Spencer Redevelopment Commission pivots on realtor selection

Members of the Spencer Redevelopment Commission met Thursday, Aug. 20, working through municipal procurement decisions while taking time to honor a long-serving colleague whose decades of dedication left a deep, lasting imprint on the local community.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence to remember attorney Richard Lorenz. With over two decades of public service, including roles as attorney for the Town of Spencer since 2004 and attorney for Owen County across multiple terms, his deep expertise in municipal law helped shape and guide the town’s growth for years. Commission members in attendance were Evan McKalip, Ginger Kohr, Wally DeFord, Ed Hines, Gary Brinson, and ex-officio member Andy Cline, Superintendent of Spencer-Owen Community Schools. Tiffany Chapman, an executive assistant with Hickam & Lorenz, Attorneys at Law, was also present.

Once preliminary matters concluded, including the routine, unanimous approval of prior meeting minutes and the monthly claims package, the commission turned its focus to securing real estate services for pending redevelopment projects.

While Lorenz had previously suggested holding direct interviews with prospective real estate firms, the commission ultimately decided to shift to a seven-day solicitation window for quotes. Because real estate consulting is categorized as a professional service rather than a public works construction project, formal public bidding is not legally mandated under Indiana law.

However, board members highlighted the importance of transparency, noting that several local agents had already voiced interest in helping guide town property transactions. Rather than picking a single firm out of the gate, the commission agreed to distribute a standardized questionnaire to ensure every applicant provides consistent operational and pricing details.

This standardized approach aims to maintain fairness and give all local professionals an equal shot at the contract. The board unanimously approved a motion to draft and issue the request for quotes, scheduling its next public session for Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building (90 N. West St.) to review responses. This timeline accounts for member availability while fitting within the seven-day submission period.

Lastly, the board clarified that the town’s long-standing legal representation remains intact. The firm Hickam & Lorenz will continue serving as legal counsel for the Town of Spencer, as the municipal contract is held directly with the firm rather than an individual attorney, ensuring uninterrupted guidance following Lorenz’s passing.