REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Written Petition (Council Policy 030), Submitted by Armando "Gary" Ferraris, to Place an Agenda Item at a Future Council Meeting to Discuss Recognizing Juneteenth as a City Holiday in Santa Clara
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
Council Policy 030 - Adding an Item on the Agenda (Attachment 1) sets forth the procedure for written petitions. Any member of the public may submit a written request raising any issue or item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. Per the policy, the written request will be submitted on the agenda, in the form substantially provided by the requestor, without any staff analysis, including fiscal review, legal review and policy review. If a simple majority of the City Council supports further study of the request, then a full staff analysis shall be prepared within thirty (30) days, unless otherwise directed by the City Council.
DISCUSSION
The City Clerk's Office received a Written Petition on May 2, 2022, submitted by Gary Ferraris, Bargaining Unit 6 President (Attachment 2) requesting to place an agenda item on a future council meeting to discuss the following as stated in the request: Many surrounding agencies have acknowledged the historical importance of Juneteenth. This federal holiday should be recognized as a city holiday in Santa Clara. In recent past Santa Clara has spent millions on legal fees and ballot measures in an attempt to disenfranchise the minority communities. Proclaiming Juneteenth as a City holiday would be a logical first step in correcting these wrongs and sending a message of inclusion and celebration of the cultural diversity which makes Santa Clara a wonderful place to call home.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with considering the request to be placed on a future agenda except for staff time.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" within the...
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