CC SR 20240319 04 - RPPG Lobbyist Services Agreement
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 03/19/2024
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to approve the Second Amendment of the Professional
Service Agreement for lobbyist services with Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG).
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with RPPG,
extending the term to February 28, 2025 and increasing the contract sum from
$112,000 to $168,000; and,
(2) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Amendment in a form approved
by the City Attorney.
FISCAL IMPACT: If the recommended Council action items are approved, the
Amendment amount of $56,000 is included in the Fiscal Year 2023-
24 budget development process. The amount of the Agreement
extending into FY 2024-25 will be included in the budget
development process. VR
Amount Budgeted: $60,000
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): 101-400-1410-5101
(General Fund – Administrative Professional Services)
ORIGINATED BY: Shaunna Hunter, MPA, Administrative Analyst
REVIEWED BY: Same as below
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with RPPG
(page A-1)
B. Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with RPPG
(page B-1)
C. Professional Services Agreement with RPPG (page C-1)
D. RPPG Advocacy Update (page D-1)
BACKGROUND:
1
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
In 2021, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes engaged RPPG, a lobbying firm, to work on
behalf of the City’s interests in Sacramento following a request for proposals (RFP)
process. The original intent of the RFP was to engage in a Peninsula-wide lobbying effort,
but the three other Peninsula cities opted to not move forward with retaining a lobbying
firm citing cost prohibitions. Rancho Palos Verdes engaged RPPG in 2022 to identify
advocacy priorities, advocate the City’s legislative platform, obtain funding direction and
earmark recommendations, and advocate City priorities with state lawmakers. The City
Council established a Subcommittee with now-Mayor Cruikshank and Mayor Pro Tem
Eric Alegria serving as members.
In February 2023, the City Council approved Amendment No. 1 to the Professional
Services Agreement (PSA), extending the PSA for one year through February 2024. The
amendment for consideration tonight with RPPG is the second and final amendment to
the original PSA, which permits two one-year term extensions. Should the Council choose
to approve the final amendment (Attachment A), the PSA will expire on February 28,
2025.
DISCUSSION:
The following discussion is for the Council’s consideration in extending the PSA with
RPPG an additional year.
Legislative Activities
RPPG has provided an Advocacy Update (Attachment B), which describes its advocacy
efforts and bills the City took positions on in the previous legislative session. In addition,
RPPG meets with Staff biweekly during the legislative session and meets with the City
Council Subcommittee as requested. RPPG provides supplementary bill analysis as
requested by Staff or the Council for items of interest to the City. A scope of services is
outlined in the contract amendment being considered by the City Council this evening
(Attachment A) and summarized below:
Scope of Services
• Review Governor’s January Budget Proposal and identify possible funding
opportunities for the City, particularly for special projects such as the Portuguese
Bend Landslide Remediation Project.
• Draft fact sheets, background materials, talking points, and other materials needed
on various legislation that would be of City interest and aligned with the Council -
adopted legislative platform.
• Meet with potential opposition to understand and mitigate potential concerns about
bills relevant to the City.
• Develop recommended positions on legislation and state budget proposals.
• Draft letters of support, opposition, and/or amendments to address concerns.
2
• Negotiate with authors and sponsors to resolve concerns or stop bills where
resolution is not possible.
• Track and analyze proposed new laws and regulations and provide general
advocacy on legislation important to the City. This includes proactive information -
gathering that keeps the City up to date on relevant state agency/department
regulations and administrative policies.
• Monitor budget process for potential impacts. Engage when needed.
• Testify in policy committees on bills for which the City has an active position, or
recruit and prepare City personnel to testify where appropriate.
• Produce regular legislative reports.
• Draft end of session report providing process on legislative activities and results
on targeted legislation.
In addition to the above, RPPG conducts regular “table top” discussions for its clients
including the City. For example, earlier this year, the Community Development
Department participated in a discussion on housing legislation. Additionally, the City’s
Human Resources Analysts met with RPPG staff to discuss current and new labor laws.
In addition, RPPG has assisted the City in coordinating meetings with our state
representatives and attended meetings related to the Portuguese Bend Landslide
Remediation project, one of the highest priorities of the City Council.
RPPG Director of Government Affairs Sharon Gonsalves will attend the City Council
meeting to provide an update and answer any questions from the City Council.
CONCLUSION:
Given the City’s increased focus on legislative affairs and desire to have a more
consistent voice in Sacramento, Staff recommends the City Council approve the second
amendment to the RPPG agreement.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available
for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Direct Staff to re-solicit proposals.
2. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
3
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN RANCHO PALOS VERDES AND RENNE PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
THIS AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
(“Amendment No. 2”) by and between the CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES (“City”) and
RENNE PUBLIC POLICY GROUP, a limited liability partnership (“Consultant”) is effective
as of March 1, 2024.
RECITALS
A. City and Consultant entered into that certain Agreement for Professional Services
dated March 1, 2022 (“Agreement”) whereby Consultant agreed to provide State lobbying services
(the “Services”) for a term of one year, for a Contract Sum of $56,000. The Agreement provided
for two additional one-year extensions at the City’s discretion.
B. City and Consultant amended the Agreement with Amendment No. 1 on February
28, 2023 to extend the Term of the Agreement by one year and increase the Contract Sum by an
additional $56,000 to cover the costs of Services, for a maximum Contract Sum of $112,000.
C. City and Consultant now desire to amend the Agreement to extend the Term of the
Agreement by one year through February 28, 2025, and to increase the Contract Sum by an
additional $56,000, for a maximum total Contract Sum of $168,000.
TERMS
1. Contract Changes. The Agreement is amended as provided herein. Deleted text is
indicated in strikethrough and added text in bold italics.
a. Section 2.1 Contract Sum
Subject to any limitations set forth in this Agreement, City agrees to pay Consultant
the amounts specified in the “Schedule of Compensation” attached hereto as
Exhibit “C’ and incorporated herein by this reference. The total compensation
including reimbursement for actual expenses, shall not exceed $112,000 (One
Hundred Twelve Thousand Dollars)$168,000 (One-Hundred Eight Thousand
Dollars) (the “Contract Sum”), unless additional compensation is approved
pursuant to Section 1.9. The Contract Sum includes the following: $56,000 for the
initial one year term and an amount not to exceed $56,000 for second each
subsequent one year term.
b. Section 3.4 Term is hereby amended to read as follows:
Unless earlier terminated in accordance with Article 7 of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until completion of the services
but not exceeding two years from the date hereof February 28, 2025, except as
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01203.0001/953951.4 -2-
otherwise provided in the Schedule of Performance (Exhibit “D.”) The City may in
its sole discretion extend the Term by an additional one-year terms.
c. Exhibit “D” Schedule of Performance is repealed and replaced with
Exhibit “D” Amendment No. 2 Schedule of Compensation, attached hereto and incorporated
by reference.
2. Continuing Effect of Agreement. Except as amended by Amendment Nos. 1 and
2, all provisions of the Agreement 2 shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. From and
after the date of this Amendment 2, whenever the term “Agreement” appears in the Agreement, it
shall mean the Agreement, as amended by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2.
3. Affirmation of Agreement; Warranty Re Absence of Defaults. City and
Consultant each ratify and reaffirm each and every one of the respective rights and obligations
arising under the Agreement. Each party represents and warrants to the other that there have been
no written or oral modifications to the Agreement other than as provided herein. Each party
represents and warrants to the other that the Agreement is currently an effective, valid, and binding
obligation.
Consultant represents and warrants to City that, as of the date of this Amendment No. 2,
City is not in default of any material term of the Agreement and that there have been no events
that, with the passing of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a material default
under the Agreement.
City represents and warrants to Consultant that, as of the date of this Amendment No. 2,
Consultant is not in default of any material term of the Agreement and that there have been no
events that, with the passing of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a material
default under the Agreement.
4. Adequate Consideration. The parties hereto irrevocably stipulate and agree that
they have each received adequate and independent consideration for the performance of the
obligations they have undertaken pursuant to this Amendment No. 2.
5. Authority. The persons executing this Amendment on behalf of the parties hereto
warrant that (i) such party is duly organized and existing, (ii) they are duly authorized to execute
and deliver this Amendment No. 2 on behalf of said party, (iii) by so executing this Amendment
No.2, such party is formally bound to the provisions of this Amendment No. 2, and (iv) the entering
into this Amendment No. 2 does not violate any provision of any other agreement to which said
party is bound.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date
and year first-above written.
ATTEST:
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ALESHIRE & WYNDER, LLP
Elena Q. Gerli, City Attorney
CITY:
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, a
municipal corporation
John Cruikshank, Mayor
CONSULTANT:
RENNE PUBLIC POLICY GROUP, a
By:
By:
me: Jo/m Holtzman
T" le: Founding Partner
lhL4LI~-rune; Sharon Gonsalves
Title: Director of Government
Affairs
Address: 1100 11t1t Street, Suite 231
8aerameflto, CA 95814. 1127 1 l1h
Street, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
Two corporate officer signatures required when Consultant is a corporation, with one signature required from
each of the following groups: 1) Chairman of the Board, President or any Vice President; and 2) Secretary, any
Assistant Secretary, Chief Financial Officer or any Assistant Treasurer. CONSULTANT'S SIGNATURES
SHALL BE DULY NOTARIZED, AND APPROPRIATE ATTESTATIONS SHALL BE INCLUDED AS
MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE BYLAWS, ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, OR OTHER RULES OR
REGULA TIO NS APPLICABLE TO CONSULTANT'S BUSINESS ENTITY.
01203.0001/953951.4 -3-
01203.0001/953951.4
CALIFORNIA ALL-PURPOSE ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
On __________, 2024 before me, ________________, personally appeared ________________, proved to me on the
basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose names(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and
acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by
his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted,
executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true
and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature: _____________________________________
OPTIONAL
Though the data below is not required by law, it may prove valuable to persons relying on the document and could
prevent fraudulent reattachment of this form.
CAPACITY CLAIMED BY SIGNER DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED DOCUMENT
INDIVIDUAL
CORPORATE OFFICER
_______________________________
TITLE(S)
PARTNER(S) LIMITED
GENERAL
ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
TRUSTEE(S)
GUARDIAN/CONSERVATOR
OTHER_______________________________
______________________________________
SIGNER IS REPRESENTING:
(NAME OF PERSON(S) OR ENTITY(IES))
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
___________________________________
TITLE OR TYPE OF DOCUMENT
___________________________________
NUMBER OF PAGES
___________________________________
DATE OF DOCUMENT
___________________________________
SIGNER(S) OTHER THAN NAMED ABOVE
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the
document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy or validity of that document.
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01203.0001/953951.4
CALIFORNIA ALL-PURPOSE ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
On __________, 2024 before me, ________________, personally appeared ________________, proved to me on the
basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose names(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and
acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by
his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted,
executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true
and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature: _____________________________________
OPTIONAL
Though the data below is not required by law, it may prove valuable to persons relying on the document and could
prevent fraudulent reattachment of this form.
