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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Alexandra Voigt, Management Analyst
DATE: December 17, 2014
SUBJECT:
This item is requesting an extension of the government affairs contract with Dan Shomon, Inc. for 2015.
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 through December 31, 2015.
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. Aurora needs to continue to protect its interests and maintain a strong presence as a municipal leader.
Attached for your review are all of the 2014 monthly reports submitted to the City of Aurora by DSI. Additionally, listed below are some projects of note from 2014, broken into the categories of funding and policy.
Funding:
· Assisted the City of Aurora with the application for a $750,000 Museum Capital Grant Program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum.
· Assisted the City of Aurora in obtaining a $291,000 grant towards construction of an elevator for the LaSalle Street Community Center. The grant is from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
· Assisted the City of Aurora in obtaining a $400,000 grant from Illinois Department of Transportation for improvements on Lake Street, Route 31.
Policy:
· Assisted the City of Aurora during the winter of 2014 in obtaining road salt from the State of Illinois.
· Helped to defeat Illinois legislative efforts that would have cut Local Government Distributive Funds (LGDF) for the City of Aurora.
· Assisted the Aurora Fire Department on legislative initiatives in state government to improve fire safety.
· Worked as a liaison between the City of Aurora and the Illinois Housing Development Authority on key housing issues in the city.
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. A modest 2% increase has been added in 2015.
There are no other significant changes in the contract terms from 2014. 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, 2015.
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Peters, 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, 2015 to December 31, 2015 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, 2015.