HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-25 - AGENDA REPORTS - FEDERAL ADVOCACY SERVICES (2)CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT
Agenda Item: 3
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by:
November 25, 2014
Michael P. Murphy
FEDERAL ADVOCACY SERVICES: MURRAY,
MONTGOMERY AND O'DONNELL
City Manager's Office
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council authorize the City Manager or designee to execute, subject to City Attorney
approval, a contract for the continuation of professional services with Murray, Montgomery and
O'Donnell for the period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016, concurrent with the
114th Congress, with the option to renew for a maximum of two additional years.
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clarita retains the Washington, D.C. based firm of Murray, Montgomery and
O'Donnell (MMO) for federal advocacy services on all issues with the exception of the proposed
Soledad Canyon mine. Murray, Montgomery and O'Donnell's current contract expires on
December 31, 2014, concurrent with the conclusion of the 113th Congress.
The City Council is requested to authorize continuation of professional services with MMO for
the period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016, concurrent with the 114th Congress,
with the option to renew for a maximum of two additional years.
Murray, Montgomery and O'Donnell's retainer would remain at the same compensation level as
their current contract at $6,000 per month, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses, not to exceed $5,000 annually. This results in an annual contract maximum of
$77,000. The funding is included in the City's adopted 2014/15 budget.
During the time Murray, Montgomery and O'Donnell has been under contract with the City, the
firm has been instrumental in securing favorable Congressional action on several City Council
APPROVED
priorities, including construction of the Cross Valley Connector, protection of Elsmere Canyon
from being used as a landfill, funding for construction of the Transit Maintenance Facility,
funding for construction of the McBean Regional Transit Facility, and full funding of the
National Park Service Rim of the Valley Corridor Special Resource Study.
With the elimination of congressionally directed spending, the focus has shifted to working
through the various federal departments in securing grant funding. MMO has been working with
City staff to identify key priorities of the City Council and develop and implement strategies
designed to ultimately secure federal grants for projects contained within the Legislative
Platform, including a new Senior Center and Sheriffs Station to be located in Santa Clarita.
During the past year, the firm arranged for Councilmembers or staff to have meetings or direct
communication with the National Institute of Senior Centers, Environmental Protection Agency,
Army Corps of Engineers, and Department of Transportation. The firm also assisted City staff in
successfully closing out reporting requirements under the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act.
During the upcoming session of Congress, activities will focus on working with
Representative -Elect Steve Knight and his staff regarding the City Council's federal priorities,
working with Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator Dianne Feinstein to move forward with the
City's priorities given the change in control of the Senate, implementation of the federal element
of the 2015 Legislative Platform, and broadening the scope of potential grant funding and
partnership opportunities beyond the federal departments.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Award a contract for a period of time other than the recommended duration.
2. Not award a contract to Murray, Montgomery and O'Donnell and direct staff to issue a request
for proposal for federal advocacy services.
3. Other direction as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action will result in a total maximum annual expenditure of
$77,000. Funds for federal advocacy services at that authorization level are contained within the
approved FY 2014/15 City budget.