Committee on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Regular Meeting

Lansing, MI · June 12, 2024

Minutes

Minutes Committee on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Wednesday, June 12, 2024 @ 4:30 p.m. City Council Conference Room CALL TO ORDER Council Member Jackson called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m. PRESENT Council Member Jackson, Chair Council Member Pehlivanoglu, Vice-Chair Council Member Carter, Member OTHERS PRESENT Sherie Boak, Council Office Manager Luna Brown Greg Venker, OCA – arrived at 4:35 p.m. MINUTES MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PEHLIVANOGLU TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM MAY 8, 2024 AS PRESENTED. Council Member Jackson noted at the May meeting he asked Ms. Lawrence-Hagen for a memo on the ordinance that was discussed (297.13), and asked if Council staff every received the memo. Ms. Boak stated she had not. MOTION CARRIED 3-0. PUBLIC COMMENT Luna Brown asked for the Disability Pride Flag flown as well, noting it started in 2015 on the 25th anniversary of ADA passage. DISCUSSION/ACTION DISCUSSION – City Programs for Committee to Consider Council Member Jackson noted Ingham County presented in April and a spreadsheet was created and asked Committee to discuss on topics and program that could be done. Council Member Carter looked at merging duplicate entities and share the platform. She has heard there is the lack of knowledge and how to obtain the resources. They are interested not just in electronic but hard copies. Council Member Pehlivanoglu agreed there are different entities that are working in “silos”, Ingham County is working on and so is the City departments. DRAFT Council Member Jackson read the areas; health, trainings, health policies, equal opportunity with bidding, vendors, hiring, celebrations, and task force. The County is doing criminal reform research and there has already been research done on that. Ms. Boak stated she would distribute the list to the HRCS DEI Coordinator. Council Member Carter asked when HRCS responds ask for the point of contact to bridge the City and County or other entity. DISCUSSION - FLAGS Council Member Jackson noted this is a starting point to start the discussion. For background purposes, Council Member Jackson noted there have been two requests recently for flags to be flown at City Hall and it appeared at Council had some questions. The first question Council Member Jackson asked OCA what the legality is for denying a certain flag. There are unanimously positive and inclusion that could be considered in the discussion. Council Member Carter asked about how many flags can be on a flag pole, will this be impacted. There needs to be an awareness for all people, but does not what it to appear cluttered. Mr. Venker stated there are flag code requirements on US Flags, State requirements, there is no ordinance on the City flag. From a basis physical flag, currently adding another one, and half- mast, it could be on the ground. If having more than 3 or 4 on a regular bases there should be a discussion with the Administration if there is a need for a more pole, or consider double mast to have flags on both sides of the pole. Council Member Pehlivanoglu noted the two flags recently approved with resolution, and then asked if this was the same practice in the past. Ms. Boak and Mr. Venker were not aware of any other resolutions in the past. Council Member Pehlivanoglu noted that Ann Arbor recently flew an extra flag, but after researching their ordinances or resolution could not find anything. Mr. Venker spoke on the legality of someone asking to fly a flag and the City says no, it is an area of changing law. For a period of time there is government speech; government can say things- protected speech, including putting up signs and flags, the government is stating their support and if someone complains about it, the City is protected. There are messages in the nation, and some cities can say they like and do not like, but a case in 2022 in Boston before the Supreme Court, the problem was there were three poles, and for year there was an application process. It became a problem when there was an issue of separation of church and state, and then was sued for view point discrimination. The supreme court told them they could not say no. With the recent resolutions at the City, it was encouraged a two step; a resolution from Council adopting the flag and recommending the Mayor to put up the flag. Then the Mayor can always say no, but at the 6/10/2024 Council meeting the Mayor stated if Council adopted a resolution that approved the flying of the flag he would do it. That would have all the elected officers on the same page and it would be government speech. If the City does not approve with a view point of a request, they can defend that it is government view point/government speech. Mr. Venker acknowledged he likes the two steps, but heard the concern of Council, and the Mayor as well, and he could determine with research on if the flag can be thrown. Council Member Pehlivanoglu stated Mayor could come up with a criteria, but can this Committee work with OCA on a criteria for any requests in the future. This would have points that have to be met, so Council can look at that criteria when approached to make sure they are aware if it meets the criteria before bringing forward to the rest of Council for consideration. Mr. Venker stated OCA could do that, as a threshold, but the policy should not be hard and fast so DRAFT that Council could say no at the end of the process. Even with a policy they cannot bind themselves or other Council to vote a certain way. Council Member Jackson acknowledged the statement of it being legal, and was positive with that. Mr. Venker stated it is government speech and resolution would speak to that. Council Member Jackson asked OCA to have guidelines to review on the July 10th agenda to keep the discussion going. Currently an entity has to approach a Council Member to support and write a resolution before bringing to Council. Council Member Pehlivanoglu asked for an interest in having more flag poles. Council Member Carter was encouraged with the guidelines for the next meeting, and then asked for the option written as well for only an Administration process. Mr. Venker stated he spoke to the Mayor and he has already started to formulate what he would do on only his end, and would research other governmental bodies to see what they are doing. He encouraged the Committee to speak to the Mayor. Council Member Jackson asked for Council staff to invite the Administration to the next meeting. Mr. Venker asked for any of their “words”, “ideas” to compile. Other No other topics. Adjourn Adjourned at 5:06 p.m. Submitted, Sherrie Boak Recording Secretary, Lansing City Council Approved by the Committee on