CAPACITY CLAIMED BY SIGNER DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED DOCUMENT
INDIVIDUAL
CORPORATE OFFICER
_______________________________
TITLE(S)
PARTNER(S) LIMITED
GENERAL
ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
TRUSTEE(S)
GUARDIAN/CONSERVATOR
OTHER_______________________________
______________________________________
SIGNER IS REPRESENTING:
(NAME OF PERSON(S) OR ENTITY(IES))
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
___________________________________
TITLE OR TYPE OF DOCUMENT
___________________________________
NUMBER OF PAGES
___________________________________
DATE OF DOCUMENT
___________________________________
SIGNER(S) OTHER THAN NAMED ABOVE
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the
document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy or validity of that document.
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01203.0001/953951.4
Exhibit “D” AMENDMENT NO. 2
SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE
Upon Contract Award, Consultant Shall
• Collaborate with City staff to review its 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 legislative platform
and to integrate it into an annual legislative advocacy plan.
• Foster new and established relationships with Legislators and key Administration official
shortly after contract commencement and make recommendations for meetings.
• Develop an advocacy strategy that identifies legislative champions and key stakeholders
including coordination with other municipalities and organizations with similar legislative
objectives.
• Develop a clear communication plan, including a regularly scheduled conference call,
along with written reports.
• Collaborate with the City to modify annual legislative advocacy plan to reflect changing
priorities, to focus on key issues of importance to the City.
March-December 2024
• Review Governor’s January Budget Proposal and identify possible funding opportunities
for the City.
• Draft fact sheets, background materials, talking points, and other materials needed.
• Meet with potential opposition to understand and mitigate potential concerns about bills
relevant to the City.
• Develop recommended positions on legislation and state budget proposals.
• Draft letters of support, opposition, and/pr amendments to address concerns
• Negotiate with authors and sponsors to resolve concerns or stop bills where resolution is
not possible.
• Track and analyze proposed new laws and regulations, and provide general advocacy on
legislation important to the City. This includes proactive information-gathering that keeps
the City up to date on relevant state agency/department regulations and administrative
policies.
• Monitor budget process for potential impacts. Engage when needed.
• Testify in policy committees on bills for which the City has an active position, or recruit
and prepare City personnel to testify where appropriate.
A-6
01203.0001/953951.4
• Produce regular legislative reports.
• Draft end of session report providing process on legislative activities and results on targeted
legislation.
A-7
B-1
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4DA55455-D43D-4265-96E2-E8C0EA734867
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
THIS AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
("Amendment No. l") by and between the CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, a general
law city & municipal corporation ("City"), and RENNE PUBLIC LAW GROUP, LLP d/b/a
RENNE PUBLIC POLICY GROUP (RPPG), a limited liability partnership ("Consultant") is
effective as of March 1, 2023.
RECITALS
A . City and Consultant entered into that certain Agreement for Professional Services
dated March 1, 2022 ("Agreement") whereby Consultant agreed to provide state lobbying services
(the "Services") for a Term of one year for a Contract Sum of $56,000. The Agreement provided
for two additional one-year extensions at the City's discretion.
B. The City and Consultant now desire to : (1) extend the Term of the Agreement by
one year and (2) increase the Contract Sum by an additional $56,000 to cover the costs of Services
for the next year, for a not-to-exceed total Contract Sum of $112,000.
TERMS
1. Contract Changes. The Agreement is amended as provided herein. Deleted text
is indicated in strikethrough and added text in bold italics.
(a) Section 2.1, Contract Sum, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Subject to any limitations set forth in this Agreement, City agrees to pay
Consultant the amounts specified in the "Schedule of Compensation"
attached hereto as Exhibit "C" and incorporated herein by this reference .
The total compensation, including reimbursement for actual expenses, shall
not exceed $56,000 (Fifty Six Thousand Dollars) $112,000 (One Hundred
Twelve Thousand Dollars) (the "Contract Sum"), unless additional
compensation is approved pursuant to Section 1.9 . The Contract Sum
includes the following: $56,000 for the initial one-year term and an
amount not-to-exceed $56,000 for the second one-year term.
(b) Section 3.4, Term, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Unless earlier terminated in accordance with Article 7 of this Agreement,
this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until completion of
the services but not exceeding one year two years from the date hereof,
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4DA55455-D43D-4265-96E2-E8C0EA734867
except as otherwise provided in the Schedule of Performance (Exhibit "D").
The City may , in its sole discretion, extend the Term by one twe additional
one-year terms .
2. Continuing Effect of Agreement. Except as amended by this Amendment No. 1,
all provisions of the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. From and
after the date of this Amendment No. 2, whenever the term "Agreement" appears in the Agreement,
it shall mean the Agreement, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement.
3. Affirmation of Agreement; Warranty Re Absence of Defaults. City and
Consultant each ratify and reaffirm each and every one of the respective rights and obligations
arising under the Agreement. Each party represents and warrants to the other that there have been
no written or oral modifications to the Agreement other than as provided herein. Each party
represents and warrants to the other that the Agreement is currently an effective, valid, and binding
obligation.
Consultant represents and warrants to City that , as of the date of this Amendment No . 1,
City is not in default of any material term of the Agreement and that there have been no events
that , with the passing of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a material default
under the Agreement.
City represents and warrants to Consultant that, as of the date of this Amendment No. 1,
Consultant is not in default of any material term of the Agreement and that there have been no
events that , with the passing of time or the giving of notice, or both , would constitute a material
default under the Agreement.
4. Adequate Consideration. The parties hereto irrevocably stipulate and agree that
they have each received adequate and independent consideration for the performance of the
obligations they have undertaken pursuant to this Amendment No . 1.
5. Authority. The persons executing this Amendment No. 1 on behalf of the parties
hereto warrant that (i) such party is duly organized and existing, (ii) they are duly authorized to
execute and deliver this Amendment No. 1 on behalf of said party, (iii) by so executing this
Amendment No. 1, such party is formally bound to the provisions of this Amendment No . 1, and
(iv) the entering into this Amendment No . 1 does not violate any provision of any other agreement
to which said party is bound.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4DA55455-D43D-4265-96E2-E8C0EA734867
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on
the date and year first-above written.
ATTEST:
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ALESHIRE & WYNDER, LLP
William W. Wynder, City Attorney
CITY:
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, a
municipal corporation
G DocuSigned by:
L~
Barbara Ferraro, Mayor
CONSULTANT:
RENNE PUBLIC POLICY GROUP (RPPG)
IADocuSigned by:
By: ~~~,0~~~2:~
Name: Jon Holtzman
Title: Founding Partner
l,DocuSigned by:
By:~~!~E~~sks
Name : Sharon Gonsalves
Title: Director of Government Affairs
Address: 1100 11 th Street, Suite 231
Sacramento, CA 95814
Two corporate officer signatures required when Consultant is a corporation, with one signature required from
each of the following groups: 1) Chairman of the Board, President or any Vice President; and 2) Secretary, any
Assistant Secretary, Chief Financial Officer or any Assistant Treasurer. CONSULTANT'S SIGNATURES
SHALL BE DULY NOTARIZED, AND APPROPRIATE ATTESTATIONS SHALL BE INCLUDED AS
MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE BYLAWS, ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, OR OTHER RULES OR
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO CONSULTANT'S BUSINESS ENTITY.
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Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Id: 4DA55455D43D426596E2E8C0EA734867
Subject: Complete with DocuSign : Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG) Contract Amendment 1
Source Envelope:
Document Pages : 3
Certificate Pages : 5
AutoNav: Enabled
Envelopeld Stamping: Enabled
Signatures : 5
Initials: 0
Time Zone: (UTC-08 :00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Record Tracking
Status : Original
2/22/2023 2 :26 :12 PM
Signer Events
Jon Holtzman
JHoltzman@publiclawgroup.com
Managing partner
Security Level: Email, Account Authentication
(None)
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Accepted: 2/23/2023 3:13:12 PM
ID : 8b85ad7b-668a-43b2-8ad 1-3ac57 4e4dbf9
Sharon Gonsalves
sgonsalves@publicpolicygroup.com
Security Level: Email, Account Authentication
(None)
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Accepted : 2/27/2023 10 :21 :01 AM
ID: 3e4deaf9-a45e-4406-9555-cb68f73fb527
William Wynder
wwynder@awattorneys.com
Security Level : Email, Account Authentication
(None)
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Accepted : 2/27/2023 10 :21 :56 AM
ID: 1777ba51-3afc-4655-9f4f-5c877663c4ee
Barbara Ferraro
barbara.ferraro@rpvca .gov
Security Level: Email, Account Authentication
(None)
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Accepted : 2/27/2023 10 :56 :51 PM
ID: b 180f7 e2-6814-4af7 -80d9-851136667 e04
Holder: Nathan B . Zweizig
nathanz@rpvca .gov
Signature
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Using IP Address : 73.41 .141.192
Signature Adoption: Pre-selected Style
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r-=:;□ocuSigned by:
L~
Signature Adoption: Drawn on Device
Using IP Address: 174.67.219 .246
Signed using mobile
Status : Completed
Envelope Originator:
Nathan B . Zweizig
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
DocuSign·
Rancho Palos Verdes , CA 90275
nathanz@rpvca.gov
IP Address: 72 .34.97 .146
Location: DocuSign
Timestamp
Sent: 2/22/2023 2:35 :3 9 PM
Resent: 2/23/2023 10:40:30 AM
Viewed : 2/23/2023 3:13:12 PM
Signed: 2/23/2023 3 : 15 :34 PM
Sent: 2/23/2023 3: 15:38 PM
Resent: 2/24/2023 2:38:02 PM
Resent: 2/27/2023 8:01 :45 AM
Viewed : 2/27/2023 10:21 :01 AM
Signed: 2/27/2023 10:21 :15 AM
Sent: 2/27/2023 10 :21: 19 AM
Viewed : 2/27/2023 10 :21 :56 AM
Signed: 2/27/2023 10:22:06 AM
Sent: 2/27/2023 10 :22:10 AM
Resent: 2/27/2023 2:27 :23 PM
Viewed : 2/27/2023 10 :56:51 PM
Signed: 2/27/2023 10:58:40 PM
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Signer Events
Teresa Takaoka
terit@rpvca.gov
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Security Level : Email , Account Authentication
(None)
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via DocuSign
In Person Signer Events
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lnaaya Hassan
ihassan@publicpolicygroup.com
Security Level: Email, Account Authentication
(None)
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via DocuSign
Amy Boggs
aboggs@publicpolicygroup .com
Security Level: Email, Account Authentication
(None)
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via DocuSign
City Clerk's Office
cityclerk@rpvca.gov
Security Level: Email, Account Authentication
(None)
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Accepted : 2/1/2023 3:10:58 PM
ID: 505eed45-7 ed0-4db8-aae6-ef6eedfef03d
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Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure
Timestamp
Sent: 2/27/2023 10 :58:43 PM
Viewed : 2/28/2023 7:51 :28 AM
Signed : 2/28/2023 7 :51 :3 9 AM
Timestamp
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Sent: 2/28/2023 7 :51 :43 AM
Sent: 2/28/2023 7:51 :47 AM
Sent: 2/28/2023 7:51 :50 AM
Viewed: 2/28/2023 7:52:22 AM
Timestamp
Timestamp
Timestamps
2/22/2023 2:35:39 PM
2/28/2023 7:51 :28 AM
2/28/2023 7:51 :39 AM
2/28/2023 7:51 :50 AM
Timestamps
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Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure created on: 6/15/2021 5:55:39 PM
Parties agreed to : Jon Holtzman , Sharon Gonsalves , William Wynder, Barbara Ferraro , City Clerk's Office
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with City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
C-1
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
By and Between
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
and
RENNE PUBLIC POLICY GROUP, LLP (RPPG)
01203.0001/298339.3 1
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AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
BETWEEN THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AND
RENNE PUBLIC LAW GROUP, LLP OBA RENNE PUBLIC POLICY GROUP (RPPG)
THIS AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES (herein "Agreement") is made and
entered into on March 1, 2022, by and between the CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, a
California municipal corporation ("CITY") and RENNE PUBLIC LAW GROUP, LLP
d/b/a RENNE PUBLIC POLICY GROUP (RPPG), a limited liability partnership
("Consultant"). City and Consultant may be referred to, individually or collectively, as "Party" or
"Parties."
