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Council debates ordinance codification RFP; members cite cost and timing concerns, motion withdrawn
Summary
Councilor Wilcox proposed using ARPA funds to create an RFP for codifying town ordinances. Members debated scope, potential costs (EDC estimate $30,000 vs. other estimates of ~$68,000), and tight timelines; the motion was withdrawn pending a workshop and clearer scope.
Councilor Wilcox introduced a proposal to create a request for proposals (RFP), funded in part by ARPA, to codify and review the town’s ordinances with an agenda estimate of $25,000–$30,000.
Supporters framed the task as a necessary review to align town ordinances with state law and to provide a single, searchable code. "We also have two new sets of eyes," Wilcox said, arguing an outside review would provide recommendations to the council. Other members and staff cautioned that the scope — whether to codify all titles or only targeted chapters (for example, land development/subdivision rules) — would significantly affect cost and schedule.
Speakers cited a range of estimates: the Economic Development Commission previously recommended roughly $30,000, while several council members recalled a full codification in another town cost about $68,000 to $70,000. Councilors recommended a short workshop to define scope and identify priority chapters before committing funding. After extended discussion about timing and the work required to craft an appropriate RFP, the motion to proceed was withdrawn and councilors agreed to schedule further review and a workshop.
What happens next: Council instructed staff to schedule a workshop to scope the codification work, identify priority ordinance chapters and return with a clearer RFP framework and cost estimate for a future meeting.
