At the Dec. 29 special meeting, councilors reviewed qualifications and cost for a third‑party reviewer for the Bell Road East project. Staff reported StructurePoint was the only firm to submit a statement of qualifications and that the firm had quoted a not‑to‑exceed amount of $32,000. Councilors discussed billing options (hourly vs. lump sum), the OPWC grant timeline and the risk that re‑advertising would jeopardize grant eligibility if no other qualified firms respond.

One council member summarized the tradeoffs: rejecting the single responsive bidder and re‑advertising would likely delay the project and could risk the $1,000,000 grant. Another councilor said the village had already passed the grant deadlines and extensions and that OPWC had been flexible but the project must be completed by next year.

Council moved to designate a point person (Local Public Agency representative) for OPWC/LPA paperwork and to authorize negotiating with the selected third‑party reviewer if the forthcoming ordinance is approved. Tim Young was proposed and the motion to appoint him as the village point person carried (moved and seconded; council recorded approval). Staff said they would inform StructurePoint that selection was premature if the path itself has not been approved by council, and would re‑advertise if the council desired to solicit additional firms.

Next steps: if the ordinance is approved, staff will finalize LPA paperwork with the designated point person and negotiate the contract with StructurePoint or re‑advertise for additional statements of qualifications.