To: Mark R. Hafner, City Manager
From: Sarah Hensley, Administrative Services Manager
Subject:
Title
Consider a resolution approving the bid from C Green Scaping, LP, of Fort Worth, Texas, for the construction of the “Playful Puppy” sculpture plaza; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents relating thereto on behalf of the City of Keller, Texas.
Action Requested:
Consider a resolution approving the bid from C Green Scaping, LP, for the construction of the “Playful Puppy” sculpture plaza in an amount not to exceed $83,565.
Background:
The Keller Public Arts Board began pursuing an animal-themed sculpture for the Keller Police/Jail/Regional Animal Services facility shortly after the building was constructed in 2012, but until the implementation of the Public Arts Development Fee in 2015 there was no funding source for the project.
The Keller Public Arts Master Plan, last updated in 2016, lists the installation of an animal-themed sculpture for the Police/Jail/Regional Animal services facility as one of the Public Arts Program’s project goals. In 2018, the Board directed staff to coordinate a limited competition for the selection of the artist for the project, according to the guidelines set forth in the Keller Public Arts Policy (also updated in 2016). City Council approved an agreement with artist Brad Oldham in 2019 for the creation of a dog sculpture (the “Playful Puppy”).
Part of the Board’s vision for the project was a plaza or viewing area to include lighting, landscaping and a raised platform for the sculpture. A Request for Proposals was advertised in accordance with State Law for the construction of the “Playful Puppy” Sculpture Plaza in November 2019 and 5 proposals were received. The lowest bid was more than double the project architect’s estimate of $60,000 and at staff’s recommendation City Council rejected all of the bids in March 2020. Staff worked with the architect to reduce the scope and set a more realistic estimate for the total project of $75,000. A second Request for Proposals for the plaza was advertised in accordance with State Law and three proposals were read aloud on July 21, 2020. C Green Scaping submitted the lowest bid. After reviewing their qualifications and references, the project architect and city staff recommend moving forward with C Green Scaping for the sculpture plaza.
Financial Impact:
The sculpture plaza, like the sculpture itself, will be funded out of the Public Arts Development Fee Fund. The Public Arts Fee was adopted by City Council as part of the FY 2015-16 budget process and applies a .25% fee to the construction value of applicable projects for the purpose of purchase and administration of artwork.
Citizen Input/Board Review:
The Public Arts Board has been heavily involved in this project and has approved the proposed plaza design.
Legal Review:
None
Alternatives:
City Council has the following alternatives:
- Approve as submitted
- Approve with changes
- Denial