HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.16.2020 - Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Commission Meeting - Packet
PASCO INCLUSION, DIVERSITY AND EQUITY COMMISSION
REMOTE MEETING
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2020
6:00-7:30 P.M.
Governor Inslee's Proclamation No. 20-28, made in response to the COVID-19 emergency,
prohibits members of the public from attending City meetings in-person but requires agencies
to provide options for the public to participate in remotely. To best comply, the City asks all
members of the public that would like to comment regarding items on the agenda to fill out a
form via the City’s website (www.pasco-wa.gov/publiccomment) to obtain access information
to comment. Requests to comment in meetings must be received by 4:00 p.m. on the day of
each meeting.
To listen to the meeting via phone, call (631) 992-3221 and use access code 422-560-458.
To view the meeting live, register at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/1636910439733113104
1. Call To Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Minutes from August Meeting, Exhibit A
4. Commissioner Reports
5. Staff Reports
a. Housekeeping – Angela Pashon, Staff Liaison
i. Meeting occurrence – 3rd Wednesday from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
ii. Commission Chair
b. City Manager Comments – Dave Zabell
6. Commission Charter Review, Exhibit B – Lynn Carlson, Facilitator
7. 2019-2020 Work Plan Review and Discussion, Exhibit C – Lynn Carlson, Facilitator
8. Good of the Order
9. Adjourn
NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020 FROM 6:00-7:30 P.M.
Page 1 of 2
MEETING MINUTES
INCLUSIVITY, DIVERSITY AND EQUITY COMMISSION
MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2020
REMOTE MEETING
Members Present: Naima Chambers-Smith, Eloise Sparks, Joel Nunn-Sparks, Jeffrey Robinson,
Kyle Saltz
Members Absent: Maria Torres, Delia Tobon
Staff: Angela Pashon, Eric Ferguson
Facilitator: Lynn Carlson
Guests/Observers: Fleix Vargas, Leo Perales, Carly Coburn, Gustavo Gutrierrez-Gomez, Jill
Bleazard
1.Call To Order
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Robinson at 6:05 p.m. when quorum was
present.
2.Roll Call
3.City Manager Comments
Postponed until next commission meeting.
4.Approval of Minutes
N/A
5.Open Public Meetings Act & Public Records Presentation
City Attorney Eric Ferguson conducted both trainings.
6.Introductions
Commission members introduced themselves. Lynn Carlson was introduced as a
commission facilitator.
7.Commission Ground Rules
Facilitator Carlson presented proposed ground rules for effective collaboration. Commission
members agreed and agreed to add “Use respectful and inclusive language”.
See “Exhibit A”
8.Housekeeping: Angela Pashon – Staff Liaison
a.Meeting occurrence: Proposed alternate meeting dates for the regular meeting.
Additional follow-up with commission members to determine a final occurrence.
b.Commission Chair: The City Council is responsible for selecting a chairperson per the
commission charter. The commission put forward a recommendation for Jeffrey
EXHIBIT A
Page 2 of 2
Robinson to chair the commission. Commissioner Saltz motioned; Commissioner E.
Sparks seconded. Vice-Chair Robinson abstained from vote. Motion passed by
unanimous roll call vote.
The commission selection of a vice-chair be postponed until City Council selects a
chair. Vice-Chair Robinson is not seeking vice chair re-election in order to give other
members a leadership opportunity.
9. 2019-2020 Work Plan Review and Discussion
Facilitator Carlson presented the work plan for review and discussion. The commission
requested additional time to thoroughly review and propose changes for a sustainable,
quality work plan. A special meeting was discussed to meet previously established deadline
of a commission report to City Council by September 30, 2020. Staff Liaison to follow-up
with commission.
10. Public Comment
No public comment was registered.
11. Good of the Order
No comments submitted.
12. Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Saltz reported on a five-hour community meeting Vice-Chair Robinson and he
attended with leaders of nine local advocacy groups on July 10, 2020 to promote coming
together for the equality and unity of the community.
