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07/01/2020 AGENDA PACKET
______________________________________________________________ CITY COUNCIL 345 6th Street, Suite 100, Bremerton, WA 98337 - Phone (360) 473-5280 WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2020 CITY COUNCIL VIRTUAL, Live Stream MEETING AGENDA To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the City Council is conducting a virtual meeting. The Chambers will be closed, and all Council Members and staff will be participating in the meeting remotely. The public is invited to view and/or participate in the Council Meeting through one of the following options: To stream online only (via BKAT Feed, with no interaction possible: https://bremerton.vod.castus.tv/vod/?live=ch1&nav=live To Join the Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86816968832?pwd=VkxZSUovZjBBRTBMdDNOdUdhU0NYQT09 Password: 209823 To join the meeting with the phone only: Or iPhone one-tap: US: +12532158782,,86816968832#,,,,0#,,209823# or +13462487799,,86816968832#,,,,0#,,209823# Or Telephone: Dial by location: +1 360 415 1029 +1 253 215 8782 (Tacoma) Webinar ID: 868 1696 8832 Password: 209823 Citizens are always encouraged to send questions and comments by email to City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us 1.CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 P.M. 2.CONSENT AGENDA A.Claims & Check Register B.Minutes of Meeting – June 17, 2020 C.Minutes of Study Session – June 24, 2020 D.Resolution No. 3326 to set August 5, 2020 as the Public Hearing date to vacate a portion of Nipsic Avenue Right-of-Way E.Interlocal Agreement with Kitsap County for Reimbursable Work and/or Equipment Rental 3.GENERAL BUSINESS A.Proposal to establish a Race Equity Advisory Committee B.Ordinance No. 5398 amending Chapter 2.50 of the Bremerton Municipal Code (BMC) entitled “Management and Professional Staff Compensation Program” by amending Section 2.50.032 relating to promotions and benefits C.Confirm Appointment of John Payne to the position of Assistant Fire Chief at Pay Band 22, Rate 8 of the 2020 Management, Professional, Confidential and Fiduciary Salary Plan Item pulled… 4.MAYOR'S REPORT 5.PUBLIC RECOGNITION 6.COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS 7.ADJOURNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA BILL CITY OF BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Study Session Date: N/A Claims & Check Register COUNCIL MEETING Date: July 1, 2020 Department: Legal Services Presenter: Angela Hoover Phone: (360) 473-5323 SUMMARY: Approval of the following checks and electronic fund transfers: 1. Check Numbers 389756 through 389915 and Electronic Fund Transfers V21340 through V21387 in the grand total amount of $2,028,336.62 2. Regular Payroll for pay period ending June 15, 2020 in the amount of $893,373.40 3. Retiree Payroll for pay period ending June 30, 2020 in the amount of $52,562.06 ATTACHMENTS: FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): STUDY SESSION AGENDA: ☒ Limited Presentation ☐ Full Presentation STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☒ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the consent agenda as presented. COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action Form Updated 01/02/2018 2A AGENDA BILL CITY OF BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Minutes of Meeting – June 17, 2020 Study Session Date: N/A COUNCIL MEETING Date: July 1, 2020 Department: City Council Presenter: Council President Phone: (360) 473-5280 SUMMARY: The Minutes of Meeting held on June 17, 2020 are attached. ATTACHMENTS: Meeting Minutes FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): None STUDY SESSION AGENDA: ☒ N/A STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☒ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the June 17, 2020 Meeting Minutes as presented. COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action Form Updated 11/3/17 2B CITY COUNCIL VIRTUAL MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 17, 2020 A virtual meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at 5:30 PM with Council President Eric Younger presiding. Council Members present were Mike Simpson, Michael Goodnow, Lori Wheat, Kevin Gorman, Leslie Daugs, and Pat Sullivan. Also present were City Attorney Roger Lubovich; City Clerk Angela Hoover; Legislative Office Manager Lori Smith; and Information Services Manager Dave Sorensen. President Younger read a statement that per an amending proclamation issued by Governor Inslee extending the “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” order, the City Council will conduct Council Meetings virtually through the month of June. President Younger then asked the community to join the Council in a moment of silence in solidarity with other cities impacted by civil unrest that has been followed by the death of George Floyd, and the thousands of deaths as a result of COVID-19… CONSENT AGENDA 2A – Claims & Check Register: Check Numbers 389569 through 389755, and EFT-V21285 through EFT-V21339 in the amount of $1,863,116.24; Regular Payroll for the pay period ending May 31, 2020 in the amount of $854,544.42; and Regular Payroll Payout for the pay period ending May 31, 2020 in the amount of $246.67. 2B – Minutes of Meeting – June 3, 2020 (correction noted on Item 3A, page 5) 2C – Minutes of Study Session – June 10, 2020 2D – Contract with Insituform Technologies LLC for the 2020 Sewer Rehabilitation There were no questions or comments from the public… 5:35 M/S/C (Daugs/Gorman) Move to approve the CONSENT AGENDA as presented with corrections noted. Voted in favor of Motion: Daugs, Gorman, Wheat, Goodnow, Younger Voted opposed to Motion: Sullivan, Simpson Motion carried: 5-Yes; 2-No PUBLIC HEARING 3A – PUBLIC HEARING ON RESOLUTION NO. 3325 ADOPTING THE 2021 CDBG/HOME POLICY PLAN: CDBG Program Administrator Sarah Achaoui used a Power Point presentation to summarize that the action before Council is adoption of the 2021 Policy Plan. The Policy Plan is a document which is updated yearly which sets parameters for the management of our HUD entitlement grant awards and provides specific information about the policies and regulations for the use of HUD CDBG and HOME funds. This plan was released on June 1st for public comment, and to date there have been no comments made. President Younger explained that the purpose of this Public Hearing is to accept public comment… With no questions or comments received, President Younger closed the Public Hearing; and opened for discussion with the Council… 5:43 Motion was made by Daugs and seconded by Gorman… Questions and comments were provided by Daugs, Gorman, and Simpson; with responses provided by Ms. Achaoui… 5:51 M/S/C/U (Daugs/Gorman) Move to approve Resolution No. 3325 adopting the 2021 CDBG/ HOME Policy Plan. GENERAL BUSINESS 4A – CONTRACT WITH PENINSULA COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: Fire Chief Pat McGanney displayed a Power Point presentation to help explain that the City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Page 2 of 3 Professional Services Contract is for primary health care and behavioral health care partnership. This will allow patients that call 911 for non-emergent needs to receive the care and resources that they truly need and leave fire department resources available for more critical emergencies. Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Kreidler-Moss of Peninsula Community Health Services provided comments in support of this program, and was also available to answer any further questions. A question from the public was received by Sarah W, with a response provided by Fire Chief McGanney… 6:00 Main Motion was made by Gorman; and seconded by Wheat… Questions and comments were provided by Gorman, Wheat, Daugs, Sullivan, Simpson, and Younger; with responses provided by Fire Chief McGanney… 6:14 M/S/C/U (Gorman/Wheat) Move to approve the Professional Services Contract with Peninsula Community Health Services; and authorize the Mayor to finalize and execute the agreement with substantially the same terms and conditions as presented. MAYOR’S REPORT - Mayor Wheeler… Established that legislative authority was granted to extend Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) statutory waivers and suspensions, which means the City will continue holding public meetings by Zoom through July 1; Mentioned that he will be attending a Public Meeting hosted by the Kitsap Public Health District on Friday, June 19 where submitting an application for Phase 3 will be discussed; Briefed the Council on what the City will do to support the Juneteenth events, including a public demonstration that is planned to gather at the Norm Dicks Government Center; and Announced his support of the City’s Workforce Diversity Plan and that he has reached out to community stakeholders for their help to increase our diversity. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Kurt Wiest announced that Tim Schanne would replace him as the Interim Executive Director of the Bremerton Housing Authority until a permanent appointment is made this fall. President Younger spoke on behalf of the Council to express how much Mr. Wiest would be missed. Gwendolyn Attwood requested the City consider adding free electric charging stations in City facilities, and looked forward to receiving a response. Caroline Stein provided an update on the virtual Washington State Science & Engineering Fair; and announced the WSSEF would be held next year on March 26 & 27, 2021. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mike Simpson was pleased to see how innovative WSSEF was during the Government shutdown due to COVID-19; and shared “flowers” handmade by his young neighbors, future innovators who make our lives better. Lori Wheat invited members of the community to attend a District 4 Virtual Meeting on Thursday, June 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM with featured speaker Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Elevado who will be providing an Update on Improvements at Warren Avenue Playfield; and read a “Message by Council Member Wheat” into the record that included denouncing the murder of George Floyd, and urging everyone to “…go beyond statements toward actions that result in real policy and practical changes that fight against hatred and systematic racism…” City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Page 3 of 3 Kevin Gorman thanked Council Member Lori Wheat for her statement; wished Kurt Wiest well in his relocation; expressed his appreciation for all of the effort being done by Mayor Wheeler during these difficult times; welcomed new businesses Khao Soi Thai Restaurant in Manette and a new bike shop called Uptown Cyclery on Pacific Avenue; and lastly, noted that Der Blokken Brewery is now known as Chaos Bay Brewing Company. Leslie Daugs also thanked Council Member Lori Wheat for her words; congratulated the 2020 Bremerton High School graduates; mentioned the Bremerton School District will be running a summer program to provide free meals for kids and teens 18-years old and younger every Monday and Wednesday from June 22 through August 21; expressed best wishes to Kurt Wiest, while looked forward to working with BHA Interim Executive Director Tim Schanne; thanked Mayor Wheeler for his leadership; and announced weekend events including a Juneteenth Candlelight Vigil for George Floyd at the Marvin Williams Center on Friday, June 19 at 8:46 PM and March for Black Lives on Saturday, June 20 beginning at Noon at the south-side steps of the Norm Dicks Government Center. Pat Sullivan was happy to be back representing District 1 constituents; thanked Mayor Wheeler; explained her reasons for voting no on the Consent Agenda for the last two weeks; looked forward to receiving more information on the City Budget; donated her salary to foodbanks; briefly acknowledged some of the serious and emotional events taking place in the world right now; and expressed support for the police. Eric Younger in response to the new businesses announced earlier, looked forward to trying the new Khao Soi Thai Restaurant in Manette and mentioned that his wife Kristina was pleased with the positive experience she had at Uptown Cyclery; also spoke to the recent changes he made to the agenda, mentioning that they will continue if there are no objections; and lastly he encouraged others to listen to a podcast on My Northwest with former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr, who now serves as the Executive Director of the State Criminal Justice Training Commission whose “transparency offers hope for improvement and rebuilding trust in police officers…” With no further business, President Younger adjourned the Council Meeting at 7:02 PM. Prepared and Submitted by: ______________________________ LORI SMITH Legislative Office Manager APPROVED by the City Council on the 1st day of July, 2020. ________________________________________ ERIC YOUNGER, City Council President Attest: ________________________________________ ANGELA HOOVER, City Clerk EY:AH:ls:cg AGENDA BILL CITY OF BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Minutes of Study Session – June 24, 2020 Study Session Date: N/A COUNCIL MEETING Date: July 1, 2020 Department: City Council Presenter: Council President Phone: (360) 473-5280 SUMMARY: The Minutes of Study Session held on June 24, 2020 are attached. ATTACHMENTS: Study Session Minutes FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): None STUDY SESSION AGENDA: ☒ N/A STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☒ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the June 24, 2020 Study Session Minutes as presented. COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action Form Updated 11/3/17 2C CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES Wednesday, June 24, 2020 A virtual Study Session of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at 5:00 PM, with Council President Eric Younger presiding. Council Members present were Mike Simpson, Michael Goodnow, Lori Wheat, Kevin Gorman, Leslie Daugs, and Pat Sullivan. Lori Smith, Legislative Office Manager, was present to provide staff support. President Younger established that per the order issued by Governor Inslee to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the City Council is conducting Council Meetings virtually. He further established that the Study Session was open for the public to listen in, there would be no opportunities for input; and except for Item C(1) no action is anticipated; and the content of these items is subject to change. If approved by the Council, items will be placed on the July 1, 2020 City Council Virtual Meeting Agenda… A. BRIEFINGS ON AGENDA ITEMS 1. Presentation on SR303 Corridor Study; Preferred Alternative Information only 2. Resolution to set August 5, 2020 as the Public Hearing date to vacate a portion of Nipsic Avenue Right-of-Way Consent Agenda 3. Interlocal Agreement with Kitsap County for Reimbursable Work and/or Equipment Rental Consent Agenda 4. Confirm Appointment of John Payne as Assistant Fire Chief at Pay Band 22, Rate 8 General Business 5. Ordinance amending Section 2.50.032 of the Bremerton Municipal Code related to Promotions and Benefits General Business 6. Proposal to form a Bremerton Race Equity Task Force General Business B. GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS o Public Works Committee Briefing (6/16/20 Meeting) – Chair Kevin Gorman o Finance & Parking Committee Briefing (6/23/20 Meeting) – Chair Michael Goodnow o General Council Business was discussed. At 8:30 PM, President Younger announced the Council would meet for a 45-Minute Executive Session to discuss “Pending and Potential Litigation” as allowed per RCW 42.30.110 (1) (i) and that action was anticipated… President Younger called the regular Study Session back in session at 9:15 PM… There were no questions or comments from the public… 9:16 M/S/C/U (Gorman/Goodnow) Move to approve payment of $225,000 to the City of Bremerton from Great American Insurance Company in settlement of the claim made by the City for environmental contamination of City property located at 1310 Highland Avenue. The Mayor is authorized to enter into a Settlement Agreement with Great American Insurance Company pursuant to terms and conditions as approved by the City Attorney. With no further business, President Younger adjourned the Council Study Session at 9:17 PM. City Council Study Session Minutes Wednesday, June 24, 2020 Page 2 of 2 Prepared and Submitted by: ______________________________ LORI SMITH Legislative Office Manager APPROVED by the City Council on the 15th day of July, 2020. ______________________________ ERIC YOUNGER, Council President ATTEST: ______________________________ ANGELA HOOVER, City Clerk AGENDA BILL CITY OF BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Study Session Date: June 24, 2020 Resolution No. 3326 to set August 5, 2020 as the Public Hearing date to vacate a portion of Nipsic Avenue Right-of-Way COUNCIL MEETING Date: July 1, 2020 Department: PW&U Presenter: Shane Weber Phone: (360) 473-2354 SUMMARY: The adjacent property owner has petitioned the City to vacate a portion of Nipsic Avenue located at the northwest corner of Nipsic Avenue and E. 11th Street to facilitate home improvement projects. Due to building setback requirements from the Right of Way, these renovations are currently not feasible. The portion fronts three properties; 1110 Ironsides Avenue, 1118 Ironsides Avenue (lots extend from Ironsides to Nipsic with Ironsides addressing) and 2428 E. 11th Street (applicant). All three property owners have signed the petition to vacate, which complies with BMC 11.20.070 which states “if the petition is signed by two-thirds of the property on a front footage basis…the council, shall by resolution, fix a time when the petition will be heard.” No city or franchise utilities are in the subject area. ATTACHMENTS: 1) Resolution No. 3326; 2) Engineering Staff Report; 3) Legal Description with Parcel Search Map; 4) Google Earth Photo; and 5) Petition for Right-of-Way Vacation FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): None STUDY SESSION AGENDA: ☒ Limited Presentation ☐ Full Presentation STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☒ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to pass Resolution No. 3326 to establish August 5, 2020 as a hearing date to vacate a portion of Nipsic Avenue between E. 11th Street and E. 13th Street. COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action Form Updated 01/02/2018 2D Page 1 of 1 Resolution Vacation of portion of Nipsic Ave Rev. 10/2019 between E. 11th St. and E. 13th St. RESOLUTION NO. 3326 A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Bremerton, Washington, establishing a hearing date for the proposed vacation of a portion of the Nipsic Avenue Right of Way between E. 11th Street and E. 13th Street WHEREAS, the adjacent property owner has initiated the vacation in accordance with Bremerton Municipal Code (BMC) 11.20.070; NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. A public hearing will be held on August 5, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. or later in the City Council Chambers at the Norm Dicks Government Center, First Floor, 345 Sixth Street, Bremerton, Washington, to take public comment or consider written objections to the vacation and dedication. SECTION 2. Severability. If any one or more sections, subsections, or sentences of this Resolution are held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Resolution and the same shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 3. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its passage. PASSED by the City Council of the City of Bremerton, Washington this _____ day of __________________, 20____. ERIC YOUNGER, Council President APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST: ROGER A. LUBOVICH, City Attorney ANGELA HOOVER, City Clerk E. 11th St and Nipsic Ave Deckman Page 1 of 3 (Attachment 2) ENGINEERING STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL HEARING DATE: Study Session 6/24; Resolution 7/1; Ordinance 7/15 PREPARED BY: JK SUMMARY A. Applicant: Laura Deckman 2428 E. 11th Street Bremerton, WA 98310 Location: Northwest Corner of E. 11th Street and Nipsic Avenue BACKGROUND The adjacent property owner of 2428 E. 11th Street (Lot 8) has petitioned the City to have the east 10 feet of Lots 3, 4, 5, and the north 85 feet of the east 10 feet of Lot 8 Block 1 of the Addition to the Town of Decatur to be vacated. The applicant proposed 13’ but due to existing pavement an encroachment of the revised property line would im pact the paved street. The applicant agreed to the revised vacation width. The area is undeveloped and is not accessed by the public with the exception of the adjacent property owners (see pictures). RIGHT-OF-WAY CONDITIONS EXISTING ROADWAY NEW ROADWAY Functional Classification Residential N/A R-O-W Width Varies 27’ – 40’ N/A R-O-W Areas N/A N/A Pavement Width 22’ N/A Surface Type Asphalt N/A Curb and Gutter No N/A Sidewalks No N/A HEARING CONSIDERATIONS BMC 11.20.120 sets forth issues that the City Council needs to determine at the conclusion of the Vacation Hearing. These issues and the staff position are: 1. Whether the street, alley or portion thereof is no longer required for public use and vacation of the described portion will better serve the public good. E. 11th St and Nipsic Ave Deckman Page 2 of 3 Staff Position: Due to insufficient Right of Way dedication on the historic Brights Re -plat and the Plat of Decatur Acre Tracts, improvements on this block of Nipsic Avenue are not feasible. Also, obtaining additional Right of Way in this area for improvements isn’t feasible due to buildings and bulkheads occupying the required area. 2. Whether the vacation is consistent with the City Comprehensive Plan. 3. Staff Position: The proposed vacation does not conflict with the Comprehensive Plan. 4. Whether continued use of the proposed vacation as a public way is not of such public benefit as to justify the costs of maintenance. Staff Position: The proposed area is an undeveloped strip adjacent to the asphalt street. Adjacent homeowners are currently maintaining this area. 5. Whether substitution of a new and different thoroughfare would be more useful to the public. Staff Position: No other thoroughfare would improve circulation in this area. 6. Whether conditions may so change in the future as to provide a greater public use or need than presently exists. Staff Position: There is no anticipated future public transportation needs. 7. Whether objections to the proposed vacation are made by owners of private property abutting the same. Staff Position: Adjacent property owners to the proposed Vacation have all signed the petition to vacate. SHORELINE ACCESS This portion of right-of-way does not provide shoreline access. UTILITIES The City has no utilities in the proposed area to be vacated. Franchised utilities do not have infrastructure in the proposed vacation area. SUFFICIENCY OF SIGNATURES E. 11th St and Nipsic Ave Deckman Page 3 of 3 The petition exceeds the 2/3 front footage requirement. COMPENSATION No compensation owing as this is Class III Right of Way. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends Approval to vacate the proposed 10.0 foot wide strip along Nipsic Avenue. ATTACHMENT 3 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PORTION TO BE VACATED SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 24, RANGE 1E, W.M., in KITSAP COUNTY, WA THE EAST 10 FEET OF LOTS 3, 4, 5, and THE NORTH 85 FEET OF THE EAST 10 FEET OF LOT 8 in the ADDITION to the TOWN of DECATUR AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 2 OF PLATS, PAGE 72, RECORDS OF KITSAP COUNTY, WASHINGTON. 