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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3820 Resolution RESOLUTION NO. 3'�2,0 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 1 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 I 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 P�ASC`O Matt Watkins,Mayor AT ST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: �/ /J 1,/U,X/J J&�.&b a? Daniela Erickson,City Clerk e and rr, City Attorney Inclusivity Commission Resolution Page 3