AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Receive a Staff presentation and hold a discussion regarding State Lobbying Services, and provide direction to Staff.
Body
Meeting date: September 5, 2017
Department: Communications/Intergovernmental Relations
Funds Required: $84,000
Account Number:
Funds Available:
Account Name:
CITY COUNCIL GOAL: Goal #8 Provide for efficient and effective services.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENT(s): Meets all Comprehensive Plan Goals
BACKGROUND:
The City of San Marcos has contracted with Winstead P.C. since 2004 (13 consecutive years) for State Intergovernmental and Legislative Relations. The most recent contract approved by Council on October 1, 2015 was for a 2-year term ending September 30, 2017.
Contract Highlights:
Term: 2 years
Cost: Non-legislative session years - $3500 per month
Legislative session years - $5000 a month
Special Sessions or Initiatives - $4,000 per month
Deliverables of Current Contract:
• Monitor interim legislative studies
• Maintain contact with legislators and state agencies
• Coordinate meetings with City and state officials
• Develop a legislative agenda based on City Council direction
• Planning, strategy development, legislative representation and advocacy
Staff Recommendation:
Based on the length of service and new administrative leadership, Staff recommends the City seek a Request for Qualifications/Proposal for State Legislative consulting services.
Additional deliverables for future City contracts may include:
• Assess pending infrastructure and economic development projects that may be eligible for state funding
• Advise and assist the City to enhance the city’s chances of funding or grants
• Monthly written report to Council on state and legislative issues relevant to San Marcos
• Ensure the City has an on-going presence at the Capital
• Training guidance and preparation guidance of talking points and testimony on items of interest for the City of San Marcos
• Assist the City in formulation, adoption and update City’s Legislatives Priorities and Agenda
• Additional items per City Council Direction