Chapter 2.150
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMISSION
Sections:
2.150.010 Establishment and purpose of the Commission.
2.150.020 Appointment, membership and terms of appointment.
2.150.030 Officers of Commission – Meetings – Quorum.
2.150.010 Establishment and purpose of the Commission.
A. There is hereby created a Mountlake Terrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission consisting of seven members, one of which will be reserved for a Mountlake Terrace resident or Mountlake Terrace High School student, who can serve up to a two-year term while in high school.
B. The mission of the Commission is to promote and embrace diversity through action, education, and guidance. The Commission seeks to foster an understanding that includes, accepts, respects and appreciates each individual member of our community. (Ord. 2866 § 1, 2024; Ord. 2850 § 1, 2024; Ord. 2772 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020).
2.150.020 Appointment, membership and terms of appointment.
The Mountlake Terrace City Council will seek to attract members that are interested in diversity 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. A Council subcommittee will interview and recommend appointment of Commission members to the City Council for ratification.
A. The terms of members shall be overlapping: three of the initial members (Positions 1 through 3) shall serve a term until June 30, 2022, with the other four initial members (Positions 4 through 7) serving a term until June 30, 2023. Thereafter, members shall be appointed for a term of three years, which shall expire on the 30th day of June of the last year for which the term is made; provided, that members shall remain in office until their successors are appointed and confirmed. However, one position is reserved for a high school student and will have a term of two years. Vacancies, other than through the expiration of terms, shall be filled for the remainder of the term of the member being replaced. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments.
B. A member shall be a resident of the City and serve without compensation.
C. A member of the Commission shall not be an officer, official, or employee of the City or an immediate family member of an officer, official, or employee of the City. For purposes of this section, “immediate family member” means the parents, spouse, siblings, children, or other dependent relatives of the officer, official, or employee, whether or not living in the household of the officer, official, or employee.
D. In the event of a vacancy in the Commission, a Council subcommittee will interview and recommend appointment of Commission members to the City Council for ratification.
E. A member of the Commission shall only be removed from office for cause of incapacity, incompetence, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office, or for a disqualifying change of residence.
F. The City Council may appoint one Council-member to serve as a nonvoting liaison of the Commission. (Ord. 2850 § 2, 2024; Ord. 2772 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020).
2.150.030 Officers of Commission – Meetings – Quorum.
A. 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. The Commission shall meet at City Hall council chambers. 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. Four members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The Commission shall set its own meeting dates and the City shall give notice of such meetings in compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act (OPMA) as it now exists or as it may be amended from time to time. The Commission shall enjoy the fullest cooperation of all elected officials, departments and agencies of the City.
B. Regular attendance by members is necessary for the efficient operation and effective completion of business. Three consecutive unexcused absences from regular meetings in a year shall constitute a forfeiture of office and the member’s position shall become vacant. A member may request that an absence be excused either before or after the absence occurs. (Ord. 2772 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020).
2.150.040 Powers and duties.
The Commission is empowered to advise and make recommendations to the City Council on such matters as may be specifically referred to the Commission by the City Council, including, but not limited to:
A. Serve as a Commission for City government and the community by providing information, education, and communication that facilitates understanding of diversity and to celebrate and respect individual differences. The Commission is encouraged to take steps to include conversations with students of all ages.
B. Recommend to the City Council diversity opportunities to promote programs, and provide guidance to assure an accessible, safe, welcoming and inclusive government and community.
C. Support, challenge, and guide government and the community to eliminate and prevent all forms of discrimination.
D. The Commission, at or before its first regular meeting in February of each year, shall make a full report in writing to the City Council as to matters covered by its prescribed duties and authority as may to it seem proper. (Ord. 2772 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020).