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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex Voigt, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: December 4, 2024
SUBJECT:
A resolution approving an extension of an agreement with Marquardt & Humes 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 governmental affairs services of Marquardt & Humes, formerly Roger C. Marquardt & Co., for the 2025 year.
BACKGROUND:
Scott Marquardt and John "Chip" Humes have worked with the City of Aurora since 2022 and are an invaluable part of the government relations team. The volume of work as it relates to State Legislative Affairs continues to increase, and strong representation at the State level remains a priority.
Below are some highlights of accomplishments and benefits over the past year.
• Continued to work on behalf of Aurora to access funds allocated through the State Budget.
• Arranged meetings with legislators and State agencies on matters important to Aurora.
• Coordinated City Council Members visits with State Legislators while in Springfield.
• Assisted the city with state agency communication issues.
• Provided feedback and communication on behalf of the city on issues important to Aurora
• Work with our County Boards on Aurora-specific matters.
• Sends weekly report on Springfield happenings to City Council members and staff.
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 ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing a one-year extension of an agreement with Marquardt & Humes for the governmental affairs consulting services of Scott Marquardt and John "Chip" Humes.
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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, Marquardt & Humes 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 Marquardt & Humes for the government affairs consulting services of Scott Marquardt and John "Chip" Humes from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025 in order that Marquardt & Humes 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 Marquardt & Humes (Exhibit A) for the 2025 calendar year.