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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 11/20/2007 - RESOLUTION 2007-103 CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF A ITEM NUMBER: 22 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: November20, 2007 FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Tess Heffernan SUBJECT Resolution 2007-103 Considering the Adoption of a Revised Holiday Display Policy in Response to the Recommendations of the Holiday Display Task Force. RECOMMENDATION The Holiday Display Task Force recommends adoption of the Task Force recommendations. Staff has no position. FINANCIAL IMPACT It is assumed that any change to the City's holiday display could not be fully implemented until the 2008/2009 season. The estimated additional costs for the recommended displays are listed below. One time: • $ 10,000 Fort Collins Museum • $ 28,600 City buildings Should Council accept these recommendations, several Task Force members have volunteered to seek community donations and/or sponsorships to offset the cost of the new displays. Another potential contributor is The Fort Collins Museum Foundation. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Holiday Display Task Force was appointed by the City Manager in early August 2007 for the purpose of reviewing the City's current Holiday Display Policy and recommending possible modifications to the policy. The Task Force met weekly to review the current policy, study applicable legal principles,research and discuss a number of alternatives,and consider the potential impact to the community of Fort Collins. The Task Force is recommending the current policy be replaced with a new policy that includes an educational display on or around the grounds of the Fort Collins Museum and changes the standards for Oak Street Plaza and the exterior and interior of all City buildings. The intent of these recommendations is not to minimize past traditions, but rather to create a festive, welcoming environment that reflects the variety of ways that citizens of Fort Collins celebrate the season. November 20, 2007 -2- Item No. 22 Following publication of the Task Force recommendations Council received a significant amount of citizen input. Based on citizen and Council member input, staff then prepared an additional version of the policy that includes some, but not all, of the Task Force recommendations. As a result,three options are presented for Council consideration. These three versions of the policy are: (a) The current policy (b) A revised policy("Task Force Recommendations")that incorporates all of the Task Force recommendations, described in detail below (c) A revised policy("Optional Version")that incorporates elements ofboth the existing policy and a portion of the Task Force recommendations. This version of the policy: • Retains most aspects of the current policy for Oak Street Plaza and the interior and exterior of City buildings • Adds an educational, multi-cultural display at the Museum i f traditions in our Adds the creation of artwork depicting the diversity o eP g Y community,which could then be displayed on and within City buildings and Oak Street Plaza. BACKGROUND For some time,the subject of religious displays on public property has been a topic of considerable discussion by City Council and the community as a whole. In early 2006,City Council reviewed its Holiday Display policy,which addresses both outdoor displays on City buildings in Old Town and displays on other City property. At that time the decision was made to maintain the policy. In 2007, City Council decided that a detailed review of the Holiday Display policy by community members could lead to additional insights and options that the City might wish to pursue. Council thus directed the City Manager to appoint a diverse group of citizens to review the policy and recommend any modifications they believe appropriate. The Holiday Display Task Force was appointed and began meeting in August 2007. A list of Task Force members and the organizations they represent is included in Attachment 2. Over the course of several months Task Force members have had many thoughtful and spirited discussions. In addition to reviewing the current policy and applicable legal principles, members have discussed community needs, conducted research, sought input from a variety of sources, solicited and reviewed public comment and eventually reached agreement on a set of recommendations for the CitY's consideration. Policy/Project Scope One challenge for the Task Force and the community has been that of clarifying the boundaries of the City's Holiday Display Policy, or what is and is not a City-sponsored display and thus covered by the policy. The City Policy addresses seasonal decorations sponsored by the City, erected between November 1 and January 30, and located on City property that is open to the public. The November 20, 2007 -3- Item No. 22 Policy encompasses City-sponsored displays inside and outside City buildings and facilities, and includes Oak Street Plaza. The Policy does not cover Old Town Square, which is owned by and under the authority of the Downtown Development Authority(DDA). It also does not cover unattended private displays on City property; these are addressed in specific provisions of the City Code. Finally, the Policy