City Council Approves Michael Baker Contract for GIS Infrastructure Updates

The City Council of Independence, Ohio, convened on August 14, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including a significant contract for updating the city's Geographic Information System (GIS).

During the meeting, the council reviewed the results of a Request for Proposals (RFP) managed by Geocentric, which sought to update outdated GIS data for ten development projects around the city. The proposal from Michael Baker was selected as the lowest bid, amounting to $26,770. This contract will enable the digitization and geo-referencing of essential infrastructure documents that have not been updated since 2016.

The council emphasized the importance of this project, noting that it would enhance decision-making and improve access to critical information in the field. The timeline for completion is expected to be under 60 days, with the work primarily managed by Michael Baker, minimizing the impact on city staff.

In addition to the GIS contract, the council briefly touched on other agenda items, including a set of complementary ordinances, although details on these were not elaborated during the meeting.

The council's discussions reflect a commitment to modernizing city infrastructure and improving operational efficiency through updated technology. The approval of the GIS contract is a step towards better resource management and planning for the community.