REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Request that the City Council Provide Direction to Staff on Flying the Pride Flag at City Hall
Report
BACKGROUND
Throughout the year, the City Council recognizes organizations, individuals and various national events to highlight noteworthy public contributions and achievements. Recognition can take the form of resolutions, proclamations, certificates, letters, and plaques. Council is also sometimes asked to display specific flags on the flag pole at City Hall to commemorate a cause or event. The Mayor has issued a proclamation recognizing June 2019 as National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month. As part of that recognition, the Mayor is requesting to fly the Pride Flag at City Hall for the month of June. The City Council does not have an existing policy that provides the Mayor with the authority to direct staff to fly flags at City Hall. A study issue is in underway to create a policy that would address flying commemorative flags at City Hall as a form of government speech or expression.
EXISTING POLICY
7.3.20 Council Recognition of Individuals, Organizations and/or Events
Adoption of Our City Council Values and Public Service
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 (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.
DISCUSSION
On February 2017, the City Council adopted a Statement on Our City Values and Public Service. The Council statement emphasizes that Sunnyvale is a community that emulates the spirit of all American ideals, “valuing our individual experiences and supporting and protecting people of any race, religion, ancestry, ethnicity, ability, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.” The statement ends with City Council affirmation of its long history of inclusiveness and its public service ethic of helping our City continue to thrive as a culturally diverse community where all are welcome, safe and acknowledged. Recognizing Pride month is in alignment with the City Council’s values.
Absent a formal Council flag policy, the Council may authorize the flying of the Pride Flag at the City Hall.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
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. Direct the City Manager to fly the Pride Flag at the City Hall campus in recognition of Pride Month.
2. Do not direct the City Manager to fly the Pride Flag at the City Hall campus in recognition of Pride Month.
3. Other direction as provided by Council
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff makes no recommendation. This report was prepared to facilitate a discussion and direction to staff by Council.
Staff
Prepared by: Lupita Alamos, Senior Management Analyst, Office of the City Manager
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager