Cultural & Social Awareness Commission

MINUTES CITY OF WOODSTOCK CULTURAL AND SOCIAL AWARENESS COMMISSION January 9, 2023 A regular meeting of the City of Woodstock Cultural and Social Awareness Commission was called to order by Chairperson Crystal Squires at 5:00PM on Monday, January 9, 2023, in the Basement Conference Room at Woodstock City Hall. A roll call was taken. COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Abdul Akel, John Kendall, Jose Rivera, Joe Starzynski, and Chairperson Crystal Squires. COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Juanita Martinez and Kerry Smith. STAFF PRESENT: Human Resources Director/Staff Liaison Deb Schober, Deputy Clerk Bernie Walker and Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Motion by J. Starzynski, second by J. Kendall, to accept the minutes of the November 14, 2022 meeting as presented. Ayes: Akel, Kendall, Rivera, Starzynski, and Chairperson Squires. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Martinez & Smith. Minutes accepted as presented. 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS A general discussion of the items on the agenda took place with all Commissioners and Ms. Schober participating a. Review and approval of survey summary Chair Squires said J. Kendall put this survey summary together; he’ll discuss the material and answer questions. J. Kendall said survey methodology is what they intended to do. He stated that the survey consists of four categories which include various groups and demographics. He shared some of the thought processes that were included, and that the survey not only shows the numbers voted on for specific categories but also comments that people shared. In response to a question from Chair Squires, J. Kendall said he is considering sharing others’ information that is beneficial to this survey. D. Schober thanked J. Kendall for his time and efforts. She will review the document and ‘shine it up’. Chair Squires would like this formation shared with the community. J. Starzynski added that educating the community about this commission and its goals would be beneficial. D. Schober suggested including the number of comments that were positive and constructive, and paraphrase some of the positive responses. The commission will work through the survey to include some paraphrasing. This document will be approved at a future meeting, as there is still some work to do. D. Schober reiterated that this survey was available to everyone and survey respondents are anonymous. Further discussion ensued. The commission wishes to include that there were some negative responses; some responses were visceral.  Cultural and Social Awareness Commission 01/09/23 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 b. Goals for 3 main areas of focus: i. Education Chair Squires suggested breaking it down into three sub areas; City, community and business education. Going forward, the Commission can support those who are providing education. J. Starzynski said government and business already know this is coming, the community is the harder part. He added that the commission and City can focus on partnering and educating the community. J. Kendall said they can compile a list of resources / facilities to share with the public. And, similar to Diversity Celebration Sundays, the commission can host educational events geared toward DEI. Further discussion ensued on this subject and the commission discussed options on how to get the program started. J. Starzynski mentioned a municipality that won an award for DEI, “Open to All” campaign, from Huntington, West Virginia; the businesses agree to include everyone; National League of Cities. A commissioner suggested forming an advisory committee to research this campaign and how best to roll it out. J. Starzynski read the pledge for all to hear. J. Kendall suggested giving a presentation to Chamber members or presenting at a B.O.M. meeting. Chair Squires mentioned that some downtown businesses have a decal in the window with a rainbow and some language of inclusion. The Commission will research. There was some discussion about DEI training, and Chair Squires asked if the City does DEI training for staff. D. Schober responded that they do not; however, City staff is required to complete Sexual Harassment Prevention training each year, and DEI is included. Akel mentioned Smart Growth America, walkability. D. Schober shared some concerns. Several commissioners opined that City staff should be required to take DEI training annually. Chair Squires said the commission needs to have specific goals, as well as include an educational piece, for the City’s website. In addition, they should facilitate DEI educational events open to the community. ii. Awareness A. Akel shared a frustration that Black History Month was not celebrated via a proclamation in the City of Woodstock. It was noted that the events that are celebrated and for which proclamations were done, such as Mexican Independent Day and Pride Month, are managed by residents and/or community groups, and brought forth by them, not the City. Therefore, someone would need to bring this information forward to the City for inclusion. Chair Squires suggested the commission do more brainstorming going forward. She’d like additional information added to this commission’s website. iii. Resources A. Akel mentioned that Lauren Underwood received a grant for a clinic, which he believes is in Woodstock, for behavioral and mental health. Chair Squires asked that Commissioner Akel look into this further and share information with the Commission at a future meeting. 5. NEXT MEETING DATE a. Regular Meeting – April 3, 2023 – 5:00 PM b. Special Meeting needed before then  Cultural and Social Awareness Commission 01/09/23 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 Next meeting Monday, February 6th at 5:00 PM – Special Meeting 6. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no comment forthcoming from the Public. 7. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. ADJOURN Motion by J. Starzynski, second by J. Kendall, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Cultural and Social Awareness Commission to a Special Meeting at 5:00 PM on Monday, February 6, 2023 in the Basement Conference Room at Woodstock City Hall. Ayes: Akel, Kendall, Rivera, Starzynski, and Chairperson Squires. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Martinez and Smith. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 6:24 PM. Respectfully submitted, Jane Howie Chief Deputy City Clerk