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HomeMy WebLinkAbout110221-05.8 5.8 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF REPORT TO: Mayor and Town Council November 2, 2021 SUBJECT: Resolution No. 73-2021, appropriating funds and authorizing the Town Manager to execute a contract for consultant services for the development of a Downtown Master Plan BACKGROUND Since 2016, the Town’s economic development activities have been guided by the Town’s 2016-2021 Comprehensive Economic Development Plan (CEDP). The goals and policies in the CEDP reflect a shift from a focus on the retail-oriented nature of the Downtown to a more comprehensive economic approach that involves the community. A main goal in the CEDP involved updating the current Downtown Master Plan (DMP) to align with forward thinking initiatives for Danville and incorporating relevant policy guidance from other guiding documents. As part of the FY 2021/22 Operating Budget process, the Town Council directed staff to prioritize the DMP update. The Council’s interest included a focused review of the historic downtown core (Old Town) and receiving recommendations for future improvements to: (1) further activate Old Town; (2) provide more permanent options for outdoor dining on public and private property; (3) identify locations for street furniture; (4) provide options to improve visibility for merchants and consumers; and (5) activate locations in Old Town for public enrichment and engagement. Recommendations are expected to be outlined in a phased approach and are to include priorities and costs estimates. DISCUSSION In September, the Town released a Request for Proposals/Qualifications (RFP/Q) to qualified firms or consulting teams with public sector experience to develop a vision forward DMP that aligns with the Town’s mission and vision. The Town conducted consultant interviews and determined that SWA Group of Laguna Beach was the most comprehensive, experienced, and responsive team for this project. In summary, the Consultant’s overall scope of work will be to prepare an updated DMP to guide appropriate physical improvements that would lead to placemaking opportunities within the historic downtown core over the next 30 years. The area of study will include all 13 districts in the Downtown Business District Ordinance with a primary focus on the “Old Town” downtown core. PUBLIC CONTACT Posting of the meeting agenda serves as notice to the general public. FISCAL IMPACT Funds in the amount of $100,000 for the development of a vision forward Downtown Master Plan were appropriated in the FY 2021/22 Operating Budget. The contract amount is $124,000, with a Town contingency of $18,600 (15%), resulting in a proposed project cost of $142,600. Thereby an additional $42,600 is requested to be appropriated from the Town’s contingency fund. RECOMMENDATION Adopt Resolution No. 73-2021, appropriating funds and authorizing the Town Manager to execute a contract for consultant services for the development of a Downtown Master Plan. Prepared by: Jill Bergman Business & Economic Development Director Reviewed by: Joseph A. Calabrigo Town Manager Attachment: Resolution No. 73-2021 Award of Contract Downtown Master Plan 2 November 2, 2021 PAGE 2 OF RESOLUTION 73-2021