REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Consider Expanding the Purpose of the Standing Subcommittee to Discuss Issues of Mutual Interest with Local School Districts
Report
BACKGROUND
In February 2014 (RTC No. 14-0230), Council created four two-member subcommittees (Standing Subcommittees to Discuss Issues of Mutual Interest with Local School Districts) to meet with board members of each of the four local school districts. The meetings between elected officials are designed to form a beneficial partnership to facilitate the City and the districts’ common goal of student achievement, success, and safety. Council appointments to the four subcommittees are made annually in January and are for a one year term.
Per Council Policy 7.4.13, any action to create or modify the committee must be placed as an item on the Council agenda.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.4.13, Council Subcommittees and Council or Mayor-Created Advisory Task Forces
Council Adopted code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (b) (5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
On July 12, 2017, the Standing Subcommittee met with the Cupertino Union School District (CUSD) to establish items of mutual interest and determine meeting frequency. A member of the Los Altos City Council was in attendance and requested the group include participation by the City of Los Altos to work with Sunnyvale, with the support of the school district, towards a common goal of student safety.
The general purpose of the Standing Subcommittee remains to discuss mutual interests between Sunnyvale and CUSD; however, the City of Los Altos requested to collaborate on issues specific to the southwest part of Sunnyvale. This change requires Council approval of the expanded purpose of the Standing Subcommittee as it relates to their meetings with CUSD and delegation of authority to Vice Mayor Larsson and Councilmember Melton to determine the purpose of the expanded subcommittee. After the next scheduled September 14, 2017 Subcommittee meeting either Councilmember would report on the outcome of the purpose discussion for approval at the next Council meeting.
The City of Los Altos is scheduled to consider expanding the purpose of the subcommittee to include issues of mutual interested between CUSD and the two cities at its August 22nd Council Meeting.
The Standing Subcommittee has established a quarterly meeting schedule, with the next meeting scheduled for September 14, 2017.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with taking this action.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Authorize Vice Mayor Larsson and Councilmember Melton to determine the expanded purpose of the Standing Subcommittee regarding Issues of Mutual Interests with Local School Districts as it relates to their meetings with the Cupertino Union School District and the City of Los Altos.
2. Other direction as provided by Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternative 1: Authorize Vice Mayor Larsson and Councilmember Melton to determine the expanded purpose of the Standing Subcommittee regarding Issues of Mutual Interests with Local School Districts as it relates to their meetings with the Cupertino Union School District and the City of Los Altos.
Staff
Prepared by: Jennifer Nuñez, Executive Assistant to Mayor and City Council
Reviewed by: Walter C. Rossmann, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager