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Council approves $50,000 not‑to‑exceed amendment to continue public engagement on utility options
Summary
Council approved an amendment not to exceed $50,000 to continue the Northern Compass Group contract for public engagement and communications related to the electric utility planning process; some council members asked for contract clarity and for staff to ensure deliverables align with financial modeling.
The Seward City Council voted July 27 to authorize an amendment to the professional services agreement with Northern Compass Group LLC, not to exceed $50,000, to finish community engagement related to electric utility options, governance and financial models.
Administration described prior work by the consultant (focus groups, surveys, town halls) and said the amendment would support remaining surveys, a year‑end summary and communications as the city moves toward potential ballot or policy decisions. The contract uses a flat fee of $5,000 per month under a not‑to‑exceed cap; administration noted earlier billing had pushed prior reimbursements over the initial $30,000 and brought this amendment forward to continue the work.
Several council members questioned contract language, phases and total costs and asked whether a new contract should replace an amended one. Administration responded that the amendment is a continuation to complete phase 2 work and that in‑house staff will prepare the detailed financial modeling. The amendment was approved on a unanimous recorded vote.
