For City Council Meeting [September 14, 2021]
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Marcus Fuller, City Manager
Title
Request City Council to Approve the First Amendment to the Agreement for Professional Communications Services with The 20/20 Network in the Amount of $42,000.
Body
BACKGROUND
On September 22, 2020, the City Council approved an Annual Agreement with The 20/20 Network with an expiration date of September 22, 2021. The City of Rialto places a high priority on fully and consistently informing residents about issues, programs and initiatives that will have a direct impact on them or their neighborhoods and to regularly engage individuals in open and meaningful dialogue. In addition, the City is looking to reinforce its image as a complete community and enhance its brand as an emerging hub for business, economic and employment opportunities. To advance both of these priorities, it is recommended that the current limited Scope of Work with Lambert 20/20 Communications (dba The 20/20 Network) be extended.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
The City of Rialto has a population of 104,100, and is the fifth largest city in San Bernardino County, with diverse neighborhoods, a dynamic business sector and a great quality of life. It’s also a City whose leadership has a clear vision for the 21st century placing high value on community engagement, equity and inclusion, public service, economic development, innovation, sustainability, collaboration and transparency. The City Council has a track record of setting policies that deliver quality public services to residents while implementing sound fiscal policies.
o Nearly 200 media placements, with an estimated publicity value of more than $68,000, according to an independent media monitoring system.
o National and/or widespread regional media coverage for the wastewater microgrid, the Myles Edward Scott Act, grant funding successes and the hiring of a new city manager, among other stories.
o The rewriting of content for the City’s redesigned website and design recommendations for the same.
o Developing public service and related materials to promote greater understanding of COVID-19 safety protocols.
o Collaboration with regional state and Congressional representatives, to include pertinent quotes and background from Rialto elected leaders.
o Messaging and strategic counsel for City leadership.
o Targeted messaging from the City for Rialto Progress magazine.
Moving forward, goals and expectations include:
Further positioning Rialto as a place where people want to be. Affordability, access and opportunity all contribute to a desirable quality of life that is at the core of Rialto’s population surge. People want to live here. How we tell this story ultimately impacts economic development and the ability to attract businesses that would like their employees and executives to live in the community.
o Elevating Rialto’s profile as a city where things get done. Companies that want to expand or relocate have a willing partner in Rialto. The city staff and elected leadership see the big picture and have created a business-friendly climate that encourages economic and employment growth.
o Raising awareness within the community itself of the services and amenities that are available, the vision of the city’s leadership, and the opportunities that exist. Rialto Progress is a great tool, but there is more that can be done, particularly in the area of digital media
o Building a narrative that positions the City to attract additional grant funding for public safety, transportation and economic development.
o Connecting the dots among the City’s vast assets and resources, from the Chamber and business community to its schools to its entertainment, dining and recreational amenities.
o Helping ensure the ongoing success of projects such as Renaissance and future development efforts.
o Fortifying and enhancing Rialto’s position on the regional, state and national stage.
The 20/20 Network is a San Bernardino County-based communications and public strategies firm with vast experience in community branding, economic and workforce development, education, land use, transportation and infrastructure, and building and sustaining stakeholder connections. 20/20 Partner Steve Lambert has spent the past 20 years in leadership positions throughout the region, first as editor and general manager of the San Bernardino Sun and Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and since 2011 as a highly sought-after communications and public strategies consultant. Current 20/20 business partners include Ontario International Airport, the Southern California Association of Governments, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, the County of San Bernardino, and numerous cities and educational institutions.
A Disclosure Form has been signed and submitted as required.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposed action does not meet the definition of a project as defined by Section 15378 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and excludes the following:
1) Continuing administrative or maintenance activities, such as purchases for supplies, personnel related actions, general policy and procedure making.
2) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
The request is consistent with Guiding Principle 3A of the Rialto General Plan:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive 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 and Agreement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
Budget for this contract will be $42,000 annually from General Fund Account No. 010-500-1148-2011 for Fiscal Year 2021/2022.
Licensing
Current Business License is up to date covering the duration of this Amendment.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Approve the First Amendment to the Agreement for Professional Communication Services with The 20/20 Network in the amount of $42,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents.