sidescan sonar. Ms. Woodfield recently managed all aspects of the biological support for the Newport Bay Harbor Maintenance Dredging. Based on mapped eelgrass November 15, 2003 4 -2 distribution, she assisted the dredger in re- designing the dredge plan to minimize impacts to eelgrass. As manager of the C. taxifolia eradication program, Ms. Woodfield has worked in Huntington Harbour for three years. She was responsible for preparing and negotiating all permitting applications required for this unprecedented project. This and other work has also facilitated her productive working relationships with many agencies including the CCC, CDFG, USDA, CDFA, USFWS, and RWQCB. She works regularly with coastal city staff members, preparing update presentations for council meetings, attending city committee meetings and workshops, supporting city staff through technical advice and document and graphic preparation. She has prepared biological resource assessments and permit applications for the CCC in Huntington Harbour, Oceanside and Carlsbad. She shows a deep commitment to all of her projects and strives to successfully complete her projects in the most efficient and cost - effective manner possible. Melissa A. Booker, Senior Biologist Ms. Booker has worked in wildlife biology for the past 12 years and currently serves as Terrestrial Division Manager at M &A. Ms. Booker is a Certified Wildlife Biologist by the Wildlife Society. She has managed the biological investigations for many large -scale projects and is an experienced field biologist with expertise in wildlife conservation in the southern California coastal region. Ms. Booker has extensive experience, which includes field investigations of biological resource issues, endangered species surveys, impact assessment and management, mitigation planning and monitoring, and regulatory agency coordination and permitting. Ms. Booker is experienced in California Coastal Commission permit processing. She successfully guided the San Mateo Bridge Emergency Repair project through all phases of the CCC permitting, a notable achievement due to the complex and controversial nature of the project. She also assisted in the permitting of the Mission Bay Fiesta Island, including attendance at the CCC hearing, where the project was ultimately approved. Ms. Booker is well versed in biological assessment under various environmental policies and regulatory programs, including the California and federal Endangered Species Acts, the Clean Water Act, and • • J- SECTION 4.0 KEY PERSONNEL various sections of the California Fish and Game • Code. Ms. Booker is recognized for her ecological studies and monitoring of avian species. She is federally permitted to conduct surveys for the California gnatcatcher. Additionally, Ms. Booker is federally permitted to survey for the southwestern willow flycatcher and quino checkerspot butterfly. She has shown particular expertise in managing projects which have required extensive coordination between multiple agencies and interpretation of local, regional, state, and federal regulations and policies. Craig H. Reiser, Senior Botanist Mr. Reiser has 16 years of experience as a botanist and wildlife biologist. Mr. Reiser is an expert on plant communities of southern California and is author of The Rare Plants of San Diego County. He has completed vegetation mapping and rare plant surveys for more than 500 projects and served as lead biologist for the San Diego County Water Authority's Capital Improvement Program, which addressed impacts and mitigation to sensitive and endangered species along 108 miles of pipelines and facilities. He is qualified to perform focused protocol surveys for sensitive species such as California gnatcatcher, • least Bell's vireo, southwestem willow flycatcher, fairy shrimp, and Belding's savannah sparrow. • November 15, 2003 4 -3 $5 SECTION 5.0 COMPENSATION 5.0 COMPENSATION It is preferred that all services provided by Merkel & Associates to the City of Newport Beach be billed on a time and materials basis. We would be happy to provide cost estimates for specific tasks prior to their initiation. Invoices would be submitted monthly for services performed. A summary of detailed labor hours and other direct project costs would be included in each invoice. SCHEDULE OF BILLING RATES Rates outlined below are the standard billing rates for 2003 for various staff. Rates for specialized sampling gear can be provided if required. Work conducted after July 2004 would be subject to standard rate schedule modifications. November 15, 2003 5 -1 0 • • 3`� Hourly Resource Rate Principal Biologist $165 Project Manager $95 Senior Biologist $80 Certified Wetland Delineator $72 Associate Biologist $65 GIS Specialist $60 Marine Technician $58 Biological Technician $50 Clerical/Admin. $42 Mileage $0.40 /mi Small Survey Vessel $215 /day Large Survey Vessel $350 /day SCUBA Diving Equipment Fee $55 /day Copies — B &W $0.10 ea. Copies — Color $1.50 ea. November 15, 2003 5 -1 0 • • 3`� SECTION 6.0 REFERENCES 6.0 REFERENCES • We have provided four points of contact that can attest to our technical capabilities, professional ethics, and administrative integrity. We strongly urge the selection committee to contact client and agency references provided below, as well as clients noted in the project descriptions in Section 2, in order to verify past performance records and client satisfaction. Client Name: County of San Diego, Department of Planning and Land Use Contact: Ms. Maeve Hanley Phone: (858) 495 -5254 Client Name: NOAA Fisheries, Southwest Regional Office Contact: Mr. Robert Hoffman Phone: (562) 980 -4043 Client Name: BAG Consulting (Formerly with CBA) Contact: Mr. Tim Gnibus Phone: (619) 298 -7127 11 Client Name: Port of Los Angeles Contact: Dr. Ralph Appy Phone: (310) 732 -3497 Client Name: Department of Navy, SW Div., Natural Resource Branch Contact: Mr. Mitchell Perdue Phone: (619) 532 -3744 November 15, 2003 6 -1 h �v - =- Merkel & Associates, Inc. l "If 111061&rw► PROFESSIONAL HISTORY Principal Consultant, Merkel & Associates, Inc. 1994 - present. Currently providing biological services to a host of public and private clients including the City of Chula Vista, City of San Diego Park & Recreation and Water Utilities Departments, the City of Vista, the San Diego County Water Authority, Otay Water District, Sempra Energy, SAIC, Port of Oakland, Port of Los Angeles, and the U.S. Navy. Chief Ecologist and Corporate Officer, Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. 1985 -1994. Principal responsible for biological consulting division and management of regional -scale project for the firm. Mr. Merkel has coordinated, conducted or assisted in ecological and zoological work on over 2,500 biological investigations in California Arizona, Washington Oregon and Alaska. Tuolumne River Fisheries Research Team, Environmental Impact Planning, Corp. 1984. Work included extensive monitoring of riverain habitats, fish populations, fisheries microhabitat utilization, and in- stream flow measurements. Assisted in modeling of hydro - project impacts on fisheries for FERC licensing. EXPERIENCE Mr. Merkel has 19 years of professional experience and has coordinated, conducted, or assisted in over 2,800 biological investigations performed for a broad range of public and private clients. Mr. Merkel is a hands -on principal and has served as a senior scientist and manager for such projects as the SDCWA Optimal Storage Study and Emergency Storage Program, SDCWA/NIWD San Diego Pipeline No. 6, the Otay Water District (OWD) CIP Endangered Species Consultation, and numerous other OWD projects. He has coordinated biological investigations, managed numerous subconsultants, and designed and implemented major biological resource programs as well as habitat restoration projects. He has experience with marine, aquatic and terrestrial habitat ecological studies and habitat enhancement programs from the U.S./Mexican Border to Morro Bay in addition to systems in central and northern California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Having served as the coordinator of regulatory permits and activities for a large biological consulting firm, Mr. Merkel is widely recognized as an expert on the federal Clean Water Act and has further expertise with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements. He is well versed in programs and practices under the California Fish & Game Code, as well as the Coastal Act, CEQA/NEPA, and state and federal Endangered Species Acts. He has also been instrumental in the development of numerous creative techniques to provide increased flexibility in construction timing and environmentally sound construction methods. He has acted in an advisory capacity to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District and the Oregon Division of State Lands in their evaluation and development of suitable restoration sites for habitat mitigation. In 1991, he was appointed as a technical advisor, by the