Consultant-led parks master plan kickoff set for July 15 amid public questions about consultant selection

Clallam County staff told the Parks Advisory Board the parks master plan consultant will present a kickoff on July 15, with options for an in-person meeting that may or may not include a board quorum. The presentation is intended as an early engagement opportunity and staff do not expect formal board action at the session.

A member of the public raised concerns about the consultant selection process, saying the consultant’s background “concerns me” and expressing worry that some consultants approach public engagement with a pre‑planned agenda and do not listen. The commenter said public engagement has sometimes felt like “indoctrination” at other government levels.

Staff responded that five applicants competed for the consultant contract, that the chosen firm was selected through a competitive process, and that the county selected the firm it believed would best solicit public input. Staff also said the county will broadcast the July 15 kickoff and is planning on-site training for the Open Public Meetings Act and public records rules this fall.

Board members discussed logistics for the July 15 kickoff, whether a quorum will be present, and asked staff to confirm which consultant personnel will attend. Staff said the consultant has purchased travel and multiple personnel (including a principal and at least one other team member) are expected, and that the meeting will be broadcast for the public. Staff asked board members to confirm attendance within a week to determine whether the session will be held as a formal meeting or a community presentation without a quorum.

No procurement or contract file was reviewed at the meeting; staff said procurement was competitive and that details about the selected firm’s work plan will be presented at the kickoff and in follow-up materials.