Title
City Lobbying and Advocacy Services (B)
This is a request for renewal of the state lobbying and advocacy services agreement. **ESTIMATED STAFF ORAL PRESENTATION 2 MINUTES**
Explanation
The City has retained the services of Bill Peebles (Peebles and Smith), as a special lobbyist in Tallahassee, FL. in connection with matters concerning the City on behalf of its General Government and its Utility.
The City previously entered into an agreement with Bill Peebles (Peebles and Smith) for State of Florida Lobbying and Advocacy Services dated December 6, 2012, and First Extension dated November 26, 2013. The Second Extension to the Contract for City of Gainesville Agreement for State of Florida Lobbying and Advocacy Services ends November 30, 2015.
The Lobbyist provides lobbying and advocacy services and monitors important legislative matters that could affect the City in areas of housing, utilities, water projects, economic redevelopment, transportation, and other areas.
The City agrees to compensate Lobbyist for services not to exceed thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) 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 sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) for the City.
Fiscal Note
There is a maximum expense of $60,000 in FY 2016 for the City and GRU to renew this contract.
Recommendation
The City Commission approve renewal of the current contract with Peebles and Smith.
Alternate Recommendation
The City Commission direct staff to advertise for a new state lobbyist for the City and GRU.