10.c Libby Law Office Lobbying Agreement Staff Report
Date of Meeting: October 15, 2024
For: Honorable Mayor and Council
From: Kyle Morell, City Administrator
Subject: Libby Law Office Lobbying Agreement
Background:
The City has contracted with William Strusinski to lobby on behalf of the City at the Legislature for
State funding for the Bliss Sewer Expansion. With the help of Mr. Strusinski and his team, the City
was able to secure state bond funding for the Bliss project before the Legislature failed to pass the
bonding bill at the end of the 2024 session. The Senate Capital Investment Committee has
approached the City to make a presentation on how the failure to pass a bonding bill has affected
the City and the project.
Issue:
Should the Council approve an Agreement with Libby Law Offices for professional government
relations consulting services from November 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025?
Proposal Details:
The attached Agreement for professional government relations consulting services with Libby Law
runs from November 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. It calls for eight months of services at
$2,400.00 per month, the same rate the City paid in the past.
Fiscal Impact:
Approving the Agreement would obligate the City to pay $19,200 for services out of the Big Marine
Sewer Fund, which has been included in the Funds 2025 budget.
Options:
1) Approve the Service Agreement with Libby Law Office
2) Do not approve the Agreement
3) Table for future discussion
Recommendation:
Option 1
1
AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES
1. This Agreement is made this 15th day of October 2024 by and between Libby Law Office,
hereinafter referred to as “LLO,” and the City of Scandia, Minnesota, hereinafter referred to as
the City. The City hereby contracts with LLO for professional government relations consulting
services to help secure state funding as determined by the City.
2. LLO agrees to perform any and all services necessary to attempt to secure support for these
initiatives from the Office of Management and Budget, the Governor's Office and the
Minnesota State Legislature. The consulting and lobbying services anticipated by this agreement
include, but are not limited to drafting legislative proposals, securing legislative sponsors, and
representing the City at meetings with legislators, legislative staff, and staff from other
governmental and private organizations. Consulting services under this agreement will also
include providing assistance to the City with any grant requests required by any state agency or
the Legislature.
3. LLO agrees to keep the City management and Council regularly informed on its progress towards
completing the objective.
4. LLO agrees to provide the professional services of William Strusinski, and Les Heen on this
project.
5. The City agrees to pay LLO a total fee of $19,200 for the services referenced herein.
This fee shall be paid in eight equal monthly installments of $2,400, each commencing on
November 1, 2024, and ending on June 30, 2025.
6. Since contingency fee contracts for governmental relations consulting services are illegal in
Minnesota, the contract amount referenced herein is due and payable to LLO, regardless and
separate from any final action taken by the legislature or any executive branch agency.
7. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. No
amendment of this Agreement shall be valid unless it is made in writing and signed by both parties.
LIBBY LAW OFFICE CITY OF SCANDIA
BY _____________________________ BY_____________________________
ITS___________________________ ITS_____________________________
DATE ________________________ DATE___________________________