The Orting City Council on July 30 authorized the mayor to execute a contract with Keller & Associates to prepare the city’s Safe Streets for All comprehensive safety action plan under a US Department of Transportation program. The contract amount in staff materials was $147,500; the motion authorized up to $150,000, with the city’s match reported as $30,000.

Staff said the consultancy will review crash and traffic data citywide, interview stakeholders, conduct public outreach and produce an action plan the city can use to prioritize safety projects and to support future implementation grant applications. The work scope includes data analysis, advisory committee meetings, public engagement and a final plan document.

Councilmember Josh Gunther voiced the lone dissent, saying the price felt high and asking why the RFQ outcome resulted in that fee; staff said the procurement was qualifications‑based and the winning firm’s fee reflected the required level of analysis, outreach, and deliverables for a federally funded plan. Staff also noted that the federal grant pays the bulk of the cost; the city’s match is limited to $30,000.

Outcome: Council authorized execution of a professional services agreement with Keller & Associates not to exceed $150,000 to complete the Safe Streets for All comprehensive safety action plan (motion passed with one dissent).