does not address public or private programs held in conjunction with the holiday season or displays on private property. Holiday Display Task Force Background Statement Fort Collins has long recognized the celebration of the winter holiday season. For much of the city's history, that recognition has focused on Christmas as the primary religious and cultural holiday celebrated by city residents. As Fort Collins has grown over the years, it has become a dynamic, culturally diverse community. Specifically, Fort Collins is now home to people of many religious and cultural beliefs and traditions; including Christian, Jew, Hindu, Baha'i, Buddhist, Wiccan, atheist and Muslim, among others. City residents celebrate a variety of winter holidays, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Birth of Baha'u'llah,Bhodi Day,the Winter Solstice,Kwanzaa and more. Recognizing the desire for all citizens to feel valued,welcomed,and included,the Task Force strove to provide a recommendation that could unite all City residents and visitors in the spirit of community celebration. Throughout history and across the world, the most common theme of winter celebration is light at a time of darkness. Some ascribe religious significance, while others strive to cultivate an inner, spiritual light,while still others rejoice in the spirit of community that the winter season brings and in the anticipation of the return of light and warmth to the world. Light thus serves as a theme that expresses certain shared values and is a common thread running through many of our celebrations. The Task Force proposes a holiday displaypolicy that recognizes the variety of celebrations enjoyed by the diverse citizenry of Fort Collins. To emphasize the community-wide nature of the holiday season,and to foster education about the diversity of cultural and religious traditions represented in Fort Collins, the Task Force suggests the active participation of the community's museums. The recommendation covers what the Task Force envisions as the primary City holiday display on or around the Fort Collins Museum grounds,as well as the exterior and interior public spaces of all City buildings, and the Oak Street Plaza. Fort Collins Museum 1. For the City's primary holiday display, the Task Force proposes an annual display on or around the grounds around the Fort Collins Museum. The display, designed and produced by Museum staff, should be an educational, multi-cultural presentation that respectfully presents our differences and embraces our commonality. Both religious and non-religious celebrations should be included, with careful thought to broad representation and balance among different traditions. for which symbols to include it is suggested that the Department of If guidance is needed o gu ym gg eP Veterans Affairs(VA)list of"Emblems of Belief for Placement on Government Headstones November 20, 2007 -4- Item No. 22 and Markers"be used as a basis for ideas. This list can be used as a reference;however, the list should not be used to exclude religious or cultural holidays not found there, such as Kwanzaa. The Museum Director met with Task Force members and Museum staff have discussed several concepts that meet these objectives.Additional background information is included in Attachment 3, "Symbols Incorporating Light." 2. If the trees around the museum are decorated, they should feature white lights and avoid decorations that would dilute the broad multi-cultural message, unless they are part of a display. City Buildings - Exterior I. The exterior of any Citybuilding maybe decorated with white lights,secular winter symbols not traditionally associated with any particular holiday (snowflakes, icicles, etc.) and unadorned garlands of greenery(not decorated with ribbons or ornaments). 2. In addition, the Task Force recommends that the City collaborate with the Fort Collins CA to solicit educational artwork depicting the same Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) p g spirit of winter celebration—the unifying theme of light and the diversity of traditions within our community. This art can then be printed on posters,banners, etc.,be distributed though the community,and displayed on and within City buildings.Ideally,MOCA will solicit new artwork each year, giving many local artists a chance to contribute to what the Task Force hopes will become a cherished winter tradition, as well as a collectible series of art. 3. The Executive Director of MOCA met with the Task Force to discuss how an invitation to artists would be developed, including specific guidelines to ensure the objectives for the display are met. She confirmed that MOCA would be interested in partnering on this project should the City wish to do so. City Buildings - Interior Common Areas l. Common Areas"refers to those interior areas that the public can enter without an invitation, such as lobbies,hallways and conference rooms. Common areas do not include employees' personal work spaces. 