HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 - CC-7 - Refund of Cash Deposit in Connection - 8/3/20211
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: AUGUST 3, 2021 ITEM NUMBER: CC-7
SUBJECT: REFUND OF CASH DEPOSIT IN CONNECTION WITH THE
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FOR AN AMENDMENT TO PLANNING
APPLICATION 16-50 FOR THE AVENUE OF THE ARTS HOTEL MASTER
PLAN LOCATED AT 3350 AVENUE OF THE ARTS
DATE: JULY 14, 2021
FROM: ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT/ PLANNING
DIVISION
PRESENTATION BY: MINOO ASHABI, PRINCIPAL PLANNER
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT:
MINOO ASHABI 714.754.5610
minoo.ashabi@costamesaca.gov
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve a refund of a remaining cash deposit in the
amount of $15,651.34 to Rosanna Inc. (project applicant). The refund pertains to the
preparation of the required California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance
documents for an amendment to Planning Application 16-50 for the Avenue of the Arts
Hotel project located at 3350 Avenue of the Arts.
BACKGROUND:
The Development Services Department collected $48,505 dollars from Rosanna Inc. to
address any and all costs incurred to prepare the required CEQA compliance documents
for the master plan amendment for the Avenue of the Arts Hotel project at 3350 Avenue
of the ArtsAll work relating to the CEQA compliance documents has been completed and
the City has received confirmation from PSomas, the environmental consultant for this
project, that their last and final invoice has been paid. A balance of $15,651.34 remains
from the applicant’s deposit and should be returned to the applicant. Council Policy 100-
1 requires any proposed refund above $15,000 requires City Council approval.
ANALYSIS:
Due to the expedited nature of this project, and in agreement with the applicant, the
Development Services Department collected funds sufficient to cover the costs of all
required and potentially required CEQA compliance technical reports and documents for
the proposed project. However, not all potential technical reports were required and a
2
positive account balance remains following completion of all work by Psomas and the
payment of their final invoice. Since no further action is necessary for the entitlement,
Development Services staff is recommending the City Council refund the remaining
balance to Rosanna Inc.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
With project-specific consultant contracts paid for by the project applicant through a City
deposit account, staff track consultant hours, invoices, and expenditures and is obligated
to return any remaining balance to the applicant. There are no other alternatives.
FISCAL REVIEW:
There is no fiscal impact related to this item since all invoices were paid against a deposit
account. The deposit funds were provided by the project applicant to cover costs related
to the Avenue of the Arts hotel project.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed this report and approves it as to form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & PRIORITIES:
This item is administrative in nature.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the remaining cash deposit in the amount of $15,651.34 be
released and refunded to Rosanna Inc.
________________________________ _________________________________
MINOO ASHABI JENNIFER LE
Principal Planner Director of Economic and Development
Services
________________________________ _________________________________
CAROL MOLINA KIMBERLY HALL BARLOW
Finance Director City Attorney
Attachment: 1. Refund Request Form
Applicant: Paul Sanford
Rosanna Inc.
3350 Avenue of the Arts
Costa Mesa, CA 92626