HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-25 DIAC Regular Meeting MinutesTHE CITY OF
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MINUTES
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ADVISORY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
120 W. 7th St., Anna, TX 75409
Monday, March 25, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
1. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Establishment of Quorum.
Theresa King -Bell called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.
Commission Members Present: Theresa King -Bell, Elijah Nelms, Yoshanda Sims, and Valencia
Edwards. Quorum is present.
Commission Members Absent: Rahul Luthra and Dallen Morgan
Others in Attendance: Assistant City Manager Taylor Lough, Assistant to the City Manager
Kimberly Winarski, Assistant Director of Neighborhood Services Jeff Freeth, and Recreation
Coordinator Tristen Pierce.
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
Yoshanda Sims provided an invocation and Theresa King -Bell Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Neighbor's Input.
None.
4. Reports
a. Juneteenth Event Update
Assistant Director of Neighborhood Services Jeff Freeth provided an update as the city will be
taking the lead for the first time this year. The event will be held at Slayter Creek Park on Saturday,
June 15t' from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
b. Update Anna Multicultural Night
Jeff Freeth shared there are 26 neighbors interested in sharing about 15 different countries.
Passports will be distributed for attendees. Volunteers are needed for setting up at 5 p.m. the
welcome table and greeting attendees at the auditorium as well as clean up.
C. Update Youth Employment Program
Kim Winarski provided an update on the grant received. A position application is being developed
to be posted on the city's webpage.
d. Update Project Unity Together We Dine Programs
Taylor Lough shared the agreement for use of public funds for this item was reviewed by the city
attorney. Given that the City of Anna has not financially partnered with another nonprofit outside of
the city there is concern we could open ourselves up to other nonprofit requests that would not be
beneficial to our neighbors or serve a public purpose as required by the Texas Constitution. As a
result, the City of Anna will not be partnering with Project Unity at this time. Should a provider be
willing to fulfill the financial obligations of such a partnership, staff will review future opportunities.
5. Items for Individual Consideration
a. Consider/Discuss/Act on approval of the of the minutes from the February 26,
2024 Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Commission Meeting.
No action was taken as the Commission lost quorum.
b. Discuss the role of the City of Anna in acknowledging and celebrating
Heritage Months and Identity Recognitions.
Valenica Edwards submitted a list of heritage recognitions for review. The Commission discussed
the role of the city recognizing religious holidays. The members in attendance discussed moving
forward with heritage months and bank holidays. No action was taken as the Commission lost
quorum.
C. Consider/Discuss/Act next steps for National Day of Prayer.
No action was taken as the Commission lost quorum.
d. Consider/Discuss/Act to advise the City Council to celebrate Kimberly
Winarski for Anna Neighbor Academy/accessibility and equal
opportunity/Neighbors of Diverse Backgrounds.
No action was taken as the Commission lost quorum.
e. Consider/Discuss/Act to develop a process flow and procedural guidelines for
the Commission.
No action was taken as the Commission lost quorum.
6. Adjourn.
Theresa King -Bell adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
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