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Ordinance 42961    ORDINANCE NO. 4296 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, AMENDING EDMONDS CITY CODE CHAPTER 10.65 RENAMING, CLARIFYING THE PURPOSE, AND EXPANDING THE DUTIES OF THE DIVERSITY COMMISSION. WHEREAS, the City of Edmonds is committed to ensuring the rights of all citizens; and WHEREAS, the City of Edmonds honors the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 confirming the values of freedom and justice in our City; and WHEREAS, the City of Edmonds recognizes other legal protections have since been granted to certain groups who have been subjected to discrimination; and WHEREAS, these legal protections must continue to recognize and ultimately prevent the discrimination that still exists; and WHEREAS, the local community can better identify resources that may be missed or not utilized by the State or County to address local concerns and issues; and WHEREAS, on December 2, 2014, the Edmonds City Council gave direction to three Councilmembers to work with a Diversity Task Force to bring forth recommendations to the full Council about forming a Diversity Commission, and; WHEREAS, on April 21, 2015 the City Council passed Ordinance 3994 formally establishing a Diversity Commission, and; WHEREAS, the Commission’s work has led them to the understanding that the concepts of equity, inclusion, and accessibility must be addressed alongside the goal of diversity in order to truly improve residents’ lives; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Edmonds City Code chapter 10.65, entitled “Edmonds Diversity Commission,” is hereby amended to read as set forth in Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference as if set forth in full (new text is shown in underline; deleted text is shown in strikethrough). Section 2. Severability. If any section, subsection, clause, sentence, or phrase of this ordinance should be held invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. Attachment A 4    Chapter 10.65 Edmonds Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Commission Sections: 10.65.010: Establishment and purpose of the Commission 10.65.020: Appointment, membership and terms of appointment 10.65.030: Officers of Commission - Meetings-Quorum 10.65.040: Powers and Duties 10.65.010: Establishment and purpose of the Commission A. There is hereby created an Edmonds Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Commission consisting of 9 members. B. The mission of the Edmonds Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Commission is to promote and embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility through action, education, and guidance. The Commission seeks to foster an understanding that includes, accepts, respects and appreciates each individual member of our community. The Commission helps to identify actions which the city government can take to improve equitable access and address adverse impacts of past policy and conditions. 10.65.020: Appointment, membership and terms of appointment A. The Edmonds Diversity DEIA Commission will seek to attract members that are interested in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility issues, can respect different viewpoints, are action oriented, and have personal experience that will provide empathy and community understanding regarding issues of diversity and will contribute to a diverse commission. The Mayor, City Council and Commission will consider the EEOC goals in selecting the initial slate of commission members. Members of the commission must be residents of the city of Edmonds. B. The first slate of commissioners seated will be selected by the Mayor and City Council. The Mayor will appoint two members, and each of the seven Council members will appoint one member to the commission. Subsequent appointments will be made by the seated Commission and will be subject to Council confirmation. C. Terms of the commission members will be three years, except as set forth below. There will be no term limits. D. In the event that any commissioner resigns or fails to attend three consecutive commission meetings, that position will be deemed vacant, and a subsequent appointment will be made by a vote of the seated commission, subject to Council confirmation. Attachment A 5    E. In order to ensure the fewest terms will expire in any one year, the initial terms of the appointed positions will be staggered in the following manner: Position #1: Expires after one year: Appointed by the Mayor Position #2: Expires after one year: Appointed by Council seat #1 Position #3: Expires after one year: Appointed by Council seat #2 Position #4: Expires after two years: Appointed by Council seat #3 Position #5: Expires after two years: Appointed by Council seat #4 Position #6: Expires after two years: Appointed by Council seat #5 Position #7: Expires after three years: Appointed by Council seat #6 Position #8: Expires after three years: Appointed by Council seat #7 Position #9: Expires after three years: Appointed by the Mayor F. Members may be removed by the Mayor with the approval of City Council after a public hearing before the City Council, for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Any vacancy on the commission shall be advertised, and the new appointee shall be selected from the applications received. Any appointment to a position vacated other than by the expiration of the term of the appointment shall be to fill the unexpired portion of the term. G. The seated commission will adhere to the code of conduct adopted by City Council and pertinent to Boards and Commissions. Violations of the code of conduct shall constitute malfeasance in office. H. The City Council President may appoint one Councilmember to serve as a nonvoting, ex officio member of the commission. I. In accordance with ECC 10.03, the commission may appoint a high school or college student to participate as a nonvoting member of the commission. 10.65.030: Officers of Commission - Meetings-Quorum Members of the commission shall meet and organize by electing from the members of the commission a chair, vice chair, and such other officers as may be determined by the commission. It shall be the duty of the chair to preside at all meetings. The vice chair shall perform this duty in the absence of the chair. Five members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A majority of the quorum may transact any particular business of the commission. The commission shall set its own meeting dates and the City shall give notice of such meeting in compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act of the State of Washington, as it now exists and as it may be amended from time to time. Professional and general staff will be provided at the discretion of the Mayor and City Council. Attachment A 6    10.65.040: Powers and Duties A. The commission is empowered to advise and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council, and as appropriate to other boards and commissions on such matters as may be specifically referred to the commission by the Mayor or City Council, including, but not limited to: 1. Serve as a commission for City government and the community by providing information, education, and communication that facilitates understanding of diversity DEIA and to celebrate and respect individual differences. 2. Recommend to the Mayor and City Council DEIAdiversity opportunities to promote programs, and provide guidance to assure an accessible, safe, welcoming and inclusive government and community. 3. Support, challenge, and guide government and the community to eliminate and prevent all forms of discrimination. 4. The commission shall deliver an annual report to the City Council in written and oral form each year, when appropriate, to begin at least one year after the Commission begins its work, and during other times as directed by the Mayor or Council.