13. Adjourn
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Next meeting TBD
Chair Signature Staff Liaison Signature
Group Facilitation Core Values and Ground Rules
Core Values:
●We are working from, produce, and understand valid information
●We are designing and making a free and informed choice
●We have an intrinsic, internal commitment toward actionable objectives
●We show compassion by suspending judgment and having concern for others
Ground Rules:
1.Test assumptions and inferences
2.Share all relevant information
3.Use specific examples and agree on what important words mean
4.Use respectful and inclusive language.
5.Explain your reasoning, logic, and intent
6.Focus on interests and needs, rather than positions and solutions
7.Combine advocacy with inquiry to invite feedback
8.Jointly design next steps and ways to test disagreement
9.Discuss undiscussable issues that are reducing effectiveness
10.Use decision-making that generates the level of commitment needed
Reflection:
➔What do these ground rules look like in real-life behavior?
➔What does not honoring these ground rules look like?
Based on the works of Argyris, Schon, & Hackman in Schwarz (2008)
EXHIBIT A
CHARTER OF THE
PASCO INCLUSIVITY COMMISSION
ARTICLE I
Establishment and Name
Section 1.0 —Establishment. By Resolution No. 3820, the Pasco City Council has provided for
the establishment of the Pasco Inclusivity Commission hereinafter referred to as the
Commission."
ARTICLE II
Mission and Goals of Commission
Section 2.1 —Mission. The primary mission of the Pasco Inclusivity Commission is to assist the
Pasco City Council in promoting inclusivity in Pasco. The Commission shall conduct such
activities, including public meetings, to identify means to promote and embrace diversity and
inclusivity and to make such recommendations to the City Council for action, education, and
guidance to foster an environment that includes, accepts, respects and appreciates all members of
our community. The Commission will be an advisory board to the City Council.
Section 2.2 — Goals and Work Plan. The goals and work plan of the Pasco Inclusivity
Commission are as follows:
1. Develop a working plan and procedures in accordance with this Charter.
2. Examine the practices and procedures of the City of Pasco to identify strategies to
create a greater feeling of inclusion and welcoming for all who live and work in
Pasco.
3. Engage with Pasco residents, interest groups, and businesses, seeking feedback on
their experiences that can improve life in Pasco.
4. Identify strategies that help the City to be more inclusive in engaging residents and
businesses that will better promote unity, equality and understanding in Pasco;
including the preparation of a report for the City Council on opportunities to
recognize and celebrate Pasco's diverse culture.
5. Identify funding strategies to implement these goals.
6. Present recommendations to the Pasco City Council on how to achieve the goals
above. Reports to the Council may be made as progress occurs; however, not less
than once per year.
Charter of the Pasco Inclusivity Commission
Page 2
EXHIBIT B
ARTICLE III
Duration
Section 3.0. The Commission shall continue in duration until February 20, 2020 unless
continuation of the Commission is extended by a majority vote of the Pasco City Council no less
than ninety (90) days prior to the date of expiration (November 20, 2019). If so extended, the
term shall be extended by such period as determined by the City Council.
ARTICLE IV
Commission Members
Section 4.1 — Selection, Vacancies and Voting. The Commission shall consist of seven (7)
voting members. The Mayor shall appoint the members of the Commission with confirmation of
the appointments by the Pasco City Council as follows:
1. The Commission Chairperson shall be selected by the City Council who shall conduct
the meetings of the Commission and report to the Pasco City Council as requested or
provided below.
2. A Vice-Chair selected by a majority of the Commission shall fulfill the duties of the
Chairperson in absence of the Chairperson.
3. Commission members shall be appointed for terms of one (1) year, and may be
subject to reappointment.
4. Vacancies on the Commission shall be filled for the unexpired term of the former
member. In accordance with PMC 2.58.010, Commission members may be removed
for incompetency, incompatibility, dereliction of duty, malfeasance in office,
inefficiency, neglect of duty, or for other good cause, and membership shall be
forfeited in the event the member has four (4) absences from regular meetings within
a twelve (12) month period of time, or absences for three (3) consecutive regular
meetings.
