REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: July 10, 2023 Report No. ADM-23-015
TO: Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Vicki Gannon, Director of HR & Community Relations
SUBJECT:
Title
Municipal Hall Closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve the closure of Municipal Hall to the public on an annual basis, for the three working days between the Christmas statutory holidays (Christmas Day and Boxing Day) and New Year’s Day.
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RELEVANT POLICY:
There are no applicable policies.
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
This Request for Decision is not directly related to any specific Council priority.
BACKGROUND:
Historically, Municipal Hall has remained open during the three working days between the Christmas statutory holidays (Christmas Day and Boxing Day) and New Year’s Day. Now that on-line payments have been implemented for dog licences and business licences, the number of residents that visit Municipal Hall during these three days is minimal.
Maintaining normal levels of service in Municipal Hall during these times is a challenge; in some cases, vacation requests are denied due to minimum service level requirements during the holiday period.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
View Royal, Colwood, Langford, Metchosin, Sidney, North Saanich, and Oak Bay all close between Christmas and New Years, and have done so the past several years. With the implementation of on-line services, staff anticipate the closure of Municipal Hall for the three non-statutory holiday days between Christmas and New Year’s Day will not significantly impact services for the residents of Esquimalt.
2. Organizational Implications
Municipal Hall will be closed to the public. Some staff may choose to work over this three-day period; however residents will only be able to access Municipal Hall services on-line. Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and Fire will maintain regular service levels during this period.
3. Financial Implications
There are no financial implications.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications.
5. Communication & Engagement
Should Council approve the holiday season closure, the Director of Human Resources and Community Relations will communicate the closure to all staff. Department managers will approve staff vacation requests accordingly, and the Manager of Communications will communicate the closure to the residents of Esquimalt by way of social media, and updates to the Township’s website.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council approve the closure of Municipal Hall to the public on an annual basis, for the three working days between the Christmas statutory holidays (Christmas Day and Boxing Day) and New Year’s Day.
2. That Council provide alternative direction to staff.