06-09-08 Special Called Meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors

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REQUEST FOR LPEDC BOARD AGENDA ITEM Bude:et Requested By: Source of Funds: EDC Department: Account Number: 038603056550.07 Report: Resolution: Ordinance: Amount Budgeted: $0 Exhibits: Amount Requested: $125.000 SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION The City Manager and staff have completed the review of the RFP submittals for the City- Wide Economic Development Strategic Plan. We have attached a summary sheet of the firms along with the prices submitted and the original criteria (RFP) requested along with the top three overall respondents as recommended by the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee consisted of the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Economic Development Coordinator, Planning Director, and Finance Director. We also asked that the Economic Alliance provide us with their thoughts on the firms as they will be in charge of the preliminary meetings as part of their deliverables to the City. The firm ranking from the Committee was in order of overall preference as a group was: Avalanche Consulting, TEEX, Stedman and Associates, Urban Initiatives, and SPPRE. In making their determination the Committee emphasized, knowledge of the area, similar studies completed, and overall understanding of what we were seeking as the most important factors in their recommendation. Price, while important, was not the deciding factor and the prices from all the firms, except SPPRE, were very close to the industry average for similar plans and/or scopes of work. The Committee has recommended that we interview the top firm, Avalanche Consulting and determine if they are indeed the right fit for us. We can also have the firm make a presentation to the Board if you would like them to do so. In either event, so that we can move forward, with either Avalanche or another selection from the submittals, we'd like to ask that the Board approve the budget adjustment. The budget adjustment would not to exceed $125,000 for the hiring of a firm and for any additional expenses related to the meetings that will be necessary throughout the next 9 to 12 months along with any other materials and supplies. Action Reauired bv the Board: Approve the recommended budget adjustment for the hiring of a firm for the completion of a City-Wide Economic Development Plan in an amount not to exceed $125,000 for fees and for any costs associated with necessary meetings, materials and supplies.