City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: July 22, 2024
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Agreement with Armanasco Public Relations, Inc. for Public Relations Services
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve a new Consulting Services Agreement between the City of Gonzales and Armanasco Public Relations, Inc. dated July 23, 2024 through June 30, 2026 for an amount not to exceed $60,000 per fiscal year, for a total contract amount of $120,000; and authorize the City Manager to sign the Agreement.
BACKGROUND
Gonzales has utilized Armanasco Public Relations (APR) with success since 2015. They have been instrumental in a lot of the great press and recognition we have received and were key in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the All-American City application efforts. They also help the City pursue funding opportunities. Most recently, they supported staff in the Department of Water Resources grant application and the Office of Transportation Safety grant.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The ability to have communications experts available to support public outreach and our grant writing efforts is a valuable asset especially as we move into potentially having tax measures on the ballot, seek additional funding opportunities and begin to tell the community about the importance of supporting the City’s plan for growing in a sustainable, responsible and equitable manner. Furthermore, their support is invaluable as staffing is limited and getting information about these key projects out to the community in a timely manner, through multiple communication channels is imperative.
APR has also been cognizant of our budget and has worked with us to decrease their scope and cost so that they can continue to support the work of the City. The attached Agreement extends the relationship AGENDA
ITEM
16 with a new two-year contract with the current negotiated rate. APR has agreed to keep the rate the same for duration of the contract.
The importance and impact of this work cannot be understated. Over the last several years, it has become apparent that the ability to stay connected, get your story out and be able to respond socially and publicly and maintain a presence is more important than ever. This is an area that frankly requires a level of expertise, contacts and relationships that are developed over time, and with a focus that is difficult for staff to maintain on an ongoing basis.
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: Public outreach is an important component in the small-town charm aspect of the City’s vision. Armanasco Public Relations assists the community in working collaboratively for common goals.
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 provides excellent service that staff believes is better than providing the expertise with City staff, which we do not have the funding to support.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explain: Staff believes this Agreement is more cost-effective than hiring this expertise with fulltime staff.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing X Yes No N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: Staff believes using specific experts especially in this area is critical and has proven very beneficial for the City in the past. This is even more important now that we have major projects like the Community Center, the Vista Lucia project and the Wastewater Treatment Plant underway which need to be shared with the community.
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 already at a lower, negotiated price.
Alternative 2 – The City Council could determine this Agreement is no longer needed. Staff believes this Agreement provides a valuable asset for public outreach critically needed as we move major projects forward.
BUDGET IMPACT
The total cost of the contract over the two years will not exceed $120,000, which is comprised of $60,000 annually. Over the course of the next two fiscal years, the City Budget will reflect the $60,000 spread across several funds to be considered as part of the annual budget process.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends the City Council approve a new Consulting Services Agreement between the City of Gonzales and Armanasco Public Relations, Inc. dated July 23, 2024 through June 30, 2026 for an amount not to exceed $60,000 per fiscal year, for a total contract amount of $120,000; and authorize the City Manager to sign the Agreement.
Attachments:
1. Agreement with Armanasco Public Relations, Inc.
2. Summary of Work Performed 2021-2024