Ferndale council approves racial impact assessment contract and service agreements for senior yard care and sound study

Ferndale council approved three contracts during the regular agenda: a racial impact assessment, a continuation of senior yard services, and a municipal sound study.

Racial impact assessment: Council voted to award the racial impact assessment contract to Research to Practice Consulting (R2P) and Maximum Communications for $40,825 after a competitive RFP process that drew 19 bids. Staff described a multi‑stage evaluation that emphasized cost, municipal experience, reliability to meet timeline, and clear deliverables. Shayla Merck (R2P) introduced the project team and said the firm would partner with the city on policy analysis, stakeholder engagement and practical, actionable recommendations. Staff said R2P expects to complete the work in roughly 6–8 months. The motion passed on a 5–0 roll call.

Senior yard services contract: Council approved a contract with Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency (OLHSA) for lawn mowing, yard cleanup and snow‑removal services through Oct. 31, 2027, not to exceed $62,000. Staff said the package includes $36,000 for lawn mowing, $3,650 for yard cleanup and $12,420 for snow removal; OLHSA will administer enrollment and contract with local contractors for service delivery. Staff reported program outcomes from prior funding: 62 households served, 77 residents impacted, 373 snow removals, 894 lawn mowings, 104 yard cleanups and 42 home repairs. Council approved the agreement 5–0.

Municipal sound study: The council approved a $9,850 contract with K and S Engineers to measure municipal noise at four residential locations to inform possible updates to residential noise limits. Council members asked whether the study would capture frequency (hertz) and offer enforcement guidance; staff said the consultant will capture A‑ and C‑weighted decibel data and can include broader frequency information and recommendations if available. The study is expected to be a short, one‑time research project with additional locations possible at roughly $1,800–$2,000 per site. That motion also passed 5–0.

What comes next: staff will present R2P's findings to council when the assessment is complete; the DPW and ordinance committee will receive the noise study report and any recommended ordinance adjustments. The OLHSA contract will continue services to the existing cohort of up to 54 households unless council amends the budget or expands the program.