Vandalia waives bidding, approves $68,500 OHM Advisors contract for Robinette Park design

The Vandalia City Council on Dec. 16 voted unanimously to waive the formal bidding process and authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute a professional services contract with OHM Advisors for architectural and design work on Robinette Park.

Parks and Recreation staff presented the request, saying OHM Advisors previously developed the park’s conceptual design and designed a restroom building; the new contract would cover planning, design, engineering and preparation of bid documents for the next phase, which the city described as including a splash pad, shelter, parking and other park amenities. Staff requested the contract be awarded without formal competitive bidding, and the council approved the request with a not-to-exceed amount of $68,500.

Councilman Follett moved to approve Resolution 24-R-67 and Councilman Lewis seconded. The roll call vote was recorded as 7-0 in favor.

Why it matters: The contract advances the next phase of a multi-stage park renovation plan and charges a single firm that previously worked on the project to continue design work, arguments staff cited as a reason to waive formal bidding.

Contract details and procurement: The resolution authorizes the city manager to negotiate and enter into the professional services contract with OHM Advisors of Columbus for architecture, design, engineering and bid document preparation at an amount not to exceed $68,500. Council did not provide further detail on the contract term, specific payment schedule, or the timeline for construction bidding during the meeting.

Council voted on several other routine personnel and budget items during the meeting and closed with seasonal remarks.