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Tarpon Considering Lobbying Rules
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Published: May 31, 2008
TARPON SPRINGS - Up until now, the city has not encountered much lobbying on bids and contracts.
An ordinance that prohibits lobbying of city officials while the city is in the middle of evaluating competitive bids, however, is needed, according to City Attorney James Yacavone.
This is especially true now that the city is proceeding with plans to construct a roughly $45 million reverse-osmosis water treatment plant, the city attorney says.
The possibility that companies seeking a contract may try to enhance their chances by lobbying staff and City Commission members is now much greater, Yacavone says.
Tarpon Springs does not have an ordinance setting forth regulations on lobbying city official regarding competitive bidding and other purchasing matters.
Last week, however, commissioners voted to adopt on first reading an ordinance restricting lobbying. A public hearing and second reading on the lobbying ordinance will be held at the June 3 City Commission meeting.
Yacavone has suggested the city adopt an ordinance prohibiting bidders, anyone responding to a request for proposals or their agents from lobbying elected officials or staff. Bids could be rejected if a firm or individual attempts to influence the decision making process by lobbying officials, he says.
Commissioner Robin Saenger, however, says she did not favor an ordinance that might stifle a commissioner's ability to seek information about prospective projects and bring experts and their findings to the City Commission.
Mayor Beverley Billiris says it has been her practice to refer all people who contact her seeking to sell the city on a product or service to the city manager or some other staff member.
Some people offer information to the city with an intention of then selling their services at a later date, Billiris notes.
For example, a solid waste disposal company might ask to address the commission on recycling knowing the city's waste hauling contract is about to expire. This ordinance would allow staff to ensure any request to offer the commission expert information is not a lobbying effort, the mayor says.
Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.
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