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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2016-R0449 - Service Agreement - High Plains Research - Lobbying Consulting Services - 12_15_2016Resolution No. 2016-RO449 Item No. 6.19 December 15, 2016 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK: THAT the Mayor of the City of Lubbock is hereby authorized and directed to execute for and on behalf of the City of Lubbock, a Service Agreement for Lobbying Consulting Services, by and between the City of Lubbock and High Plains Research, and related documents. Said Contract is attached hereto and incorporated in this resolution as if fully set forth herein and shall be included in the minutes of the City Council. Passed by the City Council on December 15. 2016 ATTEST: Reb cca Garza, City S�ecretaru APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: W. J ett Atkinson, City Manager APPRO 0 - - - DANIEL M. POPE, MAYOR SattArWte, rirst Assistant City Attorney RES.Service Agrmnt.High Plains Research 12.8.16 Resolution No. 2016-RO449 CITY OF LUBBOCK, TX Lobbying Consulting Services Service Agreement CONTRACT 13074-B This Service Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of the 15th day of December 2016, ("Effective Date") by and between High Plains Research (the Contractor), and the City of Lubbock (the "City"). RECITALS WHEREAS, the City has issued a Request for Proposals 17-13074-MA, Lobbying Consulting Services; and WHEREAS, the proposal submitted by the Contractor has been selected as a proposal which meets the needs of the City for this service; and WHEREAS, Contractor desires to perform as an independent contractor to provide lobbying services as described in this Agreement; and NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the City and Contractor agree as follows: City and Contractor acknowledge the Agreement consists of the following exhibits which are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, listed in their order of priority in the event of inconsistent or contradictory provisions: 1. This Agreement 2. Exhibit A —General Requirements 3. Exhibit B — Proposal 4. Exhibit C — Rates and Expenses Scope of Work Contractor shall provide the services that are specified in Exhibit A. Contractor shall comply with all the applicable requirements set forth herein, and in the Exhibits hereto. Article 1 Services 1.1 Contractor agrees to perform services for the City that are specified under the General Requirements set forth in Exhibits A and B. City agrees to pay the amounts stated in Exhibit C, to Contractor for performing services. 1.2 Contractor shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to render Services under this Agreement in a professional and business -like manner and in accordance with the standards and practices recognized in the industry. Nonappropriation clause. All funds for payment by the City under this Agreement are subject to the availability of an annual appropriation for this purpose by the City. In the event of nonappropriation of funds by the City Council of the City of Lubbock for the goods or services provided under the Agreement, the City will terminate the Agreement, without termination charge or other liability, on the last day of the then -current fiscal year or when the appropriation made for the then -current year for the goods or services covered by this Agreement is spent, whichever event occurs first. If at any time funds are not appropriated for the continuance of this Agreement, cancellation shall be accepted by the contractor on thirty (30) days prior written notice, but failure to give such notice shall be of no effect and the City shall not be obligated under this Agreement beyond the date of termination. Article 2 Miscellaneous. 2.1 This Agreement is made in the State of Texas and shall for all purposes be construed in accordance with the laws of said State, without reference to choice of law provisions. 2.2 This Agreement is performable in, and venue of any action related or pertaining to this Agreement shall lie in, Lubbock, Texas. 2.3 This Agreement and its Exhibits contains the entire agreement between the City and Contractor and supersedes any and all previous agreements, written or oral, between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. No amendment or modification of the terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon the parties unless reduced to writing and signed by both parties. 2.4 This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. 2.5 In the event any provision of this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. 2.6 The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by any parties or the failure of any parties otherwise to insist upon strict performance of any provision hereof shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach or of any subsequent failure to perform. 2.7 This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, representatives and successors and may be assigned by Contractor or the City to any successor only on the written approval of the other party. 2.8 All claims, disputes, and other matters in question between the Parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach thereof, shall be formally discussed and negotiated between the Parties for resolution. In the event that the Parties are unable to resolve the claims, disputes, or other matters in question within thirty (30) days of written notification from the aggrieved Party to the other Party, the aggrieved Party shall be free to pursue all remedies available at law or in equity. 