Citizens' Unity Commission

Citizens’ Unity Commission Monthly Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 12, 2023 6:00 -8:00pm Community Development Conference Room, City Hall, 5th floor Attendance: Katrina Bailey, Alice Capehart, Jennifer Evans, Chris Grady, Malik Perry, Erica Spencer, Ellen Velissarios (Virtual), Steven Wendell, Samantha Snead, Raquel McMillan, Dawn James-Taylor, Brad Young, Kathreen Tadrous, Gretchen Nelson, Vidal Dickerson, Phyliss Porter Staff: Imara Gabe Diaz Absent: Shuntay Tarver (AN), Jabari Colon, Assistant City Manager Steve Bond (AN) Call to Order – Raquel McMillan, Vice Chairperson @ 6:00 pm Roll Call – Imara Gabe Diaz, Executive Director Welcome/Vote to Allow Remote Participation Vice Chairperson Raquel McMillan called for a motion to allow remote participation for Chairperson Ellen Velissarios. A motion to approve was made by Commissioner Steve Wendell and a 2nd by Jennifer Evans followed by a unanimous vote of approval. Old Business Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes –Vice Chairperson Raquel McMillan called for a motion to approve and adopt the meeting minutes for 12/8/2022 with suggested corrections. A motion to approve was made by Steve Wendell and a 2nd by Commissioner Jennifer Evans. Action Items Item 1: CUC Bylaws – Executive Director Gabe Diaz discussed the importance of regular attendance to monthly meetings and CUC programing, with respect to the governing bylaws of the commission. As a reminder, Gabe Diaz lead the Commission in a review of the relevant section of the bylaws: Section III. Responsibilities and Duties of Commissioners A. Attend and actively participate in regular meetings, attend half (50%) of the commission events, as well as the Annual Retreat. B. Participate on standing and ad hoc committees. C. Notify the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office prior to any meeting that they will not be able to attend. 1 Item 2: Absenteeism – Gabe Diaz advised the Commission of the multiple efforts to contact Commissioner Jabari Colon concerning his absenteeism, but to no avail. According to the CUC Bylaws, vacancies shall occur when a commissioner resigns, a commissioner misses three (3) regular meetings of the Commission without notification, or in the opinion of a majority of the commissioners, a member is no longer capable of fulfilling their obligations as a commissioner. Commissioner Brad Young asked for clarity of the 3 missed meetings and if it was for a calendar year or for the duration of their appointment, in which Gabe Diaz explained that according to the bylaws, it was considering the entire term length. No further discussion was had. Commissioner Steve Wendell spoke up to say that based on the attempts to reach out to Jabari Colon, he should be terminated. Vice Chairperson Raquel McMillan called for a motion to approve the termination of Jabari Colon in accordance with the CUC Bylaws. A motion to approve was made by Steve Wendell and a 2nd by Dawn James-Taylor. Item 3: Movie Talks Date Selection – Gabe Diaz opened the conversation to inform the Commission that the Hampton Library has confirmed the following dates and movie selections for the upcoming season: • Saturday, Feb 25: Zootopia (Rated PG) This will be the first in-person viewing that will be held at the Hampton Main Library (4207 Victoria Blvd., Hampton, VA 23669) • Saturday, April 1: Woman in Motion (Unrated documentary) Viewed virtually • Saturday, April 22: Edge of Seventeen (Rated R) Viewed virtually • Saturday, May 20: Miss Juneteenth (unrated) Viewed virtually *instructions will be sent upon registration. These conversations begin at 1:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Free popcorn and a drink will also be provided. New Business Item 1: Hampton Health Equity Initiative – Latiesha Handie, Executive Director for the Office of Youth and Young Adult Opportunities lead the Commission in a discussion around providing community health equity to underserved populations and the implications when considering gun violence as a public health issue. Latiesha divided the Commission into small groups and presented 2 questions for them to respond. • If you had an opportunity to go into a community and offer support, what would you bring as a resource? • What are the barriers to complete physical, mental and social well-being? 2  Each group was given an opportunity to report out from their discussions, which lead to a larger discussion of how the Hopeful Hampton program can support the work of the Hampton Health Equity Initiative. Latiesha Handie asked for volunteers to commit to community canvassing in target communities. A follow up email will be sent with the outlined details of the program. Item 2: Hampton 2040 Community Plan Update – Gabe Diaz gave an overview of the Hampton 2040 Community Plan and next steps. Mid-point community checkpoint meeting – Mary Jackson Center @ 7:00 p.m. Presentation of draft vision and goals plus receive community feedback. February 15 – 24, 2023 On-line feedback regarding draft vision & goals February 16 – March 15, 2023 Obtain feedback from boards & commission plus community groups regarding draft vision & goals Gabe stated that he will be sending invitations to the mid-point community checkpoint meeting next week. Announcements Adjourned 8:07 pm by Vice Chairperson Raquel McMillan 3