recommendation of the ACOE -WES, to the National Academy of Sciences - Marine Board, National Research Council: Committee on the Role of Technology in Marine Habitat Protection and Enhancement. Mr. Merkel has an educational and professional background in ecology, ecological assessment, and habitat restoration. Further, he has developed and been involved in the implementation of several large mitigation, restoration and enhancement programs. Over the past several years, Mr. Merkel has conducted dozens of projects relating to habitat evaluation and mapping, impact assessment, restoration designs, restoration implementation and monitoring and is nationally recognized for his restoration achievements which often serve as successful case studies for other restoration programs. Mr. Merkel has authored several papers on the subjects of environmental regulations, environmental assessment and habitat restoration. He has developed a long standing working relationship with the Corps of Engineers, National Marine Fisheries Service, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Department of Fish and Game. Mr. Merkel is also managing a number of regulatory agency coordination and environmental policy development efforts for public agency clients. These include development of mitigation banking programs, providing third party consistency review, and preparation of internal guidance manuals for compliance with existing regulatory programs. SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS San Diego County Water Authority's Optimal Storage Study - Biological Constraints Studies. 1994 - present. Mr. Merkel managed biological studies, mapping programs, budgets, sub - consultants, document preparation and development of biological ranking criteria for the 13 site 21,655 acre investigation. All work was completed on -time and under budget. Included in this study, was the biological investigation of the 381 -acre Daley Ranch site. Thje project has since evolved into the Authority's Emergency Storage Project. Mr. Merkel was also one of the lead biologists for the studies. Batiquitos Lagoon Long -term Biological Monitoring and Pilot Revegetation Program (1996 -2006) Mr. Merkel is the Project Manager for the 10 -year Batiquitos Lagoon Enhancement Project biological monitoring program. This monitoring program and the associated eelgrass and cordgrass restoration program are the final phases of this massive $55 million habitat restoration project. The long -term monitoring program includes several elements ranging from vegetation trends analyses to detailed fisheries and avian resource studies. Included in the studies are sediment and water quality analyses, as well as benthic community development, including macroalgae and eelgrass habitats. The Batiquitos Lagoon Long -term Monitoring Program includes quantitative and qualitatative assessment of resources, documentation of trends, and presentation of data to resource and regulatory agencies and the public. Quarterly monitoring reports are being prepared as a means of rapid data transfer. Annual reports are to serve as a forum for data and trend analyses and interpretation. Famosa Slough Enhancement Plan, San Diego, California. 1994 -2000. Mr. Merkel created and implemented a plan to restore and preserve the Slough as a natural habitat, provide a sanctuary for wildlife, and educate the public in the appreciation of the plants and animals that comprise a wetland system. San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge Seismic Safety Project, 1999 - present. Mr. Merkel has managed biological and physical studies conducted to assist Caltrans in obtaining the necessary permits for the seismic safety project He has also developed large -scale on and off -site mitigation plans for the project �'1 and is conducting a comprehensive eelgrass transplant experiment on Emeryville Flats. 0 Port of Oakland, Middle Harbor Enhancement Studies, 1997 -2002. Mr. Merkel was the Task Leader for the Conceptual Design of the Middle Harbor Habitat Enhancement, which included characterization of marine communities and development of an enhancement plan as part of the EMIS preparation for the project. San Diego Gas & Electric, Biological Studies for NPDES Permit Renewal, 1994 - present. Mr. Merkel designed and implemented studies intended to evaluate the potential effect of the South Bay Power Plant's cooling water discharge on fisheries, benthic, avian, and endangered species resources. Work also included a 2 year unattended water quality and sediment monitoring program to determine limiting factors of eelgrass distribution in the south San Diego Bay. Mr. Merkel assisted with the development of a predictive model for eelgrass distribution. Sweetwater River Basin Groundwater Demineralization Project, 1995 - present. Mr Merkel designed and conducted baseline biological studies of flora, fauna, sensitive species, and water quality to assess environmental impacts of both the extraction of groundwater and the discharge of brine associated with the proposed Sweetwater River Demineralization Project. EDUCATION 1986 -1992, San Diego State University, San Diego, California Graduate studies: Ecology 1985, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon Discipline: B.S. degree in Biology Emphasis: Ecology and Aquatic Biology PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS • California Department of Fish and Game, Scientific Collecting Permit. 1986 - present. (invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals) • California Department of Fish and Game, Memorandum of Understanding for handling of the Pacific Pocket Mouse, San Joaquin Pocket Mouse, Los Angeles Pocket Mouse, Arroyo Chub • Endangered Species .Act, Section 10(a) survey permit for California Gnatcatcher • FICWD wetland delineation • IFIM hydrologic profiling qualified • Army Corps of Engineers certified Wetlands Delineation Instructor 0 0 :3� i == Merkel & Associates, Inc. RACHEL A. WOODFIELD PROFESSIONAL HISTORY Senior Biologist, Merkel & Associates, Inc., San Diego, California. May 1997 present. Ms. Woodfield's duties include project management, project permitting, research and report preparation, study design and data analysis, fish taxonomy, avian surveys, eelgrass restoration and monitoring, and technical and field assistance. Ms. Woodfield is currently the program manager for the rapid response eradication effort to control the spread of the invasive green alga Caulerpa taxifolia in two coastal southern California lagoons. Biological Technician, Merkel & Associates, Inc., San Diego, California June 1996 -May 1997. As a biological technician at M &A, Ms. Woodfield's duties included avian, infauna, and avian surveys, eelgrass restoration and monitoring, technical and field assistance, research and report preparation. RECENT EXPERIENCE Ms. Woodfield is a biologist with Merkel & Associates with eight years experience in field biology. She has focused her work on coastal wetlands and shallow marine environments. As a major portion of her work, Ms. Woodfield has managed fish community, studies, water quality investigations, coastal wetland restoration and . monitoring, and habitat assessments. She is an experienced ornithologist who regularly performs professional avian surveys in coastal wetlands. She has also conducted marine resource investigations on fish, avian, macroalgal and eelgrass communities at numerous sites from San Francisco Bay to San Diego Bay. Her most current work involves directing eradication efforts for C. taxifolia, discovered by Merkel & Associates in Agua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad and later confirmed growing in Huntington Harbour. She works closely and under the direction of the Southern California Caulerpa Action Team ( SCCAT), made up of members from San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish and Game, NOAA Marine Fisheries, City of Carlsbad, US Department of Agriculture and others. She coordinates and participates in all aspects of the project, including SCCAT presentations, data management, research and development, fieldwork, outreach, and reporting. She has coordinated with scientists from six other countries that have experience with the invasive nature of C. taxifolia, included two research expeditions in the Mediterranean Sea to study the later stages of the uncontrolled spread of the species. She works with environmental groups, coastal cities, and recreational divers as part of an outreach program to educate about and search for invasive marine species. Her extensive involvement in the field of invasive species studies began when she found and reported the first known occurrence of the invasive seaweed Undaria pinnatfida in North America. Ms. Woodfield conducted a three year quarterly fish study for the South Bay Power Plant in San Diego Bay to comply with the terms of their NPDES permit renewal. The study evaluated the potential effects of the Plant's operations on the fish community as well as on