2.9 At any time during the term of the contract, or thereafter, the City, or a duly authorized audit representative of the City or the State of Texas, at its expense and at reasonable times, reserves the right to audit Contractor's records and books relevant to all services provided to the City under this Contract. In the event such an audit by the City reveals any errors or overpayments by the City, Contractor shall refund the City the full amount of such overpayments within thirty (30) days of such audit findings, or the City, at its option, reserves the right to deduct such amounts owing the City from any payments due Contractor. 2.10 The City reserves the right to exercise any right or remedy to it by law, contract, equity, or otherwise, including without limitation, the right to seek any and all forms of relief in a court of competent jurisdiction. Further, the City shall not be subject to any arbitration process prior to exercising its unrestricted right to seek judicial remedy. The remedies set forth herein are cumulative and not exclusive, and may be exercised concurrently. To the extent of any conflict between this provision and another provision in, or related to, this document, this provision shall control. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed as of the Effective Date. CITY OF LUBBOCK, TX: Lj�� DANIEL M. POP , Mayor ATTEST: Rebec a Garza, City Secretary APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: W. Jarret Atkinson, City Manager CONTRACTOR: To6/Prlvett, Owner High Plains Research GENERAL REQUIREMENTS SCOPE OF WORK EXHIBIT A a) The successful contractor will have municipal experience in providing lobbying services to assist the City of Lubbock in developing an agenda and securing funding. This agenda will include areas of general municipal government, including but not limited to: telecommunications, sanitation waste disposal, parks and recreational services, economic development, streets and transportation, sanitary sewer, stormwater, infrastructure, health, animal control, police and fire services, homeland security, grants, legislative issues that restrict the powers of local government such as eminent domain and annexation, and other issues affecting municipalities as more fully described in this RFP. b) The successful contractor must agree to be available at all times upon reasonable request to meet with City Council, City staff and others as specified in order to perform the responsibilities assigned; and to attend meetings, represent the interest of the City, and act as liaison between the City and all branches, departments, and agencies of the State government. It is expected that the successful contractor will review and understand the agendas of the House and Senate leaders at the State level in order to assist the City to strategically seek funds. c) The successful contractor will work collaboratively with the City of Lubbock City Council, City Manager and designated staff to develop the City's State program and represent the City's interests in Austin, Texas, or Washington, D.C., as needed. The successful contractor will handle a range of activities including, but not limited to: 1. Work closely with the City Council, City Manager, and key staff to develop and advocate a detailed strategic plan, to be referred to as the City of Lubbock State Legislative Program, for acquiring appropriations and funding for the City of Lubbock. 2. A minimum of two (2) meetings will be required in the City of Lubbock to assist in the development of the City's State Legislative Program. Status updates will be presented to the City Council on a semi-annual basis and as -needed or required throughout the term of the Contract. 3. Identify State grant opportunities; draft funding/grant applications in collaboration with the City, which addresses specific funding needs of the City; monitor and facilitate the progress of funding/grant applications through appropriate state agencies on behalf of the City, when requested. 4. Assist the City in the preparation of appropriations requests and required sub- committee forms. 5. Identify and aggressively act to obtain funding for the City of Lubbock projects. 6. Review on a continuing basis all existing and proposed State policies, programs, and legislation. Identify those issues that may affect the City or its citizens, and regularly inform the City on these matters. Provide legal and legislative expertise and consulting services. 7. Review the legislative policy statements adopted by the Texas Municipal League, National League of Cities and other local governments and lobbying groups for the purpose of identifying issues which may either positively or negatively affect the City. 8. Identify other state legislation of interest to the City, monitor action on these initiatives, and advocate the City's interest when appropriate. 9. Monitor State legislative committee meetings, agency hearings and meetings prior to and during the regular and special legislative session(s) at which specific issues with the City's adopted Legislative Program are considered, as well as other issues that may arise that affect the City. 10. Work with the City Council, City Manager and designated staff to develop special or general legislation in keeping with, or supportive of, the City adopted Legislative Program. 