STAFF REPORT

To: Mayor and Council Members Date: July 24, 2018

From: Jade Dundas, Capital Projects Director Prepared by: Vinnie Sullivan,
Project Manager
Via: Cathy Ball, Acting City Manager

Subject: Swannanoa River Greenway One, Phase One: Preliminary Corridor Design

Summary Statement​: The consideration of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a
contract with Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. (Equinox) for design services
necessary to perform a feasibility analysis for the eventual design of a greenway between Thompson
Street and Azalea Park, in the amount of $147,638.10 and to enter into change orders to this contract
not to exceed an additional 10% of the original contract amount ($14,763.81), for a total amount of
$162,401.91.

Review​: This project is to perform a feasibility analysis for the eventual alignment of a greenway
between the northwest end of Thompson Street and the recreation facilities at Azalea Park. This work
includes but is not limited to data collection, base mapping, landowner identification and preliminary
outreach, coordination with the N.C. Dept. of Transportation, preliminary corridor design, cost estimate,
and public engagement.

The project was advertised on August 28, 2017, and Equinox was selected from a pool of eight
respondents to the City’s request for qualifications advertisement. The selection process included a
qualifications-based, individual and group review by a committee of City staff. The eight respondents
included:

● Atkins North America, Inc. Raleigh, NC

● Equinox Asheville, NC
● Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers Asheville, NC
● Stewart, Inc. Charlotte, NC
● McAdams Company Durham, NC
● HensonFoley Design LLC Huntersville, NC
● AECOM Charlotte, NC
● McGill Associates, PA Asheville, NC

Following Equinox’ selection, negotiations were held and a final contract amount was agreed upon for
Equinox and their subconsultant team.

This action meets Council goals by enhancing the City’s alternative transportation goals and vision.
This action also aligns with the 2036 City Council Vision by providing safe travel ways for getting
around Asheville and by maintaining and improving the City’s infrastructure.

Pros:
● Contributes to increasing the City’s inventory of greenways
 ● Ensures coordination with NCDOT on needed improvements within an important transportation
corridor
● Works towards defining Asheville as a recreation destination

Con:
● Eventual construction will be disruptive to the area.

Fiscal Impact​: The total amount of the contract is $147,638.10. Adding in a 10% contingency of
$14,763.81 brings the total required budget to $162,401.91. This contract is funded through the
General Obligation Bond Program as part of the Transportation and Infrastructure Program.

Recommendation​: City staff recommends City Council adopt a resolution awarding the contract to
Equinox and authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract for the design services necessary to
perform the Swannanoa River Greenway One, Phase One: Preliminary Corridor Design project, in the
amount of $147,638.10, and to enter into change orders to this contract not to exceed an additional
10% of the original contract amount or $14,763.81.

Attachment:
(1) Resolution
 RESOLUTION NO. 18-______

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH EQUINOX

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTATION AND DESIGN, INC. FOR THE DESIGN SERVICES
NECESSARY FOR THE SWANNANOA RIVER GREENWAY ONE, PHASE ONE: PRELIMINARY
CORRIDOR DESIGN PROJECT
____________________________________________________________________________

WHEREAS, the City of Asheville has authority pursuant to Article 2 of Chapter 160A of the
North Carolina General Statutes to enter into contracts for services with other entities; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143-64.31, requests for qualifications were solicited for the
Swannanoa River Greenway One, Phase One: Preliminary Corridor Design Project; and

WHEREAS, Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. was found to be the best
qualified firm for the project; and

WHEREAS, Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. shall provide all labor,
materials and equipment necessary to perform the design activities outlined in the approved documents
for the Swannanoa River Greenway One, Phase One: Preliminary Corridor Design Project; and

WHEREAS, the amount of the contract is $147,638.10 with a contingency in the amount of
$14,763.81 and the funding has been budgeted through the General Obligation Bond Program as part
of the Transportation and Infrastructure Program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

ASHEVILLE THAT:

The City Manager is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Asheville a contract
with Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. for the construction services necessary to
perform the Swannanoa River Greenway One, Phase One: Preliminary Corridor Design Project in the
amount of $147,638.10 and to enter into change orders to this contract not to exceed an additional 10%
of the original contract amount or $14,763.81.

Read, approved and adopted this the 24th day of July 2018.

_________________________ __________________________
City Clerk Mayor

Approved as to form:

_________________________
City Attorney