The township is switching consultants for the final stages of its under-development Community Improvement Plan (CIP).
At the May 24 meeting, council approved a recommendation from CAO Brad McRoberts to transfer the remaining work on the CIP to Vitality Planning and discontinue the relationship with Meridian Planning on the project.
In November, council approved a proposal from Meridian Planning for the CIP development for $24,580 plus HST.
Since then, McRoberts explained in a report, township staff met with Meridian last December to conduct a project kick off meeting and to tour the municipality to gather background information.
In February, the township and Meridian hosted an initial stakeholder consultation.
Township staff are currently reviewing a Phase One options memo with the consultant and “will ultimately be presenting this report to council for consideration,” the report notes.
McRoberts explained township staff have become aware “the key person responsible for the project and with all the Community Improvement Plan experience” is no longer with Meridian Planning and the firm “does not have alternate staff with equivalent or better qualifications.
“Township staff are of the opinion that Meridian Planning no longer represents its qualifications or key personnel” as outlined in their proposal and “have not met nor are they able to meet their obligations.”
McRoberts and economic development coordinator Jaclyn Dingwall have consulted with Nancy Reid of Vitality Planning and Nick McDonald of Meridian Planning on next steps to proceed with development of the CIP.
The report states McDonald indicated he understood the township’s concern “and did not object to the transition of the project” from Meridian to Vitality Planning.
McRoberts indicated the proposed cost for the completion of the project is $9,982 and the most recent invoice from Meridian Planning to the end of April 30, indicated $10,760 was remaining in the budget.
“Vitality Planning will reach out to all involved stakeholders and advise them of the transfer of the project,” the report concludes.
“I think the report is self explanatory,” McRoberts told councillors, who then approved the recommendation without discussion.
