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Kern LAFCO hires facilitator for first strategic plan; adds interactive session requirement
Summary
Kern LAFCO selected a local facilitator to lead its first strategic plan and approved a $10,000 contract with a condition that the facilitator hold an interactive give-and-take session with commissioners and staff to refine findings.
The Kern Local Agency Formation Commission voted unanimously May 21 to hire a facilitator to run its first strategic planning process and approved a $10,000 engagement with the facilitator selected by the commission. Commissioners asked the facilitator to include an interactive board session (a give-and-take workshop) to refine findings rather than a single readout.
Executive Officer Blair Knox told the commission staff solicited two proposals at two price points ($5,000 and $10,000) and had met with both finalists. "I gave Mr. Woolridge and Ms. Watson directions to create a $5,000 plan and a $10,000 plan," Knox said. He recommended the commission pick the vendor and price point that best suits the commission’s needs and said he was not making a specific recommendation because of a personal relationship with one applicant.
Two applicants participated in the discussion: Mr. Keith Woolridge, who described experience as a board member and group-dynamics facilitator; and Ms. Sue Watson, who described experience running strategic plans for government and nonprofit clients and emphasized follow-up accountability. Commissioners asked each to summarize their proposals, explain hybrid (in-person/Zoom) options and identify availability. Watson and Woolridge both described one-day and one-and-a-half-day options and said they could begin engagement in early June.
After a period of questioning and commissioner comments about methods and cost-effectiveness, the commission voted to approve the contract with Mr. Woolridge at the $10,000 price point and added a condition requiring the facilitator’s recap/presentations to be interactive—i.e., to include board-level give-and-take and an opportunity to refine findings live, not simply a one-way review. Commissioner discussion emphasized that the commission wants a practical plan tied to measurable short-term and medium-term objectives rather than a document shelved on a shelf.
The commission directed staff to complete the contract consistent with the commission’s condition and to notify both applicants of the selection outcome.
