Title
MOTION TO APPROVE A WORK ORDER AUTHORIZATION WITH SALTZ MICHELSON ARCHITECTS, INC. FOR ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR STRATEGIC PLAN PROJECT REC03 - CHARLES F. DODGE CITY CENTER PLAZA IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $292,125.86
Summary Explanation and Background
SUMMARY EXPLANATION AND BACKGROUND:
1. On December 4, 2024, the City Commission adopted the Strategic Plan titled “We Love Pembroke Pines: A Blueprint for a Brighter Future.” The Strategic Plan identified investments in public spaces, community gathering areas, and civic amenities intended to improve quality of life, enhance community identity, and support flexible public programming opportunities throughout the City. As part of the Strategic Plan implementation, improvements to the Charles F. Dodge City Center Plaza were identified as a priority project to enhance the functionality, aesthetics, accessibility, and overall usability of the City’s primary civic gathering space.
2. On October 15, 2025, the City Commission approved funding for Year One Strategic Plan Recreation Projects, which included $350,000 for the design phase of the Charles F. Dodge City Center Plaza Improvements Project. This funding is intended to support the design phase only, with construction funding to be considered at a future date.
3. On January 21, 2026, the City Commission approved continuing contracts under RFQ #PSPW-23-20 for CCNA professional services, establishing a pool of pre-qualified consultants across multiple disciplines. In accordance with these agreements, staff selected Saltz Michelson Architects, Inc. from the pre-qualified firms under Trade F - General Architectural Services based on the firm’s qualifications, experience with similar municipal projects, and ability to assemble a multidisciplinary design team to support the project.
4. Staff conducted a scoping meeting with Saltz Michelson Architects, Inc. on March 4, 2026, to further define the project scope, establish project priorities, and review the existing conditions of the City Center Plaza and surrounding public spaces. Based on this effort, the consultant prepared a detailed proposal to provide architectural, civil engineering, landscape architectural, structural engineering, electrical engineering, and geotechnical services necessary to complete the project design, permitting support, and procurement assistance.
5. The proposed project includes full design services for the renovation and expansion of the Charles F. Dodge City Center Plaza, including:
- Reconfiguration or potential removal of the internal roadway separating the plaza from the adjacent green space
- Expansion and redesign of the civic plaza to improve day-to-day usability and event functionality
- Addition of shade structures, landscaping, and enhanced pedestrian amenities
- Integration of the adjacent open green space to support larger community events and programming
- Reconfiguration of drop-off and circulation areas
- New signage and wayfinding elements
- ADA accessibility improvements and utility infrastructure upgrades to support festivals, events, and food truck operations
- Improved pedestrian connectivity to Memorial Park and surrounding public spaces
The project will also require Site Plan Approval review through the City’s Development Review Committee and Planning and Zoning process.
6. The anticipated duration for the design, approval, and construction document phase is approximately 11 months from issuance of the Notice to Proceed, which includes schematic design, site plan approval, design development, construction documents, and permitting assistance.
7. The total fee for architectural and engineering design services is $292,125.86, which includes all consultant and subconsultant services as well as reimbursable expenses outlined in the proposal. The proposal is fully funded within the approved Year One Strategic Plan Recreation design budget for this project.
8. The estimated construction cost for the project will be refined throughout the design process and presented to the City Commission at a future date for consideration.
9. This project supports the following Strategic Plan goals and strategies under the “Public Spaces, Community Aesthetics, and Quality of Life” Strategic Focus Area:
Goal #1: Enhance the quality, accessibility, and diversity of parks and recreational facilities to promote health and well-being among residents.
Strategy #1: Upgrade existing parks and facilities, develop new recreational spaces, acquire parcels for open or passive space and expand recreational programs.
Goal #4: Create inviting public places and gathering spaces that encourage social interaction and community engagement.
Strategy #1: Incorporate flexible design elements that can accommodate a variety of events and activities, such as markets, performances, and festivals.
The proposed improvements to the Charles F. Dodge City Center Plaza support these strategies by enhancing civic space, expanding flexible gathering areas, and improving accessibility and connectivity in support goal #1, and by incorporating flexible design elements to support events, gatherings, and daily community use in support of goal #4.
10. Staff recommends approval of the Work Order Authorization with Saltz Michelson Architects, Inc. for Strategic Plan Project REC03 - Charles F. Dodge City Center Plaza Improvements, in the amount of $292,125.86.
Financial Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT DETAIL:
a) Initial Cost: $292,125.86
b) Amount budgeted for this item in Account No: $350,000 - 321-572-7001-663214-0000-000-0000-REC03
c) Source of funding for difference, if not fully budgeted: Not Applicable
d) 5 year projection of the operational cost of the project: Not Applicable
e) Detail of additional staff requirements: Not Applicable
FEASIBILITY REVIEW:
A feasibility review is required for the award, renewal and/or expiration of all function sourcing contracts. This analysis is to determine the financial effectiveness of function sourcing services.
a) Was a Feasibility Review/Cost Analysis of Out-Sourcing vs. In-House Labor Conducted for this service? Not Applicable
b) If Yes, what is the total cost or total savings of utilizing Out-Sourcing vs. In-House Labor for this service? Not Applicable