REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Election of Board of Library Trustees Chair and Vice Chair for FY 2025/26
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
Each City Board and Commission is required to elect one of its members to serve as the presiding officer “as soon as practicable following the first day of July every year” (City of Santa Clara Charter Section 1003). It has been the practice of the Board of Library Trustees to simultaneously elect a member to serve as Vice-Chair.
The role of the Chair is to facilitate monthly meetings, speak on behalf of the Board at City Council meetings and work with the staff liaison on the preparation of the Board agenda. The role of the Vice-Chair is to fulfill the responsibilities of the Chair when the Chair is not able to attend a Board meeting.
At the June 2, 2025 regular meeting of the Board of Library Trustees, the Board discussed and made nominations for the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair The vote to elect the Chair and Vice-Chair was scheduled for the August 18, 2025 special meeting.
DISCUSSION
The Board of Library Trustees will hold elections for Chair and Vice-Chair. Individuals nominated can either accept or decline the nomination. Trustees shall vote for one candidate to serve in each role. The Trustee receiving the most votes shall assume the responsibilities for the role for which they were elected for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 or until a vacancy occurs if sooner than the end of the fiscal year or until the next elections are held if the term is extended. At the conclusion of the item and a successful majority vote, the outgoing Chairperson will turn the meeting over to the new Chairperson to continue the agenda.
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 other than staff time.
COORDINATION
Review of the procedures for the selection of a Board of Library Trustees Chair and Vice-Chair were coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
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 <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Elect a Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board of Library Trustees for FY 2025/26.
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian