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Council narrows utility consulting scope, asks staff to seek other firms after resident objections
Summary
After a public comment warned against contracting with a single controversial individual, councilors backed a narrower 'call and consult' scope for utility consulting and directed staff to solicit other firms; council approved the motion by voice vote.
Councilors debated whether to award a broad utility consulting contract or to authorize a narrower, on‑call troubleshooting agreement.
Wayne D'Cesars, speaking as a streaming commenter, urged caution about contracting directly with a single consultant (identified in the proposal as 'Josh'), telling council: “I would ask that you approve this, but do not write the contract with Josh… Go out and find a legitimate firm.”
Staff and several council members responded that a narrow call‑and‑consult arrangement — limited troubleshooting support at a stated hourly rate and with usage reported monthly — could meet immediate operational needs without the city committing to a broad service contract. Finley (city manager) and staff described an option for a limited call‑in arrangement and said the proposed hourly consult rate would be $150 with lower travel rates and after‑hours adjustments.
Council member (S7) moved to direct staff to return with a narrowed scope for consultation and to reach out to other consulting firms for comparison; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Councilors stressed the scope should exclude broad project management and be limited to troubleshooting and short‑term consult needs, with a six‑month trial suggested as an option.
