Report Prepared by: Sarah Knoester, Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Renne Public Law Group, LLP dba Renee Public Policy Group in the Amount of $56,000 for Grant Writing Services
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a sixteen-month contract with Renne Public Law Group, LLP dba Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG) in the amount of $56,000 for grant writing services.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Renee Public Law Group, LLP dba Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG) in the amount of $56,000 for grant writing services; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code Title 3 Article III Purchases Over Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Applicable to all city council priorities.
DISCUSSION
As the City faces fiscal constraints and seeks ways to maximize resources, securing grants has become vital in providing services to our community. Grants have helped fund youth programs, pay for playground equipment, purchase vehicles, pay for additional staff, purchase safety equipment, replace or build sidewalks, fund the airport terminal replacement project, and build affordable housing.
Despite our efforts, some grant applications have not been selected. These include the Organized Retail Theft grant to deter large-scale retail theft, the Transformative Climate Communities grant to fund a community led development and infrastructure project in a disadvantaged community, and Prop 68 and other similar grants that would have provided funding to build parks.
Recognizing the importance of grants in advancing our city’s goals, we look to capitalize on available opportunities. To further leverage grant funding, we propose utilizing the expertise of Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG). With their knowledge and dedicated staff, RPPG can enhance our grant-seeking efforts, tapping into various funding sources and increasing our chances of success.
To this end, Staff requests approval of an Agreement to Professional Services for RPPG to expand our grant opportunities to benefit our community.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
At the February 20, 2024, City Council meeting, Council approved a supplemental appropriation of $14,000 from the unreserved, unencumbered general fund balance to cover the costs of grant writing services from March 2024 to June 2024. For fiscal year 2024/2025, City Manager staff has requested a budget allotment of $42,000 to cover the remaining portion of this contract.
ATTACHMENTS
1. RPPG Professional Services Agreement