Monte. Lewis, Mayor (District 2) Elizabeth Bruny, Mayor Pro Tem (District. 5) RichardT.al,3t, Council Member (District 1) RichardBarakat, Council Member (District 3) Bruce. Lathrop, Council Member (District 4) OF BRADBURY City of Bradbury Agenda Memo TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council Kevin Kearney, City Manager February 16, 2021 AGREEMENT FOR CONTINUED GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ADVOCACY SERVICES WITH BEST BEST & KRIEGER ATTACHMENTS: 1) Agreement for Continued Services SUMMARY During the December 2019 meeting, the City Council approved an agreement with Best Best & Krieger, LLP ('BB&K') for Professionall Lobbying and Consulting Services for water and stormwater related projects for the year 2020. This was done in conjunction with the other member agencies of the Rio Hondo/San Gabriel River Water Quality Group. Given the recent successes by BB&K, it is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement (Attachment #1) with BB&K for lobbying services for the 2021 calendar year, and appropriate $11,323.08 to account 101-15-7075 Bradbury's share of the yearly amount approved was for $11,323.08. to cover such costs. BACKGROUND In 2007, the Cities of Arcadia and Sierra Madre were awarded aj joint authorization of $20 million dollars for local water and wastewater related infrastructure projects, but the grants were never fully funded by Congress. In July 2017, the City of Arcadia awarded a Professional Services Agreement to Best Best & Krieger, LLP ("BB&K") for professional lobbying and consulting services to secure grant funding for water and stormwater related projects. Subsequently, the Arcadia City Council approved an extension to this contract inJuly 2018. FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA_ 2-16 AGENDA ITEM # 5 Agreement with Best Best & Krieger Page 2 of3 As part of the Cities' contract, BB&K has provided a high level of expertise and strategic guidance to the Cities of Arcadia and Sierra Madre for two WMP's proposed projects at the federal level. Arcadia and Sierra Madre split the cost for lobbying services equally for an annual cost of $36,000. The firm has worked to increase the visibility and attractiveness of the projects, including facilitating a lobbying trip to Washington, D.C.f for City Council members and the Cities' staff to meet with congressional representatives, the Bureau of Reclamation, Army Corps of Engineers, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The proposed projects were well presented and well received by all parties, including local stakeholders such as the Los Angeles Army Corps of Engineers office, InJ July 2019, the City of Arcadia proposed to the Oversight Committee of the Rio Hondo/San Gabriel River Water Quality Group that a regional approach to Arcadia's and Sierra Madre's lobbying efforts was necessary to better engage the various federal agencies and other stakeholders. Arcadia proposed to expand the scope of BB&K's efforts to include the other regional projects identified in the Watershed Management Plan, and to leverage BB&K's expertise and relationships established during the previous two years. BB&K has offered to extend lobbying services to the Group for $84,000 a year Contracting with BB&K was the logical next step as the firm has assisted the Cities of Arcadia and Sierra Madre with its on-going efforts. The City of Arcadia acted as the lead agency and as the primary liaison between the Group and BB&K. Although the County of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District were in support of a regional approach to the lobbying efforts, both agencies have internal staff that serve the same function, and therefore, the County and the Flood Control District worked in tandem with BB&K in lieu of contributing directly to the cost sharing arrangement. While Arcadia was the lead agency, BB&K invoiced the member agencies separately based on the The cost share formula was based 50% on participation and 50% on land area. The. City of Bradbury's annual contribution was $11,323.08 or $943.59 per month, with the Los Angeles County, and Arboretum staff. or$ $7,000 per month. Cities' monthly share. calculation shown in the chart below. Jurisdiction Arcadia Bradbury Duarte Monrovia Sierra Madre Monthly $2,110.26 $943.59 $1,161.54 $1,725.64 $1,058.97 Annual $25,323.08 $11,323.08 $13,938.46 $20,707.69 $12,707.69 Under the modified scope of work, BB&K worked with the Group to lobby for new grant funding authorizations and assisted in identifying grant funding opportunities with federal agencies, as well as facilitating meetings with key decision makers and building coalitions Agreement with Best Best & Krieger Page 3of3 to secure support for federal grant applications. In addition, BB&K assisted in educating key stakeholders oni the Rio Hondo/San Gabriel River Water Quality Group's five regional In 2020, BB&K successfully lobbied California state federal legislators to include a provision in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to include authorization to plan with the Army Corps of Engineers to restore creeks and wetlands in the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel Watersheds, which are apart oft the Group'sr required stormwater regional projects. Securing such funding source was hailed as a success by all the cities in the projects and their benefits at the federal level. Group. DISCUSSION The agreement for continued services with BB&K is up for renewal this calendar year, and the following is a list of projects