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Committee approves $30,000 contract with Vandewald for planning support to clear zoning backlog
Summary
The Finance Personnel Committee authorized a not-to-exceed $30,000 contract with Vandewald and Associates to provide about 200 hours of on-call planning support aimed at clearing a backlog of zoning reviews; funding will come from contingency and staff said charges may be billed to applicants for some projects.
The Finance Personnel Committee voted May 4 to approve resolution 26 5 28 98, authorizing a not-to-exceed $30,000 contract with Vandewald and Associates Inc. to provide planning and technical support intended to address a backlog of zoning permit reviews.
City administration described the contract as a lump-sum agreement for roughly 200 hours of on-call consulting to assist the planning and economic development department. City administrator Neil said the work is intended as "a one time expenditure used to get us caught up" and could include technical support for staff reports, packet preparation and time-sensitive items.
Administration said the funding would come from contingency; when larger projects require it, the city may seek to charge consultant time to applicants or use TIF funds. Director Plowen and other members said the hours would be fluid but expected to reduce nights and weekend work for staff while the city develops the Planner I position.
Committee members praised recent staffing changes. The administration noted two part-time positions were consolidated into one full-time Planner I and that the new role, plus temporary consultant help, should address current demand. A motion to approve the resolution was made and carried by voice vote.
The resolution authorizes the city to enter the contract; administration said future similar agreements could be considered in the 2027 budget if workloads remain high.
