PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES WITH LAND USE EXPERTISE TO ACT AS SPECIAL COUNSEL TO THE TOWN BOARD 1. General: The Town of Chester seeks proposals from qualified law firms or individuals to provide professional legal services in land use for the Town Board. 2. Scope of Services: • Attend meetings of the Town Board upon request; • Conduct legal research and/or provide advisory opinions as needed; • Review, analyze and advise the Town board on matters regarding religious use and specifically RLIUPA as it relates to Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Amendments; • Advise the Town Board of changes in land use law or regulations, as well as relevant Court decisions that impact the Town; • Other matters as may be directed by the Town Board. 3. Term of Contract: The Town of Chester shall enter into a contract, on an as needed basis, with the selected law firm or individuals. 4. Contents of Proposals: Each firm or individual wishing to submit a proposal in response to this Request for Proposals (RFP) must include at a minimum the following: a. Organization chart showing key legal personnel who will be working with the Town of Chester. b. Resumes of key personnel including educational qualifications and professional experience and accomplishments. c. Demonstrate the ability, experience, and expertise to provide the legal services requested. d. Provide a list of representative clients, including at least three (3) municipalities with whom in the last 3 years have provided professional legal services with a focus on zoning and planning. Please provide contact information for each reference. 5. Responses to this RFP shall show the cost for the legal services requested. Costs will be identified as hourly rates or as fixed fees, as applicable. 6. Rejection of Proposals: The Town of Chester reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received, as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. 7. Evaluation of Proposals: The Town of Chester Town Board shall evaluate all RFP's provided and make a selection based upon qualifications provided. Final fees will be negotiated with the most qualified firm or individual and shall be based upon a scope of services mutually agreed upon between the Town of Chester and the selected firm or individual. 8. Deadline: Five (5) copies and one PDF of the written proposal shall be submitted by December 31, 2025. Proposals shall be mailed or delivered to the Town of Chester, Town Clerk Linda Zappala, and should be addressed to: Town of Chester, 1786 Kings Highway, Chester, NY 10918, Attention: Town Clerk. All proposals will be time and date stamped, and no proposals received after the deadline shall be considered. 7. Information: Any questions should be addressed to Brandon Holdridge, Supervisor at bholdridge@thetownofchester.org.