8P
Date: June 17, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Aram Chaparyan, City Manager
By: Carlos Huizar, Management Associate | [email protected] Subject: City Manager – Award Consulting Services Agreement for State Legislative Advocacy Consultant Services and Authorize the City Manager to Execute Agreement. Expenditure: $180,000 (General Fund: Approximately $60,000 Annually).
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1. Award a consulting services agreement to Joe A. Gonsalves & Son of Sacramento, CA (RFQ 2024-0312), for a not-to-exceed amount of $180,000, to provide state legislative advocacy consultant services for a three-year period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2028; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
FUNDING
Funding is available in the City Manager’s fiscal year 2025-26 operating budget and is anticipated to be available in subsequent fiscal years.
DISCUSSION
At City Council direction, staff posted on a request for quote (RFQ) for state legislative advocacy consultant services on PlanetBids on February 18, 2025. The RFQ gave the City’s overview and background and comprehensive scope of work. The City received three quotes on March 12, 2025.
The City's primary State legislative objectives are:
•A voice in Sacramento
•Early intelligence on emerging legislation that may impact local government •Knowledge of trade-offs impacting legislative framing
•Be on the front side for funding during legislative framing For government consulting and advocacy services, the City sought an entity with sound knowledge of local government public policy, clear understanding of the legislative process, solid political networks, knowledge of key agency programs and staff, familiarity with current state issues and effective communication skills. There must be demonstrated experience in bipartisan 1 City Council
June 17, 2025
5 4
0 relationships with a network of access to legislators, administrative and relevant agency staff, and representatives at the state and/or federal level.
For funding acquisition, the City sought a firm with expertise and a solid track record in the ability to successfully identify grant opportunities, guide the application process and secure funding.
Additionally, experience in bipartisan relationships with a network of access legislators, administrative and relevant agency staff, and representatives at the state and/or federal level should be demonstrated through references.
Each proposal was evaluated and rated by staff using the weighted scoring criteria in the table below. The evaluation team was made up of four staff members who independently rated each proposal and assigned up to a maximum of 100 points to each proposal. The rating criteria and resulting scoring for the three companies are shown in the table below.
AVERAGE POINTS
DESCRIPTION MAXIMUM
POINTS
Joe A. Gonsalves
& Son
Townsend Public
Affairs
The CrisCom
Company
Understanding of the project and scope of
work; and completeness of RFP 25 22.25 22.25 15.80
Qualifications of proposed project team 20 18.75 18.75 11.40 Relevant projects of proposed project team
members 15 14.00 14.00 6.40
Firm's qualifications and experience with
similar projects 10 10.00 9.25 5.00
Project Schedule 10 9.25 9.25 6.80
Cost and Cost Effectiveness 20 19.00 19.00 16.00
Total Points 100 93.25 92.50 61.40
2 City Council
June 17, 2025
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0 Upon completion of the proposal review process, it was determined that Joe A. Gonsalves & Son of Sacramento, CA was the best qualified for these services. The final ranking is as follows:
RESULTS
RANKING VENDOR NAME CITY STATE EVALUATION
SCORE
PROPOSAL
PRICE
1 Joe A. Gonsalves & Son Sacramento CA 93.25 $180,000.00 2 Townsend Public Affairs Newport
Beach CA 92.50 $180,000.00
3 The CrisCom Company Chatsworth CA 61.40 $162,000.00
After proposal review, interview and reference checks, the team determined that Joe A.
Gonsalves & Son continues to be the best firm to meet the City's objectives. It appears at the state level that Joe A. Gonsalves & Son is a well-respected, competent, knowledgeable and experienced firm for over 50 years. The contract before you tonight is for the firm of whose specialty is state advocacy services.
The primary duties under the proposed agreement are:
•Observe, review and advise City on state legislation, state budget impacts, and issues which may affect the City through analysis via written or electronic notices, updates or reports while providing recommendations for advocacy.
•Advise appropriate City staff on all funding activities and opportunities determined to be of significance to the City.
•Assist City in the development and execution of legislative programs, jointly or separately, for the City.
•Attend hearings and provide testimony on behalf of the City. Arrange opportunities for the City to participate in hearing testimonials or submission of comments. •Meet with legislative manager either in person or via conference call, as needed.
Conduct an annual visit to City to meet with City Council members and City staff to provide legislative updates.
•Develop, coordinate and implement a government relations strategy subject to approval by the City and assist with special projects as requested by the City. •Identify legislation and legislative proposals that may impact the City. •Consult with City on potential implications of issues and alternative responses to state and initiatives and participation in City meetings as scheduled; consult with City on any and all activities as requested by City or as deemed necessary by Consultant to achieve funding goals.
•Provide reports on key issues and legislative activity. •Assist City in the development and execution of appropriate documents, grants or other funding application requirement.
RECOMMENDATION
Accordingly, staff recommends that City Council award a consulting services agreement to Joe A. Gonsalves & Son of Sacramento, CA (RFQ 2024-0312), for a not-to-exceed amount of $180,000.00, to provide state legislative advocacy consultant services to the City of Torrance for a three-year period beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2028 and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
3 City Council
June 17, 2025
5 4
0 ATTACHMENT
1.Consulting Services Agreement with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son 4 Consulting Services Agreement - Joe A. Gonsalves & Son.docx 1
CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT
This CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of July 1, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), by and between the CITY OF TORRANCE, a municipal corporation (“CITY”), and Joe A. Gonsalves & Son, a California corporation (“CONSULTANT”).
RECITALS:
A. CITY wishes to retain the services of an experienced and qualified CONSULTANT to provide State Government Consulting and Advocacy Services to pursue state funding and other public sector sources for the development, enhancement, and/or expansion and programs for the City of Torrance.
B. In order to obtain the desired services, CITY has circulated its Request for Quote for State Legislative Advocacy Consultant Services, RFQ No. 2024-0312 (the “RFQ”).
C. CONSULTANT has submitted a Quote (the “Quote”) in response to the RFQ. In its Quote CONSULTANT represents that it is qualified to perform those services requested in the RFQ. Based upon its review of all Quotes submitted in response to the RFQ, CITY is willing to award this Agreement to CONSULTANT.
AGREEMENT:
1. SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED BY CONSULTANT
CONSULTANT will provide the services and install those materials listed in CONSULTANT’s Quote submitted in response to the RFQ. A copy of the RFQ is attached as Exhibit A. A copy of the Quote is attached as Exhibit B.
CONSULTANT warrants that all work and services set forth in the Quote will be performed in a competent, professional and satisfactory manner.
2. TERM
Unless earlier terminated in accordance with Paragraph 4 below, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect from the Effective Date through June 30, 2028.
3. COMPENSATION
A. CONSULTANT’s Fee.
For services rendered pursuant to this Agreement, CONSULTANT will be paid in accordance with the Compensation Schedule set forth in the Quote; provided, however, that in no event will the total amount of money paid CONSULTANT, for services initially contemplated by this Agreement, exceed the sum of $180,000 (“Agreement Sum”), unless otherwise first approved in writing by CITY.
