By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
City council members recently approved renewal of a contract with a company that advocates on behalf of the city and its interests in Washington, D.C.
City council members during their meeting on Nov. 19 approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with Madison Government Associates, LLC, for federal advocacy services.
After City Secretary Mari Acosta read the heading of the agenda item, Mayor Al Arreola asked if there was a motion.
Councilman J.P. Sanchez made the motion to approve the resolution, with Councilwoman Ernestina “Tina” Martinez giving the second.
Arreola asked if there were any questions for City Manager Shawna Burkhart.
Councilman Jesus Lopez Jr. asked, “Are we getting any true assistance from this (company) on the federal level, as far as helping us on our projects or our wish list?”
Burkhart replied, “I would say, I have brought before you, a six-month option simply because I don’t believe, and the city has a large part to play or maybe benefitting, if you will, from this service, other than keeping Laughlin, which is always important to the entire region.
“That is the most critical, obviously, but in terms of actual funds coming to city projects, I don’t believe that there has been much movement there in the last two years, but certainly I think it’s important for us to have someone in D.C., and I think it’s important to have someone navigating that trip, if you will, that we make (to Washington) in early spring, facilitating that. But to the extent that they’re helping us with projects, I don’t believe so, on our specific projects,” Burkhart said.
“So it’s more for the base?” Lopez asked.
“Right, and I will also share with you that there’s a desire to also bring in our aviation consultants for that trip, but this is specifically regarding MGA (Madison Government Associates),” Burkhart said.
City Attorney Ana Markowski Smith added, “As Mrs. Burkhart stated, this is a six-month contract, but it automatically renews, so you’re paying $21,500 for six months, and if we don’t give them advance notice of termination, it will continue up to 36 months.”
Arreola asked if this was a joint venture with the county.
Burkhart replied, “It was my understanding that it was a joint venture with the county, and then the county dropped out, I believe this year, and I’m not sure if they dropped out or just lessened their participation significantly, but that did happen this year.”
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t the Del Rio Chamber (of Commerce) also involved in funding this?” Arreola asked.
“They have a separate contract, I believe, now, solely representing their entity,” Burkhart replied.
In an informational memo and supporting documentation included in the council’s packet, Assistant City Manager Manuel Chavez wrote, “Madison Government Associates, LLC, has provided consultation and advocacy services to make its best effort to assist the city of Del Rio and their government and community partners in the continued development and implementation and strategies for the retention and enhancement of Laughlin Air Force Base.
“Madison has represented the community with the Department of the Air Force and other federal departments and agencies. They will further develop the relationship with congressional members and staff and assist the county and local leaders on ‘civilian’ programs to include, but not limited to, homeland security, transportation, law enforcement and emergency management,” Chavez wrote.
He also noted Madison will assist the city in the development and coordination of the federal advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., in early 2025.
In a memo to the city from Madison officials, Madison president Jack Hession noted the company will work to support the region’s “identified federal agenda, including but not limited to” the following projects: promoting and supporting Laughlin Air Force Base’s priorities, construction of the Roberto Barrera STEM Magnet School at Laughlin, support for planning, design and construction of Laughlin’s unaccompanied officers quarters, Congressional Community Project Funding projects, Defense Community Infrastructure Program grants and advocate for increased Customs and Border Protection budget to equip two unused inspection lanes at the Del Rio Port of Entry.
Other projects include support of Val Verde Regional Medical Center’s efforts to expand veteran and local health services needs like mental health, substance abuse and preventative programs, support for the runway expansion at Del Rio International Airport, broadband infrastructure, Amistad National Recreation Area’s infrastructure needs, working to allow more flexibility for concession operations within Amistad National Recreation Area and support for the city’s efforts to construct a second international bridge.
At the end of the discussion, Arreola asked if there were any other questions or concerns and hearing none, called for the vote. The six members of council present at the meeting voted unanimously to approve the resolution.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.
