The purpose of this case is to acknowledge the draft Integrated Phasing Plan (first attachment) for key public realm improvements in The COR—specifically, Municipal Plaza, The Waterfront, the Central Anoka County Regional Trail, the area around the pump house, and the greenway at the Northwest quadrant of The COR.

In August of 2018, the Commission reviewed the preliminary cost estimates for Municipal Plaza and The Waterfront.  This followed the earlier July regular Park and Recreation Commission meeting, wherein the Commission approved the refined concept plans for the two parks. That August meeting stated that "These cost estimates will be used to update the Capital Improvement Plan, and evaluate the feasibility of phased development of the parks as well."  The phasing plan this case discusses, breaks down the interrelated projects into the probable sequence over the next years for planning purposes—and as the next step in aligning available funding with the construction cost of the various improvements.

The following is the text from the aforementioned August 2018 case:

"In 2014 the earlier concept plans were developed with rough cost estimates based upon square footage of the two parks' anticipated development intensity.  In the last 4+ years (and with a booming construction economy), a 20% increase in the earlier constructed cost estimates would seem reasonable to account for inflation—and these estimates do match up, and are shown below:

Municipal Plaza,  2014 est. $3,510,000   20% inflationary est. $4,212,000
                                               Municipal Plaza   2018 est. $4,125,600

The Waterfront,  2014 est.  $6,224,040   20% inflationary est. $7,468,848
                                               The Waterfront   2018 est   $8,676,700

It may be important to note that these preliminary numbers include design fees, testing and an approximate 8% contingency—additionally, the consistency supports that these are realistic, likely costs of construction."

As indicated, the purpose of this case is to acknowledge the draft Integrated Phasing Plan for park related improvements in The COR. The next action relating to this subject is likely to be identifying the sequence and source of revenue for the improvements as soon as the Commission's 2020 January regular meeting.  Staff would note, that this topic, like much of the Commission's work in the last year is an important component of the on-going Park System Plan's development. 
 

No funding is authorized as part of this case.

No Action required—informational only.