Agenda - Council - 06/25/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I _- Resources for ~evelopme/~t~ !/~¢, I June 19, 2002 James E. Norman City Administrator City of Ramsey 15153 Nowthen Blvd. N.W. Ramsey, MtN 55303 RE: SELECTION OF CONSULTANT FOR DOWNTOWN CENTER Dear Jim, I I I It is my understanding that the City Council previously approved contracting with Associated Retail Consulting to evaluate the market feasibility of the Downtown Center site. The approval was subject to an approved budget cap and further evaluation of the consultants by staff. During the evaluation phase we obtained additional interest from another qualified vendor called the McComb Group, Ltd. and requested that they submit a proposal for consideration by the city. After receipt of the proposals and investigation into the capabilities of both consultants, we recommend that the City of Ramsey engage the services of the McComb Group to undertake the project. We have several reasons for making this recommendation. 1. Savings to City. The base budget for the McComb Group proposal is $21,600 in comparison to a $25,000 budget with ARC. Expenses with McComb are estimated to be $2,800. Expenses with ARC are estimated to be $1,500. McComb's base budget provides a savings to the City of $3,400. 2. Profesaionat Experience. The McComb Group appears to have the edge when it comes to the type of experience that this project requires. The McComb Group has a long history in the Twin City marketplace with the founding of the company in 1974. Prior to the formation of the company, Mr. McComb was a member of the corporate staff of Dayton Hudson Corporation. 3. Project Experience. In August of 2001, the McComb Group was engaged by the City of St. Michael to undertake a retail market analysis for a project known as Town Center. The results of the study were provided to us for evaluation. When we requested similar information from ARC, they had difficulty providing us with a sample of their work that would fulfill the needs of the Town Center Project in Ramsey. Having the project completed by a professional with prior experience relevant to this type of project should result in a high quality report that will be meaningful to both the City and the retail sector. I will be happy to meet with you and the City Council regarding my recommendation. If you have any immediate questions feel free to contact me at 780-7900. Best regards, Michael J. Mulrooney Development Consultant I I I Development and Finance Experts -356- CORPOE~AI'E OFFICES: 8960 Springbroo~< Dr., Ste. 230 Minneapolis, MN 55433 Phone: (763) 780-7900 Fax: (763) 786-6606 P.O. Box 3027 Mankato, kiN 561202-3027 Phone: (507)387-7117 Fax: (507) 387-6115 I I