Agenda - 08-16-2005-9b - Laserfiche WebLink

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z There are several aspects of the SportsPlex acquisition that the Manager recommends the Board discuss, endorse, and/or approve at this August 16 meeting. Each aspect is described in a following subsection of this abstract, and staff, consultants, and/or the County Attorney will address each topic during presentation of this information to the Board at the August 16 meeting. Architect Selection The architectural firm of Corley Redfoot Zack (CRZ) has completed several elements of work in the assessment of this facility over the past several years. Most recently, it has assisted the County in preparation of evaluations necessary to exercise due diligence in the acquisition. It is recommended that the County exempt itself from the architect selection process as allowed in G.S. 143-64-32 and retain the firm for the design of the Central Orange Senior Center, as well as the renovations associated with the development of the approximately 15,600 square foot Center. This recommendation is prompted by three significant factors: 1. The County's known experience with the capabilities of the firm would indicate that it is able to carry aut the work in a manner that will be satisfactory to the County; and 2. The firm has developed a significant body of knowledge over the course of several years as various assessment documents have been prepared, thereby providing it an excellent base from which to begin the design process; 3. The purchase contract contains provisions that the closing of the purchase contract is contingent upon certain regulatory approvals being obtained. The project architect is responsible for the necessary submittals, which would prompt the County to move forward expeditiously with hiring a design firm. CRZ has submitted a cost proposal for the complete design of the new construction, as well as the renovation of that portion of the existing structure that will be part of the Senior Center. The cost proposal in the amount of $139,500 includes $11,900 associated with the Town of Hillsborough Board of Adjustment process and $127,600 that covers the design of the building, as well as the subconsultants responsible for structural and HVAC design. CRZ will commence work immediately upon approval by the County Commissioners and move forward with the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment process. The submittal for the Board of Adjustment is due by September 19, 2005 in preparation for its meeting on October 12, 2005. The SportsPlex acquisition agreement includes a provision that makes the deal contingent on Hillsborough granting zoning and land use approval of the addition of a senior center and community and recreational facility to the SportsPlex. Pursuant to timelines published earlier in the SportsPlex deliberations, the senior center should be brought on line in the fall/winter 2006. Local Government Commission Review County staff, consultant, and bond counsel met with staff of the North Carolina Local Government Commission (LGC) in mid-July to discuss the County's plans to acquire and finance the acquisition of the SportsPlex through indebtedness to be repaid from an enterprise fund that will be established to account for SportsPlex operations and assets. The LGC has statutory responsibility to review and approve most transactions involving assumption of significant indebtedness by North Carolina local governments. The SportsPlex acquisition agreement includes a provision that makes the deal contingent on approval by the LGC. The County's plans received a generally favorable reaction from LGC staff. In light of guidance