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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, May 13, 2024 Page 5 Mayor Roe thought it was important to note that while this group is focusing on this organization’s(the City’s) policies, procedures, actions, and what the City is doing, the whole purpose of this organization (the City) is to serve the public, and to advance public interest in the community within the parameters of a city. Ultimately, that is what the City staff and Council are trying to do. The key part of it that this group can help with is to make sure that as the City is doing all of the things that are needed it is also addressing those equity and inclusion areas actively, appropriately, and effectively moving forward. Councilmember Groff explained he understands the ambassador part that staff is talking about but there was also frustration with that because many of the people he talked to stated they did not know why they were doing that. He agreed that this is internally focused. But, through that, he thought they might be able to broaden that part of it through the program and then other parts further on in the process. Mayor Roe stated the Council wanted to make sure that the City is doing a better job of engaging the public in decision-making and in the government. Ms. Olson stated this could be the group that makes sure there is engagement with different groups within the city, makes sure the city is being accountable, and makes sure that happens while a review is going on. Councilmember Strahan thought the City needed to be clear about that focus. It is not that engagement or outward looking; this particular group is about being internal and making what they all produce. She indicated she relies on these Commissioners to be the experts. If there is some group that can take that perspective on, then she can too. Councilmember Schroeder thought a good point is that it is not the ambassador part so when this group is being built, the City is clear on what they want the group to do. She thought that was where there had been some issues. People were thinking that is what they were going to do once they got on the Commission and then that is not what they got to do, which frustrated them. She thought it was very smart to make it very clear not only what the City wants the group to do but what is not included at this time. Mayor Roe stated under the Scope and Duties, it might make sense to express the notion of providing feedback as to who the City should be engaging or who should be a part of the work that the City does on a particular policy or particular procedure. He noted it may be tricky wording to make sure that they do not make it sound like the Commissioners are going to be doing the engagement but will actually be providing feedback to the City about what is needed. Mr. Montez reviewed the role of the commission or group with the City Council. Councilmember Strahan indicated on the future agenda an item that has been on there for a long time and seems on its own right now, was interest in having a sister city relationship with an Indigenous Tribal Nation in Minnesota. The reason she presented that is because Qbhf!:4!pg!354