AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: YVETTE E. AGUILAR
DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/PARKS, RECREATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AN ANNUAL JESSIE NELSON
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE ON APRIL 14, OF EACH YEAR
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summary
Summary:
Jessie Nelson served as the first mayor of Signal Hill at the time of its incorporation. Her role was historically significant not only because she helped guide the newly formed city through its earliest governance decisions, but because she did so as a female mayor at a time when women in political leadership were rare. Her tenure set an aspirational tone for the City, promoting progressive thought, civic responsibility, and an inclusive approach to community building. At the City Council meeting of September 9, 2025, City Council provided staff with direction to propose a Jessie Nelson Day of Remembrance and provide ideas for programming to recognize her accomplishments and contributions to the City. At the City Council meeting of December 9, 2025, City Council unanimously approved the designation of April 14 as Jessie Nelson Day of Remembrance.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 5: High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
recommendation
Recommendation:
Adopt a Resolution entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING AN ANNUAL JESSIE NELSON DAY OF REMEMBRANCE TO BE OBSERVED EACH YEAR ON APRIL 14
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Fiscal Impact:
Staff estimates that the annual designation of Jessie Nelson Day of Remembrance will have an annual cost of approximately $5,000.
Background:
At the City Council meeting of August 26, 2025, Mayor Jones received support from Council Member Woods to enable further discussion to potentially designate a day in April as a Jessie Nelson Day of Remembrance. On September 9, 2025, staff agendized the discussion of an annual Jessie Nelson Day of Remembrance and City Council instructed staff to return with a recommendation for the date of designation in April. On December 9, 2025, City Council approved the designation of the annual Jessie Nelson Day of Remembrance on April 14, and authorized staff to return with a resolution to memorialize the designation.
Analysis:
Jessie Nelson served as the first mayor of Signal Hill at the time of its incorporation. Her role was historically significant not only because she helped guide the newly formed city through its earliest governance decisions, but because she did so as a female mayor at a time when women in political leadership were rare. Her tenure set an aspirational tone for the City, promoting progressive thought, civic responsibility, and an inclusive approach to community building.
Under Nelson’s leadership, the City navigated the complex transition from an unincorporated oil-producing area to an organized municipality. Her forward-thinking perspective helped establish foundational policies, community standards, and a governance style that valued transparency and collaboration. Jessie Nelson’s example continues to serve as a critical point of pride for the community and is an inspiration for future generations of civic leaders.
In consideration of the City Council’s desire to explore dates in April to commemorate a Jessie Nelson Day of Remembrance, staff proposed selecting the City’s official date of incorporation on April 14 each year. At the meeting of December 9, 2025, City Council approved this date as the official day to designate Jessie Nelson and directed staff to return at a future City Council meeting to memorialize this direction.
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a Resolution formally recognizing April 14 as the date upon which the City annually recognizes Jessie Nelson for her contributions. Staff will develop a schedule of programs to commemorate the observance and will begin to develop marketing material to encourage attendance and notify the public about the various activities.
Reviewed for Fiscal Impact:
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Siamlu Cox
Attachment(s):
A. City Council Resolution 2026-01-XXXX