threatened and endangered species. Also in support of that permit, Ms. Woodfield completed a three year continuous water quality monitoring program in a bay -wide study of San Diego Bay, to support the development of a predictive model for eelgrass distribution. The study involved the full- time deployment and maintenance of seventeen untended Hydrolab multiprobes within south San Diego Bay. • JC� In addition to work within San Diego Bay, Ms. Woodfield has been working on biological assessment programs • in San Francisco Bay for over 6 years, and has worked extensively for the Port of Oakland. Starting in 1997, she managed baseline macroalgal and eelgrass habitat investigations associated with the conversion of 190 acres of deepwater port facilities to shallow water, mudflats, and marshlands within the Port of Oakland's Middle Harbor. In association with that project, she conducted a mitigation design study to investigate eelgrass restoration impacts at a study site at Bayfarm Island. She has also conducted water quality assessments throughout the bay. Over the past few years she has been working intensively in San Francisco Bay in support of the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge East Span Seismic Safety Project. She works regularly on the Eelgrass Restoration Program being conducted by M &A at several locations in the East Bay, collecting monitoring data on eelgrass growth, maintaining deployed water quality equipment, and managing collected data. Ms. Woodfield also participates in the Baywide Eelgrass Mapping program currently being conducted by M &A, collecting and managing data on the distribution of eelgrass throughout the bay. Ms. Woodfield is experienced in the use of a wide range of sampling equipment, including plankton nets, large and small seines, benthic invertebrate sampling gear, water quality equipment, dGPS navigational equipment, bathymetric and topographic survey equipment, and SCUBA dives regularly in the course of her work. She has been conducting fish community assessments for over six years, responsible for field coordination, taxonomy, data management, analysis and reporting. In addition, Ms. Woodfield is a highly experienced boat handler and navigator, and has worked extensively in shallow water lagoons, bays, and estuaries. SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS Caulerpa taxifolia Eradication Program, Huntington Harbour and Agua Hedionda Lagoon, 2000 - present. Ms. Woodfield manages the southern California Caulerpa taxifolia eradication effort to remove the invasive green alga from two infested lagoons. She is responsible for all aspects of the project including: program design, survey, treatment, outreach, research, data management, and reporting. • Batiquitos Lagoon, Carlsbad, 1997 -2006. Dos. Woodfield is working on the biological monitoring phase of the $55 million estuarine habitat restoration project at Batiquitos Lagoon. Ms. Woodfield's work includes scheduling and completing fisheries, vegetation, avian, water quality, and benthic field surveys, implementing eelgrass and cordgrass pilot restoration programs, and analyzing data. San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge Seismic Safety Project - Biological Services. 2002- present Ms. Woodfield has worked an several elements of this project for Caltrans. Field data collection, data analysis, and report preparation for permit compliance are among the many tasks conducted. She also participates in the experimental eelgrass transplant, and inventory of all existing eelgrass resources in San Francisco Bay. The experimental eelgrass transplant is on -going and monitoring for the eelgrass and sand flat habitat restorations will continue for 15 years following the completion of construction in approximately 2010. Port of Oakland Habitat Enhancement Plan, Oakland, 1997 -2000. Ms. Woodfield collected and analyzed soils and water quality samples at various stations in the bay, evaluated existing eelgrass beds, and conducted an experimental transplant. She managed baseline macroalgal and eelgrass habitat investigations associated with the conversion of 190 acres of deepwater port facilities to shallow water, mudflats, and marshlands within the Port of Oakland's Middle Harbor. SDG &E South Bay Power Plant NPDES Renewal, Chula Vista, 1997 -1999. Ms. Woodfield managed a fish community characterization program in the discharge channel of the power plant to assess the affects of the thermal discharge on adjacent eelgrass and fisheries resources in south San Diego Bay. Ms. Woodfield oversaw three years of field work and prepared the quarterly and final assessment reports • Atb SDG &E South Bay Power Plant NPDES Renewal, Chula Vista, 1997 -1999. • Ms. Woodfield completed a continuous bay -wide environmental monitoring program to support the development of a predictive model for eelgrass distribution in San Diego Bay. The study involved the full -time deployment and maintenance of seventeen untended Hydrolab multiprobes within south San Diego Bay. SDG &E Encina Power Plant Water Quality Monitoring, Carlsbad, 1996 -1997. As part of NPDES permit requirements for the Encina Power Plant, Ms. Woodfield is conducted temperature, tidal, and current monitoring in the waters adjacent to the plant's thermal outfall pipe. EDUCATION 1995, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California Discipline: B.A. degree in Biological Sciences; emphasis in marine biology PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS • PADI certified SCUBA Diver • CDFG Scientific Collecter's Permit • USFWS 10 (a) permit to survey for Quino Checkerspot Butterflies USFWS 10(a) permit to survey for Vernal pool branchiopods • USFWS 10(a) permit to assist with California Gnatcatcher surveys • 0 Merkel & Associates, Inc. MELISSA A. BOOKER PROFESSIONAL HISTORY Senior Biologist and Terrestrial Branch Manager, Merkel & Associates, Inc. (M &A), San Diego, California. January 1998 to present. Ms. Booker's primary Senior Biologist duties are to conduct biological inventories and assessments, to prepare technical documents in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and to prepare natural resource management plans for both public and private entities. In the case of CEQA documents, the emphasis of the biological inventories is to identify the potential for adverse impacts to sensitive biological resources [as defined by U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish and Game (CDF &G), CEQA, and local jurisdictions], and to develop measures to avoid, reduce, or mitigate significant impacts. Biological inventories conducted in support of management plans focus on establishing a baseline for future monitoring comparison and identifying sensitive populations or communities requiring special management considerations. As M &A's Terrestrial Branch Manager, Ms. Booker is responsible for oversight of all terrestrial staff and projects. Although each project is assigned an individual project manager, Ms. Booker serves as senior editor, staff supervisor, and • inter - project coordinator. She is also responsible for staff training, project scoping, and proposal preparation. A number of her completed and on -going projects are listed following her professional history. Senior Biologist and Field Biologist, San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus mearnsi) Project, Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology and Endangered Species Recovery Council, San Clemente Island, California. 1995- 1997. Ms. Booker's supervisory duties included coordination of field crew activities and data collection; coordination of field activities with military range personnel; preparation of monthly reports summarizing population, breeding, and band status for this federally endangered species; production of annual report sections summarizing all 1998 field activities and data collection; and attendance of weekly meetings to coordinate the project's predator control, captive propagation, and field monitoring efforts. SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS Tidewater Goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi) Reintroduction, Camp Pendleton, 1999 -on- going. Ms. Booker designed the Tidewater Goby Reintroduction Plan for San Mateo Lagoon and Creek, following local extirpation in 1998. The plan addressed the reintroduction and management of a population for a minimum of five years, including a habitat suitability determination, site preparation, Tidewater Goby collection and reintroduction, monitoring and maintenance, and success criteria. Plan elements designed, implemented, and managed by Ms. Booker include water quality testing, exotic predatory species control, Tidewater Goby status surveys, lagoon profile mapping, • collection for genetic testing, and reporting. The project has successfully re- established a Tidewater a�- . Goby breeding population at San Mateo Lagoon and Creek. The monitoring and management aspects of this project are on- going. San