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HomeMy WebLinkAboutfilename-1 R • UP Post Office Box 4191 Helena, MT 59604 (406) 475-2356 montanaamy@hotmail.com 2017 State Legislative Session Proposal Prepared for: The City of Bozeman Prepared by: Amy Jo Fisher September 23, 2016 FISHER CONSULTING GROUP Cover Letter Dear Mr. Kukulski, Thank you for the opportunity to submit this proposal in response to the RFP issued for state lobbying services for the 2017 Montana State Legislative session for The City of Bozeman. I have worked as a lobbyist in Helena for six years dealing primarily with land use, water policy and tax issues. I also worked closely with many state legislators and have a good working relationship with many that would be key on the Montana League of Cities and Towns legislative agenda this coming session. I am a strong advocate of building coalitions and have worked hard to build relationships with leaders and lobbyists with the Montana Infrastructure Coalition, MACo, the Montana Chamber of Commerce, and many other groups in Gallatin County. I have been a registered lobbyist since 2012 and I have experience filling the required periodic lobbying disclosure forms with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices office. I truly enjoy coming to Bozeman and watching to growth and expansion of the city. My daughter attends Montana State University, studying physical therapy and absolutely loves living in Bozeman. I get to come to Bozeman frequently to visit her, cheer on the Cats, and I am considering purchasing a townhouse out on Baxter Road for her to live in, which makes me feel almost like an honorary Bozeman resident. I believe I would be an ideal partner to help The City of Bozeman achieve its advocacy and state legislative objectives. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. - Amy Jo Fisher 2 FISHER CONSULTING GROUP Executive Summary The city of Bozeman is a wonderful gem in the southwestern part of our beautiful state. A city of just over 43,000 residents and home to Montana State University, this community has continued to lead the way in moving Montana forward and becoming a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. Recently, the city of Bozeman issued a Request for Proposal for a lobbyist to represent the city's interests among legislators and policy makers at the State Capitol in Helena. The need to monitor legislation and regulation is critical. In the absence of an imminent legislative threat, a more pressing need is to build out the city's government relations program so as to increase Bozeman's presence at the State Capitol and position itself to lead the battle for increased local voter control, building infrastructure and influence the debate on lowering property taxes. A comprehensive government relations program includes a well-formulated strategic communications plan; an informed and engaged constituency with stake holders, such as Montana League of Cities and Towns (MLCT) and specifically the Montana Infrastructure Coalition; legislative and regulatory monitoring and lobbying; and, depending on the specific needs of the city, a political overview and counsel on potential activity in the upcoming elections. The Fisher Consulting Group is uniquely positioned to develop a robust government relations program for the City of Bozeman. We have literally been immersed in the political process for years. We have intimate knowledge of the inner workings at the State Capitol and the process for monitoring bills and pushing an agenda as our president, Amy Jo Fisher, most recently served as the Government Affairs Director for the Montana Association of Realtors. Enclosed you will find a specific proposal for growing The City of Bozeman's government relations program and specifically representing its interests at the State Capitol during the upcoming legislative session. s FISHER CONSULTING GROUP Scope of Services Fisher Consulting Group (FCG) would act as an extension of The City of Bozeman, serving as the state government relations department in Helena. Working closely with the City Manager and other direct contacts from the City, FCG would: - Work with The City of Bozeman to shape its advocacy agenda by representing and advocating for The City of Bozeman. ❖ Develop and implement a strategic government relations plan to direct the city's advocacy efforts at and around the Montana State Capitol. 4- Create and execute action plans and communications tactics to support the strategic government relations plan. Some examples may include: o Drafting and implementing public testimony and talking points. o Providing content for updating the city's website and social media to keep residents informed on legislative advocacy efforts. o Identifying vehicles for delivering issue information to key stakeholders (social media, email, printed leave behind communications, press releases, etc.) o Supporting and organizing a `Bozeman Day' at the State Capital during the session or a Legislative Reception in Bozeman in late November or early December to facilitate a `meet and greet' between legislators and city officials. FCG would prepare information packets to educate legislators on key issues of importance to The City of Bozeman. ❖ Monitor and report on legislative and regulatory issues affecting The City of Bozeman. d• Foster and maintain alliances with like-minded associations and other affiliate organizations. 