HomeMy WebLinkAbout23-027 Creating the Equity, Access and Rights Advisory BoardResolution 23-027
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RESOLUTION 23-027
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, CREATING THE EQUITY, ACCESS AND
RIGHTS ADVISORY BOARD
WHEREAS, on February 16, 2021, the City Council approved the Ad Hoc Committee
on Law Enforcement and Public Safety report that recommended the City create a Race and
Social Justice Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, the City Council referred the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee
on Law Enforcement and Public Safety to the Council Culture and Society Committee for
consideration; and
WHEREAS, the Culture and Society Committee has researched other municipalities'
diversity and equity initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the Culture and Society Committee recommended the following provisions
for an Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend as follows:
SECTION 1. FORMATION
An Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board is hereby established, subject to the general
provisions in Article 4 of City Council Rules of Procedure pertaining to Committees, Boards,
Work Groups, & Commissions, including any amendments thereto.
SECTION 2. SCOPE OF WORK AND TASK DESCRIPTIONS
As directed by the City Council, the Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board is authorized to
advise on the following matters:
1. Adopt rules of operation and schedule meetings.
2. Serve as the resident advisory board regarding the following:
a. Access to staff and the City Council for community members to raise concerns about
equity and rights;
b. Outreach and collaboration with the community, community organizations, and other
jurisdictions, including maintaining a list of outside resources to assist community
members;
c. Issue resolution and informed feedback on proposed policies for staff and City Council;
d. Standing task force to assist the City Council Culture and Society Committee in
furthering equity, access, and rights in the City of Port Townsend;
Resolution 23-027
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e. Review and update assistance of the City's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement;
and
f. Barriers identification and possible solutions for participation in City government and
programs.
3. Formulate recommendations on select proposed ordinances, resolutions, proclamations,
plans, and procedures.
4. Formulate recommendations to City Council, staff, other advisory boards regarding equity,
access, and rights education, training, and resources.
5. Propose to City Council, and when directed, convene public listening sessions on difficult
community issues and recommend equitable and effective actions.
6. Provide a forum for discussing equity, access, and human rights issues.
7. Identify issues and provide City Council with feedback regarding equity, access, and rights.
8. Provide such other functions as directed by City Council.
SECTION 3. TERM OF COMMITTEE — SUNSET PROVISION
This committee shall constitute a standing advisory board, subject to further City Council
resolution. No sunset provision is established.
SECTION 4. MEMBERSHIP
The Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board shall consist of no less than five and no more
than nine members to be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council, from
residents, business owners, or others with a demonstrable tie to Port Townsend who are
recognized as having fitness for such positions, with the following additional provisions:
1. The members of the Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board should be at least fourteen
years old and should represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds and points of view.
Members should be collaborative active listeners who embrace diversity and understanding„
2. All members of the Advisory Board must have demonstrated interest in or knowledge of the
community's equity, access, and rights.
SECTION 5. TERMS OF OFFICE
The term of office shall be three years, except that the initial appointments shall be staggered
from one to three years, so that no more than three members shall have their terms expire in any
one year.
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SECTION 6. MEETINGS
I'he Advisory Board will begin meeting when five members have been appointed, but no sooner
than sixty days from the adoption of this resolution.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port
thereof, held this 12 day of June 2023.
Attest:
A
lyssa
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City Clerk
Mayor
Approved as to form:
ire-
*1jl r e *C� I Ac#
,lei( i Gre
City Attorney