that they will continue to work on behalf of the Group: Arcadia Wash Ecosystem Restoration Project at the Arboretum Rio Hondo Ecosystem Restoration Project Arcadia Wash Water Conservation Diversion Project Encanto Park Stormwater Capture Project Basin 3E Enhancements at Santa Fe Spreading Groups. Attachment #1 further details BB&K's workplan for the 2021 calendar year. FISCAL IMPACT The annual cost for services for BB&K is again $84,000, with the City of Bradbury's annual The agreement is to be proportionally divided on a formula based on participation (50%) and land area (50%) between the Cities of Arcadia, Bradbury, Duarte, Monrovia, and Sierra Madre. The rate is all inclusive and covers other direct expenses including telephone, postage, shipping, photocopying, and other administrative costs. Funds to cover the BB&K costs would come from the City's Utility Users Tax Fund, which has a contribution share in the amount of $11,323.08 or $943.59 per month. balance of $598,729.97 (as of January 31, 2021). RECOMMENDATION Given the recent successes by BB&K, it is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement (Attachment #1) with BB&K for lobbying services for the 2021 calendar year, and appropriate $11,323.08 to account 101-15-7075 to cover such costs. ATTACHMENT #1 Indian Wells (760) 568-2611 Irvine (949): 263-2600 Los Angeles (213) 617-8100 Manhattan Beach (310) 643-8448 Ontario (909) 989-8584 John D. Freshman (202)370-5301 ohn.feshman@ibkawcom VIA E-MAIL IBBK Riverside (951)686-1450 Sacramento (916) 325-4000 San! Diego (619)5 525-1300 Walnut Creek (925) 977-3300 Washington, DC (202) 785-0600 BEST BEST &1 KRIEGERS ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1800 K: Street NW, Suite 725, Washington, D.C. 20006 Phone: (202) 785-0600 I Fax: (202) 785-1234 IV www.bbklaw.com February 4, 2021 Rio Hondo-San Gabriel River Water Quality Group clo Dominic Lazzaretto 240 W. Huntington Drive Arcadia, CA91106 Re: Agreement for Continued Government Relations Advocacy Services Dear Rio Hondo-San Gabriel River Water Quality Group: We are pleased to continue advocacy work for the cities oft the Rio Hondo-San Gabriel River Water Quality Group - comprised oft the Cities of Arcadia, Bradbury, Duarte, Monrovia, and BB&K will work on behalf oft the Group to identify and help secure federal grants for the Group's regional water projects listed below. Attached for your review is the Scope of Work provided by BB&K for the Rio Hondo-San Gabriel River Water Quality Group. The projects BB&K will continue to work on for the Rio Hondo-San Gabriel River Water Sierra Madre ("Group"). Quality Group include the: Arcadia Wash Ecosystem Restoration Project at the Arboretum Rio Hondo Ecosystem Restoration Project Arcadia Wash Water Conservation Diversion Project Encanto Park Stormwater Capture Project Basin 3E Enhancements at Santa Fe Spreading Grounds This agreement began January 1,2 2021 for $7,000 ai month for one year. On behalf ofBB&K, we are pleased to continue the work on behalf oft the Rio Hondo-San Gabriel River Water Quality Group. IBBK BEST BEST & KRIEGERS ATTORNEYS AT LAW February 4, 2021 Page 2 Sincerely, OaD John D. Freshman for BEST BEST & KRIEGER LLP JDF: DAG IBBK BEST BEST8 &1 KRIEGERS ATTORNEYS AT LAW February 4, 2021 Page 3 Signed: Dominic Lazzaretto City of Arcadia Date: Signed: Kevin Kearney City of Bradbury Date: Signed: Daniel Jordan City of Duarte Date: Signed: Dylan Feik Cityo ofMonrovia Date: Signed: Gabriel Engeland City of Sierra Madre Date: IBBK BEST BEST & KRIEGERS ATTORNEYS AT LAW February 4,2021 Page 4 To: From: Date: Rio Hondo San Gabriel River Water Quality Group Best Best & Krieger LLP January 28, 2021 Overview of Work to Date The Rio Hondo San Gabriel River Water Quality Group ("Riol Hondo") has partnered with Best Best & Krieger ("BBK") in order to secure federal partnerships and funding for the Rio Hondo Projects: 1. Arcadia Wash Ecosystem Restoration Project at the Arboretum 2. Riol Hondo Ecosystem Restoration Project 3. Arcadia Wash Water Conservation Diversion Project 4. Encanto Park Stormwater Capture Project 5. Basin 3E Enhancements at Santa Fe Spreading Grounds On behalf ofRio Hondo, BBK advocated before Congress and the Congressional agencies regarding the projects listed above. The goal ofthis was to educate stakeholders and to garner support for federal partnerships. Ini identifying funding, and at the direction oft the group, BBK worked to obtain authorization and open avenues for opportunities with the most federal One oft the avenues pursued was to obtain a congressional authorization in the bi-annual Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).. A congressional authorization in WRDA is required for the Army Corps of Engineers to partner and provide monetary funding for projects. With the support oft the entire congressional delegation - Rep. Napolitano, Rep. Chu, Senator Feinstein, and now-Vice President Harris- - a WRDA authorization was secured for Rio Hondo. Obtaining a WRDA authorization isa a great accomplishment - as not all projects submitted by members are included in the final bill. With this Authorization there is a clear avenue to work with the. Army monetary support. Corps of Engineers. Next Steps With a WRDA authorization: 1. Reach out to and work with the local Los Angeles District oft the Army Corps of Engineers office to have thel Rio Hondo projects on their project list and where possible 2. Work with the local Army Corps of Engineers office, Army Corps of Engineers headquarters, congressional delegation, and