Agenda - Council - 05/31/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The City is currently working with Landform for development management services for The COR. There is also some synergy in utilizing the services of this consultant as it relates to the current relationship with the City. There are certain perceived and potential conflicts when working on review of projects within The COR. Landform has agreed that it would not review projects within The COR. It is anticipated that a large portion of development within the community will occur within The COR for the next several years. This would reduce the number of projects assignable to Landform. However, much of the early assistance will come in the form of ordinance updates. The project manager for Landform for this project is identified as Kendra Lindahl at a rate of $78. This is a special rate due to the existing relationship Landform has with the City. It's anticipated that this rate may not always be sustained beyond the two (2) year proposed contract, but does present some cost savings in the short term. Likewise, as all three (3) firms are agreeable to a two (2) year contract at the proposed rate, none of the three (3) firms are guaranteeing that the proposed rate will remain beyond two (2) years. It appears that Ms. Lindahl's standard rate is $115. Based on review of MFRA's response and subsequent presentations, MFRA would provide a great deal of technical expertise and presented various examples of illustrations that could be utilized to assist in visualizing the zoning text. It appears that MFRA's demonstration of developing a zoning ordinance with simple illustrations was well received by the City Council. The project manager for MFRA would be Ben Gozola at a rate of $110 per hour. The City would need to balance a higher cost for a potential return by streamlining other administrative processes. Staff was very impressed with the quality of the product presented by MFRA. However, as Staff reviewed budgetary concerns, Staff felt prudent to manage the cost over the long term to maximize efficiencies and reduce actual cost. The City has been exploring developing a more user friendly zoning ordinance as well as a streamlined and easily understandable review process. In terms of a reformatting of the zoning ordinance to include illustrations, the Senior Planner has an educational background in mapping software, including GIS. Many of the simple illustrations that would be used for the general residential districts could be accomplished fairly cost effectively in-house either with existing software or minor additional purchases, including several free packages. This could be used in conjunction with graphic design capabilities of either of the consultants. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council approve a contract with Bonestroo for consultant planning services. Staff is recommending a two (2) year contract with expiration occuring on or around May 31, 2013. This timeframe would coincide with Board and Commission appointment timeframe. Funding Source: Funding for consulting services was approved as part of the restructuring of the Community Development Department. Council Action: Motion to approve a contract with Bonestroo for consultant Planning Services and direct staff to prepare and execute a two-year contract for services, subject to review by the City Attorney as to legal form. RFP Bonestroo Response Landform Response MFRA Response Response Scoring Matrix Interview Scoring Matrix Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Aaron Backman Aaron Backman 05/26/2011 12:06 PM