STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance and Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: October 13, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: Office of Budget and Management Services
EXECUTIVE: Elizabeth Reich
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
title
Authorize payment of annual membership fees and continuation of arrangements for providing specialized municipal-related services to (1) Gartner, Inc. in the amount of $287,382.00; (2) Forrester Research, Inc. in the amount of $186,041.82; (3) North Central Texas Council of Governments in the amount of $130,197.00; (4) Oncor Cities Steering Committee in the amount of $134,504.70; (5) Texas Coalition of Cities for Utility Issues in the amount of $53,801.88; and (6) Water Research Foundation in the amount of $401,340.99 - Total not to exceed $1,193,268.39 - Financing: General Fund ($318,503.58), Data Services Fund ($473,423.82), and Water & Sewer Revenue Fund ($401,340.99)
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BACKGROUND
Gartner, Inc. for Information Technology (IT) Leaders and Executives annual membership fee is $287,382.00. Gartner, Inc. for IT Leaders and Executives is an executive assistance and mentoring program that provides access to leading technology analysts and research that provides insight and interpretation into continuous improvement strategies for IT organizations. This membership includes an experienced ex-Chief Information Officer to serve as an advisor who will work closely with city management about IT initiatives, best practices, latest industry trends, emerging technologies, IT metrics for measuring alignment with peers, staffing and investment levels, IT governance, and support with strategic planning. Gartner, Inc. provides unlimited access to over 1,200 IT analysts, research data, peer connections, workshops for strategic IT planning, briefings, events, and access to Gartner Inc.'s Compensation Study, which reviews IT positions reported by approximately 2,000 organizations.
Forrester Research, Inc. (FR) annual membership fee is $186,041.82. FR for IT Leaders is an advisory firm that provides research and advice to leaders of government agencies and non-governmental organizations. Through proprietary research data, custom consulting, executive peer groups and events, FR helps technology leaders develop customer and employee focused strategies that drive mission outcomes. The Information Technology Services Department (ITS) will have access to news and analysis, written research reports, teleconferences, and various events.
FR will conduct an IT maturity assessment for the City’s IT department to understand gaps between ITS’ current and desired state and present results and recommendations to operate in COVID-19 and beyond to improve service delivery.
North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) annual membership fee is $130,197.00. NCTCOG services its member governments and the region in a variety of ways, including comprehensive regional planning in transportation, environmental resources, and human services. The NCTCOG aggressively works to strengthen ties with State and Federal agencies and has become an information resource for regional and local economic development efforts. Members of the Dallas City Council serve in leadership roles on the NCTCOG executive board and committees.
Oncor Cities Steering Committee annual membership fee is $134,504.70. The Oncor Cities Steering Committee was created to provide a means for cities in the Oncor service area to pool their resources and prevent duplication of effort while participating in electric utility rate proceedings before the Public Utility Commission. The City of Dallas participated with this committee in the 1990, 1993, 2008, and 2011 rate cases. The City also participated with this Committee in the various regulatory proceedings relating to Senate Bill 7 and electric deregulation. As a result of the Oncor Cities Steering Committee’s activities, Oncor agreed to make settlement payments to the cities beginning in 2005 and to fund “beneficial public use” payments through the cities for the benefit of the City’s ratepayers. The City of Dallas received in excess of $17.1 million as a result of that settlement agreement. The Oncor Cities Steering Committee is actively involved in rate cases, appeals, rulemakings, and legislative efforts impacting the rates charged by Oncor Electric Delivery (formerly known as TXU Electric Delivery) within the City. The Oncor Cities Steering Committee is actively pursuing the appeal of Oncor’s previous rate case, Docket No. 35717, in which the Commission reduced franchise fees paid to cities. The current annual assessment for the City of Dallas is based on $0.125 per capita.
Texas Coalition of Cities For Utility Issues annual membership fee is $53,801.88. The Texas Coalition of Cities For Utility Issues was organized in 1996 to (a) collect, analyze, discuss, and distribute information on utility related matters; (b) participate and develop positions in utility regulatory body rulemaking dockets and on bills proposed in the legislature relating to utility matters; and (c) work cooperatively on matters relating to utility franchises and fee issues.
Water Research Foundation (WRF) annual membership fee is $401,340.99. WRF is an international non-profit scientific and educational society dedicated to the improvement of drinking water quality and supply. WRF conducts numerous research studies to enhance the improvement of drinking water and then provides the results to its members. Dallas Water Utilities is required annually to submit a water quality report to its customers. WRF is recognized as the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of drinking water in North America and beyond.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
This item has no prior action.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2021 |
FY 2022 |
Future Years |
|
General Fund |
$ 318,503.58 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Data Services Fund |
$ 473,423.82 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Water & Sewer Revenue Fund |
$ 401,340.99 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Total |
$1,193,268.39 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |