DAPHNE, Alabama (GCN)— Changes could be coming to how the city chooses engineering firms for improvement projects after Public Works Director Richard Johnson and four Daphne engineering firms spoke on the issue at the council’s Monday night work session.

Since 2009, the city has been served by just one engineering firm, Hutchinson, Moore & Rauch (HMR), on a contractual basis. Prior to 2009, the city used engineering firms on a rotational basis with a contract with one of the companies for emergency work. Johnson said that he was made aware that having just the one firm may not be fair to the others located in Daphne.

“HMR has been beyond reproach since we started working with them. This has nothing to do with the quality of the work,” Johnson said. “It just may not be fair to the other engineers in our area.”

Representatives from Preble-Rish, Volkert, HMR and Hatch Mott McDonald spoke at the meeting about the merits of opening up the process. The council will be considering rescinding the current ordinance that states the city can use only one on Monday night at the City Council meeting. If rescinded, the city will then decide how to distribute the work and the process that will be used.

“On one hand I see the need for fairness in this,” Council President Ron Scott said. “On the other hand, I also understand loyalty.”

Also on the agenda for Monday night’s meeting is the hiring of a new city clerk and appointing someone to the currently empty seat for District 7. The council will be narrowing down the city clerk search to four candidates and setting up a time for interviews for that position.

Those interested in the open council seat have until 5 p.m. Monday evening to express interest in the position. In order to qualify, you must live in District 7, which includes the Timbercreek Highway 90 areas.

In addition there will be two public hearings at the council meeting. One will be regarding revisions to the zoning map and the other will be on revisions to the land use and development ordinance regarding low-impact design and green infrastructure.