cover
TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Alexandra Voigt, Management Analyst
DATE: December 1, 2015
SUBJECT:
This item is requesting an extension of the government affairs contract with Dan Shomon, Inc. for 2016.
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, 2016 through December 31, 2016.
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 the monthly reports submitted to the City of Aurora by DSI from January - November of 2015. The December report is not yet available. Additionally, listed below are some projects of note from 2015, broken into the categories of funding and policy.
Funding:
* Lobbied for the release of funds due to the city from the State of Illinois, including Gaming Tax, Video Gaming and Motor Fuel Tax.
* Lobbied against cuts to Aurora's share of Local Government Distributive Funds (LGDF).
* Assisted the City of Aurora in applying for and being awarded a grant from Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for Phillips Park.
* Monitors the status of grant funds previously awarded to Aurora, lobbies on behalf of the city for their release.
Policy:
* Assisted the City of Aurora and other river edge cities with the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Tax Credit extension bill, awaiting a final decision on the extension.
* Assisted the Aurora Police Department in proposing two new pieces of legislation regarding parolees:
o An expanded G...
Click here for full text