CITY OF MARYSVILLE
Request for Qualifications and Proposal for Hearing Examiner Services
Proposals Due: February 14, 2024
The City of Marysville (“City”) is seeking a qualified person or firm to contract for Hearing Examiner Services for review and action on quasi-judicial land use actions, code enforcement cases, technical building code appeals and related appeals/permits. The City has utilized a hearing examiner system since 1989. The Hearing Examiner is an independent contractor and not an employee of the City. The proposals should answer all the requested information indicated below.
Description of the Position
The successful applicant shall perform the duties of the hearing examiner as set forth in the City of Marysville Municipal Code, as now in effect or as hereafter amended. The City of Marysville Hearing examiner system is adopted pursuant to RCW 35A.63.170 and Marysville Municipal Code section Chapter 22G.060.
The Hearing Examiner conducts quasi-judicial hearings on complex land use matters and regulatory compliance issues on behalf of the City, and other issues designated to the Hearing Examiner by ordinance or resolution. The Hearing Examiner shall issue decisions and recommendations based on relevant ordinances, regulations, policies, statutes, and other authorities.
All duties shall be performed in a manner consistent with accepted practices for hearing examiner services, including interpreting, reviewing, and implementing the City’s land use regulations and the pertinent and appropriate provisions of Marysville Municipal Code; conducting orderly and impartial hearings and hearing appeals; and preparing written decisions in a timely manner which are understandable and based upon reasoning and all applicable laws.
The City of Marysville Community Development staff shall provide preparation of case files and records; staff support during hearings; set agendas in consultation with the examiner; prepare legal notices; provide reproduction, mailing distribution of notices and decisions, and a staff recommendation for each application.
The City has a population of 73,780 and is a fast growing community in Snohomish County. The city will grow to a population of nearly 100,000 people and provide approximately 33,000 jobs by 2044.
Qualifications:
The Hearing Examiner shall be versed in Washington State land use and environmental laws, case law, local development codes, quasi-judicial hearing process, and land use procedures. Educational background must include a juris doctorate degree and having been admitted to practice law in Washington State. Required experience is at least four years in the practice of law or land use planning.
All duties shall be performed in a manner consistent with accepted practices for other similar services, including but not limited to conducting orderly and impartial hearings; creating a professional and courteous environment for applicants, citizens, and staff; and the preparation of findings and conclusions, which are understandable and based upon reasoning and all applicable law and which are received in a timely manner.
Term of Services:
The duration of this Agreement will be from execution to December 31, 2025 with the option of subsequent renewals.
Submittal, Evaluation and Compensation:
Submittal Requirements:
Letter of Interest and Summary of Qualifications and Availability– No more than five pages in length that includes a brief biography of relevant education and experience. If the proposal is submitted by a company, information on all employees anticipated to provide hearing examiner services must be provided. The summary should provide relevant experience as a hearing examiner or other type of administrative judge, experience with land use law, environmental law, shoreline laws, and building codes. For judicial or quasi-judicial experience, please list jurisdictions, types of cases, number of cases and approximate dates such work was performed.
Example of Written Work – At least three examples of the applicant’s written decisions, preferably as a hearing examiner, must be provided.
Professional References- At least three current professional references including phone numbers and email addresses must be provided.
Fee Proposal – A description of the proposed compensation rates required by the applicant.
Qualified firms must submit their electronic proposals by February 14, 2024.
Evaluation and Selection Procedure:
The City will evaluate all proposals based on expertise, references, written responses, past project experiences and overall clarity and consistency with the submittal requirements.
Compensation:
The exact method and amount of compensation is subject to contract negotiation. The city expects to compensate for Hearing Examiner services in a manner that is fair and comparable with other cities.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Release of RFP January 23, 2024
Proposal Submission Deadline February 14, 2024 (5:00 PM)
Interview and Selection Conclude by March 30, 2024
Project Contact
For further information on this project, please contact:
City of Marysville Chief Administrative Officer
501 Delta Avenue
Marysville, WA 98270
(360) 363-8088
Submit proposals to the following email address: jlamoureux@marysvillewa.gov