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CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF OUTDOOR FURNITURE; PICNIC TABLES, BENCHES AND TRASH CANS FOR WESTWOOD FAMILY AQUATICS CENTER FROM PLAYWELL GROUP, L.L.C., IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,498.36 FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT.
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BACKGROUND: On 13 October, 2015, Norman citizens passed the NORMAN FORWARD Initiative, funding a variety of projects through a ½% sales tax increase over 15 years. Included in the NORMAN FORWARD Initiative was a project to construct a new Westwood Family Aquatic Center. The Westwood Family Aquatic Center Project included the demolition of the existing Westwood Swim Complex, constructed in 1967, and the construction of a modern multi-featured facility at this same location.
The New Westwood Family Aquatic Center will include a 50 meter lap pool and diving area with a family slide; lazy river; zero depth entry family pool with toddler play features; and a wet deck with dumping buckets and spray features similar to a splash pad. The project also includes a variety of shade features, a new bath house containing an entry/office area, restrooms, showers, changing areas along with lockers, and a redesigned enlarged parking lot to accommodate more guests.
Through a consultant selection process, Waters Edge Aquatic Design, LLC (WEAD) was awarded the design services contract. On September 27, 2016, W.L. McNatt was awarded the contract (K-1617-56) for construction of the Westwood Family Aquatic Center facilities. As this NORMAN FORWARD project nears completion, it is time to consider the purchase of furniture that was contemplated in the project such as picnic tables, benches and trash receptacles. This item brings for Council’s consideration such purchases.
DISCUSSION: A number of items needed for this project that are of a type routinely purchased by Parks Department staff were held out of the construction bid so that the cost of the construction contractor’s mark-up could be saved. WEAD specified site furnishings for the project, including picnic tables, benches and trash receptacles that are compatible with a swimming pool environment. The furniture specified in this project is available through Wabash Valley Outdoor Furniture Co. and was selected for its aesthetics and durability. The Playwell Group, LLC is the distributor of Wabash Valley Outdoor Furniture in the area that includes Oklahoma. The City has purchased site furniture from this vendor multiple times and has been consistently pleased with both the quality and style of their products. Norman Code §8-204 (b)(1) exempts this type of purchase from competitive bidding as being below $50,000 (62 O.S. §102) and (2) as being available from a sole distributor of the product specified. Parks Department staff will make these purchases, acting as staff of the Norman Municipal Authority. The listing of furniture pieces, and cost for those pieces is attached. The total cost of these site amenities is $31,498.36 which is within the budget established for this purpose for the Westwood Family Aquatic Center.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that City Council/Norman Municipal Authority Trustees approve the purchase of these site amenities from Playwell Group, LLC to be used at the Westwood Family Aquatics Center in the amount of $31,498.36. Funding for this purchase is available in the NORMAN FORWARD Westwood Family Aquatic Center, Construction (account number #051-9404-451.61-01; project NFB 018).