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Consent 11.
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| Brentwood City Commission Agenda |
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| Information |
| Subject |
| Resolution 2023-71 - Agreement with Windrow Phillips Group for Government Relations Services |
| Background |
Since 2017, the City has engaged the Windrow Phillips Group to represent the City's position on issues throughout the legislative sessions. Staff is now requesting approval to engage Windrow Phillips again for the year ahead. The accompanying proposal provides that the firm's services to the City would include any matters that affect the City at the State level.
If trends of the last few years continue, legislation that removes municipal powers or otherwise adversely affects cities will proliferate. Having daily representation at the General Assembly provides the City with access to legislators at crucial moments, along with better insights into the maneuvering that takes place both publicly and behind the scenes. While staff maintains close direct contact with all of our representatives, it will be especially important that Windrow Phillips staff develop a close working relationship with our representatives as well. Note that this past year Windrow Phillips staff guided our two charter amendments through the legislative process.
While the Tennessee Municipal League provides representation for all of its member cities, Windrow Phillips will be focused on Brentwood's specific positions and needs. At the same time, Windrow Phillips also represents a coalition of other Tennessee cities with interests that are often similar to Brentwood's, including Alcoa, Franklin, Gatlinburg, Goodlettsville, Johnson City, Kingsport, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Pigeon Forge, and Spring Hill.
The renewal proposal from Windrow Phillips also provides that its services will include assistance with issues that may arise with the various departments of the State or the Governor's Office. The cost of the firm's services to the City will be $45,000, which is the same amount as the City paid last year. Additionally, the City will pay $450 to register three representatives of the firm as lobbyists for the City.
The proposal and engagement letter from Windrow Phillips are attached. Please advise the City Manager or City Attorney if you have any questions.
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| Staff Recommendation |
| Staff recommends approval of Resolution 2022-71 authorizing acceptance of the proposal from the Windrow Phillips Group. |
| Previous Commission Action |
On July 24, 2017, the Board of Commissioners approved an engagement agreement with Windrow Phillips for the 2018 legislative session.
On July 9, 2018, the Board of Commissioners approved an engagement agreement with Windrow Phillips for the 2019 legislative session.
On July 8, 2019, the Board of Commissioners approved an engagement agreement with Windrow Phillips for the 2020 legislative session.
On July 13, 2020, the Board of Commissioners approved an engagement agreement with Windrow Phillips for the 2021 legislative session.
On July 12, 2021, the Board of Commissioners approved an engagement agreement with Windrow Phillips for the 2022 legislative session.
On July 1`, 2022, the Board of Commissioners approved an engagement agreement with Windrow Phillips for the 2023 legislative session. |
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| Fiscal Impact |
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| Fiscal Impact: |
| Funding for these legislative representation services is provided for within the Legal Department annual budget. Note that the fee increase was not known at the time the budget was finalized, so while sufficient funds are available in the Legal Services line item, should significant other outside legal services be needed during the year, that line item may be exceeded and a FY 2023 year-end budget amendment become necessary. |
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