During an abbreviated Village Council meeting on July 7, Key Biscayne Council members deferred a vote on selecting a pool of consultants for continuing architectural, engineering and planning services.
That decision came after some members said the Village should look for ways to attract smaller firms.
Stantec Consulting Services and AECOM Technical Services topped the pack of 37 qualified firms, which seemed “large firm-heavy,” Councilwoman Nancy Stoner said.
“Any reason we can’t get smaller firms (or more options from smaller firms)?” she asked.
The Village is looking at a new pool of qualified contractors since the existing contracts are expiring. Rather than selecting a single consultant for each discipline, Village staff is recommending establishing multiple continuing service agreements.
By law, continuing professional services must fall within guidelines of less than $500,000 for a project, of which cannot total $7.5 million.
“We did prioritize their availability,” Village Manager Steve Williamson said. “We wanted to identify firms that have people readily available.”
An evaluation committee was put in place to determine the eligible pool, to select firms for each discipline.
Mayor Joe Rasco suggested the item be deferred and allow Stoner and Village Attorney Chad Friedman to work together and “maybe come back with a little different criteria.”
They would report at the next meeting on Aug. 25, or “depends on what the outcome is,” Williamson said.