Inclusion and Belonging Commission

4/27/2023 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Councilor Aurora Hurd, Nick Woolf, Abdi Mohamed, Ruth Steinmetz & Parker Silver City Staff Present: Jenny Willingham Guests Present: None Call to Order by: The meeting was called to order by Parker Silver at 6 PM Meeting Start Time: 6 PM Minutes Recorded by: Jenny Willingham II. Public Comment None III. Welcome Ruth Steinmetz as a Member The Commission welcomed Ruth Steinmetz as a new member. IV. City Council Updates (Councilor Aurora Hurd) Councilor Hurd announced the new Executive Director for Downtown Winooski, Melissa Corbin. In addition, the annual retreat for Department Heads and Council members will be held on May 13 th to discuss our Strategies and Priorities work plan. Member Margaret Bass submitted her resignation notice. V. City Updates (Jenny Willingham) Jenny Willingham announced the Validation Vote for the voter-backed petition, Just Cause Eviction will take place on March 5, 2024 to coincide with the Annual City/School, Election as well as the Presidential Primary. The City hired a new Housing Initiative Director, Jazmine Hurley. We welcome her to our Winooski team! In addition, a thank you to Margaret Bass for all of her knowledge, experience and wisdom she provided to the Commission. She will be missed! VI. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: Approve Motion by: Nick Woolf Second: Abdi Mohamed Voted and passed 3-0 Ruth Steinmetz abstained VII. Discussion/Approval: Interim Chair  Voted and passed 3-0 Ruth Steinmetz abstained VII. Discussion/Approval: Interim Chair Decision: Approve Motion by: Abdi Mohamed Second: Nick Woolf Discussion regarding the continuation of the term for the Interim Chair. The Commission agreed to continue the appointment of Parker Silver for another six (6) months from today. VIII. Discussion: Stipend Policy to Recommend for Winooski City Council Jenny Willingham presented the current VT Community Foundation-Working Communities Challenge Grant allocation of a $10,000 Grant. Discussion aroused around the importance of Interpretation services, educational materials and projected childcare costs. The Commission was in agreement to retain these appropriations and to include Commission/Ambassadors participation with stakeholders such as IDEAL VT (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Action & Leadership) as well as involvement with other impactful committees/groups. A formal policy will be drafted to be reviewed by the Inclusion & Belonging Commission to the present to our City Council for adoption. IX. Discussion: Equity Audit A discussion ensued from the members regarding summarizing the findings/recommendations and action items of the Equity Audit. In addition, the composing of an executive summary (snapshot) to address specific “takeaways” as another resource to share to organizations and other City Commissions. X. Adjourn Motion by: Nick Woolf Second: Abdi Mohamed Meeting End Time: 7:13 PM.