Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Revisions to City Council Meeting Schedule for the Remainder of 2024 and Extension of Holiday Closure.
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From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Christine Cordon, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
A. Cancel the regular meetings of July 10, July 24, November 27, and December 25; and adjust the schedule for adjourned regular meetings as recommended; and
B. Consider extending the holiday closure to include December 23, 2024.
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BACKGROUND
Pursuant to Section 2.04.010 of the Westminster Municipal Code, the City Council regularly meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Periodically, the staff reviews the City Council meeting calendar for potential conflicts with holidays, City Hall closures, and requirements for approval of business transactions.
Based on upcoming holidays and a review of upcoming agenda items, staff is proposing the following meeting revisions for the remainder of 2024:
• Cancel both meetings in July (2nd and 4th Wednesdays, July 10 and 24).
• Cancel regular meeting on November 27 (2nd meeting, Thanksgiving Eve).
• Cancel regular meeting of December 25 (2nd meeting, Christmas Day).
Upon approval, the City Clerk’s office will proceed with noticing as required by State law, as well as updating the City’s website calendar. As long as Brown Act noticing requirements are met, canceled meetings can be reversed and held if there is business to be conducted. Special meetings can also be called to conduct urgent business as necessary, which has occurred in the past.
In addition, City Hall administrative services are closed during the holidays from Christmas Eve (December 24, 2024) through New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025). Regular operations will resume on January 2, 2025.
This year, Christmas Eve falls on a Tuesday, and offices are scheduled to open on Monday, December 23. However, as experienced in previous years during the holidays, there is little to no activity at the counter or through the phones the days leading to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Therefore, staff requests that City Hall also be closed to the public on Monday, December 23. In the past, Council has routinely approved such closures, allowing for needed staff to continue working. The proposed closure on December 23 would not be considered a City-paid holiday, and employees would not be required to take these hours off. Those who do not wish to use accrued time may work the full day. However, those choosing to take those hours off will be required to use accrued time.
The holiday closure does not impact public safety, essential services, or emergency services and response. Upon the approved changes to the schedule and closure, staff will revise all materials and update the website to ensure adequate notice has been placed.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to this report although cost savings are implied due to reduced operations. Usage of leave time also reduces the city’s financial liabilities.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Approving the proposed revisions will provide a formal, advance notice of changes so that members of the public, City Council, and staff may plan ahead and adjust their schedules accordingly.
ATTACHMENTS
1. None.
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Christine Cordon, City Manager