11. Develop and evaluate strategy for the support, opposition, or amendment of pending legislation. 12. Testify and lobby before State legislative and appropriations committees as necessary on behalf of the City, during the annual legislative session, extended, or special session(s) and at legislative committee meetings. Assist City Mayor, Council Members and Staff when testifying. 13. Appear and testify before agency hearings, rule making proceedings and other administrative agency or legislative meetings, as required, to promote, oppose, and seek passage of legislation affecting the City or its citizens, and specific legislation contained in the City's Legislative Program. 14. Coordinate appointments or meetings between the City Council, other designated individuals, and legislative/congressional leaders. 15. Assist the City in drafting any needed letters to legislative and congressional leaders regarding issues of interest and concern to the City of Lubbock. 16. Provide written monthly updates and quarterly status reports on the Contractor's achievements as they relate to the goals and objectives set forth in the City's Legislative Program. 17. Other required reports may include, but not necessarily be limited to, personal briefings and information bulletins pertinent to any legislation, rules, or regulations and other State policies or programs that affect the City and its citizens either directly or indirectly. 18. While the Legislature is in Session, a written summary report shall be submitted at the end of each week detailing legislative action taken during the week, status of legislative issues, anticipated action for the upcoming week, and suggestion action that City staff or elected officials may implement. 19. A written report that summarizes the status of the City's Legislative Program shall be provided within one (1) week of the closing of the session and a more detailed final written report on specific legislation and new requirements affecting the City shall be provided within a reasonable time period, not to exceed thirty (30) days from the close of session. 20. When the Legislature is not in Session, the successful contractor shall provide periodic reports (at least monthly) on issues of interest or concern to the City. Such information may include, but not necessarily limited to: action taken at interim committee meetings, rule making hearings, status of studies underway, and advance notice of legislation being proposed. OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS a) INDEMNIFICATION IT IS FURTHER AGREED THAT THE CONTRACTOR (SEPARATELY AND COLLECTIVELY THE "INDEMNITEE") SHALL INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND DEFEND THE CITY, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, DAMAGES, CAUSES OF ACTION, SUITS, AND LIABILITY OF EVERY KIND, INCLUDING ALL EXPENSES OF LITIGATION, COURT COSTS, AND ATTORNEY'S FEES, FOR INJURY TO OR DEATH OF ANY PERSON OR FOR DAMAGE TO ANY PROPERTY ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE WORK DONE BY THE CONTRACTOR UNDER THIS CONTRACT. SUCH INDEMNITY SHALL APPLY REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE CLAIMS, LOSSES, DAMAGES, CAUSES OF ACTION, SUITS, OR LIABILITY ARISE IN WHOLE OR IN PART FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY, ANY OTHER PARTY INDEMNIFIED HEREUNDER, THE CONTRACTOR, OR ANY THIRD PARTY. b) Release The Contractor assumes full responsibility for the work to be performed hereunder and hereby releases, relinquishes, and discharges the City, its officers, agents, and employees from all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind and character, including the cost of defense thereof, for any injury to or death of any person and any loss of or damage to any property that is caused by, alleged to be caused by, arising out of, or in connection with the Contractor's work to be performed hereunder. This release shall apply regardless of whether said claims, demands, and causes of action are covered in whole or in part by insurance and regardless of whether such injury, death, loss, or damage was caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the City, any other party released hereunder, the Contractor, or any third party. c) Non Arbitration The City reserves the right to exercise any right or remedy available to it by law, contract, equity, or otherwise, including without limitation, the right to seek any and all forms of relief in a court of competent jurisdiction. Further, City shall not be subject to any arbitration process prior to exercising its unrestricted right to seek judicial remedy. The remedies set forth herein are cumulative and not exclusive, and may be exercised concurrently. To the extent of any conflict between this provision and another provision in, or related to, this document, this provision shall control. d) Reports Contractor agrees to be solely responsible for preparation and filing of all applicable activity reports. Contractor represents that he/she has registered with the Texas Ethics Commission as a lobbyist, that the registration fee is current and all required reports are