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Council moves to consider contracted planner from Sunrise Engineering after zoning staff signal departure
Summary
The council reviewed a proposal to contract Sunrise Engineering for a planner/zoning administrator two to three days per week to increase planning capacity, citing a possible resignation by the current zoning administrator and potential cost savings versus a full-time hire.
The town council on March 11 reviewed a proposed contract with Sunrise Engineering to provide a planner/zoning administrator who would be in the office two to three days a week to handle ordinance drafting, planning‑commission support and development review.
Council members and staff said the arrangement would give the town access not only to a single planner but to Sunrise’s broader engineering, GIS and public‑engagement teams. "This is a town of 700 going on 7,000," said Riker Steglitch of Sunrise, describing the volume of work and the benefit of having a planning resource on site. Mark (town staff) told the council the town currently spends about $70,000 annually on a combination of a part‑time zoning administrator and contractor services; a full‑time planner with benefits would likely cost about $130,000.
The proposal would have Sunrise supply a planner (identified in the packet as Riker) who would attend planning commission meetings and be available for scheduled office days, with Sunrise covering benefits and providing a vehicle. Council members asked for clarification on hours, billing, and reimbursable expenses and requested a resume and more detail before final approval. Staff also said the town’s current zoning administrator, Jean Gar, has signaled she may give notice, increasing the urgency for a staffing plan.
Council members generally described the contract as a pragmatic step to increase capacity without immediately hiring a full‑time employee. "It gives us time to figure out how to structure our program when we're ready and want to hire a full‑time planner," Councilmember Paul said. Several members noted the consulting model can provide access to specialist teams that a single hire would not.
The council directed staff to place the Sunrise contract on the agenda for the next Tuesday meeting and to provide requested supporting materials. The item will return with contract language, the scope of services and clarified budget impacts so the council can decide whether to proceed.
