In a recent government meeting, council members discussed the implementation of a new professional services agreement aimed at supporting local businesses through workshops and marketing assistance. The initiative, which is expected to utilize American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, aims to ramp up business engagement ahead of the critical holiday season.

The meeting revealed that a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued in March 2023, but the proposals received did not meet the council's expectations. Consequently, the council opted for a direct professional services agreement, which raised questions about the vetting process for the selected contractor, Preserve Market, founded in 2012. Some council members expressed concerns over the lack of a competitive bidding process, emphasizing the importance of transparency and public involvement in such decisions.

Director Sims outlined success metrics for the program, which include hosting weekly workshops and engaging 100 businesses over five months. The contractor, Mr. Franzen, detailed his extensive experience in digital marketing and business strategy, asserting his capability to meet the program's goals. He projected that he could contact between 20 to 50 businesses within the first month of the contract.

Public comments during the meeting highlighted skepticism regarding the contractor's selection process and the need for broader community input. One resident questioned the transparency of the agreement and called for a more inclusive approach to ensure that other marketing firms could also participate in future opportunities.

Despite some dissent, the council ultimately moved to approve the agreement, with a focus on ensuring that the allocated ARPA funds are effectively utilized before the year's end. The discussion underscored the urgency of supporting local businesses as they prepare for the upcoming holiday season and navigate the challenges posed by a competitive market environment.