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 through June 30, 2018 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 an extension of the City’s current contract with Townsend Public Affairs through June 30, 2018 at the same rate, in an amount not to exceed $60,000 annually for state legislative advocacy services.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
In October 2013, the City Council authorized the creation of a City Council ad-hoc committee to provide guidance on the development of a state legislative platform as well as a process through which a consultant could 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 the City’s satisfaction with Townsend’s performance, that contract was extended each year at the same rate. The current contract expires this month.
Over the course of its contract with the City, Townsend Public Affairs and its Senior Director, Niccolo DeLuca, have continued to provide effective 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 Rob 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 assisted the Mayor and City staff to connect and advocate with state officials on matters related to San Leandro Hospital. They also proved instrumental in helping to secure the passage of AB 2737, a City-sponsored bill introduced by Assembly Member Bonta that created new budgetary requirements applicable to Eden Healthcare District. Along these lines, they also worked extensively with Assembly Member Quirk’s office on AB 2471, a draft bill in 2016 that would have directed the dissolution of the District.
Townsend Public Affairs has also been actively involved in state efforts to regulate the emerging medical and recreational cannabis industry and have ensured that San Leandro’s interests are addressed as new legislation and regulations are developed. 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, seismic safety, and efforts to address homelessness.
Based upon these factors, the City Manager recommends that the City Council authorize City staff to execute an extension of the existing consulting services agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, at the same rate. Staff recommends an extension through June 30, 2018 to align the new contract with the fiscal year. Sufficient funds for the remainder of the current fiscal year have already been programmed into the adopted budget to accommodate the proposed contract extension. Should the City Council authorize this action, staff will also ensure sufficient funds are incorporated into the proposed FY 2017-19 budget that will be considered by the City Council later this year.
Fiscal Impacts
The proposed agreement with Townsend Public Affairs will not exceed $60,000 for one year of services.
Budget Authority
Sufficient funds are programmed into the adopted FY 15-17 budget to accommodate the proposed contract extension. Should the City Council authorize this action, staff will ensure sufficient funds are programmed into the proposed FY 2017-19 budget that will be considered by the City Council later this year.
ATTACHMENTS
• Copy of Existing Consulting Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs
• Draft Amendment No. 3 to Consulting Services Agreement
PREPARED BY: Eric Engelbart, Deputy City Manager, City Manager’s Office