B. Schedule of Payment.
5 Attachment 1
Consulting Services Agreement - Joe A. Gonsalves & Son.docx 2
Provided that CONSULTANT is not in default under the terms of this Agreement, upon presentation of an invoice, CONSULTANT will be paid the fees described in Paragraph 3.A. above, according to the Compensation Schedule. Payment will be due within 30 days after the date of the invoice.
4. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
A. Termination by CITY for Convenience.
1. CITY may, at any time, terminate the Agreement for CITY’s convenience and without cause.
2. Upon receipt of written notice from CITY of such termination for CITY’s convenience, CONSULTANT will:
a. cease operations as directed by CITY in the notice;
b. take actions necessary, or that CITY may direct, for the protection and preservation of the work; and
c. except for work directed to be performed prior to the effective date of termination stated in the notice, terminate all existing subcontracts and purchase orders and enter into no further subcontracts and purchase orders.
3. In case of termination for CITY’s convenience, CONSULTANT will be entitled to receive payment for work executed, together with costs incurred by reason of the termination, along with reasonable overhead and profit on work not executed.
B. Termination for Cause.
1. If either party fails to perform any term, covenant or condition in this Agreement and that failure continues for 15 calendar days after the nondefaulting party gives the defaulting party written notice of the failure to perform, this Agreement may be terminated for cause; provided, however, that if during the notice period the defaulting party has promptly commenced and continues diligent efforts to remedy the default, the defaulting party will have such additional time as is reasonably necessary to remedy the default.
2. In the event this Agreement is terminated for cause by the default of CONSULTANT, CITY may, at the expense of CONSULTANT
and its surety, complete this Agreement or cause it to be completed. Any check or bond delivered to the CITY in connection with this Agreement, and the money payable thereon, will be forfeited to and remain the property of the CITY. All moneys due CONSULTANT under the terms of this Agreement will be retained by CITY, but the retention will not release CONSULTANT and its surety from liability for the default. Under these circumstances, 6 Consulting Services Agreement - Joe A. Gonsalves & Son.docx 3 however, CONSULTANT and its surety will be credited with the amount of money retained, toward any amount by which the cost of completion exceeds the Agreement Sum and any amount
authorized for extra services.
3. Termination for cause will not affect or terminate any of the rights of CITY as against CONSULTANT or its surety then existing, or that may thereafter accrue because of the default; this provision is in addition to all other rights and remedies available to the CITY under law.
C. Termination for Breach of Law.
In the event CONSULTANT or any of its officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, subsidiaries or affiliates is convicted (i) of a criminal offense as an incident to obtaining or attempting to obtain a public or private contract or subcontract, or in the performance of a contract or subcontract; (ii) under state or federal statutes of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, receiving stolen property, or any other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty that currently, seriously, and directly affects responsibility as a public consultant or CONSULTANT; (iii) under state or federal antitrust statutes arising out of the submission of bids or Quotes; or (iv) of violation of Paragraph 19 of this Agreement; or for any other cause CITY determines to be so serious and compelling as to affect CONSULTANT’s responsibility as a public consultant or CONSULTANT, including but not limited to, debarment by another governmental agency, then CITY reserves the unilateral right to terminate this Agreement or to impose such other sanctions (which may include financial sanctions, temporary suspensions or any other condition deemed appropriate short of termination) as it deems proper. CITY will not take action until CONSULTANT has been given notice and an opportunity to present evidence in mitigation.
5. FORCE MAJEURE
If any party fails to perform its obligations because of strikes, lockouts, labor disputes, embargoes, acts of God, inability to obtain labor or materials or reasonable substitutes for labor or materials, governmental restrictions, governmental regulations, governmental control, judicial orders, enemy or hostile governmental action, civil commotion, fire or other casualty, or other causes beyond the reasonable control of the party obligated to perform, then that party’s performance will be excused for a period equal to the period of that cause for failure to perform.
6. RETENTION OF FUNDS
CONSULTANT authorizes CITY to deduct from any amount payable to CONSULTANT (whether or not arising out of this Agreement) any amounts the payment of which may be in dispute or that are necessary to compensate CITY for any losses, costs, liabilities, or damages suffered by CITY, and all amounts 7 Consulting Services Agreement - Joe A. Gonsalves & Son.docx 4 for which CITY may be liable to third parties, by reason of CONSULTANT’s acts or omissions in performing or failing to perform CONSULTANT’s obligations under this Agreement. In the event that any claim is made by a third party, the amount or validity of which is disputed by CONSULTANT, or any indebtedness exists that appears to be the basis for a claim of lien, CITY may withhold from any payment due, without liability for interest because of the withholding, an amount sufficient to cover the claim. The failure of CITY to exercise the right to deduct or to withhold will not, however, affect the obligations of CONSULTANT to insure, indemnify, and protect CITY as elsewhere provided in this Agreement.
7. CITY REPRESENTATIVE
Carlos Huizar, Management Associate is designated as the “City Representative,” authorized to act in its behalf with respect to the work and services specified in this Agreement and to make all decisions in connection with this Agreement. Whenever approval, directions, or other actions are required by CITY under this Agreement, those actions will be taken by the City Representative, unless otherwise stated. The City Manager has the right to designate another City Representative at any time, by providing notice to CONSULTANT.
8. CONSULTANT REPRESENTATIVE(S)
The following principal(s) of CONSULTANT are designated as being the principal(s) and representative(s) of CONSULTANT authorized to act in its behalf with respect to the work specified in this Agreement and make all decisions in connection with this Agreement:
Jason A. Gonsalves, Vice President
Paul A. Gonsalves, Lobbyist
9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
CONSULTANT is, and at all times will remain as to CITY, a wholly independent contractor. Neither CITY nor any of its agents will have control over the conduct of CONSULTANT or any of CONSULTANT’s employees, except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement. CONSULTANT’s agents and employees are not and shall not be considered employees of CITY for any purpose. CONSULTANT may not, at any time or in any manner, represent that it or any of its agents or employees are in any manner agents or employees of CITY. CITY has no duty, obligation, or responsibility to CONSULTANT’s agents or employees under the Affordable Care Act. CONSULTANT is solely responsible for any tax penalties associated with the failure to offer affordable coverage to its agents and employees under the Affordable Care Act and any other liabilities, claims and obligations regarding compliance with the Affordable Care Act with respect to CONSULTANT’s agents and employees. CITY is not responsible and shall not be held liable for CONSULTANT’s failure to comply with CONSULTANT’s duties, obligations, and responsibilities under the Affordable Care Act. CONSULTANT agrees to defend, indemnify and hold CITY harmless for any and all taxes and penalties that may be assessed against CITY as a result of CONSULTANT’s obligations under the Affordable Care Act relating to CONSULTANT’s agents and employees.
8 Consulting Services Agreement - Joe A. Gonsalves & Son.docx 5
10. BUSINESS LICENSE
CONSULTANT must obtain a City business license prior to the start of work under this Agreement, unless CONSULTANT is qualified for an exemption.
11. OTHER LICENSES AND PERMITS
CONSULTANT warrants that it has all professional, contracting and other permits and licenses required to undertake the work contemplated by this Agreement.
12. FAMILIARITY WITH WORK
By executing this Agreement, CONSULTANT warrants that CONSULTANT (a) has thoroughly investigated and considered the scope of services to be performed, (b) has carefully considered how the services should be performed, and (c) fully understands the facilities, difficulties and restrictions attending performance of the services required under this Agreement. If the services involve work upon any site, CONSULTANT warrants that CONSULTANT has or will investigate the site and is or will be fully acquainted with the conditions there existing, prior to commencement of the services set forth in this Agreement.
Should CONSULTANT discover any latent or unknown conditions that will materially affect the performance of the services set forth in this Agreement, CONSULTANT must immediately inform CITY of that fact and may not proceed except at CONSULTANT’s risk until written instructions are received from CITY.
13. CARE OF WORK
CONSULTANT must adopt reasonable methods during the term of the Agreement to furnish continuous protection to the work, and the equipment, materials, papers, documents, plans, studies and other components to prevent losses or damages, and will be responsible for all damages to persons or property, until acceptance of the work by CITY, except those losses or damages as may be caused by CITY’s own negligence.
14. CONSULTANT’S ACCOUNTING RECORDS; OTHER PROJECT RECORDS Records of CONSULTANT’s time pertaining to the project, and records of accounts between CITY and CONSULTANT, will be kept on a generally recognized accounting basis. CONSULTANT will also maintain all other records, including without limitation, specifications, drawings, progress reports and the like, relating to the work and services identified in Exhibit A. All records will be available to CITY during normal working hours. CONSULTANT will maintain these records for three years after final payment.
15. INDEMNIFICATION
CONSULTANT will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless CITY, the Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Torrance, the City Council, each member thereof, present and future, members of boards and commissions, their officers, agents, employees and volunteers (collectively “City Affiliates”) from and against any and all liability, expenses, including defense costs and legal fees, and claims for damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, those arising from breach of contract, bodily injury, death, personal injury, property damage, loss of use, or property loss however the same may be 9 Consulting Services Agreement - Joe A. Gonsalves & Son.docx 6 caused and regardless of the responsibility for negligence. The obligation to indemnify, defend and hold harmless includes, but is not limited to, any liability or expense, including defense costs and legal fees, arising from the negligent acts or omissions, or willful misconduct of CONSULTANT, its officers, employees, agents, subCONSULTANTs or vendors. CONSULTANT’s obligations to indemnify, defend and hold harmless will apply even in the event of concurrent negligence on the part of City Affiliates, except for liability resulting solely from the negligence or willful misconduct of City Affiliates. Payment by CITY is not a condition precedent to enforcement of this indemnity. In the event of any dispute between CONSULTANT and CITY, as to whether liability arises from the sole negligence of City Affiliates, CONSULTANT will be obligated to pay for the defense of City Affiliates until such time as a final judgment has been entered adjudicating City Affiliates as solely negligent. CONSULTANT will not be entitled in the event of such a determination to any reimbursement of defense costs including but not limited to attorney’s fees, expert fees and costs of litigation.
16. NON-LIABILITY OF CITY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
No officer or employee of CITY will be personally liable to CONSULTANT, in the event of any default or breach by the CITY or for any amount that may become due to CONSULTANT.
17. INSURANCE
A. CONSULTANT and its subCONSULTANTs must maintain for the duration of the Agreement at their sole expense the following insurance, which will be full coverage not subject to self-insurance provisions:
1. Automobile Liability, including owned, non-owned and hired vehicles, with at least the following limits of liability:
a. Primary Bodily Injury with limits of at least $500,000 per person, $1,000,000 per occurrence; and
b. Primary Property Damage of at least $250,000 per
occurrence; or
c. Combined single limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence.
2. Commercial General Liability including coverage for premises, products and completed operations, independent
CONSULTANTs/vendors, personal injury and contractual
obligations with combined single limits of coverage of at least $2,000,000 per occurrence, $4,000,000 aggregate.
3. Workers' Compensation coverage as required by the Labor Code of the State of California and, if workers' compensation is required, employer's liability insurance with minimum limits of ($1,000,000) per occurrence or occupational illness. The Workers' Compensation policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the 10 Consulting Services Agreement - Joe A. Gonsalves & Son.docx 7 CITY for all work performed by the CONSULTANT, its employees, agents and subconsultants.
B. The insurance provided by CONSULTANT will be primary and non- contributory.
C. CITY, the Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Torrance, the City Council and each member thereof, members of boards and commissions, every officer, agent, official, employee and volunteer must be named as additional insureds under the automobile and general liability policies.
D. CONSULTANT must provide certificates of insurance including all required amendatory endorsements (or copies of the applicable policy language effecting coverage required by this clause) indicating appropriate coverage, to the City Clerk of the City of Torrance before the commencement of work.
E. Each insurance policy required by this Paragraph must contain a provision that no termination, cancellation or change of coverage can be made without notice to the CITY.
F. If the CONSULTANT maintains broader coverage and/or higher limits than the minimums shown above, the CITY requires and shall be entitled to the broader coverage and/or the higher limits maintained by the CONSULTANT. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the CITY.
G. The procuring of insurance shall not be construed as a limitation on liability nor as full performance of the indemnification provisions of the CONSULTANT.
H. CONSULTANT hereby grants to CITY a waiver of any right to subrogation which any insurer of said CONSULTANT may acquire against the CITY by virtue of the payment of any loss under such insurance. CONSULTANT agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the CITY has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer.
I. Self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the CITY.
The CITY may require the CONSULTANT to provide proof of ability to pay losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within the retention. The policy language shall provide, or be endorsed to provide, that the self-insured retention may be satisfied by either the named insured or CITY.
18. SUFFICIENCY OF INSURERS
11 Consulting Services Agreement - Joe A. Gonsalves & Son.docx 8 Insurance required by this Agreement will be satisfactory only if issued by companies admitted to do business in California, rated “A” or better in the most recent edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide, and only if they are of a financial category Class VII or better, unless these requirements are waived by the Risk Manager of CITY (“Risk Manager”) due to unique circumstances. In the event the Risk Manager determines that the work or services to be performed under this Agreement creates an increased or decreased risk of loss to CITY, the CONSULTANT agrees that the minimum limits of any insurance policies or performance bonds required by this Agreement may be changed accordingly upon receipt of written notice from the Risk Manager; provided that CONSULTANT will have the right to appeal a determination of increased coverage by the Risk Manager to the City Council of CITY within 10 days of receipt of notice from the Risk Manager.
19. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
A. No officer or employee of the CITY may have any financial interest, direct or indirect, in this Agreement, nor may any officer or employee participate in any decision relating to the Agreement that affects the officer or employee’s financial interest or the financial interest of any corporation, partnership or association in which the officer or employee is, directly or indirectly interested, in violation of any law, rule or regulation.
B. No person may offer, give, or agree to give any officer or employee or former officer or employee, nor may any officer or employee solicit, demand, accept, or agree to accept from another person, a gratuity or an offer of employment in connection with any decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, preparation or any part of a program requirement or a purchase request, influencing the content of any specification or procurement standard, rendering of advice, investigation, auditing, or in any other advisory capacity in any way pertaining to any program requirement, contract or subcontract, or to any solicitation or Quote.
