Submitted by San Juan County

San Juan County Council did not take action on a proposed contract with Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc. in its regular session today, Dec. 7th. Cascadia Consulting was chosen through the County’s formal request for proposal (RFP) process as the most responsive consultant to update the County’s Parks Trails and Natural Areas Plan (Plan). The 2015 County budget includes funds to hire a consultant to facilitate a large scale public involvement effort to solicit public comments on suggested changes to the existing Plan. “Updating the Plan is important for the community and for ensuring we remain competitive for state grant funding for projects such as Oldin Park,” said Councilmember Jamie Stephens. Although not part of the consultant selection process, the County Manager disclosed to the Council and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as required by RCW 42.23.040 a remote interest (1% or $500) in the contract due to inclusion of a family member as a sub-consultant. The total contract amount is $43,000. The Council will schedule additional time to review the proposed update to the Parks Trails and Natural Areas Plan and to consider whether it will enter into a contract with Cascadia Consulting.