HomeMy WebLinkAbout18.10.01 - Minutes, Diversity & InclusionWashington County Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2018
Opening
The regular meeting of the Washington County Diversity and Inclusion Committee was
called to order at time on October 1, 2018 in 100 West Washington Street by Commissioner
Wayne K. Keefer.
Present
Wayne K. Keefer, Krista Hart, Melissa Williams, Stephen Beaudoin, Arthur Hicks, Zsun-
nee Matema-Miller, Precious McDonald, Carlos Mellott, Carlos Reyes, and Maria Wentzel
New Business
The first meeting of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee opened with Conunissioner
Keefer welcoming all new members and thanking them for serving. Commissioner Keefer
informed the Committee members that he will serve as Acting Chair and Krista Hart,
County Clerk, will serve as Acting Secretary, until those positions are voted upon and
filled.
Committee members were asked to share why they wanted to join the group and the
accomplishments they hope to see from the Committee.
Commissioner Keefer reviewed the Mission Statement and the Priorities for the Committee
and added that should the group agree; additional priorities can be added as needed.
Commissioner Keefer spoke briefly on Article III, Priorities; Section "E", noting that it is
a priority for the Board of County Commissioners as the Commissioners need to be sure
they are not unknowingly limiting people from the application process.
Member Precious McDonald left the meeting.
Commissioner Keefer discussed membership, stating that he will be the representative
from the Board of County Commissioners and Melissa Williams will be the representative
from the Board of Education. Commissioner Keefer explained the terms and how
memberships are staggered, adding that the initial one-year and two-year terms will not be
counted as a full-term.
Commissioner Keefer discussed the Committee Elected Officer positions and roles stating
that the Chairperson would become the meeting coordinator and point of contact for the
Committee. The Secretary position will be responsible for minutes and approval of
minutes, to include providing approved minutes to the County Cleric for record keeping.
Commissioner Keefer informed the members that the meetings will be subject to the Open
Meetings Act and will be open to members of the public and media. He stresses the
importance of attending all or most meetings. A quorum would consist of 51 % of the total
membership, which would be four (4) members; if the majority is not present at any time,
the presiding officer would need to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner Keefer stated that the group may appoint sub -committees as they see
necessary for special projects and can be members of the current group or outside members.
He added that any member outside the Diversity and Inclusion Committee would not have
voting rights.
Commissioner Keefer informed the members that there is a $2,000 per year budget,
beginning July I" and ending on the last day of June. That budget would be available to
use for seminars, public speakers, luncheons with other organizations, awards, and other
options.
The Committee discussed nominations for the Chair, Vice -Chair, and Secretary. It was
agreed that the positions will be voted upon at the next Committee meeting. The
nominations made during this meeting were Chair: Mr. Arthur Hicks, Vice -Chair: Ms.
Zsun-nee Matema-Miller, and Secretary: Carlos Mellott. It was agreed that the
appointments will take place following voting at the next Committee meeting.
Agenda for Next Meeting
Voting for Chair, Vice -Chair and Secretary positions.
Discuss recurring meetings (monthly or quarterly)
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned by Commissioner Wayne K. Keefer. The next general meeting will
be at 5:30 p.m. on November 12, 2018, at the Maryland Symphony Office, 30 West
Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland,
Minutes submitted by:
Hark, County Clerk; Acting Secretary
Approved by: Wayne K. reefer, County Commissioner; Acting Chair