2. The content of Common Area indoor displays should be the discretion of the heads of the department or departments located in those facilities. However, department heads are encouraged to follow the Guidelines provided in Attachment 4,"Guidelines for City Building Common Areas." Oak Street Plaza • White lights and secular winter symbols not traditionally associated with any particular holiday(snowflakes,icicles,etc.)are recommended as the primary decoration for Oak Street November 20, 2007 -5- Item No. 22 Plaza. The Task Force expects that the artwork commissioned by MOCA may also be used as a centerpiece for Oak Street Plaza. Interim Policy for 2007-2008 Season The Task Force's recommendations outline goals for an inclusive, unifying, and festive holiday display in future years. However, there is not enough time and funding to fully implement these recommendations this year. Should Council accept these recommendations, members feel there should be a visible sign to the community that changes in the City's displays are beginning to be implemented. With that goal,the Task Force recommends that the following steps be taken for the 2007 holiday season: • The new policy for interior and exterior City building decorations should not be taken as binding for 2007; however, City staff are encouraged, wherever practical, to make their displays consistent with the task force's ultimate recommendations. This can include: o Increased use of white lights and winter symbols as decoration. o Decreased use of decorated greenery that carries connotations of particular holidays; for instance, removing red ribbons from wreaths and removing stars and ornaments from trees. • The Fort Collins Museum should proceed with installation of at least some elements of the multi-cultural educational display. Ultimately, Museum staff will need to determine what is feasible, and the Task Force recognizes that this exhibit may not be as elaborate or extensive as in future years. This display should acknowledge multiple winter celebrations (at least three, more if possible) within the Fort Collins community. • The City should utilize the Guidelines for City Building Common Areas for interior common areas of City buildings. • The City and MOCA are encouraged to pursue the community art project described in the full recommendation, and begin planning to commission artwork for use in the Winter 2008 holiday celebration. Advisory Group An advisory group should collaborate on the initial design and ongoing development of the above recommendations, in order to ensure that the City continues to express the spirit of these recommendations. This group could meet on an as-needed basis to provide feedback and assistance to City staff members as the displays for next season are developed. Several Task Force members are willing to volunteer to serve on this group. Conclusion The three policy options presented in this document reflect a great deal of thought,consideration and community dialogue about the City's Holiday Display. In order to help understand the similarities and differences between the three options, staff members prepared the matrix below. November 20, 2007 -6- Item No. 22 Comparison of the Three Policies Current Policy Task Force Policy Optional Combined Policy* Oak Street Plaza Permits: Permits: Permits: • white or colored white lights; white or colored lights; secular winter lights; • trees, wreaths, symbols not secular winter or garlands, other associated with a holiday symbols; foliage; particular holiday; trees (incl. • written secular artwork done in Christmas trees), messages collaboration with wreaths,garlands, community groups other foliage; written secular messages; artwork done in collaboration with community groups Exterior of Permits: Pernuts: Permits: Downtown City white or colored white lights; white or colored Buildings** lights; secular winter lights; trees, wreaths, symbols not secular winter or garlands, other associated with a holiday symbols; foliage; particular holiday; trees (incl. written secular unadorned garlands of Christmas trees), messages greenery; wreaths, garlands, artwork done in other foliage; collaboration with written secular community groups messages; artwork done in collaboration with community groups Exterior of Other In discretion of Permits: Permits: City department heads,but white lights; white or colored Buildings/Facilities must be secular in secular winter lights; nature. symbols not secular winter or associated with a holiday symbols; particular holiday; trees (incl. unadorned garlands of Christmas trees), greenery; wreaths, garlands, artwork done in other foliage; collaboration with written secular community groups messages; artwork done in collaboration with community groups November 20, 2007 -7- Item No. 22 Current Policy Task Force Policy Optional Combined Policy* Fort Collins Permits: Multi-cultural outdoor • Multi-cultural Museum white or colored display; outdoor display; lights; includes religious and includes religious trees,wreaths, secular celebrations; and secular garlands, other only white lights on celebrations foliage; trees unless written secular incorporated into a messages display Interior Public In discretion of In discretion of Permits: Areas of City department heads,but department heads,but white or colored Buildings must be secular in encouraged to decorate lights; nature. with symbols of winter secular winter or not associated with a holiday symbols; particular religious or trees (incl. cultural celebration. Christmas trees), Could include the artwork wreaths, garlands, described above. other foliage; Additional displays,while written secular not encouraged,may be messages; added, but