Committee on Equity and Inclusion
TL;DR
The Equity and Inclusion Committee recommended a new language access policy for Louisville Metro Government, aimed at supporting residents with Limited English Proficiency. The ordinance will help ensure city services and communications are more accessible to non-English speaking residents. The recommendation will move forward to the full Metro Council for final approval.
Key Decisions
- Language Access Policy Ordinance Recommended for Approval
Agenda
- Call to Order
Chair Person Arthur called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m.
- Roll Call
Chair Person Arthur introduced the committee members present. A quorum was established. *NOTE: All committee members present attended in Chambers, except for Committee Member Shanklin, who attended virtually via WebEx.
- Special Discussion
- Pending Legislation
- 1. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 35 OF THE LOUISVILLE METRO CODE OF ORDINANCES (“LMCO”) TO CREATE A LANGUAGE ACCESS POLICY FOR LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT.OrdinanceAction: recommended for approval Passed
A motion was made by Vice Chair Piagentini, seconded by Committee Member Winkler, that this Ordinance be recommended for approval. The following spoke to this item: - Chair Person Arthur - Committee Member George - Vice Chair Piagentini The following was discussed: - There was a discussion regarding the overall intent and scope of the Ordinance for individuals that have Limited English Proficiency. - There was a discussion regarding the level of outreach for target individuals that will benefit from this legislation. - There was a discussion regarding the process and plan for Louisville Metro departments/agencies moving forward to implement the language access policies. - There was a discussion regarding adding the language access policy discussion to the budget process for the next fiscal year. - Vice Chair Piagentini asked to be added as a co-sponsor. The motion carried by the following vote and the Ordinance was sent to the Consent Calendar:
- Adjournment
Without objection, Chair Person Arthur adjourned the meeting at 4:16 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 June 9, 2022.
- 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.
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- Clerk(s)
Lisa Franklin Gray, Assistant Clerk Sonya Harward, Clerk
- Support Staff
Kathryn Meador, Jefferson County Attorney's Office