CC SR 20240917 I - Assign RPPG Contract to CPPG
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 09/17/2024
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible to reassign a professional services agreement for state
lobbying services with Renne Public Policy Group, LLP to California Public Policy Group
Inc. effective October 1, 2024.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Approve Amendment No. 3 to the professional services agreement (PSA) to
reassign state lobbying services with Renne Public Policy Group, LLP (RPPG) to
California Public Policy Group, Inc. (CPPG) effective October 1, 2024; and,
(2) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 3 to the PSA, in a
form acceptable to the City Attorney.
FISCAL IMPACT: The recommended action does not result in changes to the agreed
upon services but rather a name change to managing entity noted in the PSA. There is
no fiscal impact to reassign the PSA. The PSA has sufficient funds budgeted for Fiscal
Year 2024-25 and throughout its term, which expires on February 28, 2025.
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): 101-400-1410-5101
(General Fund – Administration/Professional Services)
ORIGINATED BY: Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager
REVIEWED BY: Same as below
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A) Amendment No. 3 to Reassign the PSA with RPPG to CPPG (Page A-1)
B) Professional Services Agreement with RPPG, Amendment No. 1 and Amendment
No. 2
C) Renne Public Law Group (RPLG) and CPPG Joint Request for Contract
Reassignment (Page C-1)
BACKGROUND:
In 2022, the City engaged RPPG, a lobbying firm formed under the Renne Public Law
Group (RPLG), to work on behalf of the City’s interests in Sacramento following a request
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for proposals (RFP) process. Both parties worked to identify advocacy priorities, advocate
the City Council-approved legislative platform, obtain funding direction and earmark
recommendations, and advocate City priorities with state lawmakers. In February 2023,
the City Council approved Amendment No. 1 to extend the PSA for one year, and in
March 2024, the City Council approved Amendment No. 2 to extend the PSA for one final
year, through February 28, 2025.
Tonight, the Council is being asked to amend the existing PSA to reassign the managing
entity of the City’s state lobbyist.
DISCUSSION:
In August 2024, midway through the term for Amendment No. 2, the City received a
notification that RPPG will be spinning off from RPLG to form CPPG. All RPPG staff
members currently assigned to the City will become CPPG employees effective October
1, 2024 and retain the same Sacramento office location and contact information. CPPG
has committed to continue providing state legislative advocacy services, as summarized
below:
• 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.
• 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.
Per Amendment No. 2 of the PSA, RPPG is requesting the City reassign its PSA to CPPG,
effective October 1 to maintain continuity of services through the remainder of the PSA
term which expires February 28, 2025. As such, it is recommended that City Council
consider approving the contract reassignment to CPPG.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The PSA with RPPG was awarded on March 1, 2022 for a one year term, with the option
of two additional one-year terms. All options have since been exercised, and the PSA
will expire on February 28, 2025. In anticipation of this, staff intends to issue a Request
for Proposals (RFP) for state lobbying services and enter into a new PSA with the most
qualified proposer by February 2025. CPPG would be eligible to submit a proposal,
should they meet all requirements of the RFP.
At the March 19, 2024 City Council meeting, Mayor Cruikshank and Councilmember Seo
requested staff seek proposals for federal lobbyist services. At this time, Staff has not
issued a Request for Proposals, and anticipates doing so before the end of the year once
vacant positions in the City Managers Office have been filled. This item is tentatively
scheduled to be considered at the November 19, 2024 meeting.
CONCLUSION:
Pursuant to the existing PSA, Staff recommends approving Amendment No. 3 to reassign
the managing entity of a state lobbyist from RPPG to CPPG.
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AMENDMENT NO. 3
TO REASSIGN AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
THIS AMENDMENT TO REASSIGN THE AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES (“Assignment No. 3”) by and between the CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
(“City”) RENNE PUBLIC LAW GROUP, LLP DBA RENNE PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
(“RPPG)” and CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP INC. (“CCPG”), a California
Corporation limited liability partnership (“Consultant”) is effective as of October 1, 2024.
RECITALS
A. City and RPPG, a subdivision of the Renne Public Law Group (“RPLG”), 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 RPPG 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 RPPG amended the Agreement No. 2 on March 19, 2024 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.
D. Now RPPG and RPLG leadership have agreed upon a plan to spin RPPG off as a
separate corporation, forming the California Public Policy Group (“CPPG” or “Consultant”).
Effective close of business on Monday, September 30, 2024, the Legislative Advocacy and Grant
Services areas of Renne Public Law Group, LLP [DBA Renne Public Policy Group] will be
transferred as part of an asset purchase agreement from Renne Public Law Group to California
Public Policy Group, a California Corporation. All staff members currently assigned to perform
work outlined in our professional services agreement will become employees of CPPG effective
Tuesday, October 1, 2024. CPPG will retain the same Sacramento office location as well as the
same contact information (e.g., emails, telephone number etc.)
E. City and RPPG now desire to transfer and assign this Agreement and all subsequent
amendment to CPPG pursuant to Section 4.5 of Agreement, effective October 1, 2024. All other
terms of the Agreement shall remain unchanged.
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 9.8, Assignment and Transfer of Agreement, is added to read:
9.8 Assignment and Transfer of Agreement.
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01203.0001/1014598.3 -2-
The Agreement between RPPG is hereby reassigned to CPPG effective October 1, 2024
whereas CPPG assumes all obligations, rights and duties of RPPG under this Agreement
and subsequent Amendments.
