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Royal Oak Planning Commission recommends ZoneCo to write new zoning ordinance; voice vote approves recommendation
Summary
After presentations from three bidders, the Planning Commission moved, seconded and approved a recommendation to the City Commission to contract with ZoneCo for up to $323,290 to prepare a new zoning ordinance; the recommendation passed by voice vote with no opposition and will proceed to City Commission contract negotiation.
The Royal Oak Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Commission contract with ZoneCo to develop a new zoning ordinance, authorizing negotiation of a contract not to exceed $323,290.
Commissioner Sharlyn Douglas moved the recommendation and Commissioner Brian Cooper seconded. Chair Gary Casada called for a voice vote; he announced the motion approved with no opposition and said the recommendation will be forwarded to the City Commission for final contract execution.
During deliberations, commissioners cited ZoneCo's local/Midwestern experience, legal integration and community‑engagement capacity as reasons for supporting the firm. Several commissioners said Clarion and Code Studio were well qualified: Clarion was praised for homework on local issues and presentation style, while Code Studio was noted for advanced graphics and technology but viewed by some as a less certain cultural fit for Royal Oak.
Joseph Murphy, the city’s director of planning, said he could see working with any of the finalists but observed that ZoneCo rose above the others in the RFP and presentation materials. Several commissioners said legal defensibility, staff‑facing workflow and local knowledge were decisive factors in their recommendations.
The motion as stated at the meeting corrected a transcript phrasing error and reads in substance: the Planning Commission recommends the City Commission consider contracting with ZoneCo for professional services to assist the city in drafting a new zoning ordinance, at a price not to exceed $323,290, subject to a final negotiated contract.
