Khouri Contract Amendment 2

1. APPROVE contract amendment #2 with Khouri Consulting to extend the time of the contract by four months to October 31, 2019 for $3,000 per month;
2. APPROVE the use of agency funds budgeted for legislative activities; and
3. AUTHORIZE the Executive Director to take such other further actions as may be necessary to fulfill the intent of the contract, including approvals of future modifications or amendments that do not significantly alter the scope of work, or change the approved contract term or amount, subject to approval by Agency Counsel.

TAMC hired Khouri Consulting for legislative analyst/advocate services in July 2017 for $30,000 per year ($2,500 per month) for two years after a request for proposals. TAMC amended the contract in June 2018 to increase the compensation to $36,000 per year ($3,000 per month) in recognition of sustained superior performance and hours worked. Mr. Khouri has requested a significant increase in pay, to $5,000 per month, adjusted annually for cost of living. Staff recommends extending this contract for four months at the same rate as the current contract, $3,000 per month, to support TAMC through the rest of the legislative session, and will bring the compensation discussion to the Executive Committee in August for direction.

TAMC has budgeted funds for legislative activities, and this $3,000 per month contract represents a good investment in reviewing, analyzing and advocating for legislation that would positively impact TAMC funding in the future, or advocating against proposals that pose a detriment to TAMC.

Gus Khouri of Khouri Consulting has continued to provide TAMC with sustained superior services since his hiring on July 1, 2017. His recent accomplishments include advocating on behalf of Senate Bill 628 (Caballero): Prunedale Bypass and other relevant legislation, submitting succinct and tailored bills lists and reports, and setting meetings with legislators and California Transportation Commissioners to support TAMC's funding applications. The current contract is set to expire on June 30, 2019. The draft contract amendment is attached. This contract amendment is only to October 31, 2019 to enable Mr. Khouri to provide services through the end of the legislative session at the same rate as the current contract. His request for an increase in compensation will come to the Executive Committee in August for discussion and direction.