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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Alexandra Voigt, Management Analyst
DATE: January 14, 2014
SUBJECT:
This item is requesting an extension of the government affairs contract with Dan Shomon Inc. for 2014.
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 $6,900.00 per month. The proposed contract extension runs from January 1 through December 31, 2014.
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 2013 monthly reports submitted to the City of Aurora by Dan Shomon Inc. Additionally, listed below are some projects of note from 2013:
- DSI worked with the Illinois Municipal League (IML) to protect Aurora from cuts to our
Local Government Distributive Funds (LGDF). Efforts were successful, no cuts were made.
- DSI successfully monitored and lobbied for the release of the Downer Place Bridge funds from the State.
- Assisted Aurora University in obtaining a $3.5 million dollar grant for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy.
- Lobbied against and continues to lobby against slots at racetracks, which would have a negative impact on local casino revenues, including Aurora's Hollywood Casino.
- Assisted the Association for Individual Development (AID) with an unfunded capital request of $250,000.00.
- Lobbied for the successful release of a $2 million grant from the state to repair water damage to the historic Paramount Theatre.
DISCUSSION:
The company decreased its monthly fee by 5% in 2011 to accommodate the city during a difficult economic period. After a two-year period DSI requested an increase of 3.75% in 2013. The company has not requested an increase for 2014.
There are no other significant changes in the contract terms from 2013. 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, 2014.
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Peters, Alternate
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, 2014 through December 31, 2014 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 City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the attached Service Agreement authorizing the extension of Government Affairs Consulting Services with Dan Shomon Inc.
PASSED AND APPROVED on ______________.
AYES ____ NAYS ____ NOT VOTING ____ ABSENT ____
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Bohman, Ward 1 Alderman Garza, Ward 2
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Mesiacos, Ward 3 Alderman Donnell, Ward 4
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Peters, Ward 5 Alderman Saville, Ward 6
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Hart-Burns, Ward 7 Alderman Mervine, Ward 8
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Bugg, Ward 9 Alderman Johnson, Ward 10
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Irvin, At Large Alderman O'Connor, At Large
ATTEST:
____________________________ __________________________
City Clerk Mayor
Attachments:
Service Agreement for 2014
2013 Monthly Activity Reports (January - December)