HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/3/2007 - STAFF REPORTS - 2.R. RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, CONCURRING
WITH THE CITY MANAGER'S DECISION TO DECLARE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2007 AN OFFICIAL CITY
HOLIDAY IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE LIFE OF
PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD
WHEREAS, President Gerald R. Ford, thirty-eighth President of the United
States died the twenty-six day of December 2006; and
WHEREAS, before the world knew his name, Ford served with distinction in
the United States Navy and in the United States Congress; and
WHEREAS, as a congressman from Michigan, and then as Vice President, he
commanded the respect and earned the good will of all who had the privilege
of knowing him; and
WHEREAS, on August 9, 1974, Gerald Ford stepped into the presidency,
without ever having sought the office, and assumed power in a period of
great division and turmoil, and
WHEREAS, Ford's calm and steady hand helped heal a nation that needed
healing; and
WHEREAS, during his time in office, the American people came to know
President Ford as a man of complete integrity who led our country with
common sense and kind instincts; and
WHEREAS, Americans will always admire Gerald Ford's unflinching
performance of duty and the honorable conduct of his administration, and
the great rectitude of the man himself; and
WHEREAS, following his presidency, Ford retired from public office with
characteristic good grace and become actively involved in corporate and
charitable affairs; and
ITEM NO.
WHEREAS, President Ford was a part-time resident of the Coachella Valley
living in the Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage; and
WHEREAS, Ford was an avid golfer and played in the Bob Hope Chrysler
Classic golf tournament each year; and
WHEREAS, he was also very active in the community raising money for the
Betty Ford Center, the substance-abuse treatment facility named after his
beloved wife of 58 years, as well as many local charitable organizations; and
WHEREAS, President Ford who lived 93 years will always have a special
place in our nation's memory; and
WHEREAS, the President of the United States, George W. Bush, has by
executive order directed that executive departments, independent
establishments, and other federal governmental agencies be closed on
Tuesday, January 2, 2007, as a mark of respect for former President Ford;
and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has decided, in accordance to Section 6.4.9 of
the City's Personnel Rules, to close all city offices on January 2, 2007 to
allow city employees, except those employees required to respond to
emergencies and to maintain necessary public services, to gather, assemble
and pay their respects to the memory of President Ford in an appropriate
way of their choosing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Palm Springs, California as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council does hereby concur with the City Manager's
decision to declare January 2, 2007 an official City holiday and allow all city
employees, expect those employees required to respond to emergencies and
to maintain necessary public services, to take time off to gather, assemble,
and pay their respects to the memory of Gerald Ford through appropriate
ceremonies in homes, businesses, public buildings, schools, places of
worship, or other appropriate places for public expression of grief and
remembrance.
Section 2. That the City Council does hereby grant holiday pay to all city
employees in accordance to applicable City policy.
Section 3. Public safety and other city employees who are required to work
on January 2, 2007 will be afforded appropriate hours of pay on their next
pay check as required by City policy or separate Memorandum of
Understanding.
Section 4. That in accordance with a proclamation issued by the President
of the United States the flags of the United States of America, the State of
California and the City of Palm Springs in front of City Hall and upon all city
buildings, grounds, and facilities shall be flown at half-staff for a period of 30
days from the date of his death. Individuals, businesses, and other public
agencies within the City of Palm Springs are encouraged to fly these flags at
half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect and honor. Flags
should be returned to full staff on Friday, January 26, 2007.
ADOPTED this 3rd day of January, 2007.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
By:
City Clerk City Manager