ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
1.	CONSIDER EXPENDITURE OF BUDGETED FUNDS TO CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC OUTREACH SERVICES
Meeting Date:			April 1, 2013	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	GMO
			General Manager	Line Item No.:	3-1-2
Prepared By:			David J. Stoldt	Cost Estimate:	$36,000 annually
General Counsel Approval: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Public Outreach Committee approved in a 3-0 vote.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: Monterey Peninsula Water Management District lost its Community Relations Liaison this winter when she was called back to active duty in Kyrgyzstan.  Although we intended to keep her position open, she resigned so she could return to the East Coast upon discharge.  As a cost-saving measure, the District has delayed filling the position and, at this time, we are considering what services we can fulfill on a contract basis in order to further reduce costs. By not refilling the position, and instead seeking an ongoing contract for public outreach services not to exceed $36,000 annually, the District will save over $57,000 per year. Note: the contract will only be implemented for the remainder of the fiscal year ($9,000) and will be subject to renewal July 1, 2013 for the next fiscal year.

We have a specific interest in services related to community relations, marketing communications, and media relations.  Somewhere down the road a communications audit or a perception survey might be of use, but we are hesitant to pursue those at this time, although some audit of current needs and practices is likely in order.  Our Public Outreach Committee has stated that they are also concerned with providing accurate information on a timely basis as needed when public activities warrant it – being ready to go with quotes, opinion pieces, responses, etc, while at the same time sticking to common messages or themes.  Establishing common messaging is a part of the task. Finally, coordination of social media and outreach needs to be improved.

Four local firms were contacted and had scheduled meetings with the General Manager. He requested each candidate to provide a scope of services and an annual budget. These were reviewed with the Public Outreach Committee at their March 20, 2013 meeting. The Public Outreach Committee recommends the hiring of Thomas Brand Consulting. Their proposal is attached as Exhibit 1-A.

RECOMMENDATION: The Public Outreach Committee recommends the Board authorize the General Manager to enter in an agreement with the firm Thomas Brand Consulting not to exceed $36,000 per year for public outreach services.

EXHIBIT

1-A Proposed Scope of Work from Thomas Brand Consulting, LLC

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