Title
Resolution to Approve an Agreement with SmithGroup, Inc. to Conduct Public Engagement, Develop Potential Building Concepts and Evaluate Feasibility of the Property Located at 350 South Fifth (Commonly Referred to as the Y-Lot) and Appropriate Related Funds ($75,000.00) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
The property presents unique challenges that need to be addressed prior to being considered for development. As proposed, the City will contract with SmithGroup, Inc. and their team to conduct a short series of creative public engagement opportunities to seek community and stakeholder feedback on the design concepts of the site.
Public input opportunities will seek to reach a broad and equitable spectrum of the community. They should engage the public in a manner that allows them to understand the possible options and outcomes of each location.
On May 1, 2018 City Council approved resolution R-18-173 directing staff to evaluate the Y-Lot based on a set of priority criteria.
To facilitate the process city staff collaborated with the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED), the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the Ann Arbor Housing Commission (AAHC), and the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA), each identifying $25,000.00 in funding to cover the project costs.
A Request for Proposal (RFP #19-07) was advertised on the Michigan Inter-governmental Trade Network as well as the City’s Purchasing website. The City received four proposals, all of which were scored by a team with representation from each entity involved. Initial scoring did not identify a clear separation between the proposals so all four submitters were interviewed by the team. After the interviews were complete, SmithGroup, Inc. was unanimously selected by the team.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The estimated cost of the service is $73,500.00. Staff is recommending not to exceed amount of $75,000.00, $50,000.00 of which will be reimbursed to the City from the DDA and AAATA.
Staff
Prepared by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, City Council has directed staff to investigate the development options of the former Y-Lot;
Whereas, Such investigation necessitates specialized skill sets provided by SmithGroup, Inc. and their partners;
Whereas, The City issued Request for Proposal #19-07 assistance in public engagement, concept development and pro-forma evaluation and four firms responded;
Whereas, The cost of the activities will be absorbed equally by the City, the AATA, and the DDA; and
Whereas, SmithGroup, Inc., signed a declaration of compliance with the City’s Living Wage and Non-Discrimination Ordinances on February 26, 2019;
RESOLVED, That the City Council approve the attached agreement with SmithGroup, Inc. related to the Y-Lot in the amount not to exceed $75,000.00;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said agreement after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney;
RESOLVED, That the City Council appropriate $75,000.00 in funds from the FY20 general fund balance and increase the FY20 Planning general fund expenditure budget in the amount of ($75,000.00);
RESOLVED, That the amounts authorized herein may be used without regard to fiscal year; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution including execution of any authorized renewals and any changes or amendments that do not exceed the authorized amount.