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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex Voigt, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: December 5, 2023
SUBJECT:
A resolution approving an extension of an agreement with Roger C. Marquardt & Co. 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 Roger C. Marquardt & Co. for the 2024 year.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Aurora added Roger C. Marquardt governmental affairs on a limited basis in 2022, and the City Council then approved an agreement for the full 2023 year. Scott Marquardt and Chip Humes were an invaluable addition to our State Lobby Team. The volume of work as it relates to State Legislative Affairs continues to increase, and our representation has been invaluable.
The 2023 was challenging but productive year for Aurora. Below are some highlights of accomplishments and benefits over the past year.
• Supported Aurora's legislative efforts on four (4) pieces of staff-initiated legislation.
• Continued to work on behalf of Aurora to access funds allocated through the State Budget.
• Worked on behalf of the Aurora Fire Department (AFD) on proposed legislation that would impact the department.
• Worked on behalf of the AFD on policy issues impacting operations.
• Arranged meetings with legislators and State agencies on matters important to Aurora.
• Coordinated City Council Members visits with State Legislators while in Springfield.
• Arranged meetings and follow up communication with the DuPage County Board Chair and staff.
• 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 3.5% percent increase to $6,365.25 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:
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 a one-year extension of an agreement with Roger C. Marquardt & Co. for the governmental affairs consulting services of Scott Marquardt.
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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 residents of Aurora to enter into an agreement with Roger C. Marquardt & Co. for government affairs consulting for 2024, specifically for the services of Scott Marquardt; and
WHEREAS, funds are available in account 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 agreement engaging Roger C. Marquardt & Co. as outlined in Exhibit A.