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Council approves RFQ for architect/engineer services with expanded language to reflect committee input
Summary
After extensive debate about timing and scope, the council authorized release of a qualifications‑based RFQ for architectural and engineering services to advance the Civic Center Facilities Master Plan and to support council and an independent citizens’ committee; the RFQ language will be expanded to reference the new citizen proposals and possible master‑plan adjustments.
Council authorized the Town Manager to release a qualifications‑based RFQ to retain an architecture and engineering team to guide implementation of the Civic Center Facilities Master Plan. Staff explained that A/E firms would confirm program elements, prepare site analysis (including flood and utility constraints), develop 30/60/90% design deliverables and help plan phased implementation designed to protect ongoing town operations (police, public works and paramedic functions).
Council members engaged in a long discussion about whether the RFQ should proceed now or wait for the newly formed citizens’ advisory group to conclude its work. Concerns included the adopted 2023 master plan possibly being superseded by new proposals, the need to preserve paramedic facility priorities (statutory/contractual obligations to provide paramedic facilities were cited), historic‑preservation considerations for the existing Public Safety building, and the potential cost escalation of delay. To address those concerns, council approved the RFQ with an amendment directing staff to broaden the RFQ language to indicate the A/E team should be prepared to work with the council, staff and any citizen advisory inputs and to evaluate both the adopted master plan and alternative proposals submitted by residents.
Staff noted the RFQ is the first step in a multi‑stage process — the RFQ identifies qualified teams and billing rates; a later Request for Proposals and contract negotiation would specify scope and cost. The RFQ timeline mirrors the housing RFQ (release before mid‑February; SOQs due in early April; possible contract award in May).
