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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alexandra Voigt, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: December 3, 2020
SUBJECT:
This item is requesting an extension of the government affairs contract with Dan Shomon, Inc. for 2021.
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 $7800.00 per month. The proposed contract extension runs from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
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 2020. The December report is not yet available but will be provided to the City Council at the end of December. The challenges presented in 2020 were significant. Dan and his team 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.
* Attended all of the Kane County CARES Act Allocation Committee Meetings on behalf of Aurora.
* Worked with our Kane County Commissioners to obtain funding for Hesed House as well as additional small business funding.
* Coordinated a meeting with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to discuss Business Interruption Grants (BIG); led to a "Community Conversation" with Mayor Irvin as well as a webinar for business owners.
* Coordinated a phone call with the Department of the Treasury regarding what expens...
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