must not artwork done in advocate or emphasize a collaboration with particular celebration and community groups should represent at least three religious or cultural traditions. Time Frame for November 1 through November 1 through November 1 through Displays Covered January 30 January 30 January 30 by Policy Secular or Only secular Religious elements may Religious elements Religious Symbols be included at Museum, in may be included at Allowed? building interiors and in Museum. Only secular the art work referred to symbols elsewhere, above,but primary effect with the exception of must not be to advance or the artwork referred to endorse religion. above. Primary effect must not be to advance or endorse religion. * Note that Optional Combined Policy treats Oak Street Plaza and the interior and exterior of all City buildings (except the Museum)the same. ** Current Policy regulates displays at Oak Street Plaza, City Hall, old Police Services Building, the two parking structures, Transit Center, Museum, 222 LaPorte, 117 North Mason, 215 North Mason and 281 North College more strictly than other City facilities or buildings. November 20, 2007 -8- Item No. 22 ATTACHMENTS 1. (A) Administrative Policy 2.4"City Holiday Displays": Current Policy, (B) Policy Incorporating Task Force Recommendations, (C) Optional Version 2. Holiday Display Task Force members 3. Symbols Incorporating Light 4. Guidelines for City Building Common Areas ATTACHMENT1A 2.4 City Holiday Displays A. Definitions "Holidaydisplays" means seasonal decorations sponsored b the City, erected P Y Y between November l and January 30, and located on City property that is open to the public. "Secular"means not overtly or specifically religious. B. Outdoor Displays in Old Town The City's outdoor holiday displays at Oak Street Plaza, City Hall, Police Services, the Remington Street Parking Structure, the Civic Center Parking Structure, the Downtown Transit Center, the Fort Collins Museum, 222 LaPorte Avenue, and the City office buildings at 117 North Mason, 215 North Mason and 281 North College, shall consist of any one or a combination of the following elements: • White or colored lights; • Trees,wreaths, garlands or other foliage, either real or artificial; • Written, secular holiday messages, the content of which shall be approved in advance by the City Manager, in consultation with the City Attorney C. Displays on Other City Property The content of indoor holiday displays at all City facilities and of outdoor displays at City facilities other than those listed above shall be in the discretion of the heads of the department or departments located in such facilities. However, the content of any such displays shall be secular in nature and shall comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. Staff members are encouraged t"ntact the City Attorney's office with any questions about these requirements. Policy adopted October --S , 2006 Darin A. Attebeny City Manager (Task Force Recommendation Version) ATTACHMENT 1B 2.4 City Holiday Displays A. Definitions "Common Areas" refers to those interior areas of City-owned buildings that the public can enter without an invitation, such as lobbies, hallways and public meeting rooms. Common Areas do not include employees' personal work spaces. "Holiday displays" means seasonal decorations sponsored by the City, erected between November 1 and January 30, and located on City property that is open to the public. "Secular"means not overtly or specifically religious. B. Display at the Fort Collins Museum The City's primary holiday display shall be located on or around the grounds of the Fort Collins Museum. The display shall be designed and produced by Museum staff as an educational, multi-cultural presentation that respectfully presents our differences and embraces our commonality. Both religious and secular celebrations should be included, with careful thought to broad representation and balance among different traditions. If trees on the Museum grounds are decorated, they should be decorated only with white lights, unless they are incorporated into a portion of the Museum's holiday display. C. City Buildings - Exterior 1. Outdoor holiday displays located at other City-owned buildings, including decorations attached to the building exteriors, may consist only of one or more of the following elements: • white lights; • secular winter symbols not traditionally associated with any particular holiday (snowflakes, icicles, etc.); • garlands of real or artificial greenery that are unadorned (not decorated with ribbons or ornaments). 