HomeMy Public PortalAbout5b Planner Briefing - Fraser River Corridor Master Plan RFP
Town of Fraser
PO Box 370, Fraser, CO 80442 office 970-726-5491 fax 970-726-5518
www.frasercolorado.com
MEMO TO: Mayor Vandernail and the Board of Trustees
FROM: Catherine E. Trotter, AICP, Town Planner
DATE: July 26, 2017
SUBJECT: Fraser River Corridor Master Plan – RFP
MATTER BEFORE BOARD:
Fraser River Corridor Master Plan Proposal recommendation.
ACTION REQUESTED:
None. Discussion only and direction to proceed with finalizing a contract and scope of work with
a consulting firm.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Town of Fraser has requested proposals from qualified consultants or firms to develop a
site-specific master plan for the Fraser River Corridor which lies within a 120-acre parcel of
dedicated open space owned by the Town. The Town has completed over $1,000,000.00 in
improvements within the open space in the last 15 years and is seeking a plan for additional
enhancements and improvements. The selected firm will work with the Town to analyze
existing conditions, gather public input, and develop the master plan. We received nine
proposals from qualified consulting companies. Seven companies are based in Colorado, one
company is from Iowa and one company is from Florida. We had a selection committee that
narrowed the proposals down to two. Staff met with the Mayor and have selected THK as the
top firm to assist us with the Fraser River Corridor Master Plan. Their proposal is in the packet
for your review. We feel that THK team has qualified professionals with experience in river
corridor, trails and park planning and design that will ensure that all necessary river impacts are
evaluated and mitigated.
BACKGROUND:
The Town of Fraser received a GOCO Planning Grant in the amount of $65,000.00 to develop a
master plan for the Fraser River Corridor. The plan will assist in researching the impact of
active and passive recreational improvements, potential for educational opportunities, and
enhancements to wildlife and riparian habitat. The Town of Fraser wants a balance between
natural resources and river restoration, and recreational activities. “The THK team’s approach
to riparian corridor projects is based on a philosophical goal of achieving a balance between the
natural and developed worlds by protecting and preserving wildlife and riparian habitat,
connecting humans with this natural resource and inspiring the community to get outdoors and
enjoy this gem of Fraser.” THK’s approach seems to match our objectives. Also, the timing of
this planning effort fits well with our ongoing Fraser downtown strategic planning effort.
Town of Fraser
PO Box 370, Fraser, CO 80442 office 970-726-5491 fax 970-726-5518
www.frasercolorado.com
ALTERNATIVES:
We could choose one of the other consulting firms to assist us with this project.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends retaining THK to lead the community in the preparation and adoption of the
Fraser River Corridor Master Plan.