REPORT TO TASK FORCE ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
SUBJECT
Title
Review Amendments to Council Policy 035 - Naming of Facilities
Report
BACKGROUND
At the April 12, 2021 Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Task Force) meeting, the Task Force voted to refer the review of Council Policy 035 (“Naming of Facilities”) (Attachment 1) to the Considerations of Historical Recognitions Subcommittee to work with staff on developing a recommendation for the Task Force’s consideration. Following the meeting, staff met with the subcommittee to seek their input on how Council Policy 035 could be updated to bring greater diversity and inclusion to the naming of buildings and facilities in the City and connect with the City’s diverse community.
DISCUSSION
Staff has revised Council Policy 035 based on the input provided by the Considerations of Historical Recognitions Subcommittee. The redline and clean versions of Council Policy 035 are included with this report as Attachments 2 and 3.
Proposed amendments to the policy include:
• Expanding the purpose of the policy to clearly state that naming actions maintain current and future alignment with the City’s Mission Statement and Code of Ethics and Values.
• Expanding the criteria for naming proposals to honor the important contributions and accomplishments of individuals from underrepresented communities, present an opportunity to foster a more welcoming, equitable, and inclusive environment, as well as to reflect and connect with the City’s diverse community.
• Maintaining an inventory list of all Santa Clara facilities and buildings that have been named, including any available background of why the name was selected (“Named City Facilities List”). If approved, any naming proposal will be reviewed against the Named City Facilities List to confirm that it is not duplicative of previously approved proposals.
• Clarifying the process for renaming proposals
With the Task Force’s approval of the amended version of Council Policy 035, the policy will be forwarded to the Governance and Ethics Committee for consideration. The policy will be coordinated with the appropriate staff and any considerations for staff resources regarding the implementation of the revised policy will be brought forward to the Governance and Ethics Committee.
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(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than administrative staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 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
Approve the Considerations of Historical Recognitions Subcommittee's recommended edits to Council Policy 035 and forward the amended policy to the Governance and Ethics Committee.
Staff
Reviewed by: Genevieve Yip, Staff Analyst I
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Council Policy 035 - Naming of Facilities
2. Revised Council Policy 035 (Redline)
3. Revised Council Policy 035 (Clean)