TOWN STAFF REPORT RECOMMENDATION
title
Discuss, consider and act to award the contract for Strategic Planning Services for the Town of Westlake and Westlake Academy to Baker Tilley and to authorize the Town Manager to execute required documentation and begin scheduling strategic planning sessions. (Town Manager Wade Carroll)
body
STAFF: Wade Carroll, Town Manager
BACKGROUND:
At the Regular Meeting held June 17, 2024, Town Council reviewed proposals received for Strategic Planning Services and directed staff to arrange for the Baker Tilly firm to be present at the next meeting to give a presentation in support of their proposal for these services. At the request of Town Council, Ms. Carol Jacobs, Managing Director of Baker Tilly is presenting at this evening’s meeting to better explain the scope of the project proposed and answer any questions from Council. Ms. Jacobs will have with her other team members that are charged with the different aspects of the proposal.
DISCUSSION:
On May 20, 2024 Town Manager Carroll requested a future agenda item to begin strategic planning sessions with the Town Council/Board of Trustees for both the Town of Westlake and the Westlake Academy. The request was met with a motion and a second moving the item to the Active Future Agenda Items List at the June 3, 2024 meeting. Staff collected proposals from reputable vendors experienced working with both municipalities and school districts to facilitate the strategic planning sessions, create the strategic documents required and work with staff to develop a work plan to achieve the desired results. Proposals were reviewed and summarized to Council at the June 17, 2024 regular meeting.
Baker Tilly proposed the most robust plan that included speaking with residents, stakeholders, parents and staff, working with the Council through multiple strategic planning sessions, creating a fiscal model and financial sustainability plan that will assist the Town in identifying the revenues necessary to achieve the plan, and a development model that will assist the town in obtaining the right kind of development to gain the necessary ad valorem and sales tax to fund the plan. The total cost of this proposed plan is $229,000. They have the most experience working with both municipalities and school districts and employ retired superintendents from larger districts that assist in the planning for the Academy. They are also the only company that has offered to work with us on a financial sustainability plan and economic development plan to meet the objectives within the strategic plan created.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Strategic Plan cost, $229,000, would be funded through unassigned fund balance.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Town Council award the contract for Strategic Planning Services for the Town of Westlake and Westlake Academy to Baker Tilley as outlined in their submitted proposed scope for strategic planning services in the amount of $229,000.
ATTACHMENT(S):
• Baker Tilly Proposal
• Baker Tilly Presentation
TOWN COUNCIL ACTION/OPTIONS:
1) Motion to approve as presented
2) Motion to approve with the following stipulations (please state stipulations in motion)
3) Motion to table
4) Motion to deny