2001-04-09 Regular Meeting and Public Hearings

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. e RE UEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Agenda Date Requested: April 9, 2001 ~~ Stephen L. Barr Parks 8c Recreatw Appropriation Requested By: Source of Funds: Fund 015 Department: Account Number: 01s..9892-812 Re rt: I i n' Ordina c' X Amount Budgeted: $50,000 Exhibits: Ordinance No. 2001- Amount Requested: $45,000 Exhibits: Ae:reement Budgeted Item: YES X NO Exhibits: SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION Funds are available in the amount of $50,000, for development of a Parks System Master Plan for the City of La Porte. The Plan, when finished, will provide a guide for future park facilities for the next fifteen to twenty years. A committee of staff members have reviewed the qualifications of Halff Associates, and reviewed other park master plan projects completed by the firm for other Texas cities. This consulting/engineering firm appears to possess sufficient knowledge and expertise to develop a Park System Master Plan for the City of La Porte, Halff Associates is a Texas-based firm that was founded in 1950, Halff Associates have completed park master plans for many communities, including the cites of Cedar Hill, McAlle~ Belto~ and Harlingen. They are currently working on Parks Master Plans for the City of Bryan as well as a master plan update for the City of Missouri City. Attached is an Agreement for Professional Services. The fee basis is time and materials not to exceed $45,000 for the project, This fee is in-line with fees for other projects of this scope, The project is expected to be completed within 180 days after execution, including staff review time. The firm plans to consult with staff, Counci~ special interest groups such as the La Porte youth sporting associations, as well as the public, to gather input for the Plan. Upon completion the Parks System Master Plan will be submitted to City Council for approval. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requires a Council approved Park Master Plan as a part of its eligibility criteria for receipt of grants, The completed plan can be used to apply for park grants from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the federal Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Program, and other sources of funding for future park development for the City of La Porte. Action Required bv Council: Consider approval of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement for Professional Services with Halff Associates, Inc. for development of a Parks System Master Plan, and authorizing $45,000 to fund said Agreement, If /'/0/ Date { I