current, complete, and accurate. Contractor warrants that at all times during the term of this Agreement he/she shall remain in full compliance with all applicable laws, reporting requirements, and payment of all regulatory fees required for the performance of the intended purposes of this Agreement. Client acknowledges that all Contractor's reports on file at the Texas Ethics Commission are available for public inspection. e) Conflict of Interest, Loyalty & Legal Compliance Contractor agrees that the signing of this Agreement constitutes a warranty and covenant of complete loyalty and confidence to City and its best interest. Contractor further understands that the ultimate benefits of this arrangement should be to City, and Contractor will work diligently and to his utmost ability to insure that City is represented most adequately and without conflict of interest. Contractor is responsible to assure that City be represented without any actual conflict of interest, or the appearance of conflict of interest, and shall perform that representation within the laws of the State of Texas and the United States of America. Contractor agrees to comply with conflicts of interest provisions required by law, and by the rules and regulations of the Texas Ethics Commission. The warranty, covenant and obligations of this paragraph survive expiration or termination of this contract for a period of 90 days from date the Agreement ends. f) Contract Term The contract shall be for a term of one (1) year, said date of term beginning upon formal approval. The contract may be renewed for an additional one (1) year term under the same terms and conditions upon written agreement from both parties. A. Qualifications & Experience After 8 years working as the City of Lubbock's Corporate Communications and Legislative Director, I left to create High Plains Research (HPR) in 2003. 1 provide legislative and communications services to both public and private sector organizations based in West Texas. HPR Clients have included: The City of Lubbock Lubbock ISD Lubbock County Hospital District West Texas Home Builders Association Lubbock Apartment Association Singenis Corporation The McDougal Companies Cirrus Wind Development Southwest Convenience Stores HPR is operated as a sole proprietorship, and draws on the many partnerships built over the past 25+ years in Lubbock, West Texas, and Austin. Tony Privett will be the sole contact and provider of services to the City of Lubbock. HPR has represented the City of Lubbock for legislative services for the past four years. My staff liaison to coordinate legislative activities is Mitch Satterwhite. I have successfully written multi -million dollar grants. While I have not been asked to write grants for the City, I do provide regular updates on funding opportunities to city department heads. I am currently working on two priority issues on the proposed 2017 City legislative program that will involve funding for Lubbock. • Securing a funding source at TCEQ to clean up the closed 1-27 "recycling center" • Passing legislation that will dedicate the state's portion of Sales Tax and HOT Tax for proposed public improvement bonds at a Civic Center Hotel / Convention Center All High Plains Research clients are based in West Texas. My experience in working with our area's public and private sector leadership, along with my 15+ years of Legislative work gives me unique positioning for the City. I have also been regularly asked to consult with Lubbock's Mayors, Council members, and management regarding numerous public policy issues. These close relationships give me a clear understanding of the City's priorities that help me represent our interests in Austin. I lease a condo across the street from the Capitol, so I can be present day and night during the Legislative session. DRAFT 2017 City Legislative Issues Threats Tax/Revenue caps, lowering rollback rates — a priority of the Lt. Gov. Severe restrictions to cities' ability to annex. Almost passed last session and will be a threat again this year PUC rulings in court that threaten local water rate setting, right-of-way use fees, utility regulation and zoning in subdivisions Consider Carryovers from 2015 Legislative package Support Sunset Report regarding Railroad Commission review of Natural Gas to the Public Utilities commission Issue 2 Contested Hearings and Gas Utility Oversight Are Not Core Commission Functions and Should Be Transferred to Other Agencies to Promote Efficiency, Effectiveness, Transparency, and Fairness Create TCEQ funding stream to pay for failed permitted recycling centers around the state Lubbock's 1-27 site is by far the largest, have been working in the interim on both funding and access to the facility. Consider New legislation for 2017 (Proposed by Dan Pope) Amend the Tax Code to allow Lubbock to pledge the revenue derived from the municipal hotel occupancy tax for the payment of bonds issued for an eligible project (Proposed by Police Chief Greg Stevens) Likely Body Cam regulation changes needed, more info to come Possible changes to Chapter 143 — enhancing the Police Chiefs ability to discipline and/or fire police officers. Current employment rules pushed by the police unions make it extremely difficult to fire officers. (Proposed by Aubrey Spear) Overturn PUC rule creating jurisdiction over municipal