HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.16.2020 - Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Commission - MinutesPage 1 of 4
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 event
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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 3 rd 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 attract 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.
Approved at 10/21/2020 virtual meeting Angela Pashon
Chair Signature Staff Liaison Signature