HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.21.2020 - Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Commission Meeting - PacketPASCO INCLUSION, DIVERSITY AND EQUITY COMMISSION
REMOTE MEETING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 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:
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1.Call To Order
2.Roll Call
3.Approval of Minutes from September Meeting, Exhibit A
4.Commissioner Reports (2-minute per commissioner)
5.Staff Reports
a.2021-2022 City Council Goals, Exhibit B
b.2021 Commission Activities
6.New Business
a.Selection of Vice-Chair
7.Old Business
a.2019-2020 Work Plan Review and Discussion, Exhibit C – Lynn Carlson, Facilitator
8.Good of the Order (2-minute per commissioner)
9.Adjourn
NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020 FROM 6:00-7:30 P.M.
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MEETING MINUTES
PASCO INCLUSION, DIVERSITY AND EQUITY COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2020
REMOTE MEETING
Members Present: Naima Chambers-Smith, Elouise Sparks, Joel Nunn-Sparks, Jeffrey Robinson,
Maria Torres Mendoza
Members Absent: Kyle Saltz, Delia Tobon
Staff: Angela Pashon, Dave Zabell
Facilitator: Lynn Carlson
Guests/Observers: Felix Vargas, Gustavo Gutierrez-Gomez, Ellie Nakamoto-White
1.Call To Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Robinson at 6:07 p.m. upon obtaining
quorum.
2.Roll Call
3.Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve with name correction for and by Commissioner Elouise Spark.
Commissioner Sparks moved to approve the August 10, 2020 meeting minutes,
Commissioner Nunn-Sparks seconded. All present approved.
4.Commissioner Reports
Chairperson Robinson stated each commissioner is allotted two-minutes each meeting for
the reporting professional or community work topics, DEI training or events happening that
commissioners enjoy.
Commissioner Torres Mendoza presented the finalization of her “Undocumented
Connections” podcast starting with Madison Rosenbaum. She also requested
reintroductions of new commissioners.
Commissioner Sparks shared the PNNL Diversity and Inclusion sessions changed from calling
sessions brown bag lunch to listen and learn. The change came after history on the term
‘brown bag’ lunch was shared as it related to access into sororities if skin was lighter or
darker than a bag.
Commissioner Chambers-Smith shared the Tri Cities Diversity and Inclusion Council’s
consulting and training services live Facebook event “The Race Series” was happening on
October 13, 2020. The event will talk about race, divisiveness, and unity within the Black
and Latino community members. Additionally she shared the “Keep Ya Crown On” virtual
Exhibit A
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event on November 14th and 21st for the psychological safety of black youth to break down
the stigma behind mental health for communities of color.
5.Staff Reports
a.Housekeeping
Staff Liaison Pashon stated the City Council approved the commission’s chairperson
recommendation at the September 7 City Council meeting. Additionally, the new
meeting occurrence is scheduled monthly for the 3rd Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. This
change was to minimize conflicts with existing public meetings and provide greater
availability for staff to attend commission meetings as needed.
Chairperson Robinson stated selected of a vice-chair should be on the October
agenda.
b.City Manager Comments
City Manager Zabell congratulated and thanked the commission for their time and
commitment. City Manager Zabell stated this is long-term work based on the work
plan goals and need in the community cannot be accomplished in a few months or
year.
When City Council established this commission is was to target greater
understanding for the entire community. Pasco is almost 80,000 residents and the
city has lost cohesion and feeling we are one community. City Council sees a need
for raising awareness and greater understanding of one another.
The commission has been around a while and had a good event last year to expose
the community to a cultural celebration; this is the type of event the City Council
wants to see get bigger, city staff can help.
Based on the charter resolution, City Council must take action to extend 90 days
prior to expiration. The commission can request an extension or try to meet the
December 31, 2020 deadline. Chairperson Robinson opened the floor for discussion
and motion guidance to recommend an extension to City Council. Commissioner
Chambers-Smith agreed it is not possible to make substantial change in a short
period. Acclimating, getting the ball rolling on the plan takes effort and time.
Commissioners Sparks and Nunn-Sparks agreed. Commissioner Torres Mendoza
emphasized all the work put in to this point and the ideas that flowed deserve to be
extended. It was recommended to request extension through 2021 to revise the
work plan, show progress, create a significant report and then make
recommendation for a permanent commission.
