For City Council Meeting July 25, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Arron Brown, Acting City Manager
FROM: Tanya Williams, Assistant to the City Manager
Title
Request City Council to Approve Renewal of Professional Consulting Agreement for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services with David Turch and Associates in the Amount Not to Exceed $78,000 per year ($156,000) for a Two-Year Term Commencing on August 1, 2023.
Body
BACKGROUND
On May 16, 2000, the former Redevelopment Agency first entered into a professional consulting agreement with David Turch and Associates (DTA) for legislative advocacy services. The firm supports Rialto’s lobbying efforts with federal legislators and agencies in Washington DC.
DTA has coordinated appointments with federal legislators and departmental representatives on issues such as perchlorate and transportation funding. The firm has also facilitated the City’s appropriation and earmark requests each year. Lastly, the firm also reviews grant-funding opportunities and notifies the City upon availability.
On December 10, 2019, the City Council approved a Professional Consulting Agreement with DTA for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 for $78,000 each year of the two-year agreement which expired on June 20, 2023.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Federal Funding Successes
DTA plays a primary role in supporting the City of Rialto in the submission of projects for consideration of funding through the appropriations process. These Community Project Funding requests play a critical role in advancing the City’s projects. Over the last two years, DTA has successfully secured federal funding for priority projects in the City of Rialto. Notable funding successes include $2 million from Representative Pete Aguilar for the Rialto Habitat Conservation Project (formerly Lake Rialto), and potentially $850,000 for the I-10 Riverside Avenue Freight Improvement Project in the FY 24 Transportation-HUD Appropriations Act.
Federal Grant Notice of Funding Opportunities
As federal grant funding opportunities become available, DTA regularly sends notices of funding opportunities (NOFO) to the City of Rialto for consideration. They also are regularly monitoring legislative developments that can affect, positively or negatively, Rialto’s interests. DTA has played an impactful role in connecting the City with federal agencies that oversee federal funding programs and grants and connecting city staff with program staff to identify funding opportunities. Most recently, DTA connected staff with regional offices for the Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation to review the status of various funding opportunities through the WaterSMART program.
City Advocacy in Washington DC
As part of the City’s federal agenda, DTA coordinates annually advocacy trips for members of the City Council at various times. In FY 2023, during both the US Conference of Mayor’s Winter Meeting as well as the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference, DTA coordinated meetings with congressional delegates, relevant House and Senate committee members and staff, as well as federal agencies that manage grant funding programs of interest to the City of Rialto.
Council Federal Workshop
As part of the next steps in advancing the City’s federal legislative priorities, DTA is recommending that upon renewal of their agreement that they host a workshop with the City Council in an effort to get better input and direction on the City’s federal priorities and interests. This would enable both DTA and staff to have projects identified early for the Community Project Funding requests and also identify a set list of projects that align with other discretionary funding opportunities.
Based on DTA’s record of performance, staff is recommending the renewal of the agreement with DTA.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
This request is not a “Project” as defined by Section 15378 (a Project does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and no action is required.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
Hiring a federal legislative advocate for the City of Rialto is consistent with the policies and goals of the Rialto General Plan Guiding Principle 3A:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsible manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed and supports this staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
Funding of $78,000 per year ($72,000 per year, with $6,000 total for reimbursement of qualified expenses as outlined in the PSA) for the contract are available in the budget from Account No. 010-500-0001-2011.
Licensing
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the renewal of the Professional Consulting Agreement for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services with David Turch and Associates in the Amount Not to Exceed $78,000 per year ($156,000) for a Two-Year Term Commencing on August 1, 2023.