[Ord. of 11-23-2021]
There is hereby established a commission to be known as the
"Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Commission." The mission
of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Commission will be
to provide a space for ongoing work as it pertains to proposing, developing,
reviewing, advising on, and advocating for policies, practices, resources,
programs and initiatives that seek to create a more equitable and
inclusive municipal function in the City of North Adams.
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Commission will
respond to requests for comment and recommendation on matters referred
to the Commission by officers, departments, agencies, boards, commissions
and advisory committees, and residents of the City of North Adams.
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Commission will
advise the referring individual or body, City Council, and Mayor about
how such comments and recommendations could be coordinated in the
municipal structure to contribute to opportunities in support of City
efforts. The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Commission will
identify the concerns and needs of groups within the City of North
Adams; examine existing social, economic, educational, and recreational
programs; develop and propose plans that support or improve programs,
policies and structures; and make recommendations thereon to the Mayor,
City Council and other municipal bodies that seek support. This process
will allow opportunities for deeper participation and critical advisement
in the governmental process, and aims to improve the equity, access,
and inclusivity within the municipal construct.
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Commission shall
consist of a total of 9 voting members, including up to 9 residents
of the City of North Adams to include; one (1) of whom will be City
Councilors appointed to one (1) year terms by the City Council President,
eight (8) of whom who will be diverse community representatives appointed
to three (3) year terms by the Mayor with Council approval.
"Diverse community representatives" is herein defined as individuals
who represent a variety of personal identities, including but not
limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomics,
ability, and educational background.
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Commission shall
consist of individuals who have an understanding and appreciation
of the issues of inclusion, equity, diversity, and access; and/or
who have experience with diverse communities; and/or those with professional
experiencing navigating issues aligned with the mission of the Inclusion,
Diversity, Equity and Access Commission.
Members of the Commission shall not be compensated, nor shall
they be reimbursed for expenses.
[Ord. of 11-23-2021]
The City Council President, without objection, may make appointments
of one (1) elected City Councilors to one (1) year terms beginning
in January of a given year.
The Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, will make
appointments of a total of 8 (eight) individuals who will each serve
a term of three (3) years.
Initial appointments to the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and
Access Commission will be made with appointment terms of such length
and so arranged that the terms of three (3) non-City Councilor commissioners
will expire in one (1) year; the terms of three (3) non-City Councilor
commissioners will expire in two (2) years; and the terms of the remaining
two (2) non-City Councilor commissioners will expire in three (3)
years. All City Councilor commission member terms will expire on an
annual basis in alignment with the City of North Adams Organization
of Government.
Following initial appointments, any future appointments of non-City
Councilor Commissioners shall be three (3) years in length. In the
event a vacancy occurs during the term of office of any voting member,
a successor shall be appointed to complete the unexpired term of the
office. Any member of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access
Commission so appointed may, after a public hearing, if request, be
removed for cause by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.
[Ord. of 11-23-2021]
Yearly, at the meeting in January, the Inclusion, Diversity,
Equity and Access Commission shall elect Co-Chairs consisting of one
(1) City Council commissioner and one (1) non-City Council commissioner.
A simple majority of the Commissioners then in office shall constitute
a quorum.
[Ord. of 11-23-2021]
The Inclusion, Diversity. Equity and Access Commission shall
meet once monthly and at such times as may be necessary for the proper
exercise of its powers and duties.
To aid in the orderly conduct of business, the Commission may
have the authority to create, amend, and repeal its own code of bylaws.
On all matters of parliamentary procedure Robert's Rules
of Order shall govern.
[Ord. of 11-23-2021]
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Commission may exercise
all the powers vested in it under the law or prescribed to it by law
and shall perform such duties as the City Council by ordinance may
from time to time prescribe.
[Ord. of 11-23-2021]
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Commission shall,
from time to time, conduct public hearings in order to ascertain the
needs of the community that align with the role of the Commission.
