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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFOCUSED ADVOCACY - 2015-2016 - SignedF 0 C U S E D ADVOCACY CONTRACT FOR GOVERNMENTAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS CONSULTING SERVICES (Georgetown Utility Systems) This contract is made the � day of Sept. 2015, between Georgetown Utility 5`Ystems ("GUS"), hawing its principal place of business at 300 industrial Avenue Georgetown, Texas 78626 (hereinafter "Client") and Focused Advocacy, LLC having its principal place of business at 823 Congress Avenue, Suite 1200, Austin, Texas 78701(hereinafter "Consultant') for the provision of state governmental and public affairs consulting services. 1. Servic:es. Consultant will provide the professional services described below, as may be requested and directed by the client. 1. Assist in the development of a comprehensive strategic governmental and regulatory affairs plan for GUS. As part of the governmental affairs plan Consultant will work with Client in an attempt to reach specific goals and objectives related to GUS's internal business plan that can be Impacted by legislative and regulatory actions. 2. Represent GUS's interests before the legislative, regulatory, and executive branches of Texas state government in furtherance of the passage or defeat of legislation, proposals, or rules as directed by GUS. 3. Assist in the development and implementation of strategies and initiatives to support GUS's business and legislative agendas, including: a. Protecting GUS's territorial service rights and privileges; b. Supporting efforts and seeking all necessary approvals for transfer of a special utility district to GUS; c. Pursuing new opportunities and rights for GUS; d. Promoting public power interests; and e. Assisting in the development of strategies for GUS to remain competitive as a municipally owner utility, 823 CoNGa.mAvmNun, SPe.1200 • AurnN, 7Eu9 78701 * wofaverus9AAuveacv coo FOCUSED C ADVOCACY requirements. Client agrees to full comply with all necessary federal, state, and local laws associated with the scope of services provided under this Agreement. 10.Tem 1Lofbby haw and repurUng Requirement. The Texas ethics law and rules adopted by the Texas Ethics Commission require the Consultant to report compensation or reimbursement ,paid to Consultant for the purpose of directly communicating with members of the legislature or executive branches of government. Texas Ethics Commission Rules provide that a registrant receiving compensation or reimbursement for purposes other than lobbying activities may reasonably determine the amount of compensation attributable to lobby activities and report only that amount. Based upon Consultant's experience representing other clients, the Consultant believes 50 (fifty) percent will be a reasonable estimate of the monthly retainer attributable to "lobby activities." However, It is agreed that the Consultant will continually monitor the amount of time spent on lobby activities as defined by Texas Ethics Laws and Rules to ensure compliance with this reporting requirement. 11.Confldentiality, if a party provides information or materials indicated to be confidential, the receiving party will maintain the confidentiality of such matters and not disclose any such information except in proper performance of this contract and as required by law. 12. o e$ By signing this Agreement, Client is consenting to the representation of multiple clients by the Consultant and Consultant is confirming that no direct conflicts of interest currently exist If any such conflict should develop, Consultant agrees to bring that fact immediately to the attention of both Clients for resolution. Consultant will exercise extreme care to avoid conflicts, unintended or otherwise, which arise, if ever, in the future. 13.Terut1Bation. Either party may terminate this Agreement, with or without cause, upon sixty (60) days written notice to the other party. The Client may terminate this agreement for cause upon thirty (30) days written notice. 823coNGunAvmuRsrL1200 AUMN.7'MM78701 @ 1Nm0F0cuseoxDV0U X= 5 FOCUSED C ADVOCACY 14. Entire Ag�reement_aud M-e-di icatians. This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understandings of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements or understandings, whether oral or written, negotiations and discussions. This Agreement may not be modified, rescinded or terminated orally, and no modification, rescission, termination attempted waiver of any provision hereof (including this section) shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the parties hereto. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement through their duly authorized officers, as of the date set forth above. Systems Focused Advocacy, LLC I Mr. Jim Briggs, General Manager Mr. Snapper L. Carr, Partner Date: I G l3 15 Date: 623CoNCBs99AvMoB, TL1200 0 AvsM TMW76701 INROORDCOSM"VOCAMCOM