Agenda Item: 4
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: September 23, 2025
SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL AND BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES POLICIES DEPARTMENT: Administrative Services
PRESENTER: Benny Ives
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council approve the recommended deletion of and revisions to City Council policies.
Santa Clarita Board of Library Trustees approve the recommended revisions to Santa Clarita Public Library policies.
BACKGROUND
City of Santa Clarita (City) administrative policies and procedures are intended as a meaningful working device for the compilation of administrative rules and regulations, procedures, and other policy statements that are needed for the effective functioning of all City departments. The administrative policies are separated into nine sections: Legislative Relations, Administration, Human Resources, Health and Safety, Finance, Purchasing, Budget, Technology, and Library.
The objective of the policies is to minimize doubt, confusion, and inconsistency in the performance of City duties. These policies are "living" documents and, as such, are to be amended, changed, and altered as conditions and circumstances warrant. The policies serve as a comprehensive guide for administrative action and provide a framework for the discharge of delegated authorities and assigned responsibilities.
The previous comprehensive review of all policies was completed in January 2023. At the conclusion of the 2025 comprehensive review, staff recommends actions as stated and summarized below. Redlined versions of the policies with proposed changes are attached to this report.
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The following City Council policy has been determined to be obsolete and proposed for deletion:
II-44.1 City Manager Authority to Execute the Sale of Encroached-Upon Properties This policy establishes the City Manager’s authority to execute the sale of encroached-upon properties. Staff recommends deleting this policy due to statutory restrictions imposed by the California Surplus Land Act (Act), which limits staff authority and requires that the sale of City- owned property follow the Act’s prescribed procedures.
The following City Council policies contain proposed revisions:
I-3.2 Awarding of Proclamations
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the awarding of proclamations. Staff recommends making minor changes to verbiage, which does not impact the overall substance of the policy.
I-4.3 Economic Development Policy
The purpose of this policy is to provide a fundamental overview of the City’s economic development approach. Staff recommends revising this policy to reflect current program offerings, including SizeUp Santa Clarita, an online business intelligence tool that empowers businesses to make informed decisions and promote long-term growth in Santa Clarita’s evolving economy.
I-6.2 Request for Continuance of Public Hearings before the City Council This policy establishes guidelines for handling requests from applicants or other interested parties to continue public hearings before the City Council. Staff recommends revising this policy to incorporate processes for public hearings that involve applicants and appellants and revise the policy into a more all-inclusive and overarching policy.
I-11.3 Enforcement of Oversized Vehicle Ordinance
This policy establishes guidelines for enforcing Chapter 12.94 of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code regarding oversized vehicle parking regulations. Staff recommends reassigning the department responsible for this policy from the City Manager’s Office to Community Development.
I-15.2 Code of Ethics and Conduct
The purpose of this policy is for the administration of a Code of Ethics and Conduct. Staff recommends revising this policy to update the Government Code referencing the California Public Records Act to the correct code number.
I-16.1 City of Santa Clarita Business Sponsorship Program The purpose of this policy is to define and establish the procedure to be followed for the City of Santa Clarita Business Sponsorship Program. Staff recommends revising this policy to incorporate additional language to clarify the City’s right to decline or terminate sponsorships.
This action may be taken if the sponsor engages in conduct that does not align with the City’s values or other provisions established in the revised policy.
The Library Ad Hoc Committee met on August 28, 2025, and recommends revisions to the following Board of Library Trustees policies:
IX-2.5 Library Circulation
This policy establishes procedures for the circulation and loan of Santa Clarita Public Library (Library) materials. Staff recommends revising this policy to remove references to magazines, as they are no longer circulated. Additionally, staff recommends revisions to reflect the new Refund Policy and allow an increase in the number of item claims, due to the length of service on accounts, which will increase access for long-time users.
IX-3.4 Library Code of Conduct
This policy outlines the standards of conduct for individuals while inside a Library facility. Staff recommends revising this policy to redefine the Library spaces to include the museum and mobile Library, make changes to allow beverages in all areas of the Library, and change section “Q” to reflect the current Municipal Code.
IX-4.4 Library Displays
This policy guides the placement and selection of displays in Library facilities. Staff recommends revising this policy to add “And Postings” to the title in order to reflect both areas the policy addresses. Additionally, staff recommends revisions to reflect the differences between these two areas and clarify that Library displays are guided by the Library Material Selection Policy.
IX-5.4 Library Internet Use and Safety
This policy establishes guidelines for use and restriction of Library computers and Internet use for patrons and staff. Staff recommends revising this policy to remove section “F” under the “Recommend Guidelines for Children’s Internet Use,” as the information is outdated.
IX-6.4 Library Material Selection
This policy guides the selection and maintenance of the Library’s material collections. Staff recommends revising this policy to include language for the California Freedom to Read Act and to add a line on AI content decision-making standards.
IX-8.4 Library Registration
This policy establishes procedures for the applications, issuance, and use of Library cards. Staff recommends revising this policy to redefine the terms of courtesy lookup to allow for more access for account holders.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
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FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
ATTACHMENTS
I-3.2 Awarding of Proclamations - Revised
I-4.3 Economic Development Policy - Revised
I-6.2 Request for Continuance of Public Hearings - Revised I-11.3 Enforcement of Oversized Vehicle Ordinance Policy - Revised I-15.2 Code of Ethics and Conduct - Revised
I-16.1 Business Sponsorship Program - Revised
IX-2.5 Library Circulation - Revised
IX-3.4 Library Code of Conduct - Revised
IX-4.4 Library Displays - Revised
IX-5.4 Library Internet Use and Safety - Revised
IX-6.4 Library Material Selection - Revised
IX-8.4 Library Registration - Revised
II-44.1 CM Auth to Exec Sale of Encroached Props - Delete (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)