Label
Federal Government Affairs Services
Office of the Mayor/Grants
Simon Nyi Simon.Nyi@toledo.oh.gov <mailto:Simon.Nyi@toledo.oh.gov>
Revised
Title
Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Smith Dawson & Andrews to provide the city with federal government affairs services for a term of one year with an option to renew for four (4) successive one-year terms; authorizing the expenditure of $77,000 for said purpose; waiving the competitive bidding requirements of TMC 187; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The City has a strong interest in improving federal advocacy efforts that will strengthen its strategic approach with federal agencies and Congress while continuing to build a strong relationship with the congressional delegation, the Administration, and across federal agencies.
Smith Dawson & Andrews (SDA) has the capacity, expertise, experience, and understanding of local government issues necessary to be a strong partner for the City. They have experience providing federal representation on issues and objectives common to local government entities similar in size and governance to the City of Toledo. SDA’s expertise includes all domestic discretionary programs of interest to local governments, including water infrastructure, transportation, economic development, public safety and security, health and human services, workforce development, and housing, among others.
SDA is unique because its two current clients in the Toledo area, TARTA and Metroparks Toledo, are working with them to organize a coordinated federal lobbying effort around shared regional priorities. Other agencies considering participating in this effort include TMACOG, LMH, Lucas County, and Toledo Lucas County Public Library. No other firm would offer the City the ability to participate in this coordinated regional effort. Upon review of public records of federal lobbying expenditures by other municipalities in Ohio and southeast Michigan in 2023, SDA’s proposed rate is competitive.
Summary
NOW THEREFORE Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the Mayor is authorized to enter into a professional consulting services agreement with Smith Dawson & Andrews for a term of one year with an option to renew for four (4) successive one-year terms, to provide the city of Toledo with government affairs services. Such agreement shall contain terms and conditions deemed proper and requisite according to the Director of Law.
SECTION 2. That an expenditure, subject to annual appropriation, in an amount not to exceed $77,000 annually is authorized from the General Fund, Account Code 1001-10200-1181001STDSTD for the purpose authorized in Section 1.
SECTION 3. That this Council finds and determines it in the best interest of the city to waive the competitive bidding requirements of TMC 187 to participate in a coordinated federal lobbying effort with local partners to achieve regional goals at a cost competitive rate.
SECTION 4. That the Director of Finance is authorized to draw their warrant or warrants against the above Account Code in payment of the obligations authorized above in an amount not to exceed $77,000 annually upon presentation of proper voucher or vouchers.
SECTION 5. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall be in force and effect from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that same is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and property and for the further reason that the city obtains representation and government affairs advocacy at the federal level.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas 11, nays 0.
Passed: December 4, 2024, as an emergency measure: yeas 11, nays 0.
Attest:
Julie A. Gibbons Carrie Hartman
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: December 4, 2024
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor