HomeMy WebLinkAbout15.F.3. Authorize Request for Proposal for a Strategic Planning Facilitator
ISF.3.
CITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Request for Proposal- Strategic Planning Facilitator
DATE: February 12, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
The Council is asked to give direction to staff as to whether it wishes to proceed with
hiring a facilitator for the strategic planning effort that has been discussed with Council.
BACKGROUND:
At a special workshop meeting held January 26th, presentations were heard from
representatives of both Prior Lake and Lakeville as to their strategic planning processes
which included long term visioning, as well as shorter term comprehensive plan updates
and changes in regulations. There was general consensus from the City Council that a
similar process should proceed in Shakopee, although there were also questions raised as
to costs associated with the strategic planning effort.
If Shakopee is to do this, the first step would be to obtain the services of a facilitator.
There are several firms, both in the Twin Cities and nationally, who have experience in
doing this sort of thing. A very brief investigation has indicated at least a half dozen who
might be well-suited for this purpose.
PROCESS:
An anticipated process would be to send letters to the companies that have been
recommended for this purpose. A Request for Proposal, outlining qualifications,
anticipated procedures, costs, and references, would be sent. Those responding would be
reviewed initially, and potentially three "finalists" would be presented to the City
Council. It would be up to the Council as to whether all five of its members wish to
interview to determine the firm to be chosen, or whether an interview panel made up of a
more broad based representation - City Council, and representatives of the various
Boards and Commissions, and/or community members - should be chosen.
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RECOMMENDATION:
Assuming that the Council is comfortable in proceeding with the strategic planning
process, I recommend that an RFP be directed to be sent to candidate firms.
ACTION REQUIRED:
If the Council concurs, it should, by motion, direct the a Request for Proposal be sent to
prospective facilitators for the strategic planning process. The results would be reported
back to the Council.
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Mark McNeill
City Administrator
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