20. NOTICE
A. All notices, requests, demands, or other communications under this Agreement will be in writing. Notice will be sufficiently given for all purposes as follows:
1. Personal delivery. When personally delivered to the recipient, notice is effective on delivery.
2. First Class mail. When mailed first class to the last address of the recipient known to the party giving notice, notice is effective three mail delivery days after deposit in a United States Postal Service office or mailbox.
3. Certified mail. When mailed certified mail, return receipt requested, notice is effective on receipt, if delivery is confirmed by a return receipt.
12 Consulting Services Agreement - Joe A. Gonsalves & Son.docx 9
4. Overnight delivery. When delivered by an overnight delivery service, charges prepaid or charged to the sender’s account, notice is effective on delivery, if delivery is confirmed by the delivery service.
5. Facsimile transmission. When sent by fax to the last fax number of the recipient known to the party giving notice, notice is effective on receipt. Any notice given by fax will be deemed received on the next business day if it is received after 5:00 p.m. (recipient’s time) or on a non-business day.
6. Addresses for purpose of giving notice are as follows:
CONSULTANT: Joe A. Gonsalves & Son
1201 "K" Street, Suite 18501
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 441-5061
CITY: City Clerk
City of Torrance
3031 Torrance Boulevard
Torrance, CA 90503
Fax: (310) 618-2931
B. Any correctly addressed notice that is refused, unclaimed, or undeliverable because of an act or omission of the party to be notified, will be deemed effective as of the first date the notice was refused, unclaimed or deemed undeliverable by the postal authorities, messenger or overnight delivery service.
C. Either party may change its address or fax number by giving the other party notice of the change in any manner permitted by this Agreement.
21. PROHIBITION AGAINST ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING
This Agreement and all exhibits are binding on the heirs, successors, and assigns of the parties. The Agreement may not be assigned or subcontracted by either CITY or CONSULTANT without the prior written consent of the other.
22. INTEGRATION; AMENDMENT
This Agreement represents the entire understanding of CITY and CONSULTANT as to those matters contained in it. No prior oral or written understanding will be of any force or effect with respect to the terms of this Agreement. The Agreement may not be modified or altered except in writing signed by both parties.
23. INTERPRETATION
The terms of this Agreement should be construed in accordance with the meaning of the language used and should not be construed for or against either 13 Consulting Services Agreement - Joe A. Gonsalves & Son.docx 10 party by reason of the authorship of this Agreement or by any other rule of construction that might otherwise apply. To the extent that the terms of the RFQ or Quote are inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control.
24. SEVERABILITY
If any part of this Agreement is found to be in conflict with applicable laws, that part will be inoperative, null and void insofar as it is in conflict with any applicable laws, but the remainder of the Agreement will remain in full force and effect.
25. TIME OF ESSENCE
Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement.
26. GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION
This Agreement will be administered and interpreted under the laws of the State of California. Jurisdiction of any litigation arising from the Agreement will be in Los Angeles County, California.
27. COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTES AND REGULATIONS
CONSULTANT will be knowledgeable of and will comply with all applicable federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and orders.
28. WAIVER OF BREACH
No delay or omission in the exercise of any right or remedy by a nondefaulting party on any default will impair the right or remedy or be construed as a waiver.
A party’s consent or approval of any act by the other party requiring the first party’s consent or approval will not be deemed to waive or render unnecessary the other party’s consent to or approval of any subsequent act. Any waiver by either party of any default must be in writing and will not be a waiver of any other default concerning the same or any other provision of this Agreement.
29. ATTORNEY’S FEES
Except as provided for in Paragraph 15, in any dispute, litigation, arbitration, or other proceeding by which one party either seeks to enforce its rights under this Agreement (whether in contract, tort or both) or seeks a declaration of any rights or obligations under this Agreement, the prevailing party will be awarded reasonable attorney’s fees, together with any costs and expenses, to resolve the dispute and to enforce any judgment.
30. EXHIBITS
All exhibits identified in this Agreement are incorporated into the Agreement by this reference.
31. CONSULTANT’S AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE
The persons executing this Agreement on behalf of CONSULTANT warrant that (i) CONSULTANT is duly organized and existing; (ii) they are duly authorized to execute this Agreement on behalf of CONSULTANT; (iii) by so executing this 14 Consulting Services Agreement - Joe A. Gonsalves & Son.docx 11 Agreement, CONSULTANT is formally bound to the provisions of this Agreement; and (iv) the entering into this Agreement does not violate any provision of any other Agreement to which CONSULTANT is bound.
32. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
Any documents submitted by the CONSULTANT; all information obtained in connection with the CITY’s right to audit and inspect the CONSULTANT’s documents, books, and accounting records pursuant to paragraph 14 CONSULTANT’s Accounting Records; Other Project Records; as well as those documents which were required to be submitted in response to the Request for Quotes (RFQ) used in the solicitation process for this Contract become the exclusive property of the City. All such documents become a matter of public record and shall be regarded as public records. Exceptions will be those elements in the California Government Code Section 7920.000 et seq. (Public Records Act) and which are marked “trade secret”, “confidential”, or “proprietary”.
The CITY shall not in any way be liable or responsible for the disclosure of any such records including, without limitation, those so marked, if disclosure is required by law, or by an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
In the event the CITY is required to defend an action on a Public Records Act request for any of the aforementioned documents, information, books, records, and/or contents of a Quote marked “trade secret”, “confidential”, or “proprietary”, the CONSULTANT agrees to defend and indemnify the CITY from all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, in action or liability arising under the Public Records Act.
CITY OF TORRANCE,
a municipal corporation
_______________________________
Aram Chaparyan, City Manager
Joe A. Gonsalves & Son
a California corporation
By:________________________________
Jason A. Gonsalves
Vice President
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
PATRICK Q. SULLIVAN
City Attorney
By: ____________________________
Attachments: Exhibit A Request for Quotes
Exhibit B Quote
Rev. 0424
15 EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR QUOTES
[To be attached]
16 EXHIBIT B
QUOTE
[To be attached]
17 EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR QUOTES
[To be attached]
18 EXHIBIT B
QUOTE
[To be attached]
19 EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR QUOTES
[To be attached]
20 City of Torrance, City Manager’s Office
Request for Quotation – Not an Order
Buyer: Turquoise Benjamin or e-mail to [email protected] Quotation Due By: Noon, March 12th. Late Quotations Will Not Be Evaluated.
Ref: State Legislative Advocacy Consultant Services
This RFQ is requesting quotes from qualified vendors for State Legislative Advocacy Consultant Services.
This RFQ is intended to be as descriptive as possible. However, Proposers may not take advantage of omissions or oversights in this document. Proposers must supply products and services that meet or exceed the requirements of this RFQ. In the event of a dispute over installation or performance, the needs of the City of Torrance will govern. Quotations must be submitted on this form filled out completely. Vendors that do not fill out the City RFQ form will not be considered.
