Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Planning Contract topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
East Bethel council approves contract with Landform for interim planning services
Summary
The City Council approved a contract with Landform Professional Services to provide interim planning and zoning support estimated at 20 hours per week, contingent on city-attorney final review and contract edits addressing termination and venue language.
The City of East Bethel on Jan. 13 approved a contract with Landform Professional Services to provide interim planning and land‑use services, estimated at about 20 hours per week, with the approval made subject to final review and revision by the city attorney.
City Administrator Mr. Look told the council the city has been unable to recruit a qualified planner since the resignation of Aaron Berg in December and said Landform would help clear a backlog of permit and zoning work that must meet statutory deadlines. Kendra Lindahl of Landform Professional Services said, “This is what we do. We're working for a number of cities that are in the same position you are,” and that her firm can “hit the ground running.”
City Attorney Larson recommended edits to the draft contract before final signature, saying the termination clause and venue language should be clarified. Larson noted state deadlines that affect land‑use work, citing Minnesota Statute 15.99 and the 60‑day time clock that applies to many land‑use applications. The council approved the contract with the condition that the city attorney review and approve the form of the agreement.
Council members asked about hours, cost and termination. Lindahl said the firm estimates $12,000–$14,000 monthly for roughly 20 hours per week depending on which staff are assigned; that would include one day in the office for in‑person meetings and remote work for other tasks. The draft contract included a seven‑day cancellation tied to nonperformance; Larson recommended a minimum 30‑day termination-for‑convenience clause and a venue change to Anoka County for disputes. Lindahl agreed to work with the city attorney on contract language.
The contract is structured as an hourly, on‑call planning service expected to cover permit review, packet preparation for the planning commission and council presentations, but it does not include code enforcement. The council directed staff to finalize the contract with the attorney and proceed so the firm can begin work promptly.