Chairperson Robinson leveraged a point of privilege to make a motion himself and
move that the commission recommend to City Council that the IDEC charter and
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operations be extended until December 31, 2021; Commissioner Chambers-Smith
seconded. All commissioners present were in favor.
6. Commission Charter Review
Facilitator Carlson reviewed the Charter with the commission.
Key highlights of the charter were reviewed.
Clarification was requested on Section 2.2.3 “Engage with Pasco residents, interest groups,
and businesses…”, City Manager Zabell clarified City Council’s intent is that IDEC be
available to the public to take input and use that input to shape recommendations.
Commissioner Torres Mendoza clarified this can look like surveys during events, changing
locations to engage different parts of the community to attr act youth and diverse residents.
The information obtained would be used to make recommendations to staff and City
Council. Chairperson Robinson suggested to help new commissioners ramp up, staff
summarize each department.
7. 2019-2020 Work Plan Review and Discussion
Goal 1-A
The commission discussed the history behind objective A. Commissioner Chambers-Smith
asked who was expected to complete the efforts of creating a youth subcommittee for
middle and high school students, as it would be a big undertaking. Commissioner Torres
Mendoza stated the objective came from a presentation with the Pasco School Board and
that the Pasco School Board already has a student advisory group that the commission
would work with. The commission agreed a language change would clarify role of the
commission.
The commission discussed giving students something tangible and interesting as well as
creating a strategy to engage them.
Motion: Commission E. Sparks moved for a language change from “Create” to “Work in
conjunction with the Pasco School Board to create”, Commissioner Torres Mendoza
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Timelines
The commission discussed removing timelines from work plan document until the
commission can establish priorities and plans to meet objectives.
Motion: Commissioner J. Nunn-Sparks moved to remove all timelines from work plan,
Commissioner Chambers-Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Goal 1-B
The commission can use the City’s Facebook; content would be published by City staff. City
Manager Zabell suggested having Jon Funfar, Communications Program Manager, come to a
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future meeting to discuss policies related to public records and the criteria for posting on a
public website.
Goal 1-C
Commissioner Chambers-Smith suggested the commission recommend to the City Council
to support cultural events other than those through Downtown Pasco Development
Authority. Commissioner Torres Mendoza suggested leveraging involvement and
connections with community organizations to identify what the IDEC could host.
Commissioner Chambers-Smith proposed a language change to this objective.
Motion: Commissioner Chambers-Smith moved to change language to “Support and
promote diverse cultural and heritage events in Pasco”, Commissioner J. Nunn-Sparks
seconded. Motion passed.
Out of respect for everyone’s time, the commission will continue their review of the work
plan at the next meeting.
8.Public Comment
No public comment was registered.
9.Good of the Order
Commissioner Sparks stated she appreciated the progress on taking on the goals to get
them done.
Commissioner Nunn-Sparks agreed.
Commissioner Torres Mendoza stated she is excited to work with everyone, utilize the
previous legwork, and start diving into details.
10.Adjourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Next meeting Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
Chair Signature Staff Liaison Signature
2020-2021 CITY COUNCIL GOALS
1
Quality of Life
Promote a high-quality of life through quality programs, services and appropriate investment and re -investment in community infrastructure by:
Using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other public and private capital to revitalize older neighborhoods and safe routes to essential services.
Continuing efforts toward designing, siting, programming needs, and site selection for a community center and pursuing acquisition of land for future community park.
Developing Phase I of the A Street Sporting Complex and continue efforts to provide additional soccer and sports fields.
Coordinating with the Pasco Public Facilities District to develop a public education campaign, financial analysis and prepare a ballot mea sure concerning the development of a
regional aquatic facility for consideration by the people.
Completing construction of a new animal control facility.
Ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and effectiveness of public resources in the delivery of municipal services, programs, and long-term maintenance and viability of public
facilities.
Collaborating with the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Commission and community leaders to enhance engagement efforts and organizational cultural competency.
Updating design standards for the development of new neighborhoods and re -development to promote greater neighborhood cohesion through design elements, e.g.:
walkability, aesthetics, sustainability, and community gathering spaces.
Updating Parks and Facilities Comprehensive Plan to include: public facilities inventory, needs assessment, level of service, and centers evaluation.
