Cape & Islands News

Barnstable seeks consultant for new youth center

Town issues request for proposals, project due August '09

  An architect's rendidtion of the $24 million dollar project for which the town says it needs a $20,000 consultant.

According to the advertisement, the opening of the responses is not public

By James Kinsella

Barnstable Town Manager John C. Klimm has authorized a request for proposals from consultants for the start-up of the new $24 million Hyannis Youth and Community Center.

The town is seeking help in analyzing the center's financial plan, marketing program and scheduling of use, as well as assistance in starting up operations at the 84,000-square-foot complex.

David Curley, director of the town's recreation department, said the town has budgeted $20,000 for the consultant.

Curley said a consultant in such start-ups would have expertise not possessed by Barnstable officials.

Of the $24 million price tag, $15 million will come through bonds issued by the town.
See who gave what so far here.

"We're being extremely responsible," he said.

Curley said the town envisions the consultant working for a year with two permanent employees at the center: the rink manager and the marketing manager. The two managers will be responsible for the success of the long-awaited facility.

Construction already has started on the center at a 4-acre site at the intersection of Bearses Way, Bassett Lane and High School Road in Hyannis.

"We're ahead of schedule and on budget," Curley said.

The new center would include two ice sheets, a double gymnasium, a café, and a computer section.

The center is slated for completion by June 1, 2009, with full-scale operations scheduled to start Aug. 1, 2009.

Following construction of the new center, the town plans to demolish the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. skating rink, built in 1957 at the site, and use the footprint toward a 250-vehicle parking lot.

Of the $24 million price tag, $15 million will come through bonds issued by the town. Curley said user fees at the center would pay off the bonds without the need for more taxes.
Grants and gifts will cover the remainder of the center's cost.

According to a legal advertisement published by the town on Aug. 28, the request for proposal of the successful proposer will become part of the contract between the town and the consultant.

Responses are due on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 2 p.m. in the office of the town purchasing agent, 230 South Street, Hyannis. The contract would be awarded within approximately 30 days.

According to the advertisement, the opening of the responses is not public.