[Massplanners] Westborough RFQ for Downtown Sign Bylaw

[Jennifer Gingras]

Sending it out again to correct the dates within the document. Please see below. Thanks!

Jenny Gingras
Director of Planning
Direct (508) 871-5234
Cell (508) 983-4920
https://www.westboroughma.gov/planning


From: Jennifer Gingras
Sent: Monday, January 27, 2025 10:23 AM
To: massplanners at masscptc.org<mailto:massplanners at masscptc.org>
Subject: Westborough RFQ for Downtown Sign Bylaw

Request for Quote (RFQ)
Sign Bylaw update for Downtown

Date of Release: January 27, 2025

Town of Westborough is requesting quotes for the following Goods or Services:

The Town of Westborough is soliciting bids from qualified firms to update the Town’s downtown sign bylaw. The goals of this project are to update the sign bylaw to reflect the most up to date case law, to review and streamline the permitting and review process for signage, to make it easy for downtown businesses to understand our requirements, and to embrace and allow for creativity and emerging technologies in sign design.

The Proposer will be supported by the Westborough Planning Department Staff throughout this process. The Town of Westborough has allocated up to $20,000 for this service. The Town would like to complete this work within 6-months of the start of the contract, with the possibility of an extension, as needed.

Scope of Work:
The selected firm shall perform the following tasks as part of the project:
Task 1: Community and Stakeholder Engagement
The proposer will meet with Town Staff to discuss goals for the process. The proposer will submit a schedule and deliverables.

Task 2: Review of Existing Regulations and Review/Approval Practices
The proposer will conduct a review of existing conditions and provide a brief summary of recommended considerations. The proposer will submit a draft analysis to Town Staff.

Task 3: Best Practices and Model Signage Regulations
The proposer will research best practices and model signage regulations that respond to specific gaps and deficiencies in existing signage bylaw and review/approval practices. A brief memorandum or report will be provided that identifies a range of signs and attributes (definitions, size, shape, location, illumination, temporary signage etc.) that the Town may want to consider allowing by-right, allowing by special permit, or not allowing. The proposer will also develop illustrious presentation materials that can be used for further public engagement.

Task 4: Draft Sign Bylaw
The proposer will complete a draft sign bylaw update including updating text. The Town has a strong preference for the proposer to create tables and illustrations as part of the sign bylaw to help the public understand the sign bylaw. The proposer will also develop a brief memorandum and a presentation with a summary of proposed changes. At least two rounds of revisions are expected between Town staff and the proposer.

Task 5: Final Sign Ordinance
The proposer will draft a final version of the bylaw with supporting documentation and presentations to be used to support consideration by the Planning Board and Town Meeting.

Qualifications:
Interested firms should possess the following qualifications:


  1.  Experience in drafting sign bylaws/ordinances, and community engagement initiatives for similar Massachusetts-based towns to Westborough.
  2.  Strong project management skills and the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and deliver projects on time and within budget.
  3.  Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in the signage design process.

Submission Requirements:
Interested firms must submit the following information in response to this RFQ:


  1.  Company profile, including relevant experience and qualifications.
  2.  Proposed approach and methodology for the project.
  3.  Estimated project timeline, budget, and proposed fee structure.

Submission Deadline:
Qualifications must be submitted electronically to the Town of Westborough Planning Department no later than February 14, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:


  1.  Qualifications and experience of the firm and key personnel.
  2.  Creativity and innovation in previous similar projects.
  3.  Alignment with Westborough's goals and objectives for community engagement, placemaking, and economic development.
  4.  Feasibility of the proposed approach and methodology.
  5.  Cost-effectiveness and value for money.

Selection Process:
The Town of Westborough reserves the right to select the proposal that best meets the Town's needs and objectives. Shortlisted firms may be invited to participate in interviews or presentations as part of the selection process.

Please attach the written submission on the company letterhead for the goods and services requested above with the proposed fee.

You can submit this quote by email to Planning at westboroughma.gov<mailto:Planning at westboroughma.gov>.

Thanks,

Jenny Gingras
Director of Planning
Town of Westborough
45 West Main St.
Westborough, MA  01581
Office (508)366-3055
Direct (508) 871-5234
Cell (508) 983-4920
https://www.westboroughma.gov/planning
Please be advised that the Massachusetts Secretary of State and the Massachusetts Attorney General consider e-mail to be a public record, and therefore subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c. 66 § 10.






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