RECITALS
A. City has sought, by issuance of a Request for Proposals or Invitation for Bids, the
performance of the services defined and described particularly in Article 1 of this Agreement.
B. Consultant, following submission of a proposal or bid for the performance of the
services defined and described particularly in Article 1 of this Agreement, was selected by the City
to perform those services.
C. Pursuant to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, City has authority to
enter into and execute this Agreement.
D. The Parties desire to formalize the selection of Consultant for performance of those
services defined and described particularly in Article 1 of this Agreement and desire that the terms
of that performance be as particularly defined and described herein.
OPERATIVE PROVISIONS
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants made by the
Parties and contained herein and other consideration, the value and adequacy of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1. SERVICES OF CONSULTANT
1.1 Scope of Services.
In compliance with all terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Consultant shall provide
those services specified in the "Scope of Services" attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated
herein by this reference, which may be referred to herein as the "services" or "work" hereunder.
As a material inducement to the City entering into this Agreement, Consultant represents and
warrants that it has the qualifications, experience, and facilities necessary to properly perform the
services required under this Agreement in a thorough, competent, and professional manner, and is
experienced in performing the work and services contemplated herein. Consultant shall at all times
faithfully, competently and to the best of its ability, experience and talent, perform all services
described herein. Consultant covenants that it shall follow the highest professional standards in
performing the work and services required hereunder and that all materials will be both of good
quality as well as fit for the purpose intended. For purposes of this Agreement, the phrase "highest
01203.0001/298339.3
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professional standards" shall mean those standards of practice recognized by one or more first-
class firms performing similar work under similar circumstances.
1.2 Consultant's Proposal.
The Scope of Service shall include the Consultant's scope of work or bid which shall be
incorporated herein by this reference as though fully set forth herein. In the event of any
inconsistency between the terms of such proposal and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement
shall govern.
1.3 Compliance with Law.
Consultant shall keep itself informed concerning, and shall render all services hereunder in
accordance with, all ordinances, resolutions, statutes, rules, and regulations of the City and any
Federal, State or local governmental entity having jurisdiction in effect at the time service is
rendered.
1.4 California Labor Law.
If the Scope of Services includes any "public work" or "maintenance work," as those terms
are defined in California Labor Code section 1720 et seq. and California Code of Regulations,
Title 8, Section 16000 et seq., and if the total compensation is $1,000 or more, Consultant shall
pay prevailing wages for such work and comply with the requirements in California Labor Code
section 1770 et seq. and 1810 et seq., and all other applicable laws, including the following
requirements:
(a) Public Work. The Parties acknowledge that some or all of the work to be
performed under this Agreement is a "public work" as defined in Labor Code Section 1720 and
that this Agreement is therefore subject to the requirements of Division 2, Part 7, Chapter 1
( commencing with Section 1720) of the California Labor Code relating to public works contracts
and the rules and regulations established by the Department of Industrial Relations ("DIR")
implementing such statutes. The work performed under this Agreement is subject to compliance
monitoring and enforcement by the DIR. Consultant shall post job site notices, as prescribed by
regulation.
(b) Prevailing Wages. Consultant shall pay prevailing wages to the extent
required by Labor Code Section 1 771. Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1 773 .2, copies of the
prevailing rate of per diem wages are on file at City Hall and will be made available to any
interested party on request. By initiating any work under this Agreement, Consultant
acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) determination of
the prevailing rate of per diem wages, and Consultant shall post a copy of the same at each job site
where work is performed under this Agreement.
(c) Penalty for Failure to Pay Prevailing Wages. Consultant shall comply with
and be bound by the provisions of Labor Code Sections 1774 and 1775 concerning the payment
of prevailing rates of wages to workers and the penalties for failure to pay prevailing wages. The
Consultant shall, as a penalty to the City, forfeit two hundred dollars ($200) for each calendar day,
or portion thereof, for each worker paid less than the prevailing rates as determined by the DIR for
0I203.0001/298339.3 2
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the work or craft in which the worker is employed for any public work done pursuant to this
Agreement by Consultant or by any subcontractor.
(d) Payroll Records. Consultant shall comply with and be bound by the
provisions of Labor Code Section 1776, which requires Consultant and each subconsultant to: keep
accurate payroll records and verify such records in writing under penalty of perjury, as specified
in Section 1776; certify and make such payroll records available for inspection as provided by
Section 1776; and inform the City of the location of the records.
( e) Apprentices. Consultant shall comply with and be bound by the provisions
of Labor Code Sections 1777.5, 1777.6, and 1777.7 and California Code of Regulations Title 8,
Section 200 et seq. concerning the employment of apprentices on public works projects. Consultant
shall be responsible for compliance with these aforementioned Sections for all apprenticeable
occupations. Prior to commencing work under this Agreement, Consultant shall provide City with
a copy of the information submitted to any applicable apprenticeship program. Within sixty ( 60)
days after concluding work pursuant to this Agreement, Consultant and each of its subconsultants
shall submit to the City a verified statement of the journeyman and apprentice hours performed
under this Agreement.
(f) Eight-Hour Work Day. Consultant acknowledges that eight (8) hours labor
constitutes a legal day's work. Consultant shall comply with and be bound by Labor Code Section
1810.
(g) Penal ties for Excess Hours. Consultant shall comply with and be bound by
the provisions of Labor Code Section 1813 concerning penalties for workers who work excess
hours. The Consultant shall, as a penalty to the City, forfeit twenty-five dollars ($25) for each
worker employed in the performance of this Agreement by the Consultant or by any subcontractor
for each calendar day during which such worker is required or permitted to work more than eight
(8) hours in any one calendar day and forty ( 40) hours in any one calendar week in violation of the
provisions of Division 2, Part 7, Chapter 1, Article 3 of the Labor Code. Pursuant to Labor Code
section 1815, work performed by employees of Consultant in excess of eight (8) hours per day,
and forty ( 40) hours during any one week shall be permitted upon public work upon compensation
for all hours worked in excess of 8 hours per day at not less than one and one-half (1 ½) times the
basic rate of pay.
(h) Workers' Compensation. California Labor Code Sections 1860 and 3700
provide that every employer will be required to secure the payment of compensation to its
employees if it has employees. In accordance with the provisions of California Labor Code Section
1861, Consultant certifies as follows:
"I am aware of the provisions of Section 3 700 of the Labor Code which require
every employer to be insured against liability for workers' compensation or to
undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that code, and I will
comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the work of
this contract."
Consultant's Authorized Initials -'A-
01203.0001/298339.3 3
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(i) Consultant's Responsibility for Subcontractors. For every subcontractor
who will perform work under this Agreement, Consultant shall be responsible for such
subcontractor's compliance with Division 2, Part 7, Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1720) of
the California Labor Code, and shall make such compliance a requirement in any contract with
any subcontractor for work under this Agreement. Consultant shall be required to take all actions
necessary to enforce such contractual provisions and ensure subcontractor's compliance, including
without limitation, conducting a review of the certified payroll records of the subcontractor on a
periodic basis or upon becoming aware of the failure of the subcontractor to pay his or her workers
the specified prevailing rate of wages. Consultant shall diligently take corrective action to halt or
rectify any such failure by any subcontractor.
1.5 Licenses, Permits, Fees and Assessments.
Consultant shall obtain at its sole cost and expense such licenses, permits and approvals as
may be required by law for the performance of the services required by this Agreement. Consultant
shall have the sole obligation to pay for any fees, assessments and taxes, plus applicable penalties
and interest, which may be imposed by law and arise from or are necessary for the Consultant's
performance of the services required by this Agreement, and shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless City, its officers, employees or agents of City, against any such fees, assessments, taxes,
penalties or interest levied, assessed or imposed against City hereunder.
1.6 Familiarity with Work.
By executing this Agreement, Consultant warrants that Consultant (i) has thoroughly
investigated and considered the scope of services to be performed, (ii) has carefully considered
how the services should be performed, and (iii) fully understands the facilities, difficulties and
restrictions attending performance of the services 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 services
hereunder. Should the Consultant discover any latent or unknown conditions, which will materially
affect the performance of the services hereunder, Consultant shall immediately inform the City of
such fact and shall not proceed except at Consultant's risk until written instructions are received
from the Contract Officer.
1.7 Care of Work.
The Consultant shall adopt reasonable methods during the life of the Agreement to furnish
continuous protection to the work, and the equipment, materials, papers, documents, plans, studies
and/or other components thereof to prevent losses or damages, and shall be responsible for all such
damages, to persons or property, until acceptance of the work by City, except such losses or
damages as may be caused by City's own negligence.
1.8 Further Responsibilities of Parties.
Both parties agree to use reasonable care and diligence to perform their respective
obligations under this Agreement. Both parties agree to act in good faith to execute all instruments,
prepare all documents and take all actions as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes
01203.0001/298339.3 4
C-6
of this Agreement. Unless hereafter specified, neither party shall be responsible for the service of
the other.
1.9 Additional Services.
City shall have the right at any time during the performance of the services, without
invalidating this Agreement, to order extra work beyond that specified in the Scope of Services or
make changes by altering, adding to or deducting from said work. No such extra work may be
undertaken unless a written order is first given by the Contract Officer to the Consultant,
incorporating therein any adjustment in (i) the Contract Sum for the actual costs of the extra work,
and/or (ii) the time to perform this Agreement, which said adjustments are subject to the written
approval of the Consultant. Any increase in compensation of up to ten percent (10%) of the
Contract Sum or $25,000, whichever is less; or, in the time to perform ofup to one hundred eighty
(180) days, may be approved by the Contract Officer. Any greater increases, taken either separately
or cumulatively, must be approved by the City Council. It is expressly understood by Consultant
that the provisions of this Section shall not apply to services specifically set forth in the Scope of
Services. Consultant hereby acknowledges that it accepts the risk that the services to be provided
pursuant to the Scope of Services may be more costly or time consuming than Consultant
anticipates and that Consultant shall not be entitled to additional compensation therefor. City may
in its sole and absolute discretion have similar work done by other Consultants. No claims for an
increase in the Contract Sum or time for performance shall be valid unless the procedures
established in this Section are followed.
