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Planning and Building Department, Tahoe Planning and Building Division, recommending the Board:
1) In accordance with Chapter 3.13, Section 3.13.030 of County Ordinance Code, Contracting Out, find that specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications are involved in the performance of the work to provide lobbying and consulting services as expected of California Tahoe Alliance members;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement 9717 with Platinum Advisors, LLC for the provision of lobbying and consulting services on behalf of the County for the Lake Tahoe Basin, with a not-to-exceed amount of $36,000, and for a period of September 12, 2025, to September 11, 2028; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute any further documents determined necessary related to Agreement 9717, including amendments which do not increase not-to-exceed amount or term of the Agreement, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: Public Utility Franchise Fees - 50% / General Fund - 50%.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In June of 2023, the Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a revised non-financial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the California Tahoe Alliance (Alliance) to encourage coordinated strategies for advocacy on proposed or existing state legislation for policies and regulations that support a broad range of environmental, restoration, recreation, transportation, and water infrastructure projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin, with a term expiring December 31, 2033.
The Alliance is a coalition of California agencies and jurisdictions (South Tahoe Public Utility District, Tahoe City Public Utility District, North Tahoe Public Utility District, Placer County, League to Save Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, Tahoe Fund, City of South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and Lake Tahoe Community College) that are working together to identify, coordinate, and advocate for state funding for the Lake Tahoe Basin. Alliance members are expected to commit staff time necessary to meet the goals of the MOU. Alliance members have also engaged Platinum Advisors, LLC (Platinum Advisors) under separate contracts to assist with the lobbying and consulting efforts.
Platinum Advisors is a lobbyist firm comprised of a skilled team of political strategists who leverage their expertise and networks to develop and implement local, state, and national strategies in support of a variety of initiatives. Currently, the County does not have staff with these specialty skills to provide lobbying services at the legislative level on behalf of the County. Furthermore, the nature of these services is intermittent and does not justify the addition of permanent staff. Therefore, in accordance with Chapter 3.13, Section 3.13.030 of the County Ordinance Code, Contracting Out, the Department is requesting that the Board find that the performance of this work requires specialty skills and qualifications not specifically identified in existing County classifications and enter into the proposed Agreement with Platinum Advisors.
This proposed Agreement, with a not-to-exceed amount of $36,000, and a term of three (3) years, will allow for the continuation of lobbying and consulting services, which represent a significant benefit to the County, specifically for the Lake Tahoe Basin.
These services have the potential to secure millions of dollars in grant funding for the Lake Tahoe Basin. Under the proposed Agreement, Platinum Advisors will provide, but not be limited to, the following services:
• Represent the Alliance and establish a presence on behalf of the Alliance
• Cultivate new Tahoe Champions and arrange meetings
• Through the annual state budget process, support the allocation of funding for a broad range of environmental, restoration, and water quality and supply projects
• Support efforts to pass resource bonds which provide funding for programs and agencies that can fund Environmental Improvement Program
• Support changes to funding requirements for disadvantaged communities that would allow for the communities of the Tahoe Basin to better compete for funding
• Supports efforts to secure state funding for community firefighting infrastructure improvements
• Advocate on public water and sewer issues relevant to rural and mountain communities
• Conduct introductory and educational meetings with key categories of stakeholders
The proposed Agreement with Platinum Advisors aligns with the County’s Stewardship value by promoting collaboration and advocacy to honor and protect our natural and historical resources, agriculture, and rural character for future generations.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may choose not to approve the proposed Agreement. This would require the Department to pursue a new agreement for these services should the Board wish to continue lobbying efforts. Should the Board desire to cease lobbying efforts, the Department would also need to reevaluate its participation in the Alliance, as it requires dedication and advocacy at a legislative level.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
On December 19, 2017 (Legistar file 15-0775), the Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 253-S1811 with Conservation Strategy Group (CSG), a Sacramento lobbying firm, with a not-to-exceed amount of $36,000 and a term of three (3) years. However, key personnel left the firm, and the County terminated the agreement. To fill the void, the Alliance released a request for proposals and interviewed lobbying firms. Platinum Advisors was selected by the Alliance as the most qualified firm.
On August 27, 2019 (Legistar file 19-1172), the Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign Agreement 4044 with Platinum Advisors to provide lobbying and consulting services, with a not-to-exceed amount of $36,000 and a term of three (3) years.
On September 13, 2022 (Legistar file 22-1051), the Board approved and authorized the Chair to Sign Agreement 6718 with Platinum Advisors to provide lobbying and consulting services, with a not-to-exceed amount of $36,000 and a term of three (3) years.
On June 27, 2023 (Legistar file 23-1157), the Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a non-financial MOU with the Alliance, with a term expiring December 31, 2033.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel and Risk Management have approved the proposed Agreement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost associated with this item. Funding for these services has been included in the Department’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, and funding for these services beyond Fiscal Year 2025-26 will be included in subsequent budgets accordingly. Impacts to the General Fund include $18,000 for the Consultant over the course of three (3) years, and a minimal amount for staff time, which includes management of the proposed Agreement and submittal of Quarterly Lobbyist Employer Reports to the Secretary of State, per Government Code Section 86116.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair’s signature on two (2) original copies of the Agreement; and
2) The Clerk of the Board will forward one (1) fully-executed original of the Agreement to the Chief Administration Office, Procurement and Contracts Division, for further processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Brendan Ferry, Chief Deputy Director
Planning and Building Department