For $59,000, Lakeville City Council Agrees to Hire 'Vision' Consultant

Lakeville's City Council has agreed to hire a "community visioning consultant" whose job will be to help city leaders drill into where, exactly, residents want the city to go.

First discussed and agreed upon at a Nov. 19 work session, the consultant—and their $59,000 fee—are part of the $23.7 million 2013 budget that was presented at the Truth in Taxation hearing at last Monday's meeting. The budget will likely be formally approved on Dec. 17.

According to a Star Tribune report, roughly two-thirds of the cost for the consultant will be covered by a federal grant.

The report quoted mayor-elect Matt Little, who said the process needs to provide "specific, usable information that provides clear direction for the council."

The consultant will be tasked with conducting a survey of the community and hold a dozen focus groups, forums and education sessions over eight months, according to the report.

Despite wanting useful information, and being in favor of the consultant, Little also told the Star Tribune he was concerned over the price-tag.

Meanwhile, the Star Tribune reported a city staff memo said the whole process would "establish an informed, reasoned and cohesive picture upon which to build consensus."