Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Builderscape, Inc. for the West Franklinton Parks Project. The contract amount is $1,306,240.50, with a contingency of $129,759.50, for a total of $1,436,000.00. An additional $2,000.00 is being authorized for interdepartmental inspections and fees for a total of $1,438,000.00 being authorized by this ordinance.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Land Plan shows that West Franklinton is the most underserved community in Columbus for parks and recreation facilities per capita. A mere 10.8 acres of parkland exists in an inner city community of over 9,000 residents. To address some of this need, this project will install selected recreation improvements for the medians. These areas comprise almost 6.5 acres of public greenspace. Over 6,000 residents live adjacent to or within a short walk from the designated medians.
Since 2017, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has been collaborating with the Department of Development and engaging with the Franklinton community on the potential of activating these greenspaces. This project will enhance these medians by providing additional walking paths, shelters, and perimeter controls. The improvements will also include playgrounds, park benches, picnic tables, and additional landscaping.
Construction is anticipated to be complete in Fall 2024.
Vendor Bid/Proposal Submissions (Office of Diversity and Inclusion designation status):
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on September 7, 2023 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on October 12, 2023. Bids were received from the following companies:
Builderscape (MAJ): $1,306,240.50
Ironsite (EBE): $1,359,926.81
After reviewing the bids that were submitted, it was determined that Builderscape, Inc. was the lowest and most responsive bidder. Builderscape, Inc. and all proposed subcontractors have met code requirements with respect to prequalification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Codes Chapter 329.
As part of their bid, Builderscape, Inc. has proposed the following vendors to fulfill the Office of Diversity and Inclusion project goal:
CAP-STONE and Associates, Inc. (WBE)
Certification of the MBE’s and WBE’s being proposed are in good standing at the time the bid is being awarded.
Principal Parties:
Builderscape, Inc.
10496 Parks Court
Marysville, Ohio 43040
Chris Matthews, (614) 889-2533
Contract Compliance Number: 000950
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: March 21, 2025
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested in order to meet the funding deadlines associated with CDBG grant funds.
Benefits to the Public: Franklinton is one of the city's most underserved communities for parks and active recreation. Providing small neighborhood-scale recreation spaces will improve community health and wellness. This wellness is achieved through outdoor play, walking, social interaction, and a sense of neighborhood pride.
Community Input/Issues: Public meetings were held in 2017 and 2018 at Franklinton Library. Additionally, Board of Trade presentations were held in 2018, 2020, and 2021, and a public open house on 5/5/2022. The community voiced a desire for maintaining passive nature of park and perimeter controls.
Area(s) Affected: Franklinton (54)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by providing quality recreational parks and paths while offering easy connectivity for Columbus residents of all ages.
Fiscal Impact: $1,438,000.00 is budgeted and available from within the CDBG-CV Fund 2248 and Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Builderscape, Inc. for the West Franklinton Parks Project; to authorize the appropriation of $400,000.00 within the CDBG-CV Fund in accordance with the City’s U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2020 Annual Action Plan as approved by Council; to authorize the expenditure of $1,438,000.00 from the CDBG-CV Fund and Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($1,438,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Builderscape, Inc. for the West Franklinton Parks Project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the appropriation of $400,000.00 within the CDBG-CV Fund 2248 and in accordance with the City’s U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2020 Annual Action Plan as approved by Council; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $1,438,000.00 from the CDBG-CV Fund 2248 and Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Builderscape, Inc. in order to meet the timeliness goals associated with the CDBG funding, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, and safety; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Builderscape, Inc. for the West Franklinton Parks Improvements Project.
SECTION 2. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 5. That the appropriation of $400,000.00 is authorized within the CDBG-CV Fund 2248 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance and in accordance with the 2020 Amended Annual Action Plan as approved by Council.
SECTION 6. For the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $1,438,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the CDBG-CV Fund 2248 and Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 in object class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 7. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof,, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.