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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2n: Contract with Cutwater Asset Management for Investment Mgmt. ServicesWON NO - 811 q� an 010 .t� DATE: August 7, 2012 STAFF REPORT Administrative Services Department TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Hue C. Quach, Administrative Services Director Shannon Huang, Financial Services Manager /City Tre surer SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A ONE YEAR CONTRACT WITH CUTWATER ASSET MANAGEMENT FOR INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $41,000 Recommendation: Approve SUMMARY Cutwater Asset Management Group has managed a portion of the City's investment portfolio since 2007. It has been determined that Cutwater has met the City's expectations over the past year. It is recommended that the City continue using Cutwater's services for the period of July 2012 to June 2013. DISCUSSION The City entered into an agreement with the Cutwater Asset Management to provide investment advisory services in April 2007. The purpose of this agreement was to utilize Cutwater's investment expertise to enhance the overall rate of return on the City's portfolio. Cutwater was selected from among five proposals. Cutwater manages up to $50.0 million of the City's investment portfolio. The basic concept was to have Cutwater oversee assets available for longer term investment, while City staff retains control over assets requiring greater liquidity. The agreement with Cutwater is subject to review annually. Staff and at least one Council Member conduct an annual review of the firm's performance. After each review, a formal recommendation is made to the City Council for direction either to continue services with Cutwater or to consider other alternatives. The City has the ability to terminate the agreement for any reason by giving a written notice to Cutwater no less than thirty (30) days prior to the requested termination date. Contract Renewal For Investment Management Services August 7, 2012 Page 2of2 On July 25, 2012, Mayor Robert Harbicht, City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto, Administrative Services Director Hue Quach, and Financial Services Manager /City Treasurer Shannon Huang met with Cutwater representatives to review the past year's performance. As of the month ended June 2012, the City's investment portfolio totaled $102 million, with an overall rate of return of 0.86 %. In comparison, the Two -Year and Five -Year Treasury Note were earning 0.29% and 0.71%, respectively, at that point in time. Cutwater managed assets had a total rate of return equal to 0.87% after the management fees. Although the City's investment earnings have been declining, largely due to an overall low interest market, the investment portfolio still has outperformed its benchmark, which is a twelve month moving average of Two -Year Treasury Yield. Staff has not encountered any problems during the year working with Cutwater and believes that the firm has adhered to all the requirements of its contract with the City. FISCAL IMPACT Cutwater charges fees for services based on the amount of assets under management. It is estimated that the annual cost will be about $41,000, and funding for their service has been included in the adopted budget. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council authorize City Manager to execute a one year contract with Cutwater Asset Management for investment management services in the amount not to exceed $41,000. APPROVED: o o City Manager Page 2 of 2