TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FROM: ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER

DATE: OCTOBER 19, 2004

SUBJECT: ANNUAL HOLIDAY RECEPTION

RECOMMENDATION

Select a date and establish a budget for the annual holiday reception.

DISCUSSION

Annually, the City Council hosts a reception during the month of December to honor Commissioners, Committee members and staff for their service to the City. The Council is being asked to select a date and approve a budget for this year’s event. The evening reception has been typically held on the first Monday in December at Hesse Park. Staff suggests avoiding the second Monday in December, because the City of Rolling Hills has scheduled its holiday reception on this date. The following dates are currently available at Hesse Park:

Monday, December 6

Monday, December 13 (same as the City of Rolling Hills)

Monday, December 20

For the past two years, the menu at the reception has consisted of a variety of appetizers, including fresh vegetables with spinach dip, skewered teriyaki chicken, mini pita sandwiches with roast beef and smoked turkey, chicken chimichangas served with chipotle sauce, Swedish meatballs, and assorted mini quiches. Mini tarts have been served for dessert, including pecan, lemon and raspberry with white chocolate. Beverages usually included a choice of wines as well as assorted soft drinks and sparkling cider. The Mayor has suggested offering a more sophisticated menu this year patterned after the menus at the Rolling Hills Holiday Reception. Mayor Gardiner has indicated that he would be willing to reduce his City Council travel budget of $4,500 if the money could be added to the Holiday Reception budget.

FISCAL IMPACT

The annual holiday appreciation reception is funded through the City’s Community Outreach program and has a budget of $2,750. An additional $2,250 would be needed to significantly upgrade the food offered at our reception.

Respectfully submitted: Reviewed,

Carolynn Petru Les Evans

Assistant City Manager City Manager