2. The City may collaborate with community groups or organizations to solicit educational artwork depicting the same spirit of winter celebration —the unifying theme of light and the diversity of traditions within our community. The City may arrange for this art to be printed on posters, banners, etc., to be distributed through the community, and displayed on and within City property and buildings. Any invitation to artists to participate must include specific guidelines to ensure the City's objectives for such a display are met. D. Display at Oak Street Plaza (Task Force Recommendation Version) ATTACHMENT 1B Oak Street Plaza should be decorated only with white lights and secular winter symbols not traditionally associated with any particular holiday (snowflakes, icicles, etc.). The artwork described in Section C.2 may also be used as a centerpiece for Oak Street Plaza. E. City Buildings—Common Areas 1. The content of displays in Common Areas is in the discretion of the heads of the department or departments located in each facility. However, these areas are often visited by individuals with varying religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. It is important to have an environment that communicates a welcoming message to all who enter these Common Areas regardless of the holidays they may or may not celebrate, and to be culturally inclusive when decorating Common Areas. In order to maintain this environment, department heads are encouraged to decorate Common Areas with symbols of winter that do not convey or have a connection to a particular religious or cultural celebration. Examples include snowflakes, snowmen, snow balls, ice skates, skis, penguins, polar bears, white lights, and mitten trees or gift trees. 2. Additional displays, while not encouraged, are permissible at the discretion of the individual department head. These displays must not have the purpose or primary effect of advocating for or emphasizing a particular celebration, and thus should represent at least three religious and/or cultural traditions. F. Any displays placed on City property pursuant to this policy must be designed in such a way that their primary purpose or effect is not the advancement or endorsement of religion. Staff members are encouraged to contact the City Attorney's office with any questions about this requirement. Policy adopted 200_ Darin A. Atteberry City Manager (Optional Combined Version) ATTACHMENT IC 2.4 City Holiday Displays A. Definitions "Common Areas" refers to those interior areas of City-owned buildings that the public can enter without an invitation, such as lobbies, hallways and public meeting rooms. Common Areas do not include employees' personal work spaces. "Holiday displays" means seasonal decorations sponsored by the City, erected between November I and January 30, and located on City property that is open to the public. "Secular"means not overtly or specifically religious. B. Display at the Fort Collins Museum The City's primary holiday display shall be located on or around the grounds of the Fort Collins Museum. The display shall be designed and produced by Museum staff as an educational, multi-cultural presentation that respectfully presents our differences and embraces our commonality. Both religious and secular celebrations should be included, with careful thought to broad representation and balance among different traditions. C. City Buildings—Interior and Exterior, and Oak Street Plaza 1. Outdoor holiday displays or decorations located at or attached to other City- owned buildings, decorations in the Common Areas of City-owned buildings, and any holiday display at Oak Street Plaza may consist of one or more of the following elements: • white or colored lights; • winter or holiday symbols that are secular in nature, including but not limited to, snowflakes, icicles, trees (including Christmas trees), wreaths, garlands or other foliage, either real or artificial; • written, secular messages, the content of which shall be approved in advance by the City Manager, in consultation with the City Attorney. 2. In addition, the City may collaborate with community groups or organizations to solicit educational artwork depicting the spirit of winter celebration—the unifying theme of light and the diversity of traditions within our community. The City may arrange for this art to be printed on posters, banners, etc., to be distributed through the community, and displayed on and within City property and buildings. This artwork may also be used as a centerpiece for Oak Street Plaza. Any invitation to artists to participate must include specific guidelines to ensure the City's objectives for such a display are met. (Optional Combined Version) ATTACHMENT 1C D. Any displays placed on City property pursuant to this policy must be designed in such a way that their primary purpose or effect is not the advancement or endorsement of religion. Staff members are encouraged to contact the City Attorney's office with any questions about this requirement. Policy adopted 200_ Darin A. Atteberry City Manager Attachment 2 Holiday Display Task Force Members Name Organization Seth Anthony Northern Colorado Chapter of the ACLU Gail Burger Cobblestone Shores Homeowners Association Cassie Castleberry Non-affiliated Howard Cohen Non-affiliated Shedd Farley ESF Construction Marty Goldberg Temple Or Hadash Saul Hopper Anti-Defamation League Arlyn Kettner Faith Evangelical Free Church Steve Lovaas Non-affiliated Susan Omori Congregation Har Shalom Parker Preble Not In Our Town Alliance (NIOTA) James C. Ross Fort Collins Human Relations Commission Karen Schwartz Northern Colorado Jewish Council Corp. Richard Thompson Plymouth Congregational Church Don Willette John XXIII University Parish Attachment 3 Symbols Incorporating Light In the past, City Council members have expressed concern over whether a holiday display that included symbols of faith would need to include all of the many symbols that exist. For example, the Internal Revenue Service(IRS) alone recognizes 58 religious groups. To address that concern and provide