Through a competitive selection process in 2008, Ed Bartlett was chosen as the City's State legislative lobbyist.  The initial contract was for two (2) years, covering the legislative year and most of the interim until June 30, 2010.  The agreement contains a provision that allows the City and the Consultant to renew the agreement for an additional two (2) year period.  Several of the City's contracting policies and standard agreement form have changed during the past couple of years, so instead of renewing the existing contract, City staff and Mr. Bartlett negotiated the attached revised agreement.  The scope of work is nearly the same and the total fee is similar in that the fees for some of the interim months are less than in the present contract but they are higher during the session.  The agreement also includes a Legislative Session office and living expense component that is not in the current contract.  Since the agreement is about to expire, staff recommends that the Council approve the new agreement in order to ensure continuity in the City's representation with the State Legislature.

The City Council may:

• Approve the agreement as proposed.
• Disapprove the agreement
• Direct staff to negotiate specific changes with Mr. Bartlett and return a revised agreement

The estimated 2010-2011 cost is $44,600 and the 2011-2012 estimated cost is $27,500.  The costs are detailed on the final sheet of the agreement.  The 2010-2011 cost reflects the greater time and effort that is required during the 2011 Legislative session than is needed in the interim year.  The estimated cost is included in the FY 2011 budget.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the two (2) year consultant agreement with Ed Bartlett for State Legislative lobbying services.