For City Council Meeting [December 10, 2019]
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Rod Foster, City Administrator
FROM: Sean Grayson, Fire Chief
Title
Request City Council to Approve Renewal of Professional Consulting Agreement for Legislative Advocacy Services with David Turch and Associates in an Amount Not to exceed $78,000 per year ($156,000 total) for a Two-Year Term Commencing on July 1, 2019 and ending on June 30, 2021.
(ACTION)
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. DTA’s monthly activity summaries for FY19 are attached hereto as Exhibit A.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
On June 27, 2017, the City Council approved a Professional Consulting Agreement with DTA for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 for $66,000 each year.
DTA is the City’s primary lobbyist to the Federal Government. The firm coordinates interactions with elected and appointed Federal representatives on matters of interest to Rialto residents. The firm monitors legislation, notifies the City of available grants, and facilitates earmark-funding pursuits.
Staff has been satisfied with DTA’s performance and recommends their services be engaged for two additional years beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2021. The requested action would include retroactive approval for services conducted from July 1, 2019 to date.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposed project does not have the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, including: Continuing administrative or maintenance activities, such as purchases for supplies, personnel-related actions, general policy and procedure making. The request is not a project as defined by Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and no action is required.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
The Implementation Section (Chapter 8) of the General Plan lists three measures that require funding and advocacy at the federal level:
Measure 8.29: Business Assistance
Continue to provide business assistance programs, including providing flexible, custom-designed financing programs to assist Rialto business property owners and tenants with small improvement projects or expansion of their operations in Rialto. Use program funds to select and assist businesses wishing to establish operations in Rialto.
Related Policies: 3-1.3, 3-1.7, 3-2.3
Measure 8.32: Inland Empire Small Business Development Center
The Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is the region’s premier provider of business consulting and training services for the existing and aspiring business owner. The SBDC delivers quality consulting, instructive and relevant training and complete resources to over 5,000 business prospects every year. Support the SBDC’s programs.
Related Policies: 3-1.3, 3-1.7, 3-2.3
Measure 8.33: Planning and Redevelopment Tools to Revitalize Targeted Sites
Continue to use the full complement of planning tools and legal authority available to revitalize targeted retail sites and areas with older shopping centers. Create incentives for landowners to upgrade or redevelop their properties. Try to consolidate irregular shape lots from multiple owners so that they are more useful for development.
Related Policies: 3-3.1 to 3-4.2
Hiring a federal legislative advocate for the City of Rialto is consistent with the policies and goals of the Rialto General Plan.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed and supports this staff report
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
Funding of $78,000 ($72,000 per year for the contract period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, with $6,000 total for reimbursement of qualified expenses as outlined in the PSA) are available in the fiscal year 2019-2020 budget. The Second Year Funding will be appropriated with the FY 2020/21 Budget.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
There is no anticipated capital improvement budget impact associated with the request.
Licensing
Prior to the execution of the professional services agreement David Turch and Associates shall submit a business license application and pay a Business License Tax, as well as Administration and State Fees.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Professional Consulting Agreement (Exhibit B) with David Turch & Associates for FY19/20 and FY20/21 in an amount not to exceed $78,000 per year or $156,000 total over the two-year term.