ITEM:		CONSEN CALENDAR
2.	Consider Contract for district Public Outreach and Communications Services with Thomas Brand Consulting for Fiscal Year 2019-2020
Meeting Date:			July 15, 2019	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	Professional Fees
			General Manager	Line Item No.:
Prepared By:			Stephanie Locke	Cost Estimate:	$42,000
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Public Outreach Committee reviewed this item on June 27, 2019, and recommended approval. The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on July 8, 2019 and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: This action does not constitute a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines section 15378.

SUMMARY:  Staff is requesting the Board renew a contract with Thomas Brand Consulting (TBC) for work related to MPWMD outreach and communications with a retainer of $3,500 per month (e.g., $42,000 for FY 19-20). Funding for contractor assistance with public outreach and communication services was included in the District’s budget. In addition to the retainer, funds were separately budgeted for services such as graphic design, printing, website upgrades, media buys, etc. TBC’s proposed Scope of Work is attached as Exhibit 2-A.

On June 17, 2019, the proposed public outreach contract was referred to the Public Outreach Committee for review and recommendation before it is considered by the Board. The committee met on June 27, 2019, and Steve Thomas of TBC provided an overview of the past year’s outreach efforts before discussing concepts for the coming year. The Public Outreach Plan for Fiscal Year 2019-20 will be similar to the previous year with a focus on branding, social media, and promotion of District events and activities, with an emphasis on reaching as many District residents and businesses as possible. The Public Outreach Committee gave feedback and will further refine the plan and review the schedule at its July 25, 2019, meeting. The Committee unanimously recommended the Board approve the outreach contract with TBC for this fiscal year.

RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board of Directors approve the contract with Thomas Brand Consulting for outreach services for Fiscal Year 2019-2020. Staff recommends that the Public Outreach Committee review the need for, and scope of, such activities for FY 2020-2021 prior to development of next year’s budget.

EXHIBIT

2-A Proposed Scope of Work for Public Outreach & Communication Services, FY 2019-2020

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