4.3. SR 11-15-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Our lobbying team has developed and helped pass into law some of the most complex and . controversial legislation enacted in Minnesota. We have worked with every agency as well as all committees in the legislature, a claim very few firms can make. The best measure of our efforts is reflected in the fact that virtually all our clients were referred to us by legislators and other lobbyists who were familiar with our work. Messerli & Kramer P.A. has provided administrative and legislative representation on transit, transportation and transportation funding issues to organizations such as the Suburban Transit Association, Joint Powers Board on Light Rail Transit, DM & E Railway Corporation, Metropolitan Airports Commission and the Minnesota Regional Railroads Association. This unique experience in transportation is unparalleled and makes the firm particularly well-suited to assist you in your efforts to obtain state funding for the Northstar Corridor. It is our understanding that the Northstar Development Authority is seeking administrative and legislative representation to obtain a significant financial commitment from the state that will support local contributions and help secure federal funding through the Transportation Equity Act (TEA-21) legislation. Messerli & Kramer P.A. is prepared to provide complete governmental affairs representation that will include: developing a strategy to maximize potential funding sources; meet with key decision makers at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, the Legislature, the Governor's office and any agency, individual or entity that may provide funding assistance; assist in any manner necessary to secure a [mancial commitment from the state for the Northstar Corridor; and closely monitor all potential funding initiatives, including all related legislative activities that may impact the success of the Northstar . Corridor. If chosen to provide administrative and legislative representation, the Government Relations Division suggests that Ross Kramer serve as lead legislative counsel, with the assistance of Tom Poul and legislative assistant, Ryan McGary. Should you desire different counsel, that can be arranged. Additional details on Mr. Kramer and Mr. Poul are included in the enclosed documents. Messerli & Kramer P.A. offers to act as your administrative and legislative counsel and provide these services from November 1, 1999 through December 31, 2000, for a retainer of $70,000 payable in monthly installments of $5,000 due on the first of each month. We have agreed that this retainer will be reviewable in the event we encounter a workload we had not initially anticipated. In addition, the contract will be mutually extendible from January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001 with the annual retainer to be re-negotiated for that period. In addition, expenses for duplication, telephone communication, mailings, facsimiles and other service-related expenses will be billed separately on the same monthly invoice. We would be glad to negotiate a cap on these expenses as well. Since this is a retainer agreement, hours worked will not be itemized. In addition, our firm is acutely aware that conflicts between clients can be devastating to their legislative or administrative representation, as well as to our reputation at the Capitol. We assume the affirmative obligation of examining these issues presented by any potential client for conflicts with existing clients' legislative or administrative programs. We have discovered no conflict of interest between our current clients and representing the interests of the Northstar Corridor. . 2