The Cedar Park City Council authorized an agreement with Freese and Nichols to develop a Master Resiliency and Resource Plan, with staff recommending a not-to-exceed fee of $200,000 funded in the fiscal year 2025 budget.

Nanette McCartan of the Public Works and Utilities Department introduced the project and the consultant selection process. McCartan told council the city received four statements of qualifications and that an interdepartmental evaluation committee recommended Freese and Nichols as the most qualified firm. "The staff would recommend an agreement with Freese and Nichols Incorporated in an amount not to exceed dollars 200,000 for the development of this plan. The funding is included in the FY25 budget," McCartan said.

Chance Sparks, a principal with Freese and Nichols, outlined a roughly 12-month scope that will inventory existing infrastructure and plans, identify shocks and stressors (including climate volatility), and deliver prioritized, implementable recommendations, performance measures and a public engagement strategy. "We're really excited about this project ... it is an integrated planning effort," Sparks said.

Council discussion emphasized public engagement and the plan's implementation focus. Sparks said the consultant will coordinate with the city's communications staff and that the plan will include performance metrics, timelines and cost-benefit analysis.

Council members moved and seconded the contract authorization; the motion passed unanimously, with staff noting the consultant will begin the inventory and engagement work immediately. Staff said they will return to council with draft recommendations and performance measures after the consultant's analysis and public outreach are complete.