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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-02-26 - AGENDA REPORTS - RED GATE COMMUNICATIONS CONTR (2)CONSENT CALENDAR DATE: SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT Agenda Item: - Z CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval Item to be presented by: February 26, 2008 Michael P. Murphy PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT: RED GATE COMMUNICATIONS City Manager's Office RECOMMENDED ACTION Authorize City Manager or designee to enter into a professional services contract with Red Gate Communications for the period March 1, 2008, through June 30, 2008, for an additional $45,000. This action is an extension of an existing contract authorized under the City Manager's contract authority for January 1, 2008 through February 29, 2008. The maximum amount of the cumulative contract shall not exceed $65,000. BACKGROUND It is anticipated that Representative Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R -CA -25) will soon be introducing legislation in the United States Congress for purposes of resolving the dispute between the City of Santa Clarita and CEMEX regarding the proposed Soledad Canyon Mine. During the past year, Representative McKeon, CEMEX and the City of Santa Clarita have been working to develop legislative language, which, when enacted into law, will satisfactorily resolve the issue for all parties. After the legislation is introduced, at a yet -to -be -determined date, the City's direction will refocus toward being an integral part of a multi -faceted effort to secure legislative and public support for the proposed bill. A critical part of the team effort to garner support for the bill will involve a public advocacy component. The public advocacy element will likely include preparation of media materials, public outreach, development of printed and electronic advocacy materials, and communications with opinion leaders and elected officials. It is anticipated that Red Gate Communications will assist the overall legislative advocacy effort with both California and national print-aind electronic media; development of collateral materials for lobbying purposes, assist in coalition development in securing supporters for the measure; serve as a team member in development of advocacy messages and materials, and provide strategic consultation to address concerns brought forward by those who may have concerns about the legislation's provisions. Given the tight time frame for moving the bill forward during the 110th Congress and Red Gate Communications prior assistance to the City of Santa Ciarita and understanding of the mining issue, the firm is the logical source to serve as a member of the overall legislative advocacy team. Under the contract authority of the City Manager, the City entered into an agreement with Red Gate Communications for January and February in the amount of $20,000 for purposes of beginning development of advocacy materials. However, Red Gate Communications' professional services will be required for a longer period of time, extending beyond the contract authority of the City Manager. Therefore, the City Council is requested to authorize the contract with Red Gate Communications, as the cumulative amount for the period January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008 is a maximum of $65,000. The new contract period is from March 1, 2008, through June 30, 2008. Red Gate Communications' retainer is $10,000 per month plus a maximum of $5,000 over the life of the contract for reasonable expenses. The total value of the cumulative contract is $65,000 and the amount is included in the 2007/08 approved City budget. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS 1. Not approve contract with Red Gate Communications. 2. Other direction as determined by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT The total contract value of $65,000 is included in account 13000-5161.002 of the 2007/08 approved City budget and therefore, no additional resources ,are required.