TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Heather Faust, MMC, FCPC, City Clerk
TITLE: Authorize the Continued Use of a Subdued City Seal by the North Port Police Department on Items Covered in Commission Policy No. 2020-10 Section III. Authorized Use of the City Seal to include Uniforms.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Authorize the Continued Use of a Subdued City Seal by the North Port Police Department on Items Covered in Commission Policy No. 2020-10 Section III. Authorized Use of the City Seal to include uniforms.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Authorize the continued use of a subdued City seal by the North Port Police Department (NPPD) on items covered in Commission Policy No. 2020-10 Section III. authorized use of the City Seal to include uniforms.
• Pros:
o Formally authorizes an established NPPD practice that predates Commission Policy No. 2020-10.
o Resolves an unintended gap in the existing policy regarding use of the City seal on official uniforms.
o Allows the NPPD personnel to continue displaying a recognizable symbol of City authority and identification.
o Provides clear Commission authorization consistent with Section III.E of Policy 2020-10.
o Avoids unnecessary replacement of existing uniforms, patches, apparel, or equipment bearing the subdued seal.
o Maintains consistency in NPPD uniform appearance while a permanent amendment to Policy 2020-10 is prepared.
• Cons:
o Authorizes a color variation of the official City seal that is not currently expressly addressed in Policy 2020-10.
o Creates an interim exception before the Commission considers a comprehensive amendment to Policy 2020-10.
o Could require additional standards to ensure the subdued rendering is used consistently and does not result in unauthorized variations.
Option 2: Deny the continued use of a subdued City seal by the NPPD on items covered in Commission Policy No. 2020-10 Section III. authorized use of the City Seal to include uniforms.
• Pros:
o Maintains strict adherence to the currently defined uses of the City seal until Policy 2020-10 is formally amended.
o Avoids authorizing a variation of the City seal outside the existing policy framework.
• Cons:
o Discontinues a NPPD practice that predates adoption of Policy 2020-10.
o Could require replacement or modification of existing uniforms, apparel, equipment, or other items bearing the subdued seal.
o Could create unnecessary costs and operational disruption pending consideration of an amendment to Policy 2020-10.
o Removes the City seal from certain official NPPD uniforms despite its function as an identifier of municipal authority.
Background Information
During the City Commission Regular Meeting held on February 9, 2021, the Commission approved Commission Policy 2020-10 via Resolution No. 2020-R-36. Prior to approval of Policy 2020-10, the NPPD utilized a subdued version of the City seal. Policy 2020-10 did not provide a clause to grandfather in this use by the NPPD. Policy 2020-10 Section III. E. requires approval of the City Commission to use the City seal in any way other than as provided in the policy. Policy 2020-10 does not mention the use of the City seal on uniforms. An amendment to Policy 2020-10 will be forthcoming for Commission review and approval.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Good Governance
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Policy 2020-10
2. Subdued Seal Example
Prepared by: Heather Faust, MMC, FCPC, City Clerk
Department Director: Heather Faust, MMC, FCPC, City Clerk