The City of Torrance:
The City of Torrance is on the western side of Los Angeles County. It is boarded by the Palos Verdes Peninsula on the south, the City of Gardena on the north, the City of Redondo Beach on the north and west boundaries, the City of Lomita on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. The City encompasses an area of approximately 21 square miles, 329 miles of Streets, 1870 intersections, 550 miles of sidewalks, 47,000 Street Trees, 6 Public Libraries, a Municipal Airport, Transit System, 46 Parks & Recreation Amenities, 6 Fire Stations, 1 Police Station and 1 Police Community Center, and has an estimated population of approximately 146,115, which makes Torrance one of the top 10 cities in Los Angeles County in regards to population.
The successful Vendor will be issued a Purchase Order for the services required and will include the terms and conditions attached to this RFQ.
• The State of California Senate Bill 7 (SB7) for prevailing wage applies to construction contracts over $25,000 and contracts for alteration, demolition, repair, and maintenance over $15,000. There are no exemptions.
• L ist and describe all applicable fees. Fees not listed below will not be authorized for payment on any invoices throughout the term of the purchase order.
• The vendor must provide certificates of insurance and/or endorsements indicating appropriate coverage to the City of Torrance City Manager’s Office before a Purchase Order will be awarded as per page 9 of this Request for Quotation. The CITY, the City Council and each member thereof, members of boards and commissions, every officer, agent, official, employee, and volunteer must be named as additional insured under the automobile and general liability policies.
• Prior to the issuance of a purchase order, the vendor must submit to the City of Torrance City Manager’s Office proof of a City of Torrance Business License if your company is located in the City of Torrance; will physically be working in the City of Torrance; or will be using your own vehicles to deliver to the City of Torrance. For additional information and licensing requirements, please contact the City of Torrance Business License Office at (310) 618-5923.
• Fiscal Year Funding: Each payment obligation of the City is conditioned upon the availability of state or local government funds which are apportioned or allocated for the payment of such an obligation. If the funds are not allocated and available for the continuance of the function performed by the Vendor, the product or service directly or indirectly involved in the performance of that function may be terminated by the City at the end of the period for which funds are available.
• The City reserves the right to revise or amend these specifications prior to the date set for opening proposals. Revisions and amendments will be identified by an addendum to this RFQ. If the revisions 21 require additional time to enable vendors to respond, the City may postpone the opening date accordingly. In such case, the addendum will include an announcement of the new proposal submittal due date.
• T he successful vendor will be issued a Purchase Order or a Contract Agreement for the services required and will include the terms and conditions attached to this RFQ.
Questions:
Questions regarding this RFQ must be submitted on PlanetBids. The deadline to submit questions is 12:00P.M.
Noon Pacific Time on Friday, February 28, 2025. No questions via telephone. No questions submitted after deadline.
Work Plan:
Prior to the beginning of the work, the successful proposer must provide the City a schedule and work plan for approval.
Evaluation of Quotes:
The City will be the sole determiner of suitability to the City’s needs. Proposals are rated according to their completeness and understanding of the City’s needs, conformance to the requirements of the technical specifications, compatibility with the City’s current technology and operations, prior experience with similar scope of work, financial capabilities, delivery, and cost. Cost including any ongoing maintenance and support cost are reviewed to determine which proposal best meets the needs of the City.
The City will take into consideration a local Torrance vendor sales tax rebate of 1.5% for proposals submitted by a Torrance vendor that include a material component.
The City’s project evaluation team will evaluate proposals based on the evaluation criteria listed below. Points will be assigned to each criterion up to a maximum of 100 points. Proposals will be ranked and that ranking will be made public.
Subsequently, the City may interview a qualified Firm, prior to deciding whether to recommend the award of an Agreement.
Description of Evaluation Criteria Possible Points
Description of the organization, overall experience, and recent public sector experience conducting similar lobbying and/or funding efforts. 30 Summary of Proposed Plan 30
Cost associated with proposed plan 20
Quality and Clarity of Proposal 20
Maximum Total Points = 100
Submittal Form:
Prospective bidders must submit bids in electronic only format at https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/47426/portal-home ; The quotes must be made on the form provided and
uploaded on PlanetBids.
22 Scan and attach all required documents to your eBid. Failure to provide required documents with bid may cause the bid to be deemed non-responsive.)
If an individual makes the quote, it must be signed by that individual, with an address and telephone number. If made by a business entity, it must be signed by an authorized person that executes binding agreements and contracts. A full business address and telephone are required.
Blank spaces on the quote form must be completed using ink, indelible pencil, typewriter or digitally. The text of the proposal form must not be changed and no additions. Any unauthorized conditions, limitations, or provisos attached to a proposal will render it informal and may cause its rejection. Alterations by erasure or interlineations must be explained or noted in the proposal form over the signature of the Proposer.
Payments:
Complete payment on the contract price will be made in approximately thirty (30) days from date of delivery, or completion and acceptance, unless otherwise provided for in Proposer’s proposal or in these specifications.
Payments will be made upon verification and acceptance by the City of contract services performed and upon the City’s receipt of a correct invoice.
Errors and Omissions:
The proposer may not take advantage of any errors and/or omissions in these specifications or in the proposer’s specifications submitted with its proposal. If there are errors or omissions, you will be notified.
Reservation:
The City reserves the right to revise or amend these specifications prior to the date set for opening proposals.
Revisions and amendments will be identified by an addendum to this RFQ. If the revisions require additional time to enable vendors to respond, the City may postpone the opening date accordingly. In such case, the addendum will include an announcement of the new proposal submittal due date.
The City reserves the right to award a contract to a company solely based on the initial proposal submitted.
The City reserves the right to require more information and clarification on information submitted in the proposal to complete the evaluation.
The City Council reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received, to take all proposals under advisement for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days after the date of the opening, to waive any informality on any proposal, and to be the sole judge of the relative merits of the material and or service mentioned in the respective proposals received. The City reserves the right to reject any proposal not accompanied with all data or information required.
This Request for Quote does not commit the City to award a contract or to pay any cost incurred in the preparation of a proposal. All responses to this RFQ document become the property of the City of Torrance.
The City reserves the right to examine all factors bearing on a Proposer’s ability to perform the services under the contract. The City reserves the right to reject any proposal not accompanied with all data or information required. The City reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, without penalty, at its sole discretion.
Suspension of Procurement:
The City may suspend, in writing all or a portion of the procurement of materials or services pursuant to this RFQ and subsequent contract agreement, in the event unforeseen circumstances make such procurement impossible or infeasible, or in the event, City should determine it to be in the best interest of City to cancel such procurement of services or materials.
23 In the event of termination, selected Proposer will perform such additional work as is necessary for the orderly filing of documents, and closing of project.
Notice of Intent to Award:
The City will notify all proposer’s of its intent to award. Results will be posted on Planetbids https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/47426/portal-home
Background
The City of Torrance is seeking quotes for both as-needed services and full services for State Government Legislative Consulting. The services are as follows:
1) State government consulting and advocacy services
2) Funding Acquisition - To pursue funding from the State of California, and other public sector sources for the development, enhancement and/or expansion of projects and programs
For advocacy services, expertise is sought in sound knowledge of public policy, clear understanding of the legislative process, solid political networks, knowledge of key agency programs and staff, familiarity with current legislative issues and effective communication skills. There must be demonstrated experience in bipartisan relationships with a network of access to legislators, administrative and relevant agency staff and representatives at the state level.
