Council approves $75,000 consulting amendment for Project 34; directs staff to track allocation between projects
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Summary
Council approved AB26-032 to amend the Pettigrew Consulting contract through Dec. 31, 2026, not to exceed $75,000, to support a feasibility study and UGA work for Project 34; council adopted an amendment directing staff to allocate contract expenses between Exit 34 and Project Belay. The vote passed with one dissent.
The North Bend City Council on April 7 approved an amendment to its consulting contract with Pettigrew Consulting Services to extend services through Dec. 31, 2026, for a not‑to‑exceed amount of $75,000 to support Project 34 (truck parking/UGA expansion) and related work.
Staff presentation said the original agreement began in November 2025 and the amendment would keep the consultant engaged as the city pursues a feasibility study required by the legislature and coordinates with King County and state agencies. Staff noted the legislature provided a $200,000 proviso for the feasibility study to be administered by WSDOT and that the city’s $75,000 contract amount is budgeted from the Economic Development Fund (Fund 108). Finance staff said the fund balance after accounting for this and related matches is estimated at just under $151,000 for 2026.
Council members asked why the initial contract was authorized without formal committee review. Staff said the initial agreement fell under the mayor’s signing authority (transactions under $25,000) and that timing constraints required quick action during the legislative session. Several council members requested more proactive reporting to council when the mayor authorizes such spending.
Councilmember Mark Joslin moved an amendment directing staff to allocate Pettigrew Consulting expenses between Exit 34 (Project 34) and Project Belay so the city can track investments by project; the amendment was seconded and adopted. The main motion, as amended, was approved by council with one member voting nay.
Council discussion emphasized the need to define performance indicators and to consider separating future scopes if council prefers separate tracking. Staff said the amended contract largely mirrors the original scope and that the consultant’s work will focus on UGA expansion process understanding and the feasibility study expected to be completed or well underway by the end of 2026.
The council instructed staff to summarize contract expenditures by project going forward and to brief council as the King County meeting and feasibility‑study timeline are refined.
