HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2e - Federal legislative advocacy services related to water��'� GPyIFORryI9'y� f
m.orno...
A.6u i, 1 3
C ee
o��nnity of K� STAFF REPORT
Office of the City Manager
DATE: February 4, 2014
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dominic Lazzaretto, City Manager
By: Linda Garcia, Communications, Marketing and Special
Projects Manager
SUBJECT: ROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE
FERGUSON GROUP FOR FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
SERVICES RELATED TO WATER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,500
AND FOR A TERM OF ONE YEAR
Recommendation: Approve
SUMMARY
The City's Professional Services Agreement with The Ferguson Group expired on
December 31, 2013. As is done every year, staff conducted a review of our federal
legislative advocacy efforts and, at this time, due to the ongoing changing nature of
Washington, DC politics as it relates to the federal budget process, it is recommended
that a change be made in the program to focus primarily on water - related projects in the
coming year. If approved, the change in the scope of services that The Ferguson
Group will provide the City results in a savings of $22,500 from the previous contract
amount of $65,000.
DISCUSSION
Arcadia has used The Ferguson Group for federal legislative advocacy since 1996 with
great success, receiving millions of dollars to assist with City projects. In recent years,
the country's economy combined with the political climate in Washington, DC, has made
it difficult to obtain discretionary federal funding for local projects. There is federal
transportation - related funding available through grant programs; however, staff is able
to pursue those opportunities without the use of a lobbyist. The same is true of certain
public safety - related grants. Unfortunately, funding for construction and economic
development projects is extremely limited, especially considering the demographics in
Arcadia.
The Ferguson Group Professional Services Agreement
February 4, 2014
Page 2 of 2
The Ferguson Group's work product for Arcadia has been excellent and they can
continue to be of assistance to the City in finding funding for water projects. The City
has already received funding from the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and
EPA State and Tribal Assistance Grants (USEPA -STAG) and is in the pipeline for
additional funds from those sources. The process for obtaining this money is
complicated and cumbersome, and particularly in the case of getting an appropriation
from WRDA, it is helpful to have someone in Washington who has the appropriate
contacts to advocate on the City's behalf. As such, it is recommended that the City
continue to use The Ferguson Group's services in the coming year to pursue projects
that will enhance Arcadia's water system, water safety, and water quality. Entering into
a new Agreement with a scope of services focusing on water projects alone will reduce
the annual retainer to $42,500, a savings of $22,500.
FISCAL IMPACT
The previous annual expense of $65,000 was divided equally between the General
Fund and the Water Fund. If the proposed Agreement is approved, there will now be no
charge to the General Fund, a savings of $32,500. The full contract amount of $42,500
is available in and will be paid for from the Water Fund.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize and direct the City Manager to
execute a Professional Services Agreement with The Ferguson Group for federal
legislative advocacy services related to water, in the amount of $42,500 and for a term
of one year.