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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex Voigt, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: December 5, 2023
SUBJECT:
A resolution approving an extension of an agreement with Vision M.A.I. (Bukola Bello) for Lobbying Services on behalf of the City of Aurora.
BACKGROUND:
Vision M.A.I., Bukola Bello, has been representing the City of Aurora mid-2020. Initially our goal with growing our lobby team was to expand our outreach efforts in Springfield and grow our relationships with the various Caucus'. The circumstances of 2020 upended our initial plan, and Bukola began to work with us on several legislative issues and was a key player in navigating the changing landscape in Springfield during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2023 session was fruitful for the City of Aurora. Thanks to the efforts of our State Lobby Team (Vision M.A.I. and Roger C. Marquardt & Co.), we passed four (4) pieces of staff-initiated legislation. Additionally, Bukola and her team continue to provide timely and vital support to the city through lobbying efforts, facilitating meetings with key stakeholders and attending meetings and hearings on our behalf.
A brief summary of accomplishments are listed below:
• Drones as First Responders Act
• Police Training -- Out-of-State Waivers
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Limestone Material
• Department of Public Health - Plumber Agreements
• Scheduled and attended meetings with State Agencies
• Represented the city during hearings as needed
• Connected various staff members to Legislators
• Represented the city during negotiations related to bills listed above
DISCUSSION:
Staff is requesting a 3.5% increase for the 2024 calendar year, at a rate of $6,365.25 per month. Funds are budgeted out of account #101-1002-413-32.20.
Aside from the rate increase, there are no other significant changes to the 2024 agreement. The 2024 agreement is attached as Exhibit A.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This extension, if approved will have a positive impact on the City of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully requested this item be forwarded from the Finance Committee to the Committee of the Whole.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing a one-year extension of an agreement with Vision M.A.I., LLC for the governmental affairs consulting services of Bukola Bello.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, Vision M.A.I. has provided government relations and consulting to the City of Aurora in pursing necessary and beneficial government relations and legislative strategies; and
WHEREAS, the city has determined that it is in the best interests of the citizens of Aurora to extend the contract with Vision M.A.I., LLC for the government affairs consulting services of Bukola Bello from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 in order that Vision M.A.I. may continue to provide government affairs consulting services to the City of Aurora as set forth in the attached service agreement;
WHEREAS, funds are available for the extension of the consulting contract in account number 101-1002-413.32-20.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the attached contract with Vision M.A.I., LLC (Exhibit A) for the 2024 calendar year.