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Council authorizes RFP for senior-services director after survey showed modest response
Summary
The council reviewed results of an aging-in-Little-Compton survey (280 responses, ~15% of target age 55+) and, after debate about urgency versus waiting for full analysis, authorized the solicitor to convert a proposed job description into RFP language so proposals can be solicited and rejected if unsuitable.
The council reviewed preliminary results of an "Aging in Little Compton" survey and debated whether to hire a part-time senior-services director immediately or wait for the consultant’s full report. Kim Jacobs, the town consultant, said the survey closed Oct. 21 with 280 responses—about 15% of the target population aged 55 and older—and that staff would analyze the results and draft a findings report in the coming weeks.
Angela (named in the record as Angela Denham) urged urgency, saying seniors "deserve a place" and a readily available advocate. "They deserve... an advocate," she said, urging the council not to delay. Other councilors said the consultant’s analysis should shape the job scope and that hiring before the survey is analyzed risks mismatching skills to need.
After discussion about whether to advertise a job posting or issue a request for proposals (RFP), the solicitor recommended RFP language so proposals can set terms and the council can reject any or all proposals. The council voted to authorize the solicitor to put the supplied job description into RFP language, include language preserving the council’s right to reject proposals, and return a draft for advertising. The motion passed by voice vote.
Councilors also discussed practical implementation questions—hours, location in town hall and whether the town’s existing social-services staff should be augmented—while emphasizing the need to let the final survey analysis inform final job requirements. The solicitor will draft the RFP language for council review before publication.
