Staff recommends RWK for Keating property management; councilors request copy of signed contract

Director Christine Marks described an RFP process for property-management services at the Keating Building and two other city-owned properties, saying the RFP included mandatory site visits, one addendum and a written question-and-answer period. She told the Economic Development Committee that two proposals were received: RWK Enterprises (recommended) and RM Bradley.

Marks said RWK proposed $75,000 for year 1 and $78,000 for year 2 and demonstrated municipal and environmental experience relevant to Keating, while RM Bradley proposed roughly $140,000/$147,000 and lacked similar municipal or brownfields experience. Marks said she prepared a recommendation memorandum dated Dec. 16, 2024, endorsing RWK.

When asked whether a contract had been signed, staff confirmed that a contract is in effect and that it was executed for both years. Council members asked staff to circulate the signed contract and related procurement documentation because council had not previously received it; one councilor raised concern that council has not approved expenditures outside the current fiscal year and requested the contract be provided for review. Marks said the contract and supporting documents are public records and will be distributed to committee members.

Why it matters: The Keating property-management contract determines who will manage building operations, maintenance and safety compliance. The sizable price difference between proposals and questions about prior procurement procedures prompted members to ask for the contract and supporting review documents.

What’s next: Staff agreed to distribute the executed contract and the Dec. 16 memorandum to committee members for review and to clarify whether further council action is required.