Title
Contract for State of Florida Lobbying Services (NB)
Explanation
Doug Bruce & Associates has provided the City with lobbying services since March 1, 2005. In that time, Mr. Bruce has provided the City of Gainesville with satisfactory service lobbying the State of Florida on behalf of the City. The city's contract with Doug Bruce and Associates will expire on September 30, 2011. Staff is requesting the City Commission determine if a request for proposals should be issued for State of Florida lobbying services or approve a new one year contract to Doug Bruce and Associates. If the City Commission approves entering into a new contract with Doug Bruce and Associates the new contract will begin on October 1, 2011 and continue through September 30, 2011.
Fiscal Note
The current contracted cost for State of Florida Lobbying Services is $49,440 and funds are included in the current fiscal year budget. $50,000 is available in the FY 2012 budget and the City Commission has directed General Government and Gainesville Regional Utilities to split the cost of the contract for State of Florida Lobbying Services and each will pay up to $25,000 annually.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) Approve the contract for State of Florida Lobbying Services provided by Doug Bruce & Associates; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee and the GRU General Manager or designee to execute the contract as approved by the City Attorney as to form and legality.
Alternative Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) Direct staff to issue a request for proposals for State of Florida lobbying services for an amount not to exceed $50,000 which is included in the FY 2012 budget; 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee and the GRU General Manager or designee to negotiate an agreement with the winning respondent; and 3) Authorize the City Manager or designee and the GRU General Manager or designee to execute the contract as approved by the City Attorney as to form and legality.