Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Approving a Services Agreement with the Sports Facilities Companies for Site Optimization Study and Conceptual Design of Community Park-42 North
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the agreement for site optimization and conceptual design of approximate 40 acres of land dedicated by Merced Union High School District, referred to as Community Park 42 North, to be designed in conjunction with Community Park-42 South as part of Merced’s Regional Sports Complex for the amount not to exceed $133,730.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Services agreement with the Sports Facilities Companies, Inc., in a not to exceed amount of $133,730 for optimization study and conceptual design of Community Park-42 North; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by City Council; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
4. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200 et seq.
Charter of the City of Merced, Article XI, Section 1111-Competitive bidding, and Merced Municipal Code Chapter 3.04, Article III - the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment, and contractual services of an estimated value greater than thirty-eight thousand dollars ($38,000.00), the "contract threshold," shall be made by the purchasing supervisor by written contract with the lowest responsible bidder.
California Government Code Section 4526 - Selection of a firm to perform engineering services shall be on the basis of demonstrated competence and on the professional qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2024-2025 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
MOU with Merced County, Merced Union High School District, and Merced County Office of Education
In early 2022 the City of Merced, Merced Union High School District, and Merced County officials began conversations about the dedication of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding towards the development of a regional sports complex to serve both local and regional recreation, school, and competitive sporting events. The City had obligated approximately $11,000,000 in ARPA, local park reserve, and grant funding towards the development of Community Park-42 South and was generating interest from both Merced County and Merced Union High School District in the potential dedication of approximately 40 acres north to the regional sports complex project.
In early 2024, Merced County, Merced Union High School District, Merced County Office of Education and the City of Merced entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which obligated $1.5 million of County ARPA funds towards the planning, annexation and optimization study of the approximate 40 acres north of CP-42 South, owned by Merced Union High School District, towards the Merced Regional Sports Complex project. As part of the MOU, the City of Merced committed to oversee the annexation, planning, and feasibility study of the approximate 40 acres dedicated to the project, utilizing the ARPA funding allocated from Merced County.
Request For Proposals Released for Optimization Study and Conceptual Design of Community Park 42- North
The City released a request for proposals in early fall 2024. The City received several proposals which were reviewed, scored, and rated by members of City Administration, Parks & Community Services, Public Works, Merced County, and Merced Union High School District. The proposals received are listed below in order of their ranking:
1. The Sports Facilities Companies
2. Verde Design, Inc.
3. Melton Design Group
4. Westwood Engineering
Proposed Project Overview
The Sports Facilities Companies provided a thorough proposal starting with a “Concept to Concrete” project platform consisting of various phases including market analysis of existing recreational facility use, potential facility use, gap analysis and optimization evaluation concluded by facility programming options for consideration by parties within the MOU (City, County, MUHSD, MCOE). In addition, the City has elected to add options offered by The Sports Facilities Companies including an opinion of cost estimates by phase of construction and a forward facing webpage to publicize progress on the project. The work is anticipated to be concluded by June of 2025.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding is available within project CP250062-Community Park 42 North to cover this expense.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Service Agreement- The Sports Facilities Company
2. Exhibit A- Scope of Work
3. Exhibit B- Fee Schedule