HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2025-072RESOLUTION NO. 2025-072
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2024-011
AND ADOPTING A POLICY FOR CEREMONIAL RECOGNITIONS
AND PROCLAMATIONS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert periodically issues
ceremonial recognitions to honor individuals, groups, businesses, organizations, and
community partners for noteworthy achievements, service, or contributions to the
community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to ensure that ceremonial recognitions are
administered in a consistent, fair, and appropriate manner and reflect the values and goals
of the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary to establish clear standards and
processes for Mayoral Certificates, Proclamations, Keys to the City, and service
recognitions for members of City Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces and
representatives serving on outside agencies; and
WHEREAS, the City Council further finds that a consolidated administrative policy
will improve internal consistency, enhance transparency, and support efficient
administration of ceremonial recognitions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to rescind Resolution No. 2024-011 and replace
it with an updated and comprehensive policy; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the proposed Ceremonial Recognitions
and Proclamations Policy attached hereto as Exhibit “A.”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby adopts the Ceremonial Recognitions and
Proclamations Policy, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by this
reference.
SECTION 2. Resolution No. 2024-011 is hereby rescinded in its entirety.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
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ADOPTED ON DECEMBER 11, 2025.
EVAN TRUBEE
MAYOR
ATTEST:
ANTHONY J. MEJIA
CITY CLERK
I, Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 2025-072 is a full, true, and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular
meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert on December 11, 2025, by the
following vote:
AYES: HARNIK, NESTANDE, PRADETTO, QUINTANILLA, AND TRUBEE
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
RECUSED: NONE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of Palm Desert, California, on ___________________.
ANTHONY J. MEJIA
CITY CLERK
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12/22/2025
Resolution No. 2025-072 Page 3
CITY OF PALM DESERT
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
Subject CEREMONIAL RECOGNITIONS POLICY
Policy No. CLRK-004
Date Issued: December 11, 2025
Amended: N/A
Approved by Resolution No. 2025-072
Authored by City Clerk Department
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish a comprehensive framework for ceremonial
recognitions issued by or on behalf of the City of Palm Desert. This policy outlines the
standards and procedures for Mayoral Certificates, Proclamations, Keys to the City, and
Appointed Body service recognitions, ensuring the consistent, fair, and appropriate
administration of these honors.
II. SCOPE
This Policy applies to all ceremonial recognitions requested of or issued by the City of
Palm Desert, including Mayoral Certificates, Proclamations, Keys to the City, and
Service recognitions for Appointed Bodies and outside agency representatives.
III. GENERAL POLICIES
A. GENERAL AUTHORITY
No commission or committee, individual Councilmember, or other City official
shall issue a ceremonial recognition on behalf of the City of Palm Desert except
as authorized under this Policy.
B. MAYORAL CERTIFICATES
The Mayor may issue a Mayoral Certificate to recognize individuals, groups,
businesses, or organizations for achievements, milestones, contributions to the
community, or other positive actions that merit acknowledgment. Mayoral
Certificates may be approved and issued at the discretion of the Mayor and do
not require concurrence from the Mayor Pro Tem or the City Council.
Mayoral Certificates may be presented by the Mayor at a City event, community
event, meeting, or through personal delivery, mail, or other appropriate means.
The Mayor may designate another Councilmember to present a Mayoral
Certificate on their behalf.
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C. PROCLAMATIONS
Review and Approval. City staff shall review all requests for proclamations and
forward them to the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem with a finding as to whether the
request complies with this Policy. If a request does not clearly fall within or outside
the categories described in this Policy, staff shall forward the request for direction
without making a compliance determination.
If both the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem approve the request, the proclamation may
be issued. If only one approves and wishes to proceed, the request shall be
placed on a regular City Council agenda for consideration by the full City Council.
If neither approves, the request shall not move forward.
Eligibility Criteria. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem may consider requests for
proclamations on the following subjects:
A. Community and Public Interest:
1. Significant matters of public interest that raise awareness about issues
impacting Palm Desert residents or businesses.
2. Observances, celebrations, or recognition periods at the community,
regional, state, or national level.
3. In memoriam recognitions honoring the life of long-time or prominent Palm
Desert residents.
B. Organizations, Businesses, and Services:
1. Local businesses, service providers, or philanthropic organizations located
in or operating within the City that provide significant benefit to the
community.
2. Local sports teams based in the City, upon achieving noteworthy
accomplishments or milestones.
C. Individuals and Public Officials:
1. Individuals recognized for extraordinary achievement or outstanding
community service.
2. City officials and employees recognized for achievements or significant
service milestones.
3. Partner public officials from other public entities who served alongside the
Palm Desert City Council on regional boards, committees, or commissions
upon completion of their term or chairpersonship.