10'-0" AREA OF VACATION THE EAST 10' OF THE NORTH 85' OF LOT 8 Untitled M ap W rite a des c ription for your m ap. Legend Trenton at E. Thirteenth 7.03 ft N➤➤N © 2020 Google © 2020 Google © 2020 Google AGENDA BILL CITY OF BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Interlocal Agreement Study Session Date: June 24, 2020 with Kitsap County for Reimbursable Work and/or Equipment Rental COUNCIL MEETING Date: July 1, 2020 Department: PW&U Presenter: T. Knuckey Phone: (360) 473-2376 SUMMARY: This Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Kitsap County will allow the City to request assistance or use equipment to be used in operating and maintaining the various assets managed by Public Works and Utilities. A similar ILA had been in place until 2015 but was not renewed due to concerns with indemnification language which have since been resolved. ATTACHMENTS: Interlocal Agreement with Kitsap County for Reimbursable Work and/or Equipment Rental FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): None. Payment is from the fund requesting the work or equipment rental. STUDY SESSION AGENDA: ☒ Limited Presentation ☐ Full Presentation STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☒ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the Interlocal Agreement between Kitsap County and the City of Bremerton for Reimbursable Work and/or Equipment Rental; and authorize the Mayor to finalize and execute the agreement with substantially the same terms and conditions as presented. COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action Form Updated 01/02/2018 2E 1 KC 277-20 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN KITSAP COUNTY AND THE CITY OF BREMERTON FOR REIMBURSABLE WORK PERFORMED AND/OR EQUIPMENT RENTAL This Interlocal Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 39.34 RCW by and between the County of Kitsap (hereinafter “County”) and the City of Bremerton (hereinafter “City”), also referred to individually as “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”. Either Party to the Agreement, the requesting agency (hereinafter the “Requester”) and the providing agency (hereinafter the “Provider”) may request work or equipment rental from the other Party as needed from time to time and deemed mutually beneficial. I. INCORPORATION OF RECITALS The foregoing Recitals are incorporated in full and made part of this Agreement by this reference: WHEREAS, each Party operates a Public Works Department which specializes in certain types of Public Works projects, and each Party owns certain types of equipment utilized in Public Works projects; and WHEREAS, each Party may from time to time find it advantageous or desirable to have certain work performed by the other Party, or its contractor, and/or to obtain the use of certain equipment from the other Party for specific Public Works projects; and WHEREAS, the Parties entered into KC 354-16, executed August 3, 2016 and terminated with the execution of this Agreement; and WHEREAS, from time to time, the Parties will benefit from cooperation in Public Works projects in the manner proposed herein; and WHEREAS, 39.34.030 RCW authorizes public agencies to enter into cooperative agreements for their mutual benefit; NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual covenants, conditions and promises, the Parties, through their respective legislative bodies, do hereby agree as follows: II. AGREEMENT PURPOSE OF AGREEMENT: The purpose of this Agreement is to provide for cooperation between the County and the City whereby either Party may request certain work be performed by the other Party, or its contractors, or that either Party may rent certain pieces of equipment owned by the other Party. 2 ADMINISTRATION OF AGREEMENT: This Agreement does not establish or create a separate or joint board. No joint property shall be acquired, held, or disposed of. Any real or personal property used as a result of this Agreement shall be considered and remain the property of the Party who purchased such real or personal property. TERM: This Agreement shall take effect upon execution by the Parties and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2030. TERMINATION: Either the County or the City may terminate this Agreement by giving thirty (30) days written notice to the other Party. COMPLETE AGREEMENT: This Agreement represents the entire Agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior oral and written Agreements. This Agreement replaces in their entirety the following prior agreements between the Parties: KC-352-16 executed on August 22, 2016, KC-354-16 executed on August 3, 2016 and KC-163-20 executed on March 13, 2020. This Agreement may not be amended or extended except by an instrument of writing executed by the Parties, with the same formalities that apply to this Agreement. REQUEST BY PARTICIPATING PARTIES: Whenever the Requester desires to obtain work or equipment rental from the Provider pursuant to this Agreement, the Requester shall make a request for said work, or equipment, in writing upon the “Request and Agreement for Work, Equipment, and/or Materials” form which is attached and incorporated to this Agreement as Attachment “A”. REVIEW OF REQUEST: The requested scope of work will be reviewed by the Provider’s Director of Public Works, or designee, to ensure that the requested work can be completed in a timely and efficient manner by the Provider, or that the equipment requested can be accommodated. The Provider’s Director, or designee, shall have sole final decision making authority as to the manpower and equipment required to fulfill the request, and/or the availability of equipment requested. FULFILLMENT OF REQUEST: If the Provider’s Director, or designee, approves the request, the Provider will perform the work or provide the equipment in the time and manner convenient to the Provider providing the request will not negatively impact the Provider’s business. PARTY EMPLOYEES: All employees assigned to perform work for the Requester pursuant to this Agreement, remain employees of the Provider at all times, and shall perform the work requested under the sole supervision of Provider’s agency. Labor, equipment, materials and procedures in performance of work pursuant to this Agreement, shall be mutually agreed to in writing. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Except as may be otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the Requester shall be solely responsible for all costs related to the requested Public Works project, including costs of equipment rental, and administration of all grant funds, when applicable. 3 RENTAL EQUIPMENT RESPONSIBILITY: A. Requester agrees to use equipment from Provider in a careful manner and assumes all risks arising from possession and/or use of the equipment. B. Requester assumes all liability and responsibility for any and all losses resulting from use or malfunction of Equipment. C. Requestor assumes all liability and responsibility for loss of, or damage to equipment while under its control, and assumes responsibility for repairs. Normal wear and tear is the responsibility of the Provider. D. Requestor agrees to keep Equipment in the same good repair and condition as when rented, and to keep the Equipment properly housed at all times. E. Requestor agrees that Equipment will be operated by or under the direction of competent operators. REIMBURSEMENT: Requester shall reimburse the Provider for all costs of direct and indirect labor (including fringe benefits), administration, equipment rental, engineering, materials and supplies procured pursuant to this Agreement. The Provider shall submit a statement to the Requester after performance or delivery and the Requester shall refund the Provider within thirty (30) days of receipt. REMEDIES: In the event either Party exercises its option to terminate prior to completion of the work, and the non-terminating Party alleges breach, the sole and exclusive remedy available to the non-terminating Party shall be specific performance. PROCEDURE FOR REMEDIES: Before exercising any available remedies, including Dispute Resolution provisions covered in other sections of this Agreement, the Party alleging breach shall follow the procedures below: A. Notice of Violation: In the event the Party believes that the other Party has not complied with the terms of this Agreement and is a defaulting Party, the Party shall notify the defaulting Party in writing, by certified mail, of the nature of the alleged non-compliance. B. The Defaulting Party’s Right to Cure or Respond: The defaulting Party shall have ten (10) days from receipt of Notice of Violation to (i) respond to the non-defaulting Party, or (ii) to cure such default or in the event that the default cannot be cured within the ten (10) day period, initiate acts or action to remedy such default in a reasonable time. The duty to cure includes the duty to cure all harm caused by the acts of omissions of the defaulting Party. At the end of the ten (10) day period, the defaulting Party shall provide the non-defaulting Party timely notice, (i) of the action taken to cure the default, (ii) if the default has not been cured, an explanation for why the default has not been cured and the projected date for the cure; (iii) and if the default is disputed, a detailed explanation of the basis of the dispute. C. If the non-defaulting Party determines in good faith that the defaulting Party did not cure or initiate steps to cure to the non-defaulting Party’s satisfaction, after the notice required herein was provided, then the Party may exercise its available remedies after complying with the Dispute Resolution provisions. 4 DISPUTE RESOLUTION: In the event that a dispute is not resolved after following the Procedure for Remedies outline elsewhere in this Agreement, the Parties shall attempt to resolve it in the following manner before pursuing any other remedies available to either Party: the Parties will each appoint one member to a Dispute Board and those members will jointly appoint a third member. The Dispute Board will evaluate the dispute and attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute. The Dispute Board’s determination shall be non-binding. CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE: This Agreement shall be interpreted according to the laws of the State of Washington. Any judicial action to resolve disputes arising out of this Agreement shall be brought in Pierce County Superior Court. NOTICES: All notices and other written communication required by this Agreement shall be in writing and, except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, shall be deemed delivered by personal delivery, or at a time of mailing, if mailed by first class, postage pre-paid and addressed to the Party at the address provided below, or at such address as a Party may designate at any time in writing: To: Kitsap County Public Works: To: City of Bremerton: Andrew Nelson, PE Tom Knuckey, PE Director of Public Works Director of Public Works and Utilities 614 Division Street, MS-26 100 Oyster Bay Avenue Port Orchard, WA. 98366 Bremerton, WA 98312 NON-DISCRIMINATION: No Party in the performance of this Agreement shall discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, or other circumstance prohibited by federal, state, or local law. The Parties shall comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, P.L. 88 354 and Americans with Disability Act of 1990. SEVERABILITY: If any section, subsection, paragraph or provision of this Agreement is determined to be illegal, invalid, or unconstitutional by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall have no effect on the validity of any other section, subsection, paragraph or provision of this Agreement, all of which will remain in full force and effect for the term of this Agreement. MODIFICATION: This Agreement represents the entire Agreement of the Parties. No change, termination, or attempted waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding on any of the Parties unless executed in writing by authorized representatives of each of the Parties. This Agreement shall not be modified, supplemented, or otherwise affected by the course of dealings between the Parties. INSURANCE: Each Party, at its own expense, shall provide and keep in force: A. Commercial General Liability insurance written on an occurrence basis with limits no less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate for personal injury, bodily injury and property damage. Coverage shall include but not 5 be limited to: blanket contractual; products/completed operations/broad form property damage; explosion, collapse and underground (XCU) if applicable. B. Automobile Liability insurance with limits no less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage; and C. Workers Compensation insurance as statutorily required by the Industrial Insurance Act of the State of Washington, Title 51, Revised Code of Washington and employer's liability with limits not less than $1,000,000. Each Party shall name the other Party as an additional insured. The insurance requirements set forth in this Section shall be deemed to be minimum coverages and limits and shall not be construed in any way as a limitation on the other Party’s duty to carry adequate insurance or on each Party’s liability for losses or damages under this Agreement. INDEMNIFICATION: The Requester shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless, at the Requester’s sole expense, the Provider, it’s elected and appointed officials, officers, employees and agents, from and against any and all claims, actions, demands, losses, damages, liabilities and costs, including, but not limited to, attorney’s fees and litigation costs, arising out of the performance of Requester under this Agreement, whether the demand, loss or claim is due to the negligence of the Requester, it’s elected and appointed officials, officers, employees, or agents, except that in no event Requester be liable for injury or damages to the extent caused by negligence or willful misconduct of the Provider, it’s elected or appointed officials, officers, employees or agents. The Provider shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless, at the Provider’s sole expense, the Requester, it’s elected and appointed officials, officers, employees and agents, from and against any and all claims, actions, demands, losses, damages, liabilities and costs, including, but not limited to, attorney’s fees and litigation costs, arising out of the performance of Provider under this Agreement, whether the demand, loss or claim is due to the negligence of the Provider, it’s elected and appointed officials, officers, employees, or agents, except that in no event Provider be liable for injury or damages to the extent caused by negligence or willful misconduct of the Requester, it’s elected or appointed officials, officers, employees or agents. This Section shall survive termination of this Agreement. WAIVER: Neither the waiver by any of the Parties hereto of a breach of, or a default under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor the failure of either of the Parties, on one or more occasions, to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, or to exercise any right or privilege hereunder will thereafter be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or default of a similar nature, or as a waiver of any such provisions, rights or privileges hereunder. FORCE MAJEURE: Nonperformance by a Party, other than payment of any amounts due hereunder by the Parties, shall not operate as a default under or breach of the terms of this Agreement to the extent and for so long any such nonperformance is due to: strikes or other labor disputes; prevention or prohibition by law; the loss or injury to products in transit; an Act of God; Pandemic, or war or other cause beyond the control of such Party. 6 ASSIGNMENT AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST: Except as otherwise provided herein, no Party may assign, subcontract, or delegate any right or obligation under this Agreement, in whole or in part, without the express prior written consent of the other Party. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon each Party’s successors and assigns. COUNTERPARTS: This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts or, if mutually agreeable to the undersigned authorized signatories for the Parties, through the exchange by facsimile or other electronic means of duty-signed duplicates hereof, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. SECTIONS AND HEADINGS: The division of this Agreement into sections and subsections and the insertion of headings are for convenience or reference only, and do not affect the interpretation of this Agreement. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Agreement to an article, section, subsection or schedule are to the specified article, section or subsection of or schedule to this Agreement. FILING: The County will, pursuant to 39.34.040 RCW, cause this Agreement to be filed with the Kitsap County Auditor upon full execution by the Parties. WARRANTY OF AUTHORITY: Each person or Party subscribing to this Agreement expressly warrants that it has full authority to do so. Dated this ______day of _______, 2020. Dated this ______day of _______, 2020. CITY OF BREMERTON BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS KITSAP COUNTY, WASHINGTON _________________________________ ________________________________ Greg Wheeler, Mayor Charlotte Garrido, Chair Attest: ________________________________ Robert Gelder, Commissioner _________________________________ Angela Hoover, City Clerk ________________________________ Edward E. Wolfe, Commissioner Attest: ________________________________ Dana Daniels, Clerk of the Board 7 ATTACHMENT “A” REQUEST AND AGREEMENT FOR WORK, EQUIPMENT, AND/OR MATERIALS The undersigned hereby requests that the following described work, and/or service, and/or equipment rental be performed or provided by: ____________________________________ for _____________________________________. (Provider) (Requester) It is understood that this work, and or equipment rental is at the convenience of the Provider and that the undersigned agency will reimburse all costs, unless otherwise indicated. DESCRIPTION OF WORK, SERVICES, OR EQUIPMENT RENTAL REQUESTED: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Estimate Attached Yes No Project Completion Date: ____________________________________ Total Cost Not to Exceed: $___________________________________ The undersigned certifies that sufficient budgeted funds are available to cover the cost of the requested work and/or services, and that payment to the Provider will be made promptly unless otherwise indicated in this Agreement. REQUESTING AGENCY: ______________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________ Fax: ________________________________ Requested by: __________________________________________________________________ Name/Print Title/Print Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _______________________ ACTION OF THE PROVIDER APPROVED BY:_______________________________ Date: _______________________ Provider 8 10-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF KC 354-16 Pursuant to Section 4 of the Interlocal Agreement Between Kitsap County and City of Bremerton for Road for Road and Street Striping Services (“ILA”), executed August 3, 2016, Kitsap County hereby gives notice to the City of Bremerton of its intent to terminate the ILA. Termination of the ILA, also identified as KC-354-16, will automatically occur ten (10) days following receipt of this notice by the City of Bremerton. The Parties intend to replace KC-354- 16 with a new ILA for Reimbursable Work Performed and/or Equipment Rental. Dated this _______ day of June, 2020. CITY OF BREMERTON [Insert County Signature Stamp] By:_________________________ AGENDA BILL CITY OF BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Study Session Date: June 24, 2020 Proposal to establish a Race Equity Advisory Committee COUNCIL MEETING Date: July 1, 2020 Department: City Council Presenter: Council Member Leslie Daugs Phone: (360) 473-5380 SUMMARY: The purpose of the Race Equity Advisory Committee is to provide advice and counsel to the City Council on matters of identifying programmatic, community, and legislative options and to seek suggestions on to ensure that the City of Bremerton is an open and welcoming community for all. The Committee will be comprised of no more than three City Council members, and no more than seven community members to be chosen through a public interview process. Community members must be residents of the City. The Committee will serve in an advisory capacity to provide a series of recommendations and suggestions to the City Council on how the City can help the community become a more inclusive and responsive community when it comes to addressing racial inequities. ATTACHMENTS: 1) Email from Council Member Leslie Daugs dated June 12; 2) Email from Council Member Lori Wheat dated June 10; 3) Bainbridge Island Race Equity Task Force Website Summary and Outreach Plan (to use as examples); 4) Email from Council Member Leslie Daugs dated June 24; 5) Seattle Racial Equity Toolkit; and 6) Community Correspondence FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): No effect on the 2020 City of Bremerton Budget STUDY SESSION AGENDA: ☐ Limited Presentation ☒ Full Presentation STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☒ General Business ☐ Public Hearing RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to create the Race Equity Advisory Committee that will include no more than three Councilmembers and no more than seven community members who are residents of the City to be chosen through an open application process and to serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council. COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action Form Updated 01/02/2018 3A From:Leslie Daugs To:Greg Wheeler; Eric Younger Cc:City Council; Jennifer Hayes; Charlotte Nelson; Lori Wheat Subject:Re: Proposed Race Equity Task Force (Lori Wheat) Date:Friday, June 12, 2020 2:48:35 PM Hello All, I am sorry I missed council reports on Wednesday, 6/10/20, I had another meeting. With that in mind, like I had mentioned at our council retreat, and now Councilwoman Wheat has mentioned, Yes I am still in favor of having a racial equity task force for the City of Bremerton. With our current situation, I think its time to look into this. This could benefit the the City in improving racial inequities, racial inequalities, and social injustices within our community. I feel this could benefit the city. Putting this into place means we want our city to be better, and to be proactive . Community members could see things we as council don't ordinarily see. I understand this maybe added to a study session, I am in favor of having this at a study session. In Councilwoman Wheat’s email, she sent an attachment. Leslie Daugs Bremerton CIty Councilwoman District 2 Sent from my iPad Disclaimer: Public documents and records are available to the public as provided under the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This e-mail may be considered subject to the Public Records Act and may be disclosed to a third-party requestor. On Jun 12, 2020, at 1:45 PM, Lori Wheat <Lori.Wheat@ci.bremerton.wa.us> wrote: Hello Mayor Wheeler, Thank you for taking the time to read the BI Race Equity Task Force information I referenced and for your feedback about the possible formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force. As you know, I mentioned during Wednesday’s City Council Meeting that you might be interested in collaborating on this. Given your input, it sounds like the much more timely route would be to, at least initially, form a Race Equity Task Force under the purview of the city council only, performing legislative functions, as the other council committees do. Having said that, I am actively working on community outreach, and I want to do what the community wants. Thank you, again, for your feedback. I appreciate the important work you do! Best, Lori Lori Wheat Bremerton Council Member, District 4 Disclaimer: Public documents and records are available to the public as provided under the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This e-mail may be considered subject to the Public Records Act and may be disclosed to a third-party requestor. From:Lori Wheat To:Eric Younger Cc:City Council Subject:BI Race Equity Task Force Date:Wednesday, June 10, 2020 7:24:48 PM https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/1124/Race-Equity-Task-Force Sincerely, Lori Wheat Bremerton Council Member, District 4 Disclaimer: Public documents and records are available to the public as provided under the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This e-mail may be considered subject to the Public Records Act and may be disclosed to a third-party requestor. https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/1124/Race-Equity-Task-Force From: electlesliedaugs@gmail.com [mailto:electlesliedaugs@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Leslie Daugs Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2020 4:16 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Racial Equity Task force Please add to packet. Note links for other jurisdictions https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/1124/Race-Equity-Task-Force Race & Equity Task Force Scope of Work o Develop a series of events through the end of the year designed to promote awareness and raise the community’s level of engagement around race and to encourage a dialogue between Bainbridge Islanders and its elected officials on this topic. o Task Force will invite the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) and the People’s Institute Northwest to first come and meet with the task force and then we will have a study session discussion. o Task Force to provide a series of recommendations to City Council on ways in which the City can help the community become a more inclusive and responsive community when it comes to addressing racial inequities. Purpose o The purpose of the Task Force is to provide advice and counsel to the City Council on matters of identifying programmatic, community and legislative options and to seek suggestions on how the City can help Bainbridge Island to be an open and welcoming community for all. “The Comprehensive Plan reinforces our commitment to race equity, but we have not taken measurable steps to address institutional racism in our community,” said Councilmember Matt Tirman. “We will endeavor to change this through the Race Equity Task Force, which