Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/10/2009

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o!u/m;J ~E# CONSIDER AUTHORIZING A RESOLUTION FOR THE PREP ARA TION AND DISTRIBUTION OF A REQUEST FOR QUALIFIACTIONS/PROPOSAL (RFQ/P) FOR DEVELOPMENT OF EAST TOWN CENTER PARK By: Tim Himmer, City Engineer Background: A detailed concept plan for the development of East Town Center Park located within Ramsey Town Center was created during the visioning process for the Town Center. The plan was developed through a collaborative process and much work was put into it by various groups. It is staff's intention to request qualifications/proposals from select consultants to secure a project team that can assist with taking the existing concept plan to final design over a phased schedule. The City has received a grant in the amount of $360,000 from the Metropolitan Council for construction of an amphitheater within this park space, which is set to expire on June 30, 2010. This grant is only for construction costs (does not include engineering and plan preparation), and must be spent by this date or the funds will be lost. Engineering staff is currently working on the necessary infrastructure to support development of this park, but we are looking for more specialized assistance in certain areas. Observations: The RFQ/P will include working with staff to refine the existing conceptual design and create a master plan through various open processes (commissions, committees, etc.), creation of a project phasing plan and associated budgets, and assistance with preparation of construction documents. The proposed timeline for this RFQ/P process is as follows: Authorization of RFQ/P preparation August 11, 2009 Completion of RFQ/P and distribution September 1, 2009 Accept RFQ/P for staff review September 15,2009 Award RFQ/P September 22, 2009 Open processes for collecting input October 2009 - November 2009 Decision on master plan and phasing December 2009 Preparation of construction documents January 2010 - February 2010 Authorization to bid & bidding project March 2010 Initiate construction April 2010 Phase 1 project completion June 2010 This is a pretty aggressive schedule but staff wanted to honor the work that has already gone into creation of the existing plan, and allow for public and stakeholder pmiicipation in the process. The actual construction of the overall park plan will most likely occur in phases as development occurs and funds become available. Staff is primarily focusing the initial construction component to include the amphitheater and associated improvements to support it.