water & wastewater rates, pending outcome of court case Support LP&L's efforts to move in to ERCOT Additional Ports -to -Plains funding Oppose New limits on City authority Watch Transportation code amendments, that could limit cities' ability to regulate ridesharing services Updated 10/30/16 LEGISLATIVE & COMMUNICATIONS EXPERIENCE I take a collaborative approach in legislative and public affairs. The state and federal environments are much more politicized than most municipal issues. Building strong relationships that last beyond a single vote and across both parties are crucial to long-term success for the City. I have also worked to help Council and Management find solutions to numerous public/private issues over the past four years. They have included: • Building relationships between local and state elected officials • Improving communications and compliance between staff and local service providers • Advising on the history and avenues for improvement in numerous issues, including Stormwater, EMS service, LP&L, & crisis communications • Identifying and recruiting Advisory Board & Commission members This is how I will continue to work for the City: using long term relationships, experience, and trust to accomplish the City's legislative needs. I also work closely with TML and other Texas cities' legislative consultants to coordinate testimony and communications with our delegation on good and bad bills. (Key contact: Shanna Igo, TML) SUCCESSES FOR THE CITY OF LUBBOCK IN PREVIOUS LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS • Helped pass legislation that reduced City costs in runoff elections be allowing them to open voting locations in or near district runoff elections, rather than county -wide. (Staff contact: Becky Garza) • Amended legislation on a tight deadline that would've had a huge cost to LP&L in their plans to build a reliability loop around the City. (Staff contact: David McCalla) • Assisted in lobbying the TCEQ and writing testimony that successfully denied a downstate water supplier to add costs on the City of Lubbock and other upstream cities in the Brazos Water Basin (Staff contact: Aubrey Spear) • Coordinated efforts with our delegation and the Railroad Commission to get them to require more safety in location and fencing around propane tanks in residential areas close to major roadways —something they resisted doing until we acted Staff contact: Garett Nelson) • Worked to prevent the Railroad Commission from pushing their Sunset bill off for another eight years. • Worked to help pass HB158, which restores the use of sporting goods sales taxes for use in state parks and historical sites. The annual balance of this fund is expected to exceed $100M, and it will now return to cities and counties for use to help restore important local parks EXAMPLES OF WORK TO ACQUIRE APPROPRIATIONS FROM MY CITY STAFF YEARS Traffic Enforcement I and my PIO department worked closely with the City Traffic Engineer to help secure several transportation federal funds, including the long -running Red for a Reason campaign grants. Lubbock Urban Gardens I created the Youth Services Department at the City, and we wrote and received grants for more than $79,000 in 2002 for a program that paired at -risk children with a gardening program in conjunction with the South Plains Food Bank. Grants Training for City departments In 2002, 1 brought in a grants training course for City staff. During the training process, we identified six proposals and prepared them for submission, including First Tee, Texas Parks & Wildlife Trails, Fiesta Plaza, Buckle your Baby, and TxDOT Safe Routes to Schools, and Lubbock City -County -Library "Access Lubbock." Some were funded, though I don't have dollar totals on all. I acted as a writing coach and legislative advocate for all City departments that asked for my assistance. City grants received in 2001— 2002 totaled more than $19 Million dollars. Homeland Security While at the City of Lubbock, I put together a team to pursue funding for a major federal appropriation for a regional rapid response team to be stationed at Reese Center. The local players included all area law enforcement, emergency management, research, and health care providers. I left the City before this project came to fruition. While the federal government did not elect to put together a major resource like this in Lubbock, it showed FEMA, TSA, and other federal agencies that Lubbock was serious about Homeland Security and we have received numerous related grants. OTHER GRANTWRITING SUCCESS TxDOT Historic Redevelopment Grant I wrote and successfully advocated for grants for the City of Slaton that resulted in more than $1 million in grants to restore the former Santa Fe Railroad "Harvey House" in Slaton. U.S. Economic Development Administration Grant I wrote and successtully advocated or a grant that brought more than $600,000 to the Slaton Harvey House project to develop rural economic development projects such as a diner, museum, and bed & breakfast inn. EXHIBIT C RATES AND EXPENSES Monthly fee: Session Rate: Six thousand five hundred and no/100 dollars ($6,500) per month, for any month during the term that the Texas Legislature is convened in either Regular or Special Session, payable on or before the first business day of the month. Non -Session Rate: Two thousand and no/100 