COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dawn Jackson, Library Director
DATE: April 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Receipt of Donation from the Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving the receipt of a donation from the Friends of the Santa Maria Public Librar y.
Environmental Notice:
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving the receipt of a $28,900 donation from the Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library.
BACKGROUND:
The Friends of the S anta Maria Public Library (S MPL) is a 501(c)(3) non -profit organization focused on supporting Library services and initiatives. Donations from library support groups are directed towards acquiring supplies and materials for both youth and adult programming, books, CDs, DVDs, audiovisual resources, and items for Library of Things. Library advocacy groups play a vital role in th e Library’s dedication to providing high levels of service and fulfilling its mission of ensuring free access to information and programming for the community.
DISCUSSION:
Government Code Section 37354 of the California Government Code states that, “The legislative body may accept or reject any gift, bequest, or devise made to or for the city, or to or for any of its officers in their official capacity or in trust for any public purpose.” City Administration Memo 2017-01, Gift and/or Donation Policy, sets forth procedures for reviewing, accepting, and acknowledging gifts and/or donations offered to the City to:
1. Establish compliance with the law in a consistent manner regardless of the source of the donation.
2. Establish uniform procedures for the receipt of donations to the City. 2 3. Cultivate an environment where residents and businesses want to contribute to the City’s programs and facilities.
4. Promptly acknowledge and express appreciation for donations.
5. Assure donations are properly inventoried and accounted for.
6. In accordance with the City’s Gift and/or Donation Policy, donations valued at more than $25,000 must be accepted by the City Council.
Alternative(s)
An alternative would be to decline the donation and lose funding to purchase items for the collection.
Fiscal Considerations
The donation is valued at $28,900 and does not have an impact on the General Fund.
Impact on the Community
Contributions from o rganizations such as the Friends of the SMPL allow library staff to obtain resources that enhance the library’s collection, ultimately benefiting the community, and enriching the lives of its members.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution Approving Receipt of a Donation from the Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library