4- Build the city's grassroots lobbying program, capitalizing on opportunities to engage residents and city stakeholders in the advocacy efforts in Helena. 4- Participate in meetings, conferences and other events where the presence of the government relations consultant would benefit The City of Bozeman. 4 FISHER CONSULTING GROUP ❖ Accompany City officials and stakeholders for one-on-one meetings and other opportunities to enhance policy makers awareness of the City's legislative agenda. ❖ FCG will filing periodic lobbying reports as well as campaign expense reports to the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices office using the State's electronic reporting system `CERs'. FCG was recently formed to provide associations and cities, such as The City of Bozeman, an alternative solution for the outdated, inadequate contract lobbyists who too often take on too many clients and cannot deliver the attention needed to their client. In addition to full service government relations, through our strategic partners, FCG offers a full range of services provided on a project/outsourced basis or consulting engagement, including: ■ Government affairs program development and management. ■ Strategic planning and organizational and leadership development. • Conference and event planning. • Polling and Focus Groups. • Membership recruitment and retention services. • PAC oversight and strategic political contribution strategies. With a natural understanding of the political process and years of experience in every facet of government relations, FCG is uniquely positioned to provide the services needed to advance the City of Bozeman's legislative agenda. FCG is headquartered in Helena, Montana with our President, Amy Jo Fisher, directly managing the lobbying and advocacy efforts at the Montana State Capitol. Amy Jo Fisher, President Fisher Consulting Group Amy has years of trade association government affairs experience in Montana with legislation and also building relationships with state and federal elected officials and candidates. Recently Amy served as the State Government Affairs Director for the Montana Association of REALTORS where she oversaw all lobbying efforts at the state policymaking level. She successfully guided key priorities through the legislative process and worked with legislators on both sides of the aisle dealing with land use regulations, water policy, tax, and business issues. 5 FISHER CONSULTING GROUP In addition of lobbying, she was active in engaging the association membership through political communications such a legislative position statement, talking points, Realtor Day on the Hill events, social media, coalition building, and advocacy projects. Amy successfully doubled annual fundraising goals and has extensive experience with PAC management, electioneering and grassroots engagement. Amy started her political career in Washington, DC working on the Hill for a Montana U.S. Senator. She spent several years as the Public Affairs Director for the Missoula Organization of REALTORS before moving to Helena in 2012. 6 HELEN-A RFALFORS 2707 Colonial Drive Helena,Montana 59601 (406)449-3835 August 30.2016 To Whorn it May Concern- I am writing on behalf of Amy Jo Fisher. I have known,and worked with Any Jo for several years in a couple different capacities. I worked with Amy when she was the Government Affairs Director for the Missoula Organization of REALTORS"and I was the Government Affairs Director for the Helena Association ofREALTORY4, I have also worked with,Amy for the past few years during her tenure as the Government Affairs Director for the Montana Association of REALTORSO in my capacity as Executive Director of the Helena Association of REALTORSO). I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Amy over the years and working with her. I find Amy tobe very professional in her work. Amy is outgoing,energetic,and committed to getting the Job done for her employer. Amy never hesitates to step up when presented with a challenge and always sees the matter through to the end, Amy has been deeply immersed in the legislative process in Montana and has a very firm grasp on the legislative process, government structure and processes and has a keen insight into public policy.Amy makes friends easily and works well with people of all political backgrounds. I can whole heartedly offer my strongest recommendation of Amy Jo Fisher. Respectfully, ark A.Simonich, Executive Director Amy Jo Fisher Government Affairs Professional montanaamynahotmail.com (406) 475-2356 Helena, MT 59602 Motivated and results-orientated Government and Public Affairs Director with extensive experience in: developing legislation, state lobbying, association and PAC fundraising as well as working with law makers from both parties to achieve legislative goals. PROFFESSIONAL PROFILE • 6 years Government and Community Affairs Director; lobbying, public relations and coalition building. • 10 years executive management; directed human resources for hiring and management of staff. • Solid leadership and organizational skills; multiple presentations in front of Boards and Committees. • Ability to multi-task efficiently in fast paced,high-pressure work environment. • Project Management and Process Improvement. • Client Relationship Building PROFESSIONAL SKILLS Interpersonal Skills • Coordinator for the Montana Association of REALTORSO Political Affairs Committee,Political Action Committee, Issues Mobilization, and Legal Action committees. • Lobbyist for the Montana Association of REALTORSO as well as managing a legislative lobbying team. • Develop briefing papers,talking points and facilitated presentations to educate members and legislators on key policy issues. • Developed the plan for campaign expenditures to federal, state, and local candidates;wrote and implemented Independent Expenditure campaigns and oversaw all political committee reporting to the appropriate agency. • Grant writing to National Association of Realtors-receiving about$75,000 in grants annually. • Outreach to stakeholders in 14 local Realtor associations and assistance with community involvement. • Overhauled the statewide effort to increase PAC funding-raised$140,000 in 2016 an increase of 150% MANAGEMENT SKILLS • Understanding of federal grants,budgeting, and government contracting • Understanding of state lobbying, campaign, and fundraising reporting requirements EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Government Affairs Director,Montana Association of REALTORSS, Helena, MT (July 2012-August 2016) Public Affairs Director, Missoula Association of REALTORS®, Missoula,MT (Dec 2010-June 2012) Business Manager,ArmorAuto, LLC, Missoula,MT (September 2006-December 2008) Federal and Community Outreach Coordinator, Inland Northwest Space Alliance (INSA),Missoula, MT (January 2001-August 2006) State Field Representative, US Senator Conrad Burns, Missoula, MT (July 1995-September 2000) Legislative Coordinator US Senator Conrad Burns,Washington DC, (January 1991-July 1995) EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 1991 Major: Political Science -Minor: Economics 2015 Montana's Realtor Digest by Alisa Heinitz-issuu 9/25/16,6:25 PM (https:Hissuu.com) T f WOO GROW ' NORTARIA t Impacts of Exempt Well Rulings on Agriculture _ _.__ -_..... ....................... ...._ .__.. -------------.,......_--- Although opponents of individual Wel>s have tried to make the •LAND RICH-CASH POOR-it is no secrlp`.hat than} issue out to be one of development versus agriculture,nothing ranchers who are"land rich and r esh poor-del could be further from the it Ci i li. the prospect of being able to sell land for reside rn Etter.a riculture has ntuclt to lose should t11C purposes of producing a retirement income.In deffititionof"conilihiedappropriadon'besignifcandy of individual wells,the rule put in place by the modified as it stands to be if the October 201-f district court. district court ruling would exceptionally limit o ruling retrains in place, rural development. NON EW WELLS-if an agricultural operation already has a well •SENIOR WATER RIGHTS ARE 1�'ROTECTEv'-There is a r for domestic use on the farm,but wants to put in a new well for individual wells that they cannot be enforced ag stock water use within the same 40 acre parcel as the domestic outside the prior appropriation system.Nothing well,that use would be severely curtailed under the rule from the truth All individual wells are assigned mandated by the October 2014 court ruling. which would he extremely junior to surrounding Should a nearby right he impacted by an individ •NO SUBDIVIDING FOR RETIREMENT-even if land was to be further senior right can most definitely make call on the subdivided,DNK has made it clear that under the rule to shut down and stop production,provided that mandated by the district court,further subdivision would be futile G.e.,the call will actually result in water m irrelevant--the wells would still be considered to be part of the senior appropriator).This is no different than a same`project or development"and,therefore,additional wells right,surface or groundwater.Individual wells o would be expressly limited,if not prohibited all together the prior appropriation system just like everyon, WE NEED WATER TO GROW OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCE: MONTANA FAIV Visit MTConsumerAdvocacy for more infrormation #GreswMT https://issuu.com/peakmarketingdesign/does/2015_digest Page 1 of 2 2015 Montana's Realtor Digest by Alisa Heinitz-issuu 9/26/16,6:24 PM (https://issuu.com) 2015 LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS �F{:_ 3 �^ , i 3 4 WATEWEXEMPT WELLS .41 effect.The 1987 rule only allows 10 afy priority of MJAR based on House Bill 168 was drafted to address a for a project up to 40 acres,This is only Right to Privacy in the 11t serious issue created enough water for 3-4 Constitution. by the Sherlock deci- homes to be built on 40 Senator Brian Hoven c sion in the Clark Fork acres! Falls crafted an excellent Coalition vs.Mon- House Bill S19 amendment that kept salt tana Department of was introduced by information confidential t *natural Resource Representative Cad limited situation where a and Conservation. � Ghmm of Kalispell appeal of his property vat Numerous develop- G R ``_VY in an effort to were comparable sales in men€projects across MONTANd create a reasonable neighborhood.The taxpa, the State were In response to the exempt compromise which have to sign`lk,tonfrdentia stalled and unable well er'ss, MA€ 's issues would have allowed receive the salt price info toi,r ceedbecause Mobilizat.on Committee (MF` use of exempt wells for the Departar IdtofRevent de i;p.a rs could tic started a public education a variety of purposes MAR succeeded in ma lext:; c Ippls for as campaign can FaceboAak, including residential the essential privacy of si exempt v,rill 1)erllut, Please like Grow Montana development and information in the public The bill was carried to receive updates on this multiple wells within by Representative important issue, farm and ranch parcels. ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION Steve Fitzpatrick The bill proposed Senate Bill 126 was dra: of Great Falls and In addition, IMF has a,web- proportionately and sponsored by Senate passed both Houses page: w°w w.MT onsumerAd- reducing the 10 AF per of Billings. This bill was with wide support vocac_y.org which has valuable year volume based on the MAIL Property Mana and w'as signed into information on the Supreme lot size. It also provided mittee to address electrt law. Court case dark Fork Coati- additional enforcement between landlords and i HB 168 created tion vs DNRC and other water mechanisms if the bill faced an unfriendly an applicability date resources and study data. volume or flow rate the House which MAR d for the Sherlock allowance for individual Ultimately the amendmt decision which wells are exceeded. and the bill passed,how stated that if a project,development,or HB 519 passed the House narrowly, nor vetoed the bill. subdivision existed before October 17, however it was not allowed to come up 2014 or the application was submitted to for a vote in the Senate Nanwal Resource PATENTTROLLING Montana Department of Environmental Committee and ultimately died. Senate BiH 39 was intros Quality or a local government and the request of the Departmet application fee was already paid,then SALES DATA/PRIVACY and revised laws related the 1993 rule definition would apply Senate Bill 54 from the Department copyright trolling in Mon which allowed 10 acre feet per year(afy). of Revenue would have allowed sales very supportive of this bi Ifthe project was submitted after price information from the Realty have frequently been the October 17,2014 then the 1987 rule Transfer Certificates to become public patent trolls.SB 39 was p definition of combined appropriation is information.Defeating this bill was a top Legislature and signed in https://issuu.com/peakmarketingdesign/doss/2015_digest Page 1 of 2 Montana's REALTOR®Digest by Bryan Haines-issuu 9/25/16, 6:20 PM (https://issuu.com) Previkewing- 2013 Monta Leq*islature The 201?1,lontana Legislatue will convene oil lEnua'y 7.2012 -fights holde's and should eihe•be limited o'sub in Helena, and it will be the C2'' egula- meeting of the state le,lights pe,mitting pocess. iegislatue.Legislato•s will then have S0 days to not onto ceate The exempt well issue is again a centl focus fr and pass a budget fo-the next biennium,but also focus on is- suppols the exemption as is.REALTOR:E mail- sues such as imp°oving the state's economy,c'eating jobs,and Lion fo-thee pima y easons:Scientific'esea'ch solving the state pensions'unfunded liability that exempt wells a'en t causing Ovate' sho tac Following the Jovembe-2012 elections, Steve Bullock (D) light pe-mitting pocess is difiticult, and exempt was elected gove-no',and he will be wo-king with a Republican- only economical choice fo-a vast majo'ity of sub cont-olled iegisletwe,with Republicans holding a 2S-21 majo-ity in the senate and a C1-26 majo'ity in the house.Along with a Land Use Issues fist-te'm gove'no•,these will be 2E f eshman legistato-s in the St bdivr:ion for lease or rent 2012 session.REALTVR'Pa•ty candidates we-e ve'y success- At loot,this is an issue of the lights of p/vale ful oin