| COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY AWARENESS Tuesday March 15, 2022 |
VIRTUAL TEAMS MEETING 1:30 P.M. |
1.
Call to Order
Chair Wegwert called the meeting to order at 1:32 PM.
2.
Roll Call
| PRESENT | ABSENT |
| DeAnn Wegwert, Chair | Mandy Martinez Gebler |
| Robert "Dan" Duke | Jean Toner, Vice Chair |
| Claire Hardi | Christine Tucci |
| Marcela Pino |
3.
Mission Statement and Land Acknowledgment
MISSION STATEMENT
A commission to foster support, respect, awareness and appreciation of diversity among all citizens of Flagstaff.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Commission on Diversity Awareness humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of this area’s Indigenous nations and original stewards. These lands, still inhabited by Native descendants, border mountains sacred to Indigenous peoples. We honor them, their legacies, their traditions, and their continued contributions. We celebrate their past, present, and future generations who will forever know this place as home.
The Mission Statement was read by Commissioner Pino and the Land Acknowledgment was read by Commissioner Duke.
4.
Upcoming Opportunities and Announcements
- Chair Wegwert explained this new section of the agenda and clarified that these items are not meant for back and forth discussion but rather important information to share with the Commission.
- Staff Liaison provided the following announcements:
- Vice Chair Toner and Commissioner Pino's reappointments.
- The Diversity Survey has been posted on the Commission of Diversity Awareness webpage.
- Community Asset Map has been posted on the Community Resources Webpage and the Commission on Diversity Awareness webpage. Other updates on the Community Asset Map?
- The Indigenous Commission meetings: first Wednesday of each month at 11am – 1pm
- Commission Pino added that the Chief Diversity Officer recruitment for NAU will take place next fiscal year.
5.
Public Comment
City Staff Jana Weldon (Beautification, Arts and Sciences Administrator) presented information on a Working Group for the Indigenous Representation Project at Sawmill Multicultural Art and Nature County Park. The request is to have the Commission discuss who to represent the Commission on the Diversity Commission and send out Jana’s contact information. Chair Wegwert asked the Staff Liaison to add this topic to the April agenda for discussion.
6.
Approval of Minutes
A.
Consideration and Approval of Minutes: Commission on Diversity Awareness Meeting of February 15, 2022.
- Commissioner Duke motioned for the February 15, 2022 minutes to be approved as written.
- Commissioner Pino seconded the motion.
- Motion approved unanimously.
7.
Date of Next Meeting - April 19, 2022 at 1:30 pm
No conflicts stated in the meeting.
8.
Action Items
A.
Regular Meetings
- Chair Wegwert talked about the history of the meeting length and expressed a concern limiting the time to one hour.
- Mayor Deasy explained the Executive sessions for Council which limits the availability of attending.
- Chair Wegwert asked what days/times work for the Mayor.
- Mayor Deasy explained that 12-8pm on Tuesdays are difficult but Wednesdays are very open.
- Staff Liaison will send out a survey to all Commissioner members and bring the results to the next meeting.
B.
Proclamations Work Group Update
- Asian American and Pacific Islander (May) – Chair Wegwert read the proclamation to the Commissions.
- Commissioner Pino requested to remove “Beginning” in the third paragraph.
- Chair Wegwert drafted a new sentence for the sentence.
- Chair Wegwert motioned to approve the amended Proclamation.
- Commissioner Hardi seconded the motion.
- All approved unanimously.
9.
Reports/Discussion Items
A.
Climate Advisory Groups
Jenna Ortega Climate Engagement Coordinator
Jenna Ortega Climate Engagement Coordinator
- City Staff Ortega provided information on Climate Advisory groups and explained that currently there are three groups (Youth, Business, and Equity).
- City Staff Ortega asked for participation and to spread the word about the Advisory groups and shared the website where more information.
- Commissioner Hardi and Commissioner Pino asked follow up questions.
B.
MetroPlan: Stride Forward Regional Transportation Plan update
David Wessel, MetroPlan Planning Manager
David Wessel, MetroPlan Planning Manager
MetroPlan Manager Wessel gave a presentation on Stride Forward, the organization, work completed to date and the next steps in the plan.
C.
Recommendations to Council (updates and future items)
i.
Equitable Restroom Recommendation
Staff Liaison provided an update that this recommendation is in the Staff Future Agenda Items queue which means it is waiting for some research and staff work before it moves forward again. The commission can provide an amended recommendation if they wish.
D.
Current Commission Priorities
i.
Municipal Equity Index
- Staff member Chris Rhode stated there was no update on this item.
- Staff liaison reminded that commission can provide recommendations in the meantime.
10.
Agenda for Future Meeting(s)
A.
Renaming of the Peaks Workgroup Update
Pending follow up from the High School group on when to send the Commissions recommendation to Council.
B.
Future Priorities
- Criminal Justice conversation with Flagstaff Police Department
- Conversation with Downtown Business Alliance including literature to distribute
- Civil Rights
C.
Regional Plan (April)
Jordan Hollinger - Associate Planner, Comprehensive Planning, City of Flagstaff
The new website provides background information about what the plan is and the process for updating it.
The new website provides background information about what the plan is and the process for updating it.
D.
Flagstaff Public Libraries Anti-racism Committee (April)
Felicia Fiedler - Discuss collaborating with the Diversity Commission and the Flagstaff Public Libraries Anti racism committee to talk about how we can better collaborate and talk about the best practices that they have come up with.
11.
Adjourment
Chair Wegwert adjourned the meeting at 3:07 PM.