will include Islanders from diverse backgrounds.” CONTACT US Brenda Fantroy-Johnson, Position 1 Brenda Fantroy-Johnson Term Expires: December 2020 Vacant, Position 2 Term Expires: December 2020 James Friday, Position 3, Chair James Friday Term Expires: December 2020 Vacant, Position 4 Term Expires: December 2020 Sue Wilmot, Position 5 Sue Wilmot Term Expires: December 2020 Savanna Rovelstad, Position 6 Savanna Rovelstad Term Expires: December 2020 Peggi Erickson, Position 7 Peggi Erickson Term Expires: December 2020 Joe Deets, Councilmember Joe Deets Rasham Nassar, Councilmember Rasham Nassar https://www.seattle.gov/rsji Seattle Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) Core Teams strive to help its participants increase their understanding of the City's Race and Social Justice Initiative and its various components, increase activity related to the RSJI goals and promote understanding and awareness of institutionalized racism and its relationship to City business policy, practices and procedures. Core Team currently operates as a yearlong cohort which infuses a continuation of anti-racism analysis building, leadership development training, critical dialogue and strategy sessions as well as race-based caucusing. These objectives culminate into a department specific, partner-based practicum project for each member. Visions for the future Core Team model include departmental teams, career path incentives, and development of learning goals and activities. Meet the team Anita Adams - Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) David Bayard- City Light Leslea Bowling - Human Services (HSD) Laura Calderon-Rosales - Parks & Recreation Yunuen Castorena Romero - Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SORC) Jenifer Chao - Human Services (HSD) Jessica Chow - Human Services (HSD) Quinn Dennehy - Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SORC) Crista Dumpys - Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Becky Edmonds - Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Sylvia Feliciano - Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) NaKeesa Frazier-Jennings - Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) Sue Goodwin - Parks & Recreation Amy Huang - Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Lynette Jenkins - Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) Sarah Leyer - Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) Jennifer Lyman - Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) John McKinny - Parks & Recreation Andrea Ramirez - Seattle Department of Human Resources (SDHR) Felicia Salcedo - Community and Human Services (DCHS) Katie Sheehy - Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD) Nanette Toyoshima - Seattle Police Department (SPD) Stephanie Ung - Parks & Recreation Asha Venkataraman - Legislative Department (LEG) Danielle Winslow - Community and Human Services (DCHS) Willian Yi - City Light Edson Zavala - Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-announces-task-force-members-address-issues- policing-and-racial-justice Inslee announces task force members to address issues of policing and racial justice June 22, 2020 Gov. Jay Inslee, announced today members of a task force to provide recommendations for legislation on independent investigations involving police use of force. The governor’s task force is a part of a coordinated effort with legislators to provide a comprehensive set of reforms. Task force members will provide insight and feedback, review I-940 structure and investigative protocol, other independent investigation models, and provide input that will help inform legislation for the upcoming legislative session. The task force includes many community members and families who have lost loved ones. “We must listen to the voices of impacted communities and families to hear their experiences with policing.” Inslee said. “This work will inform legislation and help chart a path towards addressing some of these systemic and extremely harmful practices and policies that have impacted communities of color for generations.” The work of the task force will join with the efforts of the legislature. Task force members include: Emma Catague, Community Police Commission, and Filipino Community Center, Seattle Jordan Chaney, owner, Poet Jordan, Benton and Franklin Counties Livio De La Cruz, board member, Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County Chris Jordan, Fab-5, Tacoma Monisha Harrell, chair, Equal Rights Washington, Seattle Jay Hollingsworth, John T. Williams Organizing Committee, Seattle Sanetta Hunter, community advocate, Federal Way Katrina Johnson, Charleena Lyles’ cousin and family spokesperson; Families Are The Frontline, Seattle Reverend Walter J. Kendricks, Morning Star Baptist Church; commissioner, Washington State Commission on African American Affairs, Spokane Teri Rogers Kemp, attorney, Seattle Ben Krauss, PhD., principal, Adaptive Training Solutions, Spokane Darrell Lowe, chief, Redmond Police Department Nina Martinez, board chair, Latino Civic Alliance, King County Brian Moreno, commissioner, Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, Pasco Kimberly Mosolf, Disability Rights Washington, Seattle Tyus Reed, Spanaway Tim Reynon, Puyallup Tribal Council Member Eric Richey, Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney Puao Savusa, City of Seattle Office of Police Accountability James Schrimpsher, chief, Algona Police Department; Vice President of Washington State Fraternal Order of Police Andre Taylor, founder/executive director, Not This Time, Seattle Teresa Taylor, executive director, Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs Spike Unruh, president, Washington State Patrol Troopers Association Waldo Waldron-Ramsey, NAACP, Seattle https://www.spokanecounty.org/3971/Racial-Equity-Committee-Presentations Spokane County Racial Equity Committee: The mission of the SRLJC Racial Equity committee is to develop a clear and complete action plan to address the disproportionate impact on people of color within our regional criminal justice system as a matter of fairness and integrity. Racial Equity Committe Members Member Affiliation Appointed Term end Carmen Pacheco-Jones Chair Mar 2020 Mar 2022 Francis Adewale Vice-chair Mar 2020 Mar 2022 Karen Boone Community July 2019 July 2021 Em Daniels Community May 2018 May 2020 Curtis Hampton Community May 2018 May 2020 Melissa Haney County Public Defender Oct 2015 Mark Lorenz County Public Defender Oct 2015 Kurtis Robinson NAACP Jan 2017 Rick Matters Community May 2018 May 2020 Angel Tomeo-Sam Bail Project Sept 2018 Sept 2020 Andrew Warlaumont City Prosecutor's Apr 2019 Apr 2021 https://www.kitsapgov.com/BOC_p/Pages/Council-for-Human-Rights.aspx Kitsap County Council for Human Rights > To advise county government and Kitsap County residents on issues related to discrimination, violence and harassment based on race or national origin, religion, age, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, or economic status, and > To promote equitable treatment of all citizens and reduce prejudice through education, resource referrals and advocacy. Members Representative Position Term Ending Maria Fergus District 1 12/31/21 VACANT District 1 James Cash District 1 12/31/21 Maureen Olson District 1 12/31/21 Judy Arbogast District 2 12/31/20 Carolyn La Jeunesse District 2 12/31/21 Janae Jenkins District 2 12/31/22 Airen Lydick District 2 12/31/20 Stephanie Sayo District 3 12/31/22 Mollie Moisan District 3 12/31/21 Zana Gearllach District 3 12/31/22 VACANT District 3 12/31/22 Brenda Calderon At- Large 12/31/22 Marcie Mathis At- Large 12/31/21 Susie Beil At- Large 12/31/22 RACE EQUITY TASK FORCE 2020 Outreach Plan and Proposed Budget Goal: A minimum of one event per quarter Total Estimated Costs: $9,400 Quarter 1: Projected Costs - $1,550 - January 19, 2020: Martin Luther King Jr. event - Partner with Bainbridge Island Museum of Art - Costs: Table $50, Honorariums $1,500 - RETF Informational Presentation alongside organizations such as Swerve and Rotary. Quarter 2: Projected Costs - $5,000 - Partner with Bainbridge Pride for Pride month celebrations - A Night of Poetry - Partnership with Bainbridge Island Museum of Art - Evening of poetry featuring poets of color from the surrounding Kitsap Peninsula. These poets would be presented alongside notable Seattle poet headliners (i.e. Anis Modjani, Nikita Oliver, Ebo Barton or Mavin Gardner). Estimated Budget: -Promotion of the event. RETF will promote this as a solo event. -BIMA auditorium fee - $250 -Light appetizers catered by local company - $1,000 -Headline poets - $1,200 -Local poets - $50 X 6 = $300 -Printing fees (poems will be displayed through the museum – 3 feet tall) - $1,200 -Incidentals - $150 -Promotion - $900 Quarter 3: Projected Costs - $850 -Grand Old Fourth Booth - $250 -Multicultural Advisory Committee Event - $500 -Bainbridge Arts & Humanities Event -Community Engagement Workshop – City Hall $100 -2020 Farmers Market (~25 Saturdays) Quarter 4: Projected Costs - TBD - Community Open House - GARE Report - Information session detailing milestones, lessons learned, Race Equity toolkit, etc. - 2020 Farmers Market (~25 Saturdays) Promotional Items and Outreach Assets: Projected Costs - $2,000 - Literature development (i.e. pamphlet) - What is Race Equity and Why is it Important for Bainbridge Island? - Postcard fliers (design and print cost estimate) - Signage/Posters - Ongoing miscellaneous print costs Seattle Race and Social Justice Initiative Racial Equity Toolkit to Assess Policies, Initiatives, Programs, and Budget Issues The vision of the Seattle Race and Social Justice Initiative is to eliminate racial inequity in the community. To do this requires ending individual racism, institutional racism and structural racism. The Racial Equity Toolkit lays out a process and a set of questions to guide the development, implementation and evaluation of policies, initiatives, programs, and budget issues to address the impacts on racial equity. When Do I Use This Toolkit? Early. Apply the toolkit early for alignment with departmental racial equity goals and desired outcomes. How Do I Use This Toolkit? With Inclusion. The analysis should be completed by people with different racial perspectives. Step by step. The Racial Equity Analysis is made up of six steps from beginning to completion: Step 2. Involve Stakeholders + Analyze Data. Gather information from community and staff on how the issue benefits or burdens the community in terms of racial equity. What does data tell you about potential impacts? Step 3. Determine Benefit and/or Burden. Analyze issue for impacts and alignment with racial equity outcomes. Step 4. Advance Opportunity or Minimize Harm. Develop strategies to create greater racial equity or minimize unintended consequences. Step 1. Set Outcomes. Leadership communicates key community outcomes for racial equity to guide analysis. Step 5. Evaluate. Raise Racial Awareness. Be Accountable. Track impacts on communities of color overtime. Continue to communicate with and involve stakeholders. Document unresolved issues. Step 6. Report Back. Share information learned from analysis and unresolved issue with Department Leadership and Change Team. 2 Title of policy, initiative, program, budget issue: ________________________________________ Description: ______________________________________________________________________. Department: __________________________________ Contact: _______________________________ Policy Initiative Program Budget Issue 1a. What does your department define as the most important racially equitable community outcomes related to the issue? (Response should be completed by department leadership in consultation with RSJI Executive Sponsor, Change Team Leads and Change Team. Resources on p.4) 1b. Which racial equity opportunity area(s) will the issue primarily impact? Education Community Development Health Environment Criminal Justice Jobs Housing 1c. Are there impacts on: Contracting Equity Workforce Equity Immigrant and Refugee Access to Services Inclusive Outreach and Public Engagement Please describe: 2a. Are there impacts on geographic areas? Yes No Check all neighborhoods that apply (see map on p.5): All Seattle neighborhoods Ballard North NE Central Lake Union Southwest Southeast Delridge Greater Duwamish East District King County (outside Seattle) Outside King County Please describe: 2b. What are the racial demographics of those living in the area or impacted by the issue? (See Stakeholder and Data Resources p. 5 and 6) 2c. How have you involved community members and stakeholders? (See p.5 for questions to ask community/staff at this point in the process to ensure their concerns and expertise are part of analysis.) Step 1. Set Outcomes. Step 2. Involve stakeholders. Analyze data. Racial Equity Toolkit Assessment Worksheet 3 2d. What does data and your conversations with stakeholders tell you about existing racial inequities that influence people’s lives and should be taken into consideration? (See Data Resources on p.6. King County Opportunity Maps are good resource for information based on geography, race, and income.) 2e. What are the root causes or factors creating these racial inequities? Examples: Bias in process; Lack of access or barriers; Lack of racially inclusive engagement Given what you have learned from data and from stakeholder involvement… 3. How will the policy, initiative, program, or budget issue increase or decrease racial equity? What are potential unintended consequences? What benefits may result? Are the impacts aligned with your department’s community outcomes that were defined in Step I.? 4. How will you address the impacts (including unintended consequences) on racial equity? What strategies address immediate impacts? What strategies address root causes of inequity listed in Q.6? How will you partner with stakeholders for long-term positive change? If impacts are not aligned with desired community outcomes, how will you re-align your work? Program Strategies? ___________________________________________ Policy Strategies? _____________________________________________ Partnership Strategies? _____________________________________________ 5a. How will you evaluate and be accountable? How will you evaluate and report impacts on racial equity over time? What is your goal and timeline for eliminating racial inequity? How will you retain stakeholder participation and ensure internal and public accountability? How will you raise awareness about racial inequity related to this issue? 5b. What is unresolved? What resources/partnerships do you still need to make changes? Share analysis and report responses from Q.5a. and Q.5b. with Department Leadership and Change Team Leads and members involved in Step 1. Step 3. Determine Benefit and/or Burden. Step 4. Advance Opportunity or Minimize Harm. Step 5. Evaluate. Raise Racial Awareness. Be Accountable. Step 6. Report Back. 4 Outcome = the result that you seek to achieve through your actions. Racially equitable community outcomes = the specific result you are seeking to achieve that advances racial equity in the community. When creating outcomes think about: • What are the greatest opportunities for creating change in the next year? • What strengths does the department have that it can build on? • What challenges, if met, will help move the department closer to racial equity goals? Keep in mind that the City is committed to creating racial equity in seven key opportunity areas: Education, Community Development, Health, Criminal Justice, Jobs, Housing, and the Environment. Examples of community outcomes that increase racial equity: OUTCOME OPPORTUNITY AREA Increase transit and pedestrian mobility options in communities of color. Community Development Decrease racial disparity in the unemployment rate. Jobs Ensure greater access to technology by communities of color. Community Development, Education, Jobs Improve access to community center programs for immigrants, refugees and communities of color. Health, Community Development Communities of color are represented in the City’s outreach activities. Education, Community Development, Health, Jobs, Housing, Criminal Justice, Environment The racial diversity of the Seattle community is reflected in the City’s workforce across positions. Jobs Access to City contracts for Minority Business Enterprises is increased. Jobs Decrease racial disparity in high school graduation rates Education Additional Resources: • RSJI Departmental Work Plan: http://inweb/rsji/departments.htm • Department Performance Expectations: http://web1.seattle.gov/DPETS/DPETSWEbHome.aspx • Mayoral Initiatives: http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/issues/ Creating Effective Community Outcomes 5 Identify Stakeholders Find out who are the stakeholders most affected by, concerned with, or have experience relating to the policy, program or initiative? Identify racial demographics of neighborhood or those impacted by issue. (See District Profiles in the Inclusive Outreach and Public Engagement Guide or refer to U.S. Census information on p.7) Once you have indentified your stakeholders …. Involve them in the issue. Describe how historically underrepresented community stakeholders can take a leadership role in this policy, program, initiative or budget issue. Listen to the community. Ask: 1. What do we need to know about this issue? How will the policy, program, initiative or budget issue burden or benefit the community? (concerns, facts, potential impacts) 2. What factors produce or perpetuate racial inequity related to this issue? 3. What are ways to minimize any negative impacts (harm to communities of color, increased racial disparities, etc) that may result? What opportunities exist for increasing racial equity? Examples of what this step looks like in practice: • A reduction of hours at a community center includes conversations with those who use the community center as well as staff who work there. • Before implementing a new penalty fee, people from the demographic most represented in those fined are surveyed to learn the best ways to minimize negative impacts. For resources on how to engage stakeholders in your work see the Inclusive Outreach and Public Engagement Guide: http://inweb1/neighborhoods/outreachguide/ Tip: Gather Community Input Through… •Community meetings •Focus groups •Consulting with City commissions and advisory boards •Consulting with Change Team Identifying Stakeholders + Listening to Communities of Color 6 City of Seattle Seattle’s Population and Demographics at a Glance: http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Research/Population_Demographics/Overview/default.asp Website updated by the City Demographer. Includes: Housing Quarterly Permit Report • Employment data • 2010 Census data • 2006-2010 American Community Survey • 2010 Census: Demographic highlights from the 2010 Census; Basic Population and Housing Characteristics Change from 1990, 2000, and 2010 – PDF report of counts of population by race, ethnicity and over/under 18 years of age as well as a total, occupied and vacant housing unit count; Three-page subject report – PDF report of detailed population, household and housing data • American Community Survey: 2010 5-year estimates and 2009 5-year estimates • Census 2000 • Permit Information: Comprehensive Plan Housing Target Growth Report for Urban Centers and Villages; Citywide Residential Permit Report • Employment Information: Comprehensive Plan Employment Target Growth Report for Urban Centers and Villages; Citywide Employment 1995-2010 • The Greater Seattle Datasheet: a report by the Office of Intergovernmental Relations on many aspects of Seattle and its region. SDOT Census 2010 Demographic Maps (by census blocks): Race, Age (under 18 and over 65) and Median Income http://inweb/sdot/rsji_maps.htm Seattle's Population & Demographics Related Links & Resources (From DPD website: http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Research/Population_Demographics/Related_Links/default.asp) Federal ▪ American FactFinder: The U.S. Census Bureau's main site for online access to population, housing, economic, and geographic data. ▪ Census 2000 Gateway: The U.S. Census Bureau's gateway to Census 2000 information. State ▪ Washington Office of Financial Management: OFM is the official state agency that provides estimates, forecasts, and reports on the state’s population, demographic characteristics, economy, and state revenues. Regional ▪ Puget Sound Regional Council: PSRC is the regional growth management and transportation planning agency for the central Puget Sound region in Washington State. County ▪ King County Census Viewer: A web-based application for viewing maps and tables of more than 100 community census data indicators for 77 defined places in King County. ▪ King County Department of Development and Environmental Services: the growth management planning agency for King County. ▪ Seattle & King County Public Health - Assessment, Policy Development, and Evaluation Unit: Provides health information and technical assistance, based on health assessment data ▪ King County Opportunity Maps: A Study of the Region’s Geography of Opportunity. Opportunity maps illustrate where opportunity rich communities exist, assess who has access to those neighborhoods, and help to understand what needs to be remedied in opportunity poor neighborhoods. Puget Sound Regional Council. City ▪ The Greater Seattle Datasheet: A Seattle fact sheet courtesy of the City of Seattle's Office of Intergovernmental Relations. Other ▪ Seattle Times Census 2000: articles, charts related to Census 2000 and the Seattle/Puget Sound region. Data Resources 7 Accountable- Responsive to the needs and concerns of those most impacted by the issues you are working on, particularly to communities of color and those historically underrepresented in the civic process. Community outcomes- The specific result you are seeking to achieve that advances racial equity. Contracting Equity- Efforts to achieve equitable racial outcomes in the way the City spends resources, including goods and services, consultants and contracting. Immigrant and Refugee Access to Services- Government services and resources are easily available and understandable to all Seattle residents, including non-native English speakers. Full and active participation of immigrant and refugee communities exists in Seattle’s civic, economic and cultural life. Inclusive Outreach and Public Engagement- Processes inclusive of people of diverse races, cultures, gender identities, sexual orientations and socio-economic status. Access to information, resources and civic processes so community members can effectively engage in the design and delivery of public services. Individual racism- Pre-judgment, bias, stereotypes about an individual or group based on race. The impacts of racism on individuals including white people internalizing privilege and people of color internalizing oppression. Institutional racism- Organizational programs, policies or procedures that work to the benefit of white people and to the detriment of people of color, usually unintentionally or inadvertently. Opportunity areas- One of seven issue areas the City of Seattle is working on in partnership with the community to eliminate racial disparities and create racial equity. They include: Education, Health, Community Development, Criminal Justice, Jobs, Housing and the Environment. Racial equity- When social, economic and political opportunities are not predicted based upon a person’s race. Racial inequity-When a person’s race can predict their social, economic and political opportunities and outcomes. Stakeholders- Those impacted by proposed policy, program or budget issue who have potential concerns or issue expertise. Examples might include: specific racial/ethnic groups, other institutions like Seattle Housing Authority, schools, community-based organizations, Change Teams, City employees, unions, etc. Structural racism - The interplay of policies, practices and programs of multiple institutions which leads to adverse outcomes and conditions for communities of color compared to white communities that occurs within the context of racialized historical and cultural conditions. Workforce Equity- Ensure the City's workforce diversity reflects the diversity of Seattle Glossary From:Greg Wheeler To:City Council Cc:Eric Younger; Lori Wheat; Jennifer Hayes; Charlotte Nelson Subject: Date: Re: Proposed Race Equity Task Force (Lori Wheat) Friday, June 12, 2020 1:07:38 PM Good afternoon Lori, Lori & Eric, Just a reminder that I immediately began the process of developing a Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Policy upon taking office 2 1/2 years ago. It took two attempts in front of City Council to receive the budget for an extra Human Resource (HR) Analyst to create the program, a year of work that included hiring an employee and developing a plan that involved updating our outdated EEO policy, with final signoff on March 4th this year. Your email is timely as myself and HR staff have been fully engaged with all directors to manage the workforce through this pandemic. We essentially had to recreate most of our policies under emergency conditions. Since we have stabilized, I now have the diversity plan in front of me for action. I brought in Dr. Bryant Marks last year to provide training (which I made mandatory) to our entire workforce on implicit bias. I am already working on something similar for this year although it will have to be virtual. Thank you Councilmember Wheat for forwarding the link and article for my review and please know I share your passion for social justice. I have researched the link and a large portion of it will be covered in my Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Policy & Action Plan and the City of Bremerton Police Departments newly formed community engagement committee. The Kitsap Economic Develop Alliance (KEDA), of which Bremerton is a dues paying member and I serve on it’s Executive Committee, is forming a new equity and inclusion task force as we speak. The Kitsap County Council for Human Rights also needs to be included since it is already funded (Bremerton citizens also pay into the county coffers). Their visibility and focus needs to be sharpened. Both the chiefs and my programs will include community engagement and training which will cover much of the intent of a task force. As I mentioned earlier, the Council approved my request for Human Resource (HR) department support to develop and administer the workforce program. I just signed off on the new program March 4th, right before the COVID 19 Pandemic hit which diverted all of our HR focus to managing in a public health emergency. To stand up a separate, stand alone program, I would surely need a new position with a clear definition of duties that provides a measurable outcome to define success. There would be certainly be overlap with what we are already doing so that would have to be considered. I am open to the council thoughts. Greg Sent from my iPad From: Holly Brewer [mailto: holly@hollybrewer.com ] Sent: Friday, June 19, 2020 10:55 AM To: City Council < City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us >; Greg Wheeler < Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.u s> Subject: The formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force Dear Bremerton City Councilmembers and Mayor Wheeler, I am writing to you to express my support for the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force and to thank Councilmembers Daugs and Wheat for articulating this need. It is essential that each community have such a task force to enable awareness of the thoughts and needs of diverse populations. The fact that across the country we are generally only now learning about Juneteenth is proof of the fact that we all need education. Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition --a local collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, which collectively organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change-- released an open letter (also published in the June 12th, 2020 edition of Kitsap Sun). In this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition calls each local governmental jurisdiction to create “an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction,” and to take seriously the recommendations of those task forces. Additionally, in this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition shares multiple other actions governmental jurisdictions can take for equity, each of which would be more thoroughly and authentically accomplished with the guidance of an empowered Race Equity Task Force. As a woman, I am personally very aware of the fact that communities need to cater to everyone, and consider new information about our diverse populations. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Sincerely, Holly Brewer www.IndivisibleBainbridgeIsland.org/ June 11, 2020 Open Letter from Kitsap ERACE Coalition Kitsap Protests: What Do They Mean and How Do We Go Forward? Kitsap Protests: What Do They Mean and How Do We Go Forward? Kitsap County has shown up in solidarity this past week, with protests unlike any we have seen before. Thousands came out for the three collective actions organized by Kitsap ERACE Coalition. Protests organized by youth leaders and others also drew huge crowds and continued to amplify the message that Black Lives Matter. What does it all mean? The short answer to that question is that people are FED UP with the pervasive injustices and inequities so clearly demonstrated in Minnesota when a police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd, as he pleaded to breathe, until the life drained out of him. One more unarmed Black man murdered with absolutely no regard for his civil rights, his dignity, or his humanity. All of this comes on the heels of the murders of Breonna Taylor, and in Tacoma, Manuel Ellis. All these added to a long, long, long, long list of Indigenous, Black, and Brown people who have been murdered by those sworn to protect and serve. Like so many others, Kitsap community members are FED UP with the injustices Indigenous, Black, and Brown people face in our country: the disparities in education, medical care access, employment, criminal justice, economic opportunity, and human dignity. We see that SYSTEMIC RACISM is in every institution in our country and RACIST attitudes are baked into everyone raised in this white supremacist culture. White people in this country are socialized to believe that they are superior to others, and that Indigenous, Black, and Brown people are to be feared, patronized, and kept in their place. This culture tries to socialize Indigenous, Black, and Brown people to believe they are “less than” in all respects. Our socialization sinks into our subconscious and even though we may be well-intentioned, this conditioning drives us to perpetuate the racism we have learned. It is the work of each of us to recognize our racist conditioning and decolonize our hearts and minds. This is not an easy task or something accomplished quickly. It is a lifelong journey of education and action. It is both the individual, inner WORK of continual education, and the outer WORK of collective action to reconstruct our institutions. But without undertaking this WORK we will never achieve equity or justice in this country. We at Kitsap ERACE Coalition recommend every INDIVIDUAL undertake or continue their own lifelong education to learn the history of racism (and anti-racism) in this country, the dynamics and sociology of racism, and the personal qualities that must be developed in order to work effectively with others for change. For white people some qualities to develop are humbleness, the ability to listen, skills in respectful conflict resolution, resistance to the “quick fix”, and respect for leaders of color in our community. Indigenous, Black, and Brown cultures center relationship, interdependence, and collaboration. By learning and honoring these values, white people can bring a more humane approach to interactions on every level. Kitsap ERACE Coalition member organization, the People's Institute Northwest (PINW), offers an transformative training on Undoing Institutional Racism; take it! But we cannot stop at education; we cannot even afford to wait until our education is complete. The RACISM in our country and our county constitutes an EMERGENCY, an actual matter of life or death. In order to respond to this emergency and to go forward into an equitable future here in Kitsap County we believe the following changes should be implemented: WARNING: These changes require a commitment to and investment in specific anti-racist activities and training. We want our electeds and those working in our institutions to INVEST OUR TAX DOLLARS in changing those institutions to be more equitable. To begin with, every governmental, educational, and social institution needs to offer effective and ongoing anti-bias training and to develop, for their institution, an equity plan which is actually used. 1 June 11, 2020 Open Letter from Kitsap ERACE Coalition Kitsap Protests: What Do They Mean and How Do We Go Forward? Governmental Jurisdictions (County and City): ●Every jurisdiction needs to open their public meetings with an acknowledgement that they are on Suquamish ancestral land. That statement can be found on the website of the Suquamish Tribe. ●Every jurisdiction needs to ensure Communities of Color that are impacted by their decisions are at the table when decisions are made. ●Every jurisdiction needs to pass a welcoming resolution. Please do not say “Oh, we already are welcoming; we don’t need a resolution.” You aren’t and you do. These resolutions need to be backed up by policies, procedures, and practices that truly prioritize welcoming and inclusion. ●Every jurisdiction needs to create an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction. Take their recommendations seriously. ●Every jurisdiction needs to join the Governmental Alliance for Race Equity (GARE) and host the GARE series of trainings for their staff, especially City Managers, Mayors, Council Members and Police. ●Every jurisdiction needs to provide language equity on their websites and in their interactions with community members who communicate in languages other than English. ●Every jurisdiction needs to resist the REAL ID program which is biased against noncitizen community members and intensifies racial profiling. ●Every jurisdiction needs to hire more People of Color. Stop making excuses. ●The Kitsap County Health Department should declare racism to be a threat to Kitsap public health. Criminal Justice Institutions: We at Kitsap ERACE Coalition deeply appreciate the letter from our local Police Chiefs and Sheriff expressing their outrage at the murder of Mr. Floyd and reiterating their duty to exercise restraint and avoid excessive force. However, we believe excessive force was used on Stonechild Chiefstick in July of last year, that the subsequent investigation of his killing could not possibly have been ‘independent’ (as required by Washington State Law) when conducted only by other Kitsap law enforcement, and that there has not yet been institutional or individual accountability for his death. ●Citizen Review Boards (as recommended by Bremerton NAACP, Unit 1134) should be implemented in Kitsap County and members compensated for their time. King County has already done this. ●The Kitsap Critical Incident Response Team (KCIRT) should include tribal police and some non-police who are compensated. ●Body cams should be required and used with all interactions with community members. ●Chokeholds and other lethal maneuvers should be banned from use by law enforcement (as recommended by Bremerton NAACP, Unit 1134). ●Law enforcement departments need to hire more People of Color. Stop making excuses. ●De-escalation training for law enforcement should be increased and repeated periodically. ●Law enforcement departments should pursue (or continue) collaborations that shift resources and power into community-based efforts for restorative justice, health and well-being, and community engagement. ●Every Police Department needs to have a quarterly community forum, building upon the framework of the Police And CommunityTogether (PACT) model used by Partnering for Youth Achievement (PYA), where community members can meet with police and discuss local issues. These forums can provide a space where police can grow their understanding of the culture of their community and be accountable to that community. Educational Institutions: ●Every school district needs to adopt a school board equity policy. ●Every school district needs to demonstrate commitment to equity in budget and operational practices. ●Every school district needs to include the voices of Communities of Color in their decision making processes. 2 June 11, 2020 Open Letter from Kitsap ERACE Coalition Kitsap Protests: What Do They Mean and How Do We Go Forward? ●Every school district needs to have an equity curriculum for K-12. ●Every school district needs to offer courses on Indigenous/Native History (From Time Immemorial) and Black History. It’s not good enough to squeeze in a paragraph here and there. You can do this. ●Every school district needs to have an equity advisory committee whose recommendations are taken seriously by school boards and administrators. ●Hire more Teachers of Color (after you create your equity plan) and do not harass them when they talk about racism and inequities in the school. It does exist. ●Ensure that all staff are aware of and addressing implicit bias and are able to respond to discriminatory comments in class and within the school. ●Replace School Resource Officers (law enforcement officers contracted to patrol schools) with more counselors and student support. There is a history of brutality and excessive arrests of youth by School Resource Officers. We in Kitsap ERACE Coalition see this moment in our history as a potential turning point. We have the opportunity to take huge steps forward in actualizing the promise of equity made in our founding documents, but never fully extended to Indigenous, Black, and Brown people. We need to take the knee of injustice from the necks of People of Color in our country and our community and allow them to breathe in the liberty and freedom so long promised, but not yet realized. Kitsap ERACE Coalition Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition is a collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, all striving for racial equity in Kitsap County. Kitsap ERACE Coalition organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change. To stay informed about the work of Kitsap ERACE Coalition or to learn more about the groups and organizations involved, please follow Kitsap ERACE Coalition on Facebook. Groups, organizations, and individuals interested in becoming actively involved in this coalition should write to KitsapERACEcoalition@gmail.com. 3 From: Greg Wheeler Sent: Friday, June 19, 2020 12:33 PM To: Holly Brewer <holly@hollybrewer.com>; City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Cc: Leslie Daugs <Leslie.Daugs@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Lori Wheat <Lori.Wheat@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Eric Younger <eric.younger@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Jennifer Hayes <Jennifer.Hayes@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: RE: The formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force Thank you for taking the time to email the city with your request for Bremerton to form a Race Equity Task Force. I believe it is important to highlight what we have already accomplished and are currently working on to help inform future discussions on this topic. Attached are some links of recent correspondence to the citizens of Bremerton for your consideration. You have probably already seen some of the information I am about to share but the more individuals that are aware, the more we can work together as a community to focus on what is missing and reinforce what is working. We still have work to do but my hope is after you read through this email you will feel a little better about the path we are on. Not all cities are the same and I have made it a priority to address social justice issues within city government and for the citizens we serve. I welcome your involvement to help shape city budget & policy priorities and my goal with this email, as I mentioned earlier, is to not only highlight how much myself and city staff have accomplished for the City of Bremerton, but to help identify what is left to do. All programs, projects, and city efforts I am going to discuss are funded out of the General Fund budget. That is the primary budget that funds all city operations including the entire police department. I believe you are already aware but as a reminder, I immediately began the process of developing a Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Policy upon taking office 2 1/2 years ago. It took two attempts in front of City Council to receive the budget for an extra Human Resource (HR) Analyst to create the program, a year of work that included hiring an employee and developing a plan that involved updating our outdated Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy, with final signoff on March 4th this year. Your email is timely as myself and HR staff have been fully engaged with all directors to manage the workforce through the COVID 19 pandemic. We essentially had to recreate most of our policies under emergency conditions. Since we have stabilized, I now have the diversity plan in front of me for action. FYI... I brought in Dr. Bryant Marks from Morehouse College, nationally recognized speaker and expert on implicit bias, last November to provide training (which I made mandatory) to our entire workforce on implicit bias. I am already working on something similar for this year although it will have to be virtual. The Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Policy & Action Plan and the City of Bremerton Police Departments newly formed community engagement committee are going to be part of a foundation that helps us build awareness moving forward regarding policies and reforms that support equity & inclusion. The Kitsap Economic Develop Alliance (KEDA), of which Bremerton is a dues paying member and I serve on its Executive Committee, is forming a new equity and inclusion task force as we speak to begin to address the economic disparities impacting people of color. The Kitsap County Council for Human Rights also needs to be included as part of the solutions you and our community are looking for since it is already funded (Bremerton citizens also pay into the county coffers). Their visibility and focus needs to be sharpened. Both the Police Chiefs and my programs will include community engagement and training which I believe will support the efforts you have highlighted as important. Please know I share your goals. As I mentioned earlier, the Council approved my request for Human Resource (HR) department support to develop and administer the workforce program. I just signed off on the new program March 4th, right before the COVID 19 Pandemic hit which diverted all of our HR focus to managing in a public health emergency. ************************* Other programs and projects myself and city staff have developed or supported recently include the following: City of Bremerton Police Departments (BPD) Safe Place Program which is a partnership with the Bremerton business community and schools to create safe places for individuals to visit if they feel they have been the victim of hate (or bias) crimes. City of Bremerton Rental Assistance Program, City of Bremerton Weatherization Program, City of Bremerton’s partnership with Kitsap Mental Health and Bremerton Housing Authority in locating Kitsap County’s first Permanent Supportive Housing project, Pendleton Place, in our city. Ongoing financial support for Kitsap Connect and the Navigator Programs, both designed to offer crisis and stabilization support service for those suffering from the long term effects of homelessness and untreated mental illness. Newly created program between the City of Bremerton Fire Department (BFD) and Peninsula Community Health Services to provide mobile health care, mental health, and drug addiction counseling and treatment services, including Medically Assisted Treatment” (MAT) for those with chemical dependency. This will require the support of a fully funded BFD Medical Officer. I have also developed a diversity statement and recently appointed Roosevelt Smith as Art Commissioner in early February 2020 to bring more voices on African American art and culture to the City of Bremerton. The City has also embraced Community Policing efforts such as the BPD Community Resource Officer and the BPD Bike Patrol Programs. We also have ongoing positive working relationships with the Quinault & Suquamish tribes. I think it is important to note that these new programs either provide preventative, stabilization or recovery measures, or are actually used as a supplemental service designed to be utilized instead of calling 911 for Police and Fire/EMS services. The rental assistance program and the latest one with the BFD are examples of ground breaking efforts that had never been tried before. I would like to reiterate that all the efforts, programs, projects, accomplished by myself and city personnel were funded from the General Fund. One last effort I want to share is city staff are currently working on zoning measures that will exponentially increase our supply of housing in the city. While it will be market based, the range of sizes will fit a wide number of residents from many income levels. Other incentives are being considered also to increase the availability of affordable housing. One more program I would like to highlight is the City of Bremerton Parks Department Summer Playground and Lunch program . The below message is a copy of the letter I sent out to the citizens of Bremerton last week that begins to highlight what we are already doing as a city. Not all, but many of the reforms, being requested across the nation, are already being accomplished here in Bremerton. We have more work to do, but what you will read in the below statement is something very few cities are doing to the extent we are. I have also attached this as a link for your review. ***************************************** Solidarity in Times of Challenge As the events of last week have unfolded in the wake of the reprehensible treatment and senseless death of George Floyd, I want to share that the City of Bremerton unequivocally condemns the actions and behavior of the Minneapolis officers last week. What happened to Mr. Floyd should not have occurred under any circumstances. Right now, people are sharing their thoughts, emotions and sorrow as Americans. On Sunday and yesterday, we had two nonviolent demonstrations in Bremerton by people who shared their voices and their distress on what happened to George Floyd. The participants were passionate and peaceful while they expressed the pain and anguish that many of us are feeling across our nation. Bremerton police were visible and committed to de-escalation at both events while preserving the integrity of these peaceful gatherings. During these times, supporting peaceful and productive dialogue is important. As part of that belief, Bremerton Police Chief Jim Burchett and I stood in unity and solidarity with Pastor Richmond Johnson of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church; Pastor Frankie Coleman of Sinclair Missionary Baptist Church; and Pastor Floyd Ussin of Emmanuel Apostolic Church. We were all there together to meet with about 150 peaceful demonstrators who planned a demonstration at the Bremerton Police Department to share their voices on this terrible tragedy. During the protest, we each had an opportunity to speak to participants and listened to their concerns and desire for change. The Pastors, Chief Burchett and I stayed for two hours afterwards to talk with individuals who wanted to share additional thoughts on issues. These hard conversations are part of the open and peaceful expression of ideas. They are not easy, but they are part of the fabric of a strong community. Addressing Discrimination and Diversity As a City, we have been working to address discrimination and diversity for the past few years, which I believe has laid the groundwork for thoughtful conversations during this time of challenge. Over the past two years, Bremerton has undertaken efforts to improve our policies, programs and workplace culture. I want to share some of what we have been doing as a City and what we are continuing to work on: The City of Bremerton Police Department (BPD) has achieved and voluntarily maintained Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) accreditation, which has strict standards for police accountability, transparency, training and reporting. Law enforcement is not mandated to pursue this certification, but I have fully supported BPD in renewing annual requirements. The accreditation is a level of excellence that all police departments should strive for in our state. Roughly only 20% of agencies in Washington are accredited. Bremerton Police Chief Jim Burchett and I believe this level of accreditation should not be voluntary. I will be advocating to make this high standard mandatory across our communities. We have been implementing training for police officers as part of our policies. Our officers receive annual training on de-escalation of situations as well as on bias. For the first time, we initiated a mandatory Implicit Bias training by renowned expert Dr. Bryant Marks for all city employees, including law enforcement, at the Marvin Williams Center this past November. This effort was part of my continuing goal to address bias when serving our community. The City of Bremerton completed a workforce diversity plan and updated our Equal Employment Opportunity plans. Bremerton Police Chief Burchett and I are both members of the NAACP, and we participate in their annual Law Enforcement and Community Dinner hosted each year. We also take part, on a regular basis, on Police and Community Together (P.A.C.T.), a forum sponsored by Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. This group is made of community members and police to discuss issues together. The police chief and I regularly communicate with Bremerton’s African-American leadership and communities of color to discuss concerns and strengthen conversation across our City. We implemented the Safe Place program last year, which aims to create safe locations for individuals that may have been the victim of hate or bias crimes. Next Steps These efforts are just the start and we remain open to doing more. This Friday, June 5, Bremerton Police Chief Burchett and I will be attending the NAACP community forum to discuss the concerns facing residents. Additionally, I, along with police and citizens, will be coming together at Mt. Zion’s P.A.C.T. meeting on Tuesday, June 9 to talk about the events that transpired in Minneapolis. These are the beginning of conversations we will be having regularly to find solutions together. As we move forward, we will be ready to deploy new programs to strengthen social justice in our City. Greg Wheeler Mayor *************************** Thank you Holly for taking the time to read through this information. I believe it is important to share what myself and city staff have done to establish a baseline for what is left to do. We will not rest and we stand ready to pivot, adapt and embrace efforts that make us better. If the City of Bremerton were to stand up a separate, stand-alone Race Equity program administered by myself and city staff, I would surely need a new position with a clear definition of duties that provides a measurable outcome to define success. There would certainly be significant overlap with what we are already doing so that would have to be considered. The decision myself and City Council would have to make is would funds be better spent on proven programs or to administer a newly developed task force; especially since many, if not all, of the action items a task force might present have already been accomplished or are being worked on as we speak. I would request you take a close look at the 2019 accomplishments of the Bainbridge Island Race & Equity Task Force which is the only other example of a similar task force in Kitsap County. I share the same goals and passion as you do for a just society and I want to ensure our actions represent results. Take care and I hope you have a restful weekend. Sincerely, Greg Wheeler Mayor City of Bremerton (360) 473-5266 Does Defunding the Police Work for Bremerton? We’ve experienced several peaceful demonstrations over the past few weeks in Bremerton and across Kitsap County in response to the murder of George Floyd while he was in police custody. The demonstrations have exposed the racial injustices experienced by African Americans as well as communities of color in cities and states across the U.S. During this time, there have been calls to “defund the police” and invest more money in social services for mental health, drug and alcohol addiction, as well as homelessness to address underlying factors in our community that contribute to poverty and racial inequities. In a previous message on June 3, I discussed police reforms, which can be viewed here. As Mayor, my focus is to continue those reform efforts, to maintain police funding (which I view as important to serve our City), and to initiate a number of new social programs to benefit our citizens. All three I believe are imperative for building a safe and healthy community. In Bremerton, over the past two years, we have been creating new ways to support underrepresented and vulnerable populations and to address issues where officers may be called to handle situations. As part of long-term solutions, we have been putting in place new social services to help residents fairly receive housing, counseling and addiction treatment. I want to share some of these new areas that are under development and what we are continuing to work on: The first-ever Bremerton Rental Assistance Program was started two years ago, which provides funding for rental payments, security deposits and other assistance. This City program has helped eligible residents to retain their housing when faced with job loss or other unexpected financial situations that may result in homelessness. We created the City of Bremerton Weatherization Program, which has helped reduce heating and housing costs for low-income residents so they can afford to stay in their homes. The City of Bremerton developed a partnership with Kitsap Mental Health and Bremerton Housing Authority to locate Kitsap County’s first-of-its-kind Permanent Supportive Housing project, Pendleton Place, in our city. In addition to housing, residents will receive on-site counseling and assistance to help with addiction and mental illness. A new ground-breaking program between the Bremerton fire department and Peninsula Community Health Services will be up and running soon and will administer mobile health care, mental health, and drug addiction counseling and treatment. I have asked the City Council to back my request for a full- time Bremerton Medical Officer to staff the program. We provide support to Kitsap Connect and the Navigator Programs, which offers community crisis services for those suffering from the long-term effects of homelessness and untreated mental illness. The City has continued to invest in community-oriented policing efforts, such as de-escalation training, City-wide bicycle patrols, neighborhood programs and community outreach. We operate a summer playground program for youth through the parks department that encourages building relationships between young people of diverse cultures and backgrounds and provides free lunch to participants. I believe we need real-world solutions to some of the issues facing our community. We must maintain a strong budget for our police department to serve the public while also offering programs that will make a difference to improving lives. We know there’s more to do and we will continue to adapt and change going forward. Mayor Wheeler talks about Juneteenth and highlights rising local youth leaders who have organized peaceful demonstrations to spotlight racial injustice. These upcoming leaders include: Alia Steele and members of the Kitsap Youth Activist Team: Madison Grant, Kymeal Gaulden, Eleanor Hebard, Lauren Johanek, Alexis Williams, Lexie Fortney, Karissa Hanzy, Cara Schweitzer, and Jordyn Rauc h Check out the YouTube video here. Greg Wheeler Mayor Solidarity in Times of Challenge As the events of last week have unfolded in the wake of the reprehensible treatment and senseless death of George Floyd, I want to share that the City of Bremerton unequivocally condemns the actions and behavior of the Minneapolis officers last week. What happened to Mr. Floyd should not have occurred under any circumstances. Right now, people are sharing their thoughts, emotions and sorrow as Americans. On Sunday and yesterday, we had two nonviolent demonstrations in Bremerton by people who shared their voices and their distress on what happened to George Floyd. The participants were passionate and peaceful while they expressed the pain and anguish that many of us are feeling across our nation. Bremerton police were visible and committed to de-escalation at both events while preserving the integrity of these peaceful gatherings. During these times, supporting peaceful and productive dialogue is important. As part of that belief, Bremerton Police Chief Jim Burchett and I stood in unity and solidarity with Pastor Richmond Johnson of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church; Pastor Frankie Coleman of Sinclair Missionary Baptist Church; and Pastor Floyd Ussin of Emmanuel Apostolic Church. We were all there together to meet with about 150 peaceful demonstrators who planned a demonstration at the Bremerton Police Department to share their voices on this terrible tragedy. During the protest, we each had an opportunity to speak to participants and listened to their concerns and desire for change. The Pastors, Chief Burchett and I stayed for two hours afterwards to talk with individuals who wanted to share additional thoughts on issues. These hard conversations are part of the open and peaceful expression of ideas. They are not easy, but they are part of the fabric of a strong community. Addressing Discrimination and Diversity As a City, we have been working to address discrimination and diversity for the past few years, which I believe has laid the groundwork for thoughtful conversations during this time of challenge. Over the past two years, Bremerton has undertaken efforts to improve our policies, programs and workplace culture. I want to share some of what we have been doing as a City and what we are continuing to work on: The City of Bremerton Police Department (BPD) has achieved and voluntarily maintained Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) accreditation, which has strict standards for police accountability, transparency, training and reporting. Law enforcement is not mandated to pursue this certification, but I have fully supported BPD in renewing annual requirements. The accreditation is a level of excellence that all police departments should strive for in our state. Roughly only 20% of agencies in Washington are accredited. Bremerton Police Chief Jim Burchett and I believe this level of accreditation should not be voluntary. I will be advocating to make this high standard mandatory across our communities. We have been implementing training for police officers as part of our policies. Our officers receive annual training on de-escalation of situations as well as on bias. For the first time, we initiated a mandatory Implicit Bias training by renowned expert Dr. Bryant Marks for all city employees, including law enforcement, at the Marvin Williams Center this past November. This effort was part of my continuing goal to address bias when serving our community. The City of Bremerton completed a workforce diversity plan and updated our Equal Employment Opportunity plans. Bremerton Police Chief Burchett and I are both members of the NAACP, and we participate in their annual Law Enforcement and Community Dinner hosted each year. We also take part, on a regular basis, on Police and Community Together (P.A.C.T.), a forum sponsored by Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. This group is made of community members and police to discuss issues together. The police chief and I regularly communicate with Bremerton’s African-American leadership and communities of color to discuss concerns and strengthen conversation across our City. We implemented the Safe Place program last year, which aims to create safe locations for individuals that may have been the victim of hate or bias crimes. Next Steps These efforts are just the start and we remain open to doing more. This Friday, June 5, Bremerton Police Chief Burchett and I will be attending the NAACP community forum to discuss the concerns facing residents. Additionally, I, along with police and citizens, will be coming together at Mt. Zion’s P.A.C.T. meeting on Tuesday, June 9 to talk about the events that transpired in Minneapolis. These are the beginning of conversations we will be having regularly to find solutions together. As we move forward, we will be ready to deploy new programs to strengthen social justice in our City. Greg Wheeler Mayor City of Bremerton Creates and Adopts First-ever Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Policy I am pleased to share with our community members the first-ever Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Policy for the City of Bremerton. This has been a long-time coming and I am proud that we have accomplished what should have been done many years ago. We have modernized this policy, among others, to reflect the needs of our population, values and direction as a City. (Please see the Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Policy and the Appendix B document here). I anticipate seeing improvements in our workforce diversity as a result of the foundation laid here in the policy. The document not only includes a commitment to creating a working environment that promotes dignity and respect for all employees, but also a focus on improving representation within our workforce. One item included in the new policy, and will take place annually, is the collection of data within City of Bremerton positions. We conducted the first analysis this year, and it is clear we are unrepresented in our workforce. This is a clarion call to work to increase diversity in our staffing. I will be using this data to work with my human resources department on improvements going forward and will be measuring our progress. We must do better. When I took office 2 1/2 years ago, I immediately directed my administration to begin the process of developing a Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Policy to be in step with the 21st Century. It has been a lengthy road along the way, but we have finally achieved what we set out to do. Originally, there were two attempts in front of City Council to receive the budget for an extra Human Resource (HR) Analyst who could create the program, and it took a year of work that included hiring the new HR employee to develop a plan that involved updating our outdated Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy. On March 4 of this year, I signed off on the Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Policy. Restrictions went in place due to COVID-19 and the City shifted into managing operations under the state of emergency. Fortunately, conditions have stabilized, and we have picked up where we left off and implemented the City of Bremerton Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Policy. All employees are now required to review and sign it as part of their employment. I’m proud that we have reached this milestone where diversity and inclusion have finally become an official policy of the City. As we move forward, I will work to establish goals and improvements to make our City better. Greg Wheeler Mayor From: Lori Wheat Sent: Friday, June 19, 2020 12:38 PM To: Holly Brewer <holly@hollybrewer.com> Cc: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Leslie Daugs <Leslie.Daugs@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Eric Younger <eric.younger@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Jennifer Hayes <Jennifer.Hayes@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Re: The formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force Hello Holly, Thank you so much for your thoughtful message and support for the Bremerton City Council to form a Race Equity Task Force. I agree with you, and I will continue being a strong voice on the Bremerton City Council to advocate for systemic changes. I see that Mayor Wheeler has responded to you to inform you about the efforts of the administrative/mayoral side of the city. I applaud the efforts Mayor Wheeler is making in the administrative branch of city government, and I want to ensure that the legislative branch of city government, the city council, is also making progress. Thank you again, for your comments, and please feel free to get in touch again anytime. Best, Lori Lori Wheat Bremerton Council Member, District 4 From: Dana Walters [mailto:Dana.Walters@usw.salvationarmy.org] Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 4:29 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Bremerton Race Equality Task Force CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, I think this task force is an excellent idea! We need a safe platform where ideas for change are welcomed and explored. Dana M. Walters, Captain Corps Officer The Salvation Army Bremerton, WA 360-373-5550 office 907-723-4618 cell From: Pattie Pritchard [mailto:pattie.pritchard@gmail.com] Sent: Friday, June 19, 2020 9:52 AM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Race Equity Task Force CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Date: June 19, 2020 To: city.council@ci.bremerton.wa.us, Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us From: pattie.pritchard@gmail.com Dear Bremerton City Councilmembers and Mayor Wheeler, I am writing to you to express my support for the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force and to thank Councilmembers Daugs and Wheat for articulating this need. Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition --a local collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, which collectively organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change-- released an open letter (also published in the June 12th, 2020 edition of Kitsap Sun). In this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition calls each local governmental jurisdiction to create “an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction,” and to take seriously the recommendations of those task forces. Additionally, in this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition shares multiple other actions governmental jurisdictions can take for equity, each of which would be more thoroughly and authentically accomplished with the guidance of an empowered Race Equity Task Force. Personally, in my work as a medical oncology social worker and as a volunteer with Kitsap Safe Schools Network and Gender Diversity (facilitate family support groups in Bremerton), I see how important it is to have a Race Equity Task Force in our community. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Sincerely, Pattie Pritchard 1306 Trenton Ave, Bremerton, WA 98310 From: Susie Beil To: City Council; Greg Wheeler Subject: In support of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force Date: Friday, June 19, 2020 4:50:43 PM Date: June 18, 2020 To: city.council@ci.bremerton.wa.us, Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us From: susie@summitave.net Dear Bremerton City Councilmembers and Mayor Wheeler, I am writing to you to express my support for the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force and to thank Councilmembers Daugs and Wheat for articulating this need. As a faith leader in this community, I am committed to the work of anti-racism in my own personal life as well as in the church. Knowing that civic leaders are committed to the same goal of race equity elevates the conversation to a community dialogue with support given in both directions. Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition --a local collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, which collectively organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change-- released an open letter (also published in the June 12th, 2020 edition of Kitsap Sun). In this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition calls each local governmental jurisdiction to create “an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction,” and to take seriously the recommendations of those task forces. Additionally, in this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition shares multiple other actions governmental jurisdictions can take for equity, each of which would be more thoroughly and authentically accomplished with the guidance of an empowered Race Equity Task Force. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Sincerely, Rev. Dr. Susie Beil Summit Ave Presbyterian Church 403 S Summit Ave Bremerton, WA 98312 360.377.2740 www.summitave.net growing disciples in all generations by loving God, loving others, and serving the world CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. From: Jennifer L. Kreidler-Moss [mailto: jlkreidlermoss@pchsweb.org ] Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2020 4:03 PM To: City Council < City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us >; Greg Wheeler < Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us > Subject: City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force Date: June 19, 2020 Dear Bremerton City Councilmembers and Mayor Wheeler, I am writing to you to express my support for the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force and to thank Councilmembers Daugs and Wheat for articulating this need. Peninsula Community Health Services, home-based in Bremerton, takes great pride in serving our communities. Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition - a local collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, which collectively organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change - released an open letter (also published in the June 12th, 2020 edition of Kitsap Sun). In this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition calls each local governmental jurisdiction to create “an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction,” and to take seriously the recommendations of those task forces. Additionally, in this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition shares multiple other actions governmental jurisdictions can take for equity, each of which would be more thoroughly and authentically accomplished with the guidance of an empowered Race Equity Task Force Working together in a community that purposefully works to achieve race equity serves to strengthen the lives of all of our community members and improve the health of wellness of our entire region now and in the future. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Sincerely, Jennifer Kreidler-Moss Pharm.D, CMPE Chief Executive Officer Peninsula Community Health Services Mailing: P.O. Box 960, Bremerton, WA 98337 Physical: 400 Warren Ave., Suite 200, Bremerton, WA 98337 jkreidler@pchsweb.org Contact: email preferred 360-475-6707 (phone) / 360-373-2096 (fax) From: A Lydick [mailto:a.lydick@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 12:09 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Airen Lydick <a.lydick@gmail.com> Cc: Lori Wheat <Lori.Wheat@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Leslie Daugs <Leslie.Daugs@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: It's time for an empowered Race Equity Task Force in Bremerton. CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. June 23, 2020 Dear Bremerton City Council Members and Mayor Wheeler, I am writing to you to express my support for the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force a nd to thank Councilmembers Daugs and Wheat for articulating this need. Currently we are in a cycle of increased acknowledgement of the existence of systemic racism. From corporations to small business and from social media influencers to elected leaders , this is apparent. In times such as these, there is a precious opportunity --too often missed-- to begin meaningful systemic change by listening to those who have already been doing this work. Rather than replicating the missteps of past cycles --times when systemic racism was not truly rooted out-- why not learn from those examples? It is well past time to humbly take guidance from the grassroots groups, collectives, and peoples who have long been building, practicing, and sharing tools for dismantling systemic racism and for centering inclusion and equity. Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition --a local collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, which collectively organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change-- released an open letter (also published in the June 12th, 2020 edition of Kitsap Sun). In this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition calls each local governmental jurisdiction to create “an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction,” and to take seriously the recommendations of those task forces. Additionally, in this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition shares multiple other actions governmental jurisdictions can take for equity, each of which would be more thoroughly and authentically accomplished with the guidance of an empowered Race Equity Task Force. If it is empowered, accountable to community, and made up of people ready and willing to speak truth to power, a Race Equity Task Force could be a driving force for identifying and dismantling our C ity’s systemic inequities. Kitsap ERACE Coalition’s letter also reiterated the need for proclamations / resolutions / etc. to be “backed up by policies, procedures, and practices that truly prioritize welcoming and inclusion.” This is just one example of the work an empowered Race Equity Task Force could accomplish. Now is not the time for window dressing. Now is the time to receive the gift of this precious opportunity to begin creating meaningful systemic change. Don’t miss that opportunity by relegating this cycle to another boxed snippet in the American History textbooks of the future. Let’s change the narrative. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Sincerely, Airen Lydick -- community organizer and advocate with Kitsap Showing Up for Racial Justice (Kitsap SURJ), Kitsap Advocating for Immigrant Rights and Equality (KAIRE), Kitsap ERACE Coalition, NAACP 1134, and other groups -- Bremerton homeowner and resident From: Brenda Fantroy-Johnson [mailto:brendaremade@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 11:56 PM To: Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Yes, you do need a Race Equity Task Force. CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Wheeler and Bremerton City Council Members, I am a member of the City of Bainbridge Island Race Equity Task Force, Kitsap ERACE and ERACE BI Team, but I am not writing on behalf of the task force or ERACE; instead I am writing as an individual citizen. I wholeheartedly support the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force. An empowered race equity task force says to your community that you care about equity. It says to the community that you take equity seriously and want to improve your track record with the community. Kitsap cities all need to improve equity in their jurisdictions, and they need the help of knowledgeable people who can make recommendations to help accomplish that goal. City staffs need training to develop an understanding of the issues around equity and the path forward to make sure our local government serves all their citizens in an equitable way. Your city staff is busy with the myriad tasks needed to run the city, so having a group of volunteers who can focus on equity and no let it drop off the city radar is important. On Bainbridge the Race Equity Task force has made many recommendations to the council for actions to take both to increase the city staff’s equity IQ and to engage the community in raising awareness of equity issues. Recommendations have included joining the Governmental Alliance on Race Equity (GARE), providing staff training, hosting community events and posting visible signs of support for all groups of people. Because of the positive contributions I have seen the Race Equity Task Force make on Bainbridge, I recommend you approve the measure being put forth by Councilpersons Daugs and Wheat to institute a Race Equity Task Force for the City of Bremerton. In this time when the injustices and disparities in our systems are being exposed and scrutinized, having a task force focused on helping you connect with communities of color and improve your understanding and competency in these areas will pay off for the city, the council and all your constituents. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Sincerely, Brenda Fantroy-Johnson 206-661-7356 From: Peggi Erickson [mailto:peggi.erickson@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 10:59 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Yes, you should have a Race Equity Task Force CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Wheeler and Bremerton City Council Members, I am a member of the City of Bainbridge Island Race Equity Task Force, Kitsap ERACE and ERACE BI Team, but I am not writing on behalf of the task force or ERACE; instead I am writing as an individual citizen. I wholeheartedly support the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force. An empowered race equity task force says to your community that you care about equity. It says to the community that you take equity seriously and want to improve your track record with the community. Kitsap cities all need to improve equity in their jurisdictions, and they need the help of knowledgeable people who can make recommendations to help accomplish that goal. City staffs need training to develop an understanding of the issues around equity and the path forward to make sure our local government serves all their citizens in an equitable way. Your city staff is busy with the myriad tasks needed to run the city, so having a group of volunteers who can focus on equity and no let it drop off the city radar is important. On Bainbridge the Race Equity Task force has made many recommendations to the council for actions to take both to increase the city staff’s equity IQ and to engage the community in raising awareness of equity issues. Recommendations have included joining the Governmental Alliance on Race Equity (GARE), providing staff training, hosting community events and posting visible signs of support for all groups of people. Because of the positive contributions I have seen the Race Equity Task Force make on Bainbridge, I recommend you approve the measure being put forth by Councilpersons Daugs and Wheat to institute a Race Equity Task Force for the City of Bremerton. In this time when the injustices and disparities in our systems are being exposed and scrutinized, having a task force focused on helping you connect with communities of color and improve your understanding and competency in these areas will pay off for the city, the council and all your constituents. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Sincerely, Peggi Erickson 206-755-9401 From: Kelsey S [mailto:kelsey.e.stedman@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2020 3:12 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Support for Racial Equity Task Force CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, My name is Kelsey Stedman and I would like to support Councilmember Leslie Daug's call for a Bremerton Race Equity Task Force. I write to you today as a concerned citizen. I work with some of the most vulnerable folks in our county and most of them reside within Bremerton. According to the most recent Kitsap Public Health District Disparities Report (https://kitsappublichealth.org/information/files/2017_June_Health_Disparity_Report.pdf) Kitsap County is not immune from having racial disparities in our community. According to this report, "Compared to Kitsap Residents who identify as White, residents who identify as People of Color may be at higher risk for experiencing chronic disease, adverse behavioral health, and poor birth outcomes." Women who identify as a Person of Color have a higher likelihood of their babies dying compared to Women who identify as White in our county and Kitsap adolescents who identify as People of Color have a higher likelihood of being physically abused, yet less likely to have an adult to turn to when feeling sad or hopeless. This is heart-wrenching. Though not broken out by geographical location in this report, I think it is important to look at this report in more depth as it relates to Bremerton, specifically. I believe in the past I have seen the data reported out by area, but could not find it immediately available on the Kitsap Public Health District website. If all the aforementioned outcomes (and more), are adversely experienced by People of Color, I think it is important to consider if these disparities occur, and to what extent, within our justice system as well. I did find this vulnerability report by sub-county report of interest: https://kitsappublichealth.org/information/files/KitsapVulnerablePopModelsBySubCounty.pdf Again, I would like to support the creation of a Race Equity Task Force. Thank you for your time and consideration of these very important issues. Kelsey Stedman From: Jeff [mailto:zjeffz@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, June 29, 2020 5:45 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Race Equity Task Force CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mr. Gorman, I live in City Council District 3 and I would like to urge you to support the creation of a Race Equity Task Force. We can't talk about these issues enough right now. It's important. Thank you. Jeff Campbell 834 Dr. M L King Dr. Apt. 38 Bremerton, WA 98337 From: tijayfox [mailto:tijayfox@aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 7:37 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: July 1 public comment This is unneeded in Bremerton and a waste of tax dollars. Further it is not the role of local government to solve racial issues should any actually exist in Bremerton. This will set us up for problems like Seattle has. We need additional funding and support for example for our police. An advisory committee will have a negative impact. Kitsap ERACE has claimed there is a racial emergency in Bremerton where none exists as the basis for supporting this idea. Vote NO. There are other mechanisms for folks to work out issues and move them forward to the city if needed. Teresa Fox Bremerton city resident Sent from my iPhone From: Becky Zaneski [mailto:rwarner2@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 9:03 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Comment for Wed July 1 council meeting Dear Bremerton City Council, My name is Rebecca Zaneski, and I wanted to submit a written comment to be read during the July 1st meeting tomorrow. I was so pleased to learn of the proposal to establish a Race Equity Advisory Committee. I support the Bremerton City Council forming an empowered Race Equity Task Force, made up of volunteer community members who can advise the City and make recommendations for actions to promote equity in Bremerton. This is a great positive step for the City to make in response to the recent call to action for city governments to become more actively anti-racist. Thank you! Becky Zaneski Bainbridge Island From: Bridget Randolph [mailto:bridget.m.randolph@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 2:47 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: In support of a Race Equity Task Force for Bremerton Hello, I am a resident of Kitsap County and am writing to you today in support of the creation of an empowered Race Equity Task Force. This task force should be made up of volunteer community members who will both advise the City and also recommend actions for the jurisdiction of Bremerton. As issues of racial justice are playing out at the national level, I believe it is more important than ever for us to address these issues in our own community and work for an equal and just society at the local level. The creation of this task force will support that work. Thank you for your time and I hope you will do the right thing and support this effort. Best wishes, Bridget Randolph From: Emily Stonecipher [mailto:alohainasilvercan@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 6:56 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Expressing support for the formation of a Race Equity Task Force Dear Bremerton City Councilmembers and Mayor Wheeler, I am writing to you to express my support for the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force and to thank Councilmembers Daugs and Wheat for articulating this need. As the parent of a child that is beginning school in the fall, it’s become more and more important to me to make sure that he understands how to speak up when others need his help and I’m committed to doing the same. The creation of a Race Equity Task Force is the next best step to making sure that all people living in Bremerton have their basic human rights and needs met regardless of their race. I think this is a journey that would benefit from this collaborative effort between the government and the people. Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition — a local collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, which collectively organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change — released an open letter (also published in the June 12th , 2020 edition of Kitsap Sun). In this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition calls each local governmental jurisdiction to create “an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction,” and to take seriously the recommendations of those task forces. Additionally, in this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition shares multiple other actions governmental jurisdictions can take for equity, each of which would be more thoroughly and authentically accomplished with the guidance of an empowered Race Equity Task Force. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Sincerely, Emily Stonecipher Manette/Bremerton, WA From: Maria Fergus [mailto:maria.fergus21@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 3:55 PM To: Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Cc: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Leslie Daugs <Leslie.Daugs@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Lori Wheat <Lori.Wheat@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Race Equity Task Force Dear Bremerton City Council Members and Mayor Wheeler, First of all, I want to thank Mayor Wheeler for responding not just with words but with actions to the pain of POC, especially black men and women after the killing of George Floyd. The city of Bremerton’s Workforce Diversity & Inclusion policy is a step in the right direction to foster a workforce better able to respond to the needs of its community. Though I am taking advantage of using the message drafted by the ERACE coalition below, it is not because I want to waste your time. Rather, it is because the message drafted articulate and encapsulates how I’m feeling right now (I have added personal paragraphs in italics to help you understand why having Race Equity Task Forces in Kitsap County is so important to me): “I am writing to you to express my support for the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force and to thank Councilmembers Daugs and Wheat for articulating this need.“ As a mother of biracial children and a volunteer in my community, I have heard and seen first hand accounts of micro-aggressions, discrimination, harassment and even violence against community members based on their ethnicity, skin color, language, social class and gender. This is very troubling to me. “Currently we are in a cycle of increased acknowledgement of the existence of systemic racism. From corporations to small business and from social media influencers to elected leaders, this is apparent. In times such as these, there is a precious opportunity --too often missed-- to begin meaningful systemic change by listening to those who have already been doing this work. Rather than replicating the missteps of past cycles --times when systemic racism was not truly rooted out-- why not learn from those examples? It is well past time to humbly take guidance from the grassroots groups, collectives, and peoples who have long been building, practicing, and sharing tools for dismantling systemic racism and for centering inclusion and equity.“ For years, minorities have mentioned the added obstacles, discrimination, etc. they have endured or have had to overcome. Recently, the Neuroleadership Institute worked with a client of over 60,000 employees and by drilling into their data they were able to document one of the claims minority employees had been addressing for years. Sometimes, the data is there to document what is only heard anecdotally. Most of the time, unless it happens to us, it’s hard to believe some stories. If I had not experienced certain things in my life, I wouldn’t belief them either. Please do not base your decision on a gut feeling or your personal experiences. Our deepest biases are those from our lived experiences. Please do not let biases, that blind us to the pain of others, keep you from doing the right thing. Keep in mind that our brain processes 11 million bits of data per second. Of those, we are only conscious of 40 bits of data per second. Therefore, our implicit biases (unconscious believes based on our lived experiences and social acclimation) tend to impact our perception and behavior much more than our conscious biases. “Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition --a local collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, which collectively organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change-- released an open letter (also published in the June 12th, 2020 edition of Kitsap Sun). In this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition calls each local governmental jurisdiction to create 'an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction,' and to take seriously the recommendations of those task forces. Additionally, in this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition shares multiple other actions governmental jurisdictions can take for equity, each of which would be more thoroughly and authentically accomplished with the guidance of an empowered Race Equity Task Force If it is empowered, accountable to community, and made up of people ready and willing to speak truth to power, a Race Equity Task Force could be a driving force for identifying and dismantling our City’s systemic inequities. Kitsap ERACE Coalition’s letter also reiterated the need for proclamations / resolutions / etc. to be 'backed up by policies, procedures, and practices that truly prioritize welcoming and inclusion.' This is just one example of the work an empowered Race Equity Task Force could accomplish.“ May I also add that documentation also be implemented as part of these policies, procedures and practices. We cannot change what we don’t measure. Imagine starting a diet without seeing where you started out at or building muscle without first seeing where your BMI score was at the beginning. . Now is not the time for window dressing. Now is the time to receive the gift of this precious opportunity to begin creating meaningful systemic change. Don’t miss that opportunity by relegating this cycle to another boxed snippet in the American history textbooks of the future. Let’s change the narrative. . Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue!” In Kitsap County, Bremerton is more than likely the most diverse. Bainbridge is likely the least diverse city in Kitsap County. Yet, Bainbridge has a Race Equity Task Force. Other cities are lagging behind Bainbridge’s leadership. As a person of color, I hope that you consider the message your vote sends not just to POC, but to white supremacist and white nationalist. Your children and my children are watching. Silence or denial can be just as loud, if not more, than overt racism, sexism, etc. Studies show that whether a person is overly racist, sexist, etc., or they have implicit biases (unable to access with our conscious minds), the outcome is the same. Your vote represents all the community members in the City of Bremerton. I hope that white nationalist and white supremacist aren’t celebrating your vote. . Sincerely, Maria R. Fergus, CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA From: Rebecca Nystrom [mailto:nystrombecca@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 5:43 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Race Equity Task Force Dear Bremerton City Council Members and Mayor Wheeler, I am writing to you to request the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force and to thank Councilmembers Daugs and Wheat for articulating this need. Now is not the time for talk without action. Attending a protest or vigil is fine, but nothing changes. The marginalized in our community need to see action taken at all levels. Now is the time to receive the gift of this precious opportunity to begin creating meaningful systemic change. Don’t miss that opportunity by relegating this cycle to another boxed snippet in the American history textbooks of the future. Let’s change the narrative. Currently, we are in a cycle of increased acknowledgment of the existence of systemic racism. From corporations to small businesses and from social media influencers to elected leaders, this is apparent. In times such as these, there is a precious opportunity to begin meaningful systemic change by listening to those who have already been doing this work. Our city cannot let this opportunity slip away. Rather than replicating the missteps of past cycles --times when systemic racism was not truly rooted out-- can we PLEASE learn from our past failures? It is well past time to humbly take guidance from the grassroots groups, collectives, and peoples who have long been building, practicing, and sharing tools for dismantling systemic racism and for centering inclusion and equity. It time to listen to those who are affected by the systems. Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition (a local collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, which collectively organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change) released an open letter (which was also published in the June 12th, 2020 edition of Kitsap Sun). In this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition calls each local governmental jurisdiction to create an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction, and to take seriously the recommendations of those task forces. Additionally, in this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition suggests other actions governmental jurisdictions can take for equity, each of which would be more thoroughly and authentically accomplished with the guidance of an empowered Race Equity Task Force. If it is empowered, accountable to the community, and made up of people ready and willing to speak truth to power, a Race Equity Task Force could be a driving force for identifying and dismantling our City’s systemic inequities. Kitsap ERACE Coalition’s letter also reiterated the need for proclamations, resolutions, etc. to be backed up by policies, procedures, and practices that truly prioritize welcoming and inclusion. This is just one example of the work an empowered Race Equity Task Force could accomplish. The goal of this task force would be to bring lasting change that will truly bring equity to our residents. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Sincerely, Rebecca Nystrom she/her/hers pronouns From: Sara C. [mailto:secanter@pm.me] Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 11:25 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Race Equity Task Force for Bremerton Dear Bremerton City Council Members, I am writing to you to express my support for the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force and to thank Councilmembers Daugs and Wheat for articulating this need. Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition --a local collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, which collectively organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change-- released an open letter (also published in the June 12th, 2020 edition of Kitsap Sun). In this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition calls each local governmental jurisdiction to create “an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction,” and to take seriously the recommendations of those task forces. Additionally, in this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition shares multiple other actions governmental jurisdictions can take for equity, each of which would be more thoroughly and authentically accomplished with the guidance of an empowered Race Equity Task Force. Since I was married, and also as I have watched the events that unfolded following George Floyd's death, I have been learning just how many things I never properly understood about race. It's so easy to make decisions surrounding education, housing, law enforcement, etc. without realizing the effects those decisions might have for POC. I believe that the introduction of an empowered Race Equity Task Force would bring in some much-needed perspectives (as my new family has done for me), helping us all work towards a more equitable community for everybody who calls Bremerton (as well as the rest of Kitsap) home. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Sincerely, Sara Canter From: Sophie Morse [mailto:sfmor1@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 5:26 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: In Support of an Empowered Race Equity Task Force Dear Bremerton City Council Members and Mayor Wheeler, I am writing to you to express my support for the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force and to thank Councilmembers Daugs and Wheat for articulating this need. Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition --a local collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, which collectively organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change-- released an open letter (also published in the June 12th, 2020 edition of Kitsap Sun). In this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition calls each local governmental jurisdiction to create “an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction,” and to take seriously the recommendations of those task forces. Additionally, in this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition shares multiple other actions governmental jurisdictions can take for equity, each of which would be more thoroughly and authentically accomplished with the guidance of an empowered Race Equity Task Force. Why do we need this? Many people may assume that such a Task Force is about telling government all the things they are doing wrong. When it comes to racial equity in this country we are lagging far behind where we need to be. We all need help in doing things “less wrong.” And, more importantly, we need help doing things more right. If you are, like me, someone who grew up in the dominant white culture, you need a LOT of help to do things more right. I don’t have the knowledge, perspective, ideas to do this, precisely because of the bubble I grew up and have enjoyed most of my life. In the end, you represent the citizenry of your fine city. I know you want to represent all of them, not just a subsection. We need help to do this effectively. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Sincerely, Sophie Morse Poulsbo (unincorporated Kitsap County) Kitsap SURJ Kitsap E.R.A.C.E. Suquamish United Church of Christ -- Sophia F. Morse (She/Her) P.O. Box 1741 Poulsbo, WA 98370 360.870.8024 From: Susan Griggs [mailto:subes0803@hotmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 3:56 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Support for formation of a Race Equity Task Force Date: June 30, 2020 From: Susan.griggs0803@gmail.com Dear Bremerton City Councilmembers and Mayor Wheeler, I am writing to you to express my support for the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force and to thank Councilmembers Daugs and Wheat for articulating this need. I grew up in Puerto Rico and have a daughter-in-law who is of Japanese background. Because of my relationships with Latinx friends and my daughter-in-law, I have become very aware of experiences that Latinx or Asians have had that have caused them to feel like they are being treated in a prejudicial way in Bremerton. For this reason, I have come to realize the need for a Race Equity Task Force to focus on how the government could minimize systemic racial bias. Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition --a local collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, which collectively organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change-- released an open letter (also published in the June 12th, 2020 edition of Kitsap Sun). In this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition calls each local governmental jurisdiction to create “an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction,” and to take seriously the recommendations of those task forces. Additionally, in this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition shares multiple other actions governmental jurisdictions can take for equity, each of which would be more thoroughly and authentically accomplished with the guidance of an empowered Race Equity Task Force. I believe that this Task Force could be very useful after seeing the impact of an Equity Council at the North Kitsap Public Schools Equity Council, of which I am a member. At our June meeting, two graduates of the school system met with the Equity Council to indicate that their peers did not feel adequately prepared for their multi-cultural post-high school environments (college, university, work). They also indicated that they had felt discriminated against at times during their school experience. The Equity Council listened and asked questions. It is now putting together requests for changes to the School Board in order to address the concerns that these graduates raised. I feel that a Race Equity Task Force can also be very helpful to the city and the City Council in addressing systemic racial injustices, and ask that you seriously consider forming this task force. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Sincerely, Susan Griggs 18689 1st Ave. NE Suquamish, WA 98392 League of Women Voters of Kitsap County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair From: Annika Turner [mailto:annika.n.turner@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 11:49 AM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Comments re: tonight's agenda - Race Equity Taskforce proposal Dear Bremerton City Councilmembers and Mayor Wheeler, I am writing to you to express my support for the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force and to thank Councilmembers Daugs and Wheat for articulating this need. I am a native of Bremerton and I love this city. When I told friends about my choice to move back here, I talked about how Bremerton is a great place to live because it’s real; it has tensions and conflicts and imperfections, but it also has a really strong core of people who dig deep and love where they live and take action to make their community better. I’ve been back in Bremerton for almost 4 years and I have still found this to be true - we have problems in our city, and we also have a lot of people who care. I’m proud to be one of those people. I think all of you on the City Council care about this city, and I know a lot of others who are sharing their thoughts with you today do as well. Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition --a local collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, which collectively organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change-- released an open letter (also published in the June 12th, 2020 edition of Kitsap Sun). In this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition calls each local governmental jurisdiction to create “an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction,” and to take seriously the recommendations of those task forces. Additionally, in this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition shares multiple other actions governmental jurisdictions can take for equity, each of which would be more thoroughly and authentically accomplished with the guidance of an empowered Race Equity Task Force. One of those additional suggestions is providing langu age equity on City websites and in interactions with residents of Bremerton who are not able to communicate in English. I work at the Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center and I know there are hundreds of families living and working in Bremerton who do not understand English well enough to access many essential services. My co-workers, our volunteers, and I have spent a lot of time translating over the phone, in person, or on paper for residents of Bremerton who are unable to find out how to pay their traffic ticket, apply for rent assistance, file a police report, or contact the mayor. As a staff member at KIAC, I want to work with the City of Bremerton to help information and services be more accessible, but the City is ultimately responsible to strive to ser ve the needs of all residents. As a data point to support the need for language equity, I encourage you to reach out to the ELL (English Language Learners) program in the Bremerton School District. They will confirm that the ELL student population has tripled, while the overall student population has remained about the same. Our community is changing and we need input from all our members to understand how to respond and shift and incorporate all the growth opportunities that come with this change. The Bremerton School District has a strong ELL program that has proven that providing language equity and culturally-attentive education and services means greater success for students, and a stronger school community in general. Let’s apply those principles and practices to our city. To know how to do that, we need this Race Equity Task Force. Residents of our city who represent the array of racial and ethnic origins of our community must be empowered to speak and be listened to and heeded. I have found that life is much richer - and that we are more resilient - when we talk with one another and truly listen. We each have so much to learn. What a gift to have various backgrounds and perspectives just down the street to collaborate with. Let’s use that! You as a City Council do not have to know right now all the ways to make our City more just and accessible - but you have constituents who have ideas and knowledge that can inform you, and you are being presented with a way to bring those voices together to help you. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Sincerely, Annika Turner Staff member at the Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center (KIAC) Member of Kitsap Advocating for Immigrant Rights and Equality (KAIRE) Home address: 2628 Marine Dr, Bremerton - District 6 From: debby haase [mailto:dhaase111@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 9:26 AM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Race Equity Task Force Dear City Council, I'm writing to let you know that I support Bremerton City Council forming a Race Equity Task Force, made up for volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for Bremerton.I request that you work toward race and equity in establishing such a task force. Also, please read this during the comments section of today's City Council meeting. Sincerely, Debby Haase Kitsap County resident From: Mary Gleysteen [mailto:marygleysteen@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 9:52 AM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Support for Race Equity Task Force Dear Council members, I will be unable to attend tonight’s city council meeting , but want to express my support for a Race Equity Task Force, made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for Bremerton. I grew up in Bremerton and am very impressed with the great strides the city has made. I believe that a Race Equity Task Force will benefit the city and its citizens significantly and will provide an example for those of us in unincorporated Kitsap County. I trust that you will establish the task force and treat its recommendations seriously. Thank you. Mary Gleysteen Kingston, WA From: Sarah Marie J [mailto:smjames87@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 9:35 AM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Bremerton City Council meeting - comments to be included Hello, I am unable to make the meeting tonight but want to voice my support for an important matter. Please read my comment aloud during the meeting's comments time. My name is Sarah Marie, I live in East Park, and I support Bremerton City Council forming an empowered Race Equity Task Force, made up of volunteer community members who can advise the City and recommend actions for equity for Bremerton. Thank you. Sarah Marie James Drink Water, Check Posture, Wash Hands Black Live Matter "Not all those who wander are lost..." -J.R.R. Tolkien From: Susan Brooks-Young [mailto:sjbrooksyoung@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 3:18 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Google mail <sjbrooksyoung@gmail.com>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: I am writing today to say that I fully support Bremerton City Council forming an empowered Race Equity Task Force, made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for Bremerton. While I applaud the work the mayor and other city officials have done, the city needs a more formal structure to deal with racism in Bremerton. I see no reason to not do this given national events and the fact that Ms. Daugs is volunteering to lead this effort without requesting funding from the city. I would appreciate you reading my comments into the record at tonight's meeting. Thank you. Susan Young Bremerton -- SJ Brooks-Young Consulting Telephone: 951-202-2042 Web site: www.sjbrooks-young.org Twitter: @sjbrooksyoung Facebook Business Page: www.facebook.com/SjBrooksYoungConsulting “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou From: Sarah van Gelder [mailto:sarahvangelder1@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 3:37 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Racial Equity task force Dear members of the Bremerton City Council, I am thrilled to learn that you will be considering the launch of a Racial Equity Task Force at your meeting tonight, and I urge you to adopt such a task force. As a resident of Bremerton, I appreciate that the city has taken steps towards racial equity in the past, but I feel strongly that we shouldn't rest until people of all races are fully included in the life of the city, and until there is authentic equity in economic, political, and cultural life of the city for people of all races and backgrounds. It is on all of us, and especially on people with relative privilege, to continue to press for change until, as MLK said, justice runs down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. Thanks, and looking forward to hearing the results of your meeting, Sarah van Gelder Lafayette Ave Bremerton WA 98312 360-286-6071 From: Robin [mailto:robinisnever@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 12:33 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Race Equity Task Force I support the creation of an empowered Race Equity task force. Please see attachment. Thank you, Robin Carson July 1, 2020 Dear Bremerton City Council Members and Mayor Wheeler, I am writing to you in support of the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force. In a time that is exploding with the exhaustion of the harsh inequities in this nation, we can no longer allow systemic racism to prevail. Action is needed. We are fortunate to have many passionate people who are already dedicated to doing the work and would be able to advise and recommend actions for a more equitable existence in our area, through the formation of a Race Equity Task Force. As a member of West Sound for Social Justice, I strongly urge that this task force be formed and given significant credibility in laying out actionable ways to make significant changes in our community. Time for talking about what we could do is done. It is time for us to be the change we want to see and to do what we can. This is a vital step to a more just society and it would be criminal to not be a part of it. Are we going to step aside while the path to change is being paved or are we going to help clear that path and walk forward together? Thank you, Robin Carson From: Neal Foley [mailto:nealfoley1021@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 12:46 PM To: Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Cc: Leslie Daugs <Leslie.Daugs@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Lori Wheat <Lori.Wheat@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Eric Younger <eric.younger@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Jennifer Hayes <Jennifer.Hayes@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Re: Race Equity Task Force Greg, what I thought I heard Leslie say during the last meeting was that it would have no budget to begin with? Also, I keep hearing people say they are ready to listen and yet are ready with feedback, IRT things like de-funding the police, and this issue, of "here is what we are doing already and no changes are needed". That is hearing, not listening. I think the Race Equity Task Force would provide value added input for us to listen to on these and other important subjects. Have a safe weekend and thank you, Neal -----Original Message----- > From: Neal Foley [mailto:nealfoley1021@gmail.com] > Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 11:58 AM > To: Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us> > Subject: Race Equity Task Force > > > Mr. Wheeler, > > I am a longtime Bremerton resident. I wanted to urge you to support the Race Equity Task Force initiative. I am a white Washingtonian but I can tell you that I am 100% behind my brothers and sisters of color, LGBT's, etc.. I don't like hearing comments like "they are only ~~% of our population, we stand together as one. I have read that 60-70% of the American people think it is time for change, we have seen enough. We need to know how and where we can help these folks voices be heard. > This initiative would help do that. > > I am not able to make the council meeting but wanted to share my thoughts. > > Thank you, > > Neal Foley From: Kody Russell [mailto:kody.russell@kitsapstrong.org] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 1:19 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Bremerton Race Equity Task Force... Dear Bremerton City Councilmembers and Mayor Wheeler, I am writing to you to express my support for the formation of a City of Bremerton Race Equity Task Force and to thank Councilmembers Daugs and Wheat for articulating this need. I am a member of the Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition --a local collaboration of many groups, organizations, and individuals, which collectively organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and liberatory institutional change. As a coalition, we released an open letter (also published in the June 12th, 2020 edition of Kitsap Sun). In this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition calls each local governmental jurisdiction to create “an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for that jurisdiction,” and to take seriously the recommendations of those task forces. Additionally, in this letter, Kitsap ERACE Coalition shares multiple other actions governmental jurisdictions can take for equity, each of which would be more thoroughly and authentically accomplished with the guidance of an empowered Race Equity Task Force. As with any coalition, we have different perspectives, values, and ideas about how to move forward, etc. However, as Stephen Hawking states... "(humanity's) greatest achievements have come by people talking and it's greatest failures by not talking... it doesn't have to be this w ay." With this important step, Bremerton can create space for the conversations that are critical for us to create the inclusive community that we all dream of for our children, neighbors, and families. Thank you for your service and for your work on this important issue! Cheers, Kody Kody Russell, MSW (He/Him Pronouns) Executive Director Kitsap Strong Improving the well-being and educational attainment of Kitsap residents, through a focus on empowerment and equity, the prevention of ACEs, and the building of resilience. Building ACEs Awareness ~ Building Community ~ Building Resilience 345 6th ST, Suite 300, Bremerton, WA 98337 206-949-7018 cell kody.russell@kitsapstrong.org kitsapstrong.org From: Ana Mockler [mailto:upstream@riseup.net] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 3:53 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Request to Address Council 7/1 re R.E.A.C. Dear Council, I’m requesting permission to address the council tonight in regards to the Race Equity Advisory Committee. May I also speak on a different matter during Public Recognition? Yours, Anna Mockler 1123 N Cambrian Ave Bremerton WA 98312 360.509.8280 From: Aeva Wilkes [mailto:aevawilkes@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 4:21 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Establish a Race Equity Advisory Committee To whom it may concern, My name is Aeva Wilkes. I am a resident of Bremerton, WA area code 98312. I am emailing to share my support for the Bremerton City Council to create an empowered Race Equity Task Force, made up of volunteer community members who will advise and recommend actions for equity for Bremerton's jurisdiction. Thank you, Aeva Wilkes From: Alexandra Allen [mailto:sydneyallen13@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 4:56 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Meeting Comment in Support of Race Equity Task Force Dear Bremerton City Council Member, My name is Alexandra Allen, I was born and raised in Kitsap County, and I support Bremerton City Council forming an empowered Race Equity Task Force, made up of volunteer community members who can advise and recommend actions for equity for Bremerton. The recent movement around not just police reform but an active re-distribution of police resources toward community services is absolutely crucial for Bremerton and Kitsap County's growth, and I want the Bremerton City Council to play an active part in this national transformation we are all going through. Thank you for your time. -- Alexandra Allen From: Carly B [mailto:carlyjboatman@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 5:35 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Bremerton City Council Meeting 4048 NE Breakwater Ct Bremerton WA 98311 July 1, 2020 Bremerton City Council 345 6th St. Suite 600/100 Bremerton WA 98337 To the Honorable Council: I am writing to express my support for the proposed creation of an empowered Race Equity Task Force made up of volunteer community members to advise the city and recommend actions for the jurisdiction of Bremerton. As a resident of Bremerton, I believe it is imperative for the city to support all its residents and provide justice to those often disenfranchised and disadvantaged. A Race Equity Task Force would help start the process toward a more just and successful city. Thank you. Sincerely, Carly Boatman Carly Boatman | نﺎﻤﺗﻮﺑ ﻲﻟرﺎﻛ MA Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies Middlebury Institute of International Studies carlyjboatman@gmail.com | phone upon request From: Monica Aufrecht [mailto:monicaaufrecht@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 8:11 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Thank you to the Council for approving the Advisory Committee Dear Councilmembers Simpson, Wheat, Sullivan, Daugs, Goodnow, Younger, and Sullivan, Thank you to those of you who approved the committee. Approving the Race Equity Advisory Committee sends the message that it is a priority of the Bremerton City Council to ensure that all members of the community are welcomed and treated fairly, in line with your Equity and Inclusion Resolution, and along with other priorities such as parks, parking, housing, homelessness, and other city committees. As Councilmember Simpson suggests: There are many things we don’t know. Often, we don’t know what we don’t know. So it makes sense to be open to listening to what community members want to talk about, and focus on learning from them. As proposed, the purpose of this advisory committee is for community members to bring questions, information, and advice about how people are being treated in Bremerton to the attention of the city council on a regular basis and in a formal manner. Thank you Councilmember Sullivan for asking about a possible budget. So far, the budget is zero. If a budget is put forward later in the future, the city council will be able to vote on that item when it is proposed. Councilmember Sullivan also asks whether a Race Equity Advisory Committee would serve all members of the community. Anything that makes a city more welcoming, safe, and fair serves all members of the community. One might ask if Bremerton is already welcoming, safe, and fair. For example, Councilmember Simpson asks: “Does the city treat differently people differently based on race?” “Is there any systemic racism within the city ordinances or actions?” These are great questions to raise during a volunteer committee meeting. For example, the city could do an audit — Are employees being hired and paid equitably? Are citizens being treated equally by police? Do an audit, and then you will have better answers to these questions. The best-case scenario is that you can proudly present the audit and show how equitable the City of Bremerton is. What else can you potentially gain? At the very least, the public is heard and acknowledged in a formal setting -- a important role of a democratic government. In another great scenario, the Advisory Committee might identify positive actions the City Council could take, and the City Council would succeed in making Bremerton a safer and more welcoming place to live for everyone. Thank you again for your thoughts and attention to this important matter. Like many of you, I look forward to hearing the recommendations that this Advisory Committee will suggest. -Monica Aufrecht --- Monica Aufrecht, Ph.D. Philosophy Instructor Logic, Ethics, Philosophy of Science “We are the first generation to feel the sting of climate change, and we are the last that can do something about it.” - Washington State Governor Jay Inslee From: Christine Grenier On Behalf Of City Council Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 11:04 AM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Citizen Comments - Support of Race Equity Task Force (Scarlet) Attn: Council Members A voice message was received from “Scarlet” on Wednesday, July 1 at 7:30 PM. Caller ID indicated her phone # as (360) 689-7616. She indicated while she no longer lives in Bremerton, she was born here. Scarlet supported the creation of a Race Equity Task Force and hoped that it “would be made up of a diverse group of people who gives advice and counsel.” These comments will be included in the record under Item 3A for the July 1 Council Meeting. Christine Grenier Legislative/Auditor Assistant Bremerton City Council (360) 473-5280 City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us www.BremertonWA.gov From: Christine Grenier On Behalf Of City Council Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 11:08 AM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Citizen Comments - Support of Race Equity Task Force (Sue Magleeno) Attn: Council Members A voice message was received from Sue Magleeno on Wednesday, July 1 at 3:31 PM. Caller ID indicated her phone # as (360) 265-7220. She was very supportive of the formation of a Race Equity Task Force and “would join it if there were ever was one”. These comments will be included in the record under Item 3A for the July 1 Council Meeting. Christine Grenier Legislative/Auditor Assistant Bremerton City Council (360) 473-5280 City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us www.BremertonWA.gov AGENDA BILL CITY OF BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Study Session Date: June 10 & 24, 2020 Ordinance No. 5398 amending Chapter 2.50 of the Bremerton Municipal Code (BMC) entitled “Management and Professional Staff Compensation Program” by amending Section 2.50.032 relating to promotions and benefits COUNCIL MEETING Date: July 1, 2020 Department: Fire Presenter: Pat