Commission votes down $44,820 amendment to urban expansion study contract
Summary
The commission declined a staff-requested $44,820 amendment to the H.W. Lochner/Aegis USA contract for additional outreach and coordination on the urban expansion area study, with the motion failing on a 5–3 roll call; commissioners split over scope, cost increases, and public outreach needs.
Planning commission staff sought approval to increase the H.W. Lochner contract (now Aegis USA) by $44,820 and extend the study timeline to Feb. 26, 2027, to add outreach, analysis and coordination for an urban expansion area study. Jay Collins described the modification as additional engagement and clarified it did not create new deliverables but expanded outreach and one‑on‑one departmental coordination.
Commissioners questioned why the amendment came after a $350,000 contract had already been authorized and why the incremental cost appeared high relative to the original scope. Commissioner Joseph said he would not support the amendment and said "when I dig down into the money...there's a huge increase of the money you're asking for as compared to the original contract." Consultants said new issues (FDOT interchange earmarks and other developments) had emerged, requiring extra meetings and explanation to the public.
Commissioner Sink moved to approve the amendment and Commissioner Linkus seconded. A roll‑call vote failed (motion failed 5–3); staff confirmed the original contract remains in effect and that the consultant will complete original deliverables under the existing agreement.
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