Agenda

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C.59

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	David Twa, County Administrator
Date:	April 21, 2009

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Contract Amendment for State Legislative Representation

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 04/21/2009

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Gayle B. Uilkema, District II Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor
Susan A. Bonilla, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

L. DeLaney, 5-1097

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: April 21, 2009
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the County Administrator, or designee, to amend a contract with Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Mueller and Naylor, effective April 1, 2009, to decrease the annual payment limit by $20,000 to a new annual payment limit not to exceed $180,000 for continued state legislative representative services with no change to the term January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The existing contract provides for an annual payment limit of $200,000 paid in arrears in 11 monthly installments of $16,666 and one payment of $16,674. The contract amendment, effective April 1, 2009, will reduce the monthly retainer to $15,000. This will result in a savings of approximately $31,667 over the remaining term of the contract.

BACKGROUND:

The law firm of Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Mueller and Naylor (“Nielsen Merksamer”) has extensive experience in the field of governmental advocacy regarding legislative, administrative and legal issues directly affecting counties. Nielsen Merksamer is recognized for its expertise in the broad area of state and county relations, particularly fiscal relationships. The firm has been instrumental in the development and advancement of the County's state legislative platform.

In consideration of the County's budgetary difficulties, the firm has agreed to a 10% reduction in its monthly retainer.