Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission

7887 E. 60th Ave. Commerce City Commerce City, CO 80022 c3gov.com Meeting Minutes - Final Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission Wednesday, January 31, 2024 5:30 PM Zoom 1. Call To Order/Roll Call Meeting called to order at 5:35pm. Members absent included Nicole Corder, Keena Day, Bianca Gonzalez-De La Rosa and Councilmembers Kim and Chacon. Those present included Chair Michelle Spreutels Martinez, Scott Vanheusen, Iona Longoldier, Phazaria Koonce, Kelly LaRue, Mario Vega, City Liaison Eva LaBonte, and guests Antoinette Gomez and Loretta Obrien. Commissioners expressed that they hope Councilmembers plan to attend in the future. 2. Land Acknowledgement Land acknowledgement was presented by Iona Longsoldier. 3. Approval of Minutes Scott Vanheusen made a motion to approve the November 2023 minutes. The motion was seconded by Iona Longsolder, which passed unanimously. 4. Learning Opportunity Eva LaBonte shared that Jason Rogers will be doing a presentation for staff during Black History Month. Commission members mentioned that the celebration months provide a good opportunity to highlight diversity in the community, small businesses, and schools. The Commission mentioned that a presentation by the city's Sustainability team would be a good learning opportunity. 5. Old Business After an in-person commission meeting poll with 10 responses, an in-person meeting will be set for Feb 28th from 6-8pm, with a less formal meeting and more for welcome/departure of Commissioners and a chance to get to know each other. 6. New Business Iona Longsoldier mentioned that the last 3 years was getting the Commission off the ground, and it would be good to have recurring volunteers on a list as a volunteer if people are not on the Commission. Commissioners agreed, and thought it should be opened up to any community member. Michelle indicated she was working on the DEI Commission Annual Report to Council on March 4. Commerce City Page 1 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Meeting Minutes - Final January 31, 2024 Commission 7. City Activities Update from Liaison Eva LaBonte shared about the Black History Month Proclamation read by the Mayor and about City Manager Rogers' upcoming presentation. She shared that the new Community & Cultural Liaison Melissa Sumner would be transitioning into the city liaison role for the commission, since she has a role that includes equity and is also external facing to the community. She will attend the February meeting and Eva will still attend the March meeting during the transition. 8. Other Business Women's History Month - last year the Commission ran a women;s product drive that was successful. Antoinette Gomez shared that the Commission could consider helping migrants, and she is part of the coalition for the homeless. There was a brief discussion regarding which current Commissioners would be continuing for a second term, and some were unsure at this time. 9. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 6:43pm. Commerce City Page 2