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TO: Mayor Robert J. O’Connor
FROM: Alexandra Voigt, Assistant Chief of Staff
DATE: December 2, 2016
SUBJECT:
This item is requesting an extension of the government affairs contract with Dan Shomon, Inc. for 2017.
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, 2017 through December 31, 2017.
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 2016. The December report is not yet available. Additionally, listed below are some projects of note from 2016, broken into the categories of funding and policy.
Funding:
• Lobbied for the release of funds due to the city from the State of Illinois, including Gaming Tax, Video Gaming and Motor Fuel Tax.
• Continues to lobby against cuts to Aurora's share of Local Government Distributive Funds (LGDF).
• 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 River Edge Redevelopment Zone Tax Credit extension bill.
• Lobbied on behalf of the city to extend the sunset clause of the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Act regarding the ComEd substation.
• Worked as a liaison between the City of Aurora and the State of Illinois on a 911 Bill with the potential to have a negative impact on the city.
• Continues to monitor the status of Senate Bill 550, which deals with lead testing in local schools.
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 has not increased its fees for 2017.
There are no other significant changes in the contract terms from 2016. Funds have been budgeted for this contract in account #101-1002-413-32.99.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
N/A
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the contract for Dan Shomon, Inc. be extended for a period of one year ending December 31, 2017.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, 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, 2017 to December 31, 2017 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, 2017.