City of Gonzales
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & STRATEGIC
PARTNERSHIPS
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: February 21, 2023
FROM: Carmen Gil, Community Engagement & Strat. Partnerships Dir.
THROUGH: Trevin Barber, City Manager
SUBJECT: Agreement with Armanasco Public Relations - Capital Campaign
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council 1) Approve a retroactive Agreement between the City of Gonzales and Armanasco Public Relations Inc. (APR) from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, for services rendered to support the Community Center Capital Campaign not to exceed $90,000; and 2) Amend the FY 2022-2023 City Budget by increasing the Measure X Budget (Budget Unit 100-800), Other Contractual Services (Object Code 6245) by $45,000.
BACKGROUND
Gonzales is excited about the progress made on the Gonzales Community Center Complex. For years it was a vision/dream, and today we are making real strides towards it becoming reality. The passage of Measure X along with the $5 million dollars from the State budget, the $1.8 million from Monterey County for the Gonzales Library and the generous private donations that we have received to date, have allowed this project to become a reality.
Currently, through the support and guidance that APR has provided, we have been able to secure just over $6 million dollars in pledges for the community center bringing us more than halfway to our goal of $10 million dollars. APR is currently working on following up with prospective donors and is continuously meeting with those that have shown interest in the project. The firm has proven to be a reliable partner and has succeeded in getting generous donations for the center. There is outstanding work to be done to reach the goal of $10,000 million dollars but we are confident that we will get there with APR’ s support.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
AGENDA
ITEM
12 Gonzales deserves to have a state-of-the-art community center, one that the community feels connected to, can grow with, and one that it will treasure for years to come. The fact that Phase 1 is in the works and that soon the Library and the Teen Innovation Centers will be built, will entice others to want to be part of the project. Having the relationships in place and working to keep the project at the forefront, will continue to build momentum attracting more donors to the table.
If approved, APR will continue to support staff with the execution of a successful capital campaign in which the actions below will be carried forth:
1. Donor Prospect Meetings: APR will continue meeting with the donor prospects. The database will be upkept, and meetings will be scheduled and followed up on.
2. Grant Writing: APR is supporting grant writing for the project. Currently there are pending grant opportunities with the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation which will be conducting a site visit on March 13th.
3. Community Outreach: APR will continue to reach out to potential donors, will work with Rotary and will support staff in developing flyers, direct mail pieces, ads and social media graphics as needed to communicate the status of the community center project and the fundraising campaign.
4. Media Outreach: APR will send press releases about the community center project and progress of the capital campaign as needed. Newsworthy opportunities on the horizon include press releases announcing the selection of the design/build team and other Phase 1 milestone announcements. A “hats and shovels” groundbreaking ceremony will also be coordinated with staff.
5. Campaign Administration: APR will continue with administrative tasks for the campaign which includes database management for donations and pledges, preparing thank you letters acknowledging donations received, and preparing pledge letters and donation forms as commitments are received.
6. Monthly Coordination Meetings with Staff: APR will hold regularly scheduled meetings with city staff and the Leadership Cabinet to coordinate efforts.
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: It is imperative that the city continues to conduct a successful capital campaign to help materialize the community’s vision of establishing a local community center that can increase community opportunities and access to safe spaces for families and residents.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment, and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community.
Explain: Armanasco Public Relations, Inc. will help to ensure the city meets the goal of establishing a Gonzales Community Center Complex.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and wellbeing of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explain: Staff believes this Agreement with APR will help us reach our fundraising goal for the Gonzales Community Center Complex.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: Staff believes using experts in this area is critical and having APR on for additional support will ensure that the funding needed for the center is secured.
ALTERNATIVES
Alternative 1 – The City Council could direct staff to modify the Agreement to change the amount or period of time covered. Staff will modify as directed. The compensation proposed is just and the proposed effort is proportional to the contracted amount.
Alternative 2 – The City Council could deny the contract making it harder to reach the $10 million dollar goal of the capital campaign.
Alternative 3 – The City Council could direct staff to identify another firm that can provide the support.
However, that would delay the capital campaign and thus, the project even more.
BUDGET IMPACT
The total cost of the contract is $7,500 per month for a total of $90,000 for the period of the contract, unless extended. If approved, the Cost for FY 2022-2023 would be $45,000, and for FY 2023-2024, $45,000, which would be reflected in next year’s budget.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council 1) Approve a retroactive Agreement between the City of Gonzales and Armanasco Public Relations Inc. from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 for an amount not to exceed $90,000 for services rendered to support the development and execution of a capital campaign for the Gonzales Community Center Complex; and 2) Amend the FY 2022-2023 City Budget by increasing the Measure X Budget (Budget Unit 100-800), Other Contractual Services (Object Code 6245) by $45,000.
Attachments:
1. Agreement with Armanasco - Capital Campaign