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Irondale approves contracts and studies to support small business resources and economic planning
Summary
Council approved service agreements and studies to support small businesses and long-term revenue forecasting, including a $50,000 portal contract with Retail Strategies LLC, a $25,000 revenue-analysis contract with Development Dynamics LLC and a $78,000 lobbying contract with Jones Group LLC.
The Irondale City Council approved several agreements tied to economic development and planning as part of the consent agenda.
Retail Strategies LLC: The council authorized a service agreement with Retail Strategies LLC not to exceed $50,000 to develop an online portal and resources offering small businesses marketing, finance and operations webinars and tools. Mayor James C. Stewart Jr. described the portal as a free resource for Irondale small businesses and said businesses that sign up before Dec. 31 would receive a full year of access.
Development Dynamics LLC: The council approved a professional-services agreement not to exceed $25,000 to prepare a revenue-analysis report forecasting tax revenue and evaluating future financial activity for the Irondale development area over a 20- to 25-year horizon. The mayor clarified this study is an economic-impact and revenue-forecast analysis covering developments such as Publix and Costco and is not a renaming or replacement of any entertainment district.
Jones Group LLC: The council authorized a lobbying-services agreement with Jones Group LLC for up to $78,000 to represent the city at federal, state and county levels to pursue grants and funding opportunities. The mayor described the firm as experienced and positioned to help the city seek resources as it grows.
Grants Mill Trail / Costco amendment: The council authorized a first amendment to a property-purchase agreement for 4514 Grants Mill Trail to adjust money terms connected to the development that includes the Costco project. The mayor described the item succinctly as a money-adjustment to an agreement with Costco.
Sain Associates Inc and on-call engineering: The council authorized an on-call professional engineering contract with Sain Associates Inc. The mayor noted Sain Associates has served as city engineer since 2013 and recommended continuing the contract.
Council members asked clarifying questions, and the items were left on consent and approved by voice vote. No staff estimated specific timelines for deliverables during the meeting; the mayor and council said the items are intended to support small-business growth and long-term fiscal planning.
