Agenda - Council Work Session - 01/26/2010

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Topic Report: East Meandering Commons Park By: Tim Himmer, City Engineer Background: ,~'"'` 1 1 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. An RFP process was initiated on August 11, 2009 to refine this concept and develop a master plan for this park. The RFP also included preparation of construction documents so the City could take advantage of a Livable. Communities grant from the Metropolitan Council in the amount of $363,756 for the construction of an amphitheater, pedestrian bridge, and bituminous trails. This grant has been extended once in the past and these funds must be spent by June 30, 2010; this means the improvements must be in place and the funds expended in order to receive reimbursement. During the RFP process it was determined by Council that staff should advance the original concept plan and come up with options to utilize the Met Council grant money while limiting the amount of City expenditures during this early stage of Town Center development. Direction was given to negotiation with URS and Close to purchase construction ready plans for 3 projects within the Town Center; East Meandering Commons Park, amphitheater and pedestrian bridges, and Ramsey Town Center 12~' Addition. The agreement, which was approved on October 27, 2009, included the above plan sets at a cost of $22,810 and entering into contracts with URS and Close for consulting services in the amount of $10,000 each (total of $20,000) to assist staff with updates and revisions to such plans. City staff has met with the consultant team on several occasions and have developed a few options for Council consideration. These options are strictly representational and are not intended as an all or nothing proposition, but rather to give a perspective of what the park would look like under specific development scenarios. Attached are exhibits and updated cost estimates that will give the Council a visual idea of what this park will look like depending on the desired outcome and Council direction. City staff and the consultant team will be available to answer questions. Specifically important tonight is that staff receives a clear phase 1 construction parameter so final design and construction can be completed to take full advantage of the grant money prior to expiration. Items to consider when evaluating the options for phase 1 construction and the implications of only constructing the grant eligible items include: • This park will be a marketing tool for attracting development based on its quality. • The amphitheater would initially be limited with its potential use due to the aesthetics of the adjacent water/mud feature. • Existing residents and businesses within the Town Center have paid for and are expecting some park amenities and features within the development. • This park is very stable in regards to the Town Center revisioning and should be built with quality.