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Title:
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Consideration of an Agreement with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son for State Legislative Advocacy Services for FY 06-07.
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City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve an Agreement with Joe A. Gonsalves &
Son (Gonsalves) for legislative advocacy services in Sacramento for FY 06-07
(subject to the approval of the Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Budget by the City Council).
BACKGROUND:
The City of Culver City engaged the services of Gonsalves in 2002, after a
competitive RFP process. The City Council then authorized an agreement with
Gonsalves in November 8, 2004, for the remainder of the fiscal year. The contract
was then renewed by the City Council to be in effect for FY 05/06.
The City’s experience with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son has been positive. The lobbyist
has interacted with City Council and staff and provided sound legislative advice.
Gonsalves has reviewed bills introduced in the California Legislature and informed
City staff of the legislation affecting the City’s interests. Based on a list refined by
Culver City staff, Gonsalves provides bill updates to City staff on a regular basis.
Gonsalves also provides staff interpretations of bills and provides supporting data
and analysis.
Culver City staff members have drafted advocacy letters, which have accurately
conveyed areas of interest to the City. These letters are consistent with the City’s
legislative program, adopted by the City Council. Staff transmits Culver City’s
position letters to Gonsalves, so that the firm will advocate the City’s position to
Senate and Assembly Members.
Meeting Date: 06/26/06 Item Number: A-3
AGENDA ITEM: Consideration of an Agreement with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son for
State Legislative Advocacy Services for FY 06-07.
Contact Person/Dept.: Shelly Wolfberg Phone Number: (310) 253-6008
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: []
Public Notification:
Joe A. Gonsalves and Son (6/21/06) and Master Notification List (6/21/06).
Department Approval:
Martin R. Cole (06/21/2006)
CAO Approval: Jerry B. Fulwood
(06/21/2006)
City Controller Approval:
Marlee Chang (06/21/2006)City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Gonsalves has been effective in meeting with legislators and their staff in
Sacramento to advocate the City’s position in various areas including
Redevelopment, Transportation, Telecommunications, Interagency Communications
Interoperability System (ICIS), the Infrastructure Bond legislation and in testifying
before committees on the City’s position. Staff and Councilmembers have had the
opportunity to meet with Gonsalves in both Sacramento and in Culver City.
Generally, CAO staff communicates with Gonsalves on a weekly basis for updates
and to strategize on positioning the City in Sacramento on various issues.
DISCUSSION:
The presence of a full-time lobbyist in the Capitol and the ability of staff to engage in
advocacy on a full-time basis promote the City’s ability to effectively address
important legislative matters. A lobbyist allows the City to speak with one voice and
to have a presence in the Capitol to express the concerns and interests of Culver
City.
Gonsalves has stated its desire to continue its agreement with the City of Culver City
at $3,500 per month or $42,000 for FY 06-07, a fee that remains unchanged from FY
05-06. Staff recommends continuing the services of Gonsalves. The monthly
retainer includes all expenses such as Fair Political Practice Commission (FPPC)
filings, telephone calls and faxes.
Because of Culver City’s positive experience with this firm, and because of their
highly-regarded reputation in the Capitol, staff recommends that the City Council
approve an Agreement with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son without conducting a formal bid
process, since one took place in 2001.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
There is adequate funding in the CAO’s proposed budget for FY 06-07 (Account
Number 10110100.619800) (subject to approval of the Fiscal Year 2006/2007
budget by the City Council).
ATTACHMENTS:
NoneCity of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
MOTION:
That the City Council:
1. Waive the formal competitive bid process; authorize the award of a professional
services agreement in the amount of $42,000 with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son for
legislative advocacy in Sacramento (subject to the approval of the Fiscal Year
2006/2007 Budget by the City Council); and
2. Authorize the City Attorney to prepare the necessary documents and authorize
the Chief Administrative Officer to sign the documents.