Ordinance 3847-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

EVERETT WASHINGTON ORDINANCE NO. 3847-21 An ORDINANCE establishing Juneteenth as a City Holiday, amending Section 1(C)of Ordinance 1594- 89 as amended by Section 1 of Ordinance 2879-05 WHEREAS, A. June 19th is Juneteenth Day,which marks the date in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Texas to read and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation to the last Confederate State to receive the announcement of the end of slavery in the South,which was a step toward abolishment of slavery in the United States which occurred after ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution on December 19, 1865. B. Juneteenth is the oldest celebration of the end of slavery in the United States and is a day to celebrate African American freedom,culture,and achievement,encourage continuous self- development and respect for all cultures,and reflect on the history of slavery and the lives lost in the fight for equal rights. C. Formally recognizing Juneteenth will provide official recognition of this momentous day by the City of Everett, and increase awareness of the past, present and future struggle for equality. D. President Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act,which made Juneteenth, or June 19,the twelfth federal holiday. E. Governor Inslee signed into law House Bill 1016, establishing the nineteenth day of June, recognized as Juneteenth, as a legal holiday beginning in 2022. NOW,THEREFORE,THE CITY OF EVERETT DOES ORDAIN: Section 1. The Council hereby directs the adoption of Juneteenth as a paid annual holiday for regular-status City of Everett employees. Section 2. Section 1(C) of Ordinance 1594-89 as previously amended by Section 1 of Ordinance 2879-05 (codified at EMC 2.74.030) is further amended as follows,with underlined text added: The following days are hereby designated paid holidays for those appointive officers in pay status on the day before and the day after the holiday: New Year's Day