11-15-19 Rising TIDES Minutes7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, MN 55427
763-593-3991 1 TTY 763-593-39681 763-593-8109 (fax) I www.goidenvalleymn.gov
Rising TIDES Task Force
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:16 pm by Chair Allen.
Roll Call
city of
golden
valley
November 15, 2019 — 5:15 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
Members present: Joelle Allen, Ajani Woodson, Ruth Paradise, Amber Alexander, Melissa
Johnson, and Maurice Harris
Members absent: Sam Powers, Sheri Hixon, and Brad Davis
Staff present: Maria Cisneros, City Attorney
Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Vice Chair Harris and seconded by Member Alexander to approval agenda.
Motion carried 6-0.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION by Vice Chair Harris to approve the September 10, and October 12, 2019 meeting
minutes. Motion carried 6-0.
Recap Open Forum
Members discussed key takeaways from the October Open Forum, including considering informal ways
to collect data and feedback at places where community members frequent, providing meals or changing
the time to accommodate mealtime, and engaging with high school students by connecting with
superintendents. The Members also discussed the format of the event. Members agreed that the format
worked, but the timing felt rushed. Members suggested allowing more time for individuals to process
their ideas before sharing with their small groups, and to allow for deeper discussion, focusing on less
topics. The Task Force decided to consider how the topics overlap so questions are not repeated.
Members agreed that providing the recommendations for each topic ahead of time and creating a survey
for individuals could increase participation.
Additionally, the Members would like to consider additional promotional methods. Members were
disappointed that there were not many members of the public in attendance. Members suggested
promoting the next forum with language that highlights that importance of the event and explains to
individuals why they should show up. Further suggestions included: considering additional locations,
shorter meetings, and diversifying meeting times. Members agreed it may be helpful to host tables at
other events, such as farmer's market to gather feedback and promote the next forum.
The Task Force discussed the timeframe of the upcoming forum. The group agreed that a forum in late
February/early March, tied into Black History Month and Women's History Month, would be better than
January.
MEETING MINUTES — Rising TIDES Task Force
November 12, 2019
The Task Force discussed implementing a "deadline" for phase I, and discussed the continuation of the
Task Force past phase I. The Members agreed that a continuation of the Task Force into an
"implementation phase" would be appropriate.
Task Force members agreed that active member attendance is pertinent. Members agreed to look to
their current networks for individuals who could be active participants to fill the remaining spots.
Member Paradise asked the Task Force to consider discussing issues at their meetings, rather than
focusing solely on processes. The Task Force agreed that it might be helpful to start off each meeting
with a brief discussion of related issues prior to discussing the topic.
Topic Discussion: Diversifying Employee Recruitment
The Task Force asked if the City has recruitment or representation goals. City Attorney Cisneros shared
some government regulations related to setting recruitment benchmarks based on protected class
status, including the details and requirements of an affirmative action plan. Cisneros shared that
affirmative action plans must be supported with data and, therefore, can be expensive to develop and
maintain. Chair Allen stated that it may be worth looking into affirmative action plans from surrounding
cities and using their data to set recruitment benchmarks, which may cut costs. Commissioner Alexander
proposed that as an alternative the City could post a value statement that reflects its desire to have a
team that represents the community. Cisneros shared that one strategy that the City uses is to
incorporate equity, inclusion, and diversity values as well as use of the welcome statement into the
interview process.
Commissioners discussed other recruitment strategies. The strategies discussed included reviewing
advertisements, including language that reduces barriers like minimum qualifications, recruiting from
schools where curriculum focuses on diversity and inclusion, and offering paid and unpaid internships.
Commissioner Alexander shared with the group some tenants of a successful diverse recruitment
strategy. Suggestions included:
• Ensuring that the whole team of leaders are part of the process, and it is not solely a human
resources function.
• Engage all employees to be "recruiters' for the City.
• Building diverse networks.
• Focusing on internal talent and providing opportunities for employees
• Ensuring the interview panel is chosen intentionally.
The Task Force discussed engaging with current employees to understand who they are and what their
aspirations are as a way to focus on internal talent. The Task Force also recognized that the opportunities
for movement are sometimes limited based on the tenure of employees, the competitive market, and
potentially lower pay than in the private sector. Therefore, the City should focus on how the work makes
an impact. The group also suggested offering recruitment training, developing a career philosophy, and
recruiting for baseline and building skills internally.
The group asked about the City's history of attending diversity career fairs. The Task Force also posed the
topic of retention and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, allowing individuals to be
authentic. The Task Force will continue to discuss ways the City can build and enhance its culture.
MEETING MINUTES — Rising TIDES Task Force
November 12, 2019
Adjournment
MOTION by Member Alexander. Seconded by Member Paradise. Meeting adjourned at
6:22 pm.
ATTE
Kirsten antelices, Human Resources Director
JoeOen, Chair