Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Nine-Month Service Provider Agreement with Lang, Hansen, Giroux & Kidane, a California General Partnership, Substantially the Same as Exhibit 1, in an Amount Not to Exceed $90,000 for Legislative Advocacy/Governmental Relations Services Relating to the Surplus Land Act. (Community Development 819099)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda (City) is entering into a service provider agreement with Lang, Hansen, and Giroux & Kidane (LHGK) for legislative advocacy and governmental relations services relating to the Surplus Land Act (SLA), for a term from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021, and maximum compensation was not to exceed $90,000.
The proposed agreement establishes a term through September 30, 2021, and fixes the maximum compensation at $90,000 unless amended by Council if necessary. This agreement allows LHGK to continue to assist the City with legislative advocacy related to the SLA.
BACKGROUND
The SLA governs the disposition of surplus land by local agencies, such as cities, school districts, and successor agencies. AB 1486 amended the SLA in 2019 by adding several new requirements to the process and included additional activities that constitute disposition of surplus property, with financial penalties for non-compliance. The intent of the bill is to work towards alleviating California’s housing crisis by prioritizing surplus government land for affordable housing development. The new regulations impact the City’s ability to lease or sell property at Alameda Point. Accordingly, the City retained the services of Lang, Hansen, O’Malley & Miller (LHOM) to advocate on the City’s behalf for clarification of the legislation such that Alameda Point may continue to transition from a former military base to civilian reuse as anticipated in the Community Reuse Plan and subsequent entitlement documents.
The City contracted with LHOM from January 1, 2020 - September 30, 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic effected the State’s 2020 legislative calendar and priorities, and attempts to include a trailer bill during the 2020 budget process were unsuccessful. During the course of this work, LHOM restructured and became LHGK. Joe Lang, who is the City’s primary contact, was a principal at LHOM and is now a principal at LHGK.
DISCUSSION
This agreement is a short-term agreement with LHGK for assistance exploring legislative options that would clarify the SLA language as amended in October 2019. LHGK was selected to provide these services due to its prior work and technical expertise on the SLA. The proposed agreement allows LHGK to continue to provide advocacy and legislative support services, since the desired SLA clarifications have not yet been achieved.
The proposed agreement establishes the maximum compensation at $90,000. Staff recommends this agreement.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve the contract as recommended;
• Approve the contract with revisions determined necessary by the City Council; or
• Deny approval of the contract and direct staff to solicit a different proposal from a different legislative advocacy and governmental relations services firm.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The necessary funds are available and budgeted for this use in the Base Reuse/Alameda Point Fund’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 budget and proposed FY 2021-22 budget. No additional budget appropriations are needed. This agreement has no impact on the General Fund.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), approval of the first amendment is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) - activity poses no potential for significant effect on the environment.
CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to execute a service provider agreement with Lang, Hansen, and Giroux & Kidane for nine months, substantially the same as exhibit 1, for legislative advocacy/governmental relations services relating to the SLA for total compensation of $90,000.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager requests authorization to execute a service provider agreement with LHGK for, nine months, for legislative advocacy/governmental relations services relating to the SLA for total compensation of $90,000.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Maxwell, Community Development Director
By,
Lorie Curtis, Real Estate Technician
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Annie To, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Agreement
cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager