Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Contract with Gateway Planning Group, Inc. - A Vialta Group Partner for Professional Services to be Provided in Support of Phase II of the Northwest Sector Study Initiative
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Direction for Strategic Growth
MEETING DATE: March 17, 2015
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Planning Department
CONTACT: Jennifer Arnold, Planning Manager
Michael Quint, Director of Planning
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
· Approval of the Resolution
ITEM SUMMARY:
· This Resolution authorizes the Interim City Manager to execute a professional services contract with Gateway Planning Group, Inc. - A Vialta Group Partner ("Gateway Planning") for Phase II of the Northwest Sector Study Initiative (the "Initiative") for an amount not to exceed $105,000.
· Since the Phase I Report was approved on February 17, 2015, Staff has been working with Gateway Planning to develop a Scope of Services that will help create an implementation program for the realization of the vision established during Phase I of the Initiative.
· Staff has reached an agreement with Gateway Planning on the attached Phase II Scope of Services, which includes the following services:
1. Analyze and prioritize opportunities for development (market analysis);
2. Create a local street typology;
3. Analyze opportunities for an approach to annexation;
4. Create a zoning tool that reinforces the Phase I Vision;
5. Create an Infrastructure Financing Policy; and
6. Provide Ad Hoc support and assistance for activities related to the Northwest Sector, but not directly contained in the specific tasks listed above.
· Staff anticipates that Phase II work will be complete by the end of 2015.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
· During the FY 2014-2015 Budget process, $100,000 was appropriated for Phase II of the Northwest Sector Study Initiative. The Planning Department has an additional $5,000 available in its Professional Services Account to allocate to Ad Hoc Services in support of Phase II work.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
· The Northwest Sector is approximately 30,000 +/- acres generally located north of US 380 and west of US 75 (including the city limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction) and represents the largest portion of undeveloped property with the City's ultimate planning area.
· The Northwest Sector has some of the most beautiful natural features in Collin County and is also anticipated to be the focus of new development over the next several decades. With this in mind, the City initiated the Northwest Sector Study in the summer of 2013 as a proactive means to learn how to best accommodate this future growth while still embracing the natural landscape of the Northwest Sector.
· Officially kicked off in Fall 2013, Phase I of the Northwest Sector Study Initiative included an analysis of existing conditions; a series of public outreach events and the creation of priorities and principles for future growth and development (these priorities and principles collectively serve as the Vision). Phase I also included an analysis of potential infrastructure investments; an evaluation of the potential value of the vision; and recommended actions for implementation.
· Phase II of the Initiative will be used to evaluate, craft, select, relate and phase the appropriate implementation components into a comprehensive program in an effort to realize the vision established in Phase I of the Initiative.