ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE

2.	CONSIDER EXPENDITURE OF BUDGETED FUNDS FOR ANNUAL CONTRACT WITH THOMAS BRAND CONSULTING, LLC
Meeting Date:		July 8, 2013
From:		David J. Stoldt,
		General Manager
Prepared By:		Stephanie Pintar
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on July 8, 2013 and recommended ______________________. The Public Outreach Committee reviewed this item on July 9, 2013 and recommended _____________________.

SUMMARY: Staff is seeking to renew the contract for public outreach services with Thomas Brand Consulting at a not-to-exceed cost of $36,000 annually.  Thomas Brand Consulting was recommended to the Board in April 2013 to replace a permanent employment position at the District. Staff has been working with the consultant since April and has been pleased with their services.

A Scope of Work for the coming year is attached as Exhibit 2-A. Thomas Brand Consulting will assist District staff with activities and actions related to community relations, marketing communications, and media relations. The Public Outreach Committee agrees that the District must provide 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 Thomas Brand Consulting’s contract. 

RECOMMENDATION:  Staff recommends the Board authorize the General Manager to enter in an agreement with Thomas Brand Consulting not to exceed $36,000 for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 for public outreach services.

EXHIBIT

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

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