Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into a design and construction agreement with the Nationwide Realty Investors (NRI) for the Sensenbrenner Fountain Renovation Project. This ordinance will also authorize the future contribution of up to $600,000.00 to reimburse Nationwide Realty Investors (NRI) for the successful completion of the Sensenbrenner Fountain Renovation Project.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has owned Sensenbrenner Park since 1974 and it has since developed into a ‘Pocket Park” for those working, playing, and living in the downtown area. The park was named after the late M.E. “Jack” Sensenbrenner, a former Mayor of Columbus. The park underwent renovations in 1998, 2009, and in 2011, which also included the fountain. The fountain is in need of critical renovations and this ordinance will authorize the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into an agreement with NRI for performing the project, including repairs and replacement of the components of the fountain. The agreement will focus on project objectives, construction process, NRI administration of the project, and project contributions.
The partnership with NRI has been long standing, including previous agreements in 1994 and 2015. This project is a continuation in demonstrating the partnership breadth and the overall benefits that the partnership has to the entire community. Without NRI working to identify contractors and manage this project, the fountain renovations would not be feasible at this time. Therefore, it is in the City's best interests to waive the competitive bidding requirements of City Code. The project will expand the partnership with NRI, providing all contract and construction management for the project at no charge. In addition to managing the project, NRI will initially pay all costs up to $600,000.00. Reimbursement amounts will be adjusted to match project hard costs. As part of th...
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