Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Consider and Amend the City Council Policy Regarding Recognition and Proclamations.
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From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Ashton R. Arocho, City Clerk
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Amend the City Council’s Policy Regarding Recognition and Proclamations to add the Mayor’s Monthly Spotlight Event and provide direction to staff.
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BACKGROUND
In September 2022, the City Council approved a policy regarding recognition and proclamations (Attachment 1). This policy outlines the types of recognitions and proclamations that may be considered by the City Council during a regular meeting under the Consent Calendar.
Since adoption of the policy, there has been a significant increase in the number of recognition and proclamation requests submitted to the City. For reference, when the policy was initially approved in 2022, the City received only 24 requests for recognition at public meetings. To date, the City has received over 100 requests, demonstrating a growing community interest in these types of acknowledgements.
Staff understands the importance of recognizing individuals, organizations, and businesses that make meaningful contributions to the community. However, the growing number of requests has resulted in a proportional increase to the number of presentations during City Council meetings that impact the length and efficiency of the agenda.
Staff has researched how other cities handle similar requests. The City of Huntington Beach operates a successful “Mayor’s Spotlight Awards Program.” This program provides the Mayor with a monthly opportunity to identify, highlight and recognize individuals, groups, or businesses who are contributing positively to the City, along with celebrating the opening or anniversaries of businesses.
Based on this model, staff is proposing that the City Council consider establishing a similar recognition program. This approach would reduce the number of separate recognition items presented during formal Council meetings while providing a more personal, meaningful, and flexible platform to celebrate community achievements.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Staff is proposing that the City Council consider establishing a similar recognition program. This approach balances the desire to celebrate community achievements with the need to maintain productive and focused Council meetings.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Current Policy - Recognition and Proclamations
2. Proposed Amended Policy - Recognition and Proclamations
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager