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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/12/2022 REAC MEETING MINUTESBremerton Race Equity Advisory Committee – Meeting MINUTES Thursday, May 12, 6:00 p.m. via Zoom Learn more at https://www.bremertonwa.gov/1232/Race-Equity-Advisory-Committee-REAC Regular REAC meetings are currently held at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month, via Zoom. SERVING THIS MEETING Tech Host: Quinn Dennehy Tech Co-host (monitors chat, etc.): Quinn Dennehy Facilitator(s): Quinn Dennehy Land Acknowledgement Reader: Darryl Riley Timekeeper: Anna Mockler Notetaker: Glenna Matteson OUR PURPOSE o To advise the City Council, by applying a race equity analysis to all aspects of governance; and o To maintain engagement with and accountability to other work being done throughout the Bremerton Community in service of Race Equity. OUR VISION Bremerton Race Equity Advisory Committee envisions a City that: o Strives to continually dismantle its own institutional racism, within policies, programs, budgets, initiatives, legislation, systems, and infrastructure. o Amplifies and joins racially, culturally, and socially integrated community endeavors toward equity, well-being, and liberation for all; and o Aspires to model for the nation a City in which people of different races, ethnicities, and backgrounds can interact, form friendships, and participate fully in the community’s political, economic, educational, cultural, and civic endeavors. Attending: Council Members Quinn Dennehy (Chair) and Anna Mockler. Community Members Darryl Riley, Sarah van Gelder, and Glenna Matteson Absent: Jennifer Chamberlin (Vice Chair) and Community Member Airen Lydick 1. Opening and Welcome a. The meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM. b. The land acknowledgement was read. c. REAC’s purpose and vision were read. d. REAC members introduced themselves. 2. Approval of This Meeting Agenda Approved unanimously 3. Approval of Minutes Approval of Minutes from February 10th, 2022 REAC Meeting Approved unanimously Approval of Minutes from March 10th, 2022 REAC Meeting Tabled (to include outcomes from the March 8 Community Conversation Meeting) Approval of Minutes from April 14th, 2022 REAC Meeting Approved unanimously 4. Update on Bremerton City Council’s Activities a. Action Item Follow-up: GARE Membership ▪ Quinn updated the committee on GARE access and resources which should improve going forward and that he hoped to have other city leaders attend the next conference. Glenna agreed to be the community liaison. b. Action Item Follow-up: Getting on June 8th City Council Study Session Agenda? ▪ Bremerton REAC wants to report-back the summary of highlights and recommendations from the March 8th Community Conversation, and to open discussion on the committee’s structure. The 20-minute presentation can be done by one person or the full committee and should leave time for questions. ▪ A broader conversation is needed with the Council either during the June 11 Retreat or at a future Study Session. Bremerton Race Equity Advisory Committee – Meeting MINUTES Thursday, May 12, 6:00 p.m. via Zoom Learn more at https://www.bremertonwa.gov/1232/Race-Equity-Advisory-Committee-REAC Regular REAC meetings are currently held at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month, via Zoom. 5. REAC Purpose, Structure, and City Attorney’s Memo ▪ Quinn recommended inviting the City Attorney to the next REAC Meeting to get feedback and advice on possible options for structures and how to operate (and communicate) as a committee while following the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act. Darryl asked what is in the Mayor’s Diversity & Inclusion Program. Anna asked for clarification on the City’s Policy. Sarah asked about options to help REAC relate to the Mayor’s Plan and for guidance on when REAC can weigh in during the decision-making process. ▪ Potentially hiring a consultant would be a big step in building a Plan based on feedback and recommendations from REAC and the community. 6. Working Team Reports None tonight a. Change The Power b. Educate & Communicate c. Business & New Economy 7. Old Business a. Filling the Three (3) Bremerton REAC Vacancies ▪ There was consensus to email candidates (already interviewed or not yet interviewed) to confirm their interest and to be transparent on the conversations being planned on the committee’s structure. Anna suggested reaching out to other organizations for representation and to utilize their community experience. Glenna pointed out that later this year there is the potential for turnover with current membership up for renewal. ▪ Darryl suggested a stipend for committee members and when considering applicants, to recognize that there are volunteers already very involved in the community. Sarah remembered there were BIPOC members previously and agreed that compensating people for their time might be another way to retain volunteers. ▪ The committee also discussed how to improve outreach, through posts at locations like the Marvin Williams Center or participating at community events like Juneteenth. Anna suggested committee members attend other group meetings as individuals or as REAC representatives, and to report back in the future. 8. New Business a. Establish Roles for June 9th Meeting: i. Tech Host: Quinn ii. Tech Co-host/Helper: iii. Land Acknowledgement Reader: iv. Timekeeper: v. Notetaker: vi. Facilitator: vii. (Do we need this?) Agenda Creator: b. Possible Items for the next Agenda: Structure, Priorities, Work Plan 9. Public Comment – None 10. Closing Remarks Meeting adjourned 7:21 PM.