TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: BRAD JOHNSON, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
DATE: APRIL 28, 2026
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH GALVIN PRESERVATION ASSOCIATES FOR THE FOOTHILL COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL MASTER PLAN PROJECT (FUNDING SOURCE: APPLICANT - FOOTHILL COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL)
Body
SUMMARY
Foothill Country Day School has submitted a Master Plan application for improvements to its campus at 1035 West Harrison Avenue. The proposal includes the construction of new academic buildings and various additional campus improvements, resulting in an increase in the approved enrollment from 360 students to 396 students in grades K-8 and from 84 children to 100 children in pre-school (Seedling School), for a total proposed enrollment of 496 students. The project would also increase the number of employees from 106 to 110.
As part of the City’s review of this project, an environmental review is required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Staff has completed a selection process to hire a professional consultant and recommends entering into an agreement with Galvin Preservation Associates (GPA) to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and related technical studies on behalf of the City.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Galvin Preservation Associates in the amount of $463,796 to provide environmental review services for the Foothill Country Day School Master Plan project at 1035 West Harrison Avenue, and to approve a ten percent contingency of $46,380, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $510,176.
Body
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Continue the matter for additional information or discussion.
B. Do not approve the proposed agreement with Galvin Preservation Associates and provide staff with direction on proceeding with the Foothill Country Day School project at 1035 West Harrison Avenue.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The total cost of the agreement is $463,796, with a ten percent contingency of $46,380, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $510,176. The applicant will be responsible for the full contract amount and for the staff costs required to administer the contract.
The staff cost to prepare this report and administer this contract is estimated at $500 and is included in the operating budget of the Community Development Department.
ANALYSIS
The Foothill Country Day School campus is located at 1035 West Harrison Avenue on a 6.1-acre property. The school has been in operation on this site since 1956, when the property was within an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County. The school currently operates a private elementary and middle school (grades K-8) with a pre-school program (Seedling School). A previous Environmental Impact Report was prepared for the School’s Master Plan in 1995, and an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared for a Conditional Use Permit to support a school expansion in 2007.
The current Master Plan proposal would increase the approved enrollment from 360 students in grades K-8 to 396 students, and from 84 children in the Seedling School to 100 children, for a total proposed enrollment of 496 students. The project would also increase the number of employees from 106 to 110. Additionally, the school proposes to incorporate two adjacent residential properties into the campus, increasing the site area by 14,692 square feet. The proposal includes the construction of new academic buildings and various campus improvements, including open spaces such as play yards, landscaped quadrangles, courtyards, as well as re-organization of parking and vehicle queuing.
Based on a review of previous environmental documentation, public comments, and communication with both the City of Claremont and the City of Pomona, traffic-related issues have persisted at least since the school expansion around the early 2000s. Given this history and the scope of the proposed expansion, the City has determined, in coordination with GPA, that an Environmental Impact Report is the appropriate level of CEQA documentation.
To address the CEQA requirements, GPA’s scope of work includes:
• Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
• Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Impact Assessment
• Cultural Resources Technical Report and staff support for Native American consultation
• Biological Resources Assessment
• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
• Historic Resources Technical Report
• Noise and Groundborne Vibration Impact Assessment
• Traffic Studies, including VMT Assessment, LOS Assessment, Access and Circulation Assessment, and Neighborhood Safety Assessment
• Optional technical studies, including Special Event Analysis and Findings/Statement of Overriding Considerations
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities, General Plan, and the 2024-26 Budget.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Brad Johnson Alex Cousins
Community Development Director Senior Management Analyst
Attachment:
Galvin Preservation Associates Proposal