ITEM:		ACTION ITEM
20.	APPROVE BUDGET AND CONSIDER METHOD FOR HIRING OUTSIDE CONSULTANT FOR PUBLIC OUTREACH SERVICES
Meeting Date:			September 19, 2022	Budgeted:	No
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	Professional Fees
			General Manager	Line Item No.:
Prepared By:			David J. Stoldt	Cost Estimate:	$96,000
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Finance and Administration Committee considered this item on September 12, 2022 and recommended approval of the budget.
CEQA Compliance: This action does not constitute a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378.

SUMMARY:  At its August 22, 2022 meeting, the Public Outreach Committee unanimously recommended that the Board consider to contract with an outside consultant for public outreach services. The committee has discussed several agencies earlier this summer but has not made a recommendation. Among those still being discussed are:

· WellmanAd (wellmanad.com)

· Spoke Consulting (spokeconsulting.com)

· Rauch Communication Consultants (rauchcc.com)

· Rally (wearerally.com)

· KP Public Affairs (ka-pow.com)

Directors are encouraged to review the firms above and/or suggest any additional firms for review.

At its September 12, 2022 meeting the Finance and Administration Committee recommended the Board approve a contract budget with a monthly retainer of no more than $8,000. If proposed budget for a consultant’s contract exceeds that amount, Board approval shall be sought at a subsequent meeting.

RECOMMENDATION: The Board is asked to consider three possible actions: (i) direct staff to hire a firm; (ii) direct staff to solicit statements of interest and qualifications from the firms for review by the Public Outreach committee and recommend a firm to the Board; or (iii) appoint a sub-committee of the Board to solicit statements of interest and qualifications from the firms and recommend a firm to the Board.

EXHIBIT

None

U:\staff\Boardpacket\2022\20220919\Action Items\20\Item-20.docx