Diego River Natural Resource Management Plan (in prep), City of San Diego, 2002 -on- going. To formulate this plan, M &A compiled a biological inventory of the plan area, determinations regarding existing and proposed land uses and property ownership were made, archaeological resources were identified, and all aspects were brought together through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS). Ms. Booker is leading this effort, managing the non - biological tasks and conducting the biological effort with fellow M &A biologists. The 2002 and 2003 biological inventory work included riparian bird point counts, Least Bell's Vireo surveys, river seining, turtle trapping, marsh bird surveys, track surveys, and general biological surveys. The management plan identifies proposed management actions and recommendations based on existing biological, cultural, geological, and hydrological conditions, current and planned land uses, and recreational uses as described in the existing conditions portion of the plan. Moreno Valley General Plan Amendment EIR, 2001 -on- going. In preparing this document, Ms. Booker compiled and reviewed existing biological information from the over 40,000 acre project area (City of Moreno Valley and sphere of influence) including but not limited to, information provided within the Preliminary Draft Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) and associated documents, regional sensitive species occurrence and vegetation community GIS data, and the results of site specific investigations conducted within the project area. Vegetation communities mapped on -site, flora and fauna reported from or expected on -site, and on- site wildlife habitat features are discussed in detail. Quantification of direct impacts resulting from this project was not possible, as no specific development was proposed. The impact analysis reviewed the proposed Land Use Policy Map Alternatives, which allow for future development patterns that differ from existing conditions, and evaluated the potential for future impacts from development within the region under each plan. The impact analysis specifically examines potential impacts to sensitive species, sensitive habitats, and wildlife corridors, including potential impacts to wildlife from increases in traffic; and the potential for increased edge effects and habitat fragmentation within or adjacent to areas of biological open space. Escondido General Plan Amendment EIR, 2000. Similar to the Moreno Valley General Plan Amendment, Ms. Booker used existing data supplemented by surveys performed in the general plan area to prepare the biological resources section of the General Plan Amendment EIR. She determined that limited biological resources existed within much of the plan amendment areas due to urbanization, which places a higher premium on conservation of existing resources. The impact analysis focused on the potential for impacts to significant populations of sensitive species or areas of sensitive habitats and recommended appropriate mitigation, where feasible, to reduce impacts to a level below significance. The analysis also examined impacts within the context of the City's Subarea plan and reviewed the potential for the proposed amendments to preclude plan compliance. Carmel Valley Road Enhancements EIR, 1999 -2000. Utilizing the biological assessment of the project site and specific field assessments of wildlife corridors and sensitive habitat locations, Ms. Booker prepared the EIR biological resources section. Impacts to wetlands, Coastal Sage Scrub, sensitive plant species, California Gnatcatchers, Belding's Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi), and wildlife corridors for all project alternatives were addressed. • Salvation Army Camp Biological Report and EIR, Ramona, 1999 -on- going. This project includes a biological assessment of project resources and determination of impacts from three proposed alternative plot plans for an EIR. The project included an evaluation of on -site vegetation • communities, identification of local wildlife corridors, determinations of presence /absence for any sensitive species for which suitable habitat occurred on -site habitat, and a determination regarding the significance of any sensitive species population known or expected on -site. To support these determinations, intensive wetland delineations were undertaken; habitat suitability evaluations were conducted for Arroyo Toad (Bufo californicus), Least Bell's Vireo, and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher; and focused surveys were performed for California Gnatcatcher, Quino Checkerspot Butterfly, and Stephen's Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys stephensi) (completed by sub - consultant). The report evaluated direct and indirect impacts and made recommendations regarding avoidance, reduction of impacts, and/or mitigation of impacts. Long -term Management and Monitoring Plan for Daley Ranch Conservation Bank, Escondido, 2002. This plan was developed based on baseline biological studies including an intensive remapping of site vegetation, sensitive plant surveys, general zoological surveys, nesting raptor surveys, and an examination of current recreational uses at Daley Ranch. The plan follows the format recommended by CDF &G and includes all of the baseline biological information along with "Management Goals, Objectives, Recommendations, And Environmental Impacts" according to elements (Biological, Public Use, Facility Maintenance, and Cultural Resources). The plan provides species- specific management actions /directives to meet the City of Escondido's Multiple Habitat Conservation Program obligations and extensive sections on recommended recreational and access management actions to provide suitable, rewarding public use opportunities while preserving and protecting the site's natural resources. EDUCATION • 1990, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Biology, 1990 • UCLA Extension Planning and Zoning Law and Practice (2001) • UC Berkeley Extension Land Use Planning for Non - Planners (2001) CERTIFICATIONS AND PERMITS • 1999 -2003 USFWS Endangered Species Act (ESA) section 10(a)(1)(A) permit (PRT- 797999) to independently survey for the California Gnatcatcher and Quino Checkerspot Butterfly, and to assist with Southwestern Willow Flycatcher surveys. • 2000 -2003 Authorized field investigator under CDF &G MOU for California Gnatcatcher and Least Bell's Vireo work, Tidewater Goby, Arroyo Chub (Gila orcuni), Southwestern Pond Turtle (Clemmys marmorata pallida), and California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense). Authorized field assistant for Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. • 1998 -2003 CDF &G Scientific Collecting Permit for marine aquatic plants, marine and freshwater fishes, freshwater and terrestrial invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. • San Diego County Certified Environmental Consultant • The Wildlife Society Certified Wildlife Biologist 0 1 -= == Merkel & Associates, Inc. CRAIG H. REISER PROFESSIONAL HISTORY Senior Biologist, Merkel & Associates. 1994 to present. Craig Reiser is one of Southern California's foremost field biologists and one of the few recognized experts on the sensitive plants of the region. The diversity of his field experience in the last decade is perhaps unmatched in Southern California. He has conducted professional biological surveys and site assessments at over 1,000 sites from Madera County to San Diego County, generating over 700 separate technical reports submitted to a spectrum of county and city agencies. His published works on the rare plants of southern California are being utilized by analysts at the local, state, and federal levels. Mr. Reiser has conducted biological work in all ecotypes represented in the southwestern U.S. from the coast to the desert. He is very experienced with large -scale regional analyses through such work as the Camp Pendleton Rare Plant inventories covering over 125,000 acres, the Western Riverside Habitat Conservation Plan habitat mapping effort covering 1.4 million acres, the El Centro Naval Air Base East and West Mesa studies covering 200,000 acres of desert environments, and the San Diego Pipeline No. 6 regional routing study mapping over 500 square miles of San Diego and Riverside counties. Senior Botanist/Lead Biologist, Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. 1987 -1994. Mr. Reiser was the senior field botanist for Pacific Southwest Biological Services for a seven year period. During this time, Mr. Reiser was responsible for the execution of professional biological surveys and site assessments at over 550 sites from Madera County in the north to San Diego and Imperial counties in the south, generating over 450 separate technical reports submitted to a spectrum of county and city agencies. SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS Boden Canyon Biological Resources. 