pages: CityCouncil/2021-07-20.pdf, 6
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CityCouncil | 2021-07-20 | 6 | Councilmember Knox White stated missing Eid Al Adha was a mistake; he reviewed the inter-faith calendar for the year in order to avoid major conflicts; he will not support moving the dates back and creating harm; outlined an argument provided by City of Dublin related to flying a rainbow flag for Pride Month; stated Council can address the matter with the meetings identified as having a conflict within the community and send the matter to SSHRB for policy development; Council can do the right thing by a large portion of the community, allowing full engagement in the process. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the analogy of flying the rainbow flag is not applicable; inquired whether additional dates have been proposed to be moved for cultural holidays. Councilmember Knox White responded had he known Eid Al Adha was in conflict, he would have proposed the meeting date be moved; stated he has not requested any other dates be moved; the two meeting dates in September happen to be prominent. Vice Mayor Vella inquired the original meeting dates, to which the City Clerk responded the meeting dates were adopted in December 2020 and modified in January 2021 to be the first and third Wednesday in September; the meeting dates went from September 7th and 21st to September 1st and 15th Vice Mayor Vella expressed concern about taking a stance in terms of policy; stated should a policy be developed and should apply to all Boards and Commissions, not just Council; expressed concern about flip-flopping on the confirmed dates due to substantial business coming before Council; stated that she has a conflict on September 1st; the original proposal created a scheduling conflict with an important high holiday; she wants to find a way to accommodate all community members; scheduling conflicts will be created; it is problematic to throw dates out at the current meeting in hopes for a date that works for all. Councilmember Daysog stated most residents have the expectation of City Hall working on the first and third Tuesday's of the month; expressed support for meeting dates to remain the first and third Tuesday; stated that he suspects groups of people understand the importance of City Hall being as religious-neutral as possible; Council has previously gone through a variety of religious-based matters; he respects religious holidays; the business of the people must continue in a practical and religious-neutral manner. Vice Mayor Vella inquired whether the proposed dates from Councilmember Daysog are part of a motion. Councilmember Daysog moved approval of the Council meeting dates being the first and third Tuesday of September. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion. Continued July 6, 2021 Meeting Alameda City Council July 20, 2021 2 | CityCouncil/2021-07-20.pdf |