For funding acquisition, expertise and a solid track record is sought in the ability to successfully identify grant opportunities, and secure funding. Additionally, experience in bipartisan relationships with a network of access to legislators, administrative and relevant agency staff and representatives at the state level should be demonstrated through references.
Technical Requirements:
The City of Torrance is requesting quotes from qualified vendors for State Legislative Consultants to provide government consulting and advocacy services.
The City’s primary state legislative objectives are:
• A voice in Sacramento
• Early intelligence on emerging legislation that may impact local government
• Knowledge of trade-offs impacting legislative framing
• Be on the front side for funding during legislative framing a. Successful targeted grant applications and allocation
Desired expertise in legislative areas to include:
• Property rights of the City and private owners, zoning, housing, building regulations
• Water infrastructure and storm water infiltration systems
• Transportation infrastructure and roadways
• Transit funding
24 • Funding for libraries, parks, cultural activities
• State Pension system on the PERs system, workers’ compensation, health mandates
• Environmental matters to include: alternative energy and Air Quality Management District issues
• Public Safety
The Ideal Firm Will:
• Have a successful track-record for past state funding acquisition.
• Have extensive experience providing state representation services to public agency clients, particularly cities.
• Have established, longstanding and positive working relationships with state agencies and agency staff.
• Be fully dedicated to the funding goals and objectives of the City.
• Be proactive informing the City state actions, issues and trends that may affect City services and programs.
• Be proactive in monitoring, identifying and analyzing state legislation that may be of interest or impact to the City.
• Be proactive in monitoring and identifying state funding opportunities that may be of interest to the City.
Scope of Service:
Full services for government consulting for advocacy services for State Government may include the following:
• Work with the City Council, the City Manager, and key staff to discuss goals, objectives, opportunities and priorities.
• Support a positive relationship with the Governor's office, State Legislature, State Water Resources Control Board, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the Resources Agency, the California Department of Transportation, and/or other agencies.
• Identify and monitor legislation and state regulatory processes, including pertinent administrative, legislative and regulatory matters that may impact the City.
• Provide legislative and regulatory lobbying, as needed.
• Engage key officials (executive, legislative and local government) and stakeholders to support the City’s objectives to secure permits, grants, incentives, and favorable laws and regulations.
• Pursue legislative, regulatory and/or policy directives to help address issues with drug and alcohol rehabilitation and sober living group homes.
• Pursue greater public funding for the City.
• Coordinate meetings with State Legislators and agency department leaders to provide the City the opportunity to meet face-to-face with key decision-makers on pertinent City issues. 25 • Assist with communications and messaging.
• Assist with California Coastal Commission, clean water and environmental matters.
• Provide regular updates on the political landscape in Sacramento to help provide context, and identify opportunities and potential issues.
• Draft legislation and amendments, as necessary.
• Provide weekly written briefing reports for the City Council and City Manager on key issues and legislative committee activity during the legislative session.
• Lobby for the City’s position on legislation and regulatory matters of interest.
• Observe, review, and advise City of state legislation, state budget impacts, and issues which may affect the City through analysis via written or electronic notices, updates or reports while providing recommendations for advocacy.
• Advise appropriate City staff on all funding activities and opportunities determined to be of significance to the City.
• Analyze proposed legislative and executive agency actions affecting the City.
• Assist City in the development and execution of legislative programs, jointly or separately, for the City.
• Identify legislation and legislative proposals that may impact the City.
• Attend hearings and provide testimony on behalf of the City. Arrange opportunities for the City to participate in hearing testimonials or submission of comments.
• Meet with legislative manager either in person or via conference call, as needed. Conduct an annual visit to City to meet with City Council members and City staff to provide legislative updates.
• Develop, coordinate and implement a government relations strategy subject to approval by the City and assist with special projects as requested by the City.
• Pursue funding from the state and other public sector sources for the development, enhancement and/or expansion of projects and programs for the City.
• Research and maintain an overview of legislative and executive agency activities that will assist in funding City projects.
• Advise City on all funding activities and opportunities determined to be of significance to the City and assist in the preparation of application documents.
• Analyze proposed legislation and actions affecting the City funding needs and opportunities.
• Consult with City on potential implications of issues and alternative responses to State initiatives and participation in City meetings as scheduled; consult with City on any and all activities as requested by City or as deemed necessary by Consultant to achieve funding goals. • Monitor all introduced legislative bills for consultation with the City to determine those of interest to the City for funding of special projects and opportunities.
• Assist City in the development and execution of appropriate documents, grants or other funding application requirements.
26 • Identify and monitor legislation and state regulatory processes, including pertinent administrative, legislative and regulatory matters that impact the City.
• Ensure and advocate for legislation that maintains local control.
• Draft legislation and amendments, as necessary.
• Advocate for the City’s position on legislation and regulatory matters of interest.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports on key issues, legislative committee activity and regulatory matters of interest, and other services rendered.
The as-needed services for the state consultant would include:
• Coordinate 2-day meetings with state legislators and agency department leaders to provide the City the opportunity to meet face-to-face to discuss pertinent City issues and potential funding opportunities for priority projects.
• Assist in distribution of letters to legislators, committees and/or agencies.
• Represent the City’s position on legislation and regulatory matters of interest.
• Prepare and submit quarterly reports on services rendered.
• Research legislation and provide analysis on the impact to the City upon request.
This RFQ is intended to be as descriptive as possible. However, Proposers may not take advantage of omissions or oversights in this document. Proposers must supply products and services that meet or exceed
General Requirements:
Each proposal must contain the following: Proposers that do not provide these items in their proposal will be disqualified and their proposal will not be evaluated.
1. Specify if Proposer is interested in full services and/or as-needed services as described above in Scope of Work.
2. Name, address, telephone number, email address, and website of the entity (lead) submitting the proposal.
3. Names, contact information and qualifications of individuals employed by the entity who will participate in providing government consulting and advocacy services, as well as description on their individual responsibilities.
4. The name of one or more individuals authorized to represent the consultant in its dealings with City of Torrance.
5. Overview of organization.
6. Description of experience with the state legislative process and/or state funding acquisition.
7. Examples of issues/programs and/or projects/funding awards worked through the legislature and relevant agencies.
27 8. Summary of proposed plan to meet City’s objectives.
9. Costs associated with the summary of Proposed Plan.
10. List of current clients and past clients of similar nature.
11. Three references with name, title, telephone number and email address
Term: The initial contract will be for a period of three (3) year from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028.
28 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL
FAILURE TO COMPLETE ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION MAY INVALIDATE QUOTE.
In accordance with your "Request for Quote (RFQ)", the following proposal is submitted to the City of Torrance.
RFQ Submitted By:
_______________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Company
_______________________________________________________________________________________ Street Address City Zip Code
________________________________________ _________________________________ Telephone Number Fax Number
________________________________________ __________________________________ Printed Name/Title E- Mail Address
________________________________________ _________________________________ Signature Date
Form of Business Organization: Please indicate the following (check one).