2000. Mr. Reiser was responsible for the botanical investigations on the 2000 acre Boden Canyon study area. Existing biological conditions of Boden Canyon were investigated in order to evaluate potential impacts of incorporation of the site into a regional trail system. Mr. Reiser also conducted focused surveys following USFWS protocols for the Least Bell's Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Prepared for San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority. (2000) Faraday Avenue Extension, Agua Hedionda Sewer Interceptor, and Carlsbad Oaks North Business Park. 2000. Mr. Reiser conducted botanical investigations, rare plant surveys, and focused surveys following USFWS protocol for Least Bell's Vireo, California Gnatcatcher, and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher at the Faraday site. Wildlife movement corridors and regional connectivity were also investigated for consistency with the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP). (2000) is 4 San Diego County Water Authority's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) on the California Gnatcatcher, San Diego, California. Mr. Reiser served as the project's lead botanist. His duties included the assessment and delineation of habitat types along the 108 miles of pipelines and facilities within the Authoritys CIP. Through cooperative efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Authority, and the U.S. Navy as the lead federal agency, the Authority is providing mitigation for project impacts to the California gnatcatcher and vesting a right to a "take" for current and future projects. Rare PlantfVegetation Survey, Camp Pendleton (1987 -1990) Mr. Reiser completed a 3 -year focused study, comprised of over 60 separate surveys, in order to identify the status and distribution of rare plants on the 125,000 -acre base. Compiling regional flora and specifically searching for sensitive plants and mapping the vegetation for the Base, Mr. Reiser conducted the first thorough botanical exploration of Camp Pendleton. During 1993 -1994 he supervised a team of bio- cartographers, and fine -tuned a vegetation mapping effort covering approximately 1.4 million acres of western Riverside County. Other relevant experience includes: Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course EIR Biological Constraints Analysis (1997 - present) Mr. Reiser was the project manager conducted a biological survey of the 396 acre Carlsbad site, with an emphasis on updating information on sensitive biological resources. Focused breeding territory surveys for the California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo and Quino checkerspot were conducted. This project included a complex array of mitigation requirement which involved interactions with various city, state, and federal agencies. EDUCATION 1978, M.A., San Diego State University, San Diego, California 1977, B.A., San Diego State University, San Diego, California . 1974, B.A., San Diego State University, San Diego, California PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS • USFWS take permit for the California Gnatcatcher, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (PRT- 797999) • USFWS 10(a) permit to survey for the California Gnatcatcher and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (PRT - 797999) • USFWS 10(a) permit to survey for Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (PRT - 797999) • USFWS 10(a) permit to survey for the veinal pool branchiopods (PRT- 797999) • County of San Diego Certified Biologist • County of Riverside Certified Biologist PUBLICATIONS Reiser, C.H. 1994. The Rare Plants of San Diego County. Aquafir Press. 175pp. Reiser, C.H. 1989. The Rare Plants of San Diego County. Sweetwater River Press. 50pp. Reiser, C.H. 1984. New Species of Dudleya from the Banner Grade. Cactus and Succulent Journal. 0 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT SUPPLEMENTAL Agenda Item No. 3 February 10, 2004 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Planning Department Patrick J. Alford, Senior Planner (949) 644 -3235 palford(a)city.newport- beach.ca.us SUBJECT: Revisions to LCP Biological Consultant Professional Services Agreement Since the publication of the staff report on this item, the Planning Department and the City Attorney's Office have been working on a few clarifications in the professional services agreement with the consultant. These changes are minor in nature and are summarized as follows: • Item 4 — Billing will be in increments of one - quarter of an hour. • Item 4.1 — Invoices will be paid within 30 days of receipt, subject to the right to withhold payment for disputed sums. • Item 4.2 (C) — Authorizations do not have to be in writing. • Item 5 — The City must provide "reasonable grounds" to remove personnel from the project. • Item 9 — The Consultant's vendors and suppliers are removed from "hold harmless" provisions. • Item 19 - The Consultant is allowed to utilize generic biological information collected during the course of the work to prepare scientific papers, talks /seminars, or marketing materials for public dissemination. • Item 21 — The words "drawings and specifications" were replaced with "deliverables." • Item 24 — The time to correct defaults is changed from 2 days to 5 days. Biological Consultant PSA February 10, 2004 Page 2 The Planning Department and the City Attorney's Office recommend that these changes be incorporated into the professional services agreement. Prepared by: Patrick J. Alford Senior Planner Attachments: Revised Draft professional services agreement. Submitted by: A.il t0.1n.+ UDC Patricia L. Temple Planning Director PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MERKEL & ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR ON -CALL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this day of 2004, by and between the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, a municipal corporation ( "City"), and MERKEL & ASSOCIATES, INC., a California corporation whose address is 5434 Ruffin Road, San Diego, California, 92123 ( "Consultant"), and is made with reference to the following: RECITALS A. City is a municipal corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of California with the power to carry on its business as it is now being conducted under the statutes of the State of California and the Charter of City. B. City is currently updating its Local Coastal Program (LCP) for submission to the California Coastal Commission. C. City desires to engage Consultant to provide advice on issues relating to the LCP certification process, which is expected to take up to two years, as well as other advice that may be needed from time to time on matters relating to biological resource protection (the "Project "). D. Consultant possesses the skill, experience, ability, background, certification and knowledge to provide the services described in this Agreement. E. The principal member of Consultant for purposes of Project shall be Keith W. Merkel. F. City has solicited and received a proposal from Consultant, has reviewed the previous experience and evaluated the expertise of Consultant, and desires to retain Consultant to render professional services under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed by and between the undersigned Parties as follows: 1. TERM The term of this Agreement shall commence on the day of 2004, and shall terminate on the 15th day of February, 2006, unless terminated earlier as set forth herein. 2. SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED Consultant shall provide "On -Call" Environmental Consulting Services as described in the Statement of Qualifications dated November 15, 2003)attached as Exhibit "A ". Upon verbal request from the Project Administrator, Consultant shall provide the services requested by the City at the hourly rates listed in Exhibit A. 3. TIME OF PERFORMANCE Time is of the essence in the performance of services under this Agreement and the services shall be performed to completion in a diligent and timely manner. The failure by Consultant to perform the services in a diligent and timely manner may result in termination of this Agreement by City. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Consultant shall not be responsible for delays due to causes beyond Consultant's reasonable control. However, in the case of any such delay in the services to be provided for the Project, each party hereby agrees to provide notice to the other party so that all delays can be addressed. 3.1 Consultant shall submit all requests for extensions of time for performance in writing to the Project Administrator not later than ten (10) calendar days after the start of the condition that purportedly causes a delay. The Project Administrator shall review all such requests and may grant reasonable time extensions for unforeseeable delays that are beyond Consultant's control. 