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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alexandra Voigt, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: December 6, 2021
SUBJECT:
This item is requesting an extension of the government affairs contract with Dan Shomon, Inc. for 2022.
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 $9300.00 per month. The proposed contract extension runs from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.
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 2021. The December report is not yet available but will be provided to the City Council at the end of December per the standard process.
The challenges presented in 2021 remain significant. Dan and his team continue provided vital support to the city through lobbying efforts, facilitating meetings with key stakeholders and attending meetings on our behalf. Below are some highlights, broken into the categories of funding and policy.
Funding:
• As in prior years, monitored the changing state budget situation throughout the year and its potential impact on the City of Aurora.
• Coordinated lobbying efforts to preserve Aurora's Local Government Distributive Funding (LGDF) dollars, approximately $2M annually.
• Coordinated multi-city lobbying efforts resulting in a five (5) year extension of the RiverEdge Redevelopment Zone (RERZ) Historic Tax Credit.
• Obtained more than $5M for Aurora and more than $12M for all Aurora infrastructure projects in the state’s capital bill (Rebuild Illinois).
• Attended all of the Kane County CARES Act Allocation Committee (CAAC) Meetings on behalf of Aurora, resulting in the county distributing its municipalities the highest percentage of money of any Illinois county from the CARES Act (over $7M).
• Secured approximately $1M each for both Hesed House and the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) of CARES Act funds.
• Lobbied on behalf of non-profit organizations to receive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to assist with COVID-related expenses.
Policy:
• Secured a spot for Aurora in the next round of Lead Service Line (LSL) negotiations, Aurora was able to successfully negotiate changes to the proposed language.
• Continues to facilitate meetings with both the Federal and State Environmental Protection Agency regarding the city's lime sludge proposal.
• Organized a multi-city campaign of several theatres/entertainment venues throughout Illinois to obtain funds from the Shuttered Venue Operators grant program.
• Supported efforts regarding Aurora's Police Reform Legislation in partnership with Bukola Bello.
• Testified on behalf of Aurora on legislative matters impacting our community.
• Arranged meetings with legislators and agencies on issues important to Aurora.
• Located a data expert in support of the city's Census results review.
• Assisted city staff from several departments with State Agency contact and response.
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. The monthly fee was increased in both 2019 and 2020, but no increase was requested for 2021. After analyzing the historic breakdown of fees and the services provided to the city by DSI over the past sixteen years, staff is requesting an increase of $1300/month, taking the monthly stipend to $9300 for a total increase of $18K/year. A spreadsheet with the breakdown of the yearly fees is attached for your review.
There are no other significant changes in the contract terms from 2021. Funds have been budgeted for this contract in account #101-1002-413-32.20.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The continuation of the DSI contract will have a positive impact on the City of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully requested that the contract for Dan Shomon, Inc. be extended for a period of one year ending December 31, 2022.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
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, 2022 to December 31, 2022 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 101-1002-413.32-20.
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, 2022.