Joint Special Council/BFPD
12/4/23 07:00 PM
City Clerk / Records
Maribel Hernandez
Personnel
Doc ID: 5523
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
PROPOSED MODIFIED HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
City Hall is currently closed for observed holidays on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve Day, and New Year's Day. Due to Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday, its observance is moved to Monday, December 25 and Christmas Day is observed on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. Staff is proposing that City Hall close for all regular working days between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day (December 27 (Wednesday), December 28 (Thursday), and December 29 (Friday)).
DISCUSSION:
During the holiday season, the City of Barstow experiences a reduced staff capacity, making it difficult to maintain department coverage. To address this issue, City staff has proposed closing City Hall for the days between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. The adjusted holiday schedule, as shown below, allows employees the option to use available paid time off accruals or to work their regular work schedule affording an opportunity to catch up on projects and prepare for the upcoming year.
December 2023 / January 2024
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday December 24 December 25 December 26 December 27 December 28 December 29 December 30 Closed Christmas Eve
Observed
Christmas Day
Observed
Proposed
Closure
Proposed
Closure
Proposed
Closure
Closed
December 31 January 1 January 2 January 3 January 4 January 5 January 6 Closed New Year’s
Eve Observed
New Year’s
Day Observed
Open Open Open Closed
Please note that while police, fire, and certain public works operations will remain active during the holiday season, City Hall will be closed on December 27th, 28th, and 29th. Employees have the option to work on scheduled workdays or use accrued time to cover non-holiday workdays. Approval of the proposed modified schedule will boost employee morale and allow Council and management staff to recognize their hard work without incurring additional costs.
To ensure proper communication with City residents, City staff will provide advance notice of the modified holiday schedule through various communication channels, including signs, social media posts, press releases, and handouts at the counter.
City staff has reached out to neighboring cities, such as the Town of Apple Valley, the City of Hesperia, and the City of Victorville, and all recognize closure during this time of the year. The modified holiday schedule is a proactive and effective solution to the challenges faced by City staff during the festive season.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
12/4/23 07:00 PM
City Clerk / Records
Maribel Hernandez
Personnel
Doc ID: 5523
AGENDA ITEM
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact. Employees will be required to either work their normal scheduled work days or use available paid time off.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The City recommends approval of the Modified Holiday Schedule.