Inclusion and Belonging Commission

8/24/2023 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Councilor Aurora Hurd, Parker Silver (Interim Chair), Nick Woolf, Ruth Steinmetz City Staff Present: Jenny Willingham, Clerk Guests Present: None Call to Order by: Chair Parker Silver Meeting Start Time: 6:06 PM II. Public Comment None III. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: Approval Motion by: Ruth Steinmetz Second: Nick Woolf Decision to approve the previous meeting minutes of June 8, 2023. Motion passed 3-0 IV. City Council Liaison Updates Councilor Hurd gave a brief overview of the City Council schedule. At this time, the City Council will be conducting two meetings a month during this busy time. V. City Staff Liaison Updates Jenny Willingham, Clerk, provided a brief overview on the following: l Upcoming municipal/school annual meeting & Presidential Primary on 3/5/2024 l Covid tests are available at the Senior Center, Library and Clerks’ Office. The expiration date is 9/30/23. l The RFP will released for the Language Access Plan and the I & B Commission will provide imput. l The Reappraisal is continuing and will be completed by April 1, 2024. VI. Review of Council Approved Stipend Pilot Policy & Projections Councilor Hurd provided the updated approved Stipend Policy for the Inclusion and Belonging Commission. This Policy was approved by City Council. VII. Discussion: New Member Needs - 2 Regular, 2 Alternate Members  Councilor Hurd provided the updated approved Stipend Policy for the Inclusion and Belonging Commission. This Policy was approved by City Council. VII. Discussion: New Member Needs - 2 Regular, 2 Alternate Members Discussion by Jenny Willingham, Clerk and Councilor Aurora Hurd announced there are two (2) potential Member applicants. The interview and approval process is projected to be complete for the City Councils’ approved on September 5, 2023. There are still two (2) Alternate positions available at this time. The Commission discussed if in the future it might be beneficial to have an agenda item for residents interested in the commission to attend and learn more. VIII. Discussion: Executive Summary of Equity Audit Findings Councilor Aurora Hurd asked for feedback from the Commission on how to proceed and address specific areas of the Audit findings. The Commissioners will have feedback and key highlights for the next I & B Commission Meeting on October 12, 2023. In addition, discussion arose on creating an outline of key focus areas. A method recommended was the creation of a brief video showcasing the Audit, ways to expand upon the audit and introduce and provide people the chance to meet members of the I & B Commission with their concerns. There may be possible opportunities for a partnership with the City & School addressing these findings. In addition, how the City is communicating & navigating the information to reach our community residents. A possible path for the creation of a video is presented to our Communications Manager, Paul Sarne by Jenny Willingham on how to educate the public on the Audit findings with a digital format. Councilor Aurora Hurd announced the City Council and Winooski School District will meet for a joint Session on October 11, 2023 at 3:30 PM where the audit will be discussed and there will be time for public comment. IX. Adjourn Motion by: Nick Woolf Second: Ruth Steinmetz Meeting End Time: 6:44 PM