HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-10-27 City Council (24)City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:
AGENDA DATE:
SUBJECT:
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT:ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES
OCTOBER 27, 1997 CMR:443:97
SIGNIFICANT GIFTS RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF PALO
ALTO - FY 1996-97
Included in the City Manager’s internal administrative policies and procedures is a policy
providing direction concerning the receipt of gifts to the City of Palo Alto. The purpose of
this staff report is to comply with a provision in the policy that the City Manager shall
periodically report to the City Council regarding the gifts which have been accepted on
behalf of the City. This is an informational report and no Council action is requested.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This report is consistent with existing City policies.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Gifts can provide support for and/or augment programs beyond the City’s available
resources. Gifts may be material objects, cash, real property, ’ or services. The .City’s policy
regarding gifts is meant to emphasize the importance of encouraging gifts to the City,
promptly acknowledging and expressing appreciation for them, and assuring the gifts are
properly inventoried or accounted for.
The procedures for implementing the policy establish thresholds at which department heads
must notify the City Manager concerning the gifts that have been received by or offered to
the City. The thresholds are as follows: cash gifts of any amount; material gifts and services
with a value of $i,000 or more; any real property (real estate). Gifts offered to the City
which have an estimated value of $5,000 or more will not be accepted until approved by the
City Manager. Gifts of real property of any value will not be accepted until approved by the
City Council. Major gifts often require City commitments, such as ongoing maintenance or
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storage and security, thus consideration must be given to their acceptance. Each department
of the City maintains its own record of all gifts that are accepted and is responsible for.
providing a written expression of thanks to the donor, documenting receipt of the gift.
The .gifts listed in the attachment to this report are those that are more significant in nature.
The report includes cash gifts over $1,000, and material gifts with a value of $1,000 or more.
In most cases, the value of materials gifts has been estimated. The report does not include
the volunteer hours which are contributed to the City.
FISCAL IMPACT
See Executive Summary above.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Significant Gifts Received by City of Palo Alto for Period 7/1/96 - 6/30/97
DEPARTMENT HEAD APPROVAL:’)~/c-~--~-~ -- ~ ~c~,~ )
Melissa Cavallo
Acting Director
Administrative Services
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
Emii~y Harrison
Assistant City Manager
CC:rga
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