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Tipp City council approves up to $100,000 contract to update comprehensive plan
Summary
Tipp City Council voted to authorize a professional services contract with Reveal LTD of Bowling Green, Ohio, not to exceed $100,000 to update the city—s comprehensive master development plan; staff described a 12-month schedule, a multi-phase payment plan and a steering committee already forming.
Tipp City Council on Feb. 18 authorized the city manager to execute a professional services agreement with Reveal LTD of Bowling Green, Ohio, to update the city—s comprehensive master development plan at a cost not to exceed $100,000.
The council voted unanimously to approve the resolution after staff described a request-for-qualifications process that produced seven proposals and four firms invited for interview. "They were found to be the most qualified," said a city staff presenter, who described Reveal LTD as the firm that most closely demonstrated knowledge of Tipp City—s prior plans and goals. The contract is structured in about seven or eight task sections; the consultant will invoice the city as each section is completed. Staff said the work is expected to take about 12 months.
Why it matters: The comprehensive master plan guides land-use decisions, zoning updates and city investments. Council members asked whether Reveal LTD was the lowest price; staff said the selection was based on qualifications rather than lowest cost. Staff also said the consultant named past Tipp City documents and economic-development plans in its proposal, and that the engineering firm EMH&T will serve as the technical engineer on the project.
City staff described the selection process and schedule. According to staff, seven proposals were submitted, three were rejected for failing to meet the request-for-qualifications requirements, and four firms gave presentations and interviews. "Reveal was the only one that came in and literally named almost every single plan that we'd ever had," a staff member said, noting the firm demonstrated pre-meeting research about the city. City planner/zoning administrator Arthur Franklin was listed by staff as someone with previous positive experience working with the consultant in Sidney.
A member of the public urged the council to ensure the city follows the new plan once it is adopted. Abby Bowling of 861 Hawthorne said she supports producing an updated plan but added criticism of past practice: "The problem I have is you guys don't stick to it," Bowling said. She asked that the consultant—s work include measures to improve adherence to the plan.
Council and staff also discussed governance for the study. Staff said they have already begun forming a steering committee and asked council to consider appointing one council representative to that committee; staff suggested a future meeting or brief executive session could be used to appoint the council member.
The resolution passed by roll call. The motion authorizing the contract does not specify individual contract start dates beyond the 12-month expected timeline; staff said they have begun internal steering-committee planning even before the contract—s final execution.
Provisions and next steps: The contract cap is $100,000, divided across multiple task phases. EMH&T will provide engineering support on water and sewer elements as needed. Staff said they anticipate invoices as task phases are completed and an approximately 12-month schedule to finish the plan update.
