Agenda - Council - 01/26/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~o~ CONSENT # AUTHORIZE THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND BIDDING OF PHASE 1 CONSTRUCTION FOR 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. 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. Observations: This item was discussed in detail at a City Council work session earlier tonight and staff is looking to reaffirm or continue that discussion so this item can continue on its tight schedule. It is critical that a phase 1 construction scope is determined this evening so final design and construction can be completed to take full advantage of the grant money prior to expiration. Following is the proposed timeline to complete this project on time: Decide on phase 1 construction scope Preparation of construction documents Project bidding Initiate construction Phase 1 project construction Grant eligible items completed January 2010 February 2010 March 2010 Apri12010 May -August 2010 June 2010 Please recall that the Met Council grant only includes construction dollars; the City must provide the money for associated design and engineering. Depending on Council's direction on the ultimate phase 1 construction scope additional -funds may be requested for plan revisions. Following tonight's meeting staff will work with the consultant team on refining the project budget to determine whether additional consulting funds will be required; this item will be brought back for Council consideration in the near future.