City moves forward on LWCF conversion, awards Kimley‑Horn contract for $69,015 plus contingency

City staff recommended awarding a site‑planning contract to Kimley‑Horn for $69,015 plus a 10% contingency to complete a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) conversion packet and restore the city’s eligibility for future state and federal recreation grants. Parks and planning staff explained the city previously lost LWCF eligibility and has worked for several years to meet conversion requirements. The city issued a request for proposals, received four submissions and, after staff and Parks & Recreation Advisory Board review against an established rubric, recommended Kimley‑Horn based on relevant LWCF conversion experience and familiarity with the city’s parks planning documents. The recommended contract was the second‑least expensive proposal and scored highest on technical merit, according to staff. Staff said the site‑planning contract will refine plans for the former Red Bank Middle School property and the Hixson (north end) property, provide phased recommendations and cost opinions to inform capital planning and allow the city to finalize the conversion packet for Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and National Park Service review. Staff reported they are about 75% complete with preparatory steps and that “yellow book” appraisals are expected imminently to confirm replacement property valuations. Staff requested authorization for the city manager to execute the agreement so the city can complete the conversion within the current fiscal year and regain grant eligibility. The transcript records staff presentation and a discussion of scope, proposals received and appraisals; a formal roll‑call vote is not recorded in the work session excerpt.