PRIOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION: 

At its January 28, 2025, regular meeting, City Council tabled this agenda item to allow staff to provide the necessary exhibits for the Professional Services Agreement. A complete copy of the agreement, including all referenced exhibits, is attached for City Council's consideration.

According to the City Council’s Strategic Plan for FY 2025-2027, there is a commitment to update the Downtown “CORE” Plan, also known as the Cibolo Downtown Revitalization Plan. This task is expressed in two City Council strategic initiatives, namely 1.4.6 and 1.4.7, which are detailed below.

1.4.6    Review and present on the Downtown “CORE” Plan

1.4.7    Amend Downtown CORE Plan at Council direction and revise UDC

BACKGROUND:

At the June 25, 2024, City Council meeting, City staff presented on the Cibolo Downtown Revitalization Plan, which was adopted on August 26, 2014, as well as the proposed scope, objectives, and timeline for the Old Town/ Downtown Master Plan. Staff later returned to City Council at its September 24, 2024, regular meeting, prior to issuing the Request for Proposal (RFP), to confirm the updated project objectives based on feedback and direction received at the June meeting.

The following project objectives were identified for the Old Town/ Downtown Master Plan RFP:

1. Confirm the vision for Old Town/ Downtown.
2. Reexamine the boundaries of Old Town/ Downtown.
3. Promote economic development.
4. Address parking needs.
5. Improve drainage.
6. Enhance mobility.
7. Continue to improve pedestrian safety.
8. Identify opportunity sites and catalyst projects.
9. Expand opportunities for events and gathering places.
10. Strengthen urban design.
11. Encourage neighborhood preservation.
12. Recommend updates to the Unified Development Code (UDC) regarding the Old Town (OT) District.
13. Develop strategies for implementation and funding.

Professional Services Agreement - Old Town/ Downtown Master Plan

The Professional Services Agreement for the Old Town/ Downtown Master Plan, which is attached herein, will support City Council’s strategic goals while building on the success of Old Town/ Downtown. It also aims to address the evolving needs of this unique area in Cibolo. This project will align with the community’s vision as well as the City’s long-range plans and initiatives, including the City Council Strategic Plan, Cibolo Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan, Strategic Economic Development Plan, FM 78 Corridor Plan, Five-Year Capital Improvements Program, UDC Rewrite, and Drainage Master Plan.  

The Old Town/ Downtown Master Plan will take a comprehensive approach to assess and potentially expand the boundaries of Old Town/ Downtown to maximize future opportunities; address parking needs and identify gathering spaces to foster a sense of place; enhance mobility and improve pedestrian safety; resolve drainage issues to support sustainable development; revise OT District regulations to balance economic development with the preservation of neighborhoods and historic resources; and develop strategies for funding and implementing the plan’s recommendations.

Following the September 24, 2024, presentation to City Council, the RFP was issued on October 15, 2024, with proposals due on November 15, 2024.

The City’s evaluation team carefully reviewed and evaluated proposals using the following weighted criteria:

• Firm Background                                                                      10 points
• Project Experience and Qualifications                                      35 points
• Methodology and Technical Approach                                    30 points
• Ability to comply with Exhibit A Terms and Conditions             5 points
• Cost Proposal                                                                           20 points

Nine (9) firms submitted in response to the Old Town/ Downtown Master Plan RFP: Lionheart Places, LLC, Kendig Keast Collaborative, Asakura Robinson, Halff, Covey Planning + Landscape Architecture, Design Workshop, Able City, DTJ Design, Inc., and Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. After thorough evaluation, Lionheart Places, LLC, scored the highest, earning 96.3 out of 100 points, and was identified as the most advantageous proposer for the City.

Lionheart Places is a Texas-based firm with extensive experience in downtown master planning. The firm has completed similar projects for several communities that have won awards and received national recognition from the American Planning Association, Urban Land Institute, and American Society of Landscape Architects. Their approach prioritizes collaboration with the community and City staff to establish a vision, goals, and metrics, focusing on the foundational elements of the Old Town area like mobility, parking, land use, public spaces, economic development, and urban design. As part of their strategy, Lionheart Places will identify and recommend the development of key sites that will serve as catalysts for the broader community, while factoring in economic viability, community impact, and sustainability.

With a detailed proposal and proven track record, Lionheart Places is well-prepared to meet the goals and objectives identified in the RFP. Their use of both traditional and digital engagement methods will ensure broad and representative community involvement throughout the planning process.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

The City’s evaluation team recommends that City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement with Lionheart Places, LLC for the Old Town/ Downtown Master Plan and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:  

The FY 2025 budget included One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars ($160,000) in EDC funds which were allocated to update the Cibolo Downtown Revitalization Plan.

MOTION:

Below is a sample motion that can be made by the City Council regarding this agenda item.

“I move to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Lionheart Places, LLC for the Old Town/ Downtown Master Plan and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement in the amount of One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars ($160,000).”