Norwalk committee backs up-to-$500,000 contract with Mainstar for online permitting

The Norwalk Economic and Community Development Committee voted Dec. 3 to authorize the mayor to execute an agreement with Mainstar for project number 4,435 — community development software and services — in an amount not to exceed $500,000 to implement a new online permitting and licensing system.

Jay Evanski, chief economic and community development for the city of Norwalk, told the committee the procurement began in October 2024, produced 11 respondents and a shortlist of five vendors who gave full-day demonstrations. The city used a consultant, Barry Dunn Consulting Services, to complete an environment assessment and help draft the RFP, Evanski said.

"This process started back in October 2024," Evanski said. "We had 11 respondents and we shortlisted five. After sitting through five all-day workshops and presentations, staff could see whether the system would address the city's needs." He said the committee prioritized both back-end staff workflows and public-facing ease of use.

The committee's discussion addressed several implementation questions. Evanski said the city aims for a phased rollout: portions of core permitting could be live about six months after the contract is finalized, with a majority of licensing and permitting functions available in 10 to 12 months. "My hope is that six months from finalizing the contract with Mainstar we are live with portions of our permitting system," he said.

On data and public access, staff confirmed Mainstar can show open and closed permits for a given property and that the city plans to migrate historical data where feasible. "You search the property 1125 East Avenue, and all of the open, closed permits should show up," Evanski said, adding the city will consult the city attorney to determine what should be public.

Public commenter Diane Cece had urged staff to correct a vendor-name typo in the project memo and asked why the selection committee did not include contractors, developers or residents. Evanski acknowledged the typo and confirmed the selection committee consisted of city departments (building, business development and tourism, health, IT, planning and zoning, public works, police, fire marshal's office and the mayor's office). He and other staff said prerecorded trainings and outreach to frequent users will be offered when the system is rolled out.

Council members sought assurance the platform could scale to additional departments and preserve applicant history across departments. "It's scalable to the point where it could encompass every department," Evanski said, while noting additional services may increase cost.

The committee approved the authorization to execute the Mainstar agreement and will forward the item to full council. The vote in committee was unanimous.