2021.10.05 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MNEW BRIGHTON Council Worksession October 5, 2021 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle Councilmember Graeme Allen Councilmember Pam Axberg Councilmember Emily Dunsworth Absent: Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust, Terri Spangrud Guests in Attendance: Lisa Tabor, CultureBrokers Discuss Equity Commission Description Massopust explained the Council would be discussing the Equity Commission this evening along with Lisa Tabor from CultureBrokers. He commented further on the process that will be followed to create this ' Commission and noted staff would be seeking feedback from the Council after Ms. Tabors presentation. Lisa Tabor, CultureBrokers, reviewed a draft Equity Commission Charter with the Council. She reported the purpose of this Commission is to advise the City Council on issues and goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion. It will focus city policy conversations and governance decisions with equity in mind. It was noted the Commission would be a group of diverse community members across races, ethnicities, at all levels who will be responsible for a) review and updating (when necessary) the Equity Framework; b) supporting the effective participation of a broader group of stakeholders in their work as necessary, sufficient, and appropriate; and c) contributing to City Council and Staff Leadership adoption of Commission recommendations. Ms. Tabor explained the primary task for the Equity Commission would be to advise the City Council on issues influencing equity including diversity, inclusion, representation, privileges, intercultural relations, race relations, and other situations affecting outcomes for underrepresented, marginalized populations in the City of New Brighton. The Commission will also address issues of Human Rights including: (a) Supporting connections with regional human rights organizations and endeavors; and (b) Monitoring and advising the City Council on efforts to create equal opportunities and eliminate discrimination in the City of New Brighton. It will analyze the impact of policy and budget decisions on outcomes. It will advise on good governance practice, policy, regulations, and ethics for improving equity. It will advocate for equity in all governing environments and work in tandem with the Equity Strategy Team to ensure and support the organizational capacity of the city to operationalize equity. The Commission will also perform other duties as directed by the City Council. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked if the Equity Commission would operate differently than the City's other commissions. Massopust reported the DEI Coordinator would facilitate the Equity Commission like Public Safety Director Paetznick serves as the facilitator for the Public Safety Commission. He stated he did envision