Development News for Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Commission Approves Legal and AV Service Proposals

The Home Rule Government Study Commission approved proposals for legal and audio-visual services. McCormack Law Firm will provide legal services under the same terms and rates as they do for the City Council [cite: 285-294]. Chris, familiar with the city council's AV setup, will provide videography and streaming services at the same rate as city council [cite: 305-323]. Both services are considered to be at competitive rates due to their existing contracts with the city. The commission's approval of these proposals is a preliminary step, with final ratification and budget approval requiring presentation to and approval by the City Council, as these services fall within the city's budget [cite: 354-361, 389-394].

Consultant Selection Process Outlined, City Council Approval Required

The commission discussed the process for selecting a consultant, noting that the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) provided a list of three consultants who have been successful in similar cities. One consultant presented in person, and another via Zoom. The commission will need to follow the city's procurement process for professional services, which may require City Council authorization for expenditures over $23,500 but does not mandate an RFP process. DCED can provide a sample RFP if needed. The commission's endorsement of a proposal will be presented to City Council for final approval and budget confirmation. A follow-up meeting may be scheduled to review consultant proposals before the July 2nd meeting.

Commission Hears from Home Rule Consultant Candidates

The commission heard presentations from two potential consultants for the home rule study: Kaplan Strategies (represented by Ben Kaplan and Lisa Hagberg) and Grassroots Solutions (represented by Debbie Grass), and the Pennsylvania Economy League (PEL) (represented by Lynn Shedlock and Patty Morehead). Kaplan Strategies and Grassroots Solutions highlighted their experience in municipal government and charter development, emphasizing practical, on-the-ground experience and a focus on community engagement and safeguards. PEL presented their extensive experience in home rule projects, civic education, and technical assistance, citing numerous successful projects and their involvement in reviewing the state's home rule law. Both firms proposed detailed timelines and approaches, with Kaplan Strategies and Grassroots Solutions estimating a 14-month engagement and PEL suggesting that a May 2027 ballot date might be achievable but tight, with a 9-month education phase and a subsequent 9-month drafting phase.

Public Comment: Council Member Offers Support, Resident Suggests Comparative Analysis and Acronym Clarity

During the public comment period, John Mackey, a Williamsport City Council member, congratulated the commissioners on their election and offered his support and any information regarding his previous experience on a home rule study commission ten years prior. Penny Vanderland thanked the commissioners for volunteering and cautioned about potential online criticism ('keyboard warriors'), suggesting the commission create a comparative chart outlining the potential outcomes of staying with the current government structure, adopting home rule, or pursuing Act 47 followed by home rule. She also advised caution with acronyms like 'STAMP,' recommending clear explanations for the public.