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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alexandra Voigt, Assistant Chief of Staff
DATE: November 20, 2018
SUBJECT:
This item is requesting an extension of the government affairs contract with Dan Shomon, Inc. for 2019.
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 $7392.00 per month. The proposed contract extension runs from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019.
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 2018. The December report is not yet available but will be provided to the City Council at the end of December. Additionally, listed below are some projects of note from 2018, 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.
• Provided guidance on the City of Aurora submitting projects for a potential capital bill, arranged meetings with Legislators to discuss projects.
• Alerted city staff to an opportunity to apply for a grant to support the Orchard Road noise barrier project through Senator Oberweis.
• Monitored grant funds that were awarded but never distributed to the City of Aurora.
Policy:
• Worked extensively with city staff, neighboring municipalities, IML and outside legal counsel to raise awareness of the potential impact of Senate Bill 1451 and worked with Legislators to address concerns related to Senate Bill 1451.
• Facilitates a quarterly "Legislative Breakfast" with city officials and local Legislators to create a regular, open dialogue with our State Officials on current and upcoming issues in Aurora.
• Organized a veto-session lobby day to provide city officials the opportunity to interface with State Legislators on issues specifically related to Aurora.
• Currently working with city staff and neighboring municipalities to proactively address upcoming legislative issues.
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. Given the substantial amount of work done by DSI and his team in 2018, a 5% increase is requested for the 2019 year. This request will not increase the line item budget for 2019.
There are no other significant changes in the contract terms from 2018. Funds have been budgeted for this contract in account #101-1002-413-32.99.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The continuation of the DSI contract will have a positive impact on the City of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the contract for Dan Shomon, Inc. be extended for a period of one year ending December 31, 2019.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Mervine, 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, 2019 to December 31, 2019 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, 2019.