HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 12370
City of Palo Alto (ID # 12370)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Special Orders of the Day Meeting Date: 6/21/2021
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Resolution for Beth Minor Retirement
Title: Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation to Beth Minor Upon
her Retirement
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Clerk
Attachments:
• Attachment A: Resolution Expressing Appreciation to Beth Minor Upon her Retirement
Resolution
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO BETH MINOR UPON HER RETIREMENT
WHEREAS, Beth Minor served in the City Clerk’s office for the last 13 years, first as the Assistant City
Clerk starting in 2007 and then as the City Clerk since 2014. She has been a leader in helping the community fully
participate in its government and a pillar of transparency. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Beth helped the City
adapt to online meetings while maintaining public participation, all while running her team remotely; and
WHEREAS, to provide increased transparency and service to the community, Beth Minor implemented a
Council policy delivering agenda packets 11 days in advance of Council Meetings, a best-in-class practice among
Bay Area cities. She also initiated a rotating staff schedule to ensure her staff be available to the public and City
Council five days a week, rather than the 9/80 system that operates in other City Hall departments; and
WHEREAS, Beth manages the logistics of all City Council meetings facilitating discussion between the City
Council, City Staff, and local policy makers. During these meetings, she provides a unique service to both the
Council Members and citizens of Palo Alto by providing the Council motions in a viewable format, a service not
typically provided in other communities; and
WHEREAS, as the City’s Election Official, Beth successfully managed 4 citywide Elections for Council
Members and ballot initiatives. She provided neutral and fair assistance to all Council candidates and was a trusted
source of information for the public. Furthermore, Beth oversaw the biannual recruitment process of the City’s
multiple Boards and Commissions; and
WHEREAS, Beth Minor managed the onboarding and training of new department employees and
implemented policies and procedures to better serve the Council and entire community. Many employees from her
department have taken the skills learned in the Clerk’s office and grown into other roles within the City and region;
and
WHEREAS, Beth Minor has managed and overseen various special projects within the city such as the
Clerk’s Office remodel, the Council Chambers audio/visual upgrade, as well as the request for proposal, training
and implementation of vital Clerk tools: MinuteTraq and Netfile; and
WHEREAS, for the last 13 years, Beth has coordinated many community events such as the Boards and
Commissions volunteer appreciation events, City Council retreats, and State of the City addresses at a wide variety
of venues around Palo Alto providing the public with greater opportunities for connection and involvement with
their local government.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Palo Alto hereby gratefully
records and extends its sincere appreciation as well as the appreciation of the community to Beth Minor for
professional, gracious and excellent service rendered to the City.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: June 21, 2021
ATTEST: APPROVED:
______________________ ________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________ ________________________
City Manager City Attorney