Committee backs three-month extensions for Cedar Corp., SEH and signals planned RFQ for combined services

The Finance, Budget and Personnel Committee on March 4 recommended council approval of three-month contract extensions with Cedar Corporation for economic development services and with SEH Incorporated for planning services, each through June 30, 2025.

Steve Bargue, city administrator, said the extensions are short-term measures while the city plans to issue an RFQ effective April 1, 2025 to solicit proposals and possibly combine planning and economic development services under a single provider. Bargue noted the city has been without a senior planner or department director for an extended period and that procurement rules and the $25,000 threshold make an RFQ appropriate when multiple agreements reach that level over a calendar year.

Bargue named the consultants the city currently uses: Josh Miller of Cedar Corporation for economic development and Bryce Hembrook with SEH for planning. Committee member questions established typical weekly support levels: Bargue said Bryce works slightly less than 10 hours per week, while Josh typically provides about 10 hours per week. Bargue told the committee he does not expect a material rate increase for the immediate three-month extension but said he would notify council if Cedar or SEH propose a significantly higher fee.

Committee members moved and seconded recommendations for both extensions; the committee voted in favor and both motions passed. Staff said the extensions will maintain ongoing development and planning support while staff issues a procurement solicitation to evaluate providers and potential synergies.