Newton planning staff says seven firms responded to reNewton comprehensive-plan RFP; selection committee continuing review

Planning staff told the Newton Planning Commission on March 3 that seven proposals were received in response to a request for proposals to update the city’s reNewton comprehensive plan, and that the selection committee is continuing its review.

Rebecca, a planning staff member, said the request for proposals was issued Feb. 4 and proposals were due April 1. “The proposals were due back on April 1, and you can tell that it's not quite accurate. 7 were submitted to the planning and zoning administrator. The committee then got together on Friday to review those proposals, and is still in the midst of reviewing them,” Rebecca said.

The commission was reminded that the selection committee includes two commission members and the mayor. Rebecca described the committee makeup as “two members of this board, Commissioner Goodnight and Planning Commissioner Carl Harris, and the mayor serving as the other, elected non staff person on this committee.” She said the committee likely will meet additional times and that staff expects to need “through the end of the month” to finish review and recommend a consultant.

Commissioners asked whether a consultant will be hired; Rebecca confirmed the RFPs are for consultant firms. No consultant has been selected and no contract has been approved. The commission did not take action on the item at the meeting.

The update comes after the commission completed an in-depth review last May of the existing reNewton plan and determined an update was timely. Staff said the selection process will continue and that a recommendation will be returned to the commission once the committee finishes its review.