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Request for Proposals (RFP) Response: Fireside Catering d/b/a Webber Restaurant Group
Summary
Summary
Today, the Stevens Estate at Osgood Hill is owned by the Town of North Andover and managed by Fireside Catering. A portion of the revenues generated from events are reinvested into the estate for restoration and repair of the mansion, estate buildings and grounds.
How Did We Get Here?
How Did We Get Here?
The Stevens Estate Long Term Advisory Committee formed in the fall of 2019 at the request of the Town of North Andover Select Board to review the current operating model of the Stevens Estate (the Estate), research alternative models, identify one or more viable potential future models, and make a recommendation on the preferred long term strategic operating model of the Estate. Following an extensive public process, in August of 2020 it provided a recommendation to the Select Board.
The Select Board then directed the Town Manager to draft and issue a request for proposals (RFP) for management, preservation and protection of the Estate. In addition to the Town Manager's office and Select Board, the RFP was developed with input from the Director of Community and Economic Development, the Estate's Director, and Members of the Trustees of Osgood Hill and Stevens Estate Long Term Advisory Committee respectively.
The RFP was issued in February of 2020 and responses were received in March of 2020. One response (Fireside) out of two received was deemed to be responsive. A group of proposal evaluators, which included the Town's Director of Administrative Services, Director of Community and Economic Development, two Members of the Stevens Estate Long Term Advisory Committee, and one Member of the Trustees of Osgood Hill, reviewed the valid proposal and collectively deemed it to be advantageous/highly advantageous. The evaluators recommended to the Town Manager that she should award the contract to Fireside contingent on it providing a definitive plan acceptable to the Town for the management, care and preservation of the entire estate, including the conservation land and trails.
"The Future of the Stevens Estate" - Presentation by the Town Manager to the Select Board - May 10, 2021
Click Here to view slide deck and below to view presentation by the Town Manager
Who is Fireside Catering?
Who is Fireside Catering?
Fireside Catering is the legal entity, and part of the Webber Restaurant Group:
5 full service restaurants
2 seasonal cafes
7 exclusive event venues (Crane Estate, Bradley Estate, Moraine Farm, Fruitlands Museum, etc.)
Over 450 events per year
600 plus employees
Run and own Gibbet Hill Farm and Gibbet Hill State Park and trails
What Has Occurred Post-Award?
What Has Occurred Post-Award?
Negotiation sessions with Select Board Members
Multiple site visits
Meetings with Mass Audubon, and review of conservation article
Financial review
Because the contract is for a period of longer than three years, on May 24, 2021 the Select Board voted to authorize the Town Manager to execute it, per authority vested annually by Town Meeting
Contract executed with Fireside Catering on May 25, 2021
Contract executed with Mass Audubon on July 8, 2021 to steward a conservation restriction for the Stevens Estate property, and to partner with Fireside Catering and the Town to provide natural history educational opportunities and programming to the public
What Are the Terms of the Contract?
What Are the Terms of the Contract?
Click here to view the full executed contract between the Town of North Andover and Fireside Catering.
The contract between Fireside and the Town will is a Management Agreement (not lease). Terms of the contract include (see above link for full contract and terms):
Ownership: Town will maintain ownership, care, and custody of buildings and grounds
Term: 10 years beginning on the 15th of October 2021; two additional five year extensions, which shall be awarded so long as the Fireside is in good standing with the State and with the Town
Annual Management Fee: $150,000 per year and shall increase annually by two percent on the anniversary. Paid to the Town in monthly installments.
Catering revenue Fee: Town shall receive a revenue of 8 percent of net catering revenue beyond $750,000 per year. Catering Revenue fee shall include any fees affiliated with the use of the building, including but not limited to food and alcoholic beverages sales, room rentals, overnight fees, and use of building fees. Revenue fee shall not include gratuity or rental fees received for payment to other entities for special request items. Shall be paid annually.
Both the Annual Management Fee and the Catering Revenue Fee shall be placed in a revolving account to pay for Stevens Estate related expenditures. These expenditures shall include, but not be limited to capital improvements of over $9,999 and annual utility costs. Utility costs will be capped in order to protect the town.
Fireside shall be responsible for any/all hotels and meals taxes to be paid to the Town.
Fireside and Town shall meet annually to update a five year capital improvement plan for the Estate. Capital improvements should cost over $10,000 and have a life expectancy of 5 years or more. The capital improvement plan shall be incorporated into the Town Manager’s Capital Improvement Plan. The funding source for capital improvements shall be the Stevens Estate revolving account. Fireside and the Town may decide to jointly apply for Community Preservation Funds for eligible projects, and those projects must be approved by Town Meeting.
Capital Improvements must be made in accordance with the Historic Preservation Restriction currently held by the Massachusetts Historical Commission and in consultation with the North Andover Historical Commission.
Maintenance: Fireside responsible at its sole cost and expense for management, maintenance and oversight of the estate, buildings, structures, grounds, trails, facilities and equipment, including: maintenance, repairs, cleaning, janitorial, food, beverage, trash collection, lawn maintenance, landscaping, trail maintenance, watershed management and snow removal (other than main road). The Town will be responsible for utilities other than sewer and water. Utilities shall not exceed $21,834, with a 2 percent increase per year. Town will maintain property insurance. Town will service fire alarm and sprinkler systems and Fireside will reimburse the Town.
Town residents shall have access to grounds and all trails from sunrise to sunset, seven days per week
Town residents shall have exclusive access to designated parking spots in front of the Carriage House
Leashed dogs shall be permitted on Estate grounds and trails
Fireside will work in collaboration with the North Andover Public Schools, Youth Center, Stevens Memorial Library and Senior Center to offer 12 Educational programs per year
All of the revenue received by the Town from Fireside would be accounted for separately and invested back into the estate.
Preservation and Management of the Grounds:
Preservation and Management of the Grounds:
The Town will seek a conservation restriction in order to preserve the property's open space. Fireside agrees to adhere to all the terms of the forthcoming conservation restriction.
Fireside and the Town are partnering with Mass Audubon and FONAT to steward a conservation restriction for the Stevens Estate property, to assist it with maintenance of the grounds and trails, and to provide public-facing educational and interactive programming.
Links to Relevant Documents:
Links to Relevant Documents:
Executed contract between Town of North Andover and Mass Audubon - July 8, 2021
Executed contract between Town of North Andover and Fireside Catering for management of the Stevens Estate - May 25, 2021
Fireside Catering Presentation to Select Board - March 22, 2021
Request for Proposals (RFP) for Management, Preservation and Protection of the Stevens Estate
Historic Preservation Restriction
Questions?
Questions?
Contact Laurie Burzlaff, Director of Administrative Services: lburzlaff@northandoverma.gov / 978-688-9510
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