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, 2012. Staff is recommending that the City Commission issue a request for proposals for State of Florida lobbying services;however, if the City Commission approves entering into a new contract with Doug Bruce and Associates the new contract will begin on October 1, 2012 and continue through September 30, 2013.
Fiscal Note
The current contracted cost for State of Florida Lobbying Services is $49,440. Up to $50,000 is proposed in the FY 2013 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) 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 proposed FY 2013 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 subject to approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality.
Alternative 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 including compensation up to $50,000, subject to approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality.