REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Action on Recommending Potential Revisions to City Charter Section 1012 and Section 1013 for Consideration by the Charter Review Committee
Report
BACKGROUND
At the November 3, 2025 Board of Library Trustees (“Board”) 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 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.
On December 1, 2025, the Board of Library Trustees appointed Chair Evans to represent the Board in communications with the Ad Hoc Subcommittees of the Charter Review Committee, with Trustee Mohammed appointed as his second or backup.
The Board met for a special meeting on January 8, 2026 to review and discuss Board powers and duties as described in the Santa Clara City Charter sections 1012 and 1013, in order to prepare recommendations to share with the Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
The Board met for a second special meeting on February 12, 2026 to continue their discussion of charter language pertaining to the Board of Library Trustees. The Board came to consensus on recommendations to share with the Ad Hoc Subcommittee, and took action to request staff to prepare draft talking points consistent with the Board’s discussion regarding possible updates to the role and function of the Board as expressed in the City Charter, and to take any other action necessary to facilitate a meeting between Chair Evans, as the Board’s appointed representative,
and the relevant Charter Review Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
DISCUSSION
The Board will discuss their recommendations on revisions to sections 1012 and 1013 of the City Charter with City Attorney Glen Googins. The discussion will provide the opportunity for City Attorney Googins to advise the Board on how to most effectively convey their recommendations and participate in the Charter Review process.
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 prepared in coordination 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 or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Action to direct staff to draft updated talking points consistent with the Board’s discussion and take any other action necessary to facilitate a meeting between Chair Evans, as the Board’s appointed representative, and the relevant Charter Review Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian
ATTACHMENTS
1. Charter Review Committee - Ad Hoc Subcommittees