City Council - Rules & Government Relations Committee

CITY OF EASTHAMPTON OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL Easthampton Municipal Building 50 Payson Ave., Ste. 100 Easthampton, Massachusetts 01027-2260 Telephone #: (413) 529-1400, ext. 460 Fax #: (413) 529-1417 MINUTES RULES AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Meeting 01/11/22 Attendees: R&GR Members: Councilor Dan Rist, Chair Councilor Koni Denham, Clerk Remoted: Councilor James Kwiecinski Other Attendees: Councilor Homar Gomez Meeting Called to Order at 5 pm. The meeting was video recorded 1. New Business A. Committee Re-Organizational a. Councilor Rist nominated self to serve as Chair of Committee b. Motion to approve nomination – Passed 3-0 c. Councilor Denham nominated self to serve as Clerk of Committee d. Motion to approve nomination – Passed 3-0 B. Resolution Pertaining to Discrimination & Intolerance a. Councilor Denham proposed amendments to second paragraph to include: Whereas, the City of Easthampton values all of its citizens and recognizes that the many races and ethnicities of its citizens have contributed to the strength of character of Easthampton; and i. Discussion around changing demographics of Easthampton. Changes reflect those changes and incorporates more inclusive language. b. Councilor Denham proposed amendments to fourth paragraph to include: Now, therefore, be it hereby resolved, that the City of Easthampton and its representatives shall not condone or tolerate any form of discrimination and will create spaces of inclusion by challenging any and all form of discrimination on the basis of race, color, class, religious creed, age, familial status, national origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, disabilities, or veteran status. i. Discussion to keep “shall not condone or tolerate any and all forms of discrimination” as this is strong language.  ii. Discussion on expanding role of City Council to emphasize “creating spaces of inclusion by challenging any and all forms of discrimination”. iii. Discussion to include additional forms of discrimination, class, sex, and expand disabilities beyond physical and mental. iv. Motion to approve changes – Passed 3-0 5:25 pm - Motion to adjourn – Councilor Kwiecinski, seconded by Councilor Denham