Council reviews RFQ responses for retail development services; committee favors Retail Strategies

Staff told the council Sept. 2 that two firms responded to a request for qualifications for retail development services: Retail Coach and Retail Strategies. A six‑member evaluation committee (including Council member Noel and city staff) scored proposals using a standard scoring rubric; Retail Strategies scored 138 points and Retail Coach scored 134 points. Staff said RFQs focus on qualifications and that costs shown in responses are typically negotiated after selection.

Retail Coach proposed an annual fee of $40,000 plus expenses not to exceed $3,000; Retail Strategies proposed $45,000 annually. Committee members said the quality of the submittals was close and that Retail Strategies’ materials and a recent meeting with a representative strengthened the committee’s view. Staff noted funding for the work would come from hotel‑motel tax funds and that a budget amendment would be required because current hotel‑motel funds allocated for this line item total about $10,000.

Council members discussed whether to proceed with interviews or select a firm based on the committee recommendation. One committee member and staff recommended Retail Strategies; council members asked for confirmation of the one‑year contract term with renewal options and were briefed that the contract is typically one year with renewal options for additional years. Council did not make a final formal selection at the study session but generally supported moving forward with the committee’s recommendation and directed staff to prepare next steps including negotiation, interviews if desired, and a requested budget amendment.