3.2 For all time periods not specifically set forth herein, Consultant shall respond in the most expedient and appropriate manner under the circumstances, by either telephone, fax, hand - delivery or mail. 4. COMPENSATION TO CONSULTANT City shall pay Consultant for the services in accordance with the provisions of this Section and the hourly billing rates set forth in Exhibit "A° attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Consultant agrees to bill all time in increments of one - quarter of an hour. No rate changes shall be made during the term of this Agreement without the prior written approval of the City. Consultant's compensation for services performed in connection with this Agreement shall not exceed $30,000 without City Council approval. 4.1 Consultant shall submit monthly invoices to City describing the work performed the preceding month. Consultant's bills shall include the name of the person and /or classification of employee who performed the work, a 2 brief description of the services performed and /or the specific task in the letter proposal to which it relates, the date the services were performed, the number of hours spent on all work billed on an hourly basis, and a description of any reimbursable expenditures. City shall pay Consultant's invoice(s) within thirty (30) days of receipt, subject to the right to withhold payment for disputed sums as provided under Paragraph 22. 4.2 City shall reimburse Consultant only for those costs or expenses specifically approved in this Agreement, or specifically approved in advance by City. Unless otherwise approved, such costs shall be limited and include nothing more than the following costs incurred by Consultant: A. The actual costs of subconsultants for performance of any of the services that Consultant agrees to render pursuant to this Agreement, which have been approved in advance by City and awarded in accordance with this Agreement. B. Approved reproduction charges. C. Actual costs and /or other costs and /or payments specifically authorized in advance and incurred by Consultant in the performance of this Agreement. 4.3 Consultant shall not receive any compensation for Extra Work without the prior authorization of the City. As used herein, "Extra Work" means any work that is determined by City to be necessary for the proper completion of the Project, but which the parties did not reasonably anticipate would be necessary. Compensation for any authorized Extra Work shall be paid in accordance with the Schedule of Billing Rates set forth in Exhibit A. 5. PROJECT MANAGER Consultant shall designate a Project Manager, who shall coordinate all phases of the Project. This Project Manager shall be available to City at all reasonable times during the Agreement term. Consultant has designated Keith W. Merkel to be its Project Manager. Consultant shall not remove or reassign the Project Manager or any personnel listed in Exhibit A or assign any new or replacement personnel to the Project without the prior written consent of City. City's approval shall not be unreasonably withheld with respect to the removal or assignment of non -key personnel. Upon written request of City, Consultant shall remove from the Project any of its personnel assigned to the performance of services upon reasonable grounds provided by City to Consultant. Consultant warrants that it will continuously 3 furnish the necessary personnel to complete the Project on a timely basis as contemplated by this Agreement. 6. ADMINISTRATION This Agreement will be administered by the Planning Department. Patrick J. Alford, Senior Planner, shall be the Project Administrator and shall have the authority to act for City under this Agreement. The Project Administrator or his /her authorized representative shall represent City in all matters pertaining to the services to be rendered pursuant to this Agreement. 7. CITY'S RESPONSIBILITIES In order to assist Consultant in the execution of its responsibilities under this Agreement, City agrees to, where applicable: A. Provide access to, and upon request of Consultant, one copy of all existing relevant information on file at City. City will provide all such materials in a timely manner so as not to cause delays in Consultant's work schedule. B. Provide blueprinting and other services through City's reproduction company for bid documents. Consultant will be required to coordinate the required bid documents with City's reproduction company. All other reproduction will be the responsibility of Consultant and as defined above. C. Provide usable life of facilities criteria and information with regards to new facilities or facilities to be rehabilitated. 8. STANDARD OF CARE 8.1 All of the services shall be performed by Consultant or under Consultant's supervision. Consultant represents that it possesses the professional and technical personnel required to perform the services required by this Agreement, and that it will perform all services in a manner commensurate with community professional standards. All services shall be performed by qualified and experienced personnel who are not employed by City, nor have any contractual relationship with City. 8.2 Consultant represents and warrants to City that it has or shall obtain all licenses, permits, qualifications, insurance and approvals of whatsoever nature that are legally required of Consultant to practice its profession. Consultant further represents and warrants to City that Consultant shall, at its sole cost and expense, keep in effect or obtain at all times during the term of this Agreement, any and all licenses, permits, insurance and other 0 approvals that are legally required of Consultant to practice its profession. Consultant shall maintain a City of Newport Beach business license during the term of this Agreement. 8.3 Consultant shall not be responsible for delay, nor shall Consultant be responsible for damages or be in default or deemed to be in default by reason of strikes, lockouts, accidents, or acts of God, or the failure of City to furnish timely information or to approve or disapprove Consultant's work promptly, or delay or faulty performance by City, contractors, or governmental agencies. 9. HOLD HARMLESS To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless City, its City Council, boards and commissions, officers, agents and employees (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties ") from and against any and all claims (including, without limitation, claims for bodily injury, death or damage to property), demands, obligations, damages, actions, causes of action, suits, losses, judgments, fines, penalties, liabilities, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorney's fees, disbursements and court costs) of every kind and nature whatsoever (individually, a Claim; collectively, "Claims "), which may arise from or in any manner relate (directly or indirectly) to any work negligently performed or services provided under this Agreement (including, without limitation, defects in workmanship or materials and /or design defects [if the design originated with Consultant]) or Consultant's presence or activities conducted on the Project (including the negligent and /or willful acts, errors and /or omissions of Consultant, its principals, officers, agents, employees, consultants, subcontractors, anyone employed directly or indirectly by any of them or for whose acts they may be liable or any or all of them). Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall be construed to require Consultant to indemnify the Indemnified Parties from any Claim arising from the active negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnified Parties. Nothing in this indemnity shall be construed as authorizing any award of attorney's fees in any action on or to enforce the terms of this Agreement. This indemnity shall apply to all claims and liability regardless of whether any insurance policies are applicable. The policy limits do not act as a limitation upon the amount of indemnification to be provided by the Consultant. 10. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR It is understood that City retains Consultant on an independent contractor basis and Consultant is not an agent or employee of City. The manner and means of conducting the work are under the control of Consultant, except to the extent they are limited by statute, rule or regulation and the expressed terms of this 5 Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute approval for Consultant or any of Consultant's employees or agents, to be the agents or employees of City. Consultant shall have the responsibility for and control over the means of performing the work, provided that Consultant is in compliance with the terms of this Agreement. Anything in this Agreement that may appear to give City the right to direct Consultant as to the details of the performance or to exercise a measure of control over Consultant shall mean only that Consultant shall follow the desires of City with respect to the results of the services. 