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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex Voigt, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: November 25, 2024
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.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this item is to request the City Council’s approval to renew the agreement for the governmental affairs services of Vision M.A.I., Bukola Bello for the 2025 year.
BACKGROUND:
Vision M.A.I., Bukola Bello, has been representing the City of Aurora mid-2020. Thanks to the efforts of our combined lobby team (Marquardt & Humes and Vision M.A.I.), the City of Aurora has increased our presence in Springfield and our communication with our State officials. The volume of work regarding State Legislative Affairs continues to increase, and maintaining a strong presence remains a priority. 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.
Below are some highlights of accomplishments and benefits over the past year.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Limestone Material (ongoing)
• Coordinated City Council members visits with State Legislators while in Springfield
• Scheduled and attended meetings with State Agencies
• Represented the city during hearings as needed
• Connected various staff members to Legislators
• Coordinated meetings with stakeholders on bills of concern or priority to Aurora
DISCUSSION:
The agreement before the committee today proposes a 3% percent increase to $6,556.21 per month. Aside from the proposed rate increase, the agreement does not have any other changes. The proposed agreement is attached as Exhibit A.
Funds have been budgeted in account #101-1002-413-32.20.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This Resolution, if approved will have a positive impact on the City of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff respectfully requests 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, 2025 to December 31, 2025 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 2025 calendar year.