Title
Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Jennifer Ziegler Public Affairs
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Finance Committee recommends approval of the Professional Services Agreement with Jennifer Ziegler Public Affairs and recommends approval of $6,000 in funding from Council Goal money.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Jennifer Ziegler Public Affairs and approve $6,000 in funding from Council Goal money.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Professional Services Agreement with Jennifer Ziegler Public Affairs and $6,000 in funding from Council Goal Money.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, Assistant City Manager, Executive Department, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia has operated for several years without the use of contracted services for lobbying during the legislative session. During this time, staff have served in this role, advocating on a project-by-project basis and working with the Association of Washington Cities to provide advocacy on our behalf. Staff have been successful on obtaining smaller levels of funding for projects and providing testimony when needed to help move initiatives forward that benefit the City.
For the 2018 session, the City has a big need for funding for the State Route 101/West Olympia Interchange project, and would like to have additional resources during session to advocate for our City priorities. At the 2017 Council Retreat, Council identified the need for a lobbyist as a priority for consideration.
In talking with our local delegation and other communities, Jennifer Ziegler Public Affairs was recommended as a potential lobbyist that could be a good fit for Olympia. Staff reached out to Ms. Ziegler, and she is interested and available to work with the City of Olympia on a contract basis. Her resume is attached.
Staff briefed the Finance Committee at its September 20 meeting, at which time they approved moving a recommendation to hire Ms. Ziegler along with a funding proposal to the full Council for approval. Ms. Ziegler would begin her work in 2017 so that she may aid the City in preparing its 2018 legislative priorities. Staff would also like to retain Ms. Ziegler for 2018. A professional services agreement is attached for approval.
For 2017, the Finance Committee proposes the use of $6,000 in Council Goal Money as the source of funding for these services. Staff will include 2018 funding as part of the 2018 budget process.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
1. Move to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Jennifer Ziegler Public Affairs and approve $6,000 in funding from Council Goal money.
2. Do not approve the Professional Services Agreement with Jennifer Ziegler Public Affairs and approve $6,000 in funding from Council Goal money.
3. Do not provide any funding for a lobbyist in 2017.
Financial Impact:
The Finance Committee is proposing the use of $6,000 in Council Goal Money as the source of funding to pay for a lobbyist in 2017. Staff will include funding in 2018 through the 2018 budget process.
Attachments:
Jennifer Ziegler Resume
Professional Services Agreement