4.8. SR 08-20-2018
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.8
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent August 20, 2018 Cal Portner, City Administrator
Item Description Reviewed by
Contract for Communications Consultant, Rapp Tina Allard, City Clerk
Strategies, Inc.
Reviewed by
Lori Ziemer, Finance Director
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, a contract for communication services with Rapp Strategies, Inc.
Background/Discussion
At the August 6, 2018, Council Meeting, the Council discussed the short timeline to the November 6
referendum which will include a ballot question for a Local Option Sales Tax and the consensus was to
work with Springsted to identify assistance for communications.
Governmental entities are limited to providing information and not advocating for ballot issues. The
complexity of the local option sales tax and recreation facility improvements create many challenges for
our existing professional staff.
Council Member Wagner and staff met with Dr. Don Lifto of Springsted and with Todd Rapp of Rapp
Strategies, Inc. to discuss communication timing, needs and availability. Mr. Rapp was confident his team
would be able to assist with our public information efforts with the short window before the election.
Financial Impact
The contract is a not to exceed contract for $20,000 and will be absorbed in the existing communications
and administration budgets.
Attachments
Contract with Rapp Strategies, Inc.
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Rapp Strategies, Inc.
333 South Seventh Street, Suite 2120 | Minneapolis, MN 55402 | 612.843.4500 | www.rappstrategies.com
Page 2 of 5
Page 3 of 5
Page 5 of 5