Kathleen S. Margoles

Community and Economic Development Director

Issue Statement: The current CRA 5 Year Strategic Plan term is coming to an end.  Many of the initiatives and projects have been accomplished and the CRA vision for the next five years should be set.

Solution Statement: The CRA Board authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with R. Miller Consulting Group for the CRA Five Year Strategic Plan Update, for an amount not to exceed $31,825.00. CRA Board allocated funds for a 5 Year Strategic Plan Update in the FY16 Budget and staff is recommending award to R. Miller Consulting Group.

In May 2011, the CRA issued RFQ #052311 for a general review of the CRA Plan.  Fifteen organizations responded with specialties in some or all of the areas cited in the RFQ; downtown planning, downtown revitalization, redevelopment, design, marketing, real estate development and successful implementation to work with the City to (1) compete this general review (2) provide a five year strategic action oriented plan and (3) to provide continued support or assistance services as requested. Redevelopment Management Associates (RMA) was awarded the project and continued working with the CRA until January 2015. 

FY16 had been designated a planning year for the City and the CRA.  There were funds budgeted for a Retail Plan, Mobility Study, Facility Plan and Five Year CRA Strategic Plan Update.  All these plans and studies are interrelated and interdependent.

During this past year, staff from Engineering and Community Development, CRA and the City Manager’s Office met with several planning firms to discuss the proposed Strategic Plan Update and the relationship to other CRA Plans/Studies.

In the later part of FY15 and FY16, the CRA hired several firms to assist with future planning for the CRA, in a variety of areas.  The Retail Coach was hired to analyze our retail needs and assist in retail recruitment.  Mr. Emison reported to the CRA Board on February 2016 and is making a second presentation on August 3^rd. In April 2016, the CRA contracted with The Corradino Group for a Mobility Plan to

1)         Review current DMUD traffic issues and roadway configurations and make recommendations for improvement while taking into consideration future planned development and train station opportunity.

2)         Review parking deficits and make policy and project recommendations to bridge the gap between existing and future need.

3)         Review bicycle and pedestrian LOS as planned for in DMUD and make policy and project recommendations to improve access.

4)         Establish an overall mobility plan for the DMUD with projects developed by category

•           Roadway

•           Bicycle/pedestrian

•           Parking

•           Train Station & Transit

In addition, the City contracted with R. Miller Consulting Group, to coordinate activities related to the Downtown Mixed Use District. Ms. Renee Miller reported to the CRA Board in April 2016 on the current DMUD regulations.  Ms. Miller’s presentation was well received and she has continued to work on redevelopment projects with City staff.  Her knowledge of redevelopment in South Florida and the key players has been invaluable.

Ms. Miller has been working with staff and consultants on these key studies and is part of the City's Planning Working Group alongside staff, consultants and outside agencies enabling her to become familiar with the City and CRA.  This knowledge of the City, CRA and redevelopment activity provides savings of time and expense that would be incurred  if another firm unfamiliar with the City and CRA were to be brought in at this time.  As such, staff requested and received the attached proposal from R. Miller Consulting Group for the CRA Five Year Strategic Plan Update. 

Purchasing Ordinance: Sec. 2-198. Exceptions to competitive procurement requirement.

o.   The foregoing enumeration of services deemed to be exempt from the competitive procurement requirements is not intended to be an exhaustive or exclusive list. The city manager or his designee may determine if a contractual service must be procured through the competitive procurement process, if not expressly indicated above.

This strategic plan is not subject to CCNA rules. After review of the  information provided, Purchasing agrees the award of this contract would be advantageous to the City.

Please be advised the City Attorney and Risk Manager have suggested the vendor may need to provide insurance.   We are working with Ms. Miller on this request.

The 2011 Strategic Plan cost $60,000.   The CRA budgeted $60,000 for the update.  Ms. Miller has submitted a proposal for the update for $31,825.00.

Staff recommends that the CRA Board authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with R. Miller Consulting Group for the CRA Five Year Strategic Plan Update, for an amount not to exceed $31,825.00.