The purpose of this memorandum is to request authorization to proceed with proffering an alternative to the city’s past practice of citywide Thanksgiving and Christmas/holiday luncheons. Over the past two years, the city has held holiday celebrations to encourage camaraderie while celebrating the holiday season; however, this is at a cost of approximately $20,000 per annum.  A majority of employees are not able to attend as they are on shift work, and work non-traditional hours. Furthermore, there is a loss of productivity as a result of the substantial effort required to coordinate staff and execute two large luncheons that effectively close city operations for at least three hours. Most agencies encourage smaller departmental holiday activities that facilitate a “potluck” environment, versus a large-scale luncheon. In lieu of the time, effort and fiscal resources utilized to coordinate such an effort, City Administration requests that the budgeted amount for the holiday activities be re-purposed to give all full-time employees a $50 holiday payment, and all part-time employees a $25 holiday payment. Once considered and if ultimately approved by the City Council, it is the staff’s intent to distribute gift cards by no later November 25, 2019.