Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 09/03/2015

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(+) ACG is the City's preferred economic development consultant (authorized in 2012, to be used on an hourly basis as needed) (+) staff is confident ACG pricing is reasonable (+) ACG will be able to "jump in" this project quickly (they are up to speed now) (-) not to exceed 170 hours, notable cost (-) City could consider an RFP or RFQ process, could potentially decided to chose a different consultant Complete a RFQ or RFP process Staff would like to emphasize, this route would likely delay this work by about 60 days. From a timing perspective, allow ACG to start this work now would work well (when considering next steps). Other qualified consultants do exist. The City may be able to save money by pursing this route. From legal perspective, RFQ (qualifications) or RFP (proposals) is not required in this scenario; as this work is considered "professional services." If the City was completing in improvement project exceeding $100,000, it would need to comply with State Statute related to "bid -law." This route would require additional internal Staff time to complete. Complete Analysis Internally Existing workloads in the City's Economic Development Department do not permit this work to be completed in the near future. Likely, this work would take about six months. Additionally, Staff believes the quality of information/ reporting from a third party consultant will exceed the ability of Staff. This route would save the City a significant amount of money. Funding Source: EDA Miscellaneous Professional Services Account (about $30,000 available in 2015 from the adopted EDA budget). Remainder, if needed, could come from 2016 EDA budget. Recommendation: Staff believes this work will put the City Council and EDA in a strong position to make decisions and have an in-depth policy discussion (i.e. Step #5 of the attached process). This information will not only be helpful now, but will be important in the future as we evaluate our new business park, and as we receive inquires/ questions from the public/ businesses/ new agencies/ etc. Staff believes ACG is uniquely qualified to complete this work. This work fits within the City's 2015 EDA adopted budget (Miscellaneous Professional Services Account). The purpose of this account is this exact type of work. The City's future business park is a priority in both the EDA and City Council's work/strategic plans. On 08/25, the Council informally indicated they generally support the EDA completing this type analysis (no details were provided to the Council at that time). Authorizing this work now with ACG, from a timing perspective, helps this project continue to move forward as efficiently as possible. Action: Motion to: Authorize the ACG to complete the work outlined in the attached proposal, not to exceed 170 hours. Economic Development Analysis (purpose of case) Background Process and Project Steps Infrastructure Analysis (Summary) Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Kurt Ulrich Kurt Ulrich 08/31/2015 03:37 PM Form Started By: Patrick Brama Started On: 08/31/2015 02:14 PM Final Approval Date: 08/31/2015