SUBJECT:
Title
A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Wenk Associates for Schofield Farm Concept Design and Construction Drawings
Body
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
Department
PRESENTER(S): Luke Bolinger, Director of Parks & Recreation
First Name Last Name, Title
FISCAL SUMMARY:
Cost as Recommended: $385,247.00
Balance Available: $9,345,000.00
Budget Line Item Number: 320-50-110-605000-100200
New Appropriation Required: No
POLICY ISSUES:
This matter concerns a budgeted expenditure for design services needed to complete Schofield and thus has minimal policy implications.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Approve the resolution for the professional services agreement with Wenk Associates
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.
For fiscal year 2024, Town Council appropriated approximately $10M 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, which will be officially awarded this fall to fund the trailhead, trail connectors to Erie Lake, drainage improvements, and other site improvements.
The first step in this multi-year project involves bringing on an experienced consultant team to start a phased design scope and develop design and construction documents for site work. Wenk Associates, one of the Town’s on-call landscape architectural firms, has extensive experience with large-scale, multi-year projects like this one. This scope of work includes a four-phase design approach to the site, allowing the Town to begin construction in the early phases while continuing design on future phases. Wenk’s scope also includes architectural services to start the rehabilitation design of historic buildings, which will eventually be used for Town programs, private events, and other community purposes. This approach is not only more cost-effective but also creates a more cohesive design and assists with planning for future grant funding cycles.
TOWN COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
ü Attractive Community Amenities
ü Engaged and Diverse Community
ü Prosperous Economy
ü Small Town Feel
ü Effective Governance
ü Environmentally Sustainable
ü Fiscally Responsible
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 24-091
2. Professional Services Agreement