TOWNSHIP OF FERGUSON CENTRE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Transcription

1 TOWNSHIP OF FERGUSON CENTRE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PROFESSIONAL PLANNING SERVICES REVISION TO THE SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE AND ZONING REGULATIONS 3147 Research Drive State College, Pennsylvania Telephone: Fax:

2 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FERGUSON TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA FERGUSON TOWNSHIP ZONING AND SALDO UPDATE I. INTRODUCTION Ferguson Township, Centre County, PA is seeking proposals from qualified Planning Consultants to submit a written proposal in response to this Request for Proposals to provide planning consulting services for the purpose of preparing a comprehensive update to the Ferguson Township Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. Both ordinances attempt to implement the goals and objectives set forth within the adopted Centre Region Comprehensive Plan last updated November 2013, especially adhering to maintenance of the Regional Growth Boundary (RGB), minimizing urban sprawl and developing sustainable, yet smart development practices, encouraging a variety of residential, commercial and research/development uses within the RGB, while preserving prime agricultural land with modest development of rural centers throughout the remainder of the township. Approximately 15.8% of the township land area, or 4,800 acres, lie within the current RGB, and the remaining 84.2%, or 25,600 acres, lies outside the RGB. Moreover, both ordinances were adopted in the early to mid-1980s and have been amended in a piecemeal fashion over the past thirty years. Significant Zoning Ordinance Amendments have been incorporated as recently as 2011, comprising the current ordinance into approximately eighteen (18) zoning districts and four (4) overlay districts. Ferguson Township Zoning Districts and Overlay Districts can be further categorized in the following manner: RESIDENTIAL Single Family (R1) Suburban Single Family (R1B) Two Family (R2) Townhouse (R3) Multifamily (R4) Rural Residential (RR) Mobile Home Park (MHP) MIXED USE Terraced Streetscape (TSD) Planned Residential Development (PRD) Traditional Town Development (TTD) Village (V) AGRICULTURAL/FOREST Agricultural Research (AR) Rural Agriculture (RA) Forest/Gameland (FG) COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL General Commercial (C) Office Commercial (OC) General Industrial (I) Light Industry/Research and Development (IRD) In addition, there are four (4) Overlay Districts that coincide with the traditional zones, which include the following: Airport Overlay District (AOD) Corridor Overlay District (COD) Ridge Overlay District (ROD) Riparian Buffer Overlay District (RBOD) The Ferguson Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance provides definitions, plan review procedures, plan requirements, design and improvement standards along with design standards for the February 5,

3 Terraced Streetscape District (TSD). The ordinance will need to be examined for consistency with the Township Zoning Ordinance requirements along with review timelines set forth within the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. Both ordinances can be found online at Ferguson Township desires to obtain professional planning services necessary to simplify, modernize and streamline the Township s approach to regulating land use. The Township prefers to continue promoting sustainability and character through efficient land use regulation, realizing the economic development potential that still exists within the designated RGB. II. MUNICIPAL CONTEXT Ferguson Township is situated in the southwestern corner of Centre County, immediately abutting Huntington County to the south, Halfmoon and Patton Townships to the north and State College Borough, College and Harris Townships to the east. Ferguson Township is approximately 47.6 square miles in size. The U.S. Census identifies Ferguson Township as one of the more rapidly growing municipalities within the Centre Region, experiencing a 26% growth rate over the last ten-year decennial census period. The 2010 U.S. Census states that Ferguson Township had a population of 17,690 or 19.5% of the Centre Region population or 11.5% of the Centre County total population. FERGUSON TOWNSHIP within CENTRE COUNTY FERGUSON TOWNSHIP within THE CENTRE REGION Ferguson Township is a Home Rule municipality and operates under an adopted Home Rule Charter. The Charter establishes a councilmanager form of government and empowers the Board of Supervisors as the elected Board. The Board of Supervisors establishes Authorities, Boards and Commissions prescribed through the Administrative Code. For the purpose of this Request for Proposals, the chosen professional Planning Consultant may be required to coordinate with the Director of Planning and Zoning and consult with the Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors, Manager, Assistant Manager, Zoning Administrator, Township Engineer, Public Works Director, Township Planning Commission, Township Zoning Hearing Board and any other staff, boards or commissions essential to the development of both ordinances. Resource: The Centre Region, a Great Place to Live, Centre Regional Planning Agency Ferguson Township maintains a diverse pattern of land uses from its shared County border to the southwest and shared municipal border with State College Borough in the northeast. Transportation corridors within the township include State Route 26, otherwise known as West College Avenue, W. Whitehall Road, E. &W. Pine Grove Road, Science Park/Valley Vista Dr., Atherton Street and Blue Course Dr. as main arterials and collectors. Ferguson Township maintains approximately sixteen (16) traffic signals. Other February 5,