2. Continuing Effect of Agreement. Except as amended by Amendment Nos. 1 and
through 3 all provisions of the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
From and after the date of this Amendment 3, whenever the term “Agreement” appears in the
Agreement, it shall mean the Agreement, as amended by Amendment Nos. 1 through 3.
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. 3,
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. 3,
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. 3.
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. 3 on behalf of said party, (iii) by so executing this Amendment
No.3, such party is formally bound to the provisions of this Amendment No. 3, and (iv) the entering
into this Amendment No. 3 does not violate any provision of any other agreement to which said
party is bound.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
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01203.0001/1014598.3 -3-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date
and year first-above written.
CITY:
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, a
municipal corporation
____________________________________
John Cruikshank, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ALESHIRE & WYNDER, LLP
_________________________________
Elena Q. Gerli, City Attorney
CONSULTANT:
RENNE PUBLIC LAW GROUP, a limited
liability partnership
By: ________________________________
Name: John Holtzman
Title: Founding Partner
Address: 350 Sansome Street, Suite
300, San Francisco, CA 94104
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
INC.
By: ________________________________
Name: Dane Hutchings
Title: CEO and Secretary
Address: 1127 11th 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
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO CONSULTANT’S BUSINESS ENTITY.
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01203.0001/1014598.3
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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01203.0001/1014598.3
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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RPLG/ CPPG Joint Request for Contract Reassignment| October 1, 2024 | City of Rancho Palos Verdes
August 5, 2024
VIA EMAIL ONLY
Ara Mihranian
City Manager
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Via Email: aram@rpvca.gov
Re: Joint Notice—Change of Firm: Renne Public Law Group, LLP (DBA Renne Public Policy
Group) to California Public Policy Group Inc. (CPPG) Effective Date of October 1, 2024
Dear Mr. Mihranian:
In May 2019, the Renne Public Law Group (RPLG) launched Sacramento-based Renne Public Policy
Group (RPPG) to provide public sector clients with non-legal services including legislative advocacy and
grant writing. Since then, RPPG has dramatically expanded its client base and staff, delivering high-level
services across California.
We are pleased to report that RPPG and RPLG leadership have now agreed upon a plan to spin RPPG off
as a separate corporation, forming the California Public Policy Group (CPPG). This move will allow RPPG
employees an opportunity to gain ownership in the new entity while maintaining a partnership with
RPLG—unified in our commitment to public sector representation. This move will also allow RPPG the
opportunity to continue its growth and better serve its clients.
To that end, we are jointly notifying our clients to ensure a smooth transition from RPLG to CPPG for the
non-legal work currently being performed by RPPG. Below are the specific details of this change.
Effective close of business on Monday, September 30, 2024, the Legislative Advocacy and Grant Services
areas of Renne Public Law Group, LLP [DBA Renne Public Policy Group] will be transferred as part of an
asset purchase agreement from Renne Public Law Group to California Public Policy Group, a California
Corporation. All staff members currently assigned to perform work outlined in our professional services
agreement will become employees of CPPG effective Tuesday, October 1, 2024. CPPG will retain the same
Sacramento office location as well as the same contact information (e.g., emails, telephone number etc.).
Service(s) Currently Being Performed:
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is currently under contract with RPLG for the following non-legal
services:
• State Legislative Advocacy
Per the terms of our professional service agreement with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes we
respectfully request that you approve—in writing—the assignment of your current service
contract(s) enumerated above from Renne Public Law Group, LLP to California Public Policy Group
Inc. Such assignment will include all terms and conditions of the contract currently in place including
all requirements to adhere to your agency’s insurance and procurement requirements. The
assignment shall be effective Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
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RPLG/ CPPG Joint Request for Contract Reassignment| October 1, 2024 | City of Rancho Palos Verdes
We understand that different agencies may have different requirements and processes for
effectuating this change. Please let us know how we can help navigate these processes, and any
information we need to provide.
Invoicing Pre and Post October 1, 2024:
• All invoicing for services rendered will continue to be generated and distributed by RPLG for work
performed through September 30, 2024.
• Your agency will receive a final invoice on or about the first week of October from RPLG for all
work performed in arrears through September 30, 2024.
• All work commencing October 1, 2024, will transition to CPPG.
• Beginning November 1, your agency will begin receiving invoices for all work performed on and
after October 1, 2024, from CPPG.
• There will be no interruption of service during this transition.
Lobbying Registration and Filings:
• CPPG will continue to work with the same Fair Political Practice Commission (FPPC) compliance
vendor to ensure that all required forms are filed with the proper state agencies registering CPPG
as the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ lobbying firm of record. No cost will be assessed to your
agency for this transition.
• CPPG will work with RPLG to ensure that all third quarter reporting requirements are met. No cost
will be assessed to your agency for this service.
Any delivery of your files and records will be at no cost to you. Please direct us in writing by (including,
should you wish, signing this form) to agree to the work assignment. Please feel free to contact Dane
Hutchings or Jon Holtzman at any time on this matter. We appreciate your consideration of this request,
and we look forward to the continued partnership with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Very truly yours,
Jon Holtzman Dane Hutchings
Managing Partner Managing Director
Renne Public Law Group, LLP Renne Public Policy Group
Founder/ CEO
California Public Policy Group, Inc.
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RPLG/ CPPG Joint Request for Contract Reassignment| October 1, 2024 | City of Rancho Palos Verdes
In accordance with the current professional services agreement with Renne Public Law Group, LLP, the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes agrees to assign the performance of the requirements of the agreement subject
to the terms and conditions of the agreement to the California Public Policy Group Inc. effective October
1, 2024.
____________________
Ara Mihranian
City Manager
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
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