Title
Staff Report for a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs for State Legislative Advocacy Services, to Extend the Term of the Agreement by an Additional One Year Period at the Same Rate, in an Amount Not to Exceed $60,000 Annually
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a one-year extension of the City’s current contract with Townsend Public Affairs at the same rate, in an amount not to exceed $60,000 for state legislative advocacy services.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
In October, 2013, the City Council authorized the creation of a City Council ad-hoc committee in order to provide guidance on the development of a state legislative platform as well as a process through which a consultant would be selected to provide state-level advocacy services on behalf of the City.
Following a competitive request for proposals process, on February 18, 2014, the City Council directed the City Manager to enter into a one year consulting services agreement with Townsend Public Affairs for state level advocacy services, at a rate of $60,000 per year. Based upon Townsend’s excellent performance, on February 17, 2015, the City Council directed the City Manager to extend that agreement for an additional year of services at the same rate, which is set to expire on February 29, 2016.
Over the course of its contract with the City, Townsend Public Affairs and its Senior Director, Niccolo DeLuca, have continued to provide exemplary services to the City on a wide range of legislative matters. This assistance has included working to secure the passage of AB 2292, Assembly Member Bonta’s legislation that was co-sponsored by the City of San Leandro, which added broadband infrastructure to the list of projects that can be approved through infrastructure financing districts. Townsend Public Affairs has also been instrumental in assisting the Mayor and City staff in interfacing with state officials on matters related to San Leandro Hospital. Their team has also leant substantial assistance and expertise to the City in ensuring that San Leandro’s interests were addressed as the new statewide medical cannabis legislation worked its way through the State Legislature before being signed into law by the Governor. They have also closely monitored and kept City officials and staff apprised of various other legislative efforts at the state level over the past year that could substantively impact San Leandro. Examples of related policy issues include: the unwinding of redevelopment agencies, affordable housing, drones, and efforts to better regulate massage parlors, among many others.
Based upon these factors, the City Manager recommends that the City Council authorize City staff to execute a one-year extension of the existing consulting services agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, at the same rate. Sufficient funds have already been programmed into the adopted budget to accommodate the proposed contract extension. Should the Council authorize this action, staff will also ensure sufficient funds are incorporated into the proposed FY 2016-17 budget that will be considered by the Council later this Spring.
Fiscal Impacts
The proposed agreement with Townsend Public Affairs will not exceed $60,000 for one year of services.
Budget Authority
Sufficient funds have already been programmed into the adopted FY 15-16 budget to accommodate the proposed contract extension. Should the Council authorize this action, staff will also ensure sufficient funds are incorporated into the proposed FY 2016-17 budget that will be considered by the Council later this year.
ATTACHMENTS
• Copy of Existing Consulting Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs
• Amendment No. 2 to Consulting Services Agreement
PREPARED BY: Eric Engelbart, Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager’s Office