Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Kristi Aday, Assistant City Manager
Contact Info
(830) 221-4285 - KAday@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Discuss and consider approval of a contract with Freese and Nichols for professional engineering services in development of the Comal River Improvements Project.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Last year, the City solicited Statements of Qualifications from qualified professional firms interested in providing preliminary design services for the Comal River Improvements Project. Five responses were received from:
• Bid Red Dog
• Freese and Nichols
• Mask Landscape Architecture
• Merrick & Company
• Tetra Tech
An evaluation team consisting of the Assistant City Manager, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director, Capital Programs Manager, City Engineer, River Manager and the Chair of the River Advisory Committee met to evaluate the firms and proposals on qualifications, capability, capacity, similar project experience and references, and their proposed work program. Following initial scoring, the group invited three finalists for an interview and presentation: Freese and Nichols, Merrick and Company, and Tetra Tech. Of the six evaluation panel members, Freese and Nichols was the first choice of five evaluators. Therefore, staff proceeded to develop a scope and plan with Freese and Nichols.
The scope of work for this project involves two phases. The first phase will address the preliminary engineering portion of the project - site investigation and analysis. The consultants will perform a comprehensive review of the Comal River’s public facilities, with a focus on the structural integrity of all the infrastructure. The areas included are shown in the map in the proposal, but generally include the Last Public Exit, Hinman Island, Prince Solms Park, the Tube Chute, “Stinky Falls,” and the city-owned Mill Street property. A prioritization of any recommended high priority immediate repairs will be provided, along with the overall condition assessment.
The second phase will focus on public input and developing the ultimate vision. The public participation component is key to this project, and will include community meetings, focus groups and committee/stakeholder meetings. The participation component will help us determine what the stakeholders’ interests are in improvements to the public facilities. Having the analysis portion complete first, will help inform the discussion on what may or may not be possible.
The culmination of the two phases will result in a conceptual design with an initial emphasis on any structural and safety repairs, then any enhancements resulting from the public participation process. Included in this proposal are additional proposed services to provide an opinion of probable cost of construction and a planning meeting should we decide to move forward with final design and construction. The amount included is an estimate, as the final cost of this will be dependent on the ultimate design. It is staff’s recommendation that we proceed with the additional services.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
|
X |
Yes |
City Plan/Council Priority: |
Strategic Plan: Infrastructure - 6. Develop and maintain a comprehensive program for water issues. |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The FY 2016-17 Hotel/Motel Tax Fund Budget includes $250,000 for this project. The proposed cost for this contract is $216,000. Therefore, sufficient funds are available to award the contract as described above. A portion of the work will likely occur next fiscal year; therefore, adequate funding to support this effort will be incorporated into the development of the FY 2017-18 Hotel/Motel Proposed Budget.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of a contract with Freese and Nichols for professional engineering services in development of the Comal River Project.