1-RFQ - Town Attorney 2025 Land Use Housing.pdf

TOWN OF MANSFIELD, CONNECTICUT

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

TOWN ATTORNEY LEGAL SERVICES

Overview The Town of Mansfield invites submittals from qualified attorneys or firms to provide legal services in the areas of land use, environmental regulation, and code enforcement.

The selected firm will provide specialized counsel to support the Town’s Planning and Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands Agency, Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Departments of Planning and Development and Building and Housing Inspection.

Scope of Services Duties of the selected firm are likely to include, but are not limited to:

• Representing the Town in land use, environmental, and code enforcement actions, including appeals, settlements, and litigation.

• Advising land use boards, commissions, and staff on legal matters, powers, and duties, and providing written opinions as needed.

• Preparing and reviewing land use regulations, ordinances, amendments, decisions, and related legal documents.

• Drafting and reviewing contracts, easements, liens, and other legal instruments related to land use and code violations.

• Assisting with zoning, subdivision, wetlands, code enforcement matters, including occupancy limits, and nuisance abatement.

• Providing legal support for environmental compliance and affordable housing initiatives.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Thursday, January 15, 2026 by 12:00 p.m.

SUBMISSION CONTACT AND ADDRESS:

Mr. Ryan J. Aylesworth

Town Manager Town of Mansfield

4 South Eagleville Road Mansfield, Connecticut 06268-2599

(860) 429-3336 TownMngr@mansfieldct.org

Proposals will be accepted in electronic format only via the Bonfire platform.

mailto:TownMngr@mansfieldct.org

About Mansfield Mansfield, with a population of approximately 26,000, is located in the Northeastern portion of the state, better known as Connecticut’s Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Home to the University of Connecticut, Mansfield offers the unique blend of urban (Downtown Storrs -www.mansfieldmdp.org), suburban, and rural living in a university setting. Mansfield has a variety of cultural and educational offerings, as well as an abundance of natural resources ideal for activities such as hiking, cycling, and kayaking. Mansfield operates under a Council-Manager form of government, with the Town Manager serving as the Chief Executive Officer responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Town.

Mansfield is a full-service municipality providing the following services: animal control; building and housing inspection; fire and emergency services; human services; library; parks and recreation;

planning and development; police; public works; and a number of administrative functions such as finance, human resources, information technology, and facilities management. The Town of Mansfield has approximately 130 full-time employees, 560 part-time employees, for a total of 690 employees.

Summary The firm should submit by email a letter of interest containing general information on the firm; the firm’s brochure, resumes for key personnel and information regarding experience conducting similar business; references; and rates for work performed. Submissions should be directed electronically via the Bonfire platform to Mr. Ryan J. Aylesworth, Town Manager, not later than Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

The Town intends to “short-list” firms responding to this RFQ and to interview one or more firms to accurately assess their qualifications. The Town will negotiate a scope of services and a fee proposal with the selected firm. The Town will evaluate and select the firm based on qualifications, experience and performance with similar projects, references, ability to provide timely services, awareness of project issues, opportunities and constraints, and estimated fees and expenses. The selected firm must be able to meet all municipal, state and federal affirmative action and equal employment opportunity practices and guidelines.

The Town does not expressly state or imply any obligation to reimburse responding firms for any expenses incurred in preparing submissions in response to this request. The Town reserves the right to reject any or all submissions, to select a firm in a manner that is advantageous to the town and to waive all formalities in the bidding.

http://www.mansfieldmdp.org/