Corporation Partnership Sole Proprietorship Other: ___________________________
Do you have a Parent Company? No Yes, _______________________________________
(Name of Parent Company)
Do you have any Subsidiaries? No Yes, _______________________________________
(Name of Subsidiary Company)
Business History:
Years in business under your current name and form of business organization? ________ Years If less than three (3) years and your company was in business under a different name, what was that name? ________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Contact for Additional Information:
Please provide the name of the individual at your company to contact for any additional information:
________________________________________ __________________________________ Printed Name Title
________________________________________ __________________________________ Telephone E-Mail Address
29 Vendor Name: ____________________________________________________________
Background and Recent Experience with Similar Projects:
In the space below, please provide a narrative explaining your background and recent experience with similar projects as the scope of work identified in this RFQ. (Please attach additional sheet if needed.)
30 Vendor Name: ____________________________________________________________
Work Plan for Each Required Task:
In the space below, please provide a narrative explaining your background and recent experience with similar projects as the scope of work identified in this RFQ. (Please attach additional sheet if needed.)
31 Vendor Name: ____________________________________________________________
References:
Please supply the names of companies/agencies for which you recently supplied comparable goods/services as requested in this RFQ. A minimum of three (3) references is required; additional references are optional.
References from public agencies are preferred. Do not include the City of Torrance as a reference for this RFQ.
1 Name of Company/Agency:
Street Address:
City, State, Zip Code:
What Product/Service did you provide
to this Company/Agency?
Name of Person to Contact:
Phone Number of Contact:
Email Address of Contact:
2 Name of Company/Agency:
Street Address:
City, State Zip Code:
What Product/Service did you provide
to this Company/Agency?
Name of Person to Contact:
Phone Number of Contact:
Email Address of Contact:
3 Name of Company/Agency:
Street Address:
City, State Zip Code:
What Product/Service did you provide
to this Company/Agency?
Name of Person to Contact:
Phone Number of Contact:
Email Address of Contact:
32 Vendor Name: ____________________________________________________________
Price Quote
In accordance with your "Request for Quote", the following price proposal is submitted to the City of Torrance. We understand that our price submittal is a not to exceed amount and that if we are selected to enter into negotiations with the City the pricing may be adjusted down unless additional services are requested and pricing will be negotiated and adjusted accordingly.
Category Description
(Vendor must attached a full description for each category explaining what they are proposing) All services must be itemized. Do not bundle.
Proposal Not to Exceed
Amount by Category Description
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total Amount for Project $
By signing the price quote below, the contractor
confirms that the price quoted includes all of the
requirements listed in this Request for Quotation
By
___________________________________________
(Signature)
Printed Name
__________________________________
Company
__________________________________
Street Address
_______________________________
City, State, Zip
______________________________
Telephone (_______ ) -
_______________________
E-Mail:
_____________________________________
Date: ___________________________________
The City standard terms are Net 30.
Do you offer discounted Invoice Terms? No, If
Yes, what are your Invoice Terms: ___________
City of Torrance Business License #
__________________
Prior to the award of a Purchase Order, you are
required to have a City of Torrance Business
License if your company is located in the City of
Torrance; will physically be working in the City of
Torrance; or will be using your own vehicles to
deliver to the City of Torrance. For additional
information and licensing requirements, please
contact the City of Torrance Business License
Office at (310) 618-5923.
33 STATE OF CALIFORNIA
PROPOSER’S AFFIDAVIT
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
____________________________ being first duly sworn deposes and says:
1. That he/she is the ___________________________ of _____________________________ (Title of Office) (Name of Company)
Hereinafter called “proposer”, who has submitted to the City of Torrance a proposal for
__________________________________________________________________________ (Title of RFQ)
2. That the proposal is genuine; that all statements of fact in the proposal are true;
3. That the proposal was not made in the interest or behalf of any person, partnership, company, association, organization or corporation not named or disclosed;
4. That the Proposer did not, directly or indirectly, induce solicit or agree with anyone else to submit a false or sham proposal, to refrain from proposing, or to withdraw his proposal, to raise or fix the proposal price of the Proposer or of anyone else, or to raise or fix any overhead, profit or cost element of the Proposer’s price or the price of anyone else; and did not attempt to induce action prejudicial to the interest of the City of Torrance, or of any other Proposer, or anyone else interested in the proposed contract;
5. That the Proposer has not in any other manner sought by collusion to secure for itself an advantage over the other Proposer or to induce action prejudicial to the interests of the City of Torrance, or of any other Proposer or of anyone else interested in the proposed contract;
6. That the Proposer has not accepted any proposal from any subcontractor or materialman through any proposal depository, the bylaws, rules or regulations of which prohibit or prevent the Proposer from considering any proposal from any subcontractor or material man, which is not processed through that proposal depository, or which prevent any subcontractor or materialman from proposing to any contractor who does not use the facilities of or accept proposals from or through such proposal depository;
7. That the Proposer did not, directly or indirectly, submit the Proposer’s proposal price or any breakdown thereof, or the contents thereof, or divulge information or data relative thereto, to any corporation, partnership, company, association, organization, proposal depository, or to any member or agent thereof, or to any individual or group of individuals, except to the City of Torrance, or to any person or persons who have a partnership or other financial interest with said Proposer in its business.
8. That the Proposer has not been debarred from participation in any State or Federal works project.
Dated this ____ day of ________________, 20_____.
_____________________________________
(Proposer Signature)
_____________________________________
(Title)
34 EXHIBIT B
QUOTE
[To be attached]
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49 LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE/ STATE FUNDING
For over 5 decades, our firm has shared in a number of successes with our clients ranging from No & Low Property Taxes, Transportation, Housing, City Dependent Special Districts, Municipal Utility, and the Constitutional protection of your City’s Bradley-Burns sales tax resulting from the negotiations and passage of Proposition 1A. Additionally, our firm is one of the few, if any, who have been successful in finding resolutions to the ever-challenging redevelopment dissolution process. We assisted numerous cities in developing a path forward with the State Department of Finance and we coordinated several successful land transfers.
Attached for your review is an outline of both our legislative and grant funding accomplishments. Please note, this is a partial list as it would be impossible to fully
communicate the level of success we have enjoyed in representing our clients.
The following will provide you with highlights of successes we have shared in with the city of Torrance:
AB 1250 (Jones-Sawyer, 2018): On behalf of our client cities:
In 2017, Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer introduced AB 1250, which proposed to prohibit cities and counties from contracting for personal services currently or customarily performed by city or county employees. Local governments have a long history of addressing service delivery challenges with creativity, self-reliance and innovation. Unique challenges and limited budgets fuel innovative efforts to obtain expertise and provide high quality services. Many services are provided by city employees, while others, such as refuse collection and specialized services, are provided on a contract basis. Law enforcement services are also commonly provided via contract with the sheriff and fire and park services by a special district.
