Citizens' Unity Commission

Citizens’ Unity Commission Annual Retreat/Monthly Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 12, 2023, 6:00 -8:00 pm Community Development Conference Room, City Hall, 5th floor Attendance: Katrina Bailey, Jennifer Evans, Brad Young, Chris Grady, Malik Perry, Dawn James-Taylor, Phyliss Porter, Samantha Snead, Kathreen Tadrous, Steven Loncar, Raquel McMillan, Vidal Dickerson, Tamika Lett, Mei Stukes, Steven Wendell, Natalie Cumpson, F. Gregg Horne Staff: Imara Gabe Diaz, Mariah Roederer Absent: Ellen Velissarios (AN), Shuntay Tarver (AN), Assistant City Manager Steve Bond (AN) Call to Order – Raquel McMillan, Vice Chair @ 6:06 pm Roll Call – Imara Gabe Diaz, Executive Director Welcome & Introductions Commissioners were asked to identify their neighborhood on a map of the city and shared knowledge about Hampton neighborhoods, and reflected on strengths of their individual neighborhoods. Old Business Item 1: Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes – Vice Chairperson Raquel McMillan called for a motion to approve and adopt the meeting minutes for 6/8/2023. A motion to approve was made by Commissioner Steven Wendell and a 2nd by Commissioner Katrina Bailey. Executive Director Gabe Diaz brought attention to amended language of attendance of council appointed commissioners. The new language requires all commissioners to attend 75% of their annual commission meetings. New Business 1 Item 1: Commitment to Excellence – The Commitment to Excellence was reviewed including messages from Hampton City Council; Message from the City Manager, Clerk of Council, and City Attorney; Code of Ethics; Scope of Duties; Standards of Conduct; Best Practices for Communicating with the Media and Citizens; and Acknowledgement Form. Item 2: FY 2023 Annual Report – Gabe Diaz gave an overview of the Department annual report. This annual report brief contained a brief history of the office. The annual report also included description of the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion framework including the areas of Climate and Relations, Access and Success, Training and Education, Community Development, and Infrastructure. Gabe Diaz included a special thank you for the commissioners and their work within the city. Commissioners received a copy of the report; the report will be digitally available to the public soon. Gabe Diaz recommended a deferment for Action Items 2, 3 and 4. Vice-Chairperson Raquel McMillan called for a motion to defer the items until the subsequent meeting. Katrina Bailey made a motion to defer the items, and the second was by Dawn James-Taylor. Raquel McMillan called for a vote which passed to defer the Action Items. Upcoming Event Volunteer Request – Gabe Diaz informed the Commission of the upcoming invitations and volunteer opportunities for the upcoming month to include: o Dia De Los Meurtos – Saturday 10/28 The office of DEI partnered with the Charles H. Taylor to put on a community event including live artist, cultural education, local restaurants as well as art projects for all ages. Announcements Adjourned 8:01 pm by Vice Chairperson Raquel McMillan 2