5. The majority rule shall control commission meetings with each member having a
single vote. Commission members may not assign or grant proxies for their voting
rights.
Section 4.2 —Liaison and Staff. The City Council may appoint a City Councilmember to serve
as a non-voting liaison to the Commission. The City Council may direct the City Manager to
appoint a staff advisor who shall serve as a non-voting liaison to the Commission.
Charter of the Pasco Inclusivity Commission
Page 3
ARTICLE V
Meetings
Section 5.1 —Commission Meetings. The Commission shall meet as necessary,but not less than
once per month, at a date and time to be determined by the Commission. A quorum shall be
required for meetings where votes are scheduled to make recommendations to the City Council.
A quorum is not required to commence a workshop meeting of the Commission. A quorum shall
be no fewer than four members.
Section 5.2 — Open Public Meetings. All Commission Meetings shall be open to the public and
notice of meetings shall be given to the extent required by law in a manner consistent with the
Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 42.30 RCW. At each meeting any person shall have a
reasonable opportunity to address the Commission either orally or in writing.
Section 5.3 — Parliamentary Authority. The rules of Robert's Rules of Order (revised) shall
govern the Commission in all cases to which they are applicable, where they are not inconsistent
with the Charter or with the special rules of the Commission.
Section 5.4 — Minutes. Copies of the minutes of all regular or special meetings of the
Commission shall be available to any person or organization that requests them as required by
state law. The minutes of all Commission meetings shall include a record of individual votes on
all matters voted on by the Commission.
ARTICLE VI
Amendments to Charter
Section 6.1 — Proposal to Amend Charter. Any Commission member may introduce a
proposed amendment to the Charter at any meeting of which proper advance notice has been
given to members of the Commission. The notice shall include the text of the proposed
amendment and a statement to its purpose and effect.
Section 6.2 — City Council Approval of Proposed Charter Amendments. Proposed Charter
Amendments adopted by the Commission shall be submitted to the City Council for approval.
The Commission Charter maybe amended only by action of the City Council.
CERTIFICATE
I, the undersigned, City Clerk of the City of Pasco, Washington (City) do hereby certify that this
Charter of the Pasco Inclusivity Commission is a true and correct original of such Charter as
authorized by action of the City Council on this 2nd day of April, 2018.
City Clerk of the City of Pasco, Washington
Charter of the Pasco Inclusivity Commission
Page 4
RESOLUTION NO. 31 2-C
A RESOLUTION of the City of Pasco, Washington establishing an
Inclusivity Commission to provide recommendations to the City Council for
implementation by staff for City-wide inclusivity improvements.
WHEREAS,the City of Pasco has historically been the home for diverse cultures within our
region, creating its unique character and opportunities, as well as a source of pride for all who live
here; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Pasco desires to protect and encourage our
diverse culture, as well as to protect the constitutional rights of its citizens, including the right to be
free of discriminatory practices and the fair application of law and to demonstrate that Pasco is a
welcoming and inclusive City, where laws apply equally to all who live here, and where individuals,
families and businesses are welcome; and
WHEREAS,the City Council of the City of Pasco is honored to serve the entire community,
and seeks to provide equal protection to our residents and access to all of the City's services to those
that live here; and
WHEREAS, Article I, Section I of the Washington Constitution declares that "governments
derive their just powers from the consent of the governed,and are established to protect and maintain
individual rights"; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature has established the "Washington Law
Against Discrimination" which declares the "right to be free from discrimination because of race,
creed, color, national origin, sex, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation,
or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or
service animal by a person with a disability is recognized as and declared to be a civil right";and
WHEREAS, the Pasco City Council, by oath, declares to uphold and support the
Constitution and laws of the State of Washington, and hereby reaffirms its support to do so for equal
benefit of all those who live here; and
WHEREAS,the Pasco City Council, to advise it in meeting these goals and responsibilities,
desires to create an ad hoc Inclusivity Commission;
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO, DOES
RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Declaration of City Council. The City of Pasco is hereby declared to be an
Inclusive City, committed to embracing diversity and promoting equality among our work force,
residents, businesses, and visitors and, hereby establishes an ad hoc Inclusivity Commission to
provide recommendations to the City Council for implementation by staff for City-wide inclusivity
improvements.