1.10 Special Requirements.
Additional tem1s and conditions of this Agreement, if any, which arc made a part hereof
are set forth in the "Special Requirements" attached hereto as Exhibit "B" and incorporated herein
by this reference. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of Exhibit "B" and any other
provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of Exhibit "B" shall govern.
ARTICLE 2. COMPENSATION AND METHOD OF PAYMENT.
2.1 Contract Sum.
Subject to any limitations set forth in this Agreement, City agrees to pay Consultant the
amounts specified in the "Schedule of Compensation" attached hereto as Exhibit "C" and
incorporated herein by this reference. The total compensation, including reimbursement for actual
expenses, shall not exceed $56,000 (Fifty-Six Thousand Dollars) (the "Contract Sum"), unless
additional compensation is approved pursuant to Section 1. 9.
2.2 Method of Compensation.
The method of compensation may include: (i) a lump sum payment upon completion; (ii)
payment in accordance with specified tasks or the percentage of completion of the services, less
contract retention; (iii) payment for time and materials based upon the Consultant's rates as
specified in the Schedule of Compensation, provided that (a) time estimates are provided for the
performance of sub tasks, (b) contract retention is maintained, and ( c) the Contract Sum is not
exceeded; or (iv) such other methods as may be specified in the Schedule of Compensation.
01203.0001/298339.3 5
C-7
2.3 Reimbursable Expenses.
Compensation may include reimbursement for actual and necessary expenditures for
reproduction costs, telephone expenses, and travel expenses approved by the Contract Officer in
advance, or actual subcontractor expenses of an approved subcontractor pursuant to Section 4.5,
and only if specified in the Schedule of Compensation. The Contract Sum shall include the
attendance of Consultant at all project meetings reasonably deemed necessary by the City.
Coordination of the performance of the work with City is a critical component of the services. If
Consultant is required to attend additional meetings to facilitate such coordination, Consultant
shall not be entitled to any additional compensation for attending said meetings.
2.4 Invoices.
Each month Consultant shall furnish to City an original invoice for all work performed and
expenses incurred during the preceding month in a form approved by City's Director of Finance.
By submitting an invoice for payment under this Agreement, Consultant is certifying compliance
with all provisions of the Agreement. The invoice shall contain all information specified in Exhibit
"C", and shall detail charges for all necessary and actual expenses by the following categories:
labor (by sub-category), travel, materials, equipment, supplies, and sub-contractor contracts. Sub-
contractor charges shall also be detailed by such categories. Consultant shall not invoice City for
any duplicate services performed by more than one person.
City shall independently review each invoice submitted by the Consultant to determine
whether the work performed and expenses incurred are in compliance with the provisions of this
Agreement. Except as to any charges for work performed or expenses incurred by Consultant
which are disputed by City, or as provided in Section 7.3, City will use its best efforts to cause
Consultant to be paid within forty-five (45) days ofreceipt of Consultant's correct and undisputed
invoice; however, Consultant acknowledges and agrees that due to City warrant run procedures,
the City cannot guarantee that payment will occur within this time period. In the event any charges
or expenses are disputed by City, the original invoice shall be returned by City to Consultant for
correction and resubmission. Review and payment by City for any invoice provided by the
Consultant shall not constitute a waiver of any rights or remedies provided herein or any applicable
law.
2.5 Waiver.
Payment to Consultant for work performed pursuant to this Agreement shall not be deemed
to waive any defects in work performed by Consultant.
ARTICLE 3. PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
3.1 Time of Essence.
Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement.
3.2 Schedule of Performance.
01203.0001/298339.3 6
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Consultant shall commence the services pursuant to this Agreement upon receipt of a
written notice to proceed and shall perform all services within the time period(s) established in the
"Schedule of Performance" attached hereto as Exhibit "D" and incorporated herein by this
reference. When requested by the Consultant, extensions to the time period(s) specified in the
Schedule of Performance may be approved in writing by the Contract Officer but not exceeding
one hundred eighty (180) days cumulatively.
3.3 Force Maieure.
The time period(s) specified in the Schedule of Performance for performance of the
services rendered pursuant to this Agreement shall be extended because of any delays due to
unforeseeable causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Consultant,
including, but not restricted to, acts of God or of the public enemy, unusually severe weather, fires,
earthquakes, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, riots, strikes, freight embargoes, wars,
litigation, and/or acts of any governmental agency, including the City, if the Consultant shall
within ten (10) days of the commencement of such delay notify the Contract Officer in writing of
the causes of the delay. The Contract Officer shall ascertain the facts and the extent of delay, and
extend the time for performing the services for the period of the enforced delay when and if in the
judgment of the Contract Officer such delay is justified. The Contract Officer's determination shall
be final and conclusive upon the parties to this Agreement. In no event shall Consultant be entitled
to recover damages against the City for any delay in the performance of this Agreement, however
caused, Consultant's sole remedy being extension of the Agreement pursuant to this Section.
3.4 Term.
Unless earlier terminated in accordance with Article 7 of this Agreement, this Agreement
shall continue in full force and effect until completion of the services but not exceeding one year
from the date hereof, except as otherwise provided in the Schedule of Performance (Exhibit "D").
The City may, in its sole discretion, extend the Term by two additional one-year terms.
ARTICLE 4. COORDINATION OF WORK
4.1 Representatives and Personnel of Consultant.
The following principals of Consultant ("Principals") are hereby designated as being the
principals and representatives of Consultant authorized to act in its behalf with respect to the work
specified herein and make all decisions in connection therewith:
Jon Holtzman Founding Partner
(Name (Title)
Sharon Gonsalves Director of Government Affairs
(Name) (Title)
It is expressly understood that the experience, knowledge, capability and reputation of the
foregoing principals were a substantial inducement for City to enter into this Agreement.
01203.0001/298339.3 7
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Therefore, the foregoing principals shall be responsible during the term of this Agreement for
directing all activities of Consultant and devoting sufficient time to personally supervise the
services hereunder. All personnel of Consultant, and any authorized agents, shall at all times be
under the exclusive direction and control of the Principals. For purposes of this Agreement, the
foregoing Principals may not be replaced nor may their responsibilities be substantially reduced
by Consultant without the express written approval of City. Additionally, Consultant shall utilize
only competent personnel to perform services pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall make
every reasonable effort to maintain the stability and continuity of Consultant's staff and
subcontractors, if any, assigned to perform the services required under this Agreement. Consultant
shall notify City of any changes in Consultant's staff and subcontractors, if any, assigned to
perform the services required under this Agreement, prior to and during any such performance.
4.2 Status of Consultant.
Consultant shall have no authority to bind City in any manner, or to incur any obligation,
debt or liability of any kind on behalf of or against City, whether by contract or otherwise, unless
such authority is expressly conferred under this Agreement or is otherwise expressly conferred in
writing by City. Consultant shall not at any time or in any manner represent that Consultant or any
of Consultant's officers, employees, or agents are in any manner officials, officers, employees or
agents of City. Neither Consultant, nor any of Consultant's officers, employees or agents, shall
obtain any rights to retirement, health care or any other benefits which may otherwise accrue to
City's employees. Consultant expressly waives any claim Consultant may have to any such rights.
4.3 Contract Officer.
The Contract Officer shall be Ara Mihranian, City Manager, or such person as may be
designated by him. It shall be the Consultant's responsibility to assure that the Contract Officer is
kept informed of the progress of the performance of the services and the Consultant shall refer any
decisions which must be made by City to the Contract Officer. Unless otherwise specified herein,
any approval of City required hereunder shall mean the approval of the Contract Officer. The
Contract Officer shall have authority, if specified in writing by the City Manager, to sign all
documents on behalf of the City required hereunder to carry out the terms of this Agreement.
4.4 Independent Consultant.
Neither the City nor any of its employees shall have any control over the manner, mode or
means by which Consultant, its agents or employees, perform the services required herein, except
as otherwise set forth herein. City shall have no voice in the selection, discharge, supervision or
control of Consultant's employees, servants, representatives or agents, or in fixing their number,
compensation or hours of service. Consultant shall perform all services required herein as an
independent contractor of City and shall remain at all times as to City a wholly independent
contractor with only such obligations as are consistent with that role. Consultant shall not at any
time or in any manner represent that it or any of its agents or employees are agents or employees
of City. City shall not in any way or for any purpose become or be deemed to be a partner of
Consultant in its business or otherwise or a joint venturer or a member of any joint enterprise with
Consultant.
01203.0001/298339.3 8
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4.5 Prohibition Against Subcontracting or Assignment.
The experience, knowledge, capability and reputation of Consultant, its principals and
employees were a substantial inducement for the City to enter into this Agreement. Therefore,
Consultant shall not contract with any other entity to perform in whole or in part the services
required hereunder without the express written approval of the City. In addition, neither this
Agreement nor any interest herein may be transferred, assigned, conveyed, hypothecated or
encumbered voluntarily or by operation of law, whether for the benefit of creditors or otherwise,
without the prior written approval of City. Transfers restricted hereunder shall include the transfer
to any person or group of persons acting in concert of more than twenty five percent (25%) of the
present ownership and/or control of Consultant, taking all transfers into account on a cumulative
basis. In the event of any such unapproved transfer, including any bankruptcy proceeding, this
Agreement shall be void. No approved transfer shall release the Consultant or any surety of
Consultant of any liability hereunder without the express consent of City.
ARTICLE 5. INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION
5.1 Insurance Coverages.
Without limiting Consultant's indemnification of City, and prior to commencement of any
services under this Agreement, Consultant shall obtain, provide and maintain at its own expense
during the term of this Agreement, policies of insurance of the type and amounts described below
and in a form satisfactory to City.
(a) General liability insurance. Consultant shall maintain commercial general
liability insurance with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CG 00 01, in
an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 general aggregate, for bodily
injury, personal injury, and property damage. The policy must include contractual liability that has
not been amended. Any endorsement restricting standard ISO "insured contract" language will not
be accepted.
(b) Automobile liability insurance. Consultant shall maintain automobile
insurance at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CA 00 01 covering bodily injury and
property damage for all activities of the Consultant arising out of or in connection with Services
to be performed under this Agreement, including coverage for any owned, hired, non-owned or
rented vehicles, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit for each accident.
( c) Professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance. Consultant shall
maintain professional liability insurance that covers the Services to be performed in connection
with this Agreement, in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per claim and in the aggregate. Any
policy inception date, continuity date, or retroactive date must be before the effective date of this
Agreement and Consultant agrees to maintain continuous coverage through a period no less than
three (3) years after completion of the services required by this Agreement.
( d) Workers' compensation insurance. Consultant shall maintain Workers'
Compensation Insurance (Statutory Limits) and Employer's Liability Insurance (with limits of at
least $1,000,000).
01203.0001/298339.3 9
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( e) Subcontractors. Consultant shall include all subcontractors as insureds
under its policies or shall furnish separate certificates and certified endorsements for each
subcontractor. All coverages for subcontractors shall include all of the requirements stated herein.
(f) Additional Insurance. Policies of such other insurance, as may be required
in the Special Requirements in Exhibit "B".
