Title
Staff Report for a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Consulting Services Agreement with The Exploratorium for the Design and Installation of an Interactive Exhibit in Joaquin Plaza
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to approve a Consulting Services Agreement and authorize the appropriation of $235,000 of grant funds from the State of California - Department of Housing and Community Development for the Exploratorium to design, fabricate, and install an interactive musical exhibit in Joaquin Plaza.
BACKGROUND
On November 20, 2014, the City of San Leandro was awarded a Housing-Related Parks Program Grant in the amount of $1,376,600 from the State of California - Department of Housing and Community Development. This grant was awarded based on the creation of 746 low-income and 84 very low-income units, and will be used to fund three "Qualifying Park Projects," which are City parks and recreation facilities that meet the eligible use criteria for funding.
One of the "Qualifying Park Projects" submitted for grant funding was a project with the Exploratorium, a museum of science, art, and human perception located in San Francisco, California, for the installation of an interactive exhibit at Joaquin Plaza in Downtown San Leandro.
On October 14, 2014, the City and the Exploratorium entered into a Consulting Services Agreement for the development of an initial concept design document, to include elements necessary to move forward with the design development phase. In August, 2015, the concept design was completed and plans to initiate Phase II began.
Analysis
Joaquin Plaza was selected for the Exploratorium installation because it provides an opportunity to activate a centrally-located public space in Downtown San Leandro. The plaza already includes successful use of outdoor dining; however, additional space remains that could be used as a gathering pla...
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