REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Possible Action on Charter Review Language for the Board of Library Trustees
Report
BACKGROUND
At the November 3, 2025 Board of Library Trustees meeting, City Attorney Glen Googins informed the Board of the formation of the City of Santa Clara Charter Review Committee, assembled to recommend updates and improvements to the City Charter. As part of this process, all City of Santa Clara Boards and Commissions were to be invited to review applicable charter language and appoint a representative to make recommendations to the Charter Review Committee. A document was shared with the Board listing the approved Charter Review Committee Ad Hoc Subcommittees and the existing charter review language for review by the Boards and Commissions (Attachment 1). It was discussed that at the Board of Library Trustee meetings scheduled for February and March 2026, the Board should develop their recommendations for revised charter language to share with the Charter Review Subcommittee, and that more information on process and timing would be shared once available.
DISCUSSION
The Board will initiate review and discussion on the charter review process, and sections 1012 and 1013 of the City Charter pertaining to the Board of Library Trustees. This discussion will allow the Board to identify key concerns and suggestions about the charter duties and work of the Board, and to prepare for the work of developing recommendations for language to update charter language pertaining to the Board of Library Trustees at the February and March, 2026 regular Board meetings.
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)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with Library staff.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Board 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 or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Review and discuss charter language pertaining to the Board of Library Trustees.
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian
ATTACHMENTS
1. Charter Review Committee - Ad Hoc Subcommittees