Authorize Staff to Obtain Bids and Establish the Construction Team for Elmcrest Park's Community Building

For the last one half year, City Council, the Park and Recreation Commission, Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association, Northern Lights Traveling Soccer, Staff and the community have been planning in earnest for the park building at Elmcrest Park.  Careful and thoughtful analysis to date has yielded a building design and scope that is predicted to serve the community and association effectively, with good utility as well as appropriate esthetics for decades into the future.

In March of 2013 the Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association pledged $40,000 to the project's construction, and Council approved the architect for the project.  This case will authorize Studio 55 Architects to engage in the final phase of the project, that of Bidding and Construction Administration.  Additionally, and by mutual agreement, the architectural fees will be reduced from 8 to 8 1/2 percent, to 7 percent of the final construction cost.

This case also introduces the contractual agreement that is anticipated to be formally approved at a later date between the City, and American Liberty Construction as the Construction Manager for Elmcrest Park's community building. This agreement is included and mentioned at this time, because it spells out the interrelated rolls and responsibilities of the construction team (the City, Architect and Construction Manager) as this approximate 3,800 square foot building enters the actual construction process.


 

The planning and process for the Elmcrest Park community building has been methodical and deliberate.  Throughout the design development and preliminary construction document phases conducted by Studio 55 Architects, American Liberty Inc. has served Pro Bono as advisor to the City.  Most recently, American Liberty has identified detailed costs of the ‘General Conditions’ necessary for the construction of the structure.  Additionally, President Howard Jacobson has prepared detailed estimates of each aspect of the park building – both documents of which are attached.
 
Following approval of the establishment the construction team with American Liberty as Construction Manager (CM), the very next step would be for the City to receive competitive bids on the prime components of the project – leading up to the CM issuing a ‘Guaranteed Maximum Price’ for the total project (which would come back to City Council, and be the final project approval).  Those major trades and materials to be bid on are as follows:

 

Earthwork	Concrete & Masonry
Lumber and Carpentry	Building Insulation
Siding	Metal Roofing
Doors and Windows	Coiling Doors
Drywall	Ceramic Tile and Carpet
Painting	Toilets and Fixtures
Plumbing and HVAC	Electrical

As mentioned in earlier City Council cases, there will be an invitation for Ramsey businesses to competitively bid on the above work, as well as a pre-bid conference.  After bids are received, (and following City acceptance of the Guaranteed Maximum Price), these subcontracts are assigned to the Construction Manager to maximize coordination and efficiency.  Another advantage to the CM approach for this project (in addition to anticipated cost savings), is that through these efficiencies, (and due to beginning this construction process as soon as a Guaranteed Maximum Price is accepted) - it is anticipated that Elmcrest Park's community building may be functionally complete for the 2014 spring athletic season at the park. 

Estimated Costs Moving Forward

Remaining architectural fees 7% of constructed cost $26,557 +/-
Actual building construction costs (includes CM) $611,000 +/-
Septic $20,000 +/-
Watermain, hydrant and replace curb and bituminous $25,000 +/-
Geo-technical $3,000 +/-
Contingency $30,000 +/-
Landscape (to be addressed separately with playground)

As indicated, following City Council approval to proceed to obtain bids, the construction team will immediately complete plans and specifications, solicit bids, solidify all of the project costs and return to Council with a Guaranteed Maximum Price.  A probable City Council meeting date for final approval is projected to be November 12th 2013.



 

The funding would be from the Park Trust Fund which had a 2013 beginning-year balance of more than 2 million dollars. 

City Council previously approved $22,500 for Studio 55 Architects; $16,213 of which has been paid to date.  This case would authorize a new not-to-exceed amount of $42,770 (including the services paid out above).

Staff recommends proceeding with bidding and the building construction as outlined within this case and its attachments.

Additionally, staff recommends that the masonry fireplace that has been envisioned for this project (Alternate #1 on the building estimate, and shown on the rendering) be considered at the time the Guaranteed Maximum Price may be approved by Council.

Motion to Authorize Staff to obtain Bids for Elmcrest Park's Community Building, and Approve a Not-to-exceed amount of $42,770 for Bidding and Construction Administration by Studio 55 Architects.