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Council authorizes housing‑element contract amendment as towns awaits HCD comments
Summary
Council approved a do‑not‑exceed $45,000 amendment to the Urban Planning Partners contract to cover anticipated housing element followup, including potential CEQA analysis, contingent on the nature of comments from the state Department of Housing and Community Development.
The Town Council approved an amendment to the Urban Planning Partners contract to add up to $45,000 for follow‑up work on the housing element amendment, including potential environmental review tasks if required by the state.
Planning and Building Director Sarah Horace said the contract addition is a "do not exceed" amendment designed to cover potential work triggered by comments from the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The town previously submitted the housing element amendment and is awaiting HCD feedback; Horace said the amendment will position the town to respond promptly if the state requires additional analysis.
Councilmembers asked about CEQA costs and oversight. One councilmember noted the CEQA line in the original contract had a substantial allocation; staff said that work was part of the previously approved contract and that invoice history shows limited billing to date. Horace said staff will manage consultant tasks and invoicing and will use the contingency as needed while trying to minimize future amendment requests.
After questions about outreach, cost controls and project management, the council voted to approve the amendment and directed staff to manage consultant engagement tightly and to return if significant additional funds are required.
