HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2024-066 Federal Lobbying ServicesSponsored by: Sorensen
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2024-066
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, APPROVING THE AGREEMENT WITH ROBERTSON,
MONAGLE & EASTAUGH LLC, FOR FEDERAL LOBBYING SERVICES
FROM JANUARY 1, 2025, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2026, FOR $96,000
ANNUALLY
WHEREAS, the City of Seward has maintained a professional relationship with
Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh for federal lobbying services since 1997; and
WHEREAS, continuation of the existing relationship with this firm is desirable to the
City of Seward, considering their long history with our community; and
WHEREAS, the firm has been very responsive to the City of Seward's legislative
needs and concerns; and
WHEREAS, the new contract has been updated to reflect the City's evolving interests
and federal policy goals, the firm's collaboration with Blank Rome Government Relations,
and a reasonable increase for inflation; and
WHEREAS, the terms of the new agreement are from January 1, 2025, through December
31, 2026; and
WHEREAS, each year for the term of the agreement the company will be paid $96,000
annually.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Council hereby approves the agreement, attached hereto, continuing
federal lobbying services with Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh PC for 96,000 annually
according to the terms of the agreement.
Section 2. Funding in the amount of $96,000 is hereby transferred and appropriated
through theFY25-26 budget process under Federal Lobbying Fees expense account 01000-1110-
7013.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 25th
day of November 2024.
L
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2024-066
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
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Sue McClure, Mayor
AYES: Crites, Finch, Barnwell, Wells, Osenga, Warner, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
simict.
(City Seal) •`st OF SE117**.
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City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: November 25, 2024
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
Subject: Resolution 2024-066: Approving the Agreement with Robertson, Monagle
& Eastaugh LLC, for Federal Lobbying Services from January 1, 2025,
through December 31, 2026, for $96,000 Annually
Background and justification:
The City of Seward employs the firm Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh LLC in conjunction
with Blank Rome Government Relations LLC (collectively hereafter known as the
Firms), as our federal lobbyists. The current contract expires on December 31, 2024, and
continuing to have the Firms represent the City of Seward in Washington DC to advance
our federal policy goals is beneficial for both parties.
The Firms have done an excellent job moving forward the City's interests and have been
very responsive to the City's needs and concerns since the inception of the original contract
in 1997.
The Firms have assisted the City in securing significant funding over the years from the
federal government for valuable public infrastructure projects and in drafting beneficial
legislative language. With many federal infrastructure projects likely forthcoming, there
is great value in continuing our relationship with the Firms, as they are very familiar with
our community.
The new agreement for the Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh LLC has updated language to reflect
their relationship with Blank Rome Government Relations, Seward's evolving federal interests,
an increase in the annual amount to reflect inflation, and the renewal period of two years to align
with the City's budget cycle.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan:
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation:
This legislation (✓):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
$ 0
$
Creates expenditure in amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of:
Has no fiscal impact
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s):
Not budgeted
Not applicable
$
$
Fund Balance Information
Affected Fund (✓):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
Available Fund Balance
X
Yes
SMIC
Parking
Other
Electric
Water
Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
$
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
Finance Director Signature:
Administration Recommendation
X
Adopt Resolution
Other:
Contract for Federal Policy, Funding, and Advocacy Services
This Contract is entered Into by the City of Seward, Alaska (the "City/") and Robertson, Monagle &
Eastaugh LLC (RME) In conjunction with Blank Rome Government Relations LLC (BRGR).
1. Scope of Work
Both RME and BRGR agree to jointly provide the following services to the City:
a. Advocacy and Advisory Services: Advise and advocate for the City's Federal agenda, including
annual Congressionally Directed Spending requests and projects, and prepare all necessary
paperwork related to project submissions with the Alaska Congressional Delegation.
b. Federal Priorities Advocacy: Advocate for other City Federal priorities related to the Coast
Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of
Agriculture/Rural Development, Department of Energy, National Park Service, and relevant
Federal agencies.
c. Federal Advocacy Trips: Plan and facilitate City officials' Federal advocacy trips to
Washington, DC, including developing Federal requests, background papers, memoranda, and
setting up meetings with the Alaska Delegation offices, key Federal officials, and applicable
agencies.
d. Grant Opportunities: Identify and alert City personnel to pertinent Federal agency grant
opportunities and request Congressional support for any grant applications submitted by the
City.
e. Additional Assignments: Carry out other assignments relating to the Federal government at
the direction of the City Manager and keep the City Manager informed on other Federal
regulatory, funding, and legislative developments impacting the City, its residents and the
larger Seward community.
f. Collaboration: Collaborate with other entities whose interests align with the City's Federal
agenda.
g. Reporting: Periodically report to the City Manager and Council on work being performed on
behalf of the City's agenda, including providing quarterly written reports.
The lead contacts for the above services will be Sebastian O'Kelly, on behalf of RME, and Genevieve
Cowan, on behalf of BRGR. Other professionals from RME and BRGR will be available to assist as
needed.
999998 03150/151109365v.1
Page 2
2. Compensation. For the services described above, the City agrees to an annual amount of
$96,000, billed monthly at $8,000, payable to Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh LLC after
submission of a monthly invoice. RME will be responsible for compensating BRGR for its services
performed.
3. Term of Contract. The term of this contract is January 1, 2025 thru December 31, 2026.
4. Termination. This Contract shall remain in full force and effect for the term specified unless
terminated or annulled in writing by mutual agreement of the parties.
S. Non-asslgnabfllty. This Contract is solely with RME and BRGR, it being understood that the City
desired to make use of their unique experience and abilities. Accordingly, RME and BRGR have
no right to assign, transfer, pledge, or otherwise affect the Contract or any of its monies due or
to become due by reason of the terms herein.
6. Waivers, Modifications, or Alterations. Any waiver, modification, or alteration of any of the
provisions of this Contract or the termination thereof shall be in writing and approved by the
parties.
7. Independent Contractor. Nothing in this Contract shall be construed to extend to RME or BRGR
the right to act as agents for the City nor to grant to RME or BRGR any power of agency,
whether actual, apparent, or implied. RME and BRGR shall remain independent contractors
throughout the performance of this Contract.
8. Venue and Applicable law. This Contract shall be governed by the laws of Alaska. The venue of
any legal action between the parties arising as a result of this Contract shall exclusively be in the
Third Judicial District of the Superior Court of the State of Alaska, at Seward, Alaska, and this
Contract shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Alaska.
In Witness Whereof, the parties hereto have executed this Contract as of the date noted below.
Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh LLC
.7y
Sebastian O'Kelly, P.rtner / DATE
City of Sew, ni Alaska
Kat Snr r en, City Manager / D
999998 03 150/ 15 1109365v. 1
Blank Rome Government Relations LLC
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