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Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Rich Leidl, P.C. for Federal Legislative Services
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Operational Excellence
MEETING DATE: September 19, 2017
DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office
CONTACT: Paul G. Grimes, City Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approve Resolution
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Rich Leidl, P.C. will provide federal legislative consulting services including lobbying, regulatory services, and assisting with federal approval of City projects.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Rich Leidl, P.C. has provided consultant services to the City in the past in regards to airport, grants, legislation and liaison assistance with legislators and their staffs. Mr. Leidl’s support and assistance is outlined below:
• McKinney National Airport:
o Federal Contract Tower Program:
§ Annual Funding - This FAA Program provides annual funding for FAA contractors to provide air traffic control services in the Airport’s control tower. This Program saves McKinney approximately $675,000 in payments that the City would otherwise have to make. When sequestration went into effect in 2013, the FAA proposed to eliminate the funding for McKinney and 148 other airports nationwide. McKinney and other airports worked to obtain Congressional support to reinstate the funding. McKinney also joined approximately 20 other airports in bringing a lawsuit challenging the FAA’s decision.
§ In 2013, Mr. Leidl assisted the City in the litigation and in the Congressional efforts. The result was that the FAA’s payments were continued in 2013. Since then, Mr. Leidl has worked with the City’s Congressional delegation and the U.S. Contract Tower Association to ensure that the necessary funding is provided each year. Thus far, Congressional legislation for FY 2018 provides full funding for all contract towers.
o Federal Contract Tower Program:
§ FAA Authorization Bill - Every several years, Congress passes major legislation that affects aviation programs. McKinney and other airports have worked to obtain provisions that would benefit the Contract Tower Program.
o Federal Grant Funding:
§ Mr. Leidl has assisted the Airport in efforts to obtain Federal grant funding for the Airport. Recent efforts have included meetings with the FAA to lay the foundation for funding in FY 2018. These efforts have included a meeting in May with the Mayor, the City Manager and the Airport Director and FAA Headquarters officials in Washington.
• North Texas Municipal Water District:
o The NTMWD is seeking a Section 404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to allow it to build the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir. The NTMWD team has been in Washington several times on this issue and Mr. Leidl has participated in meetings with the delegation and the Army Corps. As a result of these efforts, legislation was enacted directing the Corps to expedite the processing of the permit, which is now expected early next year. The NTMWD is seeking another piece of legislation to address other issues for the reservoir and it is expected that the NTMWD will be back in Washington in early November.
o In 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service directed the NTMD to cease using Lake Texoma to supply water because of the presence of invasive species. Since McKinney is a member city of the NTMWD, Mr. Leidl was requested to support the NTMWD’s efforts to obtain Congressional relief. Over the course of several years, Mr. Leidl participated in numerous Congressional meetings with NTMWD officials, NTMWD counsel, and NTMWD lobbyists. The result was legislation that addressed the immediate issue and allowed the NTMWD to resume using Lake Texoma as a source of its water supplies.
• Natural Resources Conservation Service.
McKinney has obtained grants from the NRCS to rehabilitate several dams within the City limits. Mr. Leidl worked with the City in seeking Congressional support for annual funding for the program. In May, when the Mayor and the City Manager were in Washington Mr. Leidl arranged a meeting with NRCS Headquarters officials to discuss the City’s projects and lay the foundation for future funding.
• Federal Grants:
o Mr. Leidl assists the City in monitoring Federal grant programs and seeking opportunities for funding from various Federal agencies. Mr. Leidl has also worked with the Congressional delegation in support of annual funding for HUD’s Community Development Grant Program and HOME Program, which benefit the City and were proposed for elimination earlier this year by the President’s Budget.
• Federal Legislation:
o In addition to the above matters, Mr. Leidl is tasked to track or provide updates on various Federal legislative issues. Of particular concern is whether the upcoming Tax reform Bill will impact the current tax exempt status of municipal bonds.
• Visits to Washington:
o During the times the Mayor, City Council Members, and/or the City Manager make a trip Washington each year to meet with the Congressional delegation and various Federal agencies in support of City initiatives, Mr. Leidl assists the City in arranging the meetings, preparing the necessary briefing papers, participating in the meetings, and doing the necessary follow up work.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• The cost of service is $6,000 per month.
• The contract will expire on September 30, 2018.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: N/A