Teaming with local and regional partners to develop a Housing Action Plan with a focus on strategies that emphasize affordable housing.
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Enhance the long-term viability, value, and service levels of services and programs, including:
Regular evaluation of services and programs to confirm importance to community, adequacy, and cost -benefit.
Continuation of cost of service and recovery targets in evaluating City services.
Ongoing evaluation of costs, processes and performance associated with delivery of City services including customer feedback and satisfaction, staffing, facilities, and partnership
opportunities.
Instilling and promoting an organizational culture of customer service across all business lines.
Updating policies relating to urbanization of the unincorporated islands to assure consistency with long -range planning, community safety, and fiscal sustainability.
Exhibit B
2020-2021 CITY COUNCIL GOALS
2
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Preserve past improvements and promote future gains by:
Developing a Comprehensive Police Strategic Master Plan through a transparent process to evaluate future service levels of the department to assure sustainabil ity, public
safety, and crime control over the next 5-10 years.
Collaborating with regional and community partners to evaluate and implement strategies to reduce the incidence of homelessne ss.
Leveraging and expanding partnerships to maintain and enhance behavioral health services to community members in crisis being assisted by police and fire.
Continuing efforts to improve police and community relations.
Working to achieve and maintain target fire response times through operational improvements and long-range strategic planning of facilities and staffing.
Focusing on the long-term goal of sustaining a Washington State Rating Bureau Class 3 community rating.
Leveraging infrastructure database of sidewalks, streetlights and pavement conditions along with evaluating policies and methods to address needs and inequities.
COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION NETWORK
Promote a highly-functional multi-modal transportation system through:
Commencement and completion of construction of the Lewis Street Overpass project.
Continued emphasis on improvements in Road 68/I-182/Burden Blvd. corridor to improve operation and safety.
Data-driven pro-active neighborhood traffic calming efforts.
Continued collaboration with Ben Franklin Transit to enhance mobility and access.
Completion of a Transportation System Master Plan and utilization of its recommendations to develop policies, regulations, programs, and projects that provide for greater
connectivity, strategic investment, mobility, multi-modal systems, accessibility, efficiency and safety.
ECONOMIC VITALITY
Promote and encourage economic vitality by supporting:
Downtown revitalization efforts of Downtown Pasco Development Authority (DPDA), post-COVID restart, and City initiatives such as Downtown Master Plan process and sign
code modifications.
The construction of Peanuts Park and Farmers Market and continued efforts to pursue streetscape and gateway upgrades.
The completion of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update and Broadmoor Master Plan efforts, adoption of Urban Growth Area expansion alternative, implementation of
adopted long-range planning efforts with appropriate analysis and adoption of planning actions including: zoning code changes, phased sign code update, and development
regulations and standards.
2020-2021 CITY COUNCIL GOALS
3
Increased efforts to promote the community as a desirable place for commercial and industrial development by promoting small business outreach and assistance, predictability
in project review, and excellent customer service.
Partnerships and encouragement of Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to facilitate development of the remaining state-owned properties at Road 68/I-182.
Continued coordination with the Port of Pasco to complete and implement a waterfront-zoning plan and provide for public infrastructure.
Active partnerships in the planning and development o f strategies to promote tourism and deployment of assets to spur economic activity.
In concert with community partners, development of a comprehensive economic development plan.
COMMUNITY IDENTITY
Identify opportunities to enhance community identity, cohesion , and image through:
Continued efforts of community surveying through traditional methods and the application of new technologies.
Providing opportunities for community engagement through boards, commissions, volunteer opportunities, social media, forums , and other outlets.
Enhanced inter-agency and constituent coordination developed during the pandemic.
Continued efforts of the community identity/image enhancement campaign to include promotion of community and organizational s uccesses.
Enhanced participation and support of cultural events occurring within the community.
Support of the Arts and Culture Commission in promoting unity and the celebration of diversity through art and culture programs.
Inclusivity Commission
2019-20 Work Plan
City Council Workshop
April 22, 2019
EXHIBIT C
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.Work in conjunction with the Pasco School Board to 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: TBD 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: TBD June 2019
C.Support and promote diverse cultural and heritage events in
Pasco. 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: TBD 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: TBD 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: TBD 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: TBD 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: TBD Begin January 2020