Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

 

TO:

Mike Wildgen

 

FROM:

Charles Soules

 

CC:

Dave Corliss, Debbie Van Saun

 

Date:

June 14, 2005 Consent Agenda Item

 

RE:

Wakarusa Service Center Site Development

 

 

Please include the following item on the City Commission consent agenda for consideration at the June 14, 2005 meeting:

Project History.  The city owns the 40-acre tract of property that houses the Clinton Water Treatment Plan, the city western fueling station and salt dome, and future site of Fire & Medical Station #4.  The property is located on the west side of Wakarusa between 15th and 23rd Streets.  The remainder of the property has been planned for years to provide a centralized Public Works center and park facility. 

 

Project Status.  Proposals for the development of a master plan was received from various consulting firms including, Bucher, Willis & Ratliff - $78,280; Shaughnessy, Fickel and Scott - $169,900; TranSystems - $149,124; BG Consultants - $80,000; GBA – did not provide; and Shafer, Kline & Warren - $166,940.  Staff, including Utilities, Parks and Recreation, Fire and Medical, and Public Works, selected three firms to interview.  The firms included Bucher, Willis & Ratliff (BWR), TranSystems, and Schaunessy Fickel and Scott Architects Inc.

 

Firms were evaluated based on the following criteria: 

 

Commitment of staff

Firm’s knowledge of project procedures

Ability to perform within timeframe

Firm’s consideration of project problems/issues

Past performance

Thoroughness of presentation

Previous experience w/similar work

Communication issues

Work commitment that could limit performance

Ability to work with public

Accessibility of firm’s office

Professionalism, comfort level w/ firm

Firm’s familiarity with project area

Overhead costs

 

 

 

Project Details.  The project includes a master plan for the entire site including:  Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Utilities (which will incorporate Black & Veatch plan), and Fire and Medical.

 

In addition: 

1)     Traffic Impact Study for site build-out.

2)     Space needs analysis will look at our operations for efficiency and provide an analysis on current and future staffing levels, equipment and vehicle inventories, and future needs of the site/facility.

3)     West 40 comprehensive drainage study and plan.

4)     Site survey.

5)     Environmental Assessment (Phase I)

o        The City will want an assessment prior to building on the site to identify any problems/issues.

o        Since an old landfill was located on the site, KDHE may require an assessment prior to developing.

o        Any potential discussion with Transit, since they receive Federal money, will require an assessment.

 

Finally, the project includes several public meetings with the neighborhoods, City Commission, and Planning Commission.  The project also includes several meetings with all City departments to look at the highest and best use of the site.  This includes working closely with Parks and Recreation and coming up with a plan for a park facility that preserves the exceptional views of the western expanse of the City brought by the high elevation of the site.

 

Project Funding.  There are existing funds in the Capital Projects Fund 400 that have been earmarked for this project.

 

Recommendation.  We are recommending proceeding with Bucher, Willis & Ratliff.  BWR provided the most experienced team encompassing the services we desired.  Additionally, they had the best understanding of the project, a very thorough work plan, and extensive experience in facilities and land use planning.  They will also use a local firm, Peridian Group, Inc, to provide surveying services.  All firms provided a cost estimate and BWR was one of the lower costs.

 

Action Request.  Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Bucher, Willis & Ratliff for development of the Wakarusa Service Center Master Plan in an amount of $78,280.

 

 

 

Attachment:  Proposed Wakarusa Service Center