Agenda

Packet

AGENDA Committee on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion AGENDA FOR JUNE 12, 2024 AT 4:30 PM Lansing City Hall, City Council Conference Room 124 W. Michigan Avenue, 10th Floor To provide input or ask questions on any item that is listed on the agenda, members of the public may contact the City Council at city.council@lansingmi.gov or (517) 483-4177 prior to the meeting. To view the meeting live and participate in virtual public comment: https://www.lansingmi.gov/1212/Council-Committee-Meetings Council Member Jackson, Chairperson Council Member Pehlivanoglu, Vice Chairperson Council Member Carter, Member 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Minutes A. May 8, 2024 4. Public Comment on Agenda Items (Up to 3 Minutes) 5. Discussion/Action: B. DISCUSSION - City Programs for City to Consider C. DISCUSSION - Flags 6. Other 7. Adjourn Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in these meetings should contact the City Council Office at 517-483-4177 (TTY 711) 24 hour notice may be needed for certain accommodations. An attempt will be made to grant all reasonable accommodation requests. Page 1 of 18 Minutes Committee on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Wednesday, May 8, 2024 @ 4:30 p.m. City Council Conference Room CALL TO ORDER Council Member Jackson called the meeting to order at 4:30p.m. PRESENT Council Member Jackson, Chair Council Member Pehlivanoglu, Vice-Chair Council Member Carter, Member OTHERS PRESENT Renee Richmond, Council Admin. Assistant Lisa Hagen-Lawrence, OCA Michael Hopson, HRCS – DEI Coordinator MINUTES MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PEHLIVANOGLU TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM APRIL 10, 2024 AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 3-0. PUBLIC COMMENT No public present PRESENTATION City of Lansing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office Michael Hopson Ms. Coleman stated the Advisory Board is making headway with DEI efforts, both internal and external components, and have done different trainings, but noted that the last meeting was cancelled so did not have documentation to provide. Councilmember Carter asked if a certificate of completion was given after the training to verify what has been done. Mr. Hopson answered no, but that is a good idea and will begin doing so, he added there is more training next week and looking at a template to look at the ordinance to see if anything needs to be added or implemented, and how the advisory group can take recommendations to HRCS. Councilmember Jackson noted it’s frustrating because things get talked about all the time and looks good on paper but how do they make things tangible. Mr. Hopson agreed and said it doesn’t have to be big it can be small and make things happen, Ms. Coleman stated DEI is not a fast moving component, it requires continuous work and takes everyone. Councilmember Jackson asked for an overview of the Human Rights Ordinance and the enforcement, he is not aware of any complaints or violations and if there has been any. Ms. Coleman responded very few, any that would be significant would have gone to OCA, some they’ve spoke with and didn’t want to move forward. Councilmember Jackson asked what the process would be if it did move forward, Ms. Hagen-Lawrence briefed Ordinance 297.11 and if Page 2 of 18 DRAFT the department determines to move forward, then City Council designates a hearing officer, everyone received a notice and after the hearing the hearing officer makes recommendations. Councilmember Jackson asked for details and Ms. Hagen-Lawrence read from the ordinance 297.13, may include but are not limited to the following: a) Ceasing the illegal conduct cited in the complaint and taking steps to alleviate the effect of such illegal conduct; b) Providing that the Respondent apologize to the Claimant; c) Closing the matter based upon a mediation/ conciliation agreement of the Claimant and Respondent; d) Requiring the respondent pay damages for injury or loss; e) Hiring, reinstating, or promoting the Claimant, with or without back pay, or providing such fringe benefits as the Claimant may have been denied; f) Selling or leasing of housing or dwelling unit in question to the Claimant; g) Admitting the Claimant to a place of public accommodation or extending full and equal use and enjoyment of said place of public accommodation; h) Paying some or all of the Claimant's costs, costs incurred at any stage of review; i) Posting the explanation of and requirements for compliance with this chapter; j) Dismissing the complaint; and k) Imposing costs against a Claimant for a frivolously filed claim. Councilmember Jackson asked if law could provide him with a memo with the information, Ms. Hagen-Lawrence agreed. Councilmember Pehlivanoglu asked about a private business and if there is a difference if they contract out, Ms. Hagen-Lawrence responded it could, it could be specific in their agreement. DISCUSSION/ACTION DISCUSSION – City Programs for Committee