STAFF REPORT - CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY

Staff recommends that the City Council:

• Approve the selection of DKS Associates to provide Public Information Services; and
• Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Professional Services Agreement with DKS Associates, subject to City Attorney review and bring back at the next scheduled Council meeting.

On April 2026, the City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Public Information Services to support citywide communication efforts, including potential informational outreach related to municipal revenue measures and other City initiatives.

The RFQ emphasized the need for:

• Legally compliant public information efforts;
• Objective and factual communication regarding City services and fiscal conditions;
• Community engagement and outreach; and
• Potential support related to informational materials for revenue measures.

Statements of Qualifications were due on April 24, 2026. DKS was the only respondent to the RFQ. However, following review of their statement of qualifications, staff feels DKS Associates is qualified to support the City’s needs.

DKS Associates submitted a comprehensive Statement of Qualifications demonstrating strong alignment with the City’s RFQ requirements.

DKS clearly understands the legal framework governing public agency communications, including restrictions on advocacy and the importance of maintaining neutrality and public trust.

Their proposal outlines a structured and phased approach that includes:

• Fiscal analysis and evaluation of revenue options;
• Development of a legally compliant public information strategy;
• Community outreach and stakeholder engagement;
• Preparation of informational materials (fact sheets, FAQs, presentations, digital content); and
• Optional polling and public opinion research to inform Council decision-making.

DKS also proposes a realistic project timeline aligned with a potential November 2026 election, including key statutory deadlines and Council decision points.

Qualifications and Experience

DKS brings significant relevant experience working with California municipalities on public information programs and revenue measure education efforts.

Key strengths include:

• Extensive experience with municipal outreach and revenue measure planning;
• Proven track record supporting successful measures (e.g., Stanislaus County Measure L passed with 71.95% voter approval);
• Experience throughout the Central Valley, including similar ongoing work in nearby jurisdictions;
• Strong public engagement capabilities, including bilingual outreach; and
• Integration of polling expertise through subconsultant FM3, a recognized leader in public opinion research.
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The proposed Project Manager, Kendall Flint, has over 30 years of experience in public information and outreach for local agencies, particularly in transportation and revenue-related initiatives.

Alignment with RFQ

DKS’s proposal is highly responsive to the RFQ and meets or exceeds the City’s expectations in the following areas:

• Legal Compliance: Strong emphasis on objective, factual communication and coordination with legal counsel;
• Scope Coverage: Addresses all major service areas outlined in the RFQ, including strategy, outreach, materials, and optional polling;
• Public Engagement: Robust plan including stakeholder meetings, town halls, and digital engagement tools;
• Communication Tools: Development of multilingual materials, website enhancements, and interactive tools;
• Flexibility: Task-based and optional services structure allowing the City to scale efforts based on Council direction.

• Do not proceed with DKS and Associates. 

DKS proposes a flexible, task-based fee structure utilizing hourly billing rates with optional services (such as polling and expanded outreach) to be authorized at the City’s discretion.

This approach provides the City with the ability to control costs while tailoring the scope of work to evolving needs and Council direction.

The total cost will be determined through negotiation of a final scope of work and not-to-exceed contract amount. The proposed structure allows the City to phase services and control expenditures based on priorities and Council direction.

Staff is requesting that the City Council direct the City Manager to negotiate a final agreement not to exceed $131,000 based on the complete cost proposal included in the statement of qualifications which will include feedback from the Council.