CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake City Council recently awarded a contract to Raney Planning and Management Inc. to prepare an environmental impact report for an expansion project at Clearlake Walmart.
Total cost of preparing the environmental impact report, or EIR, is not to exceed $227,659, including two optional tasks in preparing a police services impact report and preparation of findings of fact. As project applicant, Walmart will pay all costs associated with the contract.
Walmart recently reactivated its use permit for an approximate 40,000-square-foot expansion of its Clearlake store, which is currently about 105,000 square feet.
The project has been put on hold several times since its original introduction in 2009 with the city previously contracting with Environmental Science Associates to conduct the EIR for the project.
“Walmart halted application processing in March 2013,” Gary Price, the city's contracted planning consultant on the project, said. “Recognizing the city is undergoing a comprehensive update to its general plan, the reactivated application establishes a new approach to addressing environmental impacts, so it is appropriate to take a fresh look at the project.”
Price said the contract with ESA was terminated and issuance of request for proposals for the services resulted in two qualified candidates.
He said an interview panel, which included himself, Planning Commissioner Cheryl Hutchinson and City Manager Joan Phillipe, unanimously rated RPM as the best qualified firm.
“(RPM) had really done their homework,” Price said.
Staff has collaborated with RPM to develop the detailed scope of work and budget for the EIR, which Price said will include the address of economic impacts and urban decay.
Costs associated with Price's consulting services also are paid for by Walmart. Combined consultant costs for the project are expected to be about $262,659.
“The applicant, Walmart, has indicated they wish to proceed with the project and will deposit sufficient funding with the city to pay the costs of processing the application and to begin preparing the EIR once the EIR consultant agreement has been executed,” Phillipe said during the council's discussion on the agreement, which took place at the July 24 meeting. “This and future deposits by the applicant are expected to fully defray all costs of processing and city review of the project.”
Vice Mayor Gina Fortino Dickson said the city is obligated by law to process the application.
In providing what she referred to as clarification for the public, she said, “Walmart pays but the city employs,” meaning employees work in behalf of the city.
Walmart proposes its expansion on the north side of its existing building, which is adjacent to Yuba College's Clear Lake campus.
The project includes removal of an existing loading dock and demolition of the tire and lube center. The garden center will be enlarged by about 2,900 square feet.
Numerous changes to the inside of the building are planned as are parking lot improvements including additional lighting.
Truck lanes are to be added the east side of the building and additional entry ways are planned.
Facade and signage changes also are included in the project.
Email Denise Rockenstein at
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