Election Day,as E2 of C1 we-e elected to office,a success e's_The specie'of confusion ove' ° division fo 'ate of newly eC pe-cent. t.IAR membe-s'investment in RPAG has led to consequences that the Leg Atu'e did i helped elect candidates who suppo-t REALTOR' issues. cause andowne s face egulCloy k'rc?tainty,tin, The Hontene Association of REALTORS' wan once again what they can do with the!'land when it comes b'ing an ambitious agenda to Capitol Hill,with seve'ai p'opos- ing additional buildings on thei•pa'cel that caul Els gea:'ed towa'd add-essing wste,land use.Iloense/busiiess 'ented- This situation seves as a disincentive f and tax issues=affecting REALTORS".The following is an ove- and best use of the land and the-ebydevalues tht view highlighting seve'al key issues that MAR will be wo'king on a job kille dwing the upcoming session. 'dote:LIAR t position oil issues REALTGRF' u-ge that any legislation in the 2C is subject to change. include a baseline th-eshold of five buildings o's vide guideliines fo'an expedited local eview of si Water Issues lease o' eiit that exceed the baseline th'eshol� Preserving the z-mall groind water welt exemption fathe' all existing subdivisions to, lease O' lent The t.lontaina Wate'Use Act allows homeowne's,new busi- 'eview p'ocess. nesses, and stock g'owe's to utili'_-e small g-oundwate• wells to obtain Ovate'without going though the wate' lights pe'mit- Clarify review of vnxct to agric&&re in scbdivi-k ting p-ocess. These small wells, often ete•-ed to as "exempt The basis of the Subdivision and Platting Act wells,"cannot use mo e than 2f gallons pe'minute(gpm)and view and mitigate impacts f oin subdivision devi 10 ace feet pe'yee•(Ec/v).Exempt wells ale utilized by smaile• SPA is designed, fist,to enable landowne•s to developments that eithe•cannot connect to municipal sevices development lights while.second. minimi_i ig th o'find it economically infeasible to utiiize pubic wEte'systems. feats of doing so.The phase"impact On Eg'iculzt Ove'the past seve'al legislative sessions and inte-ims thee in the cu-ant statute has been misiinte'p'eted a have been vOcus p oposals to limit o'eliminate the exemption local gove'nment End va'ious anti-development g to the Ovate' 'fight pe'mitting pocess.P'oposels to accomplish to utili=e this c'lte•ion as a method to deny subdl this goal hive included: 'equi*g a pe'mit fo'exempt well use tions. by subdivisions,lowe-ing the stetuto-y to esholds,i.e.2f gpm, In o'de'to p'otect the lights of p'ivate popel 10 aflv, -est'icting use of exempt wells in high g-owth a-eas; foste' a fai' subdivision 'eview pocess, REAL7 and 'equi'ing mitigation fo'exempt wells in closed basins. By that it's c'itical to cr.'ity what local gove-nments and k'ge, poponents of these p-oposets believe that g-ound- when it comes to a Subdivision impact oft eg'ici wete'use by exempt wells may have an effect on senio'wate- lion add'essing this issue must take into accoul- https://issuu.comlmontanarealtors/doeslmardigest20l3 Page 1 of 2 A determination of finalists to be interviewed will be made by the selection committee based on an evaluation of written proposals received.Award will be made following contract negotiations to the most qualified consultant at a price which the City of Bozeman determines to be fair and reasonable taking into account the estimated value of services to be rendered,as well as the scope, complexity, and professional nature thereof. If the City of Bozeman is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the consultant initially selected at a price the City determines to be fair and reasonable, negotiations with that consultant will be formally terminated and the City of Bozeman will select another consultant and continue until an agreement is reached or the process is terminated. 5.2. AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT 5.3. PROJECTTIMELINE It is anticipated that the project can begin in October 2016, and be fully completed by the end of May 2017. 6. ATTACHMENTS ATTACHMENT A: NON-DISCRIMINATION AFFIRMATION FORM 0 in 1. 4�- [name of entity proposing] hereby affirms it will not discriminate on the basis of race,color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, or because of actual or perceived sexual orientation,gender identity, or disability in the performance of work performed for the City of Bozeman, if a contract is awarded to it,and also recognizes the eventual contract, if awarded,will contain a provision prohibiting discrimination as described above and that this pro=itionhall apply®to the hiring and treatment of the i i754WL [name of entity proposing] employees and to all subcontracts it enters into in the performance of the agreement with the City of Bozeman. Signature of Proposer: `r� I ,��; 7 -I.. Person aut_h`oriz d to sign on behalf of the proposer ATTACHMENT B: SAMPLE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT See attached. 2015 Legislative Lobbyist Services RFP