HomeMy WebLinkAbout07 Eliminate HSE-Library-Youth CmtesSTAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
MEETING DATE: February 25, 2021
PREPARED BY: Christopher Gerry, Management Analyst
REQUEST: Eliminate the Hotel and Signature Events Committee, Library Promotion
Committee, and Youth Committee.
Recommendation
By Minute Order:
1. Eliminate the Library Promotion Committee, place a Palm Desert Library Representative
on the Parks and Recreation Commission as an ex-officio position, and integrate any
associated discussion items into the Parks and Recreation Commission in the future.
2. Eliminate the Hotel and Signature Events Committee and integrate any associated
discussion items into the Marketing Committee in the future.
3. Eliminate the Youth Committee and complement the Family YMCA of the Desert’s Youth
and Government Program in the future.
Background
On November 19, 2020, the City Council conceptually approved various recommendations
regarding commissions and committees. Many of these recommendations required further City
Council action, including revisions to ordinances, bylaws and other activities. Any approved
revision resulting in a change to the bylaws will be presented for City Council consideration at the
conclusion of this comprehensive review. Approval of this item addresses three recommendations
described below.
Library Promotion Committee
The Library Promotion Committee recommends programs and policies that enhance the
usefulness of the public library for Palm Desert residents. Over the last five years, the committee
has cancelled over 80% of its scheduled meetings. As a result, the City Council recommended
exploring the elimination of the Library Promotion Committee and integrating any associated
discussion items under the purview of the Parks and Recreation Commission in the future. City
staff contacted each committee member to obtain feedback regarding the recommendation. An
additional recommendation identified through feedback was to include a Palm Desert Library
Representative as an ex-officio position on the Parks and Recreation Commission. An ex-officio
position ensures a platform to promote library activities on the Parks and Recreation Committee
and ultimately to the community. This position would be similar to the ex-officio positions held by
representatives of the Desert Recreation District and the Family YMCA of the Desert (YMCA).
Youth Committee
The Youth Committee advises the City Council on programs and activities aimed to serve young
people in the community. While the City has a strong commitment to serving youth, the
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committee 's engagement and popularity have diminished over time . There are currently only nine
(9) of fifteen (15) committee members appointed , even though the City cont inually conducts
outreach to youth through our local schools . It is our understanding that other youth committees
seem to have similar membership and engagement challenges as well. Concurrently , the YMCA
manages a successful Youth and Government Program . This program offers a hands-on
experience for students to learn about how they can advocate for change at the federal , state and
local levels . Annually , approximately 45 to 55 youth participate in this program with 50% residing
and/or attending school in Palm Desert . The City Council recommended exploring the elimination
of the Youth Committee and partnering with the YMCA to enhance its Youth and Government
Program . The YCMA welcomes and looks forward to this potentia l partnership as well. The
committee members did not have any additional feedback regarding the recommendation beyond
mentioning they have heard this is an excellent program as well. Finally , City staff is exploring
ways to connect youth to additional volunteer opportunities in the commun ity .
Hotel and Signature Event Committee
The Hotel and Signature Events Committee advises the City Council on tou rism , hospitality trends
and/or programs related to the econom ic development , and the stability of tourism and hospitality
in Palm Desert . The committee has some overlap in terms of scope and membership with the
Marketing Committee . Over 60% of the bi -monthly meetings were cancelled over the last three
years as well. As a result , the City Council recommended exploring the elimination of the Hotel
and Signature Events Committee and integrating any associated discussion items under the
purview of the Marketing Committee . The committee membe rs did not have any additional
feedback regarding the recommendation.
Acknowledgement and Awards
Upon consideration of the recommendations , City staff will coordinate with the committee
members to recognize their valuable contributions to the commun ity at a C ity Counc il meeting (s)
in the near future .
Fiscal Analysis
The YCMA 's Youth and Government Program costs approximately $1 ,200 per student annually .
In order to defray costs for up to 10 students , City staff will recommend budgeting $12 ,000 in
Fiscal Year 2021 -22 .
LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FIN A NCIAL RE VIEW A SSISTA NT C ITY MANAGER
N/A N/A 9~m. 1'11a au, .Jlnay :Firestine
Robert W . Harg reaves Randy Synder
Janet Moore Andy Fire stine
City Attorney Interim City Manager
Director of Finance Assista nt City Manager
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Inte ri m City Manager Randy Synder: Rvvru,v7 Byriu,er >
TION
RECEIVED ______ OTHER _____ _
MEETING DATE "1 -;z:t_; -'2,02,, \
AYEs Ma.rn iK,Jorg\:h ttn ,~eshir.d e.,Quint0n'1ll1,"'"''1:•e/l¥
NOES: NOne..
ABSENT: ___ N_O_V'l_e...-__________ _
ABSTAIN: ____ N_1>n ..... e.......,,....,...,......,.. ________ _
VERIFIED BY: _...;:G __ LR___,;/_s_-r_s ________ _
Original on File with City Clerk's Office