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Brentwood City Commission Agenda

Meeting Date:	07/24/2017
Resolution 2017-56 - Authorizing Agreement with Windrow Phillips Group for Government Relations Services
Submitted by:	Roger Horner, Legal
Department:	Legal

Information

Subject

Resolution 2017-56 - Agreement with Windrow Phillips Group for Government Relations Services

Background

In February, 2017, the City of Brentwood engaged the Windrow Phillips Group to represent the City's position on short-term rentals at the Tennessee General Assembly. The cost for these services was $9,900. While the short-term rental legislation opposed by the City failed to pass this year, legislators have indicated it will be brought back next year. Staff is now requesting approval to engage Windrow Phillips again for the year ahead. In addition to continuing assistance with the short-term rental issue, the accompanying proposal provides that the firm's services to the City would be expanded to 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 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, Gatlinburg, Goodlettsville, Johnson City, Kingsport, Maryville, Oak Ridge and Pigeon Forge.

The new 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 $30,000. Additionally, the City will pay $600 to register four representatives of the firm as lobbyists for the City. These costs are budgeted in the Legal Department's operating budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year.

The proposal and engagement letter from Windrow Phillips are attached. Please advise the City Manager or City Attorney if you have any questions.

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends acceptance of the proposal from the Windrow Phillips Group.

Previous Commission Action

No previous Board of Commissioners action. The previous agreement with Windrow Phillips was at a cost of less than $10,000 and did not require Board approval.

Fiscal Impact

Amount :	$30,600.00
Source of Funds:	General Fund
Account Number:	110-41520-82520

Fiscal Impact:

Funding for these services is included in the Legal Department's operating budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year.

Attachments
Resolution 2017-56
Windrow Phillips engagement letter
Windrow Phillips proposal
Signed Resolution