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Council approves hiring of consultant for Liberty School/community center after debate
Summary
After public questions and a council member'led request to pull the item, the council approved appointment of Ken Albert as consultant for Liberty School/community center planning by a 3'to'2 vote amid calls for broader competition and clarification of duties.
Council debated and then approved resolution 056012125 to appoint Ken Albert as a consultant for Liberty School redevelopment and community center planning. Residents asked why the city was hiring an outside consultant rather than using in'house planners and engineers, questioned the consultant'selection process and sought clarity about whether the appointment replaces or supplements existing staff.
City staff said the consultant will undertake a site'selection and planning review for a community center and will address DEP permit questions such as stream encroachment; staff also emphasized the need for an individual with both engineering and planning licenses to expedite wetlands and permit issues. Council members both praised Ken Albert's local experience and said they wished the process had more outreach to attract outside proposals; one council member urged slower deliberation and more competition while noting time constraints on the Liberty School project.
After debate the council voted 3 yes to 2 no; the motion carried. Public commenters renewed concerns about transparency, fiscal impact and whether multiple hires represent new positions or reappointments; staff said some appointments were reappointments and that several positions are existing roles being filled.
Quote: "I just want us to do our due diligence in moving forward when we pick people for these particular projects," a council member said, urging broader competition; another council member said the candidate's local institutional knowledge could help move the project.
Next steps: The consultant appointment advances site review and community center planning; the council directed staff to clarify scope and to provide follow'up answers to public questions about scope, fees and whether this creates a new position.
