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City Manager updates council on IT consultant search, FC Cincinnati mini pitch, lobbyist contract and third-floor lease talks
Summary
City Manager Gunnerson reported progress on IT consultant interviews, a $200,000 FC Cincinnati mini pitch proposal, upcoming water department supervisor interviews, recommended hiring DSD Advisors for government relations at $2,000/month and said staff will renegotiate third-floor lease terms with tenant Control Bionics.
City Manager Gunnerson provided a multi-topic update to Milford City Council on March 18 covering recruitment, economic-development partnerships, and property management.
Gunnerson said the city has interviewed three IT consultant firms, received two written quotes and planned further interviews with the remaining candidate; staff expect to select a consultant and outline next steps. He also said the city will hold its second-round interviews for the water department supervisor position next Tuesday and that two strong candidates are under consideration.
On economic development, Gunnerson said FC Cincinnati Foundation plans to bring a condensed mini pitch (a $200,000 investment) to Milford; the city is in early discussions about siting and programming for the facility. He also said staff have been meeting with the Clermont County Visitors Bureau and a consultant working on Findlay Ray Park to explore how to attract youth sports tournaments.
Gunnerson asked council to consider engaging DSD Advisors LLC for government relations work; he recommended a contract running April 2025 through June 2026 at $2,000 per month and described the firm’s practice of providing a dedicated lobbyist who focuses on a client’s specific local priorities. Council later voted to authorize that contract (see "Votes at a glance").
On the third floor of City Hall, Gunnerson said tenant Control Bionics has expressed interest in staying after its lease ends; he described the space as Class C office space and recommended negotiating a phased rent increase toward market rates (citing available market comparables in the $12–$15 per square foot range) while allowing the tenant to exercise a one-year extension if desired. Gunnerson asked permission to continue discussions with the tenant and return with a proposal; council agreed to let staff continue negotiations.
Gunnerson also requested ordinances for two operational purchases later adopted by council: a grinder gearbox parts and labor contract for the wastewater plant with Henry P. Thompson Company ($9,618) and a contract with Rosie Inc. d/b/a Rosie's Famous Fireworks for Sparks in the Park (not to exceed $11,000). Those items were moved to formal ordinances and recorded by council vote (see "Votes at a glance").
Gunnerson closed by noting a new water department employee start date (Jacob Moore, March 31) and thanked staff for park clearing work at Jim Terrell Park ahead of the season.