McGanney, Fire Chief Phone: (360) 473-5380 SUMMARY: Amending Section 2.50.032 of the Bremerton Municipal Code will allow employees moving from a represented classification to a management/professional classification to maintain their current benefits and not take a reduction in benefits. ATTACHMENTS: Ordinance No. 5398 FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): None STUDY SESSION AGENDA: ☒ Limited Presentation ☐ Full Presentation STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☒ General Business ☐ Public Hearing RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to pass Ordinance No. 5398 amending Section 2.50.032 of the Bremerton Municipal Code relating to promotions and benefits. COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action Form Updated 01/02/2018 3B Page 1 of 3 BMC 2.50.032 – Actual Salary Rate ORDINANCE NO. 5398 AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the City of Bremerton, Washington, amending Chapter 2.50 of the Bremerton Municipal Code entitled “Management and Professional Staff Compensation Program” by amending Section 2.50.032 related to promotions and benefits. WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend provisions of Section 2.50.032 of the Bremerton Municipal Code relating to promotions and benefits; NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 2.50.032 of the Bremerton Municipal Code entitled "Actual Salary Rate" is hereby amended to read as follows: 2.50.032 ACTUAL SALARY RATE. (a) Initial Rate. The salary rate of a person upon appointment to a management or professional position shall be set no lower than Rate 1 of the salary band to which an employee’s position is assigned. When it is in the best interest of the City, the City Council may authorize an initial salary of a newly hired person at a rate which exceeds Rate 1. (b) Salaries may be increased as follows: (1) Salary Rate Advancement. Each person shall be eligible for a salary rate advancement upon completion of twelve (12) full months of regular (as opposed to interim) service at each rate in the salary band. To receive a salary rate advancement, the employee must be evaluated as "meets expectations" (or equivalent) on his or her work performance evaluation. Salary rate advancements shall be an increase of one rate in the same salary band, if available. (2) Additional Advancement. Those employees who receive a rating that exceeds the rating "meets expectations" (or equivalent) may be eligible to receive an additional salary rate advancement for an increase of one additional rate in the same salary band, if available, above the initial rate advancement provided in subsection (b)(1) of this section. This additional advancement shall require the recommendation of the department head, or equivalent, and approval of the Mayor and City Council. (3) A rate advancement that was denied may be granted following a minimum sixty (60) day review period of the employee’s performance. (4) Notwithstanding the above, when it is in the best interest of the City, the City Council upon the recommendation of the Mayor may authorize an in-range adjustment to provide additional salary in instances of promotion, to provide for internal equity corrections, or for another reason deemed appropriate by the City Council. (c) Changes to Employee Classifications. (1) Downgrading an Employee’s Classification. Upon the City Council’s approval of downgrading a person’s classification to a lower salary band, the person’s initial salary rate will be set at the same rate in the new band that was in effect in the former salary band. In the event a person’s salary rate exceeds the maximum rate of the salary band to which his or her position is assigned on the date of downgrading, his or her actual salary rate shall be Page 2 of 3 BMC 2.50.032 – Actual Salary Rate frozen until such time as the maximum rate of the new band is equal to or greater than his or her actual salary and, at such time, the employee’s salary rate shall be set at the maximum rate of the salary band to which his or her position is assigned. (2) Upgrading an Employee’s Classification. If an employee’s classification is moved from one salary band to a higher band (excluding promotions), the employee’s salary rate at the higher band shall be set at the next rate which is higher than the salary he or she was receiving at the former band. Any additional rate advancements shall require City Council approval. The employee’s salary rate advancement date does not change. (3) Promotions. In the event an employee is promoted from one classification to a higher classification (one salary band to a higher salary band), the employee’s salary rate at the higher band shall be set at the next rate which is higher than the salary he or she was receiving at the former band. Promoted employees shall be eligible for a salary rate advancement upon completion of twelve (12) full months of regular (as opposed to interim) service at each rate in the new salary band, which shall be the employee’s new salary rate advancement date. In the event an employee is promoted to a management or professional position within the Fire Department which is not covered by IAFF Local 437, said employee will maintain their current and future benefits that are provided to union employees through the collective bargaining agreement in lieu of the benefits covered in Sections 2.50.032 through 2.50.050 and Section 2.50.070. Any additional rate advancements shall require City Council approval. SECTION 2. Corrections. The City Clerk and codifiers of this ordinance are authorized to make necessary corrections to this ordinance including, but not limited to, the correction of scrivener, clerical, typographical, and spelling errors, references, ordinance numbering, section/subsection numbers and any references thereto. SECTION 3. Severability. If any one or more sections, subsections, or sentences of this ordinance are held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this ordinance and the same shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force ten (10) days from and after its passage, approval and publication as provided by law. PASSED by the City Council the___________ day of ____________________, 2020. _________________________________ ERIC YOUNGER, Council President Approved this ________ day of ________________________, 2020. _________________________________ GREG WHEELER, Mayor Page 3 of 3 BMC 2.50.032 – Actual Salary Rate ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: __________________________________ _________________________________ ANGELA HOOVER, City Clerk ROGER A. LUBOVICH, City Attorney PUBLISHED the ________ day of ______________________, 2020. EFFECTIVE the ________ day of ______________________, 2020. ORDINANCE NO. ________. R:\Legal\Legal\Ordinances\Fire\BMC 2.50.032 Actual Salary Ordinance - Final.docx From: Roy Runyon [mailto:sealance2449@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 9:04 PM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; City.council@bremerton.ci.wa.us; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Assistant Fire Chief Pay increase Congratulations to council members Younger, Simpson, Sullivan and Gorman for voting against the pay increase for the assistant fire chief position! Eric, you stole my thunder for the next agenda item because you pointed out the hypocrisy of the Greg Wheeler administration for not advertising the assistant fire chief position nationally to find an individual who might be more qualified and might also happen to be a member of a minority group. --Roy Runyon Taxpayer From: Christine Grenier On Behalf Of City Council Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 11:04 AM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Citizen Comments - Support of Race Equity Task Force (Scarlet) Attn: Council Members A voice message was received from “Scarlet” on Wednesday, July 1 at 7:30 PM. Caller ID indicated her phone # as (360) 689-7616. She indicated while she no longer lives in Bremerton, she was born here. Scarlet supported the creation of a Race Equity Task Force and hoped that it “would be made up of a diverse group of people who gives advice and counsel.” These comments will be included in the record under Item 3A for the July 1 Council Meeting. Christine Grenier Legislative/Auditor Assistant Bremerton City Council (360) 473-5280 City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us www.BremertonWA.gov From: Christine Grenier On Behalf Of City Council Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 11:08 AM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Citizen Comments - Support of Race Equity Task Force (Sue Magleeno) Attn: Council Members A voice message was received from Sue Magleeno on Wednesday, July 1 at 3:31 PM. Caller ID indicated her phone # as (360) 265-7220. She was very supportive of the formation of a Race Equity Task Force and “would join it if there were ever was one”. These comments will be included in the record under Item 3A for the July 1 Council Meeting. Christine Grenier Legislative/Auditor Assistant Bremerton City Council (360) 473-5280 City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us www.BremertonWA.gov AGENDA BILL CITY OF BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Study Session Date: June 10 & 24, 2020 Confirm Appointment of John Payne to the position of Assistant Fire Chief at Pay Band 22, Rate 8 of the 2020 Management, Professional, Confidential and Fiduciary Salary Plan COUNCIL MEETING Date: July 1, 2020 Department: Fire Presenter: Pat McGanney, Fire Chief Phone: (360) 473-5380 SUMMARY: Per BMC 2.50.032 (a), City Council approval is required when setting a new employee’s initial salary at a rate which exceeds rate one (1). It is proposed that John’s salary be set at rate eight (8). John has been employed with the City for 25 years and has his Master’s Degree in Homeland Defense. ATTACHMENTS: 1) Letter of Engagement; 2) 2020 Management, Professional, Confidential and Fiduciary Salary Plan; 3) Position Description; and 4) Comparables FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): None STUDY SESSION AGENDA: ☒ Limited Presentation ☐ Full Presentation STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☒ General Business ☐ Public Hearing RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to confirm the appointment of John Payne as the Assistant Fire Chief at Pay Band 22, Rate 8 of the 2020 Management, Professional, Confidential and Fiduciary Salary Plan. COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action Form Updated 01/02/2018 3C Item Pulled Patrick McGanney, Fire Chief 911 Park Avenue Bremerton, WA 98337 Telephone: 360-473-5381 May 27, 2020 John Payne RE: Letter of Engagement Dear John: It is with great pleasure that I confirm your appointment to the position of Assistant Fire Chief. Your position is exempt from Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions and included in the Management and Professional classifications covered under BMC 2.50 (copy attached) as follows: Position: Assistant Fire Chief Department: Fire Department Effective Date: ____________________________ Rate of Pay: $6,592.39 (Band 22, Rate 8) –Pending City Council Approval Appointment/Removal: Fire Chief Supervisor: Patrick McGanney, Fire Chief Vacation: Pursuant to BMC Chapter 2.50._____ Benefits: Pursuant to BMC Chapter 2.50._____ Severance: Pursuant to BMC Chapter 2.50.090 You are an “at will” employee and may be terminated by the City without cause at any time with thirty (30) days’ notice. You may be terminated for cause, without notice, and no severance pay shall be paid. This letter shall constitute your terms and conditions of employment with the City and there are no other written or oral agreements that have not been set forth in this letter of engagement or covered by Chapter 2.50 of the Bremerton Municipal Code. Please sign indicating your acceptance of our offer of employment as outlined above, and return to Leighann Denton in our Human Resources Office at 345 6th Street, Suite 100, Bremerton, WA 98337. Sincerely, Patrick McGanney Fire Chief cc: Leighann Denton, Human Resources Analyst II ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ACCEPTANCE OF JOB OFFER: I, John Payne, hereby accept the appointment to position of Assistant Fire Chief, under the terms and conditions as set forth in this Letter of Engagement. SIGNATURE: ______________________________ __________________ John Payne Date City of Bremerton Classification Specification February 2020 ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF Page 1 of 3 GENERAL FUNCTION Under general direction of the Fire Chief, serves as assistant department head responsible for implementing fire department policies and procedures; managing multiple prevention, inspection, suppression and emergency medical response programs; and assisting in planning, organizing and managing departmental operations. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is a professional middle management fire and emergency medical classification with responsibility for assisting in planning, organizing and directing the operations of multiple fire, emergency medical response and prevention services and personnel. REPRESENTATIVE ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Note – This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omis sion of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.) Operations Management: Assists in and prepares budget requests for program personnel, facilities, equipment, supplies and services. Implements budget changes. Prepares and processes purchase documents and contracts. Monitors budget expenditure levels. Quantifies activity levels and costs of existing services, working conditions, operating procedures and identifies alternatives. Produces periodic progress, financial and other reports. Makes public presentations on service policy issues and programs. Resolves service problems and handles operational emergency situations. Personnel Management: Directs and coordinates work or program administrative staff to assure effective operations. Supervises and evaluates personnel, participates in their selection, advises on and implements discipline and discharge actions. Assists to establish and implement safe work practices, performance standards and operating procedures. Participates in or conducts meetings, negotiations and other processes used to discuss and implement changes to policies and practices. Special Assignments: Directs development of public information materials and personally engages in public information activities. Investigates and responds to complaints or other public service inquires. Conducts surveys and studies needed to review departmental service options. Provides technical advice, information and other support needed to: establish and implement professional standards for fire prevention, suppression and medical emergency response programs; evaluate trends, new developments and opportunities for developing fire and medical emergency facilities and services; evaluates fire and medical emergency response legislation. Acting Chief: In the absence of the Chief, serves as Fire Marshal and Acting Chief commanding all fire and emergency medical personnel and activity including investigations of fire origins, fire and safety inspections and code enforcement, fire prevention, disaster preparedness, emergency responses and routine departmental operations. Inter-Agency/Inter-Departmental Coordination: Represents the department and coordinates activity involving multi-agency or multi-departmental operations. Investigates and intercedes in matters requiring resolution of conflicts between departments, agencies or multiple service City of Bremerton Classification Specification February 2020 ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF Page 2 of 3 providers. Provides technical support to other departments in matters involving the processing of departmental policies, procedures or program documents. General: Participates in the general management operations of the City. Respond to inquiries from internal and external sources; produces written and verbal reports on administrative subjects, as assigned. Performs other work which is consistent with the responsibilities of the classification and necessary to department operations. Other Duties – Regular Attendance is an essential requirement – Performs related work as assigned or required KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: Principles, practices, methods and technical support functions of fire and emergency medical response services; Current professional standards applicable to fire and emergency medical response services; Fundamental intent and basic provisions of municipal, state and federal financing mechanisms for fire and emergency medical services; Techniques used for gathering, evaluating and summarizing fire department service information in preparing budgets; Operations of fire vehicles, apparatus, radios and other emergency communications devices; Effective supervision and command practices applicable to municipal fire department operations. Emergency and Disaster preparedness. Fire Department Administration and the Principles of Leadership Principles of conflict resolution and collective bargaining Incident Command System Able to: Apply professional fire and emergency medical response principles to specific service operations; Interpret and supply the intent and specific provisions of laws and regulatory provisions to particular conditions and determine a course or action; Evaluate, plan and establish a proper sequence of action for multiple functional units and personnel to accomplish goals; Provide verbal and written directives, information and advice to a wide variety of people and officials in non-stressful and stressful situations; Persuasively communicate ideas and assert a point of view in controversial situations; Apply the principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action and the Americans with Disabilities Act in managing personnel and service functions; Exhibit and instill in subordinates a high public service priority in contacts with the public and others encountered in the workplace; Develop and implement operating methods which provide a high degree of public safety; City of Bremerton Classification Specification February 2020 ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF Page 3 of 3 Establish operating methods which produce physical and mental wellness and good morale among employees; Successfully complete officially sponsored training courses and achieve certification as prescribed by departmental training standards for the position. QUALIFYING TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Combined training and experience which demonstrates that a person has obtained the required knowledge and is able to perform the work required (with reasonable accommodation, if necessary). In the fire and medical emergency profession, a person with the following combined training and experience would qualify to compete in a selection process: graduation from high school or equivalent and eight (8) years of full-time paid experience in uniformed fire prevention, suppression and emergency medical response work; at least two (2) of which involved supervisory and/or command responsibility as a company officer. Required Licenses and Certifications A valid Washington State driver’s license is required and must be obtained prior to date of appointment or another date set by the City. LEGAL and REGULATORY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS Occupational Group: Middle Management. In addition to the essential function of managing on- going operations and personnel of their divisions or program, persons in middle management serve as the primary liaison between executive managers and program service users, operating personnel, and external organizations on specific activity. Work involves interpreting multiple policy requirements for continuing operations and advising executive managers in complex situations where available action options can have differing operational results or consequences. Fair Labor Standards Act: The classification is exempt under the laws of Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime provisions. Representation: The classification is excluded from the bargaining unit pursuant to the Recognition Article of the current labor agreement between the City of Bremerton and the International Association of Firefighters Local 437. Civil Service: Positions located in the Police or Fire Department are included in the City’s Civil Service System; all other are excluded. Appointment and Removal Authority: The position is filled by appointment by the Department Head. Removal is by action of the Department Head in conformance with Civil Service Rules. This classification specification does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and employee. It is subject to change by the City, with approval by the Civil Service Commission, as the needs of the City and requirements change. From: Karna Peck <karnapeck@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, July 2, 2020 9:21 AM To: City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Hello City Council I am a local Bremerton business owner, Bremerton property owner, and licensed Bremerton landlord. My businesses are downtown, and I live downtown. I believe the city has miss-stepped in its regulatory bounds. I do not understand why the city has created these parking issues, but the newest parking rule change has impacted my business, my health, and properties in a very negative way. My reasons as follows: By making it unreasonably difficult to have shoppers, or students in my business for more than 7 days a month. I am a working business and my patrons stay longer than the signs allow. When they receive tickets they do not return to my business. This is not a good thing. This affects the ability to rent for a short time. If I choose to rent for less than a year I will have to be inconvenienced, and so will my renters, by having to get a new pass plus possibly pay a fee. I have short term guests that help in the hospitals and the military facilities that only need short term leases. It is unfair to burden me with this new requirement. My personal life is affected too. I have company stay with me and do not feel I should be held to a rule that I had no control over. The rule of a maximum of 7 out of any 30 days does not work for me. Having an extra fee added to my life does not work for me. I am mentally anguished over this. The city should be ashamed of itself for imposing these restrictions on the public at a time when the restrictions of the covid 19 are already impacting lives both mentally and financially. If the city feels parking is an issue that is too big for them they should not punish the people within the city, then add more housing downtown with less than adequate parking for these buildings. Property value will be affected by this change in a negative way. With this rule it will impact property values. People do not like restrictions. Having a home with street parking is a challenge already. Now you have added another negative to the parking problem that has to be divulged upon every sale of a property. This affects my well being. I have several children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I should not have to tell them they may not visit me because my parking pass time is up. This is a very sad day for me. Airbnb's are affected. These add life to the city. They allow people an option to visit and have a wonderful experience in our city. With this new rule it becomes much harder for those who run them in the city and it will add a cost to them. This is time, money and frustration to myself, my neighbors, the city renters and owners. It impinges upon my rights to use my property. And private businesses will make money off of public properties. Impact will make more. They are signing out home businesses. America’s Founders understood clearly that private property is the foundation not only of prosperity but of freedom itself. Thus, through the common law, state law, and the Constitution, they protected property rights — the rights of people to acquire, use, and dispose of property freely. With the growth of modern government, however, those rights have been seriously compromised. The Constitution protects property rights through the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments’ Due Process Clauses and, more directly, through the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause: “nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.” There are two basic ways the government can take property: (1) outright, by condemning the property and taking title; and (2) through regulations that take uses, leaving the title with the owner — so‐called regulatory takings. Please consider undoing what the city has done or add an alternative solution for the parking enforcement rules. Please reverse the change of the parking passes back to what they were. I am available for a conversation with you if you would like. Thank you for your service. I do appreciate what you do for the city. Karna Peck, CEO of KPO 360 801 0424 www.karnapeck.com