5.2 General Insurance Requirements.
(a) Proof of insurance. Consultant shall provide certificates of insurance to City
as evidence of the insurance coverage required herein, along with a waiver of subrogation
endorsement for workers' compensation. Insurance certificates and endorsements must be
approved by City's Risk Manager prior to commencement of performance. Current certification
of insurance shall be kept on file with City at all times during the term of this Agreement. City
reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, at any
time.
(b) Duration of coverage. Consultant shall procure and maintain for the
duration of this Agreement insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property,
which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the Services hereunder by
Consultant, its agents, representatives, employees or subconsultants.
( c) Primary/noncontributing. Coverage provided by Consultant shall be
primary and any insurance or self-insurance procured or maintained by City shall not be required
to contribute with it. The limits of insurance required herein may be satisfied by a combination of
primary and umbrella or excess insurance. Any umbrella or excess insurance shall contain or be
endorsed to contain a provision that such coverage shall also apply on a primary and non-
contributory basis for the benefit of City before the City's own insurance or self-insurance shall
be called upon to protect it as a named insured.
( d) City's rights of enforcement. In the event any policy of insurance required
under this Agreement does not comply with these specifications or is canceled and not replaced,
City has the right but not the duty to obtain the insurance it deems necessary and any premium
paid by City will be promptly reimbursed by Consultant or City will withhold amounts sufficient
to pay premium from Consultant payments. In the alternative, City may cancel this Agreement.
( e) Acceptable insurers. All insurance policies shall be issued by an insurance
company currently authorized by the Insurance Commissioner to transact business of insurance or
that is on the List of Approved Surplus Line Insurers in the State of California, with an assigned
policyholders' Rating of A-(or higher) and Financial Size Category Class VI (or larger) in
accordance with the latest edition of Best's Key Rating Guide, unless otherwise approved by the
City's Risk Manager.
(f) Waiver of subrogation. All insurance coverage maintained or procured
pursuant to this agreement shall be endorsed to waive subrogation against City, its elected or
appointed officers, agents, officials, employees and volunteers or shall specifically allow
Consultant or others providing insurance evidence in compliance with these specifications to
waive their right of recovery prior to a loss. Consultant hereby waives its own right of recovery
01203.0001/298339.3
C-12
against City, and shall require similar written express waivers and insurance clauses from each of
its subconsultants.
(g) Enforcement of contract prov1s1ons (non-estoppel). Consultant
acknowledges and agrees that any actual or alleged failure on the part of the City to inform
Consultant of non-compliance with any requirement imposes no additional obligations on the City
nor does it waive any rights hereunder.
(h) Requirements not limiting. Requirements of specific coverage features or
limits contained in this section are not intended as a limitation on coverage, limits or other
requirements, or a waiver of any coverage normally provided by any insurance. Specific reference
to a given coverage feature is for purposes of clarification only as it pertains to a given issue and
is not intended by any party or insured to be all inclusive, or to the exclusion of other coverage, or
a waiver of any type. If the Consultant maintains higher limits than the minimums shown above,
the City requires and shall be entitled to coverage for 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.
(i) Notice of cancellation. Consultant agrees to oblige its insurance agent or
broker and insurers to provide to City with a thirty (30) day notice of cancellation ( except for
nonpayment for which a ten ( 10) day notice is required) or nonrenewal of coverage for each
required coverage.
G) Additional insured status. General liability policies shall provide or be
endorsed to provide that City and its officers, officials, employees, and agents, and volunteers shall
be additional insureds under such policies. This provision shall also apply to any excess/umbrella
liability policies.
(k) Prohibition of undisclosed coverage limitations. None of the coverages
required herein will be in compliance with these requirements if they include any limiting
endorsement of any kind that has not been first submitted to City and approved of in writing.
(1) Separation of insureds. A severability of interests provision must apply for
all additional insureds ensuring that Consultant's insurance shall apply separately to each insured
against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the insurer's limits of
liability. The policy(ies) shall not contain any cross-liability exclusions.
(m) Pass through clause. Consultant agrees to ensure that its subconsultants,
subcontractors, and any other party involved with the project who is brought onto or involved in
the project by Consultant, provide the same minimum insurance coverage and endorsements
required of Consultant. Consultant agrees to monitor and review all such coverage and assumes
all responsibility for ensuring that such coverage is provided in conformity with the requirements
of this section. Consultant agrees that upon request, all agreements with consultants,
subcontractors, and others engaged in the project will be submitted to City for review.
(n) Agency's right to revise specifications. The City reserves the right at any
time during the term of the contract to change the amounts and types of insurance required by
giving the Consultant ninety (90) days advance written notice of such change. If such change
01203.0001/298339.3 11
C-13
results in substantial additional cost to the Consultant, the City and Consultant may renegotiate
Consultant's compensation.
( o) Self-insured retentions. Any self-insured retentions must be declared to and
approved by City. City reserves the right to require that self-insured retentions be eliminated,
lowered, or replaced by a deductible. Self-insurance will not be considered to comply with these
specifications unless approved by City.
(p) Timely notice of claims. Consultant shall give City prompt and timely
notice of claims made or suits instituted that arise out of or result from Consultant's performance
under this Agreement, and that involve or may involve coverage under any of the required liability
policies.
( q) Additional insurance. Consultant shall also procure and maintain, at its own
cost and expense, any additional kinds of insurance, which in its own judgment may be necessary
for its proper protection and prosecution of the work.
5.3 Indemnification.
To the full extent permitted by law, Consultant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the City, its officers, employees and agents ("Indemnified Parties") against, and will hold
and save them and each of them harmless from, any and all actions, either judicial, administrative,
arbitration or regulatory claims, damages to persons or property, losses, costs, penalties,
obligations, errors, omissions or liabilities whether actual or threatened (herein "claims or
liabilities") that may be asserted or claimed by any person, firm or entity arising out of or in
connection with the negligent performance of the work, operations or activities provided herein of
Consultant, its officers, employees, agents, subcontractors, or invitees, or any individual or entity
for which Consultant is legally liable ("indemnitors"), or arising from Consultant's or indemnitors'
reckless or willful misconduct, or arising from Consultant's or indemnitors' negligent performance
of or failure to perform any term, provision, covenant or condition of this Agreement, and in
connection therewith:
(a) Consultant will defend any action or actions filed in connection with any
of said claims or liabilities and will pay all costs and expenses, including legal costs and
attorneys' fees incurred in connection therewith;
(b) Consultant will promptly pay any judgment rendered against the City, its
officers, agents or employees for any such claims or liabilities arising out of or in connection with
the negligent performance of or failure to perform such work, operations or activities of Consultant
hereunder; and Consultant agrees to save and hold the City, its officers, agents, and employees
harmless therefrom;
( c) In the event the City, its officers, agents or employees is made a party to
any action or proceeding filed or prosecuted against Consultant for such damages or other claims
arising out of or in connection with the negligent performance of or failure to perform the work,
operation or activities of Consultant hereunder, Consultant agrees to pay to the City, its officers,
agents or employees, any and all costs and expenses incurred by the City, its officers, agents or
01203.0001/298339.3 12
C-14
employees in such action or proceeding, including but not limited to, legal costs and attorneys'
fees.
Consultant shall incorporate similar indemnity agreements with its subcontractors and if it
fails to do so Consultant shall be fully responsible to indemnify City hereunder therefore, and
failure of City to monitor compliance with these provisions shall not be a waiver hereof. This
indemnification includes claims or liabilities arising from any negligent or wrongful act, error or
omission, or reckless or willful misconduct of Consultant in the performance of professional
services hereunder. The provisions of this Section do not apply to claims or liabilities occurring as
a result of City's sole negligence or willful acts or omissions, but, to the fullest extent permitted
by law, shall apply to claims and liabilities resulting in part from City's negligence, except that
design professionals' indemnity hereunder shall be limited to claims and liabilities arising out of
the negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct of the design professional. The indemnity
obligation shall be binding on successors and assigns of Consultant and shall survive termination
of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 6. RECORDS, REPORTS, AND RELEASE OF INFORMATION
6.1 Records.
Consultant shall keep, and require subcontractors to keep, such ledgers, books of accounts,
invoices, vouchers, canceled checks, reports, studies or other documents relating to the
disbursements charged to City and services performed hereunder (the "books and records"), as
shall be necessary to perform the services required by this Agreement and enable the Contract
Officer to evaluate the performance of such services. Any and all such documents shall be
maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and shall be complete and
detailed. The Contract Officer shall have full and free access to such books and records at all times
during normal business hours of City, including the right to inspect, copy, audit and make records
and transcripts from such records. Such records shall be maintained for a period of three (3) years
following completion of the services hereunder, and the City shall have access to such records in
the event any audit is required. In the event of dissolution of Consultant's business, custody of the
books and records may be given to City, and access shall be provided by Consultant's successor
in interest. Notwithstanding the above, the Consultant shall fully cooperate with the City in
providing access to the books and records if a public records request is made and disclosure is
required by law including but not limited to the California Public Records Act.
6.2 Reports.
Consultant shall periodically prepare and submit to the Contract Officer such reports
concerning the performance of the services required by this Agreement as the Contract Officer
shall require. Consultant hereby acknowledges that the City is greatly concerned about the cost of
work and services to be performed pursuant to this Agreement. For this reason, Consultant agrees
that if Consultant becomes aware of any facts, circumstances, techniques, or events that may or
will materially increase or decrease the cost of the work or services contemplated herein or, if
Consultant is providing design services, the cost of the project being designed, Consultant shall
promptly notify the Contract Officer of said fact, circumstance, technique or event and the
estimated increased or decreased cost related thereto and, if Consultant is providing design
services, the estimated increased or decreased cost estimate for the project being designed.
01203.0001/298339.3 13
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6.3 Ownership of Documents.
All drawings, specifications, maps, designs, photographs, studies, surveys, data, notes,
computer files, reports, records, documents and other materials (the "documents and materials")
prepared by Consultant, its employees, subcontractors and agents in the performance of this
Agreement shall be the property of City and shall be delivered to City upon request of the Contract
Officer or upon the termination of this Agreement, and Consultant shall have no claim for further
employment or additional compensation as a result of the exercise by City of its full rights of
ownership use, reuse, or assignment of the documents and materials hereunder. Any use, reuse or
assignment of such completed documents for other projects and/or use of uncompleted documents
without specific written authorization by the Consultant will be at the City's sole risk and without
liability to Consultant, and Consultant's guarantee and warranties shall not extend to such use,
reuse or assignment. Consultant may retain copies of such documents for its own use. Consultant
shall have the right to use the concepts embodied therein. All subcontractors shall provide for
assignment to City of any documents or materials prepared by them, and in the event Consultant
fails to secure such assignment, Consultant shall indemnify City for all damages resulting
therefrom. Moreover, Consultant with respect to any documents and materials that may qualify as
"works made for hire" as defined in 17 U.S.C. § 101, such documents and materials are hereby
deemed "works made for hire" for the City.
6.4 Confidentiality and Release of Information.
(a) All information gained or work product produced by Consultant in
performance of this Agreement shall be considered confidential, unless such information is in the
public domain or already known to Consultant. Consultant shall not release or disclose any such
information or work product to persons or entities other than City without prior written
authorization from the Contract Officer.
