HomeMy WebLinkAboutDEI Comm. 02/22/2024Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Meeting Minutes
February 22, 2024
Zi�G
Present: Deputy Chief Frank Archer, Ms. Jocelyn LeMaire Mr. James Oyyen�,i ,r.[4,jJQ, W14CVs. Kate deLima,
Mr. Joe Kaplan; and Ms. Taylor Palinski and Ms. Beth Collins were present via GoToWebinar.
Not Present: Ms. Teresa Murphy, Ms. Diana Bren and Mr. Michael McCrawts�,As2i&A aegsker and Mr. Peter
Lally
Also Present: Mr. Earl Hinton, Organizational Consultant for this Committee; , ��( F1ELD
�,,s�t�r�s�r)trvia GoToWebinar.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mr. Kevin Dumas called the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee meeting to order at 6:0213M.
2. Discussion and Consideration to Approve the Meeting Minutes of January 11, 2024.
Motion: To approve the meeting minutes of January 11, 2024. (Owens/Archer) Passes 8:0
Roll Call Vote: Archer —.Yes Kaplan —Yes Palinski—Yes LeMaire—Yes
deLima—Yes Owens —Yes Collins — Yes Dumas —Yes
3. Background on Conducting an Equity Audit
Mr. Dumas began by reading a draft DEI statement and he asked committee members for feedback. Mr. Owens
said he would recommend removing the word "residents" from the second to last sentence. He felt that it should
extend beyond just residents and be for anyone in the Town including visitors. Ms. LeMaire and Mr. Dumas liked
that suggestion and the whole committee was in consensus that the statement will be as follows:
Mansfield is devoted to nurturing an environment where diversity is celebrated, equity is upheld,
and inclusion is given priority. We firmly believe in creating a space where every individual,
irrespective of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, or socioeconomic
background, feels esteemed, respected, and empowered to participate and thrive. With the help
of ongoing education, dialogue, and proactive measures, we strive to eliminate obstacles,
promote understanding, and ensure equal opportunities for all. Together, we embrace diversity
as our strength, champion equity as our goal, and foster inclusion as our shared responsibility.
Mr. Hinton then stated that its important to have a statement and to discuss how that statement can be broadly
shared amongst the employees of the Town and that there is a commitment from the Town. He then began by
giving the committee the background on conducting an equity audit and where to begin and the areas to focus.
He stated that an equity audit is a systematic assessment process designed to evaluate an organizations policies,
practices and culture through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. He stated that the audit examines
municipal policies, practices and services to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement. He
emphasized that the focus and time should be spent on the planning phase. The goal of the audit will be to
provide a report of what was found and what the recommendations would be to address any inequities in
municipal communication. He stated that the roadmap has six areas of focus or steps. He spent time and
explained the first step of accessing the current state. He stated that the "current state assessment" refers to
evaluating and documenting the existing conditions, practices, etc. at a particular time or how things are
currently functioning.
Ms. Kate deLima left the meeting at 6:41PM.
Mr. Hinton asked the group if they had any questions but there were none. He then asked Ms. Champagne to
distribute the audit manual and presentation and offered his phone number and email with any questions. He
added that there is no correct way to do an audit. He also stated that he envisions that the audit process will be a
"rinse, wash and repeat" and that departments will also be reviewing policies and learn to ensure that public
service they are providing is working. He stated that through the Audit there will be some groups that are doing
really good and may have a communication process that can be recommended.
Mr. Joe Kaplan left the meeting at 7:12PM.
Mr. Dumas thanked Mr. Hinton for the information. Mr. Dumas then recommended having the next committee
meeting in person. Deputy Chief Archer and Ms. Collins felt that virtual is helpful and can meet sometimes in
person. Ms. LeMaire recommended polling the other members who were not present.
4. Any Items Not Known within 48 Hours
There were no items.
S. Adjourn
Motion: To adjourn the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee meeting of February 22, 2024 at 7:3013M.
(Collins/Archer) Passes 6:0
Roll Call Vote: Archer —Yes
Collins — Yes
Signature
Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne
Palinski—Yes LeMaire—Yes
Dumas —Yes Owens — Yes
Date