REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL October 2, 2014 FROM: BRUCE RUDD, City Manager SUBJECT ..Title Approve a consultant services agreement with Barrett Sports Group, LLC ..Body RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that Council approve the attached consultant services agreement with Barrett Sports Group, LLC. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City is interested in retaining an independent, objective consultant to provide ongoing negotiation support and strategic advice in connection with the Fresno Grizzlies and Chukchansi Park. Barrett Sports Group, LLC (BSG) provides strategic management consulting services to the sports and entertainment industry. Pursuant to the attached agreement, BSG will provide ongoing consulting services to the City in key areas related to the Grizzlies and the stadium. BSG will assist the City as needed to develop an overall negotiation strategy, and advise on deal structure including identification of key issues and concerns. BSG will also assist the City in evaluating the financial impacts of negotiating terms as well as pros and cons of various alternative approaches. BSG will bill the City at an hourly rate for these services. In addition, BSG is also attempting to identify a qualified buyer for the Fresno Grizzlies, for which they will be paid a "finder's fee." BACKGROUND The City originally retained BSG in 2009 to conduct due diligence and to negotiate an amended lease agreement with the Fresno Baseball Club (Fresno Grizzlies). BSG is a premier professional consulting service which provides expert services related to the sports and entertainment industries. Because BSG conducted all of the due diligence and negotiated the existing amended lease agreement, the City desires to continue its relationship with BSG to assist the City in reviewing the current lease structure. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS This is not a project for CEQA purposes. LOCAL PREFERENCE N/A FISCAL IMPACT Hourly fees will be paid by the General Fund; commission, if any, will be paid from proceeds. In addition, should BSG be successful in identifying a buyer for the team, the City will be reimbursed for the hourly fees paid out of the finder's fee paid to BSG. Attachment: Letter Agreement