(b) Consultant, its officers, employees, agents or subcontractors, shall not,
without prior written authorization from the Contract Officer or unless requested by the City
Attorney, voluntarily provide documents, declarations, letters of support, testimony at depositions,
response to interrogatories or other information concerning the work performed under this
Agreement. Response to a subpoena or court order shall not be considered "voluntary" provided
Consultant gives City notice of such court order or subpoena.
( c) If Consultant, or any officer, employee, agent or subcontractor of
Consultant, provides any information or work product in violation of this Agreement, then City
shall have the right to reimbursement and indemnity from Consultant for any damages, costs and
fees, including attorney's fees, caused by or incurred as a result of Consultant's conduct.
( d) Consultant shall promptly notify City should Consultant, its officers,
employees, agents or subcontractors be served with any summons, complaint, subpoena, notice of
deposition, request for documents, interrogatories, request for admissions or other discovery
request, court order or subpoena from any party regarding this Agreement and the work performed
there under. City retains the right, but has no obligation, to represent Consultant or be present at
any deposition, hearing or similar proceeding. Consultant agrees to cooperate fully with City and
to provide City with the opportunity to review any response to discovery requests provided by
01203.0001/298339.3 14
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Consultant. However, this right to review any such response does not imply or mean the right by
City to control, direct, or rewrite said response.
ARTICLE 7. ENFORCEMENT OF AGREEMENT AND TERMINATION
7.1 California Law.
This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and governed both as to validity and to
performance of the parties in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Legal actions
concerning any dispute, claim or matter arising out of or in relation to this Agreement shall be
instituted in the Superior Court of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, or any other
appropriate court in such county, and Consultant covenants and agrees to submit to the personal
jurisdiction of such court in the event of such action. In the event of litigation in a U.S. District
Court, venue shall lie exclusively in the Central District of California, in the County of Los
Angeles, State of California.
7.2 Disputes; Default.
In the event that Consultant is in default under the terms of this Agreement, the City shall
not have any obligation or duty to continue compensating Consultant for any work performed after
the date of default. Instead, the City may give notice to Consultant of the default and the reasons
for the default. The notice shall include the timeframe in which Consultant may cure the default.
This timeframe is presumptively thirty (30) days, but may be extended, though not reduced, if
circumstances warrant. During the period of time that Consultant is in default, the City shall hold
all invoices and shall, when the default is cured, proceed with payment on the invoices. In the
alternative, the City may, in its sole discretion, elect to pay some or all of the outstanding invoices
during the period of default. If Consultant does not cure the default, the City may take necessary
steps to terminate this Agreement under this Article. Any failure on the part of the City to give
notice of the Consultant's default shall not be deemed to result in a waiver of the City's legal rights
or any rights arising out of any provision of this Agreement.
7.3 Retention of Funds.
Consultant hereby authorizes City to deduct from any amount payable to Consultant
(whether or not arising out of this Agreement) (i) any amounts the payment of which may be in
dispute hereunder or which are necessary to compensate City for any losses, costs, liabilities, or
damages suffered by City, and (ii) all amounts 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
obligation 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 shall exist which shall appear
to be the basis for a claim of lien, City may withhold from any payment due, without liability for
interest because of such withholding, an amount sufficient to cover such claim. The failure of City
to exercise such right to deduct or to withhold shall not, however, affect the obligations of the
Consultant to insure, indemnify, and protect City as elsewhere provided herein.
7.4 Waiver.
01203.0001/298339.3 15
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Waiver by any party to this Agreement of any term, condition, or covenant of this
Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any other term, condition, or covenant. Waiver by any
party of any breach of the provisions of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any other
provision or a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation of any provision of this Agreement.
Acceptance by City of any work or services by Consultant shall not constitute a waiver of any of
the provisions of this Agreement. No delay or omission in the exercise of any right or remedy by
a non-defaulting party on any default shall impair such right or remedy or be construed as a waiver.
Any waiver by either party of any default must be in writing and shall not be a waiver of any other
default concerning the same or any other provision of this Agreement.
7.5 Rights and Remedies are Cumulative.
Except with respect to rights and remedies expressly declared to be exclusive in this
Agreement, the rights and remedies of the parties are cumulative and the exercise by either party
of one or more of such rights or remedies shall not preclude the exercise by it, at the same or
different times, of any other rights or remedies for the same default or any other default by the
other party.
7.6 Legal Action.
In addition to any other rights or remedies, either party may take legal action, in law or in
equity, to cure, correct or remedy any default, to recover damages for any default, to compel
specific performance of this Agreement, to obtain declaratory or injunctive relief, or to obtain any
other remedy consistent with the purposes of this Agreement. Notwithstanding any contrary
provision herein, Consultant shall file a statutory claim pursuant to Government Code Sections
905 et seq. and 910 et seq., in order to pursue a legal action under this Agreement.
7.7 Termination Prior to Expiration of Term.
This Section shall govern any termination of this Contract except as specifically provided
in the following Section for termination for cause. The City reserves the right to terminate this
Contract at any time, with or without cause, upon thirty (30) days' written notice to Consultant,
except that where termination is due to the fault of the Consultant, the period of notice may be
such shorter time as may be determined by the Contract Officer. In addition, the Consultant
reserves the right to terminate this Contract at any time, with or without cause, upon sixty ( 60)
days' written notice to City, except that where termination is due to the fault of the City, the period
of notice may be such shorter time as the Consultant may determine. Upon receipt of any notice
of termination, Consultant shall immediately cease all services hereunder except such as may be
specifically approved by the Contract Officer. Except where the Consultant has initiated
termination, the Consultant shall be entitled to compensation for all services rendered prior to the
effective date of the notice of termination and for any services authorized by the Contract Officer
thereafter in accordance with the Schedule of Compensation or such as may be approved by the
Contract Officer, except as provided in Section 7.3. In the event the Consultant has initiated
termination, the Consultant shall be entitled to compensation only for the reasonable value of the
work product actually produced hereunder. In the event of termination without cause pursuant to
this Section, the terminating party need not provide the non-terminating party with the opportunity
to cure pursuant to Section 7.2.
01203.0001/298339.3 16
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7.8 Termination for Default of Consultant.
If termination is due to the failure of the Consultant to fulfill its obligations under this
Agreement, City may, after compliance with the provisions of Section 7.2, take over the work and
prosecute the same to completion by contract or otherwise, and the Consultant shall be liable to
the extent that the total cost for completion of the services required hereunder exceeds the
compensation herein stipulated (provided that the City shall use reasonable efforts to mitigate such
damages), and City may withhold any payments to the Consultant for the purpose of set-off or
partial payment of the amounts owed the City as previously stated.
7.9 Attorneys' Fees.
If either party to this Agreement is required to initiate or defend or made a party to any
action or proceeding in any way connected with this Agreement, the prevailing party in such action
or proceeding, in addition to any other relief which may be granted, whether legal or equitable,
shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees. Attorney's fees shall include attorney's fees on any
appeal, and in addition a party entitled to attorney's fees shall be entitled to all other reasonable
costs for investigating such action, taking depositions and discovery and all other necessary costs
the court allows which are incurred in such litigation. All such fees shall be deemed to have accrued
on commencement of such action and shall be enforceable whether or not such action is prosecuted
to judgment.
ARTICLE 8. CITY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES: NON-DISCRIMINATION
8.1 Non-liability of City Officers and Employees.
No officer or employee of the City shall be personally liable to the Consultant, or any
successor in interest, in the event of any default or breach by the City or for any amount which
may become due to the Consultant or to its successor, or for breach of any obligation of the terms
of this Agreement.
8.2 Conflict of Interest.
Consultant covenants that neither it, nor any officer or principal of its firm, has or shall
acquire any interest, directly or indirectly, which would conflict in any manner with the interests
of City or which would in any way hinder Consultant's performance of services under this
Agreement. Consultant further covenants that in the performance of this Agreement, no person
having any such interest shall be employed by it as an officer, employee, agent or subcontractor
without the express written consent of the Contract Officer. Consultant agrees to at all times avoid
conflicts of interest or the appearance of any conflicts of interest with the interests of City in the
performance of this Agreement.
No officer or employee of the City shall have any financial interest, direct or indirect, in
this Agreement nor shall any such officer or employee participate in any decision relating to the
Agreement which affects her/his financial interest or the financial interest of any corporation,
partnership or association in which (s)he is, directly or indirectly, interested, in violation of any
01203.0001/298339.3 17
C-19
State statute or regulation. The Consultant warrants that it has not paid or given and will not pay
or give any third party any money or other consideration for obtaining this Agreement.
8.3 Covenant Against Discrimination.
Consultant covenants that, by and for itself, its heirs, executors, assigns, and all persons
claiming under or through them, that there shall be no discrimination against or segregation of,
any person or group of persons on account of race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, sexual
orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry or other protected class in the performance of
this Agreement. Consultant shall take affirmative action to insure that applicants are employed and
that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion,
sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry or other protected class.
8.4 Unauthorized Aliens.
Consultant hereby promises and agrees to comply with all of the provisions of the Federal
Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101 et seq., as amended, and in connection
therewith, shall not employ unauthorized aliens as defined therein. Should Consultant so employ
such unauthorized aliens for the performance of work and/or services covered by this Agreement,
and should any liability or sanctions be imposed against City for such use of unauthorized aliens,
Consultant hereby agrees to and shall reimburse City for the cost of all such liabilities or sanctions
imposed, together with any and all costs, including attorneys' fees, incurred by City.
ARTICLE 9. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
9.1 Notices.
Any notice, demand, request, document, consent, approval, or communication either party
desires or is required to give to the other party or any other person shall be in writing and either
served personally or sent by prepaid, first-class mail, in the case of the City, to the City Manager
and to the attention of the Contract Officer ( with her/his name and City title), City of Rancho Palos
Verdes, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275 and in the case of the
Consultant, to the person(s) at the address designated on the execution page of this Agreement.
Either party may change its address by notifying the other party of the change of address in writing.
Notice shall be deemed communicated at the time personally delivered or in seventy-two (72)
hours from the time of mailing if mailed as provided in this Section.
9.2 Interpretation.
The terms of this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the meaning of the
language used and shall not be construed for or against either party by reason of the authorship of
this Agreement or any other rule of construction which might otherwise apply.
9.3 Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an
original, and such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument.
01203.0001/298339.3 18
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9.4 Integration; Amendment.
This Agreement including the attachments hereto is the entire, complete and exclusive
expression of the understanding of the parties. It is understood that there are no oral agreements
between the parties hereto affecting this Agreement and this Agreement supersedes and cancels
any and all previous negotiations, arrangements, agreements and understandings, if any, between
the parties, and none shall be used to interpret this Agreement. No amendment to or modification
of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and approved by the Consultant and by
the City Council. The parties agree that this requirement for written modifications cannot be
waived and that any attempted waiver shall be void.
9.5 Severability.
In the event that any one or more of the phrases, sentences, clauses, paragraphs, or sections
contained in this Agreement shall be declared invalid or unenforceable by a valid judgment or
decree of a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any
of the remaining phrases, sentences, clauses, paragraphs, or sections of this Agreement which are
hereby declared as severable and shall be interpreted to carry out the intent of the parties hereunder
unless the invalid provision is so material that its invalidity deprives either party of the basic benefit
of their bargain or renders this Agreement meaningless.
9.6 Warrantv & Representation of Non-Collusion.
No official, officer, or employee of City has any financial interest, direct or indirect, in this
Agreement, nor shall any official, officer, or employee of City participate in any decision relating
to this Agreement which may affect his/her financial interest or the financial interest of any
corporation, partnership, or association in which (s)he is directly or indirectly interested, or in
violation of any corporation, partnership, or association in which (s)he is directly or indirectly
interested, or in violation of any State or municipal statute or regulation. The determination of
"financial interest" shall be consistent with State law and shall not include interests found to be
"remote" or "noninterests" pursuant to Government Code Sections 1091 or 1091.5. Consultant
warrants and represents that it has not paid or given, and will not pay or give, to any third party
including, but not limited to, any City official, officer, or employee, any money, consideration, or
other thing of value as a result or consequence of obtaining or being awarded any agreement.
Consultant further warrants and represents that (s)he/it has not engaged in any act(s), omission(s),
or other conduct or collusion that would result in the payment of any money, consideration, or
other thing of value to any third party including, but not limited to, any City official, officer, or
employee, as a result of consequence of obtaining or being awarded any agreement. Consultant is
aware of and understands that any such act(s), omission(s) or other conduct resulting in such
payment of money, consideration, or other thing of value will render this Agreement void and of
no force or effect. ~
Consultant's Authorized Initials ./ !
9.7 Corporate Authority.
The persons executing this Agreement on behalf of the parties hereto warrant that (i) such
party is duly organized and existing, (ii) they are duly authorized to execute and deliver this
01203.0001/298339.3 19
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Agreement on behalf of said party, (iii) by so executing this Agreement, such party is formally
bound to the provisions of this Agreement, and (iv) that entering into this Agreement does not
violate any provision of any other Agreement to which said party is bound. This Agreement shall
be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the parties.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
01203.0001/298339.3 20
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on
the date and year first-above written.
. ATTEST:
~
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ALESHIRE & WYNDER, LLP
CITY:
CONSULTANT:
OLICY GROUP (RPPG)
By :~:__----h£...j~~~~....J.----
N ame: J
Title:
By: ______________ _
Name: Sharon Gonsalves
Title: Director of Government Affairs
Address: 1127 Eleventh Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Two corporate officer signatures required when Consultant is a corporation, with one signature required from
each of the following groups: 1) Chairman of the Board, President or any Vice President; and 2) Secretary, any
Assistant Secretary, Chief Financial Officer or any Assistant Treasurer. CONSULTANT'S SIGNATURES
SHALL BE DULY NOTARIZED, AND APPROPRIATE ATTEST A TIO NS SHALL BE INCLUDED AS
MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE BYLAWS, ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, OR OTHER RULES OR
REGULA TIO NS APPLICABLE TO CONSULT ANT'S BUSINESS ENTITY.
01203.0001/298339.3 21
C-23
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on
the date and year first-above written.
ATTEST:
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ALESHIRE & WYNDER, LLP
William W. Wynder, City Attorney
CITY:
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, a
municipal corporation
David L. Bradley, Mayor
CONSULTANT:
RENNE~, )OLICY GROUP (RPPG)
By:<:::
Name: Jo/'-•
Title: F 11 d er
/1
By: -------------
Name: Sharon Gonsalves
Title: Director of Government Affairs
Address: 1127 Eleventh Street
Sacramento, CA 95 814
Two corporate officer signatures required when Consultant is a corporation, with one signature required from
each of the following groups: 1) Chairman of the Board, President or any Vice President; and 2) Secretary, any
Assistant Secretary, Chief Financial Officer or any Assistant Treasurer. CONSULTANT'S SIGNATURES
SHALL BE DULY NOTARIZED, AND APPROPRIATE ATTESTATIONS SHALL BE INCLUDED AS
MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE BYLAWS, ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, OR OTHER RULES OR
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO CONSULT ANT'S BUSINESS ENTITY.
01203.0001/298339.3 21
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CALIFORNIA ALL-PURPOSE ACKNOWLEDGMENT
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed
the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy or validity of that document.
ST ATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF ~OS 10.Neltl~ )i-" t,~t.\\LO
On kL l S , 2022 before me, AN,J. A~t: ,r,'1~fe'{;1Jmlly appeared !o JM+-,:.IW"v\ , proved to me on
the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose names(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and
acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by
his/her/their signature( s) on the instrument the person( s ), or the entity upon behalf of which the person( s) acted,
executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is
true and correct.
ANGELO GIUSTI
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature: ~
Notary Public • California 15 San Francisco County >
Commission # 2365906 -
l!lr Comm. £xDires Jul 16, 2025
OPTIONAL
Though the data below is not required by law, it may prove valuable to persons relying on the document and could
prevent fraudulent reattachment of this form
CAPACITY CLAIMED BY SIGNER
0 INDIVIDUAL
0 CORPORA TE OFFICER
□ □ □ □ □ □
TITLE(S)
PARTNER(S) 0 LIMITED
GENERAL
ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
TRUSTEE(S)
GUARDIAN/CONSERVATOR
OTHER -------------
SIGNER IS REPRESENTING:
(NAME OF PERSON(S) OR ENTITY(IES))
01203.0001/298339.3
DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED DOCUMENT
TITLE OR TYPE OF DOCUMENT
NUMBER OF PAGES
DATE OF DOCUMENT
SIGNER(S) OTHER THAN NAMED ABOVE
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CALIFORNIA ALL-PURPOSE ACKNOWLEDGMENT
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed
the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy or validity of that document.
ST A TE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
On ____ , 2022 before me, _______ , personally appeared _______ , proved to me on
the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose names(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and
acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by
his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted,
executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is
true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature: _______________ _
OPTIONAL
Though the data below is not required by law, it may prove valuable to persons relying on the document and could
prevent fraudulent reattachment of this form.
CAPACITY CLAIMED BY SIGNER
0 INDIVIDUAL
0 CORPORA TE OFFICER
□ □ □ □ □ □
TITLE(S)
PARTNER(S) 0 LIMITED
GENERAL
ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
TRUSTEE(S)
GUARDIAN/CONSERVATOR
OTHER ___________ _
SIGNER IS REPRESENTING:
(NAME OF PERSON(S) OR ENTITY(IES))
01203.0001/298339.3
DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED DOCUMENT
TITLE OR TYPE OF DOCUMENT
NUMBER OF PAGES
DATE OF DOCUMENT
SIGNER(S) OTHER THAN NAMED ABOVE
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EXHIBIT "A"
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Consultant's duties shall include, but not be limited to, the following tasks.
1. Provide legislative and lobbying services at the state level to assist the City in further
developing its legislative agenda and securing funding.
2. Track, review and analyze any introduced and amended legislation and regulatory
proposals that may affect the City or its citizens and regularly inform the City on these
matters.
3. Consult and develop strategic documents, draft policy positions, regulatory and budgetary
letters, customized priority legislative tracking matrix, budget analysis, and background
papers for the City.
4. Represent the City at policy-related meetings, conferences, events, regulatory proceedings,
legislative hearings and other appropriate venues to deliver comments, testimony, and
provide the City with a consistent presence in Sacramento.
5. Negotiate with authors and sponsors to resolve concerns or stop bills where resolution is
not possible.
6. Conduct an annual "Deep Dive" meeting with key City staff to gain a deeper legislative,
political, and funding priority insight.
7. Provide consultation to the City on the development and implementation of a legislative
program.
8. Foster relationships with legislators and administration officials: make meeting
recommendations, schedule arrangements, and strategize on messaging.
9. Target engagement with statewide local government associations and local agency
partners.
10. Concurrent with monthly invoices, submit timely periodic reports (either monthly,
quarterly, or as circumstances demand, more frequently) summarizing significant
legislative and governmental developments affecting the City and describing specific
activities of Consultant on the City's behalf.
01203.0001/298339.3
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EXHIBIT "B"
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
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EXHIBIT "C"
SCHEDULE OF COMPENSATION
I. Fixed Fee.
A monthly fee of $4,250 ("Fixed Fee") shall be paid to Consultant.
II. Additional Expenses.
Any additional expenses invoiced, including mileage are subject to the City's request and
approval. In no event shall the total compensation paid to Consultant exceed $56,000 during each
annual term of the Agreement.
III. Method of Payment.
Consultant shall provide invoices to City for approval and payment. Invoices must be
itemized, adequately detailed, based on accurate records, and in a form reasonably satisfactory to
the City. Consultant may be required to provide back-up materials upon request.
IV. Schedule for Payment.
City agrees to pay Consultant within forty-five ( 45) days ofreceipt of the monthly invoice.
01203.0001/298339.3
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EXHIBIT "D"
SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE
Upon Contract Award, Consultant Shall:
• Collaborate with City staff to review its 2022 legislative platform and to integrate it into
an annual legislative advocacy plan.
• Foster new and established relationships with Legislators and key Administration
officials shortly after contract commencement and make recommendations for meetings.
• Develop an advocacy strategy that identifies legislative champions and key stakeholders,
including coordination with other municipalities and organizations with similar
legislative objectives.
• Develop language and supporting materials, including legislative tracking matrix.
• Develop a clear communication plan, including a regularly scheduled conference call,
along with written reports.
• Collaborate with the City to modify annual legislative advocacy plan to reflect changing
priorities, to focus on key issues of importance to the City.
March-December 2022
• Review Governor's January Budget Proposal and identify possible funding opportunities
for the City.
• Draft fact sheets, background materials, talking points, and other materials as needed.
• Meet with potential opposition to understand and mitigate potential concerns about bills
relevant to the City.
• Develop recommended positions on legislation and state budget proposals.
• Draft letters of support, opposition, and/or amendments to address concerns.
• Negotiate with authors and sponsors to resolve concerns or stop bills where resolution is
not possible.
• Track and analyze proposed new laws and regulations; and provide general advocacy on
legislation important to the City. This includes proactive information-gathering that keeps
the City up to date on relevant state agency/department regulations and administrative
policies.
• Monitor budget process for potential impacts. Engage when needed.
• Testify in policy committees on bills for which the City has an active position, or recruit
and prepare City personnel to testify where appropriate.
• Produce regular legislative reports.
• Draft end of session report providing process on legislative activities and results on
targeted legislation.
01203.0001/298339.3
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February 27, 2024
To: Ara Mihranian, City Manager
Shaunna Hunter, Administrative Analyst
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
From: Sharon Gonsalves
Director of Government Affairs
Renne Public Policy Group
RE: Renne Public Policy Group Legislative Efforts
The Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG) began its work with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
officially on March 1, 2022. As part of our initial on-boarding process, our team set up a number
of meetings in order to better understand the City’s unique culture and local initiatives as well as
state policy and funding goals. Sustained and consistent review and legislative tracking is critical
in assessing the thousands of measures introduced each legislative year. These meetings have
played a critical role in enabling our team to assist the City in building out its legislative advocacy
strategy. For all bills the City takes a position on, RPPG drafts and submits position letters for
each committee, testifies in all relevant policy committees, and will meet with the Governor’s
office to express the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ position on bills when applicable.
