REPORT TO NEIGHBORHOOD UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Direction on Possible Restructuring of the Neighborhood University Relations Committee
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
On March 21, 2006, the Santa Clara University/City Liaison Committee and the Neighborhood University Relations Committee (NURC) were combined because of their overlapping subject areas. The re-formed NURC was envisioned as a forum for on-going communication and problem solving among the three appointed Councilmembers, supporting City staff, neighborhood residents, property owners and Santa Clara University officials and students. Attachment 1 shares the 2006 City Council agenda report and minutes on the re-formed NURC.
June 23, 2009, former Mayor Mahan requested three NURC meetings per year (October/November, February, and April) as it was agreed that more time was needed for dialogue between the residents and the students.
At the October 16, 2023 NURC, City Council Committee members and the one community member present discussed their interest to change NURC meetings in order for it to be a more effective forum.
At the July 11, 2024NURC, staff provided background regarding the formation and purpose of NURC as a body.
At the December 2, 2024 NURC meeting, staff shared formats other communities use for coordination and partnership between universities, neighborhoods and residents. Each of the models were more inclusive than NURC’s current structure, which includes three City Councilmember participants. While Santa Clara University staff and residents regularly attend, they do not have representation as Committee members. The Committee discussed the benefits of having a more inclusive structure with added membership to include University staff, student, property owner, and neighborhood representation.
DISCUSSION
A restructuring of the NURC requires the approval of the City Council. In alignment with the goal of a more inclusive Committee structure that would reflect the diverse interests and topics of collaboration that arise in the community, staff recommends changing the current structure of the NURC from three Committee members who are City Councilmembers to a structure that would be comprised of seven Committee members including:
• Two City Councilmembers
• Two Santa Clara University staff
• One Resident from the Old Quad Neighborhood (Attachment #2), which is adjacent to the University
• One Santa Clara University student
• One property owner/landlord representative
The City Council would continue to make its appointments of Councilmembers to this Committee annually, as occurs with all Committees. Santa Clara University would directly appoint its own chosen two staff members. After a recruitment process, the neighborhood resident, Santa Clara University student, and property owner/landlord representative would be appointed by the City Council and serve four-year terms. Recognizing that student and other Committee members may not be able to serve four years, recruitment for replacement Committee members may occur with greater frequency as needed.
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(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Community Development Department and City Manager’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the NURC 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> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Provide direction to retain the current NURC structure of three Councilmembers.
2. Provide alternative direction on the make-up of the NURC structure.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Recommend that the City Council take action to restructure the Neighborhood University Relations Committee to consist of seven Committee members, to be comprised of two City Councilmembers; two members of Santa Clara University staff (appointed by the University); and one neighborhood resident; one property owner representative; and one student (appointed by the City Council).
Staff
Reviewed by: Reena Brilliot, Director of Economic Development and Sustainability
Approved by: Jōvan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. March 21, 2006 City Council Agenda report and Minutes
2. Old Quad map