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Council approves extension with Cardinal Infrastructure for federal advocacy amid questions about a 10% increase
Summary
The council approved a contract extension with Cardinal Infrastructure LLC for federal advocacy and funding support after council members questioned a 10% fee increase and whether the contract guarantees hours; staff said the firm is on‑call and time varies seasonally.
The Normal Town Council approved a contract extension with Cardinal Infrastructure LLC for professional federal advocacy services on April 6, after council members raised questions about a roughly 10% increase in the fees.
Council member Lorenz asked whether the firm guarantees a set number of hours per month and what justified the 10% increase. Ms. Reese and Mr. Albert explained the contract does not specify guaranteed hours; Cardinal is on call, communications vary with Congressional activity and grant cycles, and recent increases reflected general cost-of-business adjustments (two 10% increases in the last five years were noted in the record).
Council also asked whether the firm would spend time on the local underpass matter; staff said that effort is currently being handled primarily by town staff, the project team and Union Pacific Railroad, and that the consultant is not presently spending much time on the underpass issue.
The resolution to extend the contract passed by roll call with Council members Preston, Lorenz, Byers, Roberson, Karen Smith and Mayor Koos recorded as 'Aye.' The contract language does not include a guaranteed monthly time commitment, according to staff remarks in the meeting record.