Federal and Local Engagement: In addition to providing state legislative advocacy services,
we work tirelessly throughout the year to assist the City of Rancho Palos Verdes in any way we
are able. This includes helping to solve local issues that have a state nexus, working with staff
on new policies of relevance, and providing education and awareness to City Council and staff.
In 2022, in addition to tracking and positioning on legislation, RPPG provided multiple updates
and engagement on federal issues specific to COVID-19 relief and the Federal Infrastructure
package. Although not federal advocates, RPPG worked closely with staff to screen potential
projects for Community Project Funding (CPF) requests to Senators Feinstein and Padilla and
Rep. Lieu office for the FY 23 federal budget development cycle. This included a thorough review
of CPF program guidelines and an assessment of which available funding accounts aligned with
the different project concepts and reviewing and editing applications.
To understand the magnitude of the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project, RPPG
traveled to the City in the winter of 2022, where staff provided a tour of the proposed project in
preparation for key stakeholder meetings in 2023.
State Budget Process: Apart from timing deadlines enshrined in the State’s constitution, the
state budget process is a nuanced and often convoluted process. Timing for when requests
should be submitted is often dependent upon each individual legislative office. While some
legislative offices prefer that requests come to their State Capitol office, others prefer that all
budget earmarks are submitted through a lawmaker’s district office. With respect to the City’s
legislative delegation, each office used a combination of approaches outlined above. Regional
earmarks in 2022 budget included:
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• $1,500,000 to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for a wildfire detection system for the
Palos Verde peninsula
• $5 Million for the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy for open space acquisition
• $500,000 for the Palos Verdes Peninsula School District for facility upgrades
Frequent Client Communication: Client communication is a critical component in our overall
advocacy approach. We pride ourselves in working hand in hand with our clients to provide
detailed as-needed analysis on legislation, regulatory issues, and the overall legislative process.
Since we have been engaged with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, RPPG has conducted bi-
weekly Zoom meetings and as needed calls and emails and has provided detailed memos in
order to stay in close contact with the City. In addition, we meet regularly with the City’s
Legislative Sub Committee and with the City Manager’s Office. Moreover, our team has provided
Monthly Activity Reports, which detail every interaction RPPG has made on behalf of the city.
Detailed Legislative Analysis: The last two years, RPPG has provided detailed analyses of
several pieces of legislation. These analyses have been critical in helping the City assess
potential implications that pending legislation may have on operations, local discretion, and/or
authority. Examples include but are not limited to:
• Side-by-side comparison of the specific interconnections between AB 2011 (Wicks) and
SB 6 (Caballero)
• Standalone analysis on AB 1951 (Grayson)
• ACA 1 and ACA 13 and Interfacing with the CBRT measure, Combined Analysis
• Standalone analysis of the proposed Government Transparency Act
• Standalone analysis of Proposition 1: Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2024
Updates on the Legislative and Fiscal Process: RPPG has provided timely informational
updates during critical stages of the budget and policy processes. These updates provide the
City with the necessary situational awareness of statewide trends, fiscal updates, what the City
is positioned on, and how RPPG is engaging on its behalf. Examples include but are not limited
to reports on:
• Bill introduction deadline
• House of Origin deadline
• Suspense file updates
• End of session legislative update
• Budget updates: January proposal, May-Revise, June budget update, and final budget
update
• Budget Trailer bill update: Governor’s infrastructure package from 2022
Client-Specific Webinar on 2023 New Housing Laws: In an effort to provide unique value to
the City, our team hosted a client-specific “new housing law” webinar on November 9, 2023. The
75-minute session aimed to drive awareness on the most impactful pieces of legislation, provide
insight on implementation, and answer any questions clients may have on a specific issue. Our
team also provided a comprehensive power point presentation as well as additional analysis on
recent changes to the Surplus Lands Act.
Sacramento Lobby Day: In January of each since being retained, RPPG accompanies
members of the City Council and the City Manager in a meeting with Senator Ben Allen and
Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi to discuss the ongoing matter of the Portuguese Bend Landslide
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Remediation Project and a funding opportunity from FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and
Communities (BRIC) grant program. Additionally, RPPG assisted with scheduling and
participated in meetings with representatives from Senator Padilla and Congressman Lieu’s
offices.
Client Debrief with City staff on labor related bills signed into law in 2023: At RPPG, one of
our goals is to ensure that the City knows how to implement laws that have gone into effect. At
the request of staff, RPPG provided a debrief of labor and human resources legislation that were
signed into law in 2023. This not only provided an opportunity to discuss the nuances of how a
bill is amended to address concerns, but also provided the City an opportunity to ask questions
and for RPPG to learn more about City operations which will assist to further our advocacy efforts.
Legislative Advocacy: At its core, legislative advocacy is working with individual lawmakers
(both within the City’s legislative district and out), committee staff, the Governor’s administration,
and regulatory officials to support the City’s policy goals. Equally important, is the ability to work
with those same stakeholders to mitigate legal, operational, or fiscal impacts state legislation may
have on the City.
Successful legislative advocacy is predicated on raising awareness and education. Being able to
empower City Council, staff and by extension its advocacy team, is critical in any effort to advance
legislative efforts. In Sacramento, direct advocacy among other aspects ranges from working
personally with a legislator, an aide, policy committee staff and the Administration on the wording
of a bill, to mobilizing broad coalitions that align with the City’s cause. This includes educating
legislators, supporters, and the public about the issue; working with the media; continuously
seeking out allies; and being persistent over long periods of time.
Over time, a sustained legislative advocacy effort will help the City form strong allies. Working
with lawmakers and familiarizing them with your concerns often results in lawmakers even
outside of a city’s legislative district to become champions for your specific issues. Establishing
personal relationships with legislators both in the City’s legislative district and outside of its district
provides the City with credibility needed to have a meaningful impact in the legislative process.
While there is no guarantee that a sustained effort will lead to success on one particular issue of
importance; a lack of a sustained effort will lead to State polices that will remove local decision
making and/or create new financial, legal, or operational challenges for the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes. Examples over the last two years include but are not limited to:
SB 1338 (Umberg) Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court
Program (City Position, Support) – 2022
Creating solutions to address extreme mental illness was a priority for the City Council. CARE
Court sought to implement Governor Newsom’s proposal, which would allow civil courts to order
those suffering from certain mental illnesses into treatment programs at the community level,
similar to today’s Assisted Outpatient Treatment under the LPS Act, but with, hopefully, more
community-based supports and services, and more court oversight. On behalf of the City, RPPG
worked with a large coalition of local government stakeholders, including our relationship with
the “Big 13” Mayors and League of California Cities to help advance this major piece of
legislation. In addition, RPPG drafted support letters, testified in all relevant policy committees,
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and met with the Governor’s office to express the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ strong support
for the bill.
On September 14, Governor Newsom signed SB 1338 into law.
SB 1444 (Allen) South Bay Regional Housing Trust (City Position, Support) – 2022
This bill sponsored by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments authorizes the establishment
of the South Bay Regional Housing Trust to help fund affordable housing in the South Bay.
Although this uncontroversial measure was on consent throughout the committee and floor
process, RPPG ensured a current letter of support was provided to each committee and a
Request for Signature letter was sent to the Governor’s office.
Governor Newsom signed SB 1444 on September 28, 2022.
AB 309 (Lee) The Social Housing Act (City Position, Oppose Unless Amended) – 2023
On July 13, Assemblymember Alex Lee (D, San Jose) significantly amended his AB 309 which
would have created a statewide Social Housing Act pilot program. In short, the measure would
have required the California Department of General Services (DGS) to build three social housing
projects on state-owned land. Moreover, the pilot program raised several policy questions and
provided virtually zero requirements that local agencies be consulted prior to project approvals.
RPPG provided the City with a detailed policy analysis on the amended measure and engaged
directly with the Assemblymember, the Senate Appropriations staff and the Newsom
Administration to express concerns about such a drastic policy shift leading into the last month
of the legislative session. We also worked with DGS to highlight the cost drivers to their agency
prior to the Senate Appropriations analysis. As a result, the Department of Finance assessed
costs ranging from $350-400 million to comply with the measure. Despite the new costs to the
State, AB 309 did advance to the Governor for his consideration. RPPG met with the
Administration in advance of the bill passing out of the Legislature to express our policy concerns
with this approach.
On October 7, Governor Newsom vetoed AB 309. In his veto message the Governor States:
“This bill infringes on state sovereignty over state-owned real property… and could
potentially cost the state several hundred million dollars in capital expenditures…This bill
creates new additional cost pressures and must be considered in the annual budget in
the context of all state funding priorities.”
AB 1484 (Zbur) Temporary public employees (City Position, Oppose) – 2023
RPPG received confirmation early in the year that the Governor was planning on signing AB
1484. This required our team to shift its approach from simply trying to stop the measure, to
ensuring that the most problematic provisions of the measure were either eliminated or reduced.
Throughout the year, we worked with several public and private stakeholders to build a strong
opposition coalition. We engaged with the author and sponsor several times to negotiate
amendments, drafted opposition letters, Floor Alerts and testified in all appropriate policy
committees. In addition, we worked from a messaging standpoint to tie AB 1484 to the broader
“labor package” advancing this year—measures included SB 799 (Portantino), AB 452 (Addis),
and SB 558 (Rubio). The goal was to try and persuade Governor Newsom to veto these bills on
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behalf of the Broader coalition. While AB 1484 ultimately advanced, our efforts resulted this bill
being substantially amended to remove the grievance process language entirely– as well clarify
that the provisions do not apply to contracted employees secured through third party staffing
entities.
On October 10, Governor Newsom signed AB 1484 (as considerably amended) into law.
SB 423 (Wiener) Land use: streamlined housing approvals: multifamily housing
developments (City Position, Oppose) – 2023
At introduction SB 423—among various other provisions would have:
• Eliminated the sunset provisions in the SB 35 streamlining program.
• Permitted virtually unfettered development in high-fire and coastal zones.
• Authorized the Department of General Services (DGS) to approve projects on any land
owned by or leased to the State of California—without complying with CEQA, labor
provisions or the review provisions required for any other SB 423 project.
Leveraging the expertise of RPPG’s senior policy advisors and staff, our team pulled together
several policy-based analyses, including specific side-by-side comparisons to existing law. This
enabled agency staff to assess the potential impacts that the measure, as introduced, would
have had on the City. Moreover, our advocacy team worked directly with Senator Weiner, the
Assembly Housing and Community Development committee and the California Carpenters Union
to secure an amendment to eliminate the ability for DGS to develop on land leased to the state
and requires the State to follow the same procedures outlined for local government with respect
to CEQA and Labor provisions. Finally, working with the California Fire Chiefs, California Coastal
Commission, several environmental groups and poverty rights advocates, RPPG was successful
in providing reasonable guardrails for responsible development in environmentally sensitive
areas—while restoring a reasonable sunset period.
While the measure is still problematic, RPPG’s sustained engagement on behalf of the City
reduced many of the most challenging provisions while restoring some of the local decision
making back into the bill.
On October 11, Governor Newsom signed SB 423 (as amended) into law.
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