REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Review and Adopt Long-term Advocacy Positions (LAPs) Related to Local Law Enforcement Technology, the Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) Districting Process, and Postal Service in Sunnyvale
Report
BACKGROUND
At the January 30, 2024 meeting, Council approved their proposed 2024 Priority Advocacy Issues and Long-Term Advocacy Positions and directed staff to return with proposed language for three (3) new long-term advocacy positions related to local law enforcement technology, the Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) districting process, and postal service in Sunnyvale.
This report presents three (3) new Long-Term Advocacy Positions (LAPs) for Council’s approval, which enables City advocacy on pending legislation and issues based on these policy statements.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.4.14, Legislative Advocacy Positions
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.
DISCUSSION
Local Law Enforcement Technology
Technology continues to reshape how agencies operate and engage with their communities to foster safety and better outcomes. The City does not have a policy position allowing advocacy regarding the local law enforcement technology. To support this topic, a new long-term advocacy position such as the following would need to be adopted by Council:
“Support legislation that provides local law enforcement agencies the ability to implement technology that would enhance public safety.”
Adoption of such a policy would allow the Mayor and staff to a take position on legislation that enhances public safety in the City.
Postal Service for Sunnyvale Residents
Over the past several months, Sunnyvale residents have reached out to Council regarding inconsistent and late postal service in the City. The City does not have a policy position allowing advocacy regarding the postal service. To support this topic, a new long-term advocacy position such as the following would need to be adopted by Council:
“Advocate for secure, reliable, and timely postal service for Sunnyvale residents.”
Adoption of such a policy would allow the Mayor and staff to advocate for prompt, reliable, and efficient services for Sunnyvale residents.
Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) Districting Process
On March 7, 2023, the FUHSD Board of Trustees passed a resolution indicating its intention to transition Governing Board elections from at-large elections to by-trustee area elections.
To support this topic, a new long-term advocacy position such as the following would need to be adopted by Council:
“Advocate for Sunnyvale's communities of interest during the Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) (re)districting process to support efforts that preserve equal Trustee representation. Advocate for Sunnyvale's communities of interest during the development of the trustee area boundary map.”
Adoption of such a policy would allow the Mayor and staff to a take position on the FUHSD districting process.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact as a result of action taken by this report.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the NOVA Workforce Services reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff makes no recommendation. Approval of the consent calendar constitutes Council approval of three (3) new long-term advocacy positions as presented:
“Support legislation that provides local law enforcement agencies the ability to implement technology that would enhance public safety.”
“Advocate for secure, reliable, and timely postal service for Sunnyvale residents.”
“Advocate for Sunnyvale's communities of interest during the Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) (re)districting process to support efforts that preserve equal Trustee representation. Advocate for Sunnyvale's communities of interest during the development of the trustee area boundary map.”
Staff
Prepared by: Michelle Zahraie, Senior Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager