SUBJECT:
Title
A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Approving an Amendment to the Agreement for Professional Services with Form+Works Design Group, LLC for the Schofield Farm Historic Building Rehabilitation Project
Body
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
Department
PRESENTER(S): Luke Bolinger, Director of Parks & Recreation
First Name Last Name, Title
FISCAL SUMMARY:
Cost as Recommended: $270,430
(original agreement was for $97,386, amendment will change total compensation to $367,816)
Balance Available: $8,833,188.21
Budget Line Item Number: 320-50-110-605000-100200
New Appropriation Required: No
POLICY ISSUES:
This is an amendment to an existing agreement for an expected expenditure for design services needed to complete documents for historic building rehabilitation at Schofield Farm Open Space
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Approve the resolution to approve the amendment to the professional services agreement with Form+Works Design Group, LLC.
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
In 2018, the then Board of Trustees (now Town Council) approved a site development plan for the Schofield Farm Open Space. The development of the plan included substantial public outreach, research on similar sites, interviews with former residents of the farm, and site analysis. This process created a framework to develop the site into a unique cultural and recreational resource for the benefit of the residents of the Town of Erie and visitors. Since 2018, staff have been working on a phased approach to gradually improve the site:
• A $30,900 State Historical Fund (SHF) grant funded a Historic Structures Assessment.
• A $32,780 SHF grant funded the design for interim grading on the site and the design of water and sanitary sewer connections.
• The Town installed water and sanitary sewer utilities onsite.
• A $250,000 SHF grant helped fund the complete rehabilitation of the historic farmhouse, originally built in 1889. The farmhouse now serves as Parks & Recreation staff offices and staff meeting space.
In 2024, Town Council appropriated approximately $1.1M from the Trails and Natural Areas Fund and $9.3M from the Parks Improvement Impact Fund to complete the project and fully realize the concepts from the site development plan. The Town is leveraging these funds with a $1.1M Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for the first phase of site improvements, currently in design with construction beginning in Q2.
Staff engaged Form+Works Design Group for architectural and engineering services, including the preparation of construction documents and provision of construction administration for every historic structure at Schofield. This amendment will produce construction-ready documents for the large barn, loafing shed, silo, and original barn and brooding house, the next priorities for the entire project. The large barn, loafing shed, and silo will serve as event and support spaces, while the original barn and brooding house will serve as the central restroom for Schofield. An enlarged concept design of the building cluster is attached for Council’s reference. Staff will secure a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Advisory Board prior to construction, as required by Municipal Code.
Although we did not receive funding from SHF in the fall 2024 cycle for the barn rehabilitation project, we received constructive feedback from SHF staff. We will reapply during the spring round with a $250,000 request. This renewed effort underscores the Town’s dedication to preserving Schofield’s historical character, while enhancing its value as a community resource.
TOWN COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
ü Attractive Community Amenities
ü Engaged and Diverse Community
ü Prosperous Economy
ü Small Town Feel
ü Safe and Healthy Community
ü Fiscally Responsible
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution
2. First Amendment to Agreement for Professional Services
3. Original Professional Services Agreement
4. Schofield Building Cluster Concept