Discussion and possible action to terminate the architectural services contract and further authorize the Purchasing Agent to advertise a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a Courthouse Architectural Services for Round XV cycle of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP), pursuant to the Professional Services Procurement Act and any other matters incident thereto. Issue: In ord

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

Discussion and possible action to terminate the architectural services contract and further authorize the Purchasing Agent to advertise a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a Courthouse Architectural Services for Round XV cycle of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP), pursuant to the Professional Services Procurement Act and any other matters incident thereto. Issue: In order to be eligible to submit an application under the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Plan (THCPP), Webb County must have an approved THCPP Preservation Master Plan draft at 95% complete. The current preservation architect, Mr. Steven Tillotson, did not provide a completed Preservation Master Plan for Rounds XIII and XIV of the THCPP, resulting in Webb County being ineligible to apply for the grant during those cycles. Solution: Terminate the current contract with Mr. Tillotson and authorize the Purchasing Agent to advertise an RFQ for a qualified preservation architect with experience in historic courthouse preservation. The selected architect will evaluate the current state of the courthouse and set priorities for rehabilitating and maintaining the building. Result: The current contract with Mr. Tillotson would be terminated and procurement of a new preservation architect will allow Webb County to complete the required Preservation Master Plan and become eligible to apply for funding under the THCPP. If awarded, Webb County could be eligible to receive a grant of up to $10,000,000.00 (TEN MILLION DOLLARS) for courthouse preservation and rehabilitation improvements.

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 5.0/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).