Title
Professional Federal Lobbying and Advocacy Services Agreement (B)
This is a request for renewal of the professional federal lobbying and advocacy services agreement.
Explanation
The City has retained the services of Marilyn Berry Thompson, currently with the firm MWW Group, Inc., as a special lobbyist in Washington, D.C., in connection with matters concerning the City on behalf of its General Government and its Utility.
City of Gainesville’s Agreement for Professional Federal Lobbying Services will end on September 30, 2015. This role and the services provided have been extensively and regularly reviewed following their initiation in 1994.
The Lobbyist provides lobbying and advocacy services and monitors U.S. Congress on important legislative matters could affect the City in areas of housing, economic redevelopment, taxation, revenue distribution, transportation, environment, utility regulation, telecommunications, homeland security, and other areas.
The City agrees to compensate the Lobbyist for services not-to-exceed one hundred thirteen thousand dollars ($113,000) for the City’s General Government, and a maximum amount not to-exceed thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) for Gainesville Regional Utilities, for a combined maximum amount not-to-exceed one hundred forty three thousand dollars ($143,000) for the City.
The brief Summary of Federal Lobbyist Services provides a more detailed description with selective highlights of over $70 million in federal relations outcomes and activities in five key areas: 1) Community Development and Parks; 2) Economic Development and Special Projects; 3) Housing and Homeless; 4) Criminal Justice; and 5) and Transportation.
Fiscal Note
There is a maximum charge of $143,000 in FY2016 for the City and GRU to renew this contract.
Recommendation
The City Commission approve renewal of the current contract with MWW for FY 2016.
Alternative Recommendation
The City Commission direct staff to advertise for new a Fe...
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