REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Introduction of an Ordinance to Reinstate the International Exchange Commission (IEC)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
At the Governance and Ethics Committee (Committee) meeting held on December 7, 2020, staff brought forward the attached report (Attachment 1) which outlined several considerations related to the reinstatement of the International Exchange Commission (IEC). The Committee approved (3-0) forwarding the proposed ordinance (Attachment 2) to reinstate the IEC to the full City Council (Council) for consideration, with the postponement of IEC meetings until COVID-19 travel and event restrictions are lifted and can safely be planned.
It was clarified that, while the IEC meetings would be postponed until after COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted, staff would start the process to set up the infrastructure by first forwarding the ordinance to reinstate the IEC in 2021. It was also acknowledged by the Committee that it would likely take up to a year to reinstate the IEC.
DISCUSSION
The proposed ordinance will reinstate the IEC by adding Section 2.120.150 entitled "International Exchange Commission" to the Santa Clara City Code and amending Section 2.120.140 to remove certain powers, functions, and duties from the Cultural Commission.
Below are the current powers, functions, and duties of the Cultural Commission. The bolded items were originally duties of the IEC. If approved, the proposed ordinance will charge the IEC with the bolded powers, functions, and duties and remove them from the Cultural Commission's powers, functions and duties:
* Act in an advisory capacity to the Council in all matters pertaining to cultural enrichment and beautification of the City, sister city relationships and international exchanges
* Encourage the beautification of the City and programs for the cultural enrichment of the City
* Foster cultural events, activities and displays...
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