Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

To:	David Corliss City Manager
From:	Megan Gilliland
cc:	Diane Stoddard Cynthia Wagner Jonathan Douglass
Date:	July 8, 2010
Re:	Schematic Design for Exhibit at Carnegie

Background

As the Carnegie Library Renovation project nears completion, Destination Management, Inc. (DMI) has begun the process to establish a museum-quality historical exhibit at the Carnegie Library that features the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area.  A committee from the DMI Board and local city representatives met and interviewed three qualified interpretive design firms and chose Eisterhold Associates, Inc. from Kansas City, Missouri for interpretive planning and design services.  The DMI Board reviewed the committee’s recommendation and has approved the selection of Eisterhold Associates, Inc. 

Funding for the exhibit is provided through the Transient Guest Tax (TGT).  In 2009, the TGT was increased to 6% in 2009; the projected increase in funding has been allocated in part for renovations at the Carnegie Library and to provide funds for an exhibit at the facility.  Since the funding for this exhibit is provide through the TGT, the City needs to be the signing authority on the Letter of Agreement with Eisterhold Associates, Inc.  A total of $50,000 has been negotiated as the cost for the Schematic Design Phase of the project.

A cover letter from DMI President and CEO Judy Billings is attached as well as a letter of agreement between the City and Eisterhold Associates, Inc.  A Scope of Work for the schematic design process is attached.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the City Commission authorize the City Manager to execute the Letter of Agreement with Eisterhold Associates, Inc. for interpretive planning and design services not to exceed $50,000 for the Schematic Design Phase of the project.