Director Rick Gerson said the current engineering contract ends Dec. 31 and staff is asking for a two-year extension covering 2026 and 2027. The request includes increasing the regular weekly retainer work from 4 to 8 hours, raising the monthly retainer from $2,900 to $3,500 to cover extra hours, and applying about a 2% annual hourly rate increase for out-of-retainer project work.

Gerson said the contract language that required extra familiarization meetings with staff was removed because the firm is already familiar with City Hall and staff. Council members praised Gerson’s communication and approved a motion to place the extension on the Dec. 16 agenda as an emergency for final consideration and formal vote.

The extension was discussed in the context of the ongoing Rockside Road project and other city infrastructure work; staff emphasized the need for continuity and quicker response for inspection and project oversight.