Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	Lawrence City Commission
FROM:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
CC:	Bruce Flanders, Library Director
Date:	November 15, 2010
RE:	Library Expansion/Renovation Architectural Services

Please place the following item on the agenda for the December 7, 2010 City Commission meeting:

Authorize City Manager and a contract negotiation team to negotiate a contract for architectural services

with Gould Evans Associates for the library expansion and renovation project.

Background:

On March 17, 2010, the Lawrence Public Library issued a request for qualifications (RFP) for library expansion and remodeling project architectural services. The RFP outlined the library’s interest in retaining a Project Architect, with initial services limited to the development of an early concept design in support of referendum development. Three local architectural firm responses were received, and on April 8, 2010 City staff, two City Commissioners, Library Board members and Library staff conducted interviews. Gould Evans Associates was selected on the basis of their RFP response and the interviews. 

Given the successful outcome of the November 2, 2010 library referendum, the City, in consultation with the Library Board and Library staff, now plans to enter into a contract with Gould Evan Associates, which would continue its role as Project Architect for the development of design and construction plans and documentation, and to negotiate the scope of services and appropriate compensation with this firm.

Contract Negotiation Team and Timeline: 

We suggest that the contract negotiation team be chaired by the City Manager, and that the following, additional team members be included: Vice-Mayor Aron Cromwell, a City of Lawrence Legal Services staff member, Library Board member Deborah Thompson, and the Library Director. We propose a deadline for development of the architectural design services contract of Friday, December 17, 2010, in order to provide time for contract review and approval by the Library Board of Trustees at their December 20, 2010 meeting, then review and approval by the City Commission at its January 4, 2011 meeting.

Bond Resolution:

A draft bond resolution authorizing the $18 million project has been prepared and will be considered by the City Commission concurrent with the proposed contract.