Commissioners hear comprehensive-plan pitch from Marvin Planning; RFPs to be distributed and reviewed next week

Coffey County commissioners heard a presentation from Marvin Planning Consultants and subconsultant FHU on Tuesday as part of the consultant selection process for a countywide comprehensive plan.

Keith Marvin, owner of Marvin Planning Consultants, described the firm's rural-county experience and an engagement-heavy approach that includes postcards, online surveys, focused stakeholder meetings and multi-day in-person "listening" visits to hold concentrated focus groups and evening town halls. Marvin said his team typically delivers a multi-chapter plan that includes existing-conditions analysis, future trends, a community vision and implementation-oriented policies; the firm offers optional follow-on zoning-code updates if the commission desires.

Jesse Porter of FHU explained how transportation, trails and infrastructure would tie into a comprehensive plan and described opportunities to coordinate with county roads, utilities and natural-resource plans. The firm showed digital engagement examples (postcards with QR codes, MindMixer-style crowd-mapping and short promotional videos) and said the process usually takes 12-18 months.

Commissioners discussed logistics and requested copies of the submitted proposals. The county clerk confirmed printed copies of the RFP responses were available and commissioners scheduled a work session next week to review the proposals and discuss next steps. No consultant contract was awarded at the meeting; the board will review proposals and may take action in a future meeting.