The Waterloo Parks Commission has directed the city to request proposals for parks management services at its meeting held Dec. 15.
The request for proposals (RFP) follows approval from the common council on Nov. 19 to issue a 90-day termination notice to the Waterloo Firemen’s Park Board of Trustees to manage Firemen’s Park. The park, which is owned by the city, is operated by the board of trustees through the agreement with the city.
A reorganization of parks operations is taking place in the city, according to Clerk/Treasurer Mo Hansen. The city is accepting parks management services proposals for a unique and important community endeavor, he said.
All proposals will be considered by the Waterloo Parks Commission. The city does reserve the right to reject any and all proposals. The city also reserves its right to reissue all or part of the RFP and not award any contract at its discretion.
All proposals are to be submitted by 4 p.m. Jan. 18, 2016.
The awarded firm, person or entity would be the parks manager for the city and complete all the work in accordance with City of Waterloo Municipal Code and Parks Policies adopted by the council.
The parks manager would begin work on March 1, 2016, or as mutually agreed.
The parks manager would be responsible for monthly written reports to the parks commission as part of its regularly scheduled meetings. The manager would need to provide prompt, timely and professional follow-up on all rental leads including facility and field rentals, market the facilities, have the facilities ready for use, identify and recommend capital improvements to the park commission and recommend operational changes as well.
The manager would also coordinate and communicate park use needs to the public works director, serve as a municipal liaison with various less formal friends groups (carousel dog park, trailhead facility, firemen’s park), the school district, youth sports organization and other users of the park. The person would also assist in private and public fundraising efforts to benefit the long-term needs of the park.
The park commission will consider all alternate management models.
Duties are further defined as manage, market, ensure facility readiness and execute rental arrangements for firemen’s park, the Waterloo Regional Trailhead and other recreational locations in the city.
According to the proposal guidelines, the parks manager duty is to foster and facilitate the safe, enjoyable use of City of Waterloo parks assets ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
Proposals are to identify the firm or individual and provide prior experience. The proposal is also to include the annual compensation to provide the services for 2016, 1027 and 2018. The proposal is for March 1, 2016 through Dec. 31, 2018. The contract would have an automatic renewal provision for 2019-2021, unless a 60-day written notice is given by the city.
A selected contractor/firm would be notified by Feb. 18, 2016.
For more information, go to the city’s website at www.waterlowi.us.
Source
http://www.hngnews.com/waterloo_marshall/news/local/article_aa7371ba-aa5b-11e5-ab66-3f7384807040.html