HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-2013CITY OF SANTA ANA
LEGISLATIVE CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 9, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 12:04 p.m. by Vincent Sarmiento at City Hall, Room
831.
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Members Present: Councilmember Michele Martinez
Councilmember Vincent Sarmiento, Chair
Members Absent: none
Staff Present: Kevin O'Rourke, Debra Kurita, Sonia Carvalho, Mark Lawrence and
Becky Magallon
AGENDA ITEMS
Minutes
The June 20, 2013 minutes were approved by a vote of 2:0
2. Public Comments - none
Discussion on Federal Lobbyist
Councilmember Sarmiento suggested doing a two -step approach in which the
City retains someone for immediate assistance and then goes out for a
permanent lobbyist.
Sonia Carvalho reported that the immediate need for a lobbyist — municipal bond
and UUT — has been covered. She added that the Committee has authorized the
City Manager to act on the Committee's behalf. As such, the City Manager can
hire a temporary lobbyist and use their services on an as- needed basis. The
Committee agreed.
Councilmember Sarmiento would like to see a federal lobbyist that will focus on
all areas of the city, someone that is well rounded and is also familiar with
mobility. Councilwoman Martinez suggested to contact other regional agencies
such as OCTA, SCAG, and TCA and ask who they use as a federal lobbyist. She
added that we may decide to have more than one.
Legislative City Council Committee Minutes
September 9, 2013, Page 1
Kevin O'Rourke added that it should be someone who is recognized in the
transportation field and has a good reputation. Vince Sarmiento commented that
he has seen large firms bring in special firms that have an expertise in whatever
is necessary at the time. However, we need someone soon.
Michele Martinez mentioned that the City needs to start the process soon to hire
a permanent lobbyist.
Vincent Sarmiento asked that staff give the Committee recommended guidelines
and options on what would be best for the permanent lobbyist. Mr. Sarmiento
noted that other agencies get detailed analysis from their lobbyists including
regular meetings with staff. He added that state and federal lobbyists as well as
the League of California Cities should be represented at the Committee
meetings.
Kevin O'Rourke agreed and cited the Fairfield model in which the lobbyist
attended meetings in person or by phone and provided regular updates. Mr.
O'Rourke asked the Committee members to share with staff the names of
lobbyists they have encountered in other agencies and they have been
impressed with.
Staff will provide the Committee with a proposal to include some models, options
and what other cities are spending for the Committee's review.
Mark Lawrence assured the Committee that they would have the opportunity to
review the questions for the RFP ahead of time.
4. Establishment of Bylaws Update
Sonia Carvalho reported that staff is preparing bylaws for every Council Committee.
These will be presented as a resolution to the entire City Council for approval. She
asked the Committee for any specific items that should be included in the bylaws for the
Legislative Committee.
Councilmember Sarmiento mentioned that the bylaws need to specify that the
Council Committee has the authority to send legislative letters on behalf of the
City Council. He added that we should require lobbyists to provide an analysis
with every request for legislative letters.
Staff asked if the Committee should become an ad hoc committee since it only
consists of two members. Sonia Carvalho mentioned that an ad hoc does not
have the authority to take action on behalf of the Council and that it's only formed
for a limited period of time. It will remain as a Council Committee because it
needs to oversee the lobbyist contracts and is taking a position on legislative
matters that are immediate.
Mark Lawrence asked the Committee for input on how the current
communication system with the Committee is working when requests for
Legislative City Council Committee Minutes
September 9, 2013, Page 2
legislative letters come in. The Committee mentioned that the current process is
fine, however, they'd like to see the lobbyist do an analysis for every request,
which will help the Committee make an informed decision.
Future Items, date and location for next meeting
Because the next meeting falls on December 25th, staff will look for alternate
dates in mid - December.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
Becky Magallon
Executive Assistant
City Manager's Office
Legislative City Council Committee Minutes
September 9, 2013, Page 3