City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: August 6, 2024
From: Daniel Calleros, Interim City Administrator
Department: City Administration
Submitted by: Diana Figueroa, Management Analyst
Subject
Amendment No. 1 with Jemmott Rollins Group, Inc. for Production of Vernon CommUNITY Fund Anniversary Promotional Publication
Recommendation
A. Find that the best interests of the City are served by a direct award of the Vernon CommUNITY Fund publication project to Jemmott Rollins Group, Inc. (JRG) without a competitive process pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Sections 3.32.110 (B)(2) and (3); and B. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute Amendment No. 1 with JRG, in substantially the same form as submitted, for an amount not-to-exceed $25,000, to prepare and produce the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Anniversary Promotional Publication.
Background
As one of the key elements of the City’s good governance reforms, the City Council created the Vernon CommUNITY Fund (VCF) to provide grants to charitable and governmental entities for projects and programs that benefit those residing and working in Vernon. Given the largely industrial nature of Vernon, it was determined that the establishment of the VCF would be in the best interest of the City and surrounding communities, offering support for residents and workers through its funding of organizations that provide vital services.
On February 4, 2014, the City Council instituted the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee (Grant Committee) and provided the basic guidelines and operational procedures for said Committee and its officers, including those related to the allocation of funds and the processes for reviewing and ranking applications and awarding grants. Since such time, the VCF has been a consistent benefactor for non-profit organizations in the Vernon Area (which encompasses Vernon, Huntington Park, Maywood, Bell, Commerce, Boyle Heights, and East Los Angeles), awarding grants to approximately 70 organizations over the last 10 years. The VCF has also extended its philanthropic reach by establishing the VCF Scholarship Program in 2019 which assists high school seniors in the Vernon Area that are in pursuit of higher education. Overall, the VCF has awarded more than $5 million in grants and scholarships.
The magnitude of Vernon’s contributions to the surrounding Southeast Los Angeles Area (SELA) is undeniable. VCF grants contribute to the health, well-being, and quality of life in local communities and support regional programs and services that address workforce development, education, youth advocacy, sports, the arts, violence prevention, homelessness, mental health, and more. The important grantmaking activities sponsored by the VCF embody the goodwill of the City.
This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Vernon CommUNITY Fund. In order to celebrate the VCF’s history and good work, staff recommends that the City distribute a professional publication that highlights past grantees, community members, testimonials, funding amounts and areas of focus, and metrics on program success. This 2024 special edition promotional booklet will aptly commemorate the VCF anniversary milestone.
To lead in the creation of the publication, City staff recommends utilizing Jemmott Rollins Group, Inc. (JRG). For the administration of VCF grantmaking, the City has partnered with JRG to provide consultation, guidance, research and specialized support services to the City Administrator and City staff for all matters related to the VCF. JRG has broad experience in nonprofit grantmaking and grants management and functional knowledge of ethics and principles governing the grantmaking process. The firm assisted the City in developing the initial iteration of the VCF program and has seen firsthand its evolution through the years. As a result of this extensive involvement, JRG is personally connected with VCF grantee organizations and the philanthropic realm in which they exist; is extensively familiar with their respective community reputations and various programs; and is intimately aware of the analytics and metrics that illustrate the organizations’ positive impacts on Vernon Area communities.
It is recommended that the Council find that it is in the best interest of the City to award the project to JRG for the purpose of creating the VCF 10-year anniversary promotional booklet. JRG has the unique ability to guide the City through the production of the professional publication with minimal staff time investment and content creation, as the firm has established true connectivity and credibility with the VCF grantees and local communities that will be featured in the publication. JRG has the necessary qualifications and knowledge to create a product that accurately reflects the mission and perspective of the Vernon CommUNITY Fund.
Amendment No. 1 modifies the current scope of work for JRG to incorporate activities associated with the preparation and production of the VCF anniversary publication. Council approval of Amendment No. 1 with JRG is required pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Sections 3.32.030 (A) and 3.32.110 (B)(2) and (3) since the total value of the City’s existing Services Agreement with JRG exceeds $100,000. With the project being promotional in nature, staff recommends that funds from the City’s Community Development Fund, Advertisement/Promotion account be utilized rather than depleting funding allocated for Fiscal Year 2024-25 grantmaking. Amendment No. 1 has been approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact for the project is not-to-exceed $25,000 with a total value of $223,000 for the term of the agreement. Sufficient funds are available in General Fund, Community Development Department, Advertisement/Promotion Account No. 011-010-160-525000 for the current fiscal year.
Attachments
1. Amendment No. 1 with Jemmott Rollins Group, Inc.