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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-AAC-1999 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Regular Meeting January 8, 1999 Member Present: Marcia Fort, Brian Wilbur, Satomi Hill,Phyllis Radke. Diann Sams, Tom West Members Absent: Sam Velazquez, Winnie Taylor, Lauren Austin Staff Present: Schelley Michell-Nunn,Denise Malone Others Present: Julie Holcomb (City Clerk),Debra Parsons(City Chamberlain) The meeting was called to order by Phyllis Radke at 10:00 am. MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION PLAN Phyllis Radke welcomed Julie Holcomb and Debra Parsons to the meeting. Phyllis asked Julie and Debra if they would tell the Committee their reason for attending the meeting. Julie and Debra stated the inequities in salaries for managerial employees, specifically where it pertains to female department heads. They distributed information regarding their request and denial for a salary increase, and their research on comparable salaries for similar titles in the Managerial Compensation Plan of the City of Ithaca and of other municipalities. Discussion followed. Julie and Debra asked the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee for their support in addressing their concerns to the Mayor and Common Council. After discussion,the consensus of the Committee is that 1)work needs to be done by the Human Resources Committee regarding policy on salary structure for management positions in the compensation plan; and 2)this Committee should go to the Budget& Administration Committee regarding Julie and Debra's concerns. A Sub-committee was created consisting of Marcia,Phyllis and Tom. They will gather information to present to the Budget and Administration Committee at their February meeting. The Committee thanked Julie and Debra for attending the meeting. SALARY ADJUSTMENTS PAY EQUITY/INTERN CANDIDATE Schelley distributed and briefly explained the information regarding Management salaries and the Graduate Intern Project. The Committee will discuss at the next meeting. Affirmative Action Advisory Committee Meeting January 8, 1999 Page 2 NEXT MEETING/AGENDA ITEMS The next Affirmative Action Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday-February 5, 1999 at 10:00 am in the Second Floor Conference Room. The Agenda Items will be Salary Adjustments Pay Equity,Priority Setting for 1999 and Intern Candidate. With no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Regular Meeting February 5, 1999 Member Present: Marcia Fort, Brian Wilbur, Sam Velazquez,Phyllis Radke,Diann Sams, Tom West, Robyn Jenks Members Absent: Satomi Hill, Winnie Taylor,Lauren Austin Staff Present: Schelley Michell-Nunn The meeting was called to order. NEW MEMBER The Committee welcomed Robyn Jenks as a new Committee member. Introductions were made. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Phyllis made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 8, 1999 meeting. Seconded by Sam. Motioned carried 7-0. VACANCY REVIEW COMMITTEE The Committee discussed the resolution changing the name of the Vacancy Review Committee to Position Review Committee. Apparently, Jane Marcham pulled the resolution from the Budget and Administration Committee agenda to make further changes. Marcia wants to send a letter to Jane Marcham stating the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee vested interest in the Position Review Committee and in writing any criteria related to selecting diversified job candidates. The Committee discussed the hiring process and the role of the Affirmative Action Sub-Committee in that process. Questions raised were: What happens if the Affirmative Action Sub-Committee denied the choice of the department head? What is the Affirmative Action Sub-Committee's criteria for rejecting a department head's selection? Schelley stated that the Human Resource Department is collecting demographic data. Sam asked if this holds true for appointed positions. Schelley said, "no." The Committee discussed a 1993 report of female and minority hires. Schelley would like to reinstitute this kind of evaluation. Sam asked what kind of professional development does each department have. Schelley stated that she is working on this as well as developing more than a shotgun approach to outreach. Tom and Schelley will draft a letter to Jane Marcham, Sara Shenk,Paulette Manos,Diann Sams and Mayor Cohen stating that the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee expects that hiring should reflect conformity with affirmative action policies and conformity with the diversity mission statement. This letter will be sent out next Affirmative ActionAdvisory Committee Meeting February 5, 1999 Page 2 week inviting Jane, Sara, Paulette and Mayor Cohen to a special Affirmative Action Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Friday-February 19, 1999 at 9:30 am in the Common Council Chambers. The Committee will discuss the Position Review Committee and they will share with them their expectations about what criteria should be used in hiring. The Committee will also discuss Diann's role as Affirmative Action liaison to the Sub-Committee. AGENDA FOR MARCH MEETING The next regular meeting of the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee is March 12, 1999. Agenda items for the next Affirmative Action are 1) Salary Increase for Julie Holcomb&Debra Parson;2) Salary Adjustments Pay Equity; 3)Priority Setting for 1999; and 4) Intern Candidate. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Regular Meeting March 12, 1999 Members Present: Marcia Fort, Satomi Hill, Tom West, Phyllis Radke, Brian Wilbur,Diann Sams Members Absent: Robyn Jenks, Lauren Austin, Sam Velazquez, Winnie Taylor Staff Present: Schelley Michell-Nunn, Denise Malone Others Present: Robin Korherr(Deputy City Clerk), Michael Thomas(Deputy GIAC Director), Sara Shenk(Alderperson) Marcia called the meeting to order at 10:20 am. ADDITION TO AGENDA Tom West asked that Boys Scouts discussion at the work place be added to the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A quorum did not exist at the time, so the minutes were not approved. SALARY ADJUSTMENT Marcia Fort welcomed Deputy City Clerk Robin Korherr and Deputy GIAC Director Michael Thomas to the meeting. After introductions were made, Marcia mentioned that Ms. Korherr and Mr. Thomas were attending the meeting to discuss their concerns with the inequities in their salaries. Ms. Korherr distributed information regarding research she had done to show comparison of her salary with similar job titles in other municipalities. Ms. Korherr and Mr. Thomas told the Committee why they felt there was inequities in the salaries between themselves and other deputies. After discussion, the Committee drafted a resolution to supporting the review and increase in salary for Ms. Korherr and Mr. Thomas. Brian Wilbur drafted two resolutions. One regarding the systematic problem and work on the immediate problem of salary inequity. Marcia Fort thanked Robin Korherr and Michael Thomas for attending the meeting and sharing their concerns. DISCUSSION OF BOYS SCOUTS AT THE WORK PLACE Tom West stated that an inappropriate conversation took place in his office regarding Boys Scouts. Mr. West felt that this topic should be addressed by the Mayor to Department Heads. Schelley will talk to the Mayor regarding this. Affirmative Action Advisory Committee Meeting March 12, 1999 Page 2 AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING The agenda for next month will include the Position Review Committee(Update),Diann Sams' Role on the AA Sub-Committee and Hiring Practices. Marcia Fort stated that the Planning Department would like this Committee to assist them in their hiring practices. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:50 am. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Regular Meeting April 9, 1999 Members Present: Brian Wilbur, Tom West, Phyllis Radke, Marcia Fort, Diann Sams, Robyn Jenks Staff Present: Schelley Michell-Nunn, Denise Malone Others Present: Thys Van Cort (Director of Planning), Nels Bohn (Community Development), Kat Clute (Community Development), Susan Blumenthal (Common Council), Tracy Farrell (Common Council), Sara Shenk (Common Council) Marcia Fort called the meeting to order at 10:10 am. DIVERSITY IN THE WORKFORCE OF LOCAL BUSINESSES (PLANNING DEPARTMENT) Marcia welcomed the guests to the meeting. Introductions were made. After introductions, Marcia explained the Committee's concern that the workforce of local businesses does not reflect the diversity of the community. Staff from the Department of Planning and Development and Community Development was invited to the meeting to discuss their concern. The Committee and the departments discussed ways of informing local or incoming businesses df the City's Diversity Statement. They discussed putting together orientation packets or including inserts in area businesses' brochures or welcome packets. Ms. Fort suggested putting the diversity statement on the web site and around Ithaca. The Committee and the departments discussed ways to show diversity in different, positive ways (i.e. pictures, comments, etc.) They suggested checking with other agencies to see what they have done. Mr. VanCort suggested talking to Doug McDonald (Director of Economic Development for the City). Mr. McDonald does outreach to incoming or local businesses about the economic development in the City of Ithaca. The Committee thanked the guests for coming to the meeting. The Committee will invite Doug McDonald to the next Affirmative Action Advisory Committee meeting. FIREFIGHTER EXAM Schelley mentioned that the next Firefighter exam would be held on June 5, 1999. The closing date for accepting applications is April 28, 1999. She asked if the members would talk to and encourage all people from the protected classes to apply. Schelley mentioned that there would be test prep workshops on Saturdays beginning May 1, 1999. The workshops will be held at GIAC from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The workshops will assist candidates in developing test-taking skills. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADISORY COMMITTEE MEETING April 9, 1999 Page 2 POSITION REVIEW COMMITTEE UPDATE Schelley mentioned that the Position Review Committee meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 11:00 am in the Mayor's office. The Committee currently consists of Jane Marcham, Joan Spielholz and the Mayor. ROLE OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION SUB-COMMITTEE The Committee discussed the criteria used when making decisions. Phyllis will distribute the criteria for making decisions. NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be Friday—May 14, 1999. Agenda item: The Committee will continue to discuss their concerns surrounding diversity in the workforce of area businesses. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 am. • AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING May 14, 1999 Members Present: Phyllis Radke, Robyn Jenks, Brian Wilbur, Satomi Hill, Diann Sams Staff Present: Schelley Michell-Nunn, Denise Malone Other Presents: Doug McDonald (Director of Economic Development), Susan Blumenthal (Common Council) DIVERSITY IN THE WORKFORCE OF LOCAL BUSINESSES (Discussion Continued) Phyllis Radke welcomed Doug McDonald and Susan Blumenthal to the meeting. Introductions were made. Ms. Radke stated that the purpose of the meeting is to continue the discussion about local or incoming businesses' workforce reflecting the diversity of the community. Ms. Blumenthal distributed a brochure produced by Ithaca Downtown Partnership. The Committee discussed the brochure. The Committee discussed creating an insert to be included in the brochure. Satomi Hill stated that the brochure should have people from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities. The Committee will develop an outline for Susan Blumenthal to present to the Downtown Partnership to include in their brochure. Doug McDonald stated that he does outreach to local and incoming businesses regarding economic development in the City of Ithaca. Mr. McDonald stated that he does not recruit outside of the City or send out mass mailings. Currently, Mr. McDonald is working on a web page to get businesses to Ithaca. Mr. McDonald stated that he would appreciate any help from this Committee. The Committee discussed brochures/packets distributed by other agencies (i.e. Chamber of Commerce, Cornell University, etc.) and suggested approaching these agencies to include an insert in their brochures/packets regarding the City of Ithaca. The Committee thanked the Doug McDonald and Susan Blumenthal for attending the meeting. The Committee discussed sponsoring a contest to obtain a variety of pictures. The purpose of the contest is to get pictures that include people from diverse backgrounds and to use them in local agencies' brochures/packets. The Committee will continue to discuss their expectations for the brochures before contacting other agencies and draft a letter to distribute to incoming businesses. NEXT MEETING The next Affirmative Action Advisory Committee meeting is June 11, 1999. The agenda items: 1) Implementing writing educational piece to include in brochures of local agencies, and 2) Photo contest (discussion). Affirmative Action Advisory Committee Meeting May 14, 1999 Page 2 CIVIL SERVICE PREP TEST Schelley Michell-Nunn mentioned the civil service prep test workshop. Phyllis volunteered her services. REPRESENTATIVES (2) FROM THE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION PLAN REVIEW SUB-COMMITTEE Ms. Michell-Nunn stated that a committee had been created to look at the existing salary ranges for managerial employees. This committee will work with a consultant to evaluate the entire compensation plan and revise as needed. Phyllis Radke volunteered herself and Tom West for this committee. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:33 am. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Regular Meeting June 11, 1999 Members Present: Phyllis Radke, Brian Wilbur, Robyn Jenks, Satomi Hill, Winnie Taylor, Diann Sams Staff Present: Schelley Michell-Nunn, Denise Malone Others Present: Susan Blumenthal (Common Council) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Phyllis Radke made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 12, April 9, and May 14, 1999 meetings. Seconded by Diann Sams. Motion carried 6-0. OTHER BUSINESS Susan Blumenthal distributed a letter addressed to Mack Travis (President, Ithaca Downtown Partnership) requesting that the Partnership Board formally adopt a policy that would favor diversity in the board's membership. Ms. Blumenthal asked if the proposed guidelines, attached to his letter, could be placed on the Partnership's Executive Committee agenda for the board's review and