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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14. 1997 14 D. Request for Proposals (RFP) for Engineering Services Mr. Fritsinger stated he had prepared a short list of companies to request RFP' s for essential engineering services. He stated that, due to the time frame involved, he preferred to utilize the short list instead of sending to a more comprehensive list of firms. Mr. Fritsinger further stated another option that had not been previously discussed or evaluated was the creation of a staff engineer position. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the Council may wish to evaluate the ramifications of doing so as an option to the RFP. He requested at a minimum, the Council authorize the RFP at tonight's meeting. Mayor Probst stated that a qualified applicant for a city engineer would be very difficult to locate, due to the wide variety of specializations required by the City. He stated his belief that the use of consultants was working well, and should continue. He fUrther stated that the City should continue to periodically evaluate all consultants employed by the City. Mayor Probst stated that while he has no concerns with the short list prepared by Mr. Fritsinger, he questioned why the RFP would not be sent to all engineering firms. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the nine firms he had selected would most likely want to present proposals in person, and to do the same with approximately 85 firms would not be feasible at this time. Mayor Probst stated his agreement with the contract effective date for the pavement management program schedule. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she was also in favor of using the short list, due to the time frame. MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to approve the short list as provided, and authorize staff to solicit requests for engineers as they see lit and appropriate to their work schedule. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS None. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if Arden Hills was a member of the Small Cities group. Administrator Fritsinger indicated they were not. Councilmember Aplikowski indicated she would attend the next AMM Meeting. Councilmember Malone inquired ifthe City had had previous contact with the owners of Vaughan Towers. Mr. Ringwald indicated they had, and stated another mailing would be sent in the near future to all adjacent property owners to discuss concerns. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the City was still in discussions with the City Attorney regarding some of the issues on the Vaughan Towers situation.