To: Board of Directors, Sonoma County Water Agency
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Water Agency
Staff Name and Phone Number: Brad Sherwood 547-1927
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Federal Affairs Advocacy Representation
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize Sonoma County Water Agency’s General Manager to execute an agreement with Thorn Run Partners LLC for federal affairs advocacy representation through December 31, 2022, in the not-to-exceed amount of $127,000 in a form approved by County Counsel.
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Executive Summary:
This item requests approval of Sonoma County Water Agency’s (Sonoma Water) agreement for federal affairs advocacy representation to implement portions of Sonoma Water’s legislative platform for 2021/2022. Legislative advocacy on the federal level leverages funding opportunities for Sonoma Water projects, such as climate resiliency, the Russian River Biological Opinion, reservoir re-operations, and extreme weather forecasting. Federal legislative tracking, legislative development, and pursuit of funding to offset costs are essential for success in fulfilling Sonoma Water's responsibilities and strategic plan.
Discussion:
HISTORY OF ITEM/BACKGROUND
Sonoma Water is a California special district with responsibility for wholesale water supply, flood protection, wastewater treatment, and recycled water distribution. Sonoma Water also operates a hydroelectric plant and allows recreational use over some of its properties.
Sonoma Water is involved in efforts to protect and restore endangered and/or threatened steelhead and salmon species in the Russian River watershed and in implementing a Biological Opinion from the National Marine Fisheries Service that requires extensive restoration and biological monitoring and coordination with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Sonoma Water also participates in a youth employment program with several other local agencies and non-profits that have and would continue to benefit from federal support.
Legislative development and pursuit of funding to offset costs are essential for success in fulfilling Sonoma Water’s responsibilities. Federal laws that impact Sonoma Water’s work include, but are not limited to, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Water Resources Development Act(s), and the National Environmental Policy Act. Sonoma Water interests require coordination and communication with several federal departments, agencies, and related offices including but not limited to USACE, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Sonoma Water is an active participant in and supporter of the Pacific Coastal Salmonid Conservation and Restoration Initiative (Pacific Salmon Initiative) and is responsible for the development of this five-state federal funding proposal. California received more than $138 million from 2000-2010 through the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund with $145 million in additional funds for all five states for 2011 and 2012. Consultant has provided considerable assistance to Sonoma Water in development and ongoing support for continued funding of the Pacific Salmon Initiative.
Sonoma Water has an ongoing need to pursue funding and authorization opportunities toward implementation of the Russian River Biological Opinion. These opportunities also support operations and maintenance needs at the Warm Springs and Coyote Valley Dams to provide the water supply for over 600,000 people in Sonoma and Marin counties. Continued work with Congress, USACE, and other relevant federal administration officials is essential for successful function of these programs and facilities.
In addition, Sonoma Water has an ongoing need to pursue federal funding opportunities for improvements to wastewater treatment and collection facilities, recycled water storage and distribution systems, and protection of water quality. Potential federal funding sources include the United States Department of Agriculture, United States Bureau of Reclamation and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
SELECTION PROCESS
A competitive selection process was not completed, and a Single/Sole Source Waiver was obtained from the County of Sonoma, General Services Department, Purchasing Division.
Until recently, Paul Schlesinger was employed by Alcalde & Fay, who provided federal affairs advocacy representation for Sonoma Water. Alcalde & Fay was selected using a competitive selection process. Paul Schlesinger was named as key personnel in the subsequent agreement with Alcalde & Fay.
Paul Schlesinger has recently become employed with Thorn Run Associates. Sonoma Water wishes to enter into an agreement with Thorn Run Associates, naming Paul Schlesinger as key personnel, to complete the services that were previously contemplated under the Alcalde & Fay agreement, which was terminated due to Paul Schlesinger’s departure.
Paul Schlesinger's history of successfully representing Sonoma Water’s interests in securing federal funding and support for Sonoma Water and partners that assist Sonoma Water in its water supply, water conservation and water-use efficiency, water treatment and recycling, water quality protection, watershed restoration, ESA compliance, flood control, and emergency services is invaluable.
SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED
Under the proposed agreement, Thorn Hill Partners LLC will focus on working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ and Congressional and subcommittee offices on implementation of the Russian River Biological Opinion and assisting Sonoma Water in obtaining federal funding and legislation to support flood control, sanitation, water supply reliability and emergency response, water quality protection, water recycling, and related projects.
The cost of services will not exceed $127,000. This agreement covers services rendered from November 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022.
The agreement includes two options for Sonoma Water to extend this agreement for a period of one year each by providing written notice to Thorn Hill Partners LLC thirty days in advance of the expiration date of the agreement and of the first extension option.
Prior Board Actions:
03/02/2021: Authorized Sonoma County Water Agency’s General Manager to execute an agreement with Alcalde & Fay for federal affairs advocacy representation through December 31, 2022, in the not-to-exceed amount of $216,800 in addition to approving Sonoma Water’s Legislative Platform 2021/2022 and five additional advocacy representation agreements.
02/26/2019: Approved agreements between Sonoma Water and Alcalde & Fay, Natural Resource Results, LLC, and Van Ness Feldman for federal legislative advocacy. Cost $216,800, $210,000, and $203,328 respectively; term end December 31, 2020.
12/13/2016: Approved first amended agreements between Sonoma Water and Alcalde & Fay, Van Ness Feldman, and Natural Resource Results for legislative and advocacy services. Added $212,160, $185,760, and $201,600 respectively; and adding 24 months to term end.
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY 21-22 Adopted |
FY22-23 Projected |
FY 23-24 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
$127,000 |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
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Total Expenditures |
$127,000 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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State/Federal |
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Fees/Other |
$127,000 |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$127,000 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Budgeted amount of $127,000 is available from FY 2021/2022 appropriations for the Water Transmission O&M, Warm Springs Dam, and Recycled Water Funds. No additional appropriation is required.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
None.
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.