Committee on Equity and Inclusion

Agenda

1. Call to Order

   Chair Person Arthur called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m.

2. Roll Call

   Chair Person Arthur introduced the committee members and non-committee members present. A quorum was established. *NOTE: All committee members and non-committee members present attended virtually, except Chair Person Arthur, Vice Chair Piagentini, Committee Member Kramer, and Committee Member George, who attended in Chambers.

3. Pending Legislation
4. 1. AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE JUNETEENTH JUBILEE COMMISSION.
   Ordinance
   Action: recommended for approval Passed

   A motion was made by Committee Member Winkler, seconded by Vice Chair Piagentini, that this Ordinance be recommended for approval. The following also spoke to this item: - Chair Person Arthur - Council Member McCraney - Vice Chair Piagentini - Michael Meeks, Louisville Metro Office of Equity - Wanda Mitchell Smith, Mayor's Office - Council Member Dorsey - Committee Member Shanklin The following was discussed: - This legislation defines the purpose, intent, and role of the commission to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday. - The multi-day celebration includes arts, education, equity discussions, a minority business fair culminating in a gospel celebration on the final day of activities. - This legislation will codify the Juneteenth celebration by housing the Juneteenth commission within a Louisville Metro Government agency. - Several agencies and individuals were commended for their work on bringing this celebration to actualization. - There were several questions regarding whether Louisville Metro currently has a board or commission dedicated to a day/event. - There was a discussion regarding the tasks and endeavors that a celebration of this magnitude requires. - The primary focus of the Juneteenth Commission is to project manage the Juneteenth holiday celebration and activities. - The Juneteenth Commission will be administered by the Louisville Metro Office of Equity's staff. - There was a discussion about the Juneteenth Commission not being included in the Louisville Metro Government Boards and Commissions. - There was a discussion regarding the many activities, discussions, business fairs, community services, and musical events. - There was a discussion regarding the impact of redlining, i.e., housing discrimination on the community and the significance of this celebration. The motion carried by the following vote and the Ordinance was sent to the Consent Calendar:

5. 2. A RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE METRO COUNCIL TO PERFORM AN EQUITY REVIEW OF ITS OWN BUDGET PRIOR TO ITS ADOPTION. (AS AMENDED)
   Resolution
   Action: recommended for approval Passed

   A motion was made by Committee Member Winkler, seconded by Committee Member Chambers Armstrong, that this Resolution be recommended for approval.

6. Adjournment

   Without objection, Chair Person Arthur adjourned the meeting at 4:59 p.m. *NOTE: Items sent to the Consent Calendar or Old Business will be heard before the full Council at the Metro Council Meeting on February 17, 2022.

7. Note: Agendas are followed at the discretion of the Chair. While an item may be listed, it does not mean all items will be heard and/or acted upon by the Committee.
8. PAGE BREAK
9. Clerk(s)

   Lisa Franklin Gray, Assistant Clerk Sonya Harward, Clerk

10. Support Staff

    Hollie Hopkins, Jefferson County Attorney's Office Natalie Johnson, Jefferson County Attorney's Office LaTonya Bell, Metro Council Financial Analyst Beth Stenberg, Metro Council Financial Analyst

11. Non-Committee Member(s)

    Council Member Keisha Dorsey (D-3) and Council Member Paula McCraney (D-7)

12. 2. A RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE METRO COUNCIL TO PERFORM AN EQUITY REVIEW OF ITS OWN BUDGET PRIOR TO ITS ADOPTION. (AS AMENDED)
    Resolution
    Action: tabled Passed

    A motion was made by Vice Chair Piagentini, seconded by Committee Member Kramer, that this amended Resolution be tabled. The motion to table carried by a voice vote.

13. 2. A RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE METRO COUNCIL TO PERFORM AN EQUITY REVIEW OF ITS OWN BUDGET PRIOR TO ITS ADOPTION. (AS AMENDED)
    Resolution
    Action: amended Passed

    Chair Person Arthur directed the Committee members to review the proposed amendment in the system entitled, "R-016-22 PROPOSED CAM 021022 REQUIRE METRO COUNCIL TO PERFORM AN EQUITY REVIEW OF ITS OWN BUDGET PRIOR TO ITS ADOPTION.pdf." (See attached) A motion was made by Vice Chair Piagentini, seconded by Committee Member Winkler, that this Resolution be amended. The motion to amend carried by a voice vote. The following also spoke to this item: - Chair Person Arthur - LaTonya Bell, Metro Council Financial Analyst - Beth Stenberg, Metro Council Financial Analyst - Committee Member Kramer - Committee Member Winkler - Vice Chair Piagentini The following was discussed: - There was a discussion regarding the purpose and mission of this legislation. - The intent of this legislation is to further express the equity goals and vision set forth in the 2021 "Budget Equity Review" Ordinance. (See attached) - There was a discussion regarding the definitions and goals set forth in the 2021 "Budget Equity Review" Ordinance. - There was a presentation regarding a peer city comparison conducted by Metro Council Financial Analysts noting similar city legislators' processes and use of discretionary funds. (See attached) - There was a discussion regarding the peer cities considered when formulating the discretionary fund process from 2003 to date. - There was a discussion regarding the projects reviewed and the determination on how to expend funds. - There was a discussion regarding the use of "Council Designated" funds in recent years. - The study reviewed a total of ten peer cities. - There were several questions regarding whether a salary comparison was conducted assessing peer cities' Council Members salaries versus Louisville Metro Council Members' salaries. - There was a discussion regarding differing roles of similar peer cities' Council Members. - There was a discussion regarding differing responsibilities of peer cities' budgets, such as some include their school system. - Louisville Metro has an independent school system.