Staff recommends Council approve a contract with Land Design, Inc. in the amount of $115,000.00 to develop a master plan for Cottonwood Park. 

In FY 23 CIP, Council approved funding to develop a master plan for Cottonwood Park.  Staff issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) and on August 26, 2022, five firms responded.  They are Cushing Terrell from Billings, Land Design Inc. from Billings, Sanderson Stewart from Billings, SCJ Alliance From Butte and WSB From Minneapolis.   A selection Committee met September 15, 2022, to review the RFP's.  The criteria used to evaluate the responding firms were recent parks and recreation master planning experience, the consultant work plan, key project personnel, past project performance and conformance to the RFP requirements.  The makeup of the section Committee included a member of the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Board, a member of the Cottonwood Park Supporting Organization Board and three Parks and Recreation Staff.  Land Design, Inc. of Billings was selected as the top ranked firm.  Staff met with the firm and negotiated a scope of work and a fee of $115,000.  If the contract is approved, work on the master plan will commence immediately.

City Council may:

• Approve the contract with Land Design, Inc.; or,
• Not Approve the contract and provide staff with additional guidance.

Funds have already been identified in the FY 23 CIP.  There will be no additional fiscal impacts.