CITY OF MENIFEE
SUBJECT: Key to the City Program
MEETING DATE: March 6, 2024
TO: Mayor and City Council
PREPARED BY: Gina Gonzalez, Economic Development Director REVIEWED BY: Rebekah Kramer, Assistant to the City Manager APPROVED BY: Armando G. Villa, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Discuss and provide feedback on a Key to the City program for the City of Menifee.
DISCUSSION
On July 19, 2023, Councilmember Lesa Sobek requested a future agenda item be brought back and discussed on the development of a Key to the City Program. Information is detailed below on a variety of similar programs in other cities to assist the City Council with discussion.
Key to the City Background
The Key to the City is a symbolic gesture of civic appreciation and welcoming recognition by a city through the presentation of a physical ceremonial key (see photo). Other options to award appreciation or honorary citizenship are through resolution or certificates. Receiving a key is one of the city’s highest honors and is typically only presented in a manner that is consistent with the city’s, mission, vision, and goals, and reserved for individuals whose service to the public rises to the highest level of achievement.
Many cities with a Key to the City Program have established an application or nominations process that includes concurrence from at least three Councilmembers for receiving a Key to the City recognition. Typically, the Mayor, or his/her designee, present the approved recipient with the Key to the City at an event or during a City Council meeting. Those recognized as part of a Key to the City Program often include:
•Residents with a significant accomplishment(s) in military service •Residents reaching the age of 100 years
•A person who performed an act of heroism while in the “city limits” •A dignitary or celebrity visiting the city
•A Sister City or delegation from another country visiting the city
City of Menifee Staff Report
Key to the City Program Discussion
March 6, 2024
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•Requests of unique circumstances other than those listed, and deemed appropriate by staff, would be considered on a case-by-case basis at a City Council meeting Cost Estimates
Provided below are the cost estimates associated with the production of the refenced forms of recognition, excluding program management costs.
•Certificate, paper folder: $ 0.26
•Certificate, hard folder/plexi glass $0.91
•Resolution, paper folder $0.26
•Key to the City $35-$60
•Key to the City with Presentation Box $55-$70
If the City Council provides direction to move forward with the establishment of a Key to the City Program, staff would develop the Program parameters and prepare a cost analysis for review and consideration at a future meeting.
STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Community Engagement and Social Infrastructure
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. The cost impact associated with the establishment of a Key to the City Program would be based upon the established Program parameters.
ATTACHMENTS
None.