Adrian selects local consultant for parks master plan after debate over scope and cost

The Adrian City Commission voted to select Manikin Smith Group to complete a parks master plan after a lengthy discussion about vendor experience, timeline pressures and budget constraints. Commissioners emphasized the need to move quickly to have a parks plan in place for upcoming grant deadlines while deferring the broader citywide strategic plan for later consideration. Commissioner Roberts moved to select Manikin Smith for the parks plan and the motion carried on a roll-call vote.

Several commissioners raised concerns about price and scope for combined proposals. One commissioner said many bids exceeded the $50,000 line item budget for consultants and noted the staff could complete a basic parks plan in-house but that a deeper, community-engaged plan would require outside support. Staff said the parks piece could be split from the city strategic plan and funded partly from the fee estate and general-fund contracted services line items.

In public comment, Todd Brown of Manikin Smith Group outlined the firm's local presence and familiarity with city parks, saying they would not "be spending any of that budget learning the city's parks." Resident Michelle Taylor criticized the idea of hiring an outside firm for a five-year-old plan review, calling outside fees excessive. Jacob Cooper, a local consultant, defended the local firm as capable and already performing significant work for the city.