COUNCIL COMMUNICATION

City Manager’s Office

GENERAL INFORMATION

Agenda Date: 07/25/05 Communication No.: 05-410

Agenda Item Type: Resolution Roll Call No.:

Submitted by: Donald M. Tripp, Park and Recreation Director

SUBJECT—

Authorize staff to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for use of the former Science Center of Iowa building in Greenwood/Ashworth Parks.

SYNOPSIS—

Since 1977, the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) has operated a science center facility in Greenwood/Ashworth Parks. SCI recently opened their new location at 401 West M. L. King, Jr. Parkway. SCI intends to vacate the Greenwood/Ashworth facility effective September 15, 2005. City staff plans to issue an RFQ to determine interested parties, and potential future usage of the building. Results from this RFQ may be used in development of a Request for Proposals (RFP) regarding the future end use of the former SCI building.

FISCAL IMPACT—

None

RECOMMENDATION—

Approval

BACKGROUND—

Since 1977, the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) has operated a science center facility in Greenwood/Ashworth Parks. The structure was built on city owned property pursuant to a science and industry grant whereby, the City of Des Moines provided SCI the land for the facility as long as it was used as a science center. SCI has been largely responsible for all maintenance and other expenses relating to the facility. Recently the SCI opened their new location at 401 West M. L. King, Jr. Parkway. SCI intends to vacate the Greenwood/Ashworth facility effective September 15, 2005.

This Council action will authorize the issuance of a Request for Qualifications from parties interested in leasing the former Science Center. Staff will consult a representative committee in the analysis of the information received and, if appropriate, the issuance of a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) for the end use of the building. At the May 12, 2005 workshop meeting, Council reached consensus that the representative committee be compromised of Council Member Bob Mahaffey (as a business representative), one other representative from the business community, and one member from each of the following: Park and Recreation Board, Youth Advisory Board, Greenwood Historic Neighborhood Association, Linden Heights Neighborhood Association, Salisbury Oaks Neighborhood Association, Ingersoll Park Neighborhood Association, and Waterbury Neighborhood Association. City staff and the committee will jointly hold a public meeting for citizen input prior to making a recommendation to the City Council.

Information requested as part of the Request for Qualifications includes but is not limited to (1) financial ability to make the necessary repairs to the building and provide for future maintenance, (2) use of the building is complementary to the park and provides a benefit to the park patrons.