The City Council this week voted unanimously to approve a fee agreement with LA County for the Pebbly Beach Landfill Site Life Optimization Project. The council also authorized the city manager to reimburse the county up to $72,000.
According to Assistant City Manager Jocelyn Francis, the county is currently estimating the fees to review Avalon’s application to handle the entire land use process be roughly $60,000.
“I’m asking for a 20% contingency,” Francis said.
“Shouldn’t they be doing their job anyway? So why do we have to pay them extra money when the staff is already on board?” asked Mayor Anni Marshall.
Marshall then asked for questions from the council. There were no other questions or comments.
Background
“The City of Avalon, as the project proponent, is working collaboratively with the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning and other County departments to process land use and zoning entitlement applications related to the Pebbly Beach Landfill Site Life Optimization Project,” Francis wrote in the staff report she prepared for the council.
“The project seeks to extend the operational life of the Pebbly Beach Landfill while meeting regulatory compliance requirements and advancing waste management sustainability on Santa Catalina Island,” Francis wrote.
“The County has determined that the project qualifies as a ‘major project’ under Title 22, Chapter 22.246 of the Los Angeles County Code,” Francis wrote.
“As such, the County utilizes a Major Projects Review Trust Fund to allocate additional resources, including staff and outside counsel, to ensure timely and thorough California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review and processing of all required permits and approvals,” Francis wrote.
“The Supplemental Fee Agreement establishes a trust fund account funded by the City (Developer) to reimburse the County for the actual costs of project review, environmental analysis, and other related processing activities in excess of standard application fees,” Francis wrote.
“The Agreement outlines:
“• Initial and Supplemental Deposits: An initial deposit of $5,000 followed by a supplemental $5,000 deposit, for total initial funding of $10,000.
“• Processing Services: It is has been estimated total processing services will cost approximately $55,000.
“• CEQA Review Services: It has been estimated an additional $5,000 for Outside Counsel will be required for this project.
“• Quarterly Reviews: The City and County will meet quarterly to assess remaining funds, review work progress, and determine upcoming estimated costs.
“• Use of Funds: Deposits will be used to cover County personnel, outside counsel, technical studies, and related expenses necessary to process the project efficiently while maintaining independent review.
“• Project Schedule: Both parties will use best efforts to adhere to the mutually agreed processing schedule,” Francis wrote.
“This agreement is essential to maintain momentum on the Pebbly Beach Landfill Site Life Optimization Project, ensure timely review, and avoid delays caused by limited County staffing resources,” Francis wrote.
“City staff will return to the City Council if reimbursements look to exceed $72,000 (expected $60,000 in fees with a recommended 20% contingency),” Francis wrote.
