Discuss Congressional Meetings and Travel

The purpose of this item is to determine the interest and availability of Council to travel to WashingtonD.C. to meet with our Congressional delegation and other influencial members of Congress and staff.  The City has made several trips in recent years.

The City's legislative consultant Elwyn Tinklenberg is recommending that the City send a delegation in May of this year,  The delegation is typically 3-4 City Council and staff members, plus Mr. Tinklenberg.  The City Administrator and Community Development Director are recommended staff participants.  Highway 10 Committee members would also be appropriate to consider, and others as desired.

The trip would typically cover two full days of meetings and would include one night of lodging.  The total cost of travel, food, and lodging for five is estimated to be approxamately $6,000.  Likely travel dates would be the first or second week in May, traveling on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

The purpose of the trip is to build awareness of the City's transportation needs and to gather information in regard to transprrtation funding through firsthand meetings with members of Congress and their Washington staff.

Funding for the trip would come from the Public Improvement Revolving (PIR) Fund.  This is the fund that has been used in the past for legislative efforts in regard to transportation improvements.

Determine interest and availability of Council and staff to attend meetings in Washington, D.C. , and concensus agreement on travel expenditure.