ADOPTED - MAY 26, 2009

Agenda Item No. 20

Introduced by the County Services and Finance Committees of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING INGHAM COUNTY ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE EHRESMAN ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTURAL FIRM FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE POTTER PARK ZOO RHINO YARD EXPANSION INCLUDING ADDITIONAL RENOVATIONS TO THE RHINO HOLDING BUILDING

RESOLUTION #09-154

WHEREAS, the Potter Park Zoo staff has identified a need to modify and expand the outdoor rhino yard and building for the better management of rhinos in captivity; and

WHEREAS, the Potter Park Zoo renovated the existing rhino exhibit in 1990 and the exhibit no longer fits the standards of managing rhinos today; and

WHEREAS, the inside of the building is in need of modifications to manage, condition, and train rhinos for medical treatment, daily husbandry operations, and conditioning; and

WHEREAS, the renovation would enhance visitor expectations and support of the most significant animal exhibit in the Zoo; and

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) would look favorably on the Potter Park Zoo for taking the lead on this endeavor; and

WHEREAS, the Zoo Board passed Resolution #03-07 recommending approval to proceed with hiring an architect for the schematic design to modify the outdoor rhino exhibit and building; and

WHEREAS, the Ingham County Purchasing Department initiated the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process inviting architectural and engineering firms to forward information regarding their experience and qualifications with zoo projects to identify the most qualified vendors and a Request for Proposals (RFP) was then issued to the top four firms; and

WHEREAS, the bids were reviewed by the Ingham County Purchasing, Facilities and Parks Departments, and all Departments were in agreement that the low bidder met all specifications and requirements; and

WHEREAS, the Purchasing Department recommends the proposal submitted by Ehresman Associates of Troy, Michigan be accepted; and

WHEREAS, the funding for the project includes $430,000 carried over from the Potter Park Zoo Millage 2008 CIP budget, $200,000 committed by the Potter Park Zoological Society and $400,000 in the 2010 Potter Park Zoo Millage CIP Budget request.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners authorizes entering into an architectural and engineering contract for the project not to exceed 7.5% of the total construction costs, including  $14,700.00 in  reimbursable costs,  and $9,500  for LEED  Certification with Ehresman Associates of

ADOPTED - MAY 26, 2009

Agenda Item No. 20

RESOLUTION #09-154

Troy, Michigan for the construction of the Potter Park Zoo Rhino Yard Expansion Project including additional renovations to the rhino holding building.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners authorizes the Board Chairperson and the County Clerk to sign any necessary documents that are consistent with this resolution and approved as to form by the County Attorney.

COUNTY SERVICES:  Yeas:  Celentino, Koenig, Holman, Copedge, Grebner, Vickers

    Nays:  None         Absent:  None        Approved  5/19/09

FINANCE:  Yeas:  Grebner, Nolan, Bahar-Cook, Tennis, Davis, Dougan

    Nays:  None         Absent:  None        Approved  5/20/09