11. COOPERATION Consultant agrees to work closely and cooperate fully with City's designated Project Administrator and any other agencies that may have jurisdiction or interest in the work to be performed. City agrees to cooperate with the Consultant on the Project. 12. CITY POLICY Consultant shall discuss and review all matters relating to policy and project direction with City's Project Administrator in advance of all critical decision points in order to ensure the Project proceeds in a manner consistent with City goals and policies. 13. PROGRESS Consultant is responsible for keeping the Project Administrator and /or his /her duly authorized designee informed on a regular basis regarding the status and progress of the work, activities performed and planned, and any meetings that have been scheduled or are desired. 14. INSURANCE Without limiting Consultant's indemnification of City, and prior to commencement of work, Consultant shall obtain, provide and maintain at its own expense during the term of this Agreement, a policy or policies of liability insurance of the type and amounts described below and in a form satisfactory to City. A. Certificates of Insurance. Consultant shall provide certificates of insurance with original endorsements to City as evidence of the insurance coverage required herein. Insurance certificates must be approved by City's Risk Manager prior to commencement of performance or issuance of any permit. Current certification of insurance shall be kept on file with City at all times during the term of this Agreement. 1411 B. Signature. A person authorized by the insurer to bind coverage on its behalf shall sign certification of all required policies. C. Acceptable Insurers. All insurance policies shall be issued by an insurance company currently authorized by the Insurance Commissioner to transact business of insurance in the State of California, with an assigned policyholders' Rating of A (or higher) and Financial Size Category Class VII (or larger) in accordance with the latest edition of -Best's Key Rating Guide, unless otherwise approved by the City's Risk Manager. D. Coverage Requirements. 1. Workers' Compensation Coverage. Consultant shall maintain Workers' Compensation Insurance and Employer's Liability Insurance for his or her employees in accordance with the laws of the State of California. In addition, Consultant shall require each subcontractor to similarly maintain Workers' Compensation Insurance and Employer's Liability Insurance in accordance with the laws of the State of California for all of the subcontractor's employees. Any notice of cancellation or non - renewal of all Workers' Compensation policies must be received by City at least thirty (30) days prior to such change. The insurer shall agree to waive all rights of subrogation against City, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers for losses arising from work performed by Consultant for City. 2. General Liability Coverage. Consultant shall maintain commercial general liability insurance in an amount not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage, including without limitation, contractual liability. If commercial general liability insurance or other form with a general aggregate limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to the work to be performed under this Agreement, or the general aggregate limit shall be at least twice the required occurrence limit. 3. Automobile Liability Coverage. Consultant shall maintain automobile insurance covering bodily injury and property damage for all activities of the Consultant arising out of or in connection with work to be performed under this Agreement, including coverage for any owned, hired, non -owned or rented vehicles, in an amount not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit for each occurrence. VA 4. Professional Errors and Omissions Insurance. Consultant shall maintain professional errors and omissions insurance, which covers the services to be performed in connection with this Agreement in the minimum amount of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000). D. Endorsements. Each general liability and automobile liability insurance policy shall be endorsed with the following specific language: The City, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds with respect to liability arising out of work performed by or on behalf of the Consultant. ii. This policy shall be considered primary insurance as respects to City, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers as respects to all claims, losses, or liability arising directly or indirectly from the Consultant's operations or services provided to City. Any insurance maintained by City, including any self- insured retention City may have, shall be considered excess insurance only and not contributory with the insurance provided hereunder. iii. This insurance shall act for each insured and additional insured as though a separate policy had been written for each, except with respect to the limits of liability of the insuring company. iv. The insurer waives all rights of subrogation against City, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers. V. Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not affect coverage provided to City, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents or volunteers. vi. The insurance provided by this policy shall not be suspended, voided, canceled, or reduced in coverage or in limits, by either party except after thirty (30) days written notice has been received by City. A. Timely Notice of Claims. Consultant shall give City prompt and timely notice of claim made or suit instituted arising out of or resulting from Consultant's performance under this Agreement. B. Additional Insurance. Consultant shall also procure and maintain, at its own cost and expense, any additional kinds of insurance, which in its own E:3 judgment may be necessary for its proper protection and prosecution of the work. 15. PROHIBITION AGAINST ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS Except as specifically authorized under this Agreement, the services to be provided under this Agreement shall not be assigned, transferred contracted or subcontracted out without the prior written approval of City. Any of the following shall be construed as an assignment: The sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition of any of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Consultant, or of the interest of any general partner or joint venturer or syndicate member or cotenant if Consultant is a partnership or joint- venture or syndicate or cotenancy, which shall result in changing the control of Consultant. Control means fifty percent (50 %) or more of the voting power, or twenty -five percent (25 %) or more of the assets of the corporation, partnership or joint- venture. 16. SUBCONTRACTING The parties recognize that a substantial inducement to City for entering into this Agreement is the professional reputation, experience and competence of Consultant. Assignments of any or all rights, duties or obligations of the Consultant under this Agreement will be permitted only with the express written consent of City. Consultant shall not subcontract any portion of the work to be performed under this Agreement without the written authorization of City. 17. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS Each and every report, draft, map, record, plan, document and other writing or graphic produced (hereinafter "Documents "), prepared or caused to be prepared by Consultant, its officers, employees, agents and subcontractors, in the course of implementing this Agreement, shall become the exclusive property of City, and City shall have the sole right to use such materials in its discretion without further compensation to Consultant or any other party. Consultant shall, at Consultant's expense, provide such Documents to City upon written request. Documents, including drawings and specifications, prepared by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement are not intended or represented to be suitable for reuse by City or others on any other project. Any use of completed documents for other projects and any use of incomplete documents without specific written authorization from Consultant will be at City's sole risk and without liability to Consultant. Further, any and all liability arising out of changes made to Consultant's deliverables under this Agreement by City or persons other than Consultant is waived against Consultant and City assumes full responsibility for such changes unless City has given Consultant prior notice and has received from Consultant written consent for such changes. 