HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-24 - AGENDA REPORTS - CONTRACT RENEWAL (2)AGENDA REPORT
City Manager
Item to be pre:
CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE: November 24, 1998
Michael P. Murphy
SUBJECT: CONTRACT RENEWAL: FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE
ADVOCACY SERVICES
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
RECOMMENDED ACTION
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 a total amount of $52,000, for the period November 1, 1998 through
October 31, 1999.
Since 1995, the City, of Santa Clarita has retained the services of John Montgomery and
John O'Donnell for purposes of federal legislative advocacy. The City Council is requested
to renew the contract for the period November 1, 1998 through October 31, 1999. Mr.
Montgomery and Mr. O'Donnell will be present at the Council meeting.
During the past year, Montgomery and O'Donnell have worked on a variety of issues on
behalf of the City including: reauthorization of the surface transportation act, the .
Transportation Equity Act for the Twenty First Century (TEA -21); transportation
appropriations legislation; Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); American
Heritage River designation for the Santa Clara River, working both with Congress and the
White House; Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) legislation relative to
eligible disaster expenditures and reimbursements; internet legislation; various federal
grant opportunities and future federal options. relating to Elsmere Canyon.
This year was particularly successful as the City was able to secure $15,175,000 in new
federal money for local transportation projects. Congress approved $10,425,000 for
improvements to the Interstate '5/Magic Mountain Interchange project, $3,250,000 for
Phase I of the Transit Maintenance Facility, $1,250,000 for bus acquisition and $250,000
for the Newhall Metrolink Station. '
.. .
Earlier in the day on November 24, 1998, Mr. Montgomery and Mr. O'Donnell will be
meeting with City staff and the City Council Legislative Committee to discuss potential
work program areas for the coming year. Several areas have already been identified:
Obtain second year funding for new transit maintenance facility in the transportation
appropriations bill. Extensive work has been done with our federal representatives and
Senate and House committee staff during the past year to ensure a high priority position in
the coming year. Amount to be requested is approximately $7,000,000.
Work with the Department of Justice on community oriented policing programs and grant
opportunities.
Continue contacts with United States Forest Service regarding potential use of Elsmere
Canyon property and appropriate land uses adjacent to.the Angeles National Forest.
Pursue American Heritage River designation for the Santa Clara River should additional
designations be made during 1999.
Track and comment on Internet commission activities. . Seek local representation on
internet sales tax issues review commission.
Continue assisting with identifying federal grant opportunities and seeking to influence
grant awards, as appropriate.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Determine that Montgomery and O'Donnell have provided excellent federal advocacy
services and renew the contract for an additional year.
2. Determine that federal advocacy professional services contract should be put out to bid.
3. Terminate all federal contract advocacy services and determine that federal advocacy
should be handled by staff or in conjunction with Burke, Williams and Sorensen.
4. Other direction as determined by City Council
FISCAL IMPACT
$52,000 has already been budgeted in account 1210-8110 for FY 1998/99. This represents a
monthly retainer of $4,000 per month with a maximum of $4,000 expense reimbursement.
This is the same amount charged by Montgomery and O'Donnell for services in each of the
past three years, thus representing no increase in fee.
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