CITY OF SAN MATEO
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CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 4 Section Name: CONSENT CALENDAR Account Number: 10-1511 File ID: 26-11048 TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: City Clerk's Office
MEETING DATE: April 6, 2026
SUBJECT:
Council Member, Chief of Police, and City Clerk — Travel Authorization RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the request for travel out of state and lodging for Council Member Danielle Cwirko-Godycki, Chief of Police Barberini, and City Clerk Martin McTaggart, subject to the City Council Rules and Procedures, as the City's official representatives at the 101st Airborne 1st military ball on May 8, 2026.
BACKGROUND:
In 1968, the City of San Mateo formally adopted Company A, 1st Brigade, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) of the United States Army (commonly referred to as “ABU”). This action established a longstanding relationship between the City and the unit during the Vietnam War. At that time, San Mateo residents provided support to deployed soldiers through correspondence, care packages, and other community-led efforts.
Upon the unit’s return from Vietnam in January 1972, the City received special authorization to host the soldiers prior to their return to their home base. Over a three-day period, the community organized a series of events, including hosting soldiers in local homes, a formal gala, and a public parade and celebration in Central Park. Historical accounts indicate that San Mateo was among the first, and potentially the only, cities in the nation to host a formal welcome home parade for returning Vietnam service members.
Since that time, the City has continued to recognize and maintain its relationship with the 101st Airborne Division through periodic commemorative events and ongoing engagement. Most recently, in 2018, the City participated in activities marking the 50th anniversary of the original adoption. Additional examples of this continued relationship include:
In 2015, the City contributed $10,100 toward the 101st Airborne Vietnam Memorial at Fort Campbell. The 101st Airborne has participated in several of San Mateo’s Memorial Day ceremonies at Central Park. Last year, Council Member Cwirko-Godycki and City Clerk McTaggart attended the Bastogne Ball and participated in additional ABU events.
The City has coordinated community letter-writing and care package efforts during the unit’s deployments.
The 101st Airborne Division is organizing its annual military ball event near Fort Campbell, Kentucky. As part of this event, the unit has invited representatives from the City of San Mateo to attend and receive recognition for the City’s longstanding support and partnership. Council Member Cwirko-Godycki has expressed interest in attending the event as the City Council’s representative. In addition, City Clerk McTaggart, who has served as the staff liaison responsible for maintaining this relationship, is also proposing to attend on behalf of the City. Chief of Police Ed Barberini is also proposing to attend as part of the delegation.
CITY OF SAN MATEO
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The estimated cost for travel, lodging, ground transportation, and a commemorative gift is not expected to exceed $3,000 and can be accommodated within the City Council and City Clerk’s Office budgets.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is sufficient funding in the Police Department, City Clerk’s Office, and City Council’s 2025-2026 budget to cover anticipated costs, thus no additional appropriation is required.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
This travel authorization is not a project subject to CEQA, because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).)
NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.
ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – City Council Rules and Procedures Chapter 9 Financial Matters
STAFF CONTACT
Martin McTaggart, City Clerk
[email protected]
(650) 522-7044