Agenda - Council - 10/27/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case � CONSIDER PROPOSAL FROM URS REGARDING EAST MEANDERING COMMONS PARK By; Tim Himmer, City Engineer Background; A detailed concept plan .for 'the development of East Meandering Commons Park, located within Ramsey Town Center was created by URS and Close Landscape Architecture 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. On August 11, 2009. the City Council authorized the preparation and distribution of an RFP for the selection of a consultant team that would assist in refining the existing conceptual design. At the outcome of this process City Council directed staff to suspend the RFP and negotiate with URS for the purchase of existing construction plans. Observations: A meeting was held with URS and Close Landscape Architecture to review the existing construction ' documents, determine ownership of the plans, and discuss potential costs to acquire. Negotiations ensued and URS has agreed to accept the City's offer of ten percent (10 %) of the value they have into the preparation of these plans; which include East Meandering Commons Park, amphitheater and pedestrian bridges, ` and Ramsey Town Center 12`" Addition. In exchange for this agreement they request the opportunity to contract with the City on future RFP's, and to work with the City on any proposed revisions to the plans purchased above (based upon Council direction), Attached is a copy of an e-mail correspondence related to the terms of this agreement; the document is in the process of being drafted and will be reviewed by staff and the City Attorney. The proposed schedule for this project is on a very tight timeline as the City has received a Livable Communities grant. from the Metropolitan Council in the amount of $363,756 for construction of an amphitheater, pedestrian bridge, and trails within this park space. This grant will expire on June 30, 2010 and only includes project hard costs (construction dollars), with the City covering, the soft costs (design). The actual construction of the overall park plan will most likely occur in phases as development occurs and funds become available. Staff is focusing the initial phase 1 construction component to include the elements of the Met Council grant (amphitheater and pedestrian connections), and storm water management, but the specific scope and budget will be realized through Council direction. Funding: Financing for these plans and consulting services are proposed to come from park payment obligations that were collected' as part'of the original RTC park agreement. Additional funding sources that could be utilized include park dedication and potentially the storm water utility, Recommendation: Staff recommends entering into a, professional services agreement with URS and Close Landscape Architecture to purchase the construction documents referenced above in the amount of $22,810, and to authorize additional consulting services for potential revisions to these plan (as directed by Council) in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for each entity ($20,OQO total),