STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance and Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: October 13, 2021
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: 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 $723,034.00; (2) Forrester Research, Inc. in the amount of $559,472.57; (3) North Central Texas Council of Governments in the amount of $131,461.00; (4) Oncor Cities Steering Committee in the amount of $121,055.00; and (5) Water Research Foundation in the amount of $413,381.22 - Total not to exceed $1,948,403.79 - Financing: General Fund ($252,516.00), Data Services Fund ($1,282,506.57), and Dallas Water Utilities Fund ($413,381.22)
body
BACKGROUND
Gartner, Inc. for Information Technology (IT) Leaders and Executives annual membership fee is $723,034.00. Gartner, Inc. for Information Technology (IT) leaders and Executives annual membership is an executive assistance and mentoring program that provides access to leading technology analysts and research that provides insight and interpretation into continuous IT improvement strategies for 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, 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 $559,472.57. Forrester Research for Information Technology (IT) leaders and Executives annual membership 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, Forrester helps technology leaders develop customer and employee focused strategies that drive mission outcomes. IT will have access to news and analysis, written research reports, teleconferences, and various events. Forrester will assist IT with launching an EmergingTechnology Advisory Panel. With Forrester’s guidance, this panel seeks to assess IT investments to build a resilient and adaptable technology driven organization.
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 $131,461.00. 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 $121,055.00. 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 $0.09 per capita.
Water Research Foundation (WRF) annual membership fee is $413,381.22. WRF is an international, non-profit scientific and educational society dedicated to ensuring water quality and improving water service to the public. WRF conducts numerous research studies that develop practical solutions for the challenges facing the water services sector. Membership in the WRF allows Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) access to a huge library of applied research, the opportunity to network with more than 1,200 members around the world, and the ability to participate and provide input on research projects that are critical to meeting DWU’s needs.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
This item has no prior action.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2021 |
FY 2022 |
Future Years |
|
General Fund |
$ 252,516.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Data Services Fund |
$1,282,506.57 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Water & Sewer Revenue Fund |
$ 413,381.22 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Total |
$1,948,403.79 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |