Council votes to issue RFP for planning services after debate over bringing planning in‑house

Eastpointe City Council on Jan. 21 voted to issue a request for proposals for planning services after more than 30 minutes of discussion about whether to keep contracted services or hire an in‑house planner.

City Manager Kim Walton told council that the city currently receives roughly 8 to 10 hours per week of in‑building planning support from the contracted firm McKenna and that the McKenna contract runs through the end of June 2025. Walton said administration recommended transitioning to in‑house services for a higher level of day‑to‑day responsiveness but that council had requested comparative data from neighboring jurisdictions and salary ranges for an in‑house position.

“Right now, we currently have in contracted services with McKenna. We get about 8 to 10 hours, per week in the building,” City Manager Kim Walton said during the meeting.

Council members were split. Some said an in‑house planner would improve continuity and economic development assistance for businesses seeking permits and expansions; others warned about hiring and salary costs and noted McKenna’s experience.

Council member Curley said she favored a cautious approach because of an upcoming transition in the city manager position and preferred to wait until that hiring is settled before moving personnel in‑house.

“I’d rather just stick with contracted services, and plan ahead if we are gonna move something in‑house,” Curley said.

Council member DiMonaco and another member argued an in‑house planner could better support growing commercial and residential activity and would reduce the city’s reliance on intermittent contractor staffing.

Concerns about the existing McKenna arrangement surfaced: council and staff said the contractor had provided a planner who is not yet licensed and that staff had pressed the contractor for a licensed planner without success. Council members said inconsistent planner turnover had delayed site‑plan follow‑ups and enforcement.

After discussion, a motion to issue an RFP for planning services — with administration authorized to include staffing and licensing requirements in the solicitation — passed 4–1; Council member Baker voted no.

What the RFP will require and next steps

Administration said it will draft the RFP to explicitly require licensed planning staff and describe minimum hours and deliverables. The motion directs administration to return to council with the draft RFP and to include clear performance expectations and licensing requirements.

Clarifying details recorded at the meeting:

- Current contractor services: approximately 8–10 hours per week in‑building from McKenna; contract runs through end of June 2025 (City Manager Kim Walton). - Staffing cost context: council discussion cited an approximate in‑house salary range of $81,000–$110,000 and noted current contractor‑equivalent spending about $60,000–$65,000 annually.

Ending

Council directed staff to issue the RFP and said the solicitation should make staffing and licensing expectations clear to prevent recurring service gaps. Administration will bring a draft RFP back to council for review.