consideration. Phyllis Radke thanked Susan for her help. IMPLEMENTING WRITING EDUCATIONAL PIECE FOR BROCHURES The Committee continued to discuss their expectations for brochures distributed by local agencies. The Committee reviewed the draft letter submitted by Brian Wilbur. The letter would be modified to address the different audiences. What information does the Committee want in the letter? Who is the audience? What do they want to tell them? The letter could state something briefly about the City, then talk about the City's expectation regarding diversity. Diann Sams mentioned her meeting with Ken Ivens, Director of Chamber of Commerce. Diann shared the Committee's concern about the brochure not reflecting the diversity of the community. Mr. Ivens explained what kind of people the Chamber of Commerce was trying to attract, which did not include people of color. Diann asked the Committee for suggestions. The Committee suggested requesting an information session with the President and/or the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. What is the purpose of meeting with the President and/or the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce? To educate/inform them that people of color do spend money in Ithaca. Affirmative Action Advisory Committee Meeting June 11, 1999 Page 2 The Committee must be clear about what they want to discuss with the President and/or Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Prior to requesting a meeting, the Committee will gather information. Robyn Jenks will contact American Demographics to get information on how much diverse groups spend. Diann Sams will get copies of laws. Brian Wilbur will look at the financial part. At the next meeting, the Committee will discuss the purpose of meeting with the President and/or the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the information gathered, the subject matter (points to discuss), possible dates, and selecting a spokesperson. The Committee will check to see what other agencies/municipalities have a diversity statement. Satomi Hill will check with the Human Rights Commission to see if they have copies of other agencies/municipalities diversity statement. Winnie Taylor will get a copy of Cornell's diversity statement. The Committee will check the Internet for local businesses' diversity statements (i.e. Borg Warner, Wegmans, Cayuga Medical, etc.) These statements would then be presented to Mr. Ivens. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN Winnie Taylor distributed names Cornell University used to put together Comell's Affirmative Action Program. These individuals could be used to do an analysis on our plan and update periodically. PHOTO CONTEST This item will be discussed at a future meeting. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Regular Meeting August 13, 1999 Members Present: Phyllis Radke, Brian Wilbur, .Satomi Hill, Marcia Fort Staff Present: Denise Malone APPROVAL OF MINUTES The June 11, 1999 minutes of the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee meeting were not approved due to the lack of a quorum. OTHER BUSINESS The Committee discussed the status of the brochures/packets being developed by the Planning Department. They discussed what brochures/packets the members received and who they received them from. The Committee was unsure whether these brochures/packets were distributed. If so, to whom were they distributed and did this Committee have a chance to review them? Phyllis Radke will draft a letter that will be given to businesses, tourists and to the Ithaca Downtown Partnership. This letter will state the City's position on diversity. The Committee talked about the problems businesses owned/operated by people of color are having, i.e. GIAC food cart, Da Spot as well as the Barbershop. This Committee talked about their frustrations and the direction in which they are headed. They are unsure where to put their focus. What are their primary and secondary goals/responsibilities? What are their priorities? The Committee discussed having a joint Affirmative Action Committee meeting with Tompkins County and the Ithaca City School District. Working with these agencies, the Committee hopes to move ahead together more effectively. Marcia Fort will check with the Ithaca City School District and the Tompkins County Affirmative Action groups to see if they are able to attend a joint meeting in October. At the next meeting, the members will look at the organizational structure of this Committee. They will discuss the goals/responsibilities, the purpose of this Committee, the direction they want to take, - the mission statement, identify problems, and brainstorm objectives. Brian Wilbur stated that he would come up with a draft by next meeting. COMMITTEE MEMBERS The Committee discussed the vacant positions. Marcia Fort asked that the members bring names of prospective committee members to the next meeting. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:25 am.