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MINUTES
GENERAL GOVERNMENT AND FINANCE (GGAF) ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE
OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS
The General Government and Finance (GGAF) Advisory Subcommittee met at 2:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, April 29, 2009, in the City Hall Main Floor Conference Room, located at 113
East 8h Street, Georgetown, Texas.
1. Keith Brainard welcomed everyone to the meeting and called the meeting to order at
2:04 p.m.
2. Approval of minutes from the March 4, 2009 meeting.
Discussion regarding the RFQ/RFP process:
Clarification: Keith noted that we agreed to reconsider the way that we score the dollar response, i.e., the
difference in scoring should be proportionate to the difference in dollar bids. (For instance one firm gets 120%
of the low bid, the score should be reduced by 20%).
Clarification: Patty noted that during the bid selection process, firms are awarded points for past relationships
working with the City. She wanted to clarify that a firm’s negative experience in the past with the City could
also be reflected in the scoring process by “docking” points.
Micki said that we will use this feedback during future RFP processes
.
The minutes were approved with the above clarification and changes.
Members Present: Keith Brainard, Chair, Patty Eason,
Members Absent: Dale Ross
Staff Present: Micki Rundell, Chief Financial Officer, Laurie Brewer, Assistant Director of
Finance and Administration, Leticia Zavala, Special Projects, Finance and Administration, Lorie
Lankford, Accounting Manager, Finance & Administration
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3. Discussion regarding the selection of Westin, as the project manager for the CIS/AMI
project to include overall assessment and development of Information Technology
Plan.
Leticia Zavala updated the committee on the CIS/AMI project. She explained that that we are looking at
incorporating an IT assessment plan into this project. Originally this project was looking at 2 RFP’s; one for a
technology plan to assess our entire infrastructure to make sure it could support and substantiate such a radical
software change into a new CIS/AMI system. We were very concerned that our existing infrastructure could not
support that, so we had an RFP out for an IT Technology Plan, along with the Project Manager for the CIS/AMI.
A lot of things have progressed in the past months, and we have now negotiated with someone to look at
Department of Energy (DOE) stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which is up
to 50-60% of the total cost. In that stimulus funding, there is money appropriated for GIS infrastructure
updates, along with IT technology money available. The committee decided that it would make more sense to
combine the RFP’s to ensure that it will be substantiated and supported internally through our IT network and
we are concerned that at this moment, it may not work. West Monroe was going to come in and do the grant
application to the DOE and do a complete Master Plan for the CIS/AMI project. By doing that, the Project
Manager would not have to do that master planning, so they would have some ability in their proposal to
actually do an IT Assessment for us so we would not have duplication of duties. It makes sense to be able to
combine this process and because of the technical ability of Westin were far superior to the others who had
responded to the RFP processes individually for the assessment; combined effort saves money and we can’t
go forward with CIS until the assessment is done, so from a timing perspective, it allows us to move the whole
process along. The IT assessment process is so important so we are going to hold off on moving until we have
the assessment. Right now, any investment in any infrastructure is on hold until this happens because we don’t
want to throw money into something that might not work.
Normally this would go to the GUS Board, but due to timing issues, Jim Briggs suggested that the GGAF
Subcommittee provide feedback so that we could get it on the next Council agenda. The overall concept has
been to the GUS Board in January and the overall CIS/AMI project was reviewed at the Council level in March.
This is taking the Project Manager forward to actually do an RFP for CIS replacement and AMI replacement. It
is a 6-7 month process. If we tack an IT Assessment on top of that, it would be end of May, first of June to start
with the RFP’s for that July through the need of the year and possibly be on track to get them out on the street
by the end of the year. The DOE money has a 24 month window to turn it around. GUS Board has seen the
overall scope and signed off on the project itself. They have also looked at the West Monroe contract.
Staff will be requesting approval of a contract with West Monroe Partners at the April 21 GUS Board meeting.
If recommended by the Board, the contract will be on the April 28th Council Agenda. This contract will be to
provide assistance to the City in preparing and attaining DOE grants to offset costs associated with the
CIS/AMR replacement project. These funds are part of the recent “stimulus” package. West Monroe is willing
to risk 40% of their contract costs on the ability of the City to receive such a grant. Estimates are that the City
may receive up to $5M in matching funds. As part of the application, West Monroe will develop a “business
plan” for the project. Due to the timing requirements, West Monroe will start the project May 1st if approved.
The grant application must be submitted by mid-June. All work associated with this contract will be
incorporated into the overall CIS/AMR project manager selection currently underway. The contract for the
Project Manager will be presented to the GUS Board in May, with Council consideration planned for May 26th.
Discussion: Keith asked if this was specific to utilities. Micki answered yes and it is related to IT in the sense
that it all has to run through the city-wide IT network and use the data in the back end of the GIS system. Micki
noted that we have a state-of-the-art GIS system but we are unable to use it because use it cannot get over to
our network. We want GIS to be the “central core/information” of the entire operation to where it is all updated
in one location.
Keith asked to get a “picture” or schematic if the City’s IT system (where we are now and where we
want to be) so that he can understand how this all fits together. Micki said there is no IT Master Plan,
but we will get something together.
Keith also asked for a RFP bid tab summary.
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Patty said that she has heard about this situation for a long time and is ready for it to get on.
Micki asked if the committee was comfortable with this going to the next Council meeting. Keith said
that it depended upon his conversations with Paul regarding IT. He feels that if Dale were here, he
would have the same serious concerns. He encouraged Micki to contact Dale with the information
regarding IT that she provided to the committee. The selection committee who interviewed Westin
included City Staff from Water/ Wastewater/Electric,SCADA/Utility Billing/Finance /Micki and Jim
Briggs. There was a clear break between the top two candidates and the rest. Committee members
noted that Westin brought the skillset that we needed to get where we wanted to go.
Requested information will be brought to the May 7, 2009 GGAF Subcommittee and we will revisit this
subject. Patty said that we had to be careful because of the timeline we are dealing with regarding the
additional monies available.
4. Discussion regarding funding for the pedestrian bridge in Blue Hole Park.
Initially, the River Place develop agreement included a City possible commitment to construct a pedestrian foot
bridge below Blue Hole in the park as a way to further economic development while implementing another
element of the Downtown Master Plan (connecting the various trails within the park). Initial cost estimates were
$125,000 and bonds were issued in 2005. During 2006, the bridge was engineered, with cost estimates of up
to $300,000. Therefore, the bridge project was put on hold, and in the mean time, the River Place incentive
package expired.
For several years, the City has intended to extend Rock Street to improve traffic flow on Austin Avenue and
address traffic issues in front of Sonic. The project was delayed awaiting final engineering for wastewater
improvement (including replacement of the lift station on Rock Street). GUS wanted to do the projects in
conjunction with improvements to Austin Avenue. The City also issued debt for these improvements, including
many of the improvements that ended up being funded by TxDOT. The City also budgeted the wastewater
improvements within the wastewater fund.
Last week, GUS received bids for the Rock Street project. As part of the bid, GUS requested an alternate for
the construction of the pedestrian bridge. The bid for the bridge came in at $281,000 + inspection costs.
Staff is requesting that the City move forward with the bridge using funds that were previously issued for other
areas of the project that are now funded or have been funded by other sources.
By doing this project now, the City will save money and time since all the environmental and TCEQ
requirements have already been met. Delaying the bridge will require new permitting when and if the bridge is
constructed. Savings will also be realized since the contractor will already be mobilized for the Rock Street
project.
In conclusion, the bridge will further implement the Downtown Master Plan and improve connectivity of the
City’s trail system.
Micki explained that the funds will be used as follows:
Bond money $600,000 WW funds already allocated
Repaint bridge over the Gabriel contaminated with lead Lift station $685,000
Turning movements at Morrow and Austin Improvements to Rock Street
Tree wells
Landscaping on the north end of Austin Avenue
We have TCEQ clearance now for the wastewater, so if we do not do the bridge now, we will have to do all of
the clearances again, and it will cost additional money, so the timing is critical. The monies available are
limited to bond money as it is part of the Downtown Master Plan.
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The committee is comfortable taking this forward. Keith thinks we would be foolish not to agree with
moving forward with the FT Woods bid; Patty agreed. This will go to GUS Board at their next meeting
Keith suggested that when taking this to Council, please make sure it is broken down and tie things
together more definitively, i.e.
$$$ amount $$$ amount $$$ amount
Project Project Project
5. Discussion regarding the 2009 year-end external audit.
This is the 5th and final year of the existing contract with Broadway, Gersbach, Franklin and Niemeier, PC.
(BGF&N) The fee for the 2009 audit is $35,925 per the contract with additional costs associated with Single
Audit. Auditing standards have increased dramatically since the contract was approved, thus the relative cost of
doing the audit has increased. Staff is recommending that the City continue with BGF&N for the upcoming
year-end, and allocating $7,000 in additional funds to offset the costs associated with these new standards.
Staff believes that even with the additional funds, these costs will be significantly lower than other comparable
City audits within the area.
Staff also recommends an RFP process be conducted in January 2010 for selection of an external auditor for
fiscal years beginning in October 2009. These recommendations will be forwarded to City Council in early May.
Preliminary work on the September 30, 2009 audit will begin this summer.
The committee was in agreement with staff recommendation.
6. Extension of the Depository Agreement with JP Morgan/Chase
Currently, the City is in year 3 of a 5 year contract with Chase. Staff will be requesting approval of a 1-year
extension as allowed in the original contract. State law requires City’s to bid their depository services at least
every 5 years. The City is currently pleased with the services that Chase provides. Due to possible cost
savings, the City may conduct the RFP process in the spring of 2010, 1 year earlier than required. The cost
involved in changing banks is high, especially staff time, and requires at least 90 days for transition. The
current contract ends September 30, 2009. The extension will be presented to Council in May.
The committee was in agreement with staff recommendation for a 1-year extension as allowed in the
original contract.
7. Discussion regarding the upcoming 2009 arbitrage rebate calculation and related
process.
First Southwest has prepared the City’s arbitrage rebate calculation for the past 15 years. Their service has
been more than adequate. The cost of this calculation is approximately $23,000. Staff is considering an RFP
process for the 2009 calculation. Williamson County has approached the City about a combined process. If
the County moves forward, we may participate in a joint effort. We will follow up.
8. Presentation and possible discussion regarding the 2009/10 Compensation and
Benefits Plan.
Kevin Russell is unable to attend due to prior obligations. This item will be presented at the May 7,
2009 GGAF Subcommittee Meeting.
9. Meeting adjourned at 3:04 p.m.
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