DATE: November 20, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: City Manager's Office
TITLE: AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TOWNSEND PUBLIC AFFAIRS FOR CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND LOBBYING SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council approve Amendment 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs for a two-year term, in the annual amount of $66,000 for a total of not to exceed amount of $132,000, to provide California government relations and lobbying services; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
On November 3, 2021, the City Council approved a three-year PSA with Townsend Public Affairs (TPA), in the amount of $180,000. The PSA includes one two-year extension to be approved by Council.
Over the length of the current agreement, TPA has effectively represented the City in a variety of matters. TPA engaged aggressively to oppose legislation that would further erode local decision-making authority (Senate Bill 450). In addition, TPA has been actively engaged in Sacramento, advocating for fair solutions regarding conflicts between card rooms and tribal casinos (Senate Bill 549), and advancing key partnerships related to legislation that affects local zoning (Senate Bill 1037). With the large legislative turnover expected to occur in the next several months, there is ample work to be done to ensure that the City's voice is being heard during conversations about local control.
Staff recommends extending the agreement for an additional two years, from November 3, 2024 through November 2, 2026, with a 10 percent cost of living adjustment per year.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of Amendment 1 for two years is $132,000. The first year of the amendment, in the amount of $66,000, is to be split between the following accounts:
Account
Account Number
FY 24-25
Available Balance
General Fund City Memberships - 50%
170177101.5...
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