Council delays planning consultant vote after debate over State Route 93, sewer tie‑ins

New Franklin City Council delayed action on a proposed planning‑consultant contract with Envision Group LLC on March 19, 2025, after extended debate over the contract’s scope, cost and potential effects tied to the city’s multi‑phase sewer project along State Route 93.

The council’s discussion focused on a six‑month, $24,000 engagement that would prioritize State Route 93 while also making consultants available for work on the Manchester Road/State Route 619 corridor and other development needs. Mayor (unnamed in the transcript) told council members the consultant team combines local knowledge with outside planning expertise and that the contract includes “specific timelines, specific deliverables” for the initial period.

The debate centered on whether the city should hire Envision now or solicit additional proposals. Councilmember Jim Shaffer (first reference: Councilmember Jim Shaffer) and others said the proposal felt “siloed” and that the city should seek fresh ideas and broader proposals. Councilmember (unnamed in transcript) asked whether the engagement could be split into phases so consultants would not duplicate future planning work if corridor studies change.

Why it matters: City leaders said development along State Route 93 and the 06/19 corridor is one of the few opportunities to increase tax and income revenue…