REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES WITH ZONING EXPERTISE TO ACT AS COUNSEL TO THE PLANNING BOARD, ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS, AND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE
1. General: The Village of Rhinebeck seeks proposals from qualified law firms to provide professional legal services as the village attorney for the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Comprehensive Plan Committee. Copies of the Request for Proposals are available at the Village of Rhinebeck Village Hall, 76 East Market Street, Rhinebeck NY 12572, between the hours of 9 am-4 pm, Monday through Friday, online at villageofrhinebeck.org, or by email request to mmcclinton@villageofrhinebeckny.gov .
2. Scope of Services: The Village of Rhinebeck seeks professional legal services as village attorney for zoning and planning as outlined on the attached pages. Projects may be any that are within the scope of legal services.
3. Term of Contract: The Village of Rhinebeck shall enter into a one-year term contract with the selected law firm. The contract may be renewed, at the discretion of the Village, for up to three (3) successive additional one-year terms.
4. Contents of Proposals: Each firm which wishes to submit a proposal in response to this Request for Proposals (RFP) must submit five (5) copies of the company's proposal and one PDF copy. Submissions are limited to no more than 5 pages (single sided) inclusive of all cover sheets, dividers, texts, and graphics. Responses to the RFP must be submitted in a format that provides for a straightforward, concise presentation.
5. Submissions must include at a minimum the following:
a. Organization chart showing key legal personnel who will be working with the Village of Rhinebeck.
b. Resumes of key personnel including educational qualifications and professional experience and accomplishments, specifically on their work relating to creative zoning as it concerns the environment, thriving downtown districts, and historic preservation in the State of New York.
c. Demonstrate the ability, experience, and expertise to provide the legal services requested. Candidates are encouraged to include additional services not listed which would be available to the Village. The Village reserves the right to select which services shall be provided on an "as needed "basis.
d. Provide a list of representative clients, including at least three (3) municipalities with whom in the last 3 years have provided professional legal services with a focus on zoning and planning. Please provide contact information for each reference.
e. Responses to this RFP shall be in a "menu "or spreadsheet format showing the cost for the possible legal services listed as well as for additional services not listed which would be available to the Village. Costs will be identified as hourly rates or as fixed fees, as applicable. Proposals shall disclose cost increases, if any, for the additional 3 years which are at the sole option of the Village.
6. Rejection of Proposals: The Village of Rhinebeck reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received, as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.
7. Evaluation of Proposals: The Village of Rhinebeck Village Board shall evaluate all RFP's provided and make a selection based upon qualifications provided. Final fees will be negotiated with the most qualified firm and shall be based upon a scope of services mutually agreed upon between the Village of Rhinebeck and the selected firm.
8. Deadline: Five (5) copies and one PDF of the written proposal shall be submitted by June 30th, 2021. Proposals shall be mailed or delivered to the Village of Rhinebeck Village Clerk, and should be addressed to: Village of Rhinebeck, 76 East Market Street, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, Attention: Village Clerk. All proposals will be time and date stamped, and no proposals received after the deadline shall be considered.
9. Information: Any questions should be addressed to Village Trustee Lydia Slaby at trusteeslaby@villageofrhinebeckny.gov.
Village of Rhinebeck
76 East Market Street,
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Phone: 845-876-7015
Email: mmcclinton@villageofrhinebeckny.gov