BOARD MEETING DATE: December 3, 2010
AGENDA NO. 5
PROPOSAL:
Amend Contracts for Legislative Representation in Sacramento, California
SYNOPSIS:
The current contracts for legislative representation in Sacramento expire on December 31, 2010 for Joe A. Gonsalves & Son, Gonzalez Public Affairs, and Sloat Higgins Jensen & Associates. Staff is satisfied with their performance and continued representation in Sacramento is necessary to further AQMD policy positions at the state level. The current contracts have options for two one-year extensions. This action is to approve the first one-year extension of the existing contracts for legislative consulting services in Sacramento for Calendar Year 2011. Total contract amounts for Joe A. Gonsalves & Son, Gonzalez Public Affairs, and for Sloat Higgins Jensen & Associates are proposed to be the current contract amounts plus a Consumer Price Index increase.
COMMITTEE:
Legislative, November 12, 2010, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Authorize the Chairman to approve the first one-year extension of the contracts with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son, Gonzalez Public Affairs and Sloat Higgins Jensen & Associates in a total amount not to exceed $456,750, for a one-year term, beginning January 2011, which includes a Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase.
Appropriate $91,750 from Undesignated Fund Balance to Legislative & Public Affairs budget, Account 67450 – Professional & Special Services.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
Joe A. Gonsalves & Son, Gonzalez Public Affairs, and Sloat Higgins Jensen & Associates have focused on moving the Board’s legislative agenda forward. Their support and active involvement have helped ensure the progress of our priority legislation such as SB 1479 by the Committee on Public Employment and Retirement which will save AQMD approximately $1 million per year in retirement funding. Similarly, all three firms have participated and led productive efforts in 2010 to protect AQMD’s regulatory authority in many areas, pursue solutions for the Clean Air Act Section 185 fees, and investigate ways to allow AQMD access to Intellectual Property rights for projects funded through AQMD. It is important that this momentum be maintained in the coming year to increase the chances of successful outcomes on air quality related legislation and AQMD policy priorities.
Proposal
The contracts with the three firms are due to expire on December 31, 2010. AQMD staff is satisfied with the performance of the three firms and recommends that the Board retain them for Calendar Year 2011. Continuity and past relationships provide forward momentum that need to be preserved for legislative successes. Efforts need to be redoubled at the State level in 2011 to seek authority for addressing long-term pension reform for AQMD’s future retirement obligations as well as providing access to Intellectual Property rights for projects co-funded by the District. Other outstanding issues that need legislative and /or regulatory solutions may include offsets, and substitute funding to meet federal Clean Air Act section 185 fees facing South Coast businesses. Legislative and regulatory advocacy is also needed to support new policy initiatives at the District. Finally, there will be a new Administration and dozens of new legislators that will require targeted outreach and education efforts.
The present contracts, based on a competitive selection process, have options for two one-year extensions that may be exercised at the Board’s discretion pursuant to the original RFP. This proposal is to approve the first one-year extension for each of the contracts.
Resource Impacts
Legislative & Public Affairs budget for FY 2010-11 contains insufficient funds for Legislative Advocacy in Sacramento, and additional funding is necessary in an amount of $91,750 to cover the cost of these contract renewals. Therefore it is recommended that $91,750 be appropriated from Undesignated Fund Balance to the Legislative & Public Affairs FY 2010-2011 Budget, Account 67450 – Professional and Special Services.