ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
9.	CONSIDER EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS TO RENEW CONTRACT WITH JEA & ASSOCIATES FOR GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS SERVICES
Meeting Date:			September 21, 2009	Budgeted:	No
From:			Darby Fuerst,	Program/	N/A
			General Manager	Line Item No.:
Staff Contact:			Darby Fuerst	Cost Estimate:	$25,000
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on September 15, 2009, and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: On September 3, 2009, the District’s Ad Hoc Legislative Committee met and directed staff to renew the District’s contract with John Arriaga of JEA & Associates to provide legislative assistance to the District in connection with the pending Cease and Desist Order (CDO) against California American Water (CAW). The contract had been suspended at the end of July 2009 due to budgetary constraints. As proposed, JEA & Associates would undertake legislative and administrative activities to support the District’s efforts concerning the CDO and assist the District in obtaining funds for water conservation and/or water supply measures required in response to the CDO.

RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board authorize the General Manager to expend funds to renew its contract with JEA & Associates for a not-to-exceed amount of $25,000 for the period September 22, 2009 through June 30, 2010. If this item is adopted along with the Consent Calendar, staff will execute a contract with JEA & Associates to provide governmental services through June 30, 2010.

BACKGROUND: JEA & Associates is a Sacramento-based firm that provides governmental services to Monterey County, the Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC), and other entities. As proposed, JEA & Associates will schedule, coordinate, and participate in meetings with the Governor’s Office, California Legislature, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), SWRCB, and others in addressing key issues and concerns regarding the CDO. In addition, JEA & Associates will assist District staff with project applications for grant funding for projects that may be needed in response to the CDO. As proposed, JEA & Associates would receive a $2,500 monthly retainer fee, with the month of September being pro-rated and the full retainer amount beginning October 1, 2009, plus chargeable expenses. It is anticipated the JEA & Associates’ level of activity will not exceed 25 hours per month on a regular basis. The contract will cover the period from September 22, 2009 to June 30, 2010.

IMPACT TO DISTRICT RESOURCES: The total cost for JEA & Associates to provide governmental services to the District during the period from September 22, 2009 through June 30, 2010, is estimated to be $25,000. This estimate includes $23,250 in monthly retainer fees and $1,750 for chargeable expenses. Funds for this expenditure are not included in the FY 2009-2010 budget. The District’s contingency fund will be used to fund the JEA & Associates work in FY 2009-2010.

EXHIBITS

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