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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex Voigt, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: March 10, 2020
SUBJECT:
A resolution approving an agreement with 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 hire an additional lobbyist to represent the City of Aurora.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Aurora is currently represented by Dan Shomon, Inc. (DSI) and has been since 2006. The Council approved an extension of DSI's agreement for the 2020 year, which will remain intact. However, the given the current volume of work related to city representation in Springfield, it was determined Aurora would benefit from an additional voice.
DISCUSSION:
Aurora has worked closed with DSI on a number of issues over the years and more recently they have become more complex and issue-specific. For example, Dan is representing Aurora as we navigate through the Lime Sludge Disposal legislation, working between State and Federal agencies to move Aurora's agenda forward. Additionally, the lead service line legislation is anticipated to be back during the Spring Session, which will require a significant amount of his time. These two significant legislative issues are in addition to the thousands of bills filed that must be monitored for their impact on Aurora. The volume of work and the significance of the work continues to increase, which can be a challenge to monitor.
This change has been an evolution over the past year, and the city has adjusted its legislative strategy to be far more aggressive and proactive in response. We have increased contact and communication with our Local Legislators, increased our presence with our governmental partners like DuPage Mayor's and Managers, MetroWest and the Illinois Municipal League as well as an increased physical presence by city staff and the Mayor in Springfield.
In spite of all of these efforts, it has become clear that the city would benefit from additional representation in Springfield. There are a number of pending and upcoming legislative items, including the potential disbursement of capital dollars, the possibility for additional capital dollars and the ability for Aurora to move some of our projects forward that are currently hanging in the balance and need attention. After evaluating a number of options internally, it was determined Aurora would benefit from an additional voice.
City staff met with a number of candidates and unanimously agreed to nominate Bukola Bello of Vision M.A.I., LLC for the role. Bukola's experience and reputation in Springfield will serve Aurora well, she will work in conjunction with Dan, but on separate issues and agendas and will report to the Mayor's Office (as is the case with DSI). The agreement would be for the remainder of the 2020 year at a rate of $2500.00/month and is attached as Exhibit A. Funds will come from account #101-1002-413-32.20, which will be supplemented by either a budget amendment or a transfer from another account if approved.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This Resolution, 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 an Agreement with Bukola Bello of Vision M.A.I., LLC 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, the city has determined a need for additional representation in Springfield; and
WHEREAS, the city has determined that it is in the best interests of the citizens of Aurora to enter into an agreement with Bukola Bello of Vision M.A.I., LLC for government affairs consulting.
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 agreement authorizing the hiring of Bukola Bello of Vision M.A.I., LLC for the remainder of the 2020 year.