HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem Z MEMORANDUM •
December 13, 1999
TO: MAYOR YOST AND
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: KEITH TILL,
CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: Service agreement for Washington representation
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATION: Council to approve a motion extending and
amending the agreement for Washington representation by E. Del Smith and Co.
BACKGROUND: The City this year has utilized the services Washington D.C.
consultants E. Del Smith and Co. The representation has been for purposes of securing
funding for shoreline protection projects. We were successful this year in obtaining
funding for a special study to reconsider the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of the sand
replenishment program every five years at Surfside and the pier groin for East Beach.
This was a major achievement in that,without funding for a re-evaluation of the problem,
no new federally-funded solutions are possible. Until this time,the City had virtually no
chance of getting additional federal assistance.
Additionally,we were able to secure in advance the funds necessary for design and
engineering for the next phase of the 5-year replenishment cycle. It is hoped that the
construction contract can be let in the fall of 2000. Del Smith is assisting the City in
coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,who will oversee the project.
Currently, Del Smith is representing the City in Washington in an effort to secure
emergency funds for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to backpass sand from the
Anderson Street area to the critically depleted west end of Surfside.
The City's arrangement with E. Del Smith and Co. was a month-to-month agreement at
$1,500 per month. It was agreed that the City would reassess the agreement at the end of
six months to determine whether sufficient progress was being made and, at that time,
increase the level of services to $2,000 per month. This remains substantially below the
market rate for Washington representation.
With funding now in place for several federal projects,it is critical that the City of Seal
Beach maintains an aggressive presence in Washington.
Agenda Item Z
RECOMMENDATION: City Council to approve a motion extending the month-to-
month service agreement with E. Del Smith and Co. at a rate of$2,000 per month.