Title
Planning and Building Department, Tahoe Planning, Stormwater, and Vacation Home Rental Division, recommending the Board consider the following:
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;
2) Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to sign Agreement 6718 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 a term of three (3) years effective upon execution; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute any further documents determined necessary related to Agreement 6718, 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: General Fund / Public Utility Franchise Fees.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On April 10, 2018 (File No. 18-0417, Item No. 11), the Board authorized the Chair to sign an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the California Tahoe Alliance (Alliance) to encourage coordinated strategies on state funding legislation and to provide a mechanism to apply for funding that supports a broad range of environmental, restoration, and water quality and supply projects, while also supporting coordinated implementation of the Environmental Improvement Program.
The Alliance is a coalition of California agencies and jurisdictions, including the South Tahoe Public Utility District, Tahoe City Public Utility District, North Tahoe Public Utility District, Placer County, City of South Lake Tahoe, League to Save Lake Tahoe, California Tahoe Conservancy, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency TRPA, and Tahoe Resource Conservation District, that work 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.
On December 19, 2017 (File No. 15-0775, V3, Item No. 30), the Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 253-S1811 with Conservation Strategy Group, a Sacramento lobbying firm, in an amount not-to-exceed $36,000 for a term of three years effective December 19, 2017, and expiring on December 18, 2020 to conduct these services. However, key personnel left that firm and the County terminated the contract. 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 (File No. 19-1172, Item No. 32), the Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign Agreement 4044 with Platinum Advisors to provide the lobbying and consulting services, with a not-to-exceed amount of $36,000 and a term of 3 years. As Agreement 4044 expired on June 10, 2022, the Department is recommending that the Board approve the continuation of these service under the new 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. Among other achievements, Platinum Advisors has most recently been successful in:
• Securing Senator Dahle and Senator Laird as co-chairs of the Tahoe Caucus;
• Scheduling and holding the first Tahoe Caucus meeting with legislators, to discuss wildfire preparedness, and funding needs for vegetation management; and
• Working closely with Senator Dahle, budget committee staff in both houses, and the Natural Resources Agency on securing an additional $25 million in funding for the CTC, for a total appropriation of $36 million for vegetation management projects throughout the California side of the Basin.
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 or staff would not be able to have input in California Tahoe Alliance lobbying efforts and subsequent funding support.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
See Discussion/Background above.
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 2022-23 budget, and funding for these services beyond Fiscal Year 2022-23 will be included in subsequent years’ budgets accordingly.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Good Governance: The continuation services provided by Platinum Advisors will further this strategic plan component in the Lake Tahoe Basin by promoting the development of resources to identify and pursue additional revenue, including local, state, federal, and private funding for new and existing projects.
CONTACT
Brendan Ferry, Deputy Director of Tahoe Planning, Stormwater, and VHR
Planning and Building Department