AR 051507 State Legislative Advocacy Services

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passed state propositions (e.g., Proposition 1B and 1C funds), it is essential that the City of Colton have a constant and immediate presence in Sacramento to ensure Colton is not omitted from consideration for funding from these massive pots of state infrastructure monies. It is vital for the City to have "eyes and ears" present to keep the City informed in "real time" of developments and changes taking place, allowing the City to take a more proactive legislative approach, possibly affecting outcomes that are in the City's best interests. Furthermore, the retention of Gonsalves provides the City of Colton with access opportunities to state legislators and Governor Schwarzenegger that are not currently present. The City is facing several issues, ranging from capital improvements to redevelopment activities, in which legislative relief is required to deliver projects that benefit the city's residents and further the visions and goals of the City Council. A sampling of immediate advocacy tasks that could be assigned to Gonsalves may include, but are not limited to: ■ Acquisition of funds for the I-10 Corridor Interchange Improvements ■ 3-5 Comprehensive Storm Drain Project ■ Colton Crossing ■ Design -build relief (reducing the environmental burden on project delivery) ■ Recreational areas (large scale parks and recreation facilities) ■ Rails -to -Trails Programs ■ Seismic Retrofitting Activities Colton Municipal Code Section 3.08.140 authorizes the city council, in limited circumstances, to award a professional services agreement to a consultant without a formal or informal RFP process. Section 3.08.140(E) provides that competitive bidding, either formal or informal, is not required "When the city manager determines that it is in the best interest of the city and its administrative operations to dispense with public bidding for non-public projects under this chapter." For this contract award, the City Manager has made such a determination based upon the following: • Joe Gonsalves and Son have an outstanding track record of representing city clients in Sacramento. They represent 49 cities and have contacts throughout the legislature; Anthony Gonsalves has specific experience advocating for municipalities seeking property tax benefits tied to power generation facilities locating in the municipality. Colton has some opportunities in the near future in this regard and will rely upon Gonsalves expertise to guide our strategy. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Not applicable. FINANCIAL IMPACT The cost of this one year agreement shall not exceed the amount of $40,000. $5,000 of this contract