Agenda - 04-11-2000-4 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The basis for changes to an existing program of school impact fees necessitates an objective, professional and legally defensible report. A request for proposals (RFP) to conduct a study of Student Generation Rates and Impact Fees based on requirements established by the Planning and Purchasing Departments was circulated in early December 1999. Twenty two firms were solicited, with two responses received on January 7, 2000. The proposal costs cited in the responses ranged from $59,200 to $76,660. Tischler and Associates, a firm with the, requisite expertise as outlined in their proposal and with national experience in similar public sector impact fee analysis, submitted the lowest proposal. The Planning Director has negotiated with Tischler in an effort to reduce the overall cost of the work. Tischler has agreed to reduce the cost to at least $53,400, with additional reduction possible if the County can: ^ Reduce the amount of time Tischler would need for data collection by collaborating with the schools to obtain additional information; and/or ^ Provide additional analysis of the data in-house; and/or ^ Agree upon a modified training schedule for staff. The Board may decide to develop a differentiated rate of impact fees based on housing type from information from the studies. Tischler anticipates completion of the studies within 90 days of execution of a contract, as outlined in the time chart on the last page of the proposal. Based on this timeline, any amendments to the impact fee would be scheduled for the August 28, 2000 quarterly public hearing. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The cost of the studies is not to exceed $53,400. The price is affected by the need to conduct a separate analysis for each school district,, since information such as student generation rates and housing values are likely to be different in the two districts. Budgeted funding for the anticipated studies in FY 1999-2000 was proposed at $46,000. At the June 15, 1999 budget work session, the. Board agreed to reduce the amount budgeted for these studies to $23,000, citing the intention to make an appropriation from contingency if the Board should decide to proceed with the studies and additional funds should prove necessary. There are adequate unallocated funds remaining in the Commissioners' contingency account to cover the remaining balance of $30,400 for these studies. The Triangle Apartment Association previously expressed a willingness to contribute an unspecified amount to obtain an objective analysis of student generation rates by housing type. If the Association is still willing to contribute with no pre-conditions as to action the BOCC will ar will not take based on the studies' results, there is potential for the Contingency appropriation to be reduced by the amount of that contribution, if the BOCC wishes to accept the Triangle Apartment Association's participation in funding the studies. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board Award the proposal to Tischler and Associates in an amount not to exceed $53,400; appropriate $30,400 from the Contingency account; and authorize the Manager to sign an agreement incorporating substantially the same terms as the attached proposal, subject to final review by staff and the Caunty Attorney.