4 interspersed subcollectors and streets meander through numerous residential subdivisions in the northeast, the more densely populated section of the township. A majority of development within the subcollectors and streets consist of residential subdivisions, Planned Residential Developments such as Foxpointe, the Landings, Stonebridge and newly developed Traditional Town Developments known as Pine Hall and Turnberry. Recreational lands and trails also dominate the northeast portion of the township. Ferguson Township updated its last Recreation, Parks and Open Space Plan in 2009 and, the Centre Region Planning Agency developed the Centre Region Bike Plan, adopted in December There are approximately 189 acres of parkland and linear miles of shared use facilities within Ferguson Township. A majority of land west of the RGB is considered rural, with active agricultural lands that produce varied crops with minimal dairy production. Since 1994, Ferguson Township has been a funding partner with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Centre County in acquiring agricultural conservation easements. As of 2015, the township retains over 3,000 acres in agricultural conservation easements. One issue that has come to light relates to the preservation of farmland and reducing sprawl through the establishment of the RGB. The township is cognizant of the potential creation of a green ring of preservation around the RGB and has concern for future leap frog development outside the RGB, which should be considered within ordinance updates. Lastly, within the Rural Agricultural zoning district, strict adherence to large lot size requirements, a 50-acre minimum, retains farmland in Ferguson Township. However, there is a dilemma with this requirement, especially for individual property owners that intend to support smaller, sustainable niche crops or farm-to-table operations. The previously mentioned agricultural issues will need to be considered during the revision of both ordinances. The Terraced Streetscape District (TSD) is a mixed use corridor along West College Avenue from the boundary of State College Borough to the intersection of Blue Course Drive. This particular section of the Zoning Ordinance has been updated as recently as 2011 and provides for a mix of commercial and residential redevelopment meant to be promoted at a pedestrian scale. As a side note, a meeting between the Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors and the State College Borough Council occurred in September of Denny Puko, Planner with the PA Department of Community and Economic Development moderated the meeting to assist in considering a course of action between both municipalities. The Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors has determined they will continue to pursue a channel of communication with the State College Borough Council with hopes of providing a model for future development within this corridor. Discussion between Mr. Puko, the elected officials and neighborhood stakeholders concluded that an acceptable approach may be using a Charrette to determine an acceptable community design within the corridor. The Terraced Streetscape District (TSD) will not be considered as a Zoning Ordinance update at this time due to the unresolved corridor planning approach with State College Borough. However, it is important for the planning consultant to note the planning implications of the TSD for future planning updates. Lastly, the Ferguson Township Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Storm Water Management Ordinance all apply to new development proposals within the township. The land use requirements are extensive and have been amended from time to time as a result of requests and inconsistencies between ordinance language and development trends. The Storm Water Management Ordinance is the most recently updated document and takes into account projects outside of subdivision and land development activity and provisions for MS4 permitting. III. SCOPE OF WORK The selected Planning Consultant must take leadership in informing and educating the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, Planning & Zoning and engineering staff and all relevant stakeholders of the full range of innovative options for effective land use planning as it relates to economic, community and environmental sustainability; leading to consensus on a specific approach. February 5,

5 Applicants are encouraged to structure a Scope of Work and project timeline in a manner considered most appropriate to accomplish the identified objectives. Any exceptions or deviations from the Scope of Work shall be noted and explained in the proposal. The intent of the Scope of Work provided below is to serve as a framework, which applicants can use to develop a more detailed proposal based on their professional expertise and knowledge. The Scope of Work attempt to list major tasks as currently envisioned but does not attempt to be a comprehensive list. Although there are elements of the proposed Scope of Work that are desirable, there is also opportunity for creativity in the approach and methods employed by the selected Planning Consultant. Ferguson Township requests that applicants present an efficient, yet effective Scope of Work that ensures a set of high quality, broadly supported land use regulations. The proposed desirables are as follows: 1. Conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of the existing Zoning Ordinance and SALDO. The technical analysis and evaluation shall: a. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the existing Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance in terms of their structure, organization, precision, efficiency, review timelines/deadlines, existing zoning districts and district standards (including potential district conflicts), regulations of general applicability, definitions, zoning map, contemporary land uses, zoning administrative procedures and general consistency with the PA Municipalities Planning Code. b. Ensure that the revised Ferguson Township Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances conform to generally accepted land use law and sound planning principles along with state and federal statutes and case law. c. Evaluate Ordinance revisions in concert with the Goals and Objectives set forth in the 2013 Centre Region Comprehensive Plan, as they relate to the Regional Growth Boundary. d. Identify and correct any internal inconsistencies, omissions or errors, including grammatical and other editorial problems in the Zoning Ordinance, Site Plan Review Regulations and Subdivision Regulations. e. Identify and attempt to resolve any specific obstacles to desired development based on stakeholder feedback. These may include, but are not limited to incompatible land uses, restrictive design guidelines, unreasonable setbacks and buffer yard requirements, and procedural obstacles. 2. Create, to the fullest legal extent possible, a user friendly, simplified, clear and easily understood set of Zoning and Subdivision and Land Development regulations that consider the following: a. Revision to vague, unclear or confusing language and warrant that language, terms, and intent are consistent from one chapter and section to another. b. Removal of archaic and inapplicable verbiage. c. Use of essential words in the text of both ordinances as defined within the Definitions section, considering incorrect, inadequate or outdated definitions. d. Revision to sections of the Ordinances that are in conflict with other sections, have unintended impacts on other sections, which may be overly complex. February 5,

