Connecting Us - Sustaining Progress (CUSP)

Connecting Us, Sustaining Progress Inclusion and Diversity Subcommittee Meeting Minutes May 2, 2020 Meeting was called to order at 9:13 AM. New Agenda Item: Letter from Subcommittee for May 14th City Council Meeting  Dr. Hillary Fishler briefed the committee: In response to Governor Little’s signing of HB500 and HB509, the Idaho Falls City Council will meet on May 14th to hear opinions from the community on adopting supplemental nondiscrimination protection.  Community member, Theron McGriff, joined the meeting to speak about the history of nondiscrimination policies in Idaho Falls, and how existing clauses do not protect LGBTQ residents from discrimination in public accommodations, public spaces, business service, public utilities and public services other than housing.  Discussion covered current examples and available data on discrimination, as well as actions that the subcommittee could take in advance of the City Council meeting. Motion to direct Dr. Hillary Fishler to draft letter on behalf of subcommittee at 9:33AM by Dr. Bob Barret, seconded by Mike Bray, no abstentions. Minutes for April 4, 2020 approved at 9:44 AM: Motion to accept Dr. Bob Barret, seconded by Eric Schuster, no abstentions. Subcommittee Updates Data & Analytics:  Quantitative Track: A dashboard was built to display the key indicators discussed in April.  Qualitative Track: 5 initial survey questions were developed and subcommittee members should ask these to 5 people in their social network. Discussion covered the right approach to asking the questions and supplemental resources that are needed for interested residents. Transportation & Housing: Lead not present. Education: Lead not present. Email update will be provided soon. Arts/Platform/Connectivity: Subcommittee is reviewing actions taken by other cities. Discussion covered the research questions this subcommittee is asking itself, the level of resources available in Idaho Falls, and ideas that have surfaced from other cities thus far. Health & Wellness: Subcommittee will be meeting week of 5/5 to discuss goals and plan. Discussion covered nonprofit donations and services in light of Covid-19, experiences volunteering in Idaho Falls, and the degree to which health issues are discussed in schools. Other Discussions: May 1 CUSP Committee Meeting | July Subcommittee Date Change CUSP Chairman Juan Alvarez reiterated expectations for reporting timeframe to committee leads. Subcommittee preliminary recommendations/finding are due this fall. Final recommendation will be made in February/March 2021. Chairman Alvarez asked CUSP Subcommittees to consider the following question. Has or will Covid-19 change the way your teams are approaching your committee’s work? Discussion ensued and covered potential changes to working processes and potential topics of exploration.  Inclusion and Diversity Chairwoman Toni L. Carter shared with the committee the degree to which she suspects Covid-19 will exacerbate existing inequities and inequality. Chairman Alvarez also asked CUSP Subcommittees not to meet in person until Idaho reaches Stage 4 of the Governor’s reopening phase. July subcommittee meeting moved from Saturday, July 4 to Saturday, July 11. Motion to adjourn made at 10:27 AM by Dr. Bob Barret, seconded by Mike Bray. Minutes submitted by Eric Schuster on 2020-05-05.