Cultural & Social Awareness Commission

MINUTES CITY OF WOODSTOCK CULTURAL AND SOCIAL AWARENESS COMMISSION November 14, 2022 A Special Meeting of the City of Woodstock Cultural and Social Awareness Commission was called to order by Chairperson Crystal Squires at 5:00 PM on Monday, November 14, 2022, in the Basement Conference Room at Woodstock City Hall. A roll call was taken. COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: John Kendall, Jose Rivera, Joseph Starzynski, and Chairperson Crystal Squires. Abdul Akel entered the room and joined the proceedings at 5:25 PM. COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Kerry Smith and Juanita Martinez. STAFF PRESENT: Human Resources Director/Staff Liaison Deb Schober and City Clerk Cindy Smiley. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Motion by J. Starzynski, second by J. Kendall, to accept the minutes of the October 3, 2022 meeting as presented. Ayes: Kendall, Rivera, Starzynski, and Chairperson Squires. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Akel, Smith, and Martinez. Motion carried. 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS – Survey A general discussion of the items on the agenda ensued with all Commissioners & Ms. Schober participating. Noting there were 252 survey responses, Ms. Schober stated as there were more than 100 responses, the survey results are considered to be statistically sound. Chairperson Squires stated this is less than the Commission had hoped for but was a good sampling of our community’s demographics. She noted most respondents were residents, but there was also some outside perspective. Ms. Schober opined there was not a good turnout among the Hispanic population, considering its representation in the population. Discussion followed of how and where the survey was distributed, how this could have affected the response, and how those who did not participate could be engaged to do so. Discussion also included ways the Commission could be more inclusive, drawing other groups out and making them feel more comfortable. Noting there were comments regarding age and disability, Ms. Schober stated the survey failed to ask the age of the respondents and whether they had a disability. The Commission reviewed responses to the survey questions with a more in-depth discussion of those items identified by respondents on which the Commission should focus, as asked in Question 7. Chairperson Squires noted the top three could be summarized as Education, Raising Awareness, and Providing Resources, expressing her agreement with the respondents. She opined these could  Cultural and Social Awareness Commission 11/14/22 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 be the overarching pillars the Commission could work on and address, noting this is reflected in the comments. Discussion ensued of the comments section of the survey. It was noted many referred to other bodies over which the Commission has no authority, but with which it may be able to collaborate such as the School District or the County. It was felt the comments reflect that Woodstock is a community with a diverse set of opinions. Following further discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission to develop a summary of the survey results, and publicize this and the action steps that the Commission will take in response. Discussion followed of who and how the results will be summarized, and the action steps developed. Chairperson Squires suggested coming to a consensus on the three areas of focus, or pillars, which will become the components of the Commission’s Plan. She further suggested that each pillar be taken on by a Commission member for further development, including action steps. She again suggested the three pillars be Education, Awareness, and Resources, as reflected in the survey responses. Discussion of these followed, including what they would include. Examples of resources were suggested, including development of pamphlets and a database of resources. Regarding Awareness, Chairperson Squires noted many of the survey comments were based on creating awareness of DEI and the Commission. Following further discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that the three pillars of the Plan will be Education, Awareness, and Resources. Chairperson Squires noted the four parts of the Plan will be the Summary, Education, Awareness, and Resources. She stated the next step for the Commission is to develop action steps which will be the goals the Commission will use to establish the pillars. Following discussion of who will develop these areas, it was the consensus of the Commission that for discussion at the next meeting, each member will review the survey comments to see how they can best be incorporated into the four steps of the Plan. Chairperson Squires urged Commission members to think about how to make these things happen, not just what needs to happen. Chairperson Squires raised the suggestion of a DEI Coordinator for the City, asking about staffing within the Human Resources Department. Ms. Schober stated the Department now consists of two Staff members, with the possibility of adding a Human Resources Clerk. Following a brief discussion, it was suggested that this may be accomplished on a countywide basis similar to the social worker/PD program. In response to a question from Chairperson Squires, discussion ensued of the current training provided to City staff. Chairperson Squires stated Woodstock Pride is hoping to work with the City to sponsor and provide DEI training, which was supported by Commissioner Kendall. Commissioner Akel opined perhaps businesses who would like to offer this training to their employees could be included. Chairperson Squires and Commissioner Kendall agreed to develop the Summary, opining it will be ready for Commission discussion at its next meeting.  Cultural and Social Awareness Commission 11/14/22 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 5. NEXT MEETING DATE It was the consensus of the Commission to next meet on its regular meeting date, Monday, January 9, 2023, at 5:00 PM in the Basement Conference Room. Chairperson Squires noted the agenda for this meeting will include discussion of the Summary and Pillars as previously indicated and development of the goals for the Commission. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no comment forthcoming from the Public. 7. OTHR DISCUSSION ITEMS There were no other Discussion Items. 8. ADJOURN Motion by J. Starzynski, second by J. Kendall, to adjourn this Special Meeting of the Cultural and Social Awareness Commission to its next regular meeting at 5:00 PM on Monday, January 9, 2023, in the Basement Conference Room. Ayes: Akel, Kendall, Rivera, Starzynski, and Chairperson Squires. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Smith and Martinez. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:59 PM. Respectfully submitted, Cindy Smiley, City Clerk