Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hires Musson Group for ordinance rewrite to implement comp‑plan priorities
Summary
The council approved a $43,788 contract with Musson Group to prepare a phase‑1 rewrite of the city’s ordinances to reflect the comprehensive plan, housing needs assessment and business attraction priorities; funding will come from the economic development TIF fund.
The council voted on June 16 to award a $43,788 contract to the Musson Group to lead a phase‑1 rewrite of the City of Ellsworth’s ordinances, with the work funded from the economic development TIF. City leaders said the rewrite will focus on changes recommended by the 2024 comprehensive plan, the housing needs assessment and the business attraction plan.
Why it matters: City officials said the ordinance rewrite is aimed at removing regulatory barriers to housing and business development (for example, reviewing parking and building‑height provisions) and making code changes that can be implemented quickly to support the city’s economic goals.
Details: The city manager and staff said Musson Group’s proposal fit both the budget and the desired timeline, and that Matt Williams (a senior project lead who has planning experience) would be on the team. Councilors discussed outreach and noted the work includes council engagement; the contract is phase‑1 and additional phases can be procured later if needed.
Next steps: City staff will work with the consultant on scope and public engagement; the phase‑1 deliverable is planned for December, and any broader rewrite would be considered in a subsequent phase.
