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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.21.2020 - Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Commission - MinutesPage 1 of 4 MEETING MINUTES PASCO INCLUSION, DIVERSITY AND EQUITY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020 REMOTE MEETING Members Present: Naima Chambers-Smith, Elouise Sparks, Kyle Saltz, Jeffrey Robinson, Maria Torres Members Absent: Delia Tobon, Joel Nunn-Sparks Staff: Angela Pashon, Dave Zabell Facilitator: Lynn Carlson Guests/Observers: N/A 1. Call To Order The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Robinson at 6:02 p.m. upon obtaining quorum. 2. Roll Call Completed. 3. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Chambers-Smith moved to approve the September 16, 2020 meeting minutes, Commissioner Saltz seconded. All present approved. 4. Commissioner Reports Commissioner Sparks discussed the PNNL Employee Resource Group (ERG) and was selected as co-chair to lead the Black Connections Community. Commissioner Torres was grateful to be working at the site and looking forward to today’s meeting. Commissioner Chambers-Smith received a question from community member regarding city plans to address voter intimidation or to have police to secure ballot locations. Additionally, she had two questions for staff 1) Can IDEC help the city embody the Hispanic Heritage proclamation to address equity and 2) Has it been recommend to city council to extend IDEC commissioner members? Commissioner Saltz made acknowledgement of next the COVID-19 phase and how local businesses were looking forward to it. Additionally, acknowledged there should be zero tolerance for voter intimidation and advised individuals to collect information if they witness it and send to the police department. Chairperson Robinson stated he also received concerns from community members and leaders regarding disenfranchisement and intimidation and that there is a legitimate fear Page 2 of 4 around the issue. Acknowledged that 29% of Franklin county has voted; advocated for voter participation. 5. Staff Reports a. Housekeeping Staff Liaison Pashon inquired about event funding the Commission anticipated for 2021-2022 activities. The commission does not have its own budget to manage as the City Manager’s Office budget is where funding would be allocated. With current restrictions and additional workplan review the commission requested to postpone budget. Commissioners Torres, Saltz, and Robinson stated they leveraged non-profits and community organizations previously. b. City Manager Comments City Manager Zabell presented an overview of the approved 2020-2021 City Council goals (attached). Goals help convey to the community where City Council’s priorities are. City Council added several goals around quality of life, community building, and equity. There are capital improvements in all parts of community and a focus on collaboration with IDEC and community leaders to include engagement efforts. Several plans are scheduled including a parks/facilities comprehensive plan update to upgrade park amenities tailored to neighborhood use. Additionally, a police strategic master plan will be completed through a highly transparent public engagement process. A community transportation master plan will focus on mobility to accommodate system and community needs. The economic development plan will focus on business opportunity and jobs generated as well as the development of the Broadmoor and Downtown areas. The City will also be leveraging its infrastructure database to address policies, inequities, and neighborhood amenities. In addition, the City Council looks to expand engagement, knowledge, and arts and culture activities to help build unity in the community. The City will look to support cultural events and City Manager Zabell stated a goal to improve Juneteenth support and provide assistance to other cultural events in the community to help them be successful, bring others into town, and strengthen community. 6. Vice-Chair Selection Chairperson Robinson opened the floor for nominations. Commissioner Sparks nominated Commissioner Chambers-Smith. Commissioner Torres nominated Commissioner Saltz. Chairperson Robinson called three times for any other nominations. Nomination window closed and two-minute floor speeches heard. Page 3 of 4 Commissioners call to vote by last name. Commissioner Naima Chambers-Smith selected as Vice Chair 3-2. • Commissioner Saltz – Torres and Saltz • Commissioner Chambers-Smith – Sparks, Chambers-Smith, Robinson 7. 2019-2020 Work Plan Review and Discussion The commission resumed the work plan review with Goal No. 1, item C2. Commissioner Chambers-Smith suggested the City identify existing events, provide support, collaboration, and sponsorship; suggested a diversity calendar to celebrate diverse holidays. Commissioner Sparks supported the promotion on city flyers, website, social media and various medium to get awareness and participation. Staff Liaison Pashon suggested identifying specific communication plan and process and to have the City’s Communications Program Manager come to a future meeting. Chairperson Robinson acknowledged a cultural calendar aligned also with census processing nuanced to groups that call Pasco home; tailor to the community; identify cultural competency training resources; very specific trainings around specific issues. Commissioner Chambers-Smith motioned to amend specific to education. Commissioner Torres Mendoza motioned to educate, advocate cultural information to the public using strategic marketing; Commissioner Saltz seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Chambers-Smith motioned to add a third item. “Identify and partner with existing organizations and events and openness to other/new holidays and events reflecting the community”; Commissioner Torres Mendoza seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Torres Mendoza provided background on survey instruments/suggestions that IDEC facilitate as a forum to the community, especially translated, to gather data from the community. All commissioners agreed to postpone work plan discussion until next meeting due to being over scheduled time. 8. Public Comment No public comment was registered. 9. Good of the Order Commissioner Torres Mendoza posed idea for commissioners to provide their comments on the workplan prior to next meeting. City staff offered to combine ideas submitted. Page 4 of 4 Commissioner Chambers-Smith inquired if there should be recommendation to council to extend commissioner appointments. City Manager Zabell stated there w as an existing agenda item for reappointments. 10. Adjourn There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m. NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020 FROM 6:00-7:30 P.M. Approved at 11/18/2020 virtual meeting Angela Pashon Chair Signature Staff Liaison Signature