TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a contract and all necessary amendments for state legislative representation services provided by Michael J. Arnold and Associates, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $105,432 for a period of one year; and authorize City Manager to grant two, one-year extensions, including an adjustment to the monthly retainer not to exceed the Consumer Price Index, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The firm of Michael J. Arnold and Associates (Arnold and Associates) has successfully represented the City of Long Beach in Sacramento before the State Legislature and various state agencies since 1983. Michael J. Arnold and Associates provides advice, technical legislative assistance, historical perspective and strong advocacy on City issues while maintaining excellent relationships with Legislators and staff in Sacramento.
The contract between the City and Michael J. Arnold and Associates for FY 10 expired on September 30, 2010. Based on the firm's unique knowledge and extensive understanding of the City of Long Beach and local government issues, as well as the reputation of the firm's partners in Sacramento, the approval of an annual contract is recommended.
Summary of Last Year's Advocacy Efforts
Arnold and Associates were of assistance in the previous legislative session as the City took an aggressive stance in FY 10 to protect Long Beach revenue streams. Attachment A includes examples of high-priority issues Long Beach advocated for and against in Sacramento. In each of these instances, Arnold and Associates was intricately involved with the matter, provided advice and facilitated important communications between the City and the other parties. Attachment B provides a brief biography of Michael J. Arnold and Associates, Inc., to illustrate the firm's qualifications.
Contract Amount
It is recommended that the City Council approve a one-year contract with Michael J. Arnold and Associates, Inc., and authorize the City Manager to grant two, one-year extensions. This recommendation would result in a monthly payment of $8,311. The total proposed contract would include $99,732 for the annual retainer and up to $5,700 for approved expenses, for a total contract amount not to exceed $105,432.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 9, 2010 to ensure continuation of services from Michael J. Arnold and Associates.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on October 13, 2010.
FISCAL IMPACT
The annual cost for this service for the first year, not to exceed $105,432, is based on a monthly retainer of $8,311 and up to an annual total of $5,700 for approved expenses. In FY 09, Long Beach agreed to provide Arnold and Associates with a Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase to their contract amount. The cost for the FY 11 contract amount has not increased from the FY 09 contract amount. At the discretion of the City Manager, this FY 11 contract allows for two, one-year extensions that may be increased by an amount not to exceed the CPI. Funds to support this activity are budgeted in the General Fund (GP) in the City Manager's Office (CM), 57 percent of which is shared by departments and funds throughout the City that benefit from these services, including many non-General Fund operations. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER