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HomeMy WebLinkAbout15.A.1. Huber Park Design Services l5:fj, J . CITY OF SHAKOPEE MEMORANDUM CONSENT To: Mayor and City Council Mark McNeill, City Administrator From: Mark Themig, Facilities and Recreation Director Meeting Date: October 21,2003 Subject: Huber Park Design Services INTRODUCTION City Council is asked to authorize staff to issue proposals for detailed design and construction documents for Huber Park. BACKGROUND The fill process for Huber Park is continuing. As I understand, the Engineering Department estimates that we have completed 40-50% of the fill process. As you know, the fill being placed now is based entirely on a concept plan. Although the concept plan will guide the final design, there are significant design considerations that can only be addressed by going through the final design process. Some examples include: . Overall scope of the proposed development. . Exact amenities that will be included in the park (trails, landscaping, play equipment, etc.). . Design of the performance area. . Options, extent, and potential funding for riverbank stabilization. . How the Levee Drive parking lot, DNR trail, and the main park area will relate. . What final elevations are needed to accommodate the final park design. In addition to these considerations: . Shakopee Public Utilities needs detailed design information in order to proceed with planning the undergrounding of the power lines through Huber Park, and to consider the request to underground the lines where the new Levee Drive parking lot will be constructed. . The reconstruction plan for the sewer line through the park is complete, and as I understand from Mr. Loney, will likely be bid this fall for work over the winter. . Residents in the area have expressed an interest in the final Huber Park plans during the comprehensive plan update open houses. DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION Given the unique characteristics of the site and amenities identified in the master plan, I believe that it is essential to retain expert park design services in order to develop the most cost-effective plan that meets the City's goals. I am proposing that we utilize a "Request for Qualification" (RFQ) process where an evaluation team comprised of staff, a representative of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and other community members would evaluate proposals. There is no direct cost to the City (other than staff, time, printing, and postage) to issue and review the RFQ. If Council approves of issuing an RFQ and would like to designate representation on the review panel, please advise. Also, although the concept plan will guide the final plan, I would anticipate that the design process would warrant public involvement. BUDGET IMPACT As part of the revised Capital Improvement Program presented to Council at your August 28th workshop, I indicated that the CIP should be revised to provide $40,000 for the design of Huber Park yet this year in order to address the final grade and final design issues. However, until we go through the proposal process, it's difficult to estimate what the design costs actually would be. Funding would come from the Park Reserve fund, which currently has approximately $2.8 million. REQUESTED ACTION Offer a motion to approve City officials to develop and issue a Request For Qualification for Huber Park design services. Ma~~~~ Facilities and Recreation Director