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RES 20-019RESOLUTION NO. 20-019 A RESOLUTION of the Council of the City of Camas, Washington setting forth the framework for the establishment of an Ad Hoc Equity Advisory Committee WHEREAS, RCW 35A.12.120 provides that the council of the non-charter code city has the authority to determine its own rules and order of business and may establish rules for the conduct of council meetings and the maintenance of order; and WHEREAS, included within the authority set forth within RCW35Al2.120 is the ability to establish and operate city council committees; and WHEREAS, the City of Camas commits to preserving its heritage, sustaining and enhancing a high quality of life for all its citizens and developing the community to meet the challenges of the future; and WHEREAS, our citizens deserve increased access, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the programs and services the City offers; and WHEREAS, individuals, families, companies, and foundations are searching for communities with a commitment to social justice and equity which create a welcoming place to live, work and play; and WHEREAS, the City is committed to addressing real or perceived inequities in the application of City ordinances or procedures; and WHEREAS, establishing a process for community conversations on these important topics will assist in furthering the City commitm~nts to increase access, equity, diversity and inclusion; and Resolution No. 20-019 Page2 WHEREAS, the community input to be solicited as part of this process would be facilitated by establishing a Steering Group of interested Council members to work with Administration on the scheduling and format of townhalls, surveys, or other means of citizen communication; and WHEREAS, the community input which will be received through this process will enable the City to solicit citizen interest in serving on an Ad Hoc Equity Advisory Committee and further establish the scope and desired outcomes for the proposed work plan of such Committee to be formally created by separate Resolution of this Council; and WHEREAS, the Steering Group will further avoid duplication of efforts through receipt of studies, guidance and assistance from other municipal and other governmental entities for their ultimate findings on the scope of the proposed work plan of such Committee; and WHEREAS, the process outlined in this Resolution would ultimately lead to the presentation of a Final Report of the Ad Hoc Equity Advisory Committee relating to City legislation, policy or practices which may revised to further the goals of equity, diversity, and inclusion in City programs and services; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAMAS AS FOLLOWS: I Resolution No. 20-019 Page 3 A. Council Members Greg Anderson, Ellen Burton, and Bonnie Carter are hereby appointed as members of the Equity Steering Group to assist in the organizing of one or more forms of citizen engagement and develop a series of events through June 2021 designed to promote awareness and raise the community's level of engagement around issues of equity, diversity and inclusion and to encourage a dialogue between Camas residents and its elected officials on these topics. Planning for townhalls or other direct means of communication shall be made in conjunction with City Administration, comply with the Open Public Meetings Act if applicable, and fall within the budget parameters as may be set. B. The Equity Steering Group shall present their findings to City Council for consideration by no later than December 20, 2021. The findings shall set forth recommendations as to citizen membership and a proposed work plan of a City Ad Hoc Equity Advisory Committee to be established by separate Resolution of this Council, with a Final Report date of such Ad Hoc Committee to be no later than December 19, 2022. C. Any Advisory Committee as may be established shall include one Council Member and an Alternate. The Advisory Committee as may be established shall further not hold hearings or take testimony unless authorized and in consultation with the City Administrator to ensure compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. All records of any Advisory Committee shall be maintained and turned over to the City of Camas periodically as may be directed to ensure compliance with the Public Records laws of the State of Washington. Resolution No. 20-019 Page4 PASSED by the Council and APPROVED by the Mayor this 21st day of December, 2020. APPROVED as to form: City Attorney