REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Delegate Authority to Mayor Gillmor and Chief Nikolai to Establish An Ad Hoc Committee in Support of the “Commit to Action” Initiative [Community Pillar: Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency]
Report
BACKGROUND
On June 3, 2020, former President Obama issued his “Commit to Action Initiative” (“Initiative), which called upon Mayors to make reforms to redefine public safety so that it recognizes the humanity and dignity of every person. Mayor Gillmor signed on to the Initiative on June 4, 2020. A community letter authored by the Mayor, Police Chief, City Manager, and City Attorney reiterated the City’s commitment to racial equity and continuous improvement of police operations was also issued that same day (Attachment 1).
On June 23, 2020, the City Council adopted two resolutions: 1) Resolution 20-8858 that confirmed the City’s support of the Initiative (Attachment 2); and 2) Resolution 20-8859 condemning racial inequity in all forms and violence against the Black community by law enforcement, committing to actively listen and learn from the Black community and to encourage the community to stand together through peaceful exchange and discourse, to enact change and move forward towards a future with more equity and inclusion in the City of Santa Clara, the State of California and the nation as a whole (Attachment 3).
DISCUSSION
At the June 23rd meeting, Council also approved a motion to place an item on the July 7, 2020 Council agenda to consider the establishment of an ad hoc committee to help advance the Initiative in the City of Santa Clara. With an understanding of this historic window and sense of urgency for meaningful change, the Council expressed support for engaging in a local community dialogue on a Santa Clara Plan to address systemic racism and the four components of the Initiative, which are:
1) A review of the Police Department’s use of force policies;
2) Engagement of communities by including a diverse range of input, experiences, and stories in the review;
3) Reporting the findings of the review to the community and seek feedback; and
4) Reforming the community’s police use of force policies as outlined in the Initiative.
As time is of the essence and to maintain local momentum, it is recommended that Mayor Gillmor and Chief Nikolai be delegated authority to establish the ad hoc committee during the impending Council recess and return with a Council status update no later than the September 29, 2020 City Council meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to this report.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Manager’s and the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov>
ALTERNATIVES
1. Delegate authority to Mayor Gillmor and Chief Nikolai to establish an ad hoc committee in support of the Commit to Action Initiative during the July/August City Council recess with a status update to be provided to the Council no later than the September 29, 2020 City Council meeting.
2. Any other action determined by the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends Alternative 1: Delegate authority to Mayor Gillmor and Chief Nikolai to establish an ad hoc committee in support of community dialogue on a Santa Clara plan to address systemic racism and the Commit to Action Initiative during the July/August City Council recess with a status update to the Council no later than the September 29, 2020 City Council meeting.
Staff
Reviewed by: Cynthia E. Bojorquez, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Community Letter
2. Resolution in support of the Commit to Action Initiative
3. Resolution Affirming the City’s Commitment to Stand in Solidarity with the Black Community