HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/04/2017 13C Minutes Jan/Feb 2017 Ethics & Equal Rights Exploratory Committee BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDASTATEMENT
Item No. 13.C.
For Meeting of: April 4, 2017
ITEM TITLE: Ethics & Equal Rights Exploratory Committee minutes of January
2017 and February 2017
SUBMITTED BY: Joan Davenport, Staff Liaison/Community Development Director
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
See minutes attached.
ITEM BUDGETED: NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Neighborhood and Community Building
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL: City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
BOARD/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
Committee approved.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
D 2017-01-05 EERC minutes 3/22J2017 Backup Material
D 2017-01-19 EERC minutes 3/22/2017 Backup Material
D 2017-02-02 EERC minutes 3/22/2017 Backup Material
D 2017-02-16 EERC minutes 3/22/2017 Backup Material
Yakima City Committee Minutes
ETHICS AND EQUAL '" GHTS COMMITTEE
Yakima City Hall, 129 N. 2" St., Yakima, WA 98901
January 5th, 2017
A meeting of the Ethics and Equal Rights Committee was held at 129 N. 2" St., Yakima,
WA 98901, and was called to order by Madam Chair Maria DJ Rodriguez at 5:35 p.m. The
purpose of the meeting was for discussion of the agenda items listed.
Those in attendance were:
Madam Chair Maria DJ Rodriguez
Vice Chair: Bradley Hill
Secretary: Isaac Garcia
Deb Treusdell Sterling
Felipe Vargas
David Morales
Absent:
Diana Lopez-Batista
The January 5th, 2017 agenda items were addressed as follows:
1. Minutes of Previous Meeting: Minutes of previous meeting held on December 8th, 2016 were
approved as written. It was moved by Deb Treusdell Sterling to approve minutes, the motion was
seconded by David Morales. All were in favor.
2. Overview of Committee Policies and Procedures: The 24-hour policy for notification for an
interpreter was discussed and changed to a 48-hour notice requirement. It was moved by Deb
Treusdell Sterling that the change be made. The motion was seconded by David Morales. All were
in favor.
3. Overview of Regular Meeting Dates/Times: It was discussed that the schedule shall remain
the same for the time being. The committee shall meet the first and third Thursday of the month
beginning at 5:30 p.m. All were in favor.
4. Determination of Issues to Evaluate and Prioritize: The entire group had input as to what
issues we should prioritize.After much discussion,each member was assigned a city to do research
on and find out what other cities and counties are doing to address such issues that would fall under
this specific type of committee. Members will report back with their findings at the next meeting.
5. Determine Goals for Committee: It was discussed that after reporting back with our findings
on other cities and counties, the committee will be in a better position to more accurately decide
our goals for this committee.
Meeting adjourned, at 6:29 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Isaac rcia, Secretary
ACKNOWLEDGED:
64-1.
Maria D Rodrigo z, ada C_
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yakuns city committee minutes
ETHICS AND EQUAL RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Yakima City Hall, 129 N. 2" St., Yakima, WA 98901
January 19ffi, 2017
A meeting of the Ethics and Equal Rights Committee was held at 129 N. 2" St., Yakima,
WA 98901, and was called to order by Madam Chair Maria DJ Rodriguez at 5:36 p.m. The
purpose of the meeting was for discussion of the agenda items listed.
Those in attendance were:
Madam Chair: Maria DJ Rodriguez
Vice Chair: Bradley Hill
Secretary: Isaac Garcia
Deb Sterling
Felipe Vargas
David Morales
Diana Lopez-Batista
Absent:
None.
The January 19ffi, 2017 agenda items were addressed as follows:
1. Minutes of Previous Meeting: Minutes of previous meeting held on January 5ffi, 2017 were
approved as written. It was moved by Deb Sterling to approve minutes, the motion was seconded
by Bradley Hill. All were in favor.
2. Report on Mission & Elevator Speech: Deb gave her thoughts and explained how and why
she developed the speech. She explained the importance of an elevator speech, it shows that the
city cares about its citizens. The committee had discussions on making editions. It was discussed
and agreed that we will alter the speech as we go along. All were in favor.
3. Member Presentations of Other City Comparisons:
• Bradley presented his findings first. He found a commission in Tacoma, "Office of Equity
of Human Rights". Bradley then presented his findings on Olympia.Bradley wants to know
how real property code issues are followed up on here in Yakima. The city is short staffed
in this department.Joan Davenport brought up the possibility of inviting the Chief of Police
to attend a future meeting to enlighten us on issues he faces within Yakima.
• Deb presented her findings on Spokane. They do have an Ethics Committee, but only
internally for their city staff.
• Maria presented her findings on Michigan State. She found a "Michigan Department of
Civil Rights"board. She briefly went over her report.
• I, Isaac, presented my findings on Vancouver. I didn't have much luck finding any type of
Ethics and/or Equal Rights Committee. In a hope to find some sort of information I
researched the following cities for such a committee: Bellevue, Bellingham, Everett and
Kirkland. I was unsuccessful in finding any information.
• David presented his findings on Ventura, CA. Each district has its own neighborhood
committee. They also have "Subject Matter Committees".
• Felipe presented his findings on Pasco. After going thru his report Felipe stressed the
iinportance of distribution of resources within Yakima. He notices that the city puts more
emphasis on the Westside of town than it does in the Eastside, for example, snow plowing.
Felipe explained how "under the rug" racism is here in Yakima, and the importance of
addressing it.
• Joan presented documents and information on Seattle, mainly pertaining to their equity
studies.
4. Public Forums Outline: The entire committee expressed their thoughts. One thing we agreed
on was that this committee will only work if the City of Yakima will commit to making a change
and the objectives we will eventually address. The committee also discussed the Yakima City
Council meeting on January 3rd, 2017. It was noted that there were a lot of racial tensions at that
meeting with around 150 people in attendance. It was also discussed to have Chief Rizzi of the
Yakima Police Department do a presentation on the February 16th, 2017 meeting.
5. Existing City Allocations: A report will be given at the next meeting on February 2nd, 2017,
5:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned, at 7:15 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
‹.„
e'd*
Isaac Ciarcia Secretary
ACKNOWLEDGED:
Mari DJ Rod fuel, M dam ' air
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Yakima City Committee Minutes
ETHICS AND EQUAL RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Yakima City Hall, 129 N. 2nd St., Yakima, WA 98901
February 2nd, 2017
A meeting of the Ethics and Equal Rights Committee was held at 129 N. 2nd St., Yakima, WA
98901, and was called to order by Madam Chair Maria DJ Rodriguez at 5:34 p.m. The purpose of the
meeting was for discussion of the agenda items listed.
Those in attendance were:
Madam Chair: Maria DJ Rodriguez
Secretary: Isaac Garcia
Felipe Vargas
David Morales
Diana Lopez-Batista
Absent:
Deb Sterling
Bradley Hill, Vice Chair
The February 2nd, 2017 agenda items were addressed as follows:
1. Minutes of Previous Meeting: Minutes of previous meeting held on January 19th, 2017 were
approved as written. It was moved by Madam Chair Maria DJ Rodriguez to approve minutes, I, Isaac
Garcia seconded the motion. All were in favor.
During the January 19th, 2017 meeting the committee wrote up a "priority list" of key topics we feel
the committee should start focusing on and looking into. The priority list was not included in the
January 19th, 2017 minutes. It was agreed by all present members that the list would be added to the
February 2nd, 2017 minutes to be referenced. The list is as follows:
• Landlord/Tenant Issues
• Minimum Housing Codes
• Code Enforcement
• Police/Criminal Justice
• Gender/Race/Pay Equity
• Education of Issues
• Wage Theft
• Funding to Support Program
• Distribution of Resources
• Website Development(mobile apps)
• Community Engagement
• City Investments
• Diversify City/Workforce
* Perception ofRacism
w Welcome City Resolution
2. Member Presentations of Other City Comparisons: Felipe l/urguo advised ou that his report at
the last meeting ounnnued up his research, he had nothing further on his report, Diana Lopez-Batista
then presented her report on YVcoutcbce, WA. Diana Lopez-Batista found that VVonatcbcr has o
"Diversity Advisory Council". Her report included the Wenatchee Diversity Council's annual calendar
rvbiub |uyn out the ouuooi|`o plan for the year. Also included was a comparison botvvceo Yakima and
Wenatchee for population and race. Diana Lopez-Batista expressed her thoughts on events or methods
worth oxp|ociug/coosideriog, they are oa fb||ovva:
m At least one town hall-like meeting dedicated to vulnerable community groups for
input/recognition: Immigrants (Latino, Middle Eastern, religious oninoritioo), l.GBTA, AD}\
(disability accessibility, service animals concernu/educu1iou), homeless, etc.
* Another topic of discussion from her report was "National Night Out". l, luuoo Garcia, urged
that the committee be part of the next National Night Out on August 1", 2017, here in the City
of Yakima.
3. Review of Potential Priorities: Madam Chair Maria DJ Rodriguez explained how the list will help
guide us as a committee tV serve our community. The presentation ofthe /\omot Report will bc moved
to the committee's next meeting for Joan Davenport to present and show how the city's money is being
( allocated. It was also discussed that Chief Stewart of the Yakima Fire Department will be contacted by
Joan Davenport to attend one of our meetings so we can get feedback from him on any issues he might
see iu the community.
4. Other Business: Madam Chair Maria DJ Rodriguez also sits on the Neighborhood & Community
Building Committee(hereinafter"NCBC"). Madam Chair Maria DJ Rodriguez spoke about the NCBC
January 20 m, 2017 meeting and stated that theNC0C mbmu|d bring the issue of merits oua welcoming
or ^^aanctuunf` city. Dispute Resolution Center (hereinafter '^DRU) recommended bringing the
conversation out to the community.
All oocrnhco present agreed that we would continue to nocct tvv|cc anuonth for the douc being outhe
first and third Thursday of the month. On the last meeting o[March vvc will discuss the committee's
meeting frequency.
The Yakima City Manager, Cliff Moore was present. Cliff Moore presented information onpriorities
that City Council established for staff, and legislative priorities. Cliff Moore then presented
information no federal funding for the City ofYakima.
Madam Chair Maria DJ Rodriguez spoke about current initiatives for an economic development for a
^^Mu|Liuu|tuco| Center" to fhouo on what the people of our community bring to the table, and to show
and be proud nf how much diversity vvr have in our community.
5. Audience Participation: No citizens attended the February 2"a, 2017nnecdug. However, starting
o
on February 2 n , 2017 the Ethics and Equal Rights Committee meetings will now be aired on the
l,akicnoYP/\C channel. Madam Chair Maria DJ Rodriguez announced to the public for any citizens
that were viewing the meeting via "YP/\C channel, to let them know that they are more than welcome
Lo come and sit inon our meetings.
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Meeting adjourned, at 6:20 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY StiBMITTE13,
isa C J ICia, SeCretary
ACICNOWLEDGED:
sr
Maria DJ Rodr* u ad Chair
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Yakima City Committee Minutes
ETHICS AND EQUAL RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Yakima City Hall, 129 N. 2nd St., Yakima, WA 98901
February 16th, 2017
A meeting of the Ethics and Equal Rights Committee was held at 129 N. 2nd St., Yakima, WA
98901, and was called to order by Madam Chair Maria DJ Rodriguez at 5:32 p.m. The purpose of the
meeting was for discussion of the agenda items listed.
Those in attendance were:
CITY OF YAKIMA
Madam Chair: Maria DJ Rodriguez CODE ADMIN DIVISION
Bradley Hill, Vice Chair
Secretary: Isaac Garcia MAP
Felipe Vargas D EC'VD FAXED I
David Morales s PAID FYI
Diana Lopez-Batista
Deb Sterling
Absent:
None
The February 16th, 2017 agenda items were addressed as follows:
1. Minutes of Previous Meeting: Minutes of previous meeting held on February 2nd, 2017 were
approved as written. It was moved by Vice Chair Bradley Hill to approve minutes, Deb Sterling
seconded the motion. All were in favor.
2. City Presentations: Yakima Fire Chief Stewart and Yakima Police Chief Rizzi both gave
presentations on how their departments work within the community including their outreach work to
be more engaging with the public. This is especially true for the Yakima Police Department. Chief
Rizzi explained how he has transformed the Yakima Police Department in the few years he has been
here to the best of his abilities so that the public can have a different view of the local law enforcement
in our community. One of the committee's primary questions to Chief Rizzi was what do the police
department's largest volume of calls pertain to? The answer was domestic violence calls. Chief Rizzi
then gave a short summary on how he has seen a pattern when it comes to these calls, and recurring
incidents with the same people. He voiced his concerns and let us know that he strongly urges these
woman to get help thru YWCA and other local resources to stop the cycle of violence. This is based
on the fact that most domestic violence cases involve woman as the victims, although men are victims
as well. Last Chief Rizzi explained how he does not see any issues in our community with the police
force and minorities. As Chief Rizzi came from Chicago, he explained why and how people's view of
the police is largely dependent upon people's upbringing and what they were taught as kids.
3. Existing City Allocations: Joan Davenport directed us to study and look into the city's Equity
Study,as that has so much information and we can visually see where a lot of the city's funds are being
allocated. All committee members agreed it would be very beneficial for all of us to do our own
research on the equity study.
4. Review of Priority List: It was discussed by all committee members that we need to find a middle
ground and find three solid areas to focus on for the time being. Being all over the map at this point in
time will not make it possible for us to advance in a positive manner. It was agreed that each member
would pick three specific areas of concern to them, and then the committee will take a vote at the next
meeting on picking three areas of focus.
5. Calendar Template for Committee: Not ready yet.
6. Other Business: City Attorney Sara Watkins spoke on the committee's policies and procedures and
informed us on what the Integration Committee has been working on so that our work will not overlap
into the same focus areas.
Meeting adjourned, at 7:15 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Isaa area, Sacra
ACKNOWLEDGED:
Maria DJ Rodrig z, a Chair
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