ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
6.	CONSIDER CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH THOMAS BRAND CONSULTING FOR PUBLIC OUTREACH SERVICES
Meeting Date:			March 17, 2014	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			David J. Stoldt, General Manager	Program/ Line Item No.:	Public Outreach 3-1-2
Prepared By:			Stephanie Pintar	Cost Estimate:	$7,500
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: Public Outreach Committee recommended approval
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY:  Thomas Brand Consulting (TBC) has been successfully assisting MPWMD with outreach efforts since April 2013. Through TBC’s efforts, the District has positioned itself in leadership roles related to public financing of the water supply project, the Monterey Peninsula Groundwater Replenishment Project (GWR), conservation, river mitigation, and fish population management.

This item approves an expanded Scope of Work approved in the mid-year budget adjustment to address recent action taken by the Board to respond to drought conditions, the Public Water Now initiative, website improvements, and direction from the Water Demand Committee to promote the Rebate Program. The contract amendment includes an increase in the monthly retainer for TBC from $3,000 to $4,500 (increase of $7,500 for FY 2014) to account for additional time required to achieve the scope of work. Costs related to design and products are included in the mid-year budget adjustment under separate budget line items. This item was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Public Outreach Committee.

RECOMMENDATION: The Board should authorize the General Manager to amend the contract with Thomas Brand Consulting to increase the retainer from $3,000 to $4,500 per month for the remainder of the fiscal year.

EXHIBITS

None

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