2012 2:00:00 PM

Monday, April 23, 2012 2:00 PM
745 4th Street, Sparks, NV 89431

Consent Items: 5.11

Title: Consideration and possible approval of a contract with Carrara Nevada for legislative services

Petitioner/Presenter: Adam Mayberry, Community Relations Manager/Adam Mayberry, Community Relations Manager

Recommendation: That council approve the contract

Financial Impact: $55,500

Total Costs: $55,500.00

Fund: General Fund Account: 603242
Program: Federal Legislative (050311)
Amount: $55,500.00 Budget Status: Over Budget (See Budget Correction Plan)

Budget Correction Plan:
Salary savings from frozen Sr. Admin. Analyst position

Business Impact (Per NRS 237):
A Business Impact Statement is not required because this is not a rule.

Agenda Item Brief: Contract for legislative services

Background: In the past, the City of Sparks has utilized contract help to assist the city’s legislative affairs function during the Nevada legislative session. As recently as the 2011 legislative session, the City utilized a legislative strategist (Carrara Nevada) to assist the City in its legislative presence from February through June, 2011. The Carrara Group, LLC, dba Carrara Nevada, LLC has over 50 years of experience in governmental affairs in Nevada representing corporate, association, and government clients. Carrara Nevada has been retained as the City’s contract legislative strategist since 2007. In 2011, Carrara was again selected through a formal request-for-proposal (RFP) process. Carrara provided a key role in advising the city on state legislative matters, supporting relationship building with key legislators and state leaders, and providing strategic guidance on issue management.

Analysis: Recent staff reorganizations within the City have left the Community Relations Manager as the sole individual in the City who will manage the day-to-day governmental affairs function in addition to the public relations/information, marketing, and other assigned duties. The position of Senior Administrative Analyst, previously assigned to government affairs, is now vacant as a frozen position. Under the provisions of the proposed professional services agreement, staff wishes to retain Carrara Nevada under an agreement that expands their role. Under this contract, Carrara will significantly increase their involvement in the day-to-day operations of state legislative activities while still providing strategic guidance to the City. The proposed approach by Carrara is developed toward addressing the needs of the residents of Sparks during the interim and legislative session, while being mindful of the downsizing and budgetary constraints of the City. Carrara has a proven record of working hand in hand with the City to strategically position the City legislatively to address the needs of the citizens of Sparks. The central roles of Carrara include: Tracking of Legislation - Carrara will work with the City’s government affairs team to identify legislation that represents the core subjects that directly impact the City of Sparks during the 2013 legislative session. The challenge for City staff in handling any bill-tracking system is the sheer volume of measures and issues that the City has monitored or pursued in the past. Under this agreement, focusing on select core issues which directly impact the City while relying on other special interest which have a direct impact on the City, should reduce the volume of tracking legislation. Lobbying - Carrara will continue to serve as a strategic advisor to the City; but unlike recent sessions, Carrara will also engage in direct lobbying efforts on behalf of the City. During the interim session, Carrara will advise the City’s government affairs team on matters concerning interim committees working on local government issues for the upcoming session. Carrara will also attend interim committee hearings which have a direct impact on the City. Additionally, they will meet with key legislators to discuss City issues and will set up and attend meetings between City officials and state leaders. Communication – Carrara will provide weekly reports during the session which will be sent electronically to the Mayor and City Council. Carrara will meet with the City’s government affairs team on a regular (weekly) basis and brief the Council, when requested, on specific matters. Carrara proposes a monthly retainer of $2,750 from June, 2012 through December, 2012. Once the session is underway in January, 2013 through June, 2013, the cost will increase to $6,500 monthly. The total contract cost is $55,500, representing an increase of $20,500 from the last contract. The additional expense will be offset by savings from the frozen Senior Administrative Analyst position.

Alternatives: Council can choose to not approve the contract.

Recommended Motion: I move to approve the contract with Carrara Nevada for legislative services.

Attached Files:

Carrara contract.pdf

Carrara Contract Attachment A 042312.pdf

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