Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council selects White and Burke for downtown predevelopment study under state grant
Summary
After an interview panel evaluated four proposals, the council voted to hire White and Burke to perform downtown predevelopment planning using a $20,000 Vermont Housing Conservation Board grant (with an additional $30,000 pending announcement); an advisory committee will be formed to work with the consultant.
The Newport City Council voted Feb. 27 to accept an interview panel’s recommendation and hire White and Burke to provide predevelopment consulting for downtown redevelopment after the city received a $20,000 grant from the Vermont Housing Conservation Board.
City Manager Laura Dovin and the panel — which included Councilman Steve Vincent, NVDA economic development specialist Karen Garrity and James Dugan of the Vermont Division of Historic Preservation — reviewed four proposals and recommended White and Burke based on selection criteria including project understanding, team qualifications, past performance and a proposed schedule. Panel members said White and Burke offered the shortest timeframe and a readiness to begin work quickly, citing the firm’s recent role in downtown work in St. Albans.
Council members asked about available funds. The manager said the city had confirmation of a $20,000 award and had been informed privately of an additional $30,000 award that had not yet been publicly announced; council members said the total would likely be $50,000 once announced. The panel said they evaluated proposals against the then-documented grant amount and selection criteria.
A motion to accept the panel’s recommendation and hire White and Burke carried by voice vote. Councilman Vincent said the council will form an advisory group to work with the consultant and city staff, and he expected an update at the March 6 meeting.
The hire authorizes consultant work under the grant for predevelopment planning; a separate contract and scope of work will follow municipal procurement requirements and contract execution.
