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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 ...
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