City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: August 22, 2023
Agenda Item: 14.A
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Erica Cuyugan, City Librarian, Library Services Department Subject: Adoption of Resolution to Establish a City of Santa Monica Poet Laureate Program
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Adopt a Resolution establishing a City of Santa Monica Poet Laureate program and the program’s terms and conditions.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to take implementing actions necessary to administer the Poet Laureate program.
Summary
On November 29, 2022, the City Council unanimously supported that the City Manager develop and return with recommendations for a Poet Laureate program for the City of Santa Monica. The program and recommendations were developed in collaboration with the Library Board and Arts Commission. The attached Resolution establishes a City of Santa Monica Poet Laureate program, including the program’s terms and conditions, and authorizes the Santa Monica Public Library to take implementing actions necessary to administer it.
Discussion
At the behest of Council, staff proceeded to investigate establishing a Poet Laureate program. Given that one of the City of Santa Monica’s areas of strategic focus is advancing equity and inclusion, and that knowledge of poetic traditions allows us to 2 of 3
know more about our own culture and can serve as a passport to the cultures of others, it was determined that such a program would serve to celebrate the spirit and the special qualities of Santa Monica, specifically highlighting the city through the literary arts, and create a new body of literary works that commemorate the diversity and vibrancy of our city. Staff believe this program would serve not only to enhance the presence and appreciation of poetry and the literary arts in Santa Monica but provide educational opportunities for our community members and students and inspire an emerging generation of literary artists and poets.
Selection and Review Process
Persons interested in serving as the City of Santa Monica Poet Laureate may nominate themselves by completing an online application and submitting it by a designated deadline. The Director of the Library would be responsible for recommending a Poet Laureate for a two-year term to the City Council for approval every two years. The Poet Laureate would be appointed at the discretion of the City Council and serve at the will of the City Council.
Public Engagement
The purpose of the roles and responsibilities the Poet Laureate would take on, would be specifically to share the love of poetry with community through participation in citysponsored events, poetry readings and/or workshops, and other civic holidays and cultural events. Deliverables would include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Create an annual original poem celebrating Santa Monica; • Contribute to Santa Monica Public Library’s National Poetry Month programming; and
• Organize multiple poetry-related readings/workshops to be presented at various City-sponsored events, to be pre-approved by the Santa Monica Public Library and the City Manager’s Office staff.
Past Council Actions
Meeting Date Description
11/29/22 Request of Councilmembers Negrete, Parra, and Brock that 3 of 3
the City Manager develop and return to City Council with recommendations for a Poet Laureate program for the City of Santa Monica.
Environmental Review
The Poet Laureate program is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines which states that CEQA does not apply, “where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.” The Poet Laureate program is an administrative program that would be operated by the Santa Monica Public Library.
Therefore, it can be seen with certainty that the proposed agreement would not result in adverse physical impacts on the environment, and as such, is categorically exempt from CEQA.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of the recommended action. Ongoing operating funds to support the Poet Laureate program are included in the Library’s FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget.
Prepared By: Rachel Foyt, Senior Administrative Analyst Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Creating a Poet Laureate Program
B. Past Council Action 11-29-2022 Staff Report (Web Link)