Since 2003, the City of Sparks has worked closely with Anja Graves for federal lobbying and consulting services. In 2018, City Council approved a professional services contract (AC-5525) for federal lobbying services with Cardinal Infrastructure, LLC, Ms. Graves's firm. That agreement provides for an initial two-year term with the mutual option to extend the agreement for up to two additional two-year terms. The initial term expired on November 30, 2020, and Cardinal Infrastructure has proposed extending the agreement for an additional two years. The 2018 agreement and Cardinal Infrastructure's extension proposal are attached to this staff report.

Under the prior agreement and the proposed extension, Cardinal Infrastructure represents the City's federal legislative and political interests. Cardinal Infrastructure assists the City in identifying possible federal funding sources for various projects and programs, works with the City's legislative team to develop feasible legislative priorities and appropriate strategies to pursue those priorities, advocates for the City's legislative platform and appropriations, tracks development of and advises the City on relevant federal statutes and regulations, and faciliates meetings and communication between City and federal officials.

If approved, the proposed extension would run from December 1, 2020, through November 30, 2022. While the initial agreement provided for increased fees in subsequent contract terms based upon a certain consumer price index, Cardinal Infrastructure's extension proposal does not increase the fees. The fees for the proposed extension would therefore be $5,000.00 per month of the two-year extended term, payable monthly. In addition, Cardinal Infrastructure may bill the City up to $5,000.00 per year for documented costs such as travel expenses and messenger services.

Staff recommends extending the agreement for an additional two-year term, running from December 1, 2020, through November 30, 2022.  

1. City Council may approve the two-year extension of the agreement as recommended by staff.

2. City Council may reject the two-year extension of the agreement and give further direction to the City Manager.

I move to approve the two-year extension of the professional services contract (AC-5525) with Cardinal Infrastructure, LLC, for federal lobbying and consulting services, in a total amount not to exceed $130,000.00.