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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alexandra Voigt, Assistant Chief of Staff
DATE: December 2, 2017
SUBJECT:
This item is requesting an extension of the government affairs contract with Dan Shomon, Inc. for 2018.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this memo is to recommend an extension to the current contract with Dan Shomon, Inc. for government affairs consulting services in the amount of $7,040 per month. The proposed contract extension runs from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.
BACKGROUND:
Dan Shomon, Inc. (DSI) has provided government relations consulting services for the City of Aurora since February of 2006. The company monitors and/or lobbies on local, state and federal (on a limited basis) legislation, as well as consults on numerous issues important to the City of Aurora.
Attached for your review are the monthly reports submitted to the City of Aurora by DSI from January - November of 2017. The December report is not yet available. Additionally, listed below are some projects of note from 2017, broken into the categories of funding and policy.
Funding:
• Monitored the changing state budget situation throughout the year, worked with the Illinois Department of Revenue to clarify the impact on the City of Aurora.
o The city, along with other cities were notified of the cuts, but the effective date as well as the actual fiscal impact were difficult to interpret.
• Working to pass a trailer bill that will reduce the sales tax fee on Aurora from 2% to 1%.
• Assisted the City of Aurora in obtaining previously awarded funds for the Mastodon Island grant project from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) on hold due to the state budget impasse.
Policy:
• Assisted the City of Aurora and other river edge cities with the successful passage of the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Tax Credit extension bill, which Governor Rauner signed in Aurora on August 18, 2017.
• Assisted in the organization of a press conference of area Mayor's and County Board officials against Senate Bill 1451.
• Represented the City of Aurora in negotiations pertaining to SB 1451, had language added in an effort to protect Aurora's interests. DSI continues to work on this issue.
• Worked closely with city staff and elected officials on both the State and Federal level regarding the Paramount Arts Centre project.
DISCUSSION:
The company decreased its monthly fee by 5% in 2011 to accommodate the city during a difficult economic period. In 2013, DSI fees were increased by 3.75%. The company did not raise it fees in 2014 and a modest 2% increase was added in 2015. The company did not increase its fees in 2016, 2017 or 2018 but did add the option of up to $200.00/month of travel expenses.
There are no other significant changes in the contract terms from 2017. Funds have been budgeted for this contract in account #101-1002-413-32.99.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The continuation of the DSI contract is anticipated to have a positive impact on the City of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the contract for Dan Shomon, Inc. be extended for a period of one year ending December 31, 2018.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Mervine, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing the Extension of an Agreement with Dan Shomon, Inc. for Government Affairs Consulting Services.
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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, Dan Shomon, Inc. has provided government relations consulting to the City of Aurora in pursuing 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 the City of Aurora to extend the contract with Dan Shomon, Inc. from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 in order that Dan Shomon, Inc. may continue to provide government affairs consulting services to the City of Aurora as set forth in the attached Service Agreement; and
WHEREAS, funds are available for the extension of the consulting contract in account number 101-1002-413.32-99.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Mayor and the City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the attached Service Agreement authorizing the extension of Government Affairs Consulting Services with Dan Shomon, Inc. through December 31, 2018.