Grant Writing Assistance_Ferguson Group ContractMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Grant Writing Assistance
DATE: July 23, 2011
Dubuque
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An- AmedcaCity
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2007
The City of Dubuque and its partners have successfully secured nearly $100 million in
grant funding from federal and state competitive grant programs and private foundations
over the past two years. Limited grant counsel and support from the Ferguson Group
was a part of the City's successful strategy. The Ferguson Group has expertise in
working to successfully interface local governments with agencies of the federal
government. The Ferguson Group staff also facilitates Climate Communities of which
the city is a member. The Ferguson Group has agreed to a five month contract with the
City for a cost of $2,500 a month, for a total cost of $12,500, to assist with strategic
planning, preparation and application of federal grant applications.
Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann recommends City Council approval of a five
month contract with the Ferguson Group for $12,500 to assist with strategic planning,
preparation and application of federal grant applications, and $25,714 to extend the
contract of the current Management Intern until June 30, 2012, to provide grant writing
assistance and America's River 111 campaign assistance.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
Teri Goodmann Assistant City Manager
Grant Writing Assistance
July 21, 2011
Dubuque
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NI- America City
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2007
INTRODUCTION
City staff is in the process of evaluating federal grant opportunities and submitting
grants to federal agencies and departments for City priorities.
DISCUSSION
The City of Dubuque and its partners have successfully secured nearly $100 million in
grant funding from federal and state competitive grant programs and private
foundations over the past two years. Limited grant counsel and support from the
Ferguson Group was a part of the City's successful strategy. The Ferguson Group has
expertise in working to successfully interface local governments with agencies of the
federal government. The Ferguson Group staff also facilitates Climate Communities of
which the city is a member. The Ferguson Group has agreed to a five month contract
with the City for a cost of $2,500 a month for a total cost of $12,500 to assist with
strategic planning, preparation and application of federal grant applications.
In addition, Management Intern Phyllis Russell's two year contract with the City ends
August 3, 2011. Phyllis has proven herself to be a valuable member of the City team.
Until Phyllis secures other employment opportunities, she would be available to assist
with grant writing, support the America's River III campaign, as well as other work as
considered necessary. Phyllis would be available to work her currently scheduled hours
of 25 hours per week until December 31, 2011 at a cost of $16,048. The City
partnership with Lancaster, Wisconsin ends December 31, 2011. Beginning January 1,
2012, Phyllis would be available to provide full -time assistance until the end of the fiscal
year at a cost of $31,413. There is currently $21,747 budgeted in FY 2012 for a
management intern. The total additional cost for retaining the current management
intern until June 30, 2012 is $25,714. This cost will be split to Water — 7% ($1,800),
Sanitary Sewer — 9% ($2,314), Stormwater— 20% ($5,143), Refuse — 5% ($1,286),
Parking — 1% ($257), Landfill — 2% ($514) and General Fund — 56% ($14,400).
The total additional cost to the General Fund of $26,900 will be funded by FY 2011
unbudgeted property tax reimbursements from riverfront property leases. The City will
also not implement the hiring of an intern from the Northern Illinois University MPA
Program until this arrangement is completed, providing up to $21,747 in Fiscal Year
2012.
RECOMMENDATION
I respectfully request approval of a five month contract with the Ferguson Group for
$12,500 to assist with strategic planning, preparation and application of federal grant
applications and $25,714 to extend the contract of current Management Intern until
June 30, 2012 to provide grant writing assistance and America's River III campaign
assistance.
TG /jml
Cc: Jenny Larson, Budget Director
Phyllis Russell, ICMA Fellow