Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution Recognizing March as Women’s History Month and Establishing a Citywide Women of Distinction Recognition Program.
End
From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Councilwoman Amy Phan West;
Vice Mayor Kimberly Ho
Prepared by*: Christine Cordon, City Manager
*Staff reports prepared by staff on behalf of members of the City Council do not reflect the opinions of staff and are generated in collaboration with the requesting council member(s).
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Consider the request to adopt a Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, RECOGNIZING MARCH ANNUALLY AS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH AND ESTABLISHING A CITYWIDE ANNUAL ‘WESTMINSTER WOMEN OF DISTINCTION’ RECOGNITION PROGRAM,” and provide direction to implement the program.
BACKGROUND
This item is being requested by Councilwoman Amy Phan West (District 1) and seconded by Vice Mayor Kimberly Ho (District 3).
Women’s history in the United States was first commemorated in 1980 as national “Women’s History Week,” until Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March 1987 as “Women’s History Month” (Attachment 1). Since then, Congress and presidents have passed resolutions or issued proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month” to recognize the contributions women have made to the United States, as well as honor specific achievements women have made in various fields.
Women have made significant contributions to the community throughout Westminster’s history. The Women of Westminster have been and currently are leaders, activists, business owners, doctors, lawyers, volunteers, teachers, engineers, and more.
As two sitting women on the City Council, Councilwoman Phan West and Vice Mayor Ho are requesting that “Women’s History Month” be celebrated annually in March, and that a recognition program be established to honor the contributions of Westminster’s women.
“Westminster Women of Distinction” Recognition Program
The goal of the program is to recognize women who positively and profoundly influence or impact the community through their leadership, work, activism, volunteerism, or service.
Women who are nominated must be 18 years of age or older and must live, work, or volunteer in Westminster. Anyone can submit one or multiple nominations (one nomination per form).
Current City of Westminster employees are not eligible, and self-nominations will not be accepted or acknowledged.
The deadline to submit a nomination this year is March 6, 2024 by 5 p.m. Each council member will select one honoree. Honorees will be notified by Friday, March 8 and invited to attend the March 13th City Council meeting to be recognized.
The deadlines and timelines for future years will be adjusted administratively as necessary.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be a cost for cake or desserts and non-alcoholic drinks, certificates, and other materials provided to the honorees. Staff does not anticipate the cost to exceed $500. This will be expended from City Council - Special Department Expense account 10000-44020.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
If the City Council adopts the resolution and approves the establishment and implementation of the program, the nomination period for the 2024 recognition will close on March 6 at 5 p.m. Honorees will be recognized at the March 13, 2024 City Council meeting under “Special Presentations.”
ATTACHMENTS
1. Website Excerpt from Library of Congress, Women’s History Month: History and Overview
2. Proposed Resolution
3. Women of Distinction Program Nomination Form and Instructions
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Christine Cordon, City Manager