HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-08 - AGENDA REPORTS - FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY (2)Agenda Item•
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR City Manager Approva
Item to be presented by: Michael P. Murphy
DATE: April 8, 2003
SUBJECT: FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
DEPARTMENT: City Manager
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute, subject to City Attorney approval, a
continuation of the professional services agreement with Jamison and Sullivan, Inc. for the
period April 1, 2003 through September 30, 2003; and
Continuation of the contract funding for the period July 1 through September 30, 2003
subject to City Council approval in the FY 2003/04 Budget; and
Approve budget transfer of $16,000 from the City Council Contingency Fund (Account No.
2250-7401) to the City Manager's Office Professional Services Account (Account No.
1210-8110) for the contract expansion from April 1, 2003 to June 30, 2003.
BACKGROUND
The City has retained the professional services of Jamison and Sullivan, Inc. for federal
advocacy efforts relating to the opposition of the proposed Transit Mixed Concrete (TMC)
mining project since February 2001. It is proposed that the City renew and expand their
contract for the six-month period April 1, 2003 through September 30, 2003. In addition to
continuing advocacy efforts relative to TMC, Jamison and Sullivan, Inc. will represent the
City's interests regarding the reauthorization of the federal surface transportation act, land
protection legislation, and other federal issues as they arise.
Jamison and Sullivan's current monthly retainer fee is $7,500 per month and the City
reimburses for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, up to a maximum of $2,000, according to
the terms of the agreement. It is proposed to expand the scope of services and increase the
monthly retainer fee to $13,000 per month, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, not to
exceed $2,000 over the life of the contract. The total amount for the continuation for the
term of the agreement will not exceed $80,000.
The City Council has authorized the exploration of a potential legislative solution regarding
the proposed TMC mining project. Several meetings have been held with interested
parties to explore this concept and an assessment is currently underway as to the issues
associated with moving the federal legislation forward, both with and without support of
Cemex and the United States Bureau of Land Management. At this time, it appears likely
that some form of legislative activity will occur.
This year also marks the reauthorization of the federal surface transportation act. The
current legislation, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA -21), expires on
September 30, 2003. The City has submitted a $66 million request package for inclusion in
the six-year transportation blueprint. The specific projects include a $54 million
authorization for the Cross Valley Connector, a $7 million authorization for the Santa Clarita
Transit Fleet Expansion Program, and a $5 million authorization for the Santa Clarita
Transit Maintenance Facility Phase II. The Cross Valley Connector remains the number one
priority of the Santa Clarita City Council.
Mr. Cy Jamison enjoys an exceptional working relationship with the Chairman of the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which will be a key committee for writing the
reauthorization bill. In addition to TMC advocacy efforts and surface transportation act
reauthorization, the City anticipates participating in activities relating to federal land
protection legislation impacting areas adjacent to the City of Santa Clarita and homeland
security first -responder legislation.
The continuation of this professional service agreement beyond July 1, 2003 is subject to
inclusion of funds in the adopted FY 2003/04 City of Santa Clarita budget.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Award contract for a period of time other than six -months in duration.
2. Not award contract to Jamison and Sullivan, Inc. and issue a Request for Proposals for
federal advocacy services.
3. Other direction as determined by City Council
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action will result in a total contract amount of $13,000 per
month, increasing federal advocacy services by $5,500 per month. The current retainer of
$7,500 per month has been budgeted for FY 02/03 in Account No. 3110-8110. To cover costs
associated with the proposed extension of this agreement, a budget transfer $16,500 from the
City Council Contingency Fund is required to meet the new retainer level through June 30,
2003. The City Council Contingency Account has a current balance of $1,145,421. Approval
of the requested transfer will place the Contingency Account balance at $1,128,921.
All funding for this professional service agreement beyond June 30, 2003 shall be subject to
inclusion in the adopted FY 03/04 budget.