Council directs staff to negotiate with Continental Strategies for state and federal grant advocacy

City staff told the Tavares City Council on Sept. 3 that, after a request for qualifications, four firms responded to represent the city for state and federal grant and legislative advocacy. A ranked panel of staff recommended Continental Strategies as the top-ranked firm and advised council to authorize staff to negotiate a contract and bring it back for final approval.

City staff said the reissued solicitation produced four responses and that the review teamcomprised the utilities director, public works director and city administratorranked Continental Strategies first, followed by EFG, Becker Law and Pittman Law Group. Ashley Ellis, who introduced herself to the council as a Lake County resident and a representative of Continental Strategies, said her firm already represents a nearby city and is familiar with state legislative processes.

Staff asked the council to authorize negotiation with the top-ranked firm. Council members asked about fiscal impact and whether the work would tap reserves; staff said fiscal terms will be presented with the contract at a subsequent meeting and that the expense is budgeted in next year's budget. The council voted by voice to authorize staff to negotiate a contract with Continental Strategies and return the contract for council approval.

Ending: Staff indicated a notice of receipt would likely be issued around the start of the new fiscal year and that the contract and fiscal impact will be presented to the council at a future meeting for final approval.