Lapeer picks ROE to update master plan and non-motorized plan using $50,000 MEDC grant

The Lapeer City Commission voted Dec. 15 to accept a $50,000 Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant and to contract Roe to update the city’s master plan and non-motorized (pedestrian) plan for a fee not to exceed $50,000.Roe and Progressive AE submitted proposals; Roe’s bid matched the MEDC grant amount and included subcontracting for housing analysis. City Manager Jeremy Womack and planning staff described outreach plans that include an online publicattitude survey and at least two public engagement events. Roe indicated standard engagement tactics (open house with stations, youth-friendly activities) and said additional youth-specific engagement would incur an extra cost.The commission debated the value of getting more proposals versus moving forward given the grant timeline; staff said the grant remains available through 2027 and that the commission could re-solicit if it wished. Commissioner Brady and others said Roe’s subcontractor for housing gives the city needed technical capacity; other commissioners said Progressive AE could bring a different perspective but accepted Roe’s proposal.The commission approved Roe’s contract, authorized the city manager to sign necessary documents, accepted the MEDC grant, and approved the related budget adjustment by roll call.