PRESENTER: Presenter
Robert Camareno, City Manager
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with Richard J. Leidl, P.C. for federal legislative services on behalf of the City of New Braunfels.
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DEPARTMENT: City Manager
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
City Council’s Strategic Priorities identified the City’s legislative priorities, which include the pursuit of federal funding for priority projects. As the City continues to pursue alternative funding sources, advancing key legislative or project initiatives and various city objectives, professional support is key to the City’s success.
During the past ten years Richard J. Leidl has provided federal legislative services for the City of New Braunfels. Mr. Leidl has assisted in obtaining federal funding for several projects by working with the City’s congressional delegation on legislation and by working with federal agencies to secure funding directly through specific programs. A few of Mr. Leidl’s activities over the past year include:
• Assisting the City with the Congressional response to the Coronavirus Crisis to include CARES funding.
• Assisting the City with the new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and provide valuable information on existing and new Federal grant programs.
• Working with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Federal Contract Tower Program, to continue the approximately $400,000 in funding for the control tower at the Airport.
• Assisting the Airport in its efforts to obtain FAA approval to use Airport property for non-aviation purposes for an Aquifer Storage Recovery Project.
• Assisting the City in its efforts to obtain Federal grant funding and providing valuable information on the availability of funding under various programs. In 2022, Mr. Leidl will continue to assist the City with grant opportunities.
• Arranging and participating in meetings with the Economic Development Administration in Washington.
• Continuing assisting the City in obtaining support for its Flood Mitigation program through Federal agencies and the Congressional delegation.
• Assisting the City in its efforts to obtain high-speed internet service for the community.
• Monitoring Federal Legislative and Regulatory Issues in 2020, advising of developments and representing the City’s interests.
• Assisting the City in its efforts to annually visit Washington to participate in meetings with members and staff of the Congressional delegation, NTIA officials, Economic Administration officials and telecommunications counsel on Federal issues. Arranging meetings with City officials and Congressional members and staff to visit New Braunfels and tour City projects. Leidl will continue to assist the City on these efforts in FY 2022.
Mr. Leidl’s guidance, support and expertise in areas such as transportation, FAA, FEMA, and the Departments of Justice, Commerce, and Energy will continue to be important and beneficial to the interests of the City. Mr. Leidl has informed the City that he will be retiring at the end of the fiscal year. Therefore, this will be the final time that are contracting with Mr. Leidl for legislative support. The City has already started the process of identifying a firm to replace Mr. Leidl for services in FY 2023.
ISSUE:
Yes - Council Priority - Strategic Priorities:
Objective 3 - Use a variety of funding sources for operational and capital needs.
Objective 3b - Pursue opportunities for state and federal grants and legislative funding for priority projects.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$40,500 retainer plus expenses budgeted from the general fund for the nine-month period January 1 - September 30, 2022. This is the same per month amount as the current contract. Funds are included in the FY 2022 budget for this expense.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Manager be authorized to enter into an agreement with Richard J. Leidl, P.C. for federal legislative services for the City of New Braunfels.