Agenda Item Wording:
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Approve annual service agreement with Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni (NMPGL) for state legislative advocacy services, effective Dec. 1, 2021 through Nov. 30, 2022, for a monthly fee of $7,000, with up to four additional one year extension options.
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Deadline for Action: 11/15/2021
Submitting Department: Administration
Contact Name and Phone Number: Devon Jones, 4190
Department Recommendation:
Authorize City Manager to approve an annual Professional Services Agreement with NMPGL (with up to four additional one-year extension options) for state legislative advocacy services, effective Dec. 1, 2021 through Nov. 30, 2022, for a monthly fee of $7,000 plus an average monthly expense of $200 specifically for assistance with lobbyist activity reporting required by the state, which has been broken out separately as the service itself is not a lobbying service. Additionally, any travel related expenses associated with approved trips to the City of Visalia would be reimbursed.
Background Discussion:
Recently staff issued a Response for Proposals (RFP) for state lobbyist services as
the existing contract for services expires this month. Three firms responded to the RFP, and after proposal review by review committee members, Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni LLP (NMPGL) was recommended as the firm to submit to Council for authority to execute an annual agreement. NMPGL is the current service provider. The agreement may be extended for up to four additional one-year terms, pending Council approval each year. The lead lobbyist that will continue to work with city staff is John Moffatt, a Partner in the firm, as well as Senior Counsel Michelle Rubalcava and Manager of Research for Legislation and Public Policy, Andrew Langley. In the previous 5 years that the firm has represented the City in state legislative issues, Mr. Moffatt and his support staff have been consistently responsive to City issues, up to date on legislation as it moves through various committees to the Assembly and Senate, have scheduled meetings with appropriate legislative representatives and agency staff, and testified on the City’s behalf on issues the City Council has identified as its priorities for the legislative session. Mr. Moffatt has also served as the City’s representative in Sacramento on numerous issues with State agencies.
The original contract with NMPGL was approved in 2011 at an amount not to exceed $8,000 a month, plus specified expenses, however, the actual monthly fee for lobbying services alone was and will continue to be $7,000. The current contract that is expiring at the end of November (approved in 2016) is at a monthly fee of $7,000 plus an average monthly expense of $200 specifically for assistance with lobbyist activity reporting required by the state, which has been broken out separately as the service itself is not a lobbying service, and was generally $200/month, not the up to $1,000 a month that was provided for in the contract. Hence, the contract for Council’s approval tonight for the 2021/22 year represents a ‘status quo’ budget for this service contract.
NMPGL will come back in December for their annual review of the legislative year to give an overview of state legislative activity and likely areas of focus for the coming year.
Fiscal Impact:
Twelve months of service at a monthly fee of $7,000 plus an estimated hourly expense of $200 each month (for separate lobbying activity reporting service) along with any
travel related expenses for pre-approved trips to the City of Visalia. This represents a status quo service cost as compared to the current service contract.
Prior Council Action: 11.16.20 - authorized 4th and final annual extension of current state legislative advocacy service contract with NMPGL, originally approved by Council on 11.7.16.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Per Council direction
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize City Manager to approve an annual Professional Services Agreement with NMPGL for state legislative advocacy services, effective Dec. 1, 2021 through Nov. 30, 2022, for a monthly fee of $7,000, plus an average monthly fee of $200 to process state required lobbyist activity reporting, and any travel related expenses for pre-approved trips to the City of Visalia, and allow up to four additional one year extensions.
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: Draft service agreement