guidance, the Holiday Display Task force opted to use the Department of Veterans' Affairs list of "Emblems of Belief for Placement on Government Headstones and Markers"because it honors the men and woman who have given their lives for our country, and a reasonable assumption can be made that members representing all these groups live in Fort Collins. The Task Force reviewed the 39 symbols currently recognized by the VA and grouped them based on the faiths they represent. The Task Force analyzed which of the groups have holidays from November I to January 31,the period covered by the policy. Nine faiths currently on the VA's list have holidays during this period: Christianity,Buddhism,Judaism, Shintoism, Islam, Hindu, Wiccan, Bahai and Sikh. Muslims,who adhere to a lunar calendar,may periodically have a holiday that time of year, but we discussed this with Islamic leaders who asked that no symbol be included,although text is acceptable. For all of these faiths, light is a part of their celebration of the winter holiday, and we felt it appropriate to use light as a common theme in our display. In addition,the task force felt it important to include those who have no celebration this time of year, and to recognize some cultural holidays;thus the inclusion of the snowflake and the Kwanzaa kinara, and a request to the museum to include a Native American display if possible. Around the world and in Fort Collins, people of many faiths celebrate holidays this time of year. Still no matter how different our beliefs, one thing unifies us during the dark winter—our need to embrace light. This display recognizes some of the traditions observed during the winter holiday season. This list is not exhaustive, but these faiths have been chosen because they represent the men and women who have fought in the US.Armed Forces. WE y k. r ia! Baha'u'llah,the founder of the Bahal filth,was boor on Nov. 12, 1817 In Persia.The holiday commemorating his birth Is one of the nine holy days of the year when Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus. A Nativity Bohai's Shunt supposed to work. A simple nine-pointed scene, or creche, Is a depiction of the birth or birthplace star Is generally used by Baha'is as a symbol of their of Jesus. It typically shows Jesus in a manger, and faith.(The holiday begins at sunset the night before). Joseph and Mary In a barn or cave Intended to accommodate farm animals. A donkey and an ox Diwali, (also called Deepavali) symbolizes the victoryaccompany them. The scene sometimes includes the Ramadan is an Islamic observance that takes lace Three Wise Men,or Magi,and often a Star of Bethlehem p of good over evil and is celebrated by Hindus,Sikhs and is Included overhead. Most Christian communities Kwanzaa is cultural week-long festival primarly during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Jains, Known as the "Festival of tights," clay lamps celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25th, while some Eastern honoring African-American heritage. Kwanzaa is built on the Quran was revealed. Prayer, fasting and self- called dfpa or deeya are lit as a sign of celebration and Orthodox churches celebrate it in early January. seven principles that are commonly known as 'Nguzo accountebillty are especially stressed at this time, hope for humankind. Diwali is celebrated for three Traditions include worship, the display of Christmas Saba". Each day from December 26-January 1, one Traditional"fancoe or lanterns are used to welcome the consecutive days at the end of Hindu month of trees, the use of lights and candles in decorating, holly candle is lit to represent one of the seven principles: month of Ramadan In parts of the Muslim world. rmror Ashwayuja. It usually occurs in October/November, and and poinsettias,the exchange of gifts and cards,and the 1nity, self-determination, collective work and the lsamk hmar UarMar year a 11012 drys shorter man me soar 'esponsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, rear, aamedan '^grates mro'roM1 tee Seasons. A wnl be decodes Is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals arrival of Santa Claus or Fabler Christmas. :reativity and faith, before me hafldey lilt wahM our time name,maanwhre omer MusAm In India. hoiko,,will migmia in aml Out of our Ironday window.) i I 1 i i t ffrr�� I `y I s This snowflake acknowledges that not all people Hanukkah(or Chanukah),also known as the Festival of celebrate holidays at this time of year. For them, it is Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that our hope that they enjoy winter for the wonderful commemorates the second century B.C.victory of Judah Oshogatsu is a New Year's Celebration observed by season that it is. Macobee and his followers over the Hellenists. When Shinto followers from Dec. 28th through Jan. 6th. The the Jews went to rededicate the Temple in Jerusalem and of the year is a fresh start and a time for purification. Rituals are performed and shrines visited. and light the eternal Flame, a small jar of pure oil expected to lest only a day burned for eight Special attention Is given to the"first'time something is j ghodi Day is observed on either either Dec. B or on the Winter Solstice has been observed by a variety of days.The festival is observedd by by the kin kindling of lights on done In the new year. Before