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Report regarding a resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a First Amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs extending the contract through June 30, 2021 for an additional 60,000, and approving budget amendment 20.042 in the amount of $30,000. (Christina Fernandez, Assistant to the City Manager)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving budget amendment 20.042 in the amount of $30,000 to Townsend Public Affairs for grant writing, state advocacy, and policy advisory services, and approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs in the amount of $60,000, extending the contract through June 30, 2021.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Townsend Public Affairs founded in 1998 by Christopher Townsend, helps public agencies, nonprofits, and private companies navigate government to achieve results. Townsend coordinates advocacy services at the local, state, and federal levels.
The City of South San Francisco signed a consulting services agreement with Townsend Public Affairs for state advocacy and policy advisory services on July 1, 2017 and agreed to pay Townsend a sum not exceed $180,000 for a term of three (3) years to end on June 30, 2020, and with an option to extend the agreement for an additional year to end on June 30, 2021 for an additional $60,000. (Attachment 1)
Townsend advocates for the City’s legislative priorities focusing on public policy issues relating to local control, housing, transportation, and economic development.
A Proven Track Record
Townsend Public Affairs supports and enhances the City of South San Francisco’s efforts to identify and pursue for funding opportunities related to priority City projects. Townsend provided the framework for significant projects including the Community Civic Campus Funding Strategy. To date, TPA has aided the City in gaining over $3,515,790 million in competitive grant funds including but not limited to:
• $67,590 for Pee Wee Baseball Field Renovations at Brentwood Park - Baseball Tomorrow Fund Grant
• $9,250 to create the San Bruno Mountain Wildlife Camp - Habitat Conservation Fund administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation
• $206,000 for the Railroad Avenue Extension Project - Measure A Highway Grant Program administered by the San Mateo County Transportation Authority
• $350,000 to create an updated and comprehensive Northern Regional Bike Network -- Pedestrian and Bicycle Program of the Transportation Development Act funded by MTC
• $868,000 to help fund the Linden/Spruce Avenues traffic calming improvements -- Statewide and Small and Urban & Rural Components of the Active Transportation Program (ATP) administered by Caltrans
TPA was instrumental in gaining legislative approval of an amendment last year clarifying that the City did not owe $8 million to the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Authority, working closely with Assembly Member Kevin Mullin’s office. TPA is assisting the City to secure funds for the Civic Campus Development Project.
Grant Opportunities
Moving forward TPA will continue to identify grant opportunities on the City’s behalf at the regional, state, and federal levels, assist with grant preparations on more complex grant applications, and provide legislative support in Sacramento as needed. Grant opportunities pursued by TPA include:
• California Public Utilities Commission: Digital Literacy: Working closely with the Library Services Department, TPA is supporting efforts to create a North County Digital Literacy Program, which benefits the cities of South San Francisco, Daly City, and Colma.
• California Department of Parks and Recreation: Recreational Trails Program: Provides an opportunity to provide funding for Centennial Trail at the new South San Francisco Civic Campus Park. The grant will fund projects that include walking or riding trails for non -motorized means of commuting.
• California Department of Parks and Recreation: Statewide Park Program: Provides nearly $650M statewide for parks and recreation construction and rehabilitation projects. TPA is working with the City to identify portions of the South San Francisco Civic Campus that would be eligible to apply for this funding as well as other city parks in need of rehabilitation.
• California Natural Resources Agency: Cultural, Community, and Natural Resources Grant: Provides nearly $50M statewide for construction of natural resources projects that celebrate cultural or historic contributions made to California by immigrants and indigenous populations. TPA is working with City staff to identify portions of the South San Francisco Civic Campus eligible for funding.
• Department of Housing and Community Development Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities: The program supports infill development that reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The program is tied to complete affordable housing projects within the City and TPA will continue to work with the City to identify and coordinate future grant applications.
• California Division of Boating and Waterways: California Shoreline Erosion Control and Public Beach Restoration Grant: This grant funds projects that combat shoreline erosion. This grant may fund work on the San Francisco Bay Trail at Oyster Point and additional work at the marina.
• Pet Safe: Bark for Your Park Grant: A private foundational program funds projects that construct dog parks within the City. The grant application would need to be completed in conjunction with dog owning residents in South San Francisco.
Future Needs
In recent months, the City has depended more heavily on Townsend to inform the City on all things related to the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify potential funding programs, specifically around economic recovery of our small to midsized businesses. Townsend provides City staff with real time information relating to funding packages and legislative changes at the state level, and significant federal stimulus packages. City staff anticipate a growing need for advocacy and policy advisory services in light of COVID-19 and the potential funding opportunities at the State level.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff is requesting Council approve budget amendment 20.042 in the amount of $30,000 for grant writing and advocacy services for the remainder of FY 2019-2020. In addition, staff requests Council authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement for an additional $60,000 ending on June 30, 2021.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Procuring grant writing, state advocacy, and policy advisory services meets the city’s strategic goals of maintaining financial stability by advocating for and identifying potential funding opportunities and economic relief.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving budget amendment 20.042 in the amount of $30,000 to Townsend Public Affairs for grant writing, state advocacy, and policy advisory services, and approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs in the amount of $60,000, extending the contract through June 30, 2021.
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution 44-2017 (existing Agreement and prior City Council approval)