City Council Minutes 2008 08 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes August 19, 2008 Page 4 of 18 related to the implementation of Louisville's downtown redevelopment strategy, marketing strategy, urban renewal plan, developer solicitation, and other urban renewal activities of the City and the LRC. Two Commissioners of the LRC and City Staff interviewed four firms and recommended jointly hiring two independent consultants with significant expertise in different areas to assist the LRC and the City in its redevelopment efforts. The two individuals are Becky Hogan with EDge Consulting Services, LLC and Marilee Utter with CITIVENTURE Associates, LLC. Exhibit A of the contract includes a scope of work recommended by the LRC for the next four months -August 19th through December 19, 2008. Each contract is for $15,000 payable at the rate of $3,750 per month for a total of $30,000 for both consultants. City Manager Fleming recommended Council approve the agreements. He noted there is funding in the 2008 budget. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Hank Dalton noted EDge Consulting brings expertise in downtown redevelopment, but inquired if it would be a conflict of interest with her consulting services for the Business Retention and Development Committee. City Manager Fleming concluded it would not be a conflict of interest, and noted her knowledge of the downtown area would be an asset. Councilor Bob Muckle voiced his concern over the form of the contract and preferred seeing project initiation and clarifying responsibilities prior to executing the contract. He asked what the consultant's role will be in the rail station planning implementation and noted the City must work with Regional Transportation District (RTD) on this project. City Manager Fleming explained one of the reasons for retaining two consulting firms was for their in-depth experience in economic development and their expertise and ability to guide the City Staff through the redevelopment process. He agreed the City must work closely with RTD planning the rail station and noted Marilee Utter has experience in working with RTD. Mayor Sisk noted the LRC enthusiastically endorses the agreement. He stressed the City of Louisville must do some serious planning for redevelopment and Council needs a better picture of what needs to be done. PUBLIC COMMENT Michael Menaker, 1827 Choke Cherry Drive, Louisville, CO explained the LRC is made up of volunteers and although they have expertise in some fields, they lack the knowledge the consultants can provide. The consultants will also be of