Office ofl Management and Budget to obtain begin a working relationship on these projects. IBBK BEST BEST & KRIEGERS ATTORNEYS AT LAW February 4, 2021 Page 5 al New Start. A New Start is required for the Army Corps of Engineers to spend funds on 3. Explore with the Army Corps Los Angeles District whether a smaller project that costs under $10 million could move forward immediately under their Continuing Authorities 4. Explore whether there is feasibility work that could begin immediately and be used to reduce the cost and timeframe for an. Army Corps feasibility study that receives al New In addition to pursuing a New Start with the. Army Corps of Engineers, BBK will continue to look out for and advocate for programs that will also provide monetary support for the Rio Hondo projects. In addition to pursuing funding opportunities with thel Bureau of Reclamation and Environmental Protection Agency, two other avenues to be aware ofa and pursue when 1. Infrastructure Package: President Biden has indicated that an infrastructure package isa top priority for his administration to accomplish in the first year, and he plans to provide more details on his proposal during his February 231d address to aj joint session of Congress. As the vehicle takes shape, BBK will advocate to include the Rio Hondo 2. Earmarks: House Democratic leadership has indicated that they would like to bring Earmarks back in the 117th Congress. The process would have more transparency and guardrails than pre-2010. As ofnow, it seems that should the Earmarks come back, the project will have to be supported by a member and their name will be attached to the ask. There will likely be other parameters on the revival of Earmarks. As this takes shape, BBK will continue to follow its development and as soon as possible will ensure that Rio ai feasibility study for a project that costs more than $10 million. Program. State and funding. available include: projects for federal partnership and monetary support. Hondo can be considered for an Earmark in the new program. As additional opportunities come available, BBK will advocate for Rio Hondo. We will also advise you ont the best time to hold a series offollow-up meetings this year, likely by video for the time being, with our delegation and appropriate officials at the. Army Corps, Department of the Interior/Bureau of Reclamation, and EPA. 51331.000153604912 Monte. Lewis, Mayor (District2 2) Ehzabeth Bruny, Mayorro Tem (District5 5) RichardHale, Councils Member (District 1) RichardBarakat, Councils Member (District. 3) Bruce Lathrop, Council Member (District 4) BRADBURY City of Bradbury Agenda Memo TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council Sophia Musa, Management Analyst February 16, 2021 Appointment of Applicant to Public Safety Committee Primary Seat for District 3 and Removal of Inactive Public Safety Committee Members ATTACHMENTS: 1. Public Safety Committee Agenda SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to review current Public Safety Committee membership and remove inactive members. Janet Barakat expressed interest in joining the Public Safety Committee. Currently, the Primary seat for District 3 is vacant. Additionally, Public Safety Committee members Aaron Dunst, Karen Flaherty and Priscilla Hervey have Staff recommends that the City Council confirm the appointment of Ms. Janet Barakat as the Primary member for District 3 for the term ending in February 2023. The District3 Councimember has approved the appointment of the applicant. Staff also recommends that the City Council approve the decision to remove the following inactive Public Safety Committee members: Aaron Dunst, Karen Flaherty and Priscilla Hervey. been absent from committee meetings for more than 6 months. ANALYSIS Ordinance No. 361 specifies that the Public Safety Committee (PSC) shall consist of five (5) primary and five (5) alternate members: two (2) members from each district, appointed by the member of the City Council representing the district. FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA 2-16 AGENDA ITEM # Public Safety Committee Appointment & Removal February 16, 2021 Page 2 of2 The current PSC members are as follows: Name Frank Hernandez Serena Burnett (Primary) 2 Jan Brink (Alternative) Nancy McGrain District End of Term 1 2 5 June 2021 June 2021 June 2021 June 2021 Ms. Barakat has been an active participant for the last few months and has assisted in various projects. Given her recent involvement, the recommendation is to appoint Ms. Barakat to fill the Primary member seat for District 3. This appointment has been Ordinance No. 361 also specifies that a member shall be removed from the Public Safety Committee upon three (3) unexcused absences or absence from more than 50% Public Safety Committee members Aaron Dunst, Karen Flaherty and Priscilla Hervey have been absent for more than 6 months, which calls for membership removal. Staff recommends the removal of Mr. Dunst, Ms. Flaherty and Ms. Hervey from the Public endorsed by the District 3 Councilmember. of the meetings during the calendar year. Safety Committee. FINANCIAL REVIEW financial impact on the City. STAFF RECOMMENDATION The appointments and removals of PSC members in this report have no significant Staff recommends that the City Council a) confirm the appointment of Ms. Janet Barakat as the Primary member for District 3 for the term ending in February 2023; b) approve the decision to remove inactive Public Safety Committee members: Aaron Dunst, Karen Flaherty and Priscilla Hervey.