Agenda - Council - 01/22/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I MEMORANDUM -276- TO: Park and Recreation Commission CC: Jim Norman, City Administrator Dean Kapler, Public Works Director Diana Lund, Finance Officer FROM: Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Supervisor SUBJECT: Master Trail Plan Recommendations Earlier this year, Ci[y Council authorized the Park and Recreation Commission to invite Requests for Proposals (RFP) for trail planning services. This was intended to be a comprehensive approach and detailed trail plan, which was also to be used as a tool for grant applications. A project budget and procedure was not discussed at the time of RFP approval. RFP's for Master Trail Planning Services were mailed directly to four Consulting firms, specializing in Trail Planning and Design, as well as in natural resource protection. One of these firms declined due to workload concerns, and a fifth firm inquired, but did not submit a proposal. LH]3 Engineers and Architects, URS Corporation, and SRF Consulting Group, Inc. delivered proposals before the November 6th, 2001 submission date. On November 15, 2001 the Park and Recreation Commission discussed the project and directed that staff research the feasibility of a City Council/Commission Workshop to discuss selection of a firm and funding for ttxe project. Upon further review of the issue, staff is recommending that the Commission proceed directly with a request ~or Council authorization of the Master Plan. To expedite this process, staff has examined the proposals, spoke with the consulting firm's staff and contacted references (at the request of the Commission). Staff is recommending that LHB Enaineers and ArchiteCts be selected as the firm to perform the trail planning services. Each of the three firms appears to be qualified to perform the work, and all indicated that their fees could be adjusted dependant on the scope of the work. LHB however, included the most Ramsey specific information and feedback in their proposal. Additionally, LI-tB was the only firm to respond specifically to the Scope of Work portion of the RFP - where suggested refinements to the table of contents were asked for LHB also lists community participation, funding, and political support as key elements of the project approach. Further, not only does their proposal identify pursuing grants as "integral with the Master Trail Plan process," the others did not include grant-making in the Scope of I i I I I I I I I I ! ! I I I I