mincow 10-28-19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Administration's conversation with Council • Director Gelsomino's ongoing conversations with citizens The Committee discussed the nature of the Resolution and its request from Council. Ms. Swallow explained that the Council must approve the release of this RFQ because it forgoes competitive bidding in favor of the design-build approach. She explained that this approach is allowed under Ohio Revised Code but not specifically permitted in the Lakewood Codified Ordinances. She described design-build as a newer way of entering into public improvement contracts that gives the City more control and saves money. The Committee discussed the formation of the selection panel. The administration stated that it would be comprised of representatives from Human Services, Planning, Council and 3-4 citizens. Mayor Summers noted that individuals with specific industry insight would be sought. He noted that the selection panel will make its recommendation on a developer but that Council will ultimately decide. Ms. Hennie remarked that in response to Council's comments at the previous meeting, the RFQ has been updated to require that the developer actively engage with the community. Councilmember O'Malley offered Council's help in identifying neighborhood leaders for focus groups and other engagement activities. President O'Leary reiterated from the first meeting that current senior center users should be engaged as well as potential and future users. The Committee discussed environmental abatement at the site. Council had previously approved funds for abatement. The administration postponed abatement work until it received further clarity about if the project was to be new construction or adaptive reuse. President O'Leary asked detailed questions regarding the RFQ. In response, it was agreed that Ms. Hennie would serve as the project architect. If she needed outside help, the City would make that available. Ms. Hennie pointed to the list of criteria in the RFQ that contractors must follow. It was agreed that applicants will submit a litigation history. Ms. Hennie explained that because the RFQ was published on the docket that an organization took it off the docket and sent it out to contractors. Contractors have already started responding, even though the RFQ has not officially been released. From this initial response, it's clear there will be a robust response. A walk-through of the site will be mandatory for all applicants. The building is currently empty aside from long pews. The Committee discussed potential uses of the Human Services' current buildings. The administration thinks the best use would be to sell. It will begin looking at the real estate market once the timeline on vacating becomes clearer. Motion by President O'Leary, seconded by Vice President Anderson to recommend adoption of Resolution 9097-19 to Council. 2