Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to modify an existing contract with REALM Collaborative, LLC to provide professional services associated with the Busch Ball Diamond Improvements Project. The modification amount being authorized by this ordinance is $13,443.44, with a contingency of $1,556.56, for a total of $15,000.00
This request is for a second modification to the design contract for the Busch Ball Diamond Improvements Project. The original contract was authorized under Ordinance 2486-2024 and was later modified by Ordinance 1273-2025 to expand the project scope to include two additional ball diamonds. This second modification will provide funding for construction-related professional services needed during project implementation.
Busch Park, located on the northwest side of Columbus, is a popular destination for youth and adult baseball and softball programs. The park includes eight ball diamonds. The planned improvements will focus on ball diamonds 1, 2, 3, and 4 by including new artificial turf playing surfaces, upgraded fencing, and improvements to player areas. These upgrades will increase field durability, reduce maintenance needs, and allow the fields to remain playable for longer periods throughout the year by reducing weather-related closures. The project will create a better experience for residents, athletes, and visitors while increasing opportunities for events. The improvements will support sports programs for all ages, accommodate increased use of the facility, and help position the park to host larger events. Overall, the project will provide a modernized recreational facility that will serve the community for years to come.
Amount of Additional Funds: $15,000.00
Why Additional Services Were Not Foreseen: Additional professional services are required during construction to address project needs identified after completion of the original design work. This modification will provide the support necessary to successfully complete the project.
Why It Is Not In The Best Interest For The City To Award Additional Services Through Another Procurement Process: The additional services are directly related to work already completed by the current consultant. Hiring a new consultant would require additional time to review the project, recreate work that has already been completed, and become familiar with the project requirements. This would increase costs and delay construction. Continuing with the current consultant is the most efficient and cost-effective approach, keeping the project on schedule.
How The Price For The Additional Services Was Determined: The hourly rates previously established in the original contract were used as a basis for the additional services.
Principal Parties:
REALM Collaborative, LLC
100 East Broad Street Suite 1710
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Carmine Russo, (330) 324-3739
Contract Compliance Number: 021146
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: April 3, 2027
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested in order to ensure the project remains on schedule and is completed by April 2027 in preparation for scheduling commitments of the baseball and softball seasons.
Benefits to the Public: This project will enhance baseball and softball facilities, expanding recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. The improvements will support sports programs for all ages, increase opportunities for community use, and improve the overall experience at the park. The upgraded facilities will also help attract larger tournaments and events, bringing additional visitors to the community and increasing use of the park.
Community Input/Issues: Input for this improvement project was primarily gathered through the Columbus Community Sports Park Feasibility Study conducted by Conventions, Sports and Leisure International and managed by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
Area(s) Affected: Northwest (34)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by helping to update sports-related parks while expanding amenities that serve a broader range of recreational interests and community needs.
Fiscal Impact: The expenditure of $164,883.87 was authorized for the Busch Ball Diamond Improvements 2025 Project contract by Ordinances 2486-2024 and 1273-2025. This ordinance will provide funding that will modify the previously authorized amount by $15,000.00. $15,000.00 is budgeted and available from within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 to meet the financial obligations of this contract modification. The aggregate total amount authorized, including this modification, is $179,883.87.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to modify an existing contract with REALM Collaborative, LLC for the Busch Ball Diamond Improvements 2025 Project; to authorize the expenditure of $15,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($15,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to modify an existing contract with REALM Collaborative, LLC to provide professional services associated with the Busch Ball Diamond Improvements Project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $15,000.00 from the 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 modify the existing contracts with REALM Collaborative, LLC in order to ensure the project remains on schedule and is completed by April 2027 in preparation for scheduling commitments of the baseball and softball seasons, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare;, NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department be and is hereby authorized to modify an existing contract with REALM Collaborative, LLC for the Busch Ball Diamond Improvements 2025 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 for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $15,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 in object class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is 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.