dollars ($2,000) per month, for any month during the term that the Texas Legislature is not convened in either Regular or Special Session, payable on or before the first business day of the month. CAREER BACKGROUND Career 2003 - Present Co-owner High Plains Research Created public affairs company representing public and private entities before municipal and state government. www.hijahi)lainsresearch.com 2003 — Present Tony Privett Communications Owner Communications, marketing, writing, and lobbying consulting services for public and private companies. wwtiv.tonyprivett. co m 1995-2003 City of Lubbock, TX Director of Communications & Legislation Managed Legislative initiatives, Public Information, City Council Administrative Staff, Youth Services, and Grants Coordinator. Served on Texas Municipal League Board of Directors. 1993-1995 The Nystrom Company Chicago, IL District Sales Manager Presented science and social studies curriculum materials to public schools in a 93 county West Texas territory. 1991-1993 Texas Tech University Press Lubbock, TX Director of Marketing In charge of budgeting, sales, direct -mail, and marketing of scholarly books. Advised on creation and design of new titles. 1984-1991 Grizzard Enterprises, Inc. Atlanta, GA President Managed the business career of Southern humorist & author Lewis Grizzard. Created and managed five new companies and partnerships, including a book publisher, political newsletter, and record label. Co-owner and founding Chairman, Longstreet Press book publishers, Atlanta, GA. 1982 —1984 Texas Monthly Press Austin, TX Director of Marketing for trade book division 1980 —1982 Peachtree Publishers Atlanta, GA Director of Marketing for regional book publisher 1975 —1980 Waldenbooks Lubbock, San Antonio, & Atlanta, GA Began in Lubbock while a student at Texas Tech. Promoted to San Antonio as a store manager, and promoted to Atlanta, where I managed operations and personnel for 17 retail bookstores in 3 states. Education 1970-1973 Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX Music Education studies, voice, piano, composition 1999 — 2000 Lubbock Christian University Completed Organizational Management course work 1996 & 1999 Texas Dept. of Public Safety Emergency Management Courses on Terrorism Prevention 1998 Federal Emergency Management Institute Integrated Emergency Management Course 1997 Texas Tech University COBA Professional Development course in Government Finance Recent publications: Failure is not an Option, Delbert McDougal; a developer's unconventional wisdom. 2007 Historical Publishing, San Antonio. "The Romance of the Harvey Girls and the Santa Fe Railroad" Heritage Magazine, Summer 2007 "Slaton Harvey House Restoration" Social Studies Texan, Fall/Winter 2006 Don't Fence Me In: an anecdotal biography of Lewis Grizzard Edited by Chuck Perry. 1995 Longstreet Press. Atlanta What America's Teachers Wish Parents Knew Judy and Tony Privett. 1993 Longstreet Press. Atlanta Public Service: Board member: Community Foundation of West Texas 2014 - Present President, Slaton Railroad Heritage Assoc. 1991— 2012 Wrote more than $1.5million in grants and raised more than $500,000 in private donations for the local museum project Lubbock County Historical Commission 2005 — 2012 Chairman, 2011-2012 Lubbock Heritage Society Board member 1996-1998 Texas Municipal League Board member 2001 - 2003 C. Methodology Living in the City of Lubbock allows me close contact with City Council and staff, and the ability to understand the organization's goals and needs. I watch or attend Council meetings, committee meetings, and am available for consultation on a daily basis. I am able to track necessary hearings in Austin by online streaming, but I travel to Austin every month as needed to attend hearings, stay in touch with staff and agencies as appropriate. During the legislative session, I move to Austin, staying in a condo across the street from the Capitol so I can be on site day and night during the intense five month session. DUTIES AS ASSIGNED Develop the City's legislative package, as requested by Council and Staff. This entails vetting the requested legislation for viability Prepare background and a plan of action for our state delegation, and work to win their support for our legislative needs Write testimony, letters of support, Council resolutions, and news releases as necessary Keep Council and staff updated on all issues of concern Work with Texas Municipal League to coordinate our efforts and find cities who share our issues to assist in working for or against legislation Keep our state delegation briefed on legislation and provide them with all information to help pass, amend, or kill legislation as appropriate Provide daily and weekly updates to Council and Staff as appropriate during the session Provide weekly or monthly updates to Council and Staff as appropriate during the off -session months When issues arise during the session that are not clearly within the Council's legislative directives, I consult with the Mayor & two additional Council members to get direction on the City's position, as directed by the 2013 Council. Work with legislative and agency staff as appropriate to gather background on issues and facts to assist our state delegation in their decision making. Assist Council and staff with Austin meetings and testimony