RECOMMEND that the Board:

1. Approve contract amendment with Khouri Consulting to provide an increase in compensation from $30,000 per year to $36,000 per year based on performance and hours worked; and,
2. Authorize the Executive Director to execute the contract amendment and changes to the contract if such changes do not increase the Agency's net cost, subject to approval by Agency Counsel.

Gus Khouri of Khouri Consulting has been providing the Agency with superior services since his hiring on July 1, 2018. His accomplishments include diligent advocacy for the Agency's priorities for transportation funding, including grants through the Senate Bill 1 programs.

The current contract with Khouri Consulting is for $30,000 per year for two years, until June 30, 2019. The contract amendment would increase the not-to-exceed for the contract to $36,000 per year, effective July 1, 2018. This funding is available in the FY 2018-19 budget.

The current contract with Khouri Consulting is for $30,000 per year for two years. This amount is less than Khouri receives from other transportation agencies, but he accepted this amount for the first year based on his belief that he would provide the Agency with superior services than the previous consultant. Staff believes he has proved this in the time he has worked for the Agency to date, by advocating for Agency positions on legislation, setting meetings in a timely manner, submitting succinct and relevant reports and tailored bill lists, and advocating on behalf of grant applications submitted by the Agency.

Staff will present the contract amendment to the Committee for consideration.