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CONTRACT NO. K-1415-145: A CONTRACT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, THE CLEVELAND COUNTY INDUSTRIAL AUTHORITY AND JACOBS ENGINEERING GROUP, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $170,000 FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PARKING STUDY UPDATE OF THE DOWNTOWN AND CAMPUS CORNER AREAS AND BUDGET APPROPRIATION FROM THE CAPITAL FUND BALANCE.
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BACKGROUND: On January 28, 2003, City Council approved Contract No. K-0203-100 with Carter & Burgess, Inc., in the amount of $60,000 to provide engineering services for the Downtown/Campus Corner Parking Study. In December, 2003, Carter & Burgess, Inc., completed the Norman Parking Study. This study evaluated existing parking supplies, parking demands (both existing and future), parking alternatives, and financial considerations. One of the recommendations from the Norman Parking Study was the development of the Gray Street Parking Lot. The Gray Street Parking Lot was constructed by the City of Norman and opened to the public in January 2007.
On November 13, 2012, City Council approved Contract No. K-1213-86 with Freese & Nichols, in the amount of $300,000, for the development of the City’s first Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP). The contract provided a framework for the development and implementation of an efficient and comprehensive transportation system within Norman and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. Freese & Nichols performed exceptionally well throughout the program. The plan was completed in the early spring of 2014 and was adopted by City Council on May 13, 2014. There are specific Action Items within the CTP dealing with the management of high demand on-street parking as well as with the creation of a parking management district for the Downtown and Campus Corner areas.
Prior to the establishment of a Parking Management District or Authority, the City Council with a recommendation from the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) determined that the original 2003 Norman Parking Study, completed by Carter & Burgess, Inc., should be updated. This will provide a more accurate framework for the formulation of a future Parking Management District.
DISCUSSION: Since October, 2014, City staff has been working with Jacobs Engineering, Inc., previously known as Carter & Burgess, Inc., to negotiate a contract for services to update the 2003 Norman Parking Study.
The original approach to the update of the Norman Parking Study centered on the prior areas of study in 2003. However, EDAB was notified by Cleveland County Commissioner Darry Stacy regarding a possible partnership with a study that would address the County’s parking needs around the Cleveland County Courthouse. As the additional partner, Cleveland County, and the resulting increase in the scope of services requested of Jacobs, has resulted in an increase in the proposed fee for the study update. Cleveland County has agreed to pay the additional cost since the increase in scope pertains largely to their interests. However, the CTP also speaks at length regarding the development of commuter rail between Norman and Oklahoma City. This commuter rail line would be served by a rail station in the same location as the existing Depot on Jones Avenue north of Eufaula Street. Therefore, any potential parking improvements designed around the County needs at the Courthouse could also serve the future needs of a commuter rail station in the area. Hence, all of the added consultant services are not entirely attributable to Cleveland County. A portion of the additional cost is more regional in nature.
Funding for the update to the Norman Parking Study is expected to come from three different sources. The City’s share has been determined to be $120,000. This was the amount originally negotiated with Jacobs before any additional services were discussed. Council, earlier in the calendar year, had indicated its desire to commit up to $120,000 for the study update.
The additions to the original scope of work increased this amount by $50,000. The County’s share, which will be paid by the Cleveland County Industrial Authority, has been determined to be $40,000. This leaves a balance of $10,000. The remainder will be funded by private donations with this commitment for private funding being spearheaded by Republic Bank.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of Contract No K-1415-145 with Jacobs Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $170,000, for the Update to the Parking Study for the Downtown and Campus Corner Areas. Staff further recommends that funds in the amount of $170,000 be appropriated from the Capital Fund Balance (050-0000-253.20-00) to Project No. TC0157, Parking Study Update, Design (050-9069-431.62-01). Upon reimbursement from the Cleveland County Industrial Authority and private donations funds will be receipted into Reimbursements/Other Agency (050-0000-366.12-30).