Item No. 3
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – CONSENT AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ANTHONY SUBER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/ CITY CLERK
DATE: MAY 21, 2025
SUBJECT: STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council authorize the City Manager to execute on behalf of the Town an agreement for strategic communications support with Tripepi Smith and Associates, Inc., for a maximum amount of $44,000, for one year.
BACKGROUND | ANALYSIS
The Town has contracted with Tripepi Smith and Associates, Inc. since May 2022 for strategic communications support. Their initial scope of work was focused on assisting with the development and design of the quarterly Athertonian newsletter. That focus has grown to include ongoing tasks such as social media development and support, creating and improving Town webpages and developing graphic design elements for Town projects. The contract includes capacity for ad-hoc design and communications needs specific to projects or services such as the Police Department's annual report. In 2023 the Council approved the use of Tripepi Smith to assist with marketing and messaging related to the Town’s Housing Element Update process, we have utilized Tripepi‘s expertise in revising the Public Works webpage for capital projects and have consulted with their designers to enhance our outreach materials.
The current contract expires in May 2025 and the City Manager is recommending a new contract for continued strategic communications support, as well as the capacity for all Departments to access their services to assist with specific project communications needs.
The proposed contract includes a fixed fee for the design and management of the quarterly newsletter consisting of bi-weekly check-in/strategy calls, article development, quarterly planning with department directors, website support and social media management as needed.
The contract approval amends and extends the existing contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
Strategic Communications Contract Renewal
MAY 21, 2025
The contract with Tripepi Smith will be for a not to exceed amount of $44,000 for one year. This total amount includes the fixed fee for the quarterly newsletter at $7,445 per edition in FY 2025/26 and capacity for additional ad hoc work as requested by the Town. Budget for the contract has been included in the recommended FY 2025/26 budget.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal F - Build Community & Promote Civic Engagement
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. TS Proposal – April 25, 2025