Signatures. Proclamations are intended to be signed by the full City Council. If
any Councilmember declines to sign a proclamation, the Mayor may determine
whether to proceed with the Mayor’s signature alone or with the remaining
Councilmembers.
Presentation. Proclamations should generally be presented outside of a City
Council meeting, such as at a designated event, by mail, or by personal delivery.
When a proclamation is to be presented at a City Council meeting, the Mayor shall
determine the appropriate meeting for presentation. The City will strive to avoid
scheduling more than three proclamation presentations at any single meeting.
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D. KEYS TO THE CITY
The Key to the City is a rare and distinguished ceremonial honor awarded to
individuals or organizations whose contributions or achievements bring
extraordinary benefit, distinction, or visibility to the City of Palm Desert. Keys to
the City may be awarded under one of the following categories:
1. Community Contribution Key. Awarded to individuals or organizations
whose exceptional and long-term service has strengthened the civic life,
integrity, and development of the City of Palm Desert. Contributions must
reflect a sustained and meaningful commitment that enhances the qual ity and
character of life in Palm Desert, through community service, philanthropy,
leadership, business, education, public service, or other fields that enrich civic
life. Visible and behind-the-scenes contributions are equally valued.
2. Community Impact Key. Awarded to individuals or organizations whose
achievements, public presence, or creative work foster a positive and
meaningful connection with the Palm Desert community. Recipients should
have attained significant public recognition that brings favorable attention to
Palm Desert or contributes to its cultural, social, or economic vitality. The
honoree’s appearance, performance, collaboration, or association with the
City should generate community excitement, engagement, or cultural
significance, such as participation in a City-sponsored or community event that
promotes civic pride.
Review and Approval. All nominations for Keys to the City shall be reviewed
jointly by the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. If either wishes to advance the
nomination, it shall be placed on a regular City Council agenda for consideration
and final approval by the full City Council. If neither wishes to advance the
nomination, it shall not move forward.
Frequency. Because it is a rare and distinguished honor, Keys to the City shall
be awarded sparingly and only in circumstances that reflect extraordinary or
distinguished contributions as described in this Section.
Presentation. Keys to the City shall be presented at a City Council meeting or at
another appropriate ceremonial event as determined by the Mayor.
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E. SERVICE RECOGNITIONS FOR APPOINTED BODY MEMBERS
Service recognitions for members of City Boards, Commissions, Committees, and
Task Forces (“Appointed Bodies”) and for Palm Desert representatives serving
on outside agencies, such as the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control
District, the Palm Springs International Airport Commission, and the Joslyn
Center Board, shall be issued as follows:
1. Incomplete or Partial Term. Members who do not complete their term, or
who serve a partial term, shall receive a Certificate of Recognition signed by
the Mayor. The certificate shall be presented at the Appointed Body’s meeting
by the assigned City Council Liaison. If the Appointed Body does not have an
assigned City Council Liaison, the Mayor will be requested to present the
certificate.
2. Completion of One Term or Service Totaling Four (4) or More Years.
Members who complete one full term, or who have service totaling four years
or more, shall receive a small “Thank You” clock or a similar commemorative
item. The item shall be presented at the Appointed Body’s meeting by the
assigned City Council Liaison. If the Appointed Body does not have an assigned
City Council Liaison, the Mayor will be requested to present the item.
3. Completion of Two Terms or Service Totaling Eight (8) or More Years.
Members who complete two full terms, or who have service totaling eight
years or more, shall receive a large “Thank You” clock or a similar
commemorative item. The item shall be presented at the Appointed Body’s
meeting by the assigned City Council Liaison. If the Appointed Body does not
have an assigned City Council Liaison, the Mayor will be requested to present
the item.
4. Completion of Three or More Terms or Service Totaling Twelve (12) or
More Years. Members who complete three or more full terms, or whose
service totals twelve years or more, shall receive a large “Thank You” clock or
a similar commemorative item, which shall be presented by the Mayor at a
City Council meeting.
Declining a Presentation. If an outgoing member declines a public presentation,
the certificate or commemorative item may be mailed or made available for pickup.
IV. COUNCIL AUTHORITY TO ISSUE RECOGNITIONS
Nothing in this Policy restricts the City Council from issuing a ceremonial recognition
by majority vote at a duly noticed meeting.
V. IMPERMISSIBLE SUBJECTS
Ceremonial recognitions issued under this policy shall not be granted:
1. For candidates for elected public office , or in connection with campaign
activity, fundraising events, or endorsements.
2. For religious or political events, activities, or positions.
3. For activities or events that are contrary to City policy or that conflict with
adopted City goals or values.
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