BOARD MEETING DATE: September 9, 2005
AGENDA NO. 8

Amend Contract for Legislative Representation in Sacramento, California

SYNOPSIS:

The current contract for Legislative Representation in Sacramento expires on November 11, 2005 for Richard Polanco (Tres Es, Inc.). The contractor has performed above and beyond expectations this year, and continued representation in Sacramento is necessary to further AQMD policy positions at the state level. The current contract has an option for two one-year extensions. This action calls for the extension of the existing contract for legislative consulting services in Sacramento, California for Calendar Year 2006. Total expenditure for the existing contract shall not exceed $153,120 for the one-year period. Funding for further extension of the contract after FY 2005-06 will be contingent upon Board approval of the Budget in the future.

COMMITTEE:

Legislative and Administrative, July 15, 2005, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve a one-year extension of the contract with Richard Polanco (Tres Es, Inc.) in an amount not to exceed $153,120.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Richard Polanco (Tres Es, Inc.) has been effective in working with the AQMD staff to secure additional funding and promote Governing Board programs for 2003 and 2004 (i.e., five-year extension for TAO funding and expansion of the Moyer Program). This year, he has focused on moving the Board’s legislative agenda forward for additional authority and new sources of funding to clean up diesel pollution. More specifically, his support and active involvement has ensured that the three railroad related bills, i.e. SB 459 (Romero), AB 888 (De La Torre), and AB 1222 (Jones), have been successfully reviewed by policy committees at their respective Senate and the Assembly house of origin, and are proceeding through the legislative review process. Senator Polanco’s personal involvement and attention in this matter have been exemplary and commendable. It is important that this momentum be maintained in the coming year, to increase the chances of successful AQMD related-legislation and desired results on air quality related bills.

Proposal

The contract with Tres Es., Inc. for legislative representation in Sacramento, California is due to expire in November 2005. AQMD staff is highly satisfied with the performance of Tres Es, Inc., since Senator Polanco has proved to be one of the best consultants ever retained by AQMD, and wishes to retain him. The present contract has an option for two one-year extensions that may be exercised at the Board’s discretion pursuant to the original RFP. Therefore, this proposal is to approve a one-year extension of Contract #4055 with Richard Polanco (Tres Es, Inc.) for the amount of $153,120, which includes a ten percent adjustment.

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds are available in the Public Affairs FY 2005-06 Budget for services through June 30, 2006. Funding for the period of July 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006 is contingent upon Board approval of the Budget for the respective fiscal years.

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