6 e. Recommendation of improvements to the layout of the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map and the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. f. Recommend appropriate illustrations and/or diagrams for ease of understanding ordinance concepts. g. Both the revised Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development shall be well organized, internally consistent and comprehensible. 3. The selected Planning Consultant will be required to attend and facilitate at least twelve (12) steering committee meetings along with at least one (1) Board of Township Supervisors meeting one (1) Township Planning Commission and one (1) public meeting for the presentation of the final draft ordinances. Steering committee members may include, but are not limited to farmers, business community members, residents, students, and others. Ferguson Township Planning & Zoning staff will be involved in assisting the consultant in order to facilitate the ordinance revision process keeping costs down. The Township Planning & Zoning staff will assist in arranging and advertising all public meetings, workshops and hearings. The Township Planning & Zoning staff will work closely with the Planning Consultant in gathering information and in reviewing any work product before it is submitted to Planning Commission or the Board of Supervisors. Coordination with proposed Zoning Map changes or modifications can be accomplished through the assistance of the township GIS technician. 4. The Planning Consultant shall consider all possibilities of involving, obtaining and soliciting key stakeholders integral to the update and revision of both the Zoning and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances. This may include the use of surveys, focus groups, and other methodology designed to engage an array of stakeholders with varying interests. Ferguson Township will establish a steering committee to coordinate with the Planning Consultant on this and other aspects of the public input process. IV. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION The Following information shall be contained within the proposal package: 1. Cover Letter: A cover letter shall be provided stating why the Planning Consultant is best suited to provide the desired service to Ferguson Township. This letter should outline the Planning Consultant s understanding of the project. The letter shall identify the lead firm, contact person, project manager and key staff members assigned to the project. Contact information shall be provided for the primary contact person. 2. Draft Work Plan: A detailed work plan shall be provided by the Planning Consultant and must describe how they intend to accomplish the required work in a timely manner. 3. Project Timeline: A project timeline including such things as necessary background research, detailed schedule of meeting dates and milestone dates, document delivery dates and designated review periods, work sessions, public hearing dates and anticipated adoption date shall be provided. The project timeline shall include but is not limited to the milestone dates as follows: Contract Authorization and Notice to Proceed Initial Kick-Off Meeting Document Research and Analysis Steering Committee Work Sessions February 5,

7 Meeting with Planning Commission & Board of Supervisors Document Preparation First Draft Final Draft Public Meeting (Final Draft Review) Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Adoption Effective Date of Zoning and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances 4. Financial Statement: A detailed financial schedule including such things as hourly rates of all key individuals assigned to the project, a financial breakdown for individual tasks, mileage and travel charges, printing, mailing and other fees/charges shall be provided. 5. Statement of Qualifications: The Planning Consultant s qualifications with emphasis on related work experience with similar municipalities shall be described. Ferguson Township will evaluate the Planning Consultant considering the following criteria (not listed in any particular order): a. Depth of Experience - Describe the zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances and other pertinent planning documents your firm has prepared in the last three (3) years. One (1) sample of similar documents shall be made available to Ferguson Township. b. Years of Experience - Describe the years of experience of the project manager assigned to the project as well as the years of experience for the key employees assigned to the project. It is expected that the assigned key staff employees will remain consistent throughout the project. Please provide credentials of those planning staff members of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). c. Technical Experience - Demonstrate professional experience and proven record of accomplishments in the preparation of planning documents and public participation. d. Reputation of the Planning Consultant - Describe record of accomplishments of the Planning Consultant. e. General Knowledge - Demonstrate an overall knowledge of Ferguson Township, the Centre Region and Centre County as well as a clear understanding of the overall objectives in completing the revisions to the Zoning and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances. f. Communication Skills - Describe public facilitation capabilities and experience working with the public, work groups and municipal representatives including oral and visual presentations as well as ability to listen and to be flexible. g. Proximity to Ferguson Township - Demonstrate ability to project high level of direct interaction and communication anticipated between the Planning Consultant and Ferguson Township based on proximity to the Township. h. Comprehensive Requirements - Provide detailed analysis for line items including work task as well as costs associated with printing, mailing, mileage, travel charges and other fees/charges. i. Timeframe - Demonstrate the ability to complete the project within twelve (12) months. j. Potential Conflicts of Interest - Identify any potential conflicts of interest for the Consultant and/or Subconsultants. February 5,

8 6. Approach: Provided a detailed description of the Planning Consultant s approach to the project broken down by task. Included in this section may be a discussion of any substantive or innovative ideas used in any other similar projects, which you feel are applicable to this project. 7. Deliverables: The type and number of copies used to provide detailed information during the process shall be identified. The Planning Consultant may rely on the Project Manager to make necessary standard sized copies (not larger than 11 x 17 ) for distribution at meetings. The final document shall be in paper format along with a digital format for codification purposes. 8. References: The Consultant must provide three (3) references of related clients including contact names and telephone numbers. The reference shall be for work performed similar to the scope described in this RFP. Ferguson Township will conduct reference checks to determine quality of past performance, communication skills and the ability to perform assigned tasks in a timely and accurate manner. 9. Compensation: The total project budget shall be based on the identified tasks outlined in the work plan. The budget shall include all anticipated costs including but not limited to meeting attendance and facilitation, correspondence and staff report preparation, documents preparation and production and any necessary travel time and other expenses. a. The Planning Consultant shall provide an hourly service fee schedule for all professionals, technicians and support staff assigned to the contract. The hourly service fee schedule shall reflect the rate schedule for b. The Planning Consultant shall provide travel time and expense rate schedule for all professionals, technicians and support staff assigned to the contract. The travel time and expense rate schedule shall reflect the rate schedule for General Requirements: Interested Planning Consultants shall submit a proposal package to Ferguson Township as follows: a. Five (5) copies of the complete proposal must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the name of the Planning Consultant submitting the proposal clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. b. The sealed envelope should be clearly marked Ferguson Township Zoning and SALDO Update RFP. c. Submission Information: Ferguson Township Administration: Mark Kunkle, Township Manager (mkunkle@twp.ferguson.pa.us) Raymond J. Stolinas Jr., AICP, Planning & Zoning Director (rstolinas@twp.ferguson.pa.us) Ferguson Township Address and Contact Information: 3147 Research Drive, State College, PA Phone: (814) Fax: (814) Deadline: No later than 4:00 p.m., E.S.T. on Friday, March 4, February 5,

9 e. All costs related to the preparation of the proposals shall be borne solely by the applicant submitting such proposal. Ferguson Township assumes no responsibility for the cost associated with preparation of the proposal. f. Proposals shall become the property of Ferguson Township and will not be returned to the Planning Consultant. Proposals received after the above specified date and time will not be accepted. Proposals submitted by fax, telephone or will not be accepted. V. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS All proposals will be evaluated based on the technical and professional expertise and related work experience of the Planning Consultant, the proposed method and procedures for completion of the work, the understanding of the necessary ordinance revisions, the ability to moderate public participation and the cost for completion of the work. The Ferguson Township staff will review the proposals and reserves the right to conduct interviews with all or some of the consultants. If interviews are conducted, key Administrative and Planning and Zoning staff are expected to attend the interview. The Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors, based on the recommendation of Township staff, will make the final decision regarding the Planning Consultant selection. All proposals become the physical property of Ferguson Township upon receipt. VI. INFORMATION AND SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY FERGUSON TOWNSHIP Meeting space and legal advertising Website for posting project information and updates Access to current Zoning and SALDO documents Available base-mapping of Ferguson Township Selection of Steering Committee to work with the selected Planning Consultant VII. PAYMENT TO SELECTED PLANNING CONSULTANT Payments for completed services will be issued upon presentation of an invoice summarizing work completed. A ten (10%) percent retention will be withheld on the final request for payment pending the completion of all Zoning and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Revisions. VIII. QUESTIONS All questions regarding this Request for Proposals should be directed to Raymond J. Stolinas Jr., AICP, Director of Planning & Zoning, Ferguson Township, at (814) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. A response to this RFP or receiving an interview should not be construed as a contract or an indication of a commitment of any kind on the part of the Township nor does the Township commit either to pay for costs February 5,

10 incurred in the submission of a response to this request or for any cost incurred prior to the execution of a final contract. All proposals shall be considered public information and the Township reserves the right to request additional information if needed. Thank you for taking the time to review this Request for Proposals. Ferguson Township looks forward to receiving your potential submission of planning credentials. February 5,