City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  11-08-06

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Common Council approve retaining the law firm of Whyte, Hirschboeck and Dudek, specifically Mr. George Petak, in an amount not to exceed $38,400 for professional consulting services in Madison on behalf of the city of Oak Creek to further the efforts relating to:  The Racine-Kenosha-Milwaukee (KRM) commuter rail project, the Regional Transportation initiative, brownfield remediation funding for the lake front properties, and the Drexel Avenue Interchange. 

Background:  In the past two years Mr. George Petak has been instrumental in lobbying for State legislation that has, and will, prove financially beneficial.  Mr. Petak successfully lobbied for legislation that secured future mitigation payments from WE Energies resulting in $2.25 million in annual payments.  He also successfully lobbied for the change in host community State shared revenue (Public Utility Aid) that will positively impact the city’s State shared revenue in excess of $1 million annually. 

The city staff continues to work on the above listed initiatives but often cannot devote the requisite time or resources to the people most influential in each area.  Mr. Petak is abundantly acquainted with the people and processes in Madison and Washington D.C. who can help Oak Creek achieve its goals.

Mr. Petak estimate he would devote 12-16 hours per month on Oak Creek projects at a billing rate of $200.00 per hours.  The estimated $2,400 - $3,200 monthly bills would be monitored by the city administrator with an estimated 2008 expenditure between $28,800 and $38,400.

Fiscal Impact:  The funds for this effort will be paid from General Government - Legal.

Prepared and Submitted by: Patrick DeGrave City Administrator

Fiscal Review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk