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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2013-07-31COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Special Meeting 6:00 p.m. July 31, 2013 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Alderpersons (8) Brock, Dotson, Murtagh, Clairborne, Fleming, Kerslick, Proulx, Mohlenhoff OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney – Lavine City Controller – Thayer Building - Planning & Development Director – Cornish Acting Superintendent of Public Works – Benjamin Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn Fire Chief – Parsons Police Chief – Barber GIAC Director – Fort Deputy GIAC Director – McBean-Clairborne Former Youth Bureau Director – Green WDAC Member – Audrey Cooper WDAC Member – Erin Sember-Chase WDAC Member – Sue Kittel WDAC Member – Lynette Chappel-Williams WDAC Member – Nancy Bereano EXCUSED: Alderpersons (2) Smith, McCollister City Clerk – Conley Holcomb Director of Information Technology - Twardokus SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Presentation by Department Heads – “Report on Diversity: Progress and Goals” Mayor Myrick welcomed the group and spoke to the history, progress and goals of the City’s diversity and inclusion efforts. Marcia Fort, Chair of the Workforce Diversity Advisory Council (WDAC) introduced the members of the WDAC and invited everyone to join their meetings. WDAC Member Lynette Chappel-Williams, Associate Vice President of the Office of Workforce Diversity, Equity & Life Quality, Cornell University, addressed the group to explain the goals of the Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee. She noted that the ultimate goal is have the concepts of diversity and inclusion imbedded in everyday operations. This work is fluid and ongoing. She further reviewed the goals stated in the City’s Diversity Statement and the “business case” for diverse workplaces. She reviewed changing demographics, the productivity of employees working in an inclusive environment, and achieving the competitive edge among other employers. WDAC Member Sue Kittel broke the larger group into smaller work groups. They returned from their sessions, and reported on the group discussions that included topics such as:  training opportunities  sharing organizational successes with the community  diversity report cards  helping people be successful with civil service testing  demographics within the workforce and community  recruitment pools that don’t reflect the community’s demographics  the need for increased outreach  succession planning  accountability within management  support of Common Council  policy development  increased diverse representation on committees and boards  hiring diverse interns  who will be impacted by the decisions made by the city  sponsoring international visas  data collection and making decisions based on data  job training programs  availability of local resources for assistance with these initiatives Together, the group selected the following topics to focus on advancement for 2013:  Build in “mechanical” processes to ensure diversity and inclusion is embedded in every day processes (consider the three diversity goals): o Actively seek employees and volunteers with diverse backgrounds o Develop and maintain a work environment that supports and nurtures every individual throughout his or her tenure with the City o Continue to develop laws, policies and procedures governing our workforce and the City of Ithaca that are mindful and inclusive of our diverse community  Expand pool of “candidates” for boards, committees & employment: o Marketing o Mentorship o Connecting to new people in the community o Contractors  Improve accountability at all levels of the organization including setting clear expectations and measuring our status/progress; providing training as needed; reward those modeling best practices; consider this in succession planning. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. ______________________________ _______________________________ Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Svante L. Myrick City Clerk Mayor