Section 2. Establishment of Pasco Inclusivity Commission. The City Council hereby
establishes a citizen ad hoc commission to be known as the "Pasco Inclusivity Commission." The
City Council further directs the City Manager to develop a charter for the Pasco Inclusivity
Inclusivity Commission Resolution
Page I
Commission to be submitted to the City Council for adoption within sixty(60)days of the date of the
passage of this Resolution.
Section 3. Mission of Inclusivity Commission. The primary mission of the Pasco
Inclusivity Commission is to assist the Pasco City Council in promoting inclusivity in Pasco. The
Commission shall conduct such activities, including public hearings, to identify means to promote
and embrace diversity and inclusivity and to make such recommendations to the City Council for
action, education, and guidance to foster an environment that includes, accepts, respects and
appreciates all members of our community.
Section 4. Selection of Inclusivity Commission. The Pasco Inclusivity Commission shall
consist of seven(7) voting members. The Mayor shall appoint the members of the commission with
confirmation of the appointments by the Pasco City Council as follows:
1. The Commission Chairperson shall be selected by the City Council who shall conduct the
meetings of the Commission and report to the Pasco City Council as requested or
provided below.
2. A Vice-Chair selected by a majority of the Commission shall fulfill the duties of the
Chairperson in absence of the Chairperson.
3. In appointing members of the Commission, the City Council will strive to select such
members to represent the general City population in age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual
orientation and national origin.
4. The term for service shall be one(1)year,and may be subject to reappointment.
5. The commission members or vacancies shall be in accordance with PMC 2.58.010.
6. The majority rule shall control commission meetings with each member having a single
vote.
7. Commission members may not assign or grant proxies for their voting rights.
8. The City Council may appoint a City Councilmember to serve as a non-voting liaison to
the commission. The City Council may direct the City Manager to appoint a staff advisor
who shall serve as a non-voting liaison to the commission.
Section 5. The Commission. The requirements of the commission will be as follows:
1. Meet one time per month at the date and time determined by the commission, or more
often as may be necessary.
2. Develop a working plan and procedures in accordance with the Council adopted Charter.
3. Report to the City Council as progress occurs; however, not less than an annual report to
the City Council.
4. All Commission Meetings shall be open to the public.
Inclusivity Commission Resolution
Page 2
5. All Commission members must be residents who have lived within the Pasco City limits
for at least one(1)year, or have a currently licensed business,operating within the City.
6. The Commission will issue special reports at the request of the City Council at any time
during its sitting.
7. The Commission will be an advisory board to the City Council.
Section 6. Goals of Inclusivity Commission. The goals of the Pasco Inclusivity
Commission are as follows:
1. Examine the practices and procedures of the City of Pasco to identify strategies to create
a greater feeling of inclusion and welcoming for all who live and work in Pasco.
2. Engage with Pasco residents, interest groups, and businesses, seeking feedback on their
experiences that can improve life in our community.
3. Identify strategies that help the City to be more inclusive in engaging our residents and
businesses that will better promote unity,equality and understanding in Pasco.
4. Identify funding strategies to implement these goals.
5. Provide the City Council with a report on opportunities to recognize and celebrate
Pasco's diverse culture.
6. Present recommendations to the Pasco City Council on how to achieve the goals above.
Section 7. This Commission shall expire within twenty-four (24) months of the date of
this Resolution unless extended by a majority vote of the Pasco City Council no less than ninety(90)
days prior to the date of expiration. If so extended, the term shall be extended by such period as
determined by the City Council.
Section 8. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be effective upon approval.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco this 20th day of February, 2018.