sunrise on January 15t„Sunday immediately before. It celebrates the people since Neolithic times. It is the celebration of the each night of the holiday-one on the first night, two on aeopie often drive to the coast or climb a mountain soi enlightenment of the Siddhartha Gautama, who longest night of the year,when the dark half of the year the second, and so on. The taller candle, called the :hat they on see the First sunrise or"Hatsuhlnode'of following his enlightenment was known as Buddha-The relinquishes to the light half. Many who observe the •Shamash'Is used to light the others.The holiday beings :he year. According to Shinto legend, the sun Is the Enlightened One. Buddhists Celebrate Bohdi day by solstice,such as the Wlccans, mark It by the burning of on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev,which nost important god In the universe, so praying to the feasting on traditional foods like tea and rake, and the yule log throughout the night. In the Northern usually lands between late November and late Jrst sun of the New year is believed to bring health and fighting Candles, lanterns or colored lights to symbolize Hemisphere,the winter solstice occurs between Dec.20- December. (The holiday begins at sunset on Dec. 4, food fortune. the path to enlightenment. 23r°. 2007,Da, 71. 7nnn aM ne, Attachment 4 Guidelines for City Building Common Areas The City of Fort Collins recognizes the importance of allowing individuals the freedom to express themselves during the Winter Holiday Season, but the City also believes there is a need to be culturally inclusive when decorating"common areas" in City buildings. For purposes of these guidelines, "common areas"refers to those interior areas that the public can enter without an invitation,such as lobbies,hallways,conference rooms,etc. Common areas do not include employees' personal work spaces. These areas are often visited by individuals with varying religious,ethnic and cultural backgrounds. It is important to have an environment that communicates a welcoming message to all who enter these common areas regardless of the holidays they may or may not celebrate. In order to maintain this environment, the City offers the following guidelines for decoration: 1. Symbols of Winter:snowflakes,snowmen,snow balls,ice skates,skis,penguins,polarbears, white lights, etc. 2. Secular symbols: Those which do not convey or have a connection to a particular religious or cultural celebration, e.g. "mitten trees" or gift trees. 3. Additional displays,while not encouraged,are permissible at the discretion of the individual building manager.These displays must not have the purpose or primary effect of advocating for or emphasizing a particular celebration,and thus should represent at least three religious and/or cultural traditions. We understand that each building and each group of City employees has individual character and that individual displays and their content should be left to the discretion of the management of the building incorporating the guidelines set forth in this document. If there are any questions of appropriateness, please contact the City Attorney's Office. RESOLUTION 2007-103 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF A REVISED HOLIDAY DISPLAY POLICY IN RESPONSE TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE HOLIDAY DISPLAY TASK FORCE WHEREAS, on July 17, 2007, the Council adopted Resolution 2007-062 directing the City Manager to create and appoint a task force of citizens(the"Task Force")to review the City's holiday display policy(the"Policy")and to submit to the City Council any recommendations that the Task Force may have with regard to the possible modification of the Policy; and WHEREAS, the Task Force has met weekly since August of 2007 to study and discuss the Policy,and is now recommending that the Policy be replaced with a new policy that: (a)includes an educational display on or around the grounds of the Fort Collins Museum; (b) recommends collaboration with the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art to solicit artwork centered around a unifying theme of winter celebration that could be included in the City's holiday displays; and(c) changes the decorating standards for Oak Street Plaza and the interior and exterior of City buildings; and WHEREAS, after receiving citizen and Councilmember feedback about the Task Force's recommendations, City staff has presented for Council's consideration three alternative holiday display policies: the current Policy, a proposed new policy based on the recommendations of the Task Force, and a third policy that combines elements of both the current City policy and the Task Force recommendations. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS that the Council hereby adopts the policy attached to this Resolution as Exhibit "A", which policy may from time to time be modified by the City Manager,in consultation with the City Attorney, if the City Manager believes that such modifications are in the best interests of the City and are consistent with the intent of the attached policy;provided,however, that the City Manager shall forthwith notify the City Council in writing of any such modification. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 20th day of November, A.D. 2007. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk