TO: Mayor Collins and Town Council Members
FROM: Kevin Burke, Town Manager
Dawn Marie Buckland, Director of Administration & Govt Affairs
DATE: December 15, 2016
DEPARTMENT: Administration and Government Affairs Department
Staff Contact Dawn Marie Buckland, 480.348.3555
End
AGENDA TITLE:
Title
Contract Award for 2017 Intergovernmental and Legislative Services
Body
Council Goals or Statutory Requirements:
Collaboration - Strengthen relationship with the State Legislature
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Approve annual contract with HighGround in the amount of $36,000 annually for 2017 Legislative Services with up to four one-year renewals
Background
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Local control is a foundational element for the residents of cities and towns. People choose communities to call home based on the alignment of the community’s character and values to their own. By the sheer virtue of this design, local control is the manifestation of personal freedom, allowing people to choose for themselves the character, rules, and fabric of the community in which they live.
State legislators are called upon to create and modify state law to protect the rights of individuals and organizations, an interest shared by local governments. Often there are many facets to these laws, with different individuals and organizations impacted in varying ways and degrees. Providing legislators with the accurate and compelling information necessary to make informed decisions is critical to protecting the interests and rights of the citizens we serve.
The Town posted the solicitation through the state’s ProcureAZ system and received one response from HighGround. HighGround has previously represented the Town effectively and their submittal was found to be very responsive. The recommended contract will provide support to the Town Manager, Mayor and Council, Administration and Government Affairs Department, and other Town staff in developing and advocating Town positions on state legislation, rules and regulations, and other intergovernmental actions that may affect Paradise Valley; and keep the Town informed about pertinent legislative and policy issues.
The Consultant will ensure that policy positions of the Town of Paradise Valley are effectively advocated at the State Legislature and in other areas of statewide interest, keep the Director of Administration and Government Affairs, Town Manager, Town Council, and staff well informed of important state legislative issues, and assist the Town in identifying and addressing significant trends or emerging issues that may have long-term consequences for the Town’s economy or quality of life.
BUDGETARY IMPACT:
The contract amount is within the budget allocated for legislative services in the adopted 2017 budget.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Contract