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AB 1250 would have placed substantial burdens on local agencies by adding onerous, over prescriptive and unnecessary requirements that impede on local control and have significant impacts on local governance. The impacts to local governments would create significant cost and workload requirements, while taking into consideration unfunded pension liabilities and normal pension costs, including the discount rate reduced by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System, and creation of a new, fully searchable database posted on the city website. Additionally, AB 1250 would have created a series of new reporting requirements prior to entering or renewing a contract, along with increased litigation.
Our firm worked closely with the sponsors, the California State Council of the Service Employees International Union and the Author’s office to have cities removed from the bill. After weeks of conversations, the Author sponsors decided not to remove cities from the bill and brought it up for a vote on the Assembly floor.
We spent countless hours talking with Legislator’s and their staff about the impact AB 1250 would have on cities ability to contract out for services. When the bill was heard on the Assembly Floor, which also happened to be the deadline to pass AB 1250 out of the Assembly, the first roll call was significantly short of the 41 votes necessary to pass. Once we were able to prevent the necessary votes on the Assembly Floor, the Author and sponsors were quick to reengage in our negotiations.
Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer and the sponsors agreed to remove cities from AB 1250 entirely, which was a significant victory for cities and one that was the result of several weeks of tireless advocacy in Sacramento and in Assemblymember’s districts. Recognizing that the Legislature had to pass AB 1250 10 51
that day, and it was too late to amend the bill on the Assembly Floor, Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer gave us his commitment that he would amend the bill in the Senate to remove cities from the bill.
Our firm was able to secure enough no votes on the bill that the Assembly Democratic leadership requested we submit a letter to the Author stating that our clients were removing their opposition. We delivered the memo to the Capitol, removing our opposition, and Assembly Democratic Leadership made 80 copies in the Speaker’s office, distributed the memo to the Members of the Legislature, and the bill passed out of the Assembly. When AB 1250 was passed to the Senate, Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer stayed true to his word and removed cities from the bill.
Torrance Multi-Use Sport’s Complex
In 2021, our firm worked closely with the City Management team and assisted in reengaging negotiations on the Torrance Multi-Use Sport’s Complex with the Judicial Council of California.
As you know, the Torrance Sports Complex had been at the center of significant negotiations between the City of Torrance and the Judicial Council of California.
The sport’s complex, which is situated on state-owned land near the Torrance Courthouse, was originally purchased for expansion of the Los Angeles Superior Court. However, due to budget constraints, plans to expand the court building were not in the foreseeable future. The complex faced potential closure when the Judicial Council decided to significantly increase the rent from $1 per year to a proposed $31,000 per month. This increase was driven by the Judicial Council's stance that the previous rent was essentially a "gift of public funds."
For several years the City of Torrance, recognizing the importance of the complex to the community, worked tirelessly with the Board of the Judicial Council to 11 52
extend the lease prior to the October 31, 2021 expiration. Unfortunately, no progress was being made. Our firm worked closely with your City and the Judicial Council of California to reach a negotiated agreement to preserve this vital and cherished part of the Torrance community.
Member’s Requests – Budget Funding
In 2021 & 2022, the State had a historic surplus that allowed Legislator’s to submit “Members Requests” through the budget for project funding in their districts. Our firm worked closely with your management team to identify the projects that the City would like to request for funding. Once the priority projects were identified, our firm worked closely with Assemblymember Muratsuchi and Senator’s Allen and Bradford to request their support for funding. Thanks to the hard work of Assemblymember Muratsuchi, the city of Torrance was awarded funding for 3 projects over 2 budget cycles:
SB 170 (Budget, 2021)
1. $5,000,000 to the City of Torrance for the World War II Japanese American Incarceration Memorial.
SB 104 (Budget, 2022)
1. The first project was a $3.5 million allocation for the Torrance Unified School District for solar covered parking lots for high school campuses.
2. The second project was a $5.5 million allocation for the Community Resource and Response Center.
I want to highlight that it was your Legislator’s that submitted the request and advocated for this funding. Our firm worked closely with the City, your Legislators, and the Budget Committees through the process, but at the end of the day, it was Assemblymember Muratsuchi who delivered on this funding.
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World War II Japanese American Incarceration Memorial
In 2021, the City engaged our office to assist with the World War II Japanese American Incarceration Memorial and the Advisory Committee. Assemblymember Muratsuchi was able to secure funding through the budget process and our firm assisted the City in navigating the process for appointments to the Committee.
During the 2021 State Budget negotiations, Assemblymember Muratsuchi was successful in obtaining a $5 million grant for the city of Torrance to advance the World War II Japanese Memorial. SB 170 (Skinner, 2021), a budget trailer bill, allocated $5,000,000 to the City of Torrance for the World War II Japanese American Incarceration Memorial. SB 170 provided that at least $4,000,000 of the appropriated funds shall be restricted to spending for costs incurred for the design, planning, development, construction, and materials for the memorial. Up to $1,000,000 shall be used for supporting infrastructure, including, but not limited to, lighting, walkways, parking lot upgrades, and restroom facilities.
Further, SB 170 directed the City of Torrance to consult with a five-member advisory committee, including for the approval for the memorial design. The advisory committee consists of one member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, one member appointed by the President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, and three members appointed by the Mayor of Torrance. The mayoral appointments shall include at least one representative of an organization specializing in Japanese American history or who is active in the local Japanese American Community.
In December 2021, our firm scheduled and participated in a meeting between your management team and the CA Natural Resources Agency to discuss process, funding allowances and restrictions, including time allowed to enter into an agreement and exercise the available funding. The City was required to complete 13 54
the grant application process and encumber the funding no later than 2024 with the project being completed by 2026.
Sacramento Trips
Our firm strongly believes in the importance of maintaining a presence in Sacramento and recommends the City travel to Sacramento annually to meet with Legislator’s, the Administration, and State Agencies to discuss issues of importance to the city of Torrance.
On April 29, 2025, Mayor Chen, Councilmember Kaji and Councilmember Sheikh, along with City staff, came to Sacramento for a 2-day trip of meetings that focused on the City’s priority projects. Our firm was able to schedule meetings with Senator Allen and Assemblymember Muratsuchi’s office to discuss these projects in greater detail. In addition, we were able to schedule meetings with both the California Natural Resources Agency and California State Parks to discuss any potential funding for the City’s priority projects. Lastly, our office was able to schedule and attend a tour of the city of Elk Grove’s aquatics center.
Over the year’s, we have successful scheduled and participated in the City’s Sacramento trips. Past trips have included meetings with:
California Energy Commission to discuss hydrogen.
Public Policy institute of California to discuss retail theft. Legislative Analyst Office to discuss retail theft.
California Department of Housing and Community Development to discuss the City’s housing priorities, housing element and corridor study. Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development to discuss hydrogen.
Senator Ben Allen to discuss the Civic Center master plan and retail theft. Assemblymember Muratsuchi to discuss the Civic Center master plan and retail theft.
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Assemblymember Ramos, Chair of the Budget Subcommittee #6 overseeing public safety, to discuss retail theft.
Assembly Member Zbur, Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Retail Theft, to discuss retail theft.
These meetings are very productive and provide the City an opportunity to meet with key decisionmakers and stakeholders to discuss issues of importance to the City.
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