HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-10-22 - AGENDA REPORTS - FED LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY (2)AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approv
Item to be presented
Michael P. Murphy
CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE: October 22, 1996
SUBJECT: FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY SERVICES
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
BACKGROUND
In April, 1995, the City Council authorized retention of the services of John Montgomery and
John O'Donnell for purposes of federal legislative advocacy. While originally retained to
represent the City's position in Washington, D.C. relative to the Elsmere Canyon landfill
proposal, Montgomery and O'Donnell's contract was expanded by the City Council in November,
1995 to include all federal lobbying activities.
Montgomery and O'Donnell's current contract with the City expires on October 31, 1996, The
City Council is requested to renew the contract for the period November 1, 1996 through
October 31, 1997. The existing rate of $4,000 per month ($48,000 annually) is retained for the
new contract period plus a maximum of $4,000 for expenses. Therefore, the entire amount
requested for federal lobbying services for the coming year is $52,000.
Clearly, the biggest achievement during the past contract year has been the inclusion of
Angeles National Forest conveyance prohibition language in the 1996 omnibus parks
legislation. Mr. Montgomery and Mr. O'Donnell were instrumental in securing Senate support
for proposal. Their value to the City was underscored during the recent trip to Washington,
D.C. by Council Member Majic and a delegation of community members from Santa Clarita.
It was repeatedly apparent during the trip that Montgomery and O'Donnell's regular
communications with Members of Congress, congressional staff and administration officials had
kept this critical issue of importance to Santa Clarita in a prominent place in the minds of
Washington decision makers.
For the upcoming contract year, several issues have already been identified as work program
areas for Montgomery and O'Donnell:
• Continue monitoring post legislative actions relative to Elsmere Canyon landfill proposal.
The U.S, Forest Service has still not determined what they will do regarding the almost
completed environmental review process.
APPROWED Agenda item;/?
• If a smaller landfill project is actually contemplated adjacent to the Angeles National
Forest, the U.S. Forest Service will remain a player in the issue.
• Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) reauthorization will occur in
1997. The City is looking at potential projects for which we maybe eligible under the new
legislation.
• Congress has been reviewing Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) ability to
respond to increasing national disasters and potential methods to restructure service and
financial obligations. With Santa Clarita's direct experience, the City could be an active
player in shaping potential legislation.
• The City is looking at developing a City/Federal Performance Partnership program designed
to enhance federal/local relations through identification of obstacles to swift program or
project implementation.
• Additional criminal justice grants, similar to the $167,632 Bureau of Justice Assistance Law
Enforcement Block Grant received by the City this year.
In discussing the quality of service which John Montgomery and John O'Donnell provide for
the City of Santa Clarita, the response from agencies and individuals who deal with them has
been extremely positive. They have made an unequaled contribution to the positive welfare of
the community and should be engaged for another year of service.
The requested amount of $52,000 has already been reserved in the adopted City of Santa
Clarita budget for 1996/97.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to renew the contract of John H. Montgomery and John R.
O'Donnell for federal legislative advocacy services in the amount of $4,000 per month plus
$4,000 for expenses for the period November 1, 1996 through October 31, 1997.
MPM jrorenew.967