HomeMy WebLinkAbout65C - AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE SERVICESREQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
JANUARY 21, 2020
TITLE:
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION TO
STAFF REGARDING AMERICAN SIGN
LANGUAGE SERVICES FOR CITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS
{STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 5, 11
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
_••10 e
❑ As Recommended
❑ As Amended
❑ Ordinance on 11' Reading
❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading
❑ Implementing Resolution
❑ Set Public Hearing For
CONTINUED TO
/s/Kristine Ridge FILE NUMBER
CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Discuss and provide direction to staff regarding American Sign Language Translation Services at
City Council meetings.
DISCUSSION
At the November 5, 2019 City Council meeting, citing experiences with the Santa Ana Unified
School District Board, Councilmember Iglesias requested that staff prepare an informational
report on the option for City Council to consider providing American Sign Language (ASL)
translation services at all City Council meetings. Councilmember Sarmiento concurred.
Since 2005, the City has had an agreement with Cesar Vargas and Associates for Spanish
language translation services at City Council meetings and other official meetings. The consultant
agreement's current rate is approximately $40,000 annually, as rates and requests for services
have increased. In 2019, the Santa Ana City Council held 27 meetings for an average of four
hours.
The Clerk of the Council has reached out to Santa Ana Unified School District Board (SAUSD)
staff for information and the following was determined: ASL services were demanded by the
parents and students specifically for agenda items directly affecting ASL services at Taft
Elementary; ASL interpretation for other items were not requested. Due to the demand, SAUSD
has procured Dayle McIntosh Center (DMC) to provide ASL services paying approximately
$40,000 annually for 17 regularly scheduled board meetings in 2019 for an average of two and
half hours.
Over the last 15 years of searchable records, the City of Santa Ana has not received any requests
or complaints regarding ASL translation services at a City Council meeting. However, all City
Council meeting agendas contain language that brings awareness to the possibility of making
arrangements for a sign language interpreter, hearing assistance, or other assistance by
contacting the Clerk of the Council Office at least 72 hours in advance of a meeting (Government
Code Section 54954.2).
65C-1
American Sign Language Services
January 21, 2020
Page 2
The City Council may direct staff to conduct a competitive procurement process with
specifications to provide a cost estimate of such services. Specifications to request ASL
services for may include identifying coverage for the specific government body meeting(s),
regularly scheduled, and/or special meetings.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Approval of this agreement allows us to meet Goal #5 - Community Health, Livability,
Engagement & Sustainability, Priority #1 (establish a comprehensive community
engagement initiative to expand access to information and create opportunities for
stakeholders to play an active role in discussing public policy and setting priorities).
FISCAL IMPACT
Should Council direct staff to conduct a competitive procurement, staff will request Council
for appropriation of funds.
Daisy Gomez
Clerk of the Council
65C-2