9 18. COMPUTER DELIVERABLES All written documents shall be transmitted to City in the City's latest adopted version of Microsoft Word, Access, or and /or Excel. All digital maps shall be provided in the State Plane Coordinate System NAD83 Feet Zone VI (1991.35 Epoch OCS GPS Adjustment) and in a compatible format (e.g., .SHP, .DWG, .DXF). All documents and data must be formatted for the City's computer hardware and software and delivered to the City on CD -ROM. 19. CONFIDENTIALITY All Documents, including drafts, preliminary drawings or plans, notes and communications that result from the services in this Agreement, shall be kept confidential unless City authorizes the release of information. However, Merkel & Associates, Inc. reserves the right to utilize generic biological information collected during the course of the work to prepare scientific papers, talks /seminars, or marketing materials for public dissemination. 20. OPINION OF COST Any opinion of the construction cost prepared by Consultant represents his judgment as a design professional and is supplied for the general guidance of City. Since Consultant has no control over the cost of labor and material, or over competitive bidding or market conditions, Consultant does not guarantee the accuracy of such opinions as compared to contractor bids or actual cost to City. 21. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INDEMNITY The Consultant shall defend and indemnify City, its agents, officers, representatives and employees against liability, including costs, for infringement of any United States' letters patent, trademark, or copyright infringement, including costs, contained in Consultant's deliverables provided under this Agreement. 22. RECORDS Consultant shall keep records and invoices in connection with the work to be performed under this Agreement. Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to the costs incurred under this Agreement and any services, expenditures and disbursements charged to City, for a minimum period of three (3) years, or for any longer period required by law, from the date of final payment to Consultant to this Agreement. All such records shall be clearly identifiable. Consultant shall allow a representative of City to examine, audit and make transcripts or copies of such records during regular business Wel hours. Consultant shall allow inspection of all work, data, documents, proceedings and activities related to the Agreement for a period of three (3) years from the date of final payment under this Agreement. 23. WITHHOLDINGS City may withhold payment of any disputed sums until satisfaction of the dispute with respect to such payment. Such withholding shall not be deemed to constitute a failure to pay according to the terms of this Agreement. Consultant shall not discontinue work as a result of such withholding. Consultant shall have an immediate right to appeal to the City Manager or his designee with respect to such disputed sums. Consultant shall be entitled to receive interest on any withheld sums at the rate of return that City earned on its investments during the time period, from the date of withholding of any amounts found to have been improperly withheld. 24. ERRORS AND OMISSIONS In the event of errors or omissions that are due to the negligence or professional inexperience of Consultant which result in expense to City greater than what would have resulted if there were not errors or omissions in the work accomplished by Consultant, the additional expense shall be borne by Consultant. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to limit City's rights under any other sections of this Agreement. 25. CITY'S RIGHT TO EMPLOY OTHER CONSULTANTS City reserves the right to employ other Consultants in connection with the Project. 26. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The Consultant or its employees may be subject to the provisions of the California Political Reform Act of 1974 (the "Act "), which (1) requires such persons to disclose any financial interest that may foreseeably be materially affected by the work performed under this Agreement, and (2) prohibits such persons from making, or participating in making, decisions that will foreseeably financially affect such interest. If subject to the Act, Consultant shall conform to all requirements of the Act. Failure to do so constitutes a material breach and is grounds for termination of this Agreement by City. Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless City for any and all claims for damages resulting from Consultant's violation of this Section. 11 27. NOTICES All notices, demands, requests or approvals to be given under the terms of this Agreement shall be given in writing, and conclusively shall be deemed served when delivered personally, or on the third business day after the deposit thereof in the United States mail, postage prepaid, first -class mail, addressed as hereinafter provided. All notices, demands, requests or approvals from Consultant to City shall be addressed to City at: Patrick J. Alford Planning Department City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, CA, 92658 -8915 Phone: 949 - 644 -3235 Fax: 949 - 644 -3229 All notices, demands, requests or approvals from City to Consultant shall be addressed to Consultant at: Keith W. Merkel Chief Ecologist Merkel & Associates, Inc. 5434 Ruffin Road San Diego, CA 92123 Phone: 858 - 560 -5465 Fax: 858 - 560 -7779 28. TERMINATION In the event that either party fails or refuses to perform any of the provisions of this Agreement at the time and in the manner required, that party shall be deemed in default in the performance of this Agreement. If such default is not cured within a period of five (5) calendar days, or if more than five (5) calendar days are reasonably required to cure the default and the defaulting party fails to give adequate assurance of due performance within two (2) calendar days after receipt of written notice of default, specifying the nature of such default and the steps necessary to cure such default, the non - defaulting party may terminate the Agreement forthwith by giving to the defaulting party written notice thereof. Notwithstanding the above provision, City shall have the right, at its sole discretion and without cause, of terminating this Agreement at any time by giving seven (7) calendar days' prior written notice to Consultant. In the event of termination under this Section, City shall pay Consultant for services satisfactorily performed and costs incurred up to the effective date of termination for which Consultant has not been previously paid. On the effective date of termination, Consultant shall deliver to City all reports and other information 12 developed or accumulated in the performance of this Agreement, whether in draft or final form. 29. COMPLIANCE WITH ALL LAWS Consultant shall at its own cost and expense comply with all statutes, ordinances, regulations and requirements of all governmental entities, including federal, state, county or municipal, whether now in force or hereinafter enacted. In addition, all work prepared by Consultant shall conform to applicable City, county, state and federal laws, regulations and permit requirements and be subject to approval of the Project Administrator and City. 30. WAIVER A waiver by either party of any breach, of any term, covenant or condition contained herein shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other term, covenant or condition contained herein, whether of the same or a different character. 31. INTEGRATED CONTRACT This Agreement represents the full and complete understanding of every kind or nature whatsoever between the Parties hereto, and all preliminary negotiations and agreements of whatsoever kind or nature are merged herein. No verbal agreement or implied covenant shall be held to vary the provisions herein. 32. CONFLICTS OR INCONSISTENCIES In the event there are any conflicts or inconsistencies between this Agreement and the Scope of Services or any other attachments attached hereto, the terms of this Agreement shall govern. 33. AMENDMENTS This Agreement may be modified or amended only by a written document executed by both Consultant and City and approved as to form by the City Attorney. 34. SEVERABILITY If any term or portion of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. 35. CONTROLLING LAW AND VENUE The laws of the State of California shall govern this Agreement and all matters relating to it and any action brought relating to this Agreement shall be adjudicated in a court of competent jurisdiction in the County of Orange. 13 36. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT Consultant represents that it is an equal opportunity employer and it shall not discriminate against any subcontractor, employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, handicap, ancestry, sex or age. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first written above. APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Attorney City of Newport Beach ATTEST: CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH A Municipal Corporation By: Tod W. Ridgeway, Mayor for the City of Newport Beach Merkel & Associates, Inc. By: By: LaVonne Harkless Barbara L. Merkel City Clerk President Attachments: Exhibit A — Statement of Qualifications 14