AGENDA #4d(2)

MEMORANDUM

to:                  Mayor and Town Council

from:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

subject:      Selection of a Design Firm for the Library Expansion Project and Pritchard Park Improvements

date:            June 12, 2006

PURPOSE

Adoption of the attached Resolution would authorize the Town Manager to negotiate and, if successful, execute a contract with Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC for design services in connection with the Library Expansion Project and Pritchard Park improvements. 

DISCUSSION

We believe that the Library Building Committee’s top ranked design firms meet the selection criteria adopted by the Council earlier this year.  Reference checks uncovered no major problems with past clients and no significant litigations.  

Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC has experience with the Town’s development process, is committed to sustainable architecture and has successfully completed Silver LEED certified projects.  Its proposed project team has experience in library design and park development, as well as experience working with public artists and construction management.

We believe that the Library Building Committee’s second ranked firm of Corley Redfoot Zack also meets the Town’s selection criteria and should be considered in the event that the Town is unable to negotiate a contract with Wallace Roberts & Todd. 

RECOMMENDATIONS

Library Building Committee’s Recommendation: That Wallace Roberts & Todd be referred to the Council as the Interview Committee’s choice of firms to renovate the existing library and design the new library. 

Manager’s Recommendation:  That the Council adopt the attached resolution, authorizing the Manager to execute a contract with Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC, or, if negotiations with Wallace Roberts & Todd are unsuccessful, with Corley Redfoot Zack, for preliminary planning and design services for the Library Expansion Project and Pritchard Park improvements.