07-14-20 Rising TIDES Minutes-U
Rising TIDES Task Force
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:20 pm by Chair Allen.
Roll Call
Members present: Joelle Allen, Ruth Paradise, Alex Moreno, Amber Alexander, Melissa Johnson,
Myat Thanda Tun, Fartun Hussein, Ajani Woodson, Sheri Hixon, and Brad
Taylor-White (5:28 pm)
Members absent: Sam Powers
Staff present: Kirsten Santelices, Human Resources Director
Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Member Paradise to approve the agenda as submitted. Seconded by Member
Moreno. Motion carried 9-0.
Approval of May 14, 2020 Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Member Johnson to approve May 14, 2020 meeting minutes as submitted.
Seconded by Member Hixon. Motion carried 9-0.
Announcements
Staff Santelices shared the following updates:
1. The City is moving forward with hiring and Equity and Inclusion Manager.
2. The City is taking part in Excel Energy’s Partners in Energy Action plan and is forming an Energy
Action Team. The City is seeking at least one member from the Rising TIDES Task Force to take
part in this work. Staff Santelices will share the application materials again and encouraged
members to apply.
3. The City is hosting an internal town hall with employees with a third-party facilitator. This was a
recommendation by the Task Force. The town Hall will take place on July 15.
Vice Chair shared an overview of the upcoming Community Forum on Race and Policing on July 28,
2020. The Task Force members were excited about the forum.
Recap Recommendations to City Council and Discuss Phase II
Chair Allen provided an overview of the discussion with City Council on June 9, 2020. Chair Allen then
asked all of the Task Force Members to provide a brief response to the question, “What do you
envision for Phase II of the Task Force?”
Each Member took time to respond. The topics that were brought up include:
• A focus on individuals with disabilities and how to get individuals work opportunities in
corporations.
Jul 14, 2020 – 5:15 pm
Via Cisco Webex
MEETING MINUTES – Rising TIDES Task Force
July 14, 2020
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• A campaign rejecting racism.
• Review of the equity plan, making changes and actionable goals.
• Layer in anti-racism work to the work of the Task Force.
• Mental health training, particularly for the Police department.
• How to make micro and macro-level changes in culture within the City, including
neighborhoods, City government, and overall community.
• Ensure that the community is speaking with one voice, which includes training all staff.
• Begin meeting with organizers to help them create culturally responsible materials, as
listed in the recommendations report.
Additional topics that were mentioned were partnerships on housing and transportation initiatives
and focusing on youth in Golden Valley.
Member Paradise then shared that the City Council will be discussing the Civil Service Commission
and the creation of a new commission at its July Council/Manager meeting. Member Paradise
suggested that the Task Force may have an interest in that process. Additionally Member Paradise
suggested that the Task Force think about common language and providing information to the
community about how to talk about race.
Chair Allen suggested that the group review this list, review the recommendations report that they
put forth to the council and prioritize the next steps. Vice Chair Alexander asked if there has been
any new directives from the Council that they should keep in mind. Staff Santelices responded that
the work of the task force continues to be a strategic priority for the Council, and they have approved
the Task Force’s recommendation for a Phase II to continue this important work. All members will
email their thoughts to staff by next Tuesday for compilation and discussion at the August meeting.
Member Paradise shared some additional topics that the Task Force may consider looking at: adding
criminal history to the welcome statement and the issue of “crime free code,” though Member
Paradise was unaware if this is happening in Golden Valley.
Chair Allen asked others what their thoughts are on the topics presented, and encouraged the group
to voice their opinions to ensure there is consistency in how the Task Force Moves forward.
Member Hixon asked how the Task Force’s work is interwoven in the Comprehensive Plan. Staff
Santelices suggested that the Task Force could look at the Comprehensive Plan on the website as a
guide for their ideas on the path forward.
Prior to closing, Staff Santelices shared the Welcome Statement Video with the group.
Adjournment
MOTION by Member Alexander. Seconded by Member Hussein. Meeting adjourned at
6:06 pm.
MEETING MINUTES – Rising TIDES Task Force
July 14, 2020
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_______________________________
Joelle Allen, Chair
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Kirsten Santelices, Human Resources Director