In 2011 a petroleum pipeline crossing the Yellowstone River ruptured causing significant environmental damaged to properties downstream and forced park closers during cleanup.  Consequently the owner of the petroleum pipeline was penalized and required to pay restitution to the State.  The State, through the State of Montana Department of Justice Natural Resources Damage Program (NRDP) offered grants that cities could apply for to receive some of this funding.  The Parks and Recreation Department applied for and received a $45,000 grant to do a master plan for Coulson Park.  Also, Parks and Recreation is partnering with Big Sky Economic Development Authority (BSEDA) who has provided an additional $45,000 for the master plan study.  On August 31, 2018, staff sent out a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking responses from qualified firms for professional services to develop the Coulson Park Master Plan.  Five firms responded.  A selection committee comprised of staff, the Park Board and BSEDA reviewed all of the responses and selected DHM Design of Bozeman Montana as the top ranked firm.  A scope of work and fee was negotiated with staff in the amount of $89,876.00.  If the contract is approved, work on the master plan will commence immediately.

City Council may:

• Approve the contract to develop the Coulson Park Master Plan, or;
• Disapprove the contract and provide guidance to staff on the Council's preferred alternative.

Funding from the NRDP and BSEDA totaling $90,000 will be used to fund this project.  There will be no City funds used.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the contract for $89,876.00 with DHM Design to develop a park master plan for Coulson Park.