CITY OF PASCO
041
Matt Watkins,Mayor
Tr ST:APPROVED AS TO FORM:
14(6 -11/lieted(77
Daniela City Clerk and). -rr, City Attorney
Inclusivity Commission Resolution
Page 3
Inclusivity Commission
2019-20 Work Plan
City Council Workshop
April 22, 2019
EXHIBIT C
History and Background
Inclusivity Commission established by City Council in 2018.
Seven members appointed May 2018:
Jesse Campos, Chair Jeffery Sellers, Vice-Chair Kyle Saltz
Maria Torres-Mendoza Delia Tobon
Pete Rietke Abraham Regunta
Beginning in August 2018, IC received monthly orientation briefings on city
services and community resources.
December 2018-April 2019: Developed work plan over several strategic
planning sessions.
Mission and Vision
“Where Diversity and Equity are goals, Inclusion is the path.”
Mission: A strategic partner to Pasco’s City Council which develops and
promotes inclusive policies and programs.
Vision: Creating, improving, and sustaining an inclusive organization, i.e. the
City of Pasco, which empowers and unifies the people.
Goals and Objectives
GOAL #1:
Foster an environment that includes, accepts, respects and appreciates all
members of our community by promoting the city’s commitment to Inclusion,
Diversity and Equity.
OBJECTIVES
A.Create an Inclusivity Commission (IC) youth subcommittee for middle
and high school students.
o Provides opportunity and forum for youth advisement on what their needs and ideas
to improve inclusion, diversity and equity in city government and the Pasco
community.
o TIMELINE: October 2019-September 2020
Goal #1 Objectives Continued
B.Create a portal on the City’s website and Facebook page.
1.Promote commission work products or events, and share
resources that can facilitate the mission.
o TIMELINE: June 2019
C.Have a presence at festivals and events which take place in Pasco.
1.Provide survey instruments and suggestion forum.
2.Impart information on city programs and services
o TIMELINE: MAY 2019, Beginning with Cinco de Mayo Festival
Goal #1 Objectives, Cont.
D.Hold IC meetings in the community on a quarterly basis
1.Provides forum outside of city hall to impart the mission and work
plan, and for residents to share experiences and offer suggestions
on inclusion, diversity and equity in Pasco city government.
2.Integrate a different cultural component (food, performance,
presentation) to each meeting.
3.Establish a questionnaire consistent with other city survey
instruments.
4.Solicit feedback about city government and Pasco.
5.Rotate among council districts
o TIMELINE: Begin end of Q3 2019 –September 2020
Goals and Objectives
GOAL #2:Help the City of Pasco be more inclusive
OBJECTIVES
A.Improve engagement with the City.
1.Improve accessibility at City Council Meetings.
2.Research reasons for lack of participation and seek suggestions
for improvement.
3.Assure that residency status is not a deterrent to engagement.
4.Provide translators when significant issues emerge.
5.Engage all media to feature effort and increase participation.
Goal #2 Objectives
B.Increase city government accessibility
1.Improve educational campaigns.
2.Assign commission liaisons to observe and monitor City boards,
commissions and advisory committees for recommendations to
enhance inclusivity, diversity and equity.
o TIMELINE: September 2019-2020
Goals and Objectives
GOAL #3:Promote unity, equality, understanding, diversity and inclusivity in
city government.
OBJECTIVES
A.Introduce evaluation/assessment tools.
1.Increase accountability of commissions, departments, and
activities.
2.Incorporate into management “performance dashboard” for
consistency with budget and council goals.
o TIMELINE: September 2020
Goal #3 Objectives
B.Introduce annual inclusion audit and score card.
1.Rate inclusivity, diversity and equity of City-sponsored activities,
employment, and contracting.
2.Report to Administration and City Council with results and
recommendations.
o TIMELINE: Begin January 2020
PROPOSED NAME CHANGE
City of Pasco
Inclusion, Diversity and Equity
Commission
QUESTIONS?