04-09-19 Rising TIDES Minutes 7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley,MN 55427 city of
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Rising TIDES Task Force
Apr 9, 2019—5:15 pm
Conference REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Council Golden Valley City Ha
7800 Golden Valley Road
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm by Chair Joelle Allen.
Roll Call
Members present: Amber Alexander,Joelle Allen, Ruth Paradise, Ajani Woodson, Sam Powers,
Maurice Harris, Melissa Johnson, Sheri Hixon and Millicent Flowers
Members absent: Tanveer Gulzar
Staff present: Tim Cruikshank, City Manager; Maria Cisneros, City Attorney and Marc
Nevinski, Physical Development Director
Team Building Activity
The Task Force Members participated in a team building activity.
Discussion of Topic: Eliminating Bias in Reviewing RFPs and Contracts
Chair Allen introduced the topic—eliminating bias in the contracting process. She said at the last meeting
a comment was made regarding what the goals of the contracting process should be and she asked if the
group should decide what they would like to accomplish regarding the contracting process.
Members discussed ways of recording input on the topics being discussed by using a worksheet or
template and decided each meeting would be summarized by a different Member and that the summary
would include information from the minutes and other notes taken during the meeting. City Attorney
Cisneros said staff could provide a template for future meetings. City Manager Cruikshank said a goal of
the Task Force is to submit a final report with recommendations and action steps for staff and Council to
consider for implementation and having summary of agreed upon actions may help in assembling this.
Chair Allen reviewed a list of items previously discussed regarding what the Task Force would like to
accomplish. The list included:
• Design a more inclusive system;
• Have an international perspective;
• Help residents feel that Golden Valley represents the community's values;
• Communicate that staff is happy to support this process and is ready for the journey;
• Be out front and come out with results that can be used to lead the way;
• Recognize that it is challenging to be a person of color and enjoy the fruits of this community; and
• Make changes to create a better environment.
The group discussed the list of items and possible ways they could be accomplished them.
MEETING MINUTES— Rising TIDES Task Force 2
Apr 9, 2019
The Task Force moved to discussion of the topic for consideration. Chair Allen read an email she
received regarding catering at Brookview. The Task Force discussed the email and what steps could
be taken to increase participation of women and minority-owned business during the preferred
caterer bidding process. Members made the following suggestions:
• Members suggested the City partner with organizations that work with women and
minority-owned business to find out where upcoming bidding information could be posted.
• Members said bidding guidelines should be posted on the City's website for bidders to
easily find. Mr. Nevinski said sealed bid projects are posted, and the City has a subscription
service that allows applicants to be notified of upcoming bids.
• Members discussed the City holding informational sessions during the year to update
vendors before a project is bid.
• Members discussed ways to encourage contractors to sub-contract with women or
minority-owned businesses for large projects.
• Members discussed providing training for City employees on this issue. Mr. Nevinski said it
may be possible to partner with surrounding communities.
• Members discussed how far in advance the City should provide information to potential
bidders, creating a registry of types of upcoming projects and pre-bid meetings.
Chair Allen summarized the discussion regarding the ways the City could notify potential women or
minority owned business vendors of upcoming project including additional information on the City's
website, expanding the City's network to be able to reach out to women and minority-owned
business, holding pre-bid meetings, creating a registry for types of upcoming projects, being more
regional, having City spend goals, and providing additional employee training.
Adjournment
MOTION by Member Woodson, seconded by Member Alexander to adjourn the meeting at 6:15 pm.
Carried.
Joelle en, Chair
ATTEST:
�A� C A
Kris Luedke, City Clerk