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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3414ORDINANCE NO. 3 L/ 1 AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the City of Kent, Washington, adding a new chapter to the Kent City Code establishing a Diversity Advisory Board. WHEREAS, the City of Kent is a community experiencing remarkable growth in a citizenry that is culturally diverse; and WHEREAS, in a community comprised of citizens of different traditions and ethnicity reflecting diversity, it is important to develop understanding and appreciation for those differences, as well as finding common areas of strength; and WHEREAS, the City of Kent Mayor's Multicultural Diversity Task Force was formed in September 1997 to study and report to the Mayor on the "new Kent" demographics, using 1990 census data and other means to gain a clear picture of Kent as a community of diverse peoples, and WHEREAS, the City of Kent Mayor's Multicultural Diversity Task Force was formed to study and report to the Mayor on the trends and implications of these demographics for City service needs and service delivery, including current efforts and challenges in serving specific groups of citizens, and Diversity Advisory Board WHEREAS, the City of Kent Mayor's Multicultural Diversity Task Force was formed to prepare recommendations for delivering and/or reviewing City practices, operations and services to meet the needs and circumstances of all Kent citizens; and WHEREAS, the Task Force completed its work and presented its findings to the Mayor in June, 1998, recommending the formation of an ongoing advisory board on diversity; and WHEREAS, it has been determined such a Board would be a valuable resource to the City of Kent, NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENT, WASHINGTON DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. A new chapter, Chapter 2.56 entitled "Diversity Advisory Board" as hereby added to the Kent City Code as follows: Chapter 2.56. Diversity Advisory Board Sec. 2.56.010. Establishment of Board. There is hereby established a Diversity' Advisory Board which shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council of the City of Kent. Sec. 2.56.020. Purpose. The Diversity Advisory Board shall provide input to the Mayor and City Council on policy and process that promote and facilitate active involvement and participation by diverse cultures within the Kent community. Sec. 2.56.030. Responsibilities. The Board shall have the following responsibilities: A. To promote understanding that accepts, celebrates and appreciates diversity within the community. 2 Diversity Advisory Board B. To serve as a resource and provide recommendations for the City of Kent regarding opportunities to address or promote diversity issues or programs within the City and the community. C. To annually review the City's progress in implementing a Citywide Diversity Plan and report the results of the review to the Mayor and City Council. D. To issue reports and actively participate in ongoing dialogue with the community consistent with the purpose of the Board. E. To promote and encourage active involvement and participation by diverse cultures within the Kent community and city government. F. To enlist the cooperation of various groups in the community to participate in educational, cultural and other campaigns demonstrating an awareness of ethnic cultural and human diversity in the community. Sec. 2.56.040. Composition of the Board. The Board shall consist of seven members who shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Membership shall be Kent residents and, to the extent possible, representative of the diversity of the community. Board members shall serve as City volunteers without compensation. Sec. 2.56.050. Terms of Appointment. Members shall serve three year terms. The initial terms shall be staggered with two members appointed to serve one year terms, two members appointed to serve two year terms and three members appointed to serve three year terms. The Board Chair shall be appointed annually by the Board's members. Sec. 2.56.060. Staffing. The Mayor shall appoint appropriate staff as he or she deems appropriate to assist the Board in the preparation of its reports and records as are necessary for the operation of the Board. The Board shall operate in accordance with its duly adopted by-laws. Sec. 2.56.070. Meetings. The Board shall meet upon the call of the chairperson, as necessary. 3 Diversity Advisory Sec. 2.56.080. Attendance and Vacancies. At any meeting of the Board, the Board may recommend to the Mayor removal of any member who misses three consecutive meetings without being excused by the board upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the Board. To fill unexpired terms, replacement appointments will be made as necessary by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Appointments made to fill vacancies will be made to fill the portion of the unexpired term. SECTION 2. - Severability. If any one or more sections, subsections, or sentences of this Ordinance are held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Ordinance and the same shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 3. - Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and be force thirty (30) days from and after its passage, approval and publication as provided law. ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: ER A. LUBOVICH, MAYOR 4 Diversity Advisory PASSED: % day of '1998. APPROVED:_ day of , 1998. PUBLISHED: 2 day of , 1998. I hereby certify that this is a true copy of Ordinance No. 3 V/ V, passed by the City Council of the City of Kent, Washington, and approved by the Mayor of the City of Kent as hereon indicated. AL) BRENDA JACO ER, ITY CLERK P U.AW\ORDINANC\dwersrty ord doe 5 Diversity Advisory Board