Staff Report – Culture and Arts Committee Study Session Page 1 of 3
STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Dan Barros, City Manager
MEETING DATE: November 12, 2025
SUBJECT: Potential Formation of Culture and Arts Council Subcommittee or Committee of Community Residents
RECOMMENDATION
None. This item is a study session. Council is being asked to provide staff with comments, questions, and direction.
BACKGROUND
The Town of Colma currently has only one (1) City Council standing subcommittee formed as the Economic Development Committee (EDC) in March of 2024. The EDC was established to aid and guide initiatives of economic development outlined by the Town’s Strategic Plan. The current EDC is comprised of two councilmembers, Vice-Mayor Carrie Slaughter and Councilmember Joanne del Rosario.
Similarly, the Town has an increasing amount of initiatives in the newly adopted 2025-2027 Strategic Plan centering around Culture and Art initiatives. In addition to the Strategic Plan, The Town has also received an increase in inquiries from the public for additional cultural celebrations and recognitions.
Therefore, the question before the City Council is whether it wants to provide direction to staff to return with an agenda item where the City Council can formally establish either a new City Council standing subcommittee comprised of two councilmembers, or a larger committee or commission potentially comprised of Town residents and/or business owners.
ANALYSIS
Culture and Arts serve as living reflections of a town’s history, preserving the stories, traditions, and values that shaped its identity. Through local art, music, and festivals, communities celebrate their heritage while keeping it vibrant for future generations. Historic architecture, public murals, and performances connect people to their shared past, creating pride and belonging. As the Town evolves, the arts help bridge old and new, inspiring innovation rooted in tradition. By investing in culture and creativity, a town not only honors its heritage but also builds a dynamic future where community spirit continues to thrive.
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Any proposed subcommittee of the City Council or larger committee formed will serve the purpose of establishing a recommended set of criteria that is in parallel with the Town’s values and guides the following initiatives, but is not limited to:
• Murals
• Public Art
• Sculptures
• Memorial Benches/Trees
• Cultural/Religious Celebrations
• Flag Raising Ceremonies
• Branding and Marketing
There are two options for the formation of a new Culture and Arts Committee. The two options are as follows:
• OPTION 1: Council could elect to establish a City Council standing Culture and Arts Subcommittee. The standing subcommittee would remain ongoing for the foreseeable future as the topic of Culture and Arts remains a relevant component of both present and future Town initiatives. The Subcommittee would be comprised of two council members working with Town staff. In this scenario, the committee would be legally required to comply with the Brown Act as any subcommittee of the City Council with ongoing subject matter jurisdiction must comply with the Brown Act’s open meeting requirements.
• OPTION 2: Council could elect to establish a separate Culture and Arts Committee comprised solely of non councilmembers. However, unlike option 1, this option would include members of the public, either residents and/or business owners potentially per direction of the City Council. This option would in essence create a separate “legislative body” as defined by the Brown Act. As the City Council would create this separate Committee, the Committee would be required to comply with the Brown Act as any separate legislative body created by the City Council is subject to the Brown Act. In addition to compliance with the Brown Act, staff may need to establish formal committee Bylaws.
Council Adopted Values
The formation of a Culture and Arts subcommittee of the Council or larger committee of community residents is in line with the City Council’s VISION. The Culture and Arts Committee reflects the Town’s vision by shaping a creative path toward the future—one that values imagination, inclusivity, and community connection.
FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time, other than potential staff cost with implementing the Council’s direction to form a subcommittee or larger committee.
Alternatives
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The City Council could choose not to create a new City Council subcommittee, or larger committee of community residents.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The City Council’s discussion of the proposed Culture and Arts Committee is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15378 as it would constitute organizational or administrative that do not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
CONCLUSION
The City Council should discuss the various options and provide staff with direction.