7/29/2019 Atherton Parcel Tax - 2009 Staff Report
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Town of Atherton
March 10, 2009
TO: J ERRY GRUBER, CITY MANAGER
FROM: EILEEN WILKERSON, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR PROFESSIONAL OPINIONRESEARCH
SURVEY AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
CONSULTING SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Manager requests that the City Council approve a
professional services agreement withGODBE Research, Inc. for
professional opinion research survey and communication
strategyconsulting services and that the Council authorize the City
Manager to execute an agreement inan amount not to exceed
$19,550.00
BACKGROUND:
The Town of Atherton currently has a long-term financing
mechanism in the form of a ParcelTax. The Parcel Tax will sunset
June 30, 2010.
After several conversations between you, the Finance Director,
Senior Management, and me, youdirected me to research the process
and cost of polling. Between January 20 and January 29, Iconducted
an informal telephone survey to determine the general services
provided and cost toengage a consultant to assist the Town to
solicit Atherton voter opinions regarding long-rangefinancing
mechanisms. The informal survey resulted in costs ranging between
$10,000 and$80,000 dependent upon the scope of services
required.
Additionally, I met with Ann Ritzma, City of Pacifica, and
discussed Pacificas recentexperience using consultants to solicit
voter opinions on long-term financing mechanisms as wellas voter
satisfaction with City operations.
On January 30, 2009, the Council held a special study session
and, by consensus, directed Staffto investigate long-term financing
mechanisms well in advance of the Parcel Tax sunset date ofJune 30,
2010. The Council discussed hiring a consulting firm to conduct
anAtherton residentsurvey regarding the upcoming Parcel Tax and/or
Utility User Tax and/or General Tax. The
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Staff ReportMarch 18, 2009Page 2 of 2
consulting firm would coordinate public outreach and educational
information regarding theproposed ballot measure.
Through the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, on February 3,
2009, the Town of Athertonsolicited written proposals from
qualified consultants, firms, and consulting teams to provide
opinion research survey and communication strategy consulting
services to support the planning,development, marketing,
implementation, and evaluation of public services and public
policyprograms for the Town.
On February 17, 2009, the RFP process closed and three proposals
for professional services werereceived. A comparison of the three
proposals was completed and interviews scheduled for allthree
proposing groups.
On March 9, 2009, the interview team consisted of Mayor Carlson
and you. All candidates wereallotted 45 minutes that included a
15-20 minute presentation with the balance of each
interviewanswering questions regarding services provided based on
their individual proposals. Further
negotiations with each candidate resulted in reduced cost
proposals to provide all serviceswithout focus groups.
On March 10, I followed up with reference checks on the
Consultants and reported backconfirming the interview teams
recommendation of GODBE Research, Inc.
ANALYSIS:
The Town may not use public funds to advocate for passage or
defeat of a ballot measure.However, within the limits of state law,
the Town may solicit public opinion on financingoptions and provide
information that is needed for the voters to make informed
decisions. All of
the proposed consultants have assured the Town that they
understand and abide by these legalprinciples. The RFP interview
team has determined that the Town will benefit most by enteringinto
a professional services agreement with GODBE Research, Inc. for an
amount not to exceed$19,550.00.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The 2008-09 Budget does not include funding for a professional
services agreement forProfessional Opinion Research Survey and
Communication Strategy Consulting Services. Theagreement cost of
$19,550.00 will need to be authorized at this time and included as
a mid-yearbudget adjustment. The funding mechanism will be from the
current Parcel Tax funds.
ALTERNATIVES:
1) Accept the recommendation.2) Reject all proposals.3) Direct
Staff to modify the scope of work and request new proposals.