to Consider Councilmember Jackson requested the Committee to review the draft spreadsheet and come back with suggestions. Councilmember Pehlivanoglu mentioned from the previous meeting she feels the training portion is happening and at a glance working on some other things. Councilmember Carter noted the importance of tapping into the community. Councilmember Jackson concluded with wondering why the Human Rights ordinance isn’t being utilized, Councilmember Pehlivanoglu suggested tackling that afterwards. Other Adjourn Adjourned at 5:02p.m. Submitted, Renee Richmond Recording Secretary, Lansing City Council Approved by the Committee on Page 3 of 18 Committee on Equity Diversity & Inclusion Programs for the City to Consider based on Ingham County Perform a Needs Assessment Health in all Policies – Social determinants of health – o Education attainment o Housing o Transportation o Neighborhood safety Training – o Bias o Micro-Aggression o Sensitivity o Conflict Resolution o Department Heads Quarterly Engaged Series Internal Committees – Safe Space Equal Opportunity – o How to be Vendors in the City o City Competitive Bidding o Internal Hiring/Termination Reporting o City Multicultural Day Racial Equity Taskforce o Youth Advancement o Criminal Justice Reform ▪ Create Resolution Request Proposals to Create an Annual Report on Criminal Justice Data for the City/Ingham/Eaton/Clinton o BIPOC Business o Community Involvement BIPOC Business Events- o Housing Community Conversations o Multicultural Day o Unity in the Community Community Outreach – o Treasury o District/Circuit Courts o Parks o Clerk o Public Service o Police o Veteran Affairs o Public Transportation Page 4 of 18 Ingham City Council Council Council City County HRCS Action Action Action Clinton ACTIVITIES Program Program/Policy Report Resolution Ordinance Eaton Need Assessment Health in All Policies Education Attainment Housing Transportation Neighborhood Safety Training T Bias F Micro-Aggressions Sensitivity Conflict Resolution Department Heads Quarterly Engaged Series Internal Committees - Safe Space D R A Equaly Opportunity How to be vendors in the City County City Competitive Bidding County Internal Hiring/Termination Reporting City Multicultural Day County Racial Equity Taskforce Youth Advancement Criminal Justice Reform ???????????? BIPOC Business Page 5 of 18 Ingham City Council Council Council City County HRCS Action Action Action Clinton ACTIVITIES Program Program/Policy Report Resolution Ordinance Eaton Community Involvment BIPOC Business Events Housing Community Conversations Multicultural Day Unity in the Community Community Outreach Treasury T District/Circuit Court F Parks A Clerk Public Service Police D Veteran Affairs Public Transportation Courts Health Department Probate R Animal Control Drain Roads 911 Sheriff Register of Deeds Page 6 of 18 Page 7 of 18 NEEDS ASSESSMENT Page 8 of 18 HEALTH IN ALL POLICIES Health in All Policies health in all policies approach as a strategy for addressing the complex factors that influence health and equity, also referred to as the social determinants of health, which include educational attainment, housing, transportation options, and neighborhood safety. Policy audit EQUITABLE Understandable Free from pronouns Compliance schedule for reviews Page 9 of 18 TRAINING • BIAS • MICROAGGRESSION • SENSITIVITY • CONFLICT RESOLUTION • DEPARTMENT HEAD TRAINING • QUARTERLY INGHAM COUNTY ENGAGED LEARNING SERIES Page 10 of 18 INTERNAL DEI COMMITTEES Page 11 of 18 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITTEE CURRENT FOCUS: • HOW TO BE A VENDOR FOR INGHAM COUNTY • INCREASE INGHAM COUNTY BIDS TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE • CONTINUES REVIEW OF INTERNAL HIRE/TERMINATION REPORTS • BIPOC BUSINESS @ INGHAM COUNTY MULTICULTURAL DAY (AUGUST) Page 12 of 18 RACIAL EQUITY TASKFORCE (RET) RACISM IS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS •YOUTH ADVANCEMENT •CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM •BIPOC BUSINESS •COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Page 13 of 18 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/BIPOC BUSINESS Page 14 of 18 CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM • RESOLUTION TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO CREATE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE DATA FOR INGHAM COUNTY • INGHAM COUNTY WILL WORK WITH INGHAM COUNTY COURTS ON A PROPOSAL FOR THIRD-PARTY ENTITIES TO CREATE AND OPERATE A CRIMINAL JUSTICE MONITORING SYSTEM THAT WILL COVER DISTRICT AND CIRCUIT COURTS OPERATING IN INGHAM COUNTY AND TRACK PROSECUTION AND SENTENCING OUTCOMES BASED ON DEFENDANT DEMOGRAPHIC DATA. Page 15 of 18 COMMUNITY • HEALTH DEPARTMENT • DRAIN • TREASURER OFFICE • ROADS • PROBATE • 911 • PARKS • SHERIFF’S OFFICE • CLERK • REGISTER OF DEEDS • ANIMAL CONTROL • VET AFFAIRS • COURTS Page 16 of 18 QUESTIONS/CONTACT INFO FELIZ RODRIGUEZ 517-231-7528 FRODRIGUEZ@INGHAM.ORG Page 17